Ryker

Chapter Four

Jeremy and I walk in silence on our way to work. We are bartenders at a club called Stardust which isn’t too far from the motel.

It’s easy money on weekdays, but Friday nights like tonight, make me dread having to go. Between the sleazy men who like to make obscene comments, and their low tips, the job is almost not worth it. But after working in places a lot worse than this, I try not to complain.

When we enter the locker rooms, the only other server is finishing the last touches of her makeup. She is tall with long, toned legs and is wearing the same dress she had on yesterday: a tight, sparkling black dress with matching six-inch heels. She keeps her hair down most days, styled in tight curls, but today, she has her bleached blonde hair tied in a low, tight bun.

“Hi guys!” she says in a chirpy tone. “God, I’m so glad it’s Friday. That means big bucks.” She says in a sing-song voice as she rubs her pointer finger, middle finger, and thumb together. Jeremy gives her a small smile, but I inwardly roll my eyes at her cheesiness.

“Yeah, but that means we have the shittiest people coming in tonight,” I say as I walk over to my locker.

“True…” She shrugs. “What’s your role tonight?”

“I think I’m going to stick behind the bar.” I throw my purse in my locker and check myself in the mirror to make sure most of my bruises are covered. Other than the cut on my cheekbone that has started to form a bruise around it and the marks on my wrists from the handcuffs, I’ve managed to cover everything else.

“No, Sophie. You’re working VIP tonight.” I whip my head around and look at my boss, a middle-aged black man who always has a snow bunny by his side.

“What?” I furrow my brow.

“VIP. Now. We have high rollers coming in tonight. Give them whatever they need. Angie quit last night, so it’s just you three. With her gone, you’ll need to step up.”

“Can I help her?” Jeremy asks as he stands. “No.” He shakes his head. “Only the women.”

I turn to the new girl, and she shrugs. I wish I could get on a first- name basis with her. Yes, my name might not be my real one here, but I could at least be able to say we were “Friends.” But I haven’t made any other than Jeremy in the past four years. The girls here leave just as fast as they come. I’m the only one who sticks around long enough to know what the hell I’m doing.

“You know, working in VIP gives me the creeps. The men in there always…”

“I don’t care.” He waves his hand to dismiss me “Just do your job.”

I huff out a breath and face Jeremy. This will be his first night working the bar without me there. “You know what to do if someone starts asking about me, right? Even if they use my fake name.” I whisper in his ear and raise my brows.

“I know.” He whispers back.

Leaving the locker room, I make my way to the VIP section in the back of the club. Thankfully, nobody is here, but it’s still early. The club may open at ten, but anyone who is anyone won’t show up until after midnight. Filling the time, I clean glasses and finish stocking the bar .

When I’m finished, I lean against the counter and start playing with a toothpick, twirling it in my fingers. Another hour passes, and my back begins to ache. I’m used to being on my feet, but between fighting a man twice my size, and running what felt like miles, my body needs a break.

I close my eyes as I roll my head from shoulder to shoulder. I clench my jaw when my head hits one of the more tender bruises. I gently rub the spot, then pour myself a shot, grimacing as the burn takes over my throat.

I clean the glass and put the tequila back when I hear a male’s voice approach the bouncer. I lean against the counter again to start playing with the toothpick, listening to the voices at the rope. I take a glance as a man sits on the couch, and when I see the second entering, I freeze.

Hudson Hawkins. My pulse beats quickly as he glances my way. I smile at him, and when he looks away, I let out the breath I was holding. I slowly make my way over to them, and I can’t help but shake from nerves. One look. That’s all it would take for me to be recognized.

The news stated the police are looking for the woman Leo was with, but I was smart. I used a wig and different colored contacts, and I made sure to keep my head down where the cameras were. But there is always the smallest chance I failed concealing my identity.

As I get closer to them, I quickly think over every step I made that night. The bar, the car ride… I stop halfway to where the men have settled on the couch and slowly look over my shoulder toward the entrance. I scan all the exit points, making sure Hudson Hawkins didn’t bring the same driver his father used last night. Not seeing him, I continue my approach.

“Where is he?” Hawkins asks the other man .

“I’m not sure. He told us to meet him here.” The man’s English accent is thick, and a small sliver of recognition hits, but I can’t tell from where. I try to get a good look at his face, but Hudson is blocking my view.

Hawkins scoffs, “You think he came up with a plan?” The man shakes his head, and they both turn to look at me.

“What can I get you, boys?” I give them a halfhearted smile. “I’ll have a beer.” The man on the couch grates as his green eyes

pierce me. I feel a shiver go down my spine as I hold his gaze for a

second too long. I know him. Of course, I do. He obviously works with Hawkins and Ryker, but this is something different. I know him from somewhere else. I tilt my head. He seems to be assessing me in the same way, so I shift my attention to Hawkins, scared that if he figures it out first, he will let everyone know exactly who I am.

“Make that two,” Hawkins replies. I nod.

Returning to the bar, I pour them what we have on tap, pausing again when I see another man talking to the bouncer—Ryker Domincio. Quickly shifting my attention back to the two men who are looking at me peculiarly, I set their drinks down.

“Can I get you boys anything else?” They don’t say anything as Ryker approaches.

“I’ll take a whiskey.” The hairs on the back of my neck stand on end, my sixth sense taking over. Just the sound of his voice screams danger. I turn around and give him a nod before grabbing the Macallan single malt off of the top shelf of the bar.

I pour two fingers, put the lid back on, and take a deep breath. My eyes fall shut as I touch my thumb to each of my fingers and count. 1..2..3..4 .

What are the odds that they are here for any other reason than me? Why, out of all the places in New York City, would they come here? To a grungy city bar that is slowly falling apart. If they figured out who I was in a matter of hours, I think I deserve to be found. Clearly, my abilities would be lacking in some way.

I open my eyes and deliver the glasses to the table. Setting the drinks down, I notice a folder that has Leo Hawkins’ name written on the tab. Not looking at any of the men, I head back to the bar and watch as they converse. The oddly familiar man looks tense as Hawkins and Ryker argue. I use the tip of the toothpick to prick my finger out of boredom, waiting until I draw blood to pull it away.

When I look back up, Hawkins is holding up his empty beer glass so I do my job, pretending as if nothing is wrong. I pour him another, but when I turn around, the man who walked in with Hawkins is at the bar. I let out a gasp and take a step back.

“I’m sorry, you scared me.” I let out a forced chuckle. “Did you need another?”

“No. I think I’m going to need something stronger if I’m going to be dealing with those idiots tonight.” I let out a real laugh this time, and I watch as the corner of his mouth twitches.

“Then what can I get you?” He scans the bar before pointing to the bottle of tequila I drank from.

I grab a shot glass and the bottle, pouring him a shot. He doesn’t say anything as he downs it without wincing. I give him an approving nod, and he slides the glass back over to me.

“What’s your name?” He asks as I fill his glass.

“Sophie,” I slide it back over, but the look he gives me sets off warning bells in my head. He knows I’m lying… “Yours?” I swallow .

“Lincoln.” I grab another shot glass so I don’t have to keep doing this back and forth with him.

“Lincoln,” I whisper, and then it clicks. I stop mid-pour, and my eyes instantly find his.

Lincoln, the boy I had a crush on for years when we were kids— the boy whom Ryker’s parents took in after their death. My eyes grow wide, and my heart begins to pound harder in my chest. Has he recognized me? Does he know who I really am?

I see Ryker stand out of the corner of my eye and it takes everything in me to not let myself react to the predator as he approaches. I pour Lincoln two more shots, avoiding eye contact.

God, please . I whisper in my own head as I grab the whiskey and reach for Ryker’s glass. He grabs my wrist, and I freeze. My eyes shoot up, and I scowl at him as he runs his thumb over the bruises Leo gave me from tightening the handcuffs. When he flips my wrist, the rings on his hand dig into my skin, his sleeve rides up a few inches, and I see the beginning of a tattoo.

I swallow. “Excuse me,” I mumble as I rip my hand from his grasp and glare up at him.

He smirks, “How did you get those?”

“I got arrested.” I lie as I pour him another two fingers, then put the bottle back on the shelf. “The officer was pissed, tightened them a bit too tight.”

“What’s your name?” I don’t answer as I grab the beer, bringing it to Hawkins, who is still seated on the couch looking through the file. I set the drink in front of him and let my eyes linger on the file for a second. Not seeing anything important, I turn toward the bar, but when I do, I bump into Ryker, making me stumble back. He doesn’t even falter.

“What’s your name?” He repeats .

“Sophie,” I grit my teeth as I push past him, shoving him with my shoulder, and I hear him snicker. Safely behind the bar, I pour another shot for Lincoln, grab the notepad, and jot down everything they’ve ordered so far.

“Don’t worry about him.” Lincoln sighs. “He will fuck anything that walks.”

“Yeah? It takes two to do that, and I’m not interested.” I scoff.

Lincoln chuckles, and when I’m finished writing, I slowly look up at him. “Have we met?” he asks, and I feel my face pale.

He undoubtedly knows, and is just taunting me… “I don’t think so. I’m sure I would have remembered that.” I rake my eyes over him, and a small smile tugs at my lips.

The last time I saw him, he was a scrawny 16-year-old boy, but now he’s more of a man than I ever thought was possible. Strong muscles that flex with every movement, tattoos that cover both of his arms and, I’m guessing, are covering his torso as well. My eyes linger on the Domincio’s family crest on his forearm.

I know he is assessing me in the same way. Our eyes linger on each other, a knowing gleam in his eyes. I wish we could’ve reconnected under different circumstances. He was the only good thing in my life for a while.

A shadow crosses my face, and he notices. His jaw tightens. I take a deep breath and school my features, putting on an act I know all too well.

I lean against the counter, crossing my arms over my chest, causing my breasts to perk up a bit more. His eyes follow the movement, but he quickly catches on to me, using my body as a weapon. I roll my eyes and push off the counter, pouring him another shot when it doesn’t work .

Lincoln takes it and heads back to the couch with the other men. I let my eyes roam over them, but when my eyes reach Ryker’s, he’s already staring at me. I put my elbows on the bar and stare back. Does he want a staring contest? Fine, I’ll give him one.

His brown eyes are deep, almost black. They are captivating. I feel a pull inside of me, begging me to get closer to him, but I know better. He knows Leo; he’s talking business with Leo’s son and is the most ruthless mob boss in New York. I know him better than he knows himself. He will do the same as the others. No doubt about it. I’m just glad I decided to carry today. I feel a tap on my shoulder, and I turn to see Jeremy.

“Everything okay?” His eyebrows are pulled together, his eyes filling with fury.

“Yeah, just dealing with a bunch of dick heads.” I nod towards Ryker, whose gaze is still locked on me. “Especially that one.”

“What did he do?”

“Nothing,” I sigh and give him a small smile. “He just thinks he can have me because he wants me,” I say with a shrug. “You know how these men are.”

Jeremy grabs me by my hips, pulls me into him, and bends down to whisper in my ear. “Play along. Maybe if he thinks you’re spoken for, he’ll back off.”

Doubtful, men like him take what they want. I agree anyway with a nod. Jeremy’s eyes are dark green, like the forest during a thunderstorm. He licks his lower lip. His eyes shift between mine, and then he looks down at my mouth, and my heart flutters.

He slowly bends down and gives me a gentle kiss as he moves his hand to the small of my back. He kisses me harder, parting my lips with his tongue. This seems… natural. Maybe if I wa s less fucked up, if we weren’t living as we do… If I wasn’t me… maybe.

I pull back and look him in the eyes for a brief moment before I close my eyes and lean my forehead against his chest, and he kisses the top of my head. I quickly back away, making his hands fall from my hips.

“You should get back to work,” I whisper as I turn back to the bar and start cleaning the shot glasses.

After putting the glasses away, I bring another beer and a bottle of whiskey to the table. I hand the beer to Hawkins and grab the empty glass from Ryker.

“Is that your boyfriend?” He cocks an eyebrow.

I clench my jaw as I hold out the glass for him to take after pouring him more than before. “Somethin’ like that,” I grumble, gripping the glass a bit harder.

He nods and takes a drink, not breaking eye contact. My pulse starts to rise, and the feeling of being a feral caged dog starts to take over. I take a step back and lift my chin.

“Now, why don’t I believe that? I’ve seen men put a claim on their girl more times than I could count.” He smirks, “But that… that was weak.” He stands and leans into me, causing my breath to hitch. His cologne is a mix of a woodsy, fresh rain smell. Mixed with the whisky, it makes me completely immobile.

My traitorous body reacts to him. My pussy tightens from his closeness, and I can feel my breaths becoming shallow. I force myself to take another step back but bump into the wall. I flinch as the impact hits my bruised back. He rakes his eyes over my body.

“How did this happen?” He brushes his finger over where the slits in the dress expose my ribs, and I shudder.

“Like I said… The cops…” I try to get the words out, but I’m finding it harder and harder to think .

Lust is completely taking over my body. I open my eyes, and he looks almost amused. The cocky son of a bitch. He leans in and tucks a strand of the wig behind my ear.

“I don’t think so.” I shift uncomfortably as he continues. “I think Lover Boy got a bit too rough in the bedroom.

I yank my head out of his touch and narrow my eyes. “If that’s the case, then it’s none of your damn business.”

He rakes his hand up my side and touches the bruises around my neck. “And this? The cop choked you?” I don’t answer. I look away and see Lincoln and Hawkins looking our way. I give Lincoln a look that says help me, but he doesn’t move. “He won’t help,” Ryker whispers. “Now, why don’t you tell me what actually happened.”

Glaring up at him, I push myself off the wall and try to get past him, but he pushes me back. Pain shoots through me as my back hits the wall, and I hiss.

“Fuck.” I close my eyes for a moment before opening them and see Ryker’s confused expression. “Leave. Me. Alone.” I spit the words out, but he leans closer.

“I will when you tell me what happened.”

Before I could even think about it, I whip my hand up to slap him, and I brace for impact, but it doesn’t come. He grips my wrist in a tight hold and narrows his eyes.

“Let me go.” I hiss and try pulling my wrist from his grasp, but he just tightens his grip.

“Try that again and…”

“And what? You’ll kill me?” I laugh menacingly and lean my head back against the wall, keeping my eyes on him. “Men a lot worse than you have already tried.” I go to knee him in the groin, but he blocks it and grabs my throat. He doesn’t squeeze as if he wants to hurt me; it’s tender and soft. The fucker is getting off on me fighting him.

I clench my jaw and ball my hands into fists. My breathing picks up, and my chest starts to heave. His gaze shoots down, and he watches them rise and fall. He smirks when his eyes meet mine again, but I’m scowling even harder.

He presses harder on my throat. The rings pierce my skin, nearly drawing blood. I feel my pussy start to ache and my nipples perk up in my dress when the veins flex in his forearm and hand. Hands will forever be my downfall.

His rings dig further into my neck, and I relish the pain. Pushing out my chest, my hard nipples brush against his chest. They are begging to be touched. My whole body is craving him.

For once, my body wants to give up control. It wants him to own me for a few hours, to allow him to use me, and to fuck me as he sees fit. With everything I went through, I know it’s fucked up to want this, but I’m always in control. I’m always the one who is fighting and trying to survive, but what if I gave in just this once? It’s been years since I had sex, and no, it wasn’t consensual. I’ve never willingly let a man touch me.

The last man who touched me got a bullet in his skull, but now I want this man to devour me. No matter who he is. I feel my mouth start to go dry, so I lick my bottom lip for moisture, and his attention shifts to my mouth. He presses his dick into my pelvis, and I feel my stomach drop as my face loses all its color.

“Go.” He demands, breaking eye contact.

“W-What…?” I croak out in a stutter. When I look over his shoulder, Lincoln and Hawkins are leaving, closing the curtain behind them. I shift my attention back to Ryker, who still holds my neck. We don’t say anything for a moment, but I swallow, making his smirk return.

He leans in, whispering in my ear, “I’m going to fuck that bite right out of you.”

I return the smirk and open my eyes, giving him the cockiest look I can. “Others have tried, but all have failed.”

A flicker of confusion passes in his face, but he suppresses the question, and I’m happy for it. I wouldn’t know what the hell to say if he asked what I meant. He can’t know that I’m the woman he’s looking for. I’m sure that if he knew I killed Leo, his desire for me wouldn’t last very long.

He lets go of my wrist, which I didn’t know he was still holding, runs his hand down my hips, and grabs the hem of my dress. He pulls it up a few inches, and I hitch my breath as he runs his fingers over my pussy .

He groans, and I close my eyes as my breathing starts to pick up. His grip around my neck tightens, and he growls, “Keep those pretty blues open.”

I open my eyes and hold his gaze as he hooks a finger around my underwear and yanks as hard as he can, ripping the thin fabric off my body. A mixture of pain and pleasure rips through me as the fabric burns my skin. I hiss and narrow my eyes as I glance down and watch as he pockets the thong.

His eyes flicker down, and I follow his gaze. My exposed pussy is glistening under the dim lights, but the gun strapped to my thigh is what causes me to stiffen. When I look back up at him, I see his jaw tick, and he looks back up at me. “What’s this?” He starts for the gun, but I open my legs a bit wider and scowl.

“Don’t. Touch.” I try to sound stern, but it comes out as a whisper.

I grind my hips against his cock, and he closes his eyes for a moment. He knows something is off. He might put the pieces together if I let him think about it too long .

I let a moan out as his bulge hits my clit, and that seems to do what I want it to. His eyes snap back open, but his gaze is terrifying. He looks like he wants to eat me like a full rack of ribs, sucking every last goddamn drop off the bone.

He moves his hands to the back of my thighs and picks me up, holding me against the wall for support. I wrap my legs around his waist. He adjusts, holding me up with one arm and letting the other fall between us.

His callous fingers rub against my clit, and I jolt from his rough touch. It’s already so sensitive that the slightest touch causes my body to react. He kisses down my neck, burying his head in my chest, and I feel a sharp pain as he bites down and starts to suck.

I grind my hips on his fingers and let out another moan. The sound is feral, pleading for more. I pick up speed as he moves his fingers around my clit and slips a single finger inside. My pussy grips on for dear life.

He growls in my ear, his fingers pushing in and out of me. The deep growl rumbling from him would cause any girl to come. My breathing starts to pick up, and when I lean my head back, he stops moving. I can’t help but let out a little whimper. I’ve never been this needy. I lift my head off of the wall and glare.

“Eyes. I won’t remind you again.” His voice is heavy and deeper than it’s been all night.

I nod as he starts to pick up pace again. Every stroke hits just the right place. I feel my stomach drop and tighten. “Fuck.” I whisper, and he smirks, making sure to keep his eyes locked on mine. He slips in another finger and groans. I almost close my eyes but catch myself. “Asshole.” I breathe out in bated breaths, but he just smirks. He starts to use his thumb to rub circles around my clit, and I ride his fingers, continuing to rock my hips as he increases the pace. “Oh god, Oh god. Don’t stop. I’m about to… RYKER!” I yell out in a hoarse breath, and I feel my pussy contract as he hits my G- spot. He stiffens when his name escapes my mouth, but I can’t focus on anything other than his fingers continuing to stroke inside of me.

I grip his shoulders, push myself up a bit more, and continue to rock my hips. He buries his head in my neck, and I close my eyes and lean my head against the wall, continuing to pulse around his fingers.

He sets me back down, bringing his slick fingers to my mouth. “Suck.” He demands, and I open my mouth instinctively. He slips them deep into my throat, almost like he’s testing my gag reflex.

I swirl my tongue around his fingers, and his jaw clenches. When I think he’s going to pull his finger out, he grips the back of my bottom teeth with the tips of his fingers, pulling me against him again.

My eyes are watering, and I let out a whimper as he leans down. I know I should be terrified. I said his goddamn name, but if he was able to make me come that easily with just his fingers… what could his mouth do?

My breathing is wild, my eyes are wide, and drool is starting to fall out of my mouth. I need to pull away and force his fingers out of my mouth, but something tethers me.

He yanks me forward, and I stumble into him, my legs weak from the orgasm he gave me only moments ago. I hold my breath, so I don’t breathe in his intoxicating scent. He leans down and whispers into my ear.

“How do you know my name?” He growls, and I’m not proud of the whimper that comes out of me. I feel my pussy beginning to call his name again, but that’s what got me in this mess in the first place.

He lets go of me so I can speak, but I’m not sure what to say, so I just stay silent as I wipe the slobber off my chin and take a step back. He doesn’t even let my second foot hit the floor before he corners me against the wall with both of his hands pinned on either side of my head. Like a switch clicked on in my brain, I puff out my chest, and the doe-eyed look I know I’ve been plastering for the past thirty minutes disappears. The ruthless stare I reserve for men like him comes to the surface.

What was I thinking? I rode Ryker Domincio’s fingers… WILLINGLY! The idea of Ryker Domincio touching me makes me want to vomit, but the actual act of it is a completely different story. I don’t even have the thought to justify my actions.

I huff out a breath. “I don’t know what you’re talking about,” I hiss through clenched teeth. I try to duck under his arm, but he is too quick.

“Awe, come on, Angel.”

I scowl at the nickname. Before I can respond, he blocks my path, moves a strand of hair out of my face, and runs his thumb along my jaw before gripping my neck tightly.

Before, he kept it light and playful, but now he completely blocks my airway. My eyes grow wide, and I claw at his wrist, digging my nails into his flesh. He bangs my back against the wall, and I groan.

His eyes grow dark for only a moment, letting me know he still feels the growing need for something more like I do. I can’t help but close my eyes. I know something is wrong with me because as he continues to choke the life out of me and looks at me with... that look, I can’t help but clench my thighs together.

I open my eyes, and he is looking down at where I have crossed my legs over each other. When he loosens his grip, I gasp for air, and my eyes start to water at the rushed intake of oxygen. I use his distraction to reach into my dress and pull one of the knives I keep strapped.

“Speak!” He demands, and my eyes flick to his. I open my mouth to talk, but I quickly lift my arm and swing the knife at where his arm is grabbing me. I don’t think he notices it, but at the last second, he grabs my wrist and bangs it against the wall, making the knife clatter to the floor. I feel the anger forming deep in my chest, but I know he is much more powerful. His grip tightens, and I nod frantically.

“I… I.” I manage to choke out, and he releases me.

I fall to the ground, and he lowers himself, meeting me at my level. I suck in heavy breaths, my hand lingering at my throat. I try to reach for the knife, which now sits inches away from my grasp, but he brings his foot down on my fingers just as I graze the handle. He doesn’t put enough pressure to hurt, just enough to make me think twice.

I know my eyes reflect my hatred as I hiss out my response, “I recognized you when you walked in.”

He grabs my jaw and narrows his eyes. Out of the corner of my eye, I see Jeremy throwing back the curtain as he barrels in. He squares his shoulders and stalks over to us.

“Get your fucking hands off of her.”

“Jeremy, don’t.” I stand and run over to him, trying to push him back. He plants his feet and his jaw ticks. His hands clench at his sides, and his glazed eyes flicker at me.

“Did he touch you?”

I look over my shoulder to find Ryker smirking.

“He didn’t hurt me. Plea-” Before I can continue, the curtain swings open, and Lincoln and Hawkins come barreling in guns raised.

“Welcome to the party.” Ryker laughs condescendingly and looks back at Jeremy.

I turn around and face Ryker, squaring my shoulders and raising my chin. He smirks, and I can’t help but pause for a moment, taking in his handsome features. He’s perfectly sculpted, and I furrow my brows at the thought. I rush over to him. Placing a hand on his chest, I push him back. He allows me to, and this time, I’m the one who pins him against the wall.

I stand on my tiptoes and whisper in his ear. “Don’t you ever touch me again, or next time, I’ll use the gun instead.” I dig my hand into his pocket and pull out the underwear he had pocketed earlier. He grabs my wrist and turns us so he has the upper hand.

“You’re telling me Lover Boy can make you come like that?” He whispers, and when I don’t answer, he smirks. “I don’t think he’s even touched you.”

“It’s none of your business if he has or hasn’t.” I hiss and yank my hand out of his grasp. “You aren’t welcome back here. So, leave before I get security.”

“I own this place.” He gives me a sinister smile when my eyes widen in shock. “You better watch that mouth of yours before you’re out of a job.” He places a gentle kiss on my cheek and heads for the door.