Chapter 18
Chapter Eighteen
S iv grabbed Foster’s hand. His fingers clung to hers with terrified desperation.
The rope snapped taut, and she took his full weight. Agonizing pain ripped through her shoulder.
“Don’t let me go!” he pleaded.
She’d just jumped off a platform to save him. She wasn’t about to let him fall to his death.
Foster’s legs kicked. The water was a rippling, blue sheet far, far below.
The rope she was holding slipped a little, jolting her. She groaned and the pain made her head spin.
She really wanted to be back on solid ground. And she wanted Ryder. She wanted to tell him that she was falling in love with him.
He hadn’t just looked past her tough, prickly exterior, he liked it. He liked her.
“Siv. Fuck .” She heard Ryder’s voice above her.
She felt a tug on the rope and trusted that he had her.
“Cam, help me,” Ryder barked.
Foster’s sweaty fingers started to slip through hers. She gritted her teeth and tightened her grip. The pain ripping through her made her stomach contract.
“Don’t…move,” she said between her teeth.
The rope she was holding slid upward.
Cam reached down and grabbed the back of Foster’s shirt. He hauled the man up onto the tilted platform.
She couldn’t stop a gasp of pain.
Then she was pulled up and into Ryder’s arms.
“I’ve got you. I’ve got you.” He pressed his face to her hair. His big body shuddered.
She groaned.
“Shit, babe. Your shoulder’s dislocated. Come on.” He lifted her into his arms.
For once, Siv didn’t fight to stand on her own. She leaned into him, closed her eyes, and let him take care of her.
He tried not to jostle her shoulder as he climbed a ladder, his harness being hauled up from above, but each movement sent bolts of agony through her. She bit her lip.
“I’m sorry, babe. We’re nearly there.”
Finally, they were hauled over the railing. Dimly, she noted sirens in the distance.
Ryder set her down, and went into medic mode as he checked her over.
Nearby, Saxon and Rhys yanked Cam and Foster back onto the bridge.
Vander crouched in front of Siv. “Decided to go for a swing?”
She tried to smile. “Couldn’t let him die. I want him to pay. For the world to see what he and his sister did to Robbie and the others.”
She felt fingers brush her jaw and looked up into Ryder’s face. The look in his eyes stole her breath.
“Thank you, Siv.” Another brush of his calloused fingers. “Now, let’s sort out this shoulder. I can pop it back in and that’ll stop a lot of the pain.”
She blew out a shuddering breath. She knew exactly how much this was going to hurt.
She met Vander’s gaze.
Her boss pulled a face. “It sucks, I know. I’ve dislocated my shoulder twice.”
“And once, on a mission, he popped it back in himself,” Rhys said from nearby.
More proof Vander was badass to the bone.
“On three,” Ryder said.
She nodded and braced.
“One—” Ryder manipulated her shoulder with a quick move.
A wave of pain turned her vision white. She cried out, then felt instant relief.
“You asshole, Morgan,” she panted.
The men all chuckled.
Ryder kissed the top of her head, sitting down beside her. “God, you have no idea how much I love that snarky tone.” He pulled her onto his lap and looked at her. “Or how much I love you.”
She sucked in a breath. The unfamiliar sensation of tears forming in her eyes made her blink.
A faint smile curled his lips. “ Jeg elsker deg .”
“Ryder…”
“I know this is where you’re going to tell me you have a ban on men, and we haven’t known each other long enough. It’s okay, I’ll wait. I’ll do whatever I have to, in order to make you realize that you’re it for me. That I love you and can make you happy.”
Siv licked her lips. It was time to take the biggest risk she’d ever taken. “Actually, I was going to tell you that I’m falling in love with you, too.”
Ryder’s mouth opened and he blinked. He looked stunned.
She grinned.
Around them were more chuckles.
“You’re…in love with me?”
She saw wonder and heat dawning in his eyes. She cupped his cheeks, wanting him to realize just how much he meant to her. “You’re an amazing man, Ryder Morgan. A healer, a protector, a charmer, sexy as hell, and just a good man. And mine.”
“Hell, yeah.” His mouth took hers. His lips were a little rough, but he was careful not to bump her shoulder.
“Everyone okay? Is Siv all right?”
They broke apart and she looked up. Hunter Morgan, badge on his belt and several police officers behind him, was standing nearby with his hands on his hips.
“Got something for you.” Vander hauled Christian Foster up. “One murdering, fraudulent billionaire.”
Hunt’s gaze darkened. He waved at the officers, who took a subdued Foster toward the police cruiser.
Ryder helped Siv up.
“My woman saved the day,” he said, pride clear in his voice.
“It was a team effort,” she said. “I just want Foster to get what he deserves.”
Hunt nodded. “We have a team at the Foster’s estate, as well.
I’ll need everyone’s statements on Caroline Foster’s death, and what the hell they were doing with their drug.
” Hunt glanced at Siv, a wry smile on his rugged face.
“And Siv, thanks for not having a high-speed chase, or blowing up the Golden Gate Bridge. If these others were in charge, that’s what would’ve happened. ”
Vander snorted.
“It was a good idea hiring a woman, Vander.” Hunt nodded. “She’s adding some restraint and control to your team.”
Ryder made a noise. “She just leaped off the bridge, holding a rope, to save Foster’s sorry ass.”
“Like a damn superhero,” Cam said.
Hunt’s brows went up. “What?”
Vander clapped a hand to Hunt’s arm. “I’m sure Siv will blow something up eventually. Just give her a bit of time.”
Siv laughed. “I’ll see what I can do.”
Ryder rubbed his hand along her lower back. “Now, let’s get home, my ass-kicking, Norwegian flower.”
* * *
Three days later, Siv strode through the Norcross Security warehouse, eating the last of her blueberry bun. She glanced at her cell phone.
On my way.
She tapped in a reply.
See you when you get here.
How’s your shoulder?
She rolled her eyes.
You checked it this morning and you know it’s fine.
It seemed fine when you were riding me in the shower this morning.
She felt a flush of heat. It had been a very nice way to start the day.
They’d been staying at her place. After the events on the Golden Gate Bridge, Ryder had packed a bag of his stuff and brought it over, along with his bad-tempered cat.
The ornery feline treated Ryder with disdain, but Crank really liked Siv. He was always trying to get into her lap, much to Ryder’s annoyance.
Don’t be smug. Now get your fine ass over here. You’re taking me to lunch.
Coming. So…what are you wearing?
Do you ever not think about sex, Morgan?
Not when it comes to you, my sweet, sexy honningblomst.
She couldn’t stop her smile.
“Siv?”
She turned to see Vander.
“I just wanted to let you know that the Foster’s story is hitting the press. The whole sordid deal—Trelaskin, the illegal testing, the people who lost their lives. Everything Caroline and Christian Foster have done.”
She lifted her chin. “Good.” Justice felt damn fine.
“Christian Foster is facing a slew of charges. Chiron’s shares have crashed. I managed to keep yours and Ryder’s names out of it, but Norcross Security will be mentioned. Oh, and the nurse at the clinic and the assistant medical examiner involved were both charged, as well.”
Satisfaction felt really good. Robbie and the others finally got justice. Ryder would be so happy. “That’s great news.”
“Peter Wilcox will be in soon for the final debrief, and wants to meet with you,” Vander said.
She nodded.
Her boss gave her a faint smile. “Good work, Siv. It’s nice to have you on the team.”
As he stalked off, she smiled. Life really was pretty damn good. She had a hot man who loved her. A job she really enjoyed. And colleagues she liked. Their nosy partners were even growing on her.
The ladies of Norcross had descended on her place within hours of the incident on the bridge. They’d brought ice packs, hot packs, drinks, chocolates, and take out. Siv smiled. They were her friends now, whether she liked it or not.
“Siv?”
The male voice made her stiffen and look up. Jeez, she couldn’t catch a break.
Johan was walking toward her.
What the hell?
She took him in—gleaming, blond hair, handsome face, lean body, nice clothes. She could see what attracted her to him initially, but looking at him now, he seemed so…bland. He had no presence or sense of self.
“God, Siv, you look great.”
Then he shocked her by hugging her.
What the…? She pushed him away.
“Johan, what are you doing here?”
He raked a hand through his hair. “I had time to think, and I realized that I made a big mistake.”
She frowned. “About what?”
“Us. I miss you.”
Her eyebrows winged up. “And you flew all the way to San Francisco to tell me?”
He smiled. “Yes.”
He looked like he thought he deserved praise for that. When she just stared at him, his smiled wavered.
He grabbed her hand. “We had something, Siv, and I took it for granted.”
She tried to tug her hand free. “Where’s your fiancée?”
“You don’t need to worry about her. That was a mistake, too. It’s over with Marit. I realized that my heart belongs to you.”
God, she felt like she was trapped in a bad movie. “Look, Johan—”
He yanked her close and cupped her cheek. “Siv, I want you back.”
Before she could talk, she felt a prickle and looked up.
A thunderous-looking Ryder was heading toward them.
Uh-oh.
He did not look happy. His gaze snapped to Johan, and if looks could kill, Johan would be writhing in the corner bleeding.
Siv cleared her throat. “Johan—”
“Step back, asshole.” Ryder shoved Johan back.
“Hey.” Her ex straightened his shirt. “This is between me and my girlfriend.”
Siv blinked. What?
Ryder’s scowl darkened and he looked at her. “This is the asshole?”
She nodded.
Johan straightened. “I don’t know who you are, but we’d like some privacy, please.”
Ryder crossed his arms over his chest. “No.”
Siv got distracted for a second, looking at his tattoo. Then Johan bristled. He was used to getting his own way.
“She’s done with you,” Ryder said.
“I don’t know who you are, but this is none of your business,” Johan said.
“It is my business, because I’m Siv’s man.”
She watched Johan’s brows knit.
“Excuse me?” her ex said.
“It was me she was riding in the shower this morning, my name she was moaning. It’s Ryder Morgan, by the way.”
Siv stifled a laugh and watched as Johan’s mouth dropped open, and he made an inarticulate sound.
She crossed her arms. “Subtle, Morgan.”
“Men like him don’t understand subtle.” Ryder tugged her close and kissed her.
“You wouldn’t know subtle if it hit you in the head,” she whispered against his lips.
He shot her one of his blinding, sexy smiles.
“Siv, you’re…with this man?”
She turned back to Johan. “Yes.”
His face hardened. “That was fast.”
She narrowed her gaze and made a scoffing sound. “You got engaged weeks after we broke up. You cheated on me.”
“That was a mistake—”
“No, us being together was a mistake.” She took Ryder’s hand. “I’m not just with Ryder, I’m in love with him.”
His fingers clenched on hers. “ Babe .”
That look in his eyes, like he’d won the jackpot, arrowed straight to her heart.
“I didn’t know what love was before I met Ryder,” she said. “I’m right where I’m supposed to be.”
Ryder reached out and touched the Viking shield pendant around her neck—the one he’d given her that she now never took off. He kissed her again, and neither of them watched, as Johan strode off in a huff.
A throat clearing made them break apart. Vander stood nearby, a half-smile on his face.
“If you’re done, I have Peter Wilcox in my office waiting to talk with you both.”
Siv tightened her ponytail and followed her boss. When a hand touched her ass, she smacked it away and gave Ryder a hot look.
In Vander’s office, Robbie’s brother stood by the window, looking out on the street. He turned.
He looked like he had before, a man in a nice suit with a good haircut and an expensive watch. But the helpless rage and weariness were gone, leaving behind just grief on his face.
“Siv, Mr. Morgan, Vander brought me up to speed on your investigation. I wanted to thank you both.” He crossed the room.
Siv shook the man’s hand. “I’m glad we found the people responsible for your brother’s death. Found justice for him.”
Peter nodded. “I’ll be attending Christian Foster’s trial.” The man’s voice vibrated with rage. “I’ll do everything I can to stand for my brother and the others who died. To be a voice for the victims.”
There was a deep thread of determination there. Peter Wilcox wasn’t going to let Christian Foster wriggle off, and he’d make sure everyone saw Robbie and the others as real people, not just faceless homeless people no one cared about.
Peter turned to Ryder. “Thomas talked about you, Mr. Morgan. You called him Robbie, right?”
Ryder nodded. “And it’s Ryder.” The men shook hands.
“He started using that name when he got out of the military, but he’ll always be Thomas to me. He respected you.”
“Robbie was my friend, and I respected him too. I—” Ryder’s voice cracked and he dragged in a breath. “I miss him.”
“Me too,” Peter said quietly. “His life wasn’t what I wanted for him, but I’d long ago accepted I had to be a part of his life, anyway he’d let me. He was a good man.”
“He was.” Ryder nodded. “He won’t be forgotten, by me, or by the people who were his friends. He used to help so many people. Protect them, feed them, help them.”
Peter smiled. “That sounds just like Thomas.”
“Some of them would like to pay their respects. They’re mourning him too. Maybe a memorial or, something?”
“That’s a great idea. Can we work together to make that happen?”
Ryder smiled and held out his hand. “Sure thing.”
“Thanks, again. Both of you.” With a nod at Vander, Peter strode out.
Ryder took Siv’s hand. “I’m taking my woman out for lunch.”
Vander nodded. “I think she’s earned an afternoon off.”
Siv huffed. “I just got back to work today.”
“You need to take it easy. Ease back into things.” Vander waved a hand. “Go.”
Ryder dragged her out, picking up speed as they hustled through the warehouse. “Ryder—”
“I have plans, my Norwegian flower. Hot sex at your place, then lunch, and maybe we’ll stop at Flour and Branch for dessert.”
“Always thinking about sex,” she muttered, grinning.
He grinned back. “Yep.”