Chapter 10 Ryder
RYDER
Ifollow the sound of panicked breathing, tracking her through the maze like a hunter after wounded prey. The corridors twist and turn, and I deliberately make my footsteps audible, then silent, playing with her fear.
When I round the corner, she’s backed against the wall, hair wild, dress torn. Beautiful in her terror.
“Stay back!” Cora’s voice cracks as she holds out her hand. Her eyes are wide, searching desperately for an escape route. “Don’t come any closer.”
I raise my hands, the picture of harmlessness. “Whoa, easy there. I’m not going to hurt you.”
“Right,” she scoffs. “That’s exactly what the other two said before they surrounded me like wolves.”
I take a slow step forward. “Dominic and Liam? Those guys are ruthless monsters.” I lower my voice, infusing it with what sounds like genuine concern. “Look, I’ve seen what they do to the women they catch. It’s not pretty.”
Her eyes narrow. “Then why are you here? This is all just a sick game.”
I grin at her accusation, not bothering to deny it. “It is a game. And yeah, I enjoy it.”
Her eyes widen, and I watch fear and confusion battle across her face. Such an expressive woman. Every emotion plays out like cards on a table.
“The difference is,” I continue, stepping closer, “I prefer my prey to be into it. Makes everything more... satisfying.”
Cora presses herself harder against the wall. “You’re all the same.”
“Not exactly.” I lower my voice confidentially. “Dominic and Liam have scores to settle with Daddy Dearest. They want revenge. Pure and simple.” I shrug casually. “Me? I just want fun. And you look like someone who could use a little fun after living under Pike’s thumb.”
I close the distance between us and brush a strand of hair from her face. She flinches but doesn’t pull away.
“Here’s what I’m thinking,” I whisper. “Those two are going to find us soon. And when they do, they’ll have their way with you, one way or another.
” I trace my finger lightly along her jaw, careful to avoid the bruise.
“But what if you and I have some fun together first? I claim you before they can get in on it.”
Her breathing quickens. “And why would I agree to that?”
“Because I’ll protect you.” The words come out more genuinely than I’d planned. “Look, the Hunt lasts seventy-two hours. That’s a long time with two vengeful assholes. But if you’re with me...” I let the implication hang.
I slide my hand to her waist, feeling the heat of her body through the torn fabric. “I can make this good for you. And I can keep the worst of their revenge fantasies in check.”
She’s trembling under my touch, but I notice something else in her eyes now. Calculation. She’s weighing her options, seeing a potential path through this nightmare.
“What’s it going to be, Cora?” I ask, pressing my body against hers. “The devil you know, or the two you don’t?”
“I don’t know you,” Cora says, her voice steadier than I expected. “Why should I trust you?”
I flash her my most disarming smile, the one that’s gotten me out of trouble with casino security and into the beds of countless women and men. “You’re right. You don’t know me. But you’ve met the others, and I think you can tell I’m not quite as... ruthless.”
Her eyes search mine, looking for deception. I make sure she finds only what I want her to see—a hint of kindness, a flash of desire, but nothing of the cold calculation beneath.
“What’s your name again?” she asks, still pressed against the wall.
“Ryder. Ryder Caldwell.”
“The professional gambler? My father mentioned you once.”
“All bad things, I’m sure.” I laugh. “Look, I won’t pretend I’m a saint, but compared to those two? Let’s just say I know how to make sure everyone walks away happy.”
I see the moment her defenses start to lower—just a fraction, but enough. She’s weighing her limited options, and I’m carefully positioning myself as the least terrible choice.
“I...” She swallows hard. “Okay. But just... just don’t hurt me.”
“Great.” I step back, giving her space to breathe. The relief on her face is almost touching. Almost. “Come on, we should keep moving. They’ll be searching this section soon.”
I gesture down the corridor, and she hesitates only briefly before falling into step behind me. I lead her through a series of turns, deliberately taking us deeper into the maze rather than toward any exit.
When we reach a fork, I pause and turn to her. “Wait here a second. Let me make sure this path is clear.”
She nods, still wary but now dependent on my guidance.
I move far enough around the corner to be out of earshot, then press my finger against the coms in my ear.
“I’ve made contact. She’s hesitant but responsive. ETA seven minutes.”
Dominic’s voice sounds in my ear. “Status?”
“Frightened but trusting. She believes I’m helping her escape you two monsters.” I can’t help but laugh. “Playing the savior is deliciously effective.”
“Don’t rush it. The betrayal hits harder when she fully believes she’s safe,” Liam advises, always the careful one.
“Trust me, counselor. I know what I’m doing.”
I tap my earpiece once to disconnect, schooling my features into concerned attentiveness before returning to Cora.
“All clear,” I tell her with a reassuring smile. “Stay close.”