Chapter 46 I’m Not Looking For Peace
"He's your brother," he said. "You're part of this family whether you like it or not."
He was always emphasizing that Derek was my brother. And now, it felt so cliche whenever he said it.
For a second, I almost said no. But then I thought about Vanessa and how Derek's face would twist when he saw her standing beside me.
I gave a small nod. "I'll be there."
He studied me like he didn't believe me, but he didn't push.
Without another word, I walked off, leaving him behind. I grabbed my phone from my pocket, scrolling through my contact list, looking for that one person.
Vanessa hadn't texted all morning. That wasn't unusual—she got lost in her own world sometimes—but after that meeting, I just wanted to hear her voice and if she was still sore.
I tapped her name.
The phone rang for a while until she picked up on the third ring. "Hello?"
"Hey, Lamb." I replied, strolling into my office. It looked just the same—ceiling to floor window overlooking the city, marble floor, my chair tucked behind my large table filled with files and other office materials. Long shelves packed at the side, covered with books. Several couches placed on both sides of the room. Felt nice to be back.
"What have you been up to? Still sore?" I asked, my voice softening on its own.
Her tone was calm, almost like she just woke up. "I'm home. A little bit sore though, but still trying to draft my terms and conditions for Derek. I want everything written down before I rejoin the agency."
I smiled faintly, leaning against the wall. "You want to do this, right? Not because I told you to?"
"I thought about it," she answered, her voice firm. "I've been letting fear control me for too long. Maybe you were the push I needed. I'm ready to begin my career again. No shying away because...that's what cowards do."
Something in my chest eased hearing that. And a warm feeling spread across my chest knowing she memorized my words. And it made my groin twitch.
Vanessa was making me a shameless prick. I got hard at every point. All because of her.
Even though I had her pressed against my wall hours ago, had her on top my face and on the bed—fucking the living daylight out of her— I still wanted her. Right now.
But I knew to keep it between my pants.
"Good," I said, my voice low. "I'll make sure no one crosses you in that agency. Not even your boss. You'll have full backing, my word on that."
There was a soft pause. "Okay then."
I pushed myself off the wall, my hand gripped the phone harder as I made my way towards my desk. "By the way, we're leaving for Napa Valley next week. Wednesday morning. For Derek's wedding."
She went silent for a few seconds. I could almost hear her swallow, like she was hesitating.
"It's three days long," I added.
Her silence lingered longer than I liked. Then, finally, she said.
"Do you really want me there?" she asked.
I dropped into my chair, exhaling slowly. "I do."
"Because of Derek?" Her voice was smaller now.
"No. Because I would love to see you there." I paused, then added, "And maybe just a little to piss him off."
She let out a quiet breath, I was sure she was thinking it through. "Alright. I'll come."
"I'll have some designers drop by later. Dresses. Accessories. Whatever you want, take it. Pick anything you like."
"Ryker, I can—"
"You will," I cut in. "Don't argue with me over this, Lamb. You're not showing up in anything that doesn't scream 'Ryker's woman'."
She laughed.
"And how does Ryker's woman look like?"
"Untouchable. Beautiful. Inexcusably successful. And Mean."
Another laughter followed, the sound smoothed some knots in my chest, relieving a fair amount of stress.
"Thought men don't like women who are mean?"
"I'm Ryker. Not Men. I love you mean."
Then, another soft chuckle. "Okay then. Don't come crying when you can't handle it."
"Looking forward to witnessing that day."
She hummed.
"We'll talk later," I said, my tone easing. "Rest. I'll see you tonight."
"Bye, Ryker."
The call ended afterwards.
I barely had time to set the phone down when the telecom buzzed. I almost let out a groan as I answered the call.
"Sir?" Gabriel's voice came through. "There's a visitor. Says his name is Miles Ashford."
Miles?
I frowned. Miles never came here. Not once. If he did, it meant shit was on fire.
"Send him in."
"Yes,sir."
The door opened less than a minute later. Miles walked in, wearing a dark shirt that was as dark as his expression. His usual grin was nowhere in sight.
"Hope this isn't a bad time," he said, extending a hand.
"It's never a good time," I replied, shaking it. "Come in."
He sank into the chair opposite me, a tired sigh escaped his mouth. "I'll make this quick," he said. "There's trouble."
Of course there was.
He leaned forward, resting his forearms on his thighs. "It's about the fight with Grant Miller. You roughed him up pretty bad that he cracked some ribs. He's been hospitalized."
Ohh.
Okay.
"And?"
"In retaliation, some of his boys hit the orphanage during the donation event this morning."
My entire body went still.
"They what?"
Miles nodded grimly. "They tried to tear down the events. But thankfully, we were able to neutralize the situation. Caught a few of them trying to flee though. There was no serious injuries on our end and the children are safe."
I shot up from my seat, snatching my coat from the rack. "I want to talk to them," I said, jaw tightening.
He looked at me. "Talk, huh."
"You know what I mean."
"Ryker—"
"They came for innocent kids, Miles. At a fucking orphanage." I shoved my arms into the coat sleeves. "There's no forgiveness for that."
Miles stood, a muscle ticking in his jaw. "I figured you'd say that. I've got them held in a warehouse downtown. Cameras off. Soundproof. No law gets wind of it."
"Good." I paused by the door. "You coming?"
"Do I have a choice?"
"Not really."
Together, we walked out of the office, the sound of our shoes hitting the tiled floors echoed with every step we took.
We were already halfway down the hall when Miles glanced over at me.
"You think this is sustainable?" he asked. "Living like this? Always retaliating and fighting with Grant?"
I didn't answer right away.
Because he already knew this hatred didn't come from me. Grant just hated the thought of me.
And this was the life I chose the second I realized rules didn't protect people, they just made victims easier to find.
"I'm not looking for peace," I finally said. "Especially not with a man like Grant."