Chapter 23

*Ryker*

Deacon called to tell me the dorm was set on fire. He didn't know why yet but was working closely with the police and campus security to figure it out. No one was hurt, thank god. What the hell is going on? Why would someone be coming after her like that? I was furious, and scared, but mostly pissed off. "I will kill someone if she gets hurt Deac, They will be dead instantly." I said feeling my anger increasing."You gotta calm down boss, I am sure it was some stupid college kid playing with a candle or something." He said with a nervous laugh. His laugh told me he wasn't so sure, and neither was I. Iris hadn't said anything to him yet. She wasn't blaming me so far. I was dazing off while I drove so much that I wasn't sure how I had already made it to the city. I pulled up to my dad's office and just stared at the building. It made me physically ill to think about walking inside. I left that door with no intention of ever walking back through it. He doesn't own me anymore. I put my head in my hands and took a deep breath before opening the car door. When I stepped out I handed my keys to the valet. "Hello Mr. Lorcane, I will be careful with your beautiful car." The young man said smiling and basically bowing to me like royalty. "Shawn, I told you to call me Ryker years ago." I laughed and reached him a Benjamin. When I walked through the glass doors, the lobby security nodded at me. Of course, they did not need to check me for weapons. They knew better. The front desk secretary smiled brightly at me, "Hello Mr. Lorcane, Your father is expecting you." She blushed fluttering her false lashes and looking towards her feet. I cant remember her name though, a petite little blonde with a boob job and enough makeup on to supply Mary Kay. I smiled politely heading straight for the elevator. I pushed 14 for his office floor. When I walked up to his door I stood there for a solid minute before going inside. His security looked, but then pretended not to notice me.

"You are late Son." My dad said staring out his huge office window. He pointed to the bar of bourbon and glasses to offer me a drink. I walked over fighting the temptation to just take the bottle. I didn't speak while filling my glass as far as I could without it spilling over. The taste was caramel, smooth, and expensive. Only the best for Mr. Lorcane. I felt sick. "Why are you late?" He said walking to the bar himself glancing at my cup with judgement. " Something happened on campus and I was making sure all was okay before continuing the trip," I said not giving him the satisfaction of a reaction. "The fire?" How did he know about the fire? I stood up, suddenly angered, slamming my cup down on his cherry wood desk. "How do you know about the fire?" I asked sharply. "Calm yourself Ryker. I only know about the fire because it hit the news a few moments ago. Popped up on my news feed. You really should get a handle on your temper, son." He said smirking and walking back to sit at his desk. "Now, what about this stalker you called me about?" He said clicking on his mouse a few times before looking directly at me. I resisted the urge to look away matching his stare. "I don't know. I think it has something to do with Ivy. I haven't heard from The Punisher in over two years, but I met someone and they sent her a letter. I know it had to come from them." I felt my voice getting weaker so I took another large drink. Most drank for courage, but I didn't fear my father. I had grown to loathe him. He was a truly manipulative man, distant, ruthless, and cold man. I was just trying to stay calm, hoping the bourbon would numb me. He looked up at me, eyes wide, almost concerned. "The Punisher was closed. The members disbanded after the incident. Maybe one of the remaining members of that hell house has come back to haunt you. The deviance, and evil that walked in side. Those criminals you were so determined to go after?" He said scratching his gray beard. I couldn't believe how old he was looking. I never thought he would look old. My father was always a man women would fawn over. He was a whore. I looked at him subconsciously shaking my head before looking away. "Deviance? Really? Atleast the people in the clubs are aware and happy with the control." I scoffed, knowing my father is more deviant than most. " I don't know but I want it over with. I want to talk to them. I want inside of the prison. " I finished but all he would do was shake his head no.

"You aren't going there." He spoke to me like I was a child that he could tell no. I leaned up in my chair making sure to make direct eye contact. "I didn't come for permission Mr. Lorcane. I don't need your blessings. I need your connections." I said harshly. His jaw tightened. After a few moments, he let out a deep sigh, "Ryker you don't need to do that." He said again trying to reason with me this time, instead of demanding. I got up out of the chair telling him I would see myself out. I can get in there, anyone can be bought. "Chances are whoever is doing this is still a follower of those creeps, or someone connected to the mob that helped run it. If you wont help me, Ill do it myself. I intend to find out who it is and go back to my normal simple life." I stood up, placed my cup on the desk, and walked to the door. "Son, you still don't listen. You are a man now, not a child, don't act like one." My father always reminds me that I am a disappointment to him. I turned and looked at him, taking a step forward. "I was never a child if you remember *sir*. I will take care of this. I should have known better than to come here." I turned and walked out the door. The guard looked at me but didn't say anything. At least someone here had some sense. When I got back to the valet, he rushed to get my keys. My blood was boiling, but I couldn't get the image of Iris and that fire out of my head. Did someone start that because of me? Did I put this young beautiful brilliant woman in danger? I found myself staring at her number in my phone longing to call her. I can't. I can't make her think I am some sort of stalker. I don't even know why I feel so drawn to her. Any other woman, I would solve the problem, but I wouldn't contact her. I wouldn't care to. What is it about this one woman? I couldn't call but I had to at least text.

Hello Iris, If you need anything please call Deacon. I hope you are well. I am sorry about everything, again, I would never put you in any danger. Know that I left to fix it. I know I am repeating some things to you. I just want to make sure I am clear.

-Ryker Lorcane.

When I looked up from my phone Shawn was standing there waiting for me to get into my car. I thanked him before pulling off, reaching him another benjamin. I was going to stay in my old house for the night. I was supposed to of sold it, I told everyone I did. It held so many memories that I couldn't do it. It wasn't far from the law office, by design, because I like being close to the office. Now I wish I could be hours away, at my home, away from all of this. My heart pounded as I pulled up to the building. No one was outside when I pulled into the parking area. I grabbed all my things and walked towards the door. I felt my breathing increase and my heart started to pound. I hadn't been here since I turned away and swore I wouldn't look back. The building looked the same. Professional landscaping, a clean glass bulletproof front door. I put in my code and heard the buzz...

*"Wow, Ryker, I can't believe you live in this place." Ivy was looking at me admiring my wealth and I have to admit it made me feel good. I had worked hard to get to this place in my life. "I do." I said staying short with her. We hadn't known each other long, we met at The Punisher a few nights prior. We had spoken about making a mutual contract with her as my sub. She was beautiful, and petite, with red hair and freckles. She had come to California from some little southern Alabama town. I don't know how she got hooked up with The Punisher but I was glad she did. I wanted her to submit to me and it wasn't long before I knew she would. I talked to her almost immediately at the club. It was an exclusive club. I was invited through a client of mine from the law firm. When she walked up to me, she was dressed in all-black leather and fish nets. Not really my style, but her beautiful soft features and bright green eyes were. When we got to the door, I made her spin around so she couldnt see my door code. Once inside she was glancing around waiting for permission to look. "You may look doll." She smiled at me nervously and took a trip around the room while I removed my jacket and poured us a drink. She was spectacular. Her skin was pale and smooth. Her breast is small and perky. I couldn't imagine what she would like like red and welted and strapped to my bed after a good spanking. I felt myself getting excited while she walked back towards me. I pulled out the contract and she signed it almost instantly. She was mine.*

When I opened my eyes I was still staring at the front door. My memories hypnotize me with every step. What a rush of emotions to face again after all this time. Ivy was special and beautiful. I can't understand why all this happened? I can't understand why it is starting again, but I won't let it. I won't let anyone come close to Iris. I laid my things on the counter and grabbed a bottle off my bar. This bourbon hadn't been touched since the night of the incident. I took off the cap and took a long swig. When my phone started to ring it startled me.

"Hello?" I asked sharply into the phone not recognizing the number. "Hello, Ryker." I heard a whisper, and then they hung up the phone.