Chapter 27

*Ryker*

We raced to get dressed and to get out to my car. She was shocked by my car, but I didn't think much of it. It was just a car. I was worried about Deacon. He has been by my side for so long he is more like family to me. They didn't know much when they called me. The only thing she told me was that someone ran him off the road in the city and he was en route to the hospital. She was so upset I couldn't hardly understand that much. I drove faster than usual, trying to get there as quickly as possible. If he needs a specialist, if he needs money or power. I need to be there. He stays under the surface. People in this city know me though, they know the name Lorcane holds domain over others here. I glanced over at Iris, trying to get a feel for her reaction to this. She was solid, not frigid, but steadfast staring out the window. She looked brave and strong compared to my wavering state. "Iris, I am sorry you have to deal with this," I said slowly looking straight ahead. She didn't speak for a moment, and I could see she was thinking. Battling with something in her mind, but then she reached out and touched my hand. "Let's make sure Deacon is okay. I like him. I don't have many friends here, and he is one of them." She squeezed my hand and I felt it inside of me. This girl is special, I knew it when I saw her the first time, but damn does she prove it more with every passing day. "Do you have a connection with the police in the city?" She asked looking at me intently, I nodded yes, "Then why are you going so slow? I know these fancy cars go faster than this." I pushed the pedal down to the floor.

When we pulled up to the hospital, I felt like I couldn't get out of the car. I could feel her beautiful eyes staring at me. "You care a lot for him don't you?" She could see it, my anxiety. To be honest I wasn't hiding very well. "I do. He is family to me. I don't have much of that." I said looking at her, trying not to tear up. *Men don't cry. Don't act like a little bitch.* My dad's voice whispered in my mind. I think I was seven the first time I got that speech. I fell off my bicycle. He was an amazing lawyer, award-worthy, but he was a piss-poor father. I opened my car door and walked around to the other side to let out my girl. She waited, knowing I would be there to do so. That lightened my mood a smidge to know she did. Her look was still somber as she walked beside me into the hospital. We took the Emergency Department entrance and Jill, Deacon's sister, threw herself into my arms. "Is he?" I couldn't get the other words out. "Oh yes darling, He is alive." Their mother walked around to the side to give me a comforting smile. "This must be Iris?" She said walking up to my girl and reaching out her hand. "I am, Ma'am." Iris smiled with an amusingly shocked look on her face. "That's Deacon's mother. She makes a mean blueberry pie." I said putting my hand on her to show Mrs. Walker my affections. I loved Deacon's family. They knew I was a big-time lawyer when he first started working for me, yer his mother would scold me like she did her son. "How is he?" I asked feeling my voice crack from emotion. "He's okay brother, He is in surgery. The guy came out and told us he crushed his shoulder. We don't know what else, but they said he was conscious. He wanted to call you but they told him he couldn't until after his surgery. " We all walked towards the little window. "Hello dear, I am Ryker Lorcane. I believe you have my driver and security guard in surgery. I would like to speak with the surgeon." The little woman with a red bun, bright red lipstick, and red glasses looked up the moment I said my last name. Her cheeks turned as red as the rest of her. "Yes sir, of course, I will get someone out to talk to you." She said immediately picking up her phone. I stepped away from the window as Iris possesively grabbed my arm noticing the woman's glances. It made me feel good to know she felt like I belonged to her.

Within 10 minutes an older man covered with a green gown and a white cap with motorcycles on it came out. When he saw me he straightened his posture and walked towards me with purpose. Alpha male, but most doctors are. "Are you family?" he asked rather bluntly. Mrs. Walker came up behind me with an attitude of her own, "I am his mother. Mr. Lorcane is my adopted son. How could you assume he isn't family? He gets his good looks from his biological parents." She stood with her hand laid on my arm and her other on her hip. She was quite the woman. I heard Iris stifle a giggle in my shoulder turning toward me to act like she was distraught. "I wasn't. I mean I didn't, I understand that ma'am. I have to ask." she nodded at the poor guy stumbling over his words. "I just wanted to let you all know Mr. Walker is okay. They are getting him to recovery now. He had a shattered collarbone, a broken arm, and some gashes in his face. We got him all fixed up. He will be ready to see you in the next hour." I nodded at him and turned to Deacon's mother. "Mom, if you are hungry, I will take everyone to eat, and we can bring something back for Deac." She nodded so we all headed back outside. I opened the door for Iris and got in the car myself. Once I started driving, I could feel her eyes burning a hole through my face. "What are you staring at Iris, baby?" I said softly. I glanced over at her and she was just smiling at me. "You," was all she said. "Why?" I reached over grabbing her thigh and giving it a gentle squeeze. "You come off like this loner man I don't give a shit attitude, and you have a whole ass family." The way this woman words things. I laughed, "Lone man, huh? Well, Deacon has a family. He is very family-oriented. I do not. I have been there for holidays sometimes, they give me no choice. I care very much for his mother, and I would never want to hurt her feelings." I said knowing I didn't understand it myself. Deacon's family has always welcomed me with open arms, and I have never been able to let them that close.

She stayed pretty quiet before we got to the restaurant. I figured she was cycling all her new information through her mind. I know she does that. When we went inside I pulled out the chair for Mrs. Walker which gained a compliment about how much of a gentleman I am, and a wink for Iris. His sister was a little quieter than normal, studying my girl, and keeping quiet. I know she has a thing for me, but being Deacon's sister put her off limits to me from day one. I won't cross those lines. She is flirty and touchy though, so I know what she wants from me. I suspect a bit of jealousy burning inside her. I have had women in front of her before, but not like this. Maybe she senses there is something different about Iris like I do, or perhaps she has an issue with the age difference. Either way, I can almost see the smoke coming off of her. "Okay ladies, eat whatever you would like. It's my treat." I smiled at all of them and threw out menus the waitress had given me. "Thank you Ryk. I am famished. I haven't eaten a bite all day." I hated that she didn't eat. Mrs. Walker was in her older years, and I know due to my grandmother that nutrition is very important. Mostly protein and Vitamins. I gave her a very discerning look before replacing it with a smile. "It's my pleasure, Mom." It didn't take long to get the meals everyone ordered, and I noticed that the service was delightful. I looked over at Iris as she ate and laughed at the stories Deacon's mom was sharing. She told her that the first time she met me she thought I was an egomaniac and a prick. Iris giggled and shook her head yes, " I thought he was someone's dad." I laughed when she said that. By the end of the meal, she had the whole table giggling. Even Jill had fallen for her charm and charisma. It seemed they were in awe of her, and I didn't blame them.

When we all arrived back at the hospital Deacon was awake and waiting. He was still a little loopy but gave me a side-eyed glance telling me that he had something to tell me. I looked to Iris and on cue, she offered to take his mother and sister to get some coffee. They accepted and she walked out hand in hand with Mrs. Walker like they were old friends. I turned to Deacon immediately profusely apologizing assuming this happened because of me. "No, Ryk, don't do that. It isn't your fault. I did see them, but I couldn't see well. They walked over to the car, staring down at me for a moment, then looking in the back seat. I think they were trying to kill you."