Chapter 60

Chapter 60
Ryker 

Iris looked up at me, in a daze, still probably floating due to the pain medicine and alcohol. I knew I had to question her about it, until she is healed, I can't punish her. That is hard for me. The first thing I wanted to do when I walked in and she had fallen into Theo’s arms was spank her, hard. I leaned against the doorframe for a moment, watching her as she began to stir, her eyes barely focusing on me. The weight of the choices we had both made lingered thick in the air, unspoken but palpable, a shared darkness that neither of us could outrun no matter how hard we tried. “Come on, Babygirl,” I said softly, my voice carrying a mix of resolve and tenderness, “let’s get you steady.” She took my hand, her fingers trembling slightly, and I guided her to the dining table where the Deacon had already left a tray of food and medication. The room seemed too quiet, and the storm inside my mind mirrored the tension in hers as she avoided my gaze. I could feel her retreating into herself, her silence louder than any words, and it struck me that this fragile moment reflected everything we had become—two people bound by love, shadowed by secrets, and haunted by the past. As she slowly reached for the glass of water, her movements deliberate and heavy, I made a silent vow to keep her safe no matter the cost, even if it meant wading deeper into the moral abyss that had long since claimed me. For now, the only thing that mattered was grounding her, reassuring her, and ensuring that this house—our fragile sanctuary—remained impenetrable, even as it threatened to collapse under the weight of our shared sins.

She looked up at me while she stuck the fork in her mouth. “This is actually pretty tasty.” she smiled sleepily. I looked around her at Deacon, who grinned, and nodded my head. “Deacon made it for you. He insisted you needed to soak up anything left from that whiskey.” I threw out the whiskey to see if she was willing to explain herself. “Oh...” She slowly turned towards Deacon behind her and smiled at him. “Thanks, Deac.” She shrugged, before turning back to the plate to shovel in another bite. I sat and watched her, pleased with the amount she was eating. When she was finally finished, she reached for the pain meds, and I grabbed them first. She pulled her hand back, placed it on the table, and looked up at me. “I can handle the pain medicine.” Her words came out almost like a whisper. I looked at Deacon, my heart torn between showing her I trusted her and keeping her safe from herself. “Iris, I think it’s best if Ryk handles the pain meds for now.” He said walking around and placing a hand on her shoulder. “I noticed your hesitation in the car when he first offered it to you, and last night you were so high you passed out. We just want you to be careful.” She looked over and him and then back down to her hand on the table. “I was scared. I retreated. I am sorry.” Her words were very formal, like she had rehearsed them before. I picked her small hand up off the table and kissed it before placing one pill in her hand. “I know you are Babygirl.” She sighed, almost annoyed by only receiving one pill, but washed it down with the orange juice from the table.

“Do you want the nurse to help you shower? I can call her.” Iris shook her head, her dampened exhaustion obvious, and muttered, “I can manage.” She slid her chair back and stood, swaying slightly before steadying herself against the table, her defiance threading through her fragile steps. I exchanged a glance with Deacon, his brow furrowing in silent concern, before stepping closer to her side. “Let me help you, Babygirl,” I offered softly, but she waved me off with a weak smile, her determination mingling with vulnerability in a way that tore at me. Watching her carefully navigate to the bathroom, I couldn’t ignore the protective instinct clawing its way to the surface, the primal need to shield her from the darkness she seemed to carry as heavily as I carried my own. The faint sound of water running behind the closed door was a reassurance, but it didn’t ease the tension in the room. Deacon leaned against the wall, his arms crossed, watching me with an expression that spoke volumes. “She’s stronger than she looks, Ryk,” he said, his voice low but firm, a reminder that strength sometimes appeared in the quiet moments. I nodded, though the storm inside me swirled on, unrelenting, as I silently vowed once again to stand between Iris and whatever darkness threatened her fragile light. Even if that darkness was her own. The quiet hum of the house seemed to amplify the weight of unspoken fears, but for now, the sound of water flowing and the knowledge that Iris was trying—still fighting—was enough to keep us all grounded in the fragile moment of calm. 

While she was showering, Deacon updated me on what the security had found while we slept. Andrew had worked throughout the night, investigating what little information Claud and the other’s offered. We knew of a few more safe houses, and who was helping them from the prison. A guard named Damen Demetrick, was being paid to help them. I told Deacon we needed to track him down. He would not meet Lorcane yet, but he will surely have a threatening conversation with prosecutor Ryker Lorcane, attorney at law. Deacon nodded but looked like he was holding something back. “What is it?” I asked and he shrugged it off. “It isn’t important Ryk.” he said walking towards the door to relay the orders I had given. “Deacon do not hide things from me. I am the boss. Remember?” I said sharply. I was annoyed that he was acting like I didn't need to hear things. Like I somehow needed handled with kid gloves. “He turned around and shook his head. “I didn't say I was hiding things, boss, I said it wasn’t important.” He walked back towards me and reached me his phone. On it was a message from one of our security details. “Theo is not looking into anything. I was told his main reason for coming to the Lorcane residence was to check on Iris. He had already gone to the university to see if she was back there. He came here for Ms. Iris.” I slammed the phone down on the table. This mother fucker had some big balls. “I will take his fucking head.” My voice was strained and dark. I didn't want to deal with detective Theo right now. I had too much to focus on. “He’s a police officer Ryker; you can’t go after him.” I shook my head no and looked directly in his eyes. “I will go after the fucking president to keep them away from her Deacon.” I pointed in the direction of the bathroom. “I did this to her. I should have left her alone. I will not let her get hurt again.” Deacon nodded yes, “I understand brother. We will get this all taken care of. Why don't you two stay in today and just rest together.” He placed his hand on my shoulder, “I am sorry Deac, I am just still up here.” I placed my hand up in the air, “from last night.” He laughed, out loud, before turning to walk back towards the door. “I know you Ryk, no need to be sorry. Take care of Iris today. I’ll call you in a while with updates.” He didn't give me a chance to respond, just walked out the door. The room was quiet. For the first time in hours, I stood there in silence, alone, listening for the shower to shut off.