Page 59 of Ryder’s Storm

“I’ll take you down there,” Ethan offered. “Before he goes berserk when he can’t find you.”

“Yeah, that would be ugly,” Damian said with a nod. “And, Scarlet, maybe don’t mention to him that I grabbed your arm, okay? I mean, no harm, no foul, right?

“It’s fine,” she said, not really understanding why he made an issue out of this.

“No, really,” Damian insisted.

“Come,” Ethan said and led her into the elevator.

He swiped his ID over the card reader before pressing a button. When the doors finally closed, and the elevator descended, he smiled at her.

“So you’re Scarlet.”

“Is there something I’m missing? I mean, is it really that unusual that I’m dating your brother?”

“No, no, of course not. Though he’s not had a lot of girlfriends. And certainly none like you.”

She found his words odd, but didn’t get a chance to reply, because the elevator had already stopped, and the doors were opening.

“Scarlet!” Ryder fairly jumped into the elevator and pulled her into his arms. “I looked everywhere for you. Thank God, you’re okay.” He kissed her as if they were alone, and not standing right next to Ethan.

“I got lost trying to find a bathroom. No big deal,” she said, although she liked knowing that Ryder had been looking for her. And judging by the intensity of his kiss, he was relieved to have her back. “I ran into your brother.”

“Thanks, bro,” Ryder said and patted Ethan on the shoulder. “I owe you one.”

“Wouldn’t want to lose her now, would we?” Ethan said.

Scarlet stepped out of the elevator with Ryder’s arm around her waist, while Ethan pushed the button for the doors to close.

“Thanks, Ethan!” she said before the elevator departed.

“I was worried when I couldn’t find you,” Ryder said.

“With so many bodyguards all in one spot, what could possibly have happened to me? I’m safe.” She changed the subject. “How’s the injured woman? Lizzy?”

“She’s doing great. Mom is just doing the last sutures. She’ll be done in a few minutes. We’ll keep Lizzy here until she’s fully recovered.”

“I’m so glad. When I saw how much blood there was, I didn’t think she’d make it,” Scarlet said. “Your mother must be an amazing physician.”

“She is.”

“And I’m sorry that I made her angry.”

Ryder furrowed his brow. “Angry? What do you mean?”

“When she met us in the garage. She didn’t want me here.”

“She wasn’t angry at you. She was just surprised, and I guess a little worried that what you saw here would upset you.”

“Are you sure? I mean, maybe it was a little much, you know, me sneaking around their house, practically half naked.”

Ryder laughed softly. “You wore my robe, that’s hardly half naked.”

“Does nothing faze you?”

“Since you’re bringing it up, there is something I’m a little worried about.”

She knew it. She’d done something wrong.