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Ryker cleared his throat. “Reinforcements will be here in a few. EMTs, PD, the usual works. We’ll brief them but they’ll want to check you over and get statements. Tell them the truth.”
Lyra and Jade separated, and Lyra looked at Ryker with her good eye. “I saw what you did. Thanks for jumping in front of my girl.”
Ryker grunted. “I’d say anytime, but I’d rather not go through that again.”
Jade snorted and wiped away her tears. “Love you, too.”
They heard sirens approach outside.
Roark finished examining Lyra and stood up. He said, “You’re pretty banged up, but I don’t think anything’s broken or needs stitches. They’re going to want you to stay at the hospital for observation. You, too, Jade. You’ve definitely got a concussion.”
Ryker shook his head. “We need to get them released to a private doctor. If this isn’t managed right, it’s going to make national headlines and then we’ll have to deal with mobs of fans trying to get into a hospital. Let’s get a doctor we trust lined up to meet us back at the hotel.”
Roark nodded. “On it.” He pulled out his phone and sent some texts.
Ryker went to Jade and tucked a strand of hair behind her ear.
“I’m going to meet the officers outside. This could take a while, and I don’t want you standing around with your concussion. You should both go sit on the couch where you’ll be more comfortable.”
“Okay. Thank you for everything, Ry.”
“You’re welcome, baby.” He pressed a kiss to her forehead. “I love you.”
“I love you, too.”
“I’ll be back soon. You’re safe now.”
He gave her a smile, which turned to a grimace when he started to walk away. He held a hand against his ribs as he crossed the room and went into the hallway.
Roark helped move Lyra over to a couch, where they waited for the police while Roark finished arranging a private doctor. The thug was still out cold and never made a sound.
Ryker’s words echoed through her ears. They were safe.
* * *
Ryker
Ryker watched as the police loaded Tawny into a squad car and drove off with her. Her accomplice would be treated at the hospital while under lock and key, then booked at the police station.
Good riddance. They would get a significantly nicer punishment than what he wanted to do to them.
The police chief assured Ryker that the department would bring multiple charges against the two for abduction, assault, and battery, among other things. They wanted to do everything by the book since this could turn into a high-profile case once the media got word.
A couple of squad cars remained outside to keep any curious onlookers at bay until Ryker’s team could clear out.
He refused treatment from a persistent EMT, who he suspected really wanted to ask him for his number, and went over to the team’s SUV.
He opened the back hatch. Benny sat in the driver’s seat and watched him in the rearview mirror, but he remained silent.
Ryker opened a duffel bag and pulled out a jacket and a couple of hoodies.
He grabbed a bottled water from the bag and a couple of tylenol. He popped the pills in his mouth and downed them with the water. He put the empty bottle back in the duffel to throw away later.
He groaned as he shrugged out of his bulletproof vest and tossed it in the back. His ribs were sore and at least one was broken. Still, he felt grateful that he wasn’t dealing with a bullet hole instead.
He shrugged into the jacket, which read security across the back, with clenched teeth then zipped it up.
Ryker met eyes with Benny in the mirror and said, “We’ll roll out in a few, man.” Benny nodded.
