Breaking the Rules (Roaming Devils MC #1) (14 page)

The man laughed. “He can be.”

“What’s the deal with you? Aren’t you supposed to pledge loyalty or something to Razor?”

“Loyalty has been in question for a while now. Ryker is where the majority of the club wants to go. He’s not half bad, even if he is a fucking bastard.”

She snorted, glancing to the side as her father stepped out. The police were at the other end of the hall and she had a feeling that the cockroaches weren’t going away just yet.

“Can I say something?” Vampire asked.

“What?”

“I really think your father means well. He’s on the right side of the law. It’s a different world than the one we’re in.”

Ella stayed at the hospital for the majority of the night. She was supposed to return to work, but her boss told her to take another day off. Ryker had been in surgery for a long time and she knew it took a while to repair damage, but it still didn’t do anything to ease her nerves.

Her father left to get breakfast and brought her something back. He didn’t say anything as he set it in the chair next to her and walked away. Ella wanted to make up with him, but she couldn’t. Not right then. She ate the food he gave her, ignoring the looks from her mother.

She was hungry and tired. Worried and sick. She really shouldn’t have been in the waiting room since she had strep, but the antibiotic should have helped her. She’d taken the damn shot and it was supposed to be quicker, but she didn’t really think so.

“Dr. Hawkins?”

Ella looked up at one of her co-workers. She set her food aside and stood, waiting for the results of the surgery. Each heartbeat filled her ears, and it seemed like minutes passed before the woman spoke again.

“He came through surgery fine. We’ve got him in recovery but he’s going to be sore for a while.” She stared at her. “I don’t know who he is to you, but you saved his life.”

Ella nodded. “Thank you.”

“You look horrible. Go get some sleep.”

Ella smiled as she followed the woman out of the waiting room. She knew she wasn’t supposed to be in the recovery area, but it didn’t really matter much to her. She went through the double doors, heading to the back room to find Ryker.

“Are you next of kin?” a nurse asked her.

“I’m a doctor.”

“Oh.” She glanced over at the lady at the nurses’ station.

“Let her go.”

Ella sidestepped the nurse, grabbing a mask, and went back to where Ryker lay. The very thought of losing him brought tears to her eyes. She never thought she’d be an emotional sap toward a man in her life.

“You stupid, stupid man.” Ella squirted hand sanitizer in her palm and rubbed her hands together before walking over to him. She ran her hand along his bare chest, feeling his strong and steady heartbeat. “I love you so much it hurts.”

He groaned. “Am I in heaven?”

She smiled through her tears. “Not even close.”

“There’s no way my Ella is in hell.”

She chuckled and leaned in to press her forehead against his. “Without you I am.”

He opened his eyes and cringed. “So you saved me?”

“I did, you big dummy.”

He closed his eyes, smiling. “I knew you would.”

She stared at him. That was part of his plan all along. Take the focus off her and put it on him because he knew she could save him. He really was a fucking bastard. Ella stayed with him until they moved him from recovery. He was stable, so they put him in a room where he could rest.

“We both need some sleep,” Ella told his guests. “Please go home and come back this afternoon.”

Most of them left. Ella spotted her father and mother standing off to the side, silently supporting her even though they’d had an argument. She didn’t know what to say to them. It was bad enough that she’d had an outburst.

“Do you need anything?” Her father came up to her.

“No.”

He brushed his hands along her shoulders before pulling her in for a hug. “Call me if you do.”

She didn’t say anything as her parents left. She didn’t want to deal with that problem at the moment. She closed the door and pulled the curtains so the room was mostly dark.

“I can’t sleep like this.” He stared at her. “Can we go back to your place?”

“You just had life-saving surgery. Maybe next week.”

“Come on.” He groaned. “You’re a doctor. I couldn’t find a better person to take care of me.”

She rubbed his leg. “Why did you do it?”

He laid his head back, obviously uncomfortable. “It was me or you. I’d choose me every fucking time.”

She licked her lips. “You shouldn’t have to choose.”

“Yeah. I know.” He shifted again. “I hate this fucking bed.”

“What do you need?”

“A stiff drink and an orgasm.”

“You’ll pop your staples.”

“It’d be worth it.”

She shook her head. “I can get you more pillows.”

“I don’t need more pillows.” He ripped one out from underneath him and threw it across the room. “I can check myself out, right? Give me the damn papers and I’ll sign them right now.”

“I’ll only do that if you can walk to the bathroom and use it by yourself.”

He threw the blankets back. She watched as he pushed up, mindless of the fucking hole in his stomach. He stood, his hospital gown gaping open and showing his firm ass as he walked to the bathroom. She followed him.

“You’re going to hurt yourself.”

“I’m fucking fine.” He stood at the toilet and relieved himself. “Get those papers.”

She shook her head. “I really think you need to stay and recuperate a little.”

“What I really need is to go home with you.” He glanced over at her when he was through. “I’m not completely rejecting medical care. I have you.”

“I’m still sick, too, you know.”

He washed his hands. “Yeah, you look it.”

She gave him a fake cough and he pulled her to him, crashing his lips against hers. Ella combed her fingers through his hair and held his head against hers. His tongue slipped into her mouth, stroking along her own. She had never felt so much tension released from her body. It was like a flood and she couldn’t control it.

“I’m not exactly sure I can hold your weight, but we can try it.” He chuckled as she rubbed against him.

“Don’t.” She shook her head.

Ryker brushed his fingers along her cheek. “I’m okay.”

She wrapped her arms around his neck and held him to her. Ryker must have known that she needed comfort. His arms came around her as he pressed his face against her neck. She enjoyed the closeness. Loved how his warmth surrounded her.

“Can we leave now?” Ryker asked.

“You need to stay in the hospital. There is still a risk of infection and…”

“And I’m sleeping with a sexy doctor.”

She sighed. “I’m not going to win this, am I?”

“Probably not.” He squeezed her shoulders.

“Fine.” She moved away from him. “A week at my house. No club stuff. No leaving. I don’t care if the building is burning to the ground. You park your ass in that bed and don’t move.”

He saluted her. “Does that mean I get sponge baths from you?”

Chapter Eleven

Ryker lay back against the pillows, watching as Ella got ready for work. He was fairly certain that she had no clue he was awake. Her towel-covered body was wet from her shower as she finger combed through her hair. He didn’t know what her day consisted of, but he wanted to pull her down on the bed and bury himself inside her.

“When can I take a shower?” Ryker asked.

She glanced over at him. “You can’t get your stomach wet.”

“So if I face away from the spray, I’m good?”

“It’s been two days.”

“Yeah. And I want a shower.” Ryker stood and walked toward her, nude. He’d pulled his clothes off sometime yesterday and he couldn’t lie in his own filth anymore.

“Wait.” She went to her bag next to the door, bending slightly to reveal her sexy thighs to him. She grabbed several packages of gauze and medical tape. “Stand still.”

She taped the covering onto his skin before going to the kitchen and grabbing some plastic wrap. She cut a piece off and put it over the gauze, taping it in place.

“I can take a shower now?”

“Yes. Keep your back to the spray.” He stared at her. “If you get an infection you could die. I can’t save you from that. Just … don’t get it wet.”

He reached out for her, but she pulled away from him. “Babe.”

She was still worried about him. He knew sleep didn’t come to her very well. She moved around all night and woke up dragging. He didn’t know if it was from saving him or what, but she was convinced he was fragile and going to break at any moment.

Instead of going after her, he turned and went to take a shower. The water felt good along his back. He dropped his head back and let the water soak into his skin. He’d talked to Vampire and Superman about going after his father, who conveniently went into hiding with another chapter along with Sonny and a few others. He didn’t know what charter kept them safe, but they’d eventually find him.

Ryker washed his body and hair before stepping out and wrapping a towel around his waist. He hadn’t shaved in a few days and the scratchy beard he’d grown needed to come off. Some men liked them but he was not one of them.

He pulled the protective covering off his stomach and tossed it into the trash. Nothing got wet, so Ella didn’t have to fret over him. He opened the door and peeked his head out.

“Hey, Ella? Where’s the shaving cream?”

She didn’t respond, so he went out to find her. She wasn’t in the living area or bedroom, so he went to the kitchen. With her back to him, she stood at the sink, drinking a cup of coffee.

“Hey.”

Ella jumped, spilling the hot liquid over her hand. “Shit. Don’t scare me like that.”

She set the mug down and ran water over her hand. Ryker watched her for a moment. Her agitation showed with every move she made. He didn’t know why she was pissed, but he was definitely intrigued.

“What’s going on with you?”

“What?” She turned her head. “Nothing.”

“You’ve been angry for the past two days. Spill it.”

“Just leave me alone.”

He ran a hand over his face. “Not going to happen. Tell me what is wrong with you.”

She slammed the faucet off and turned to face him. “I’m late for work. I’m not doing this with you right now.”

Ryker took a step back and held out his arm so she couldn’t pass him. “We may not be doing this right now, but we will have this conversation tonight.”

She pushed his arm out of her way. He leaned against the doorframe of the kitchen and watched as she gathered her things. She didn’t say anything to him as she opened the door and slammed it behind her, leaving for the day.

“Bye, Ella. I fucking love you too.”

He rolled his eyes and went to find his phone. After dialing Superman to get him some food and shaving cream, he went to find some clothes. He had to get out of the damn apartment and do something or he was going to go mad. After getting dressed, he answered the door for his friends, letting them in the apartment.

“I need to do some laundry and there isn’t a facility in the building.” Ryker pointed to the prospect named Rooster. “That means we’ll need to take the van.”

“Are you sure? You just had fucking surgery?”

“I’m good.” He still favored his side and walked with a slight limp but he was fucking fine. Not his first fight and he damn sure wasn’t going let it keep him down. Not when he had business to do and a life to live.

“I’m surprised Ella hasn’t killed you yet.” Vampire sat on the couch with a biscuit he’d taken from the fast food bag. “You promised to cooperate and here you are going out like nothing fucking happened.”

Ryker paused in grabbing the shaving cream. “Do you think that’s why she’s mad at me right now?”

“Probably.” Vampire took a bite. “You’re the worst patient I know.”

He exhaled. “Fuck.”

Ella had made him agree to stay in the apartment—with no club business—and he hadn’t held up his end of the bargain. Ryker went to the bathroom to shave, cleaning up the mess they’d both made that morning. Hell, he couldn’t bend like he wanted to, but he sure as hell could move around.

“For the record, I’m siding with Ella,” Vampire commented. “You nearly died. The woman saved your life. The least you can do is placate her with the whole bed rest thing.”

“There goes your VP patch when I become president.”

Vampire flipped him off. “She’s a good person. We talked while you were in surgery. She was really worried about you, asshole. Maybe she’s worried about all the shit with Razor. She hates the fucker.”

Ryker glanced over at Superman. “What do you think?”

“I think you should do what she says. You’re no good to us dead.”

Ryker groaned. “Fine. I’m not going to leave the fucking apartment for five more days. If I end up in the insane asylum, then we’ll conduct club business from there.”

The prospect laughed. “It’s almost fitting.”

Ryker nodded. “Go. Leave. See if you can find out where Razor is. I’ll call if I need you to do something for me. I feel like I haven’t ridden my bike in a year.”

Vampire stood. “Are you taking pain pills?”

“No.” He wasn’t going there. They’d had him on some loopy medicine at the hospital, and it was an adjustment to live with the soreness, but he’d survive.

“Can you get it up?”

Ryker scoffed, offended. “I’m not dead.”

“Then fuck your girl.” Vampire opened the door. “Hell, she hasn’t had sex since the last time you two fucked. It would relieve some of the tension and give you intimacy and shit. Try it.”

He let his friends out and closed the door behind them. He seriously doubted lack of sex was Ella’s problem. He wasn’t even sure where they stood about that issue. Running a hand through his hair, he glanced around at the messy apartment. He couldn’t stand living in his own filth.

Two hours of cleaning led to his need to take a break. He lay on the couch and clicked the TV on. A knock came at the door and he groaned. He stood and went to answer it, finding Ella’s father on the other side.

“Can I speak with you for a minute?”

Ryker stepped back and let the other man in. He closed the door and walked back to his spot on the couch, finding the remote and clicking the TV off.

“My daughter means the world to me.” He glanced around, struggling for the words. “I don’t want you to come between me and her.”

Ryker stared at him. “What are you talking about?”

“Ella. She blew up at me while you were in surgery. She said that this was my fault.” He stared at Ryker. “I would love nothing more than to take your slimy club down, but my daughter has feelings for you. For whatever reason, she thinks you’re different.”

Ryker didn’t know what to say to the man. They weren’t the best of friends and they definitely didn’t see eye to eye about anything.

“If you hurt her…”

“That will never happen.”

Her father’s eyes filled with tears. “She’s my baby girl. I don’t care if she’s nearly thirty and has her own life. I still see her as that little girl that looked up to me to protect her.” He shook his head. “I will always see her that way and I can’t protect her from you.”

Ryker propped his cheek up on his palm. “You don’t need to protect her from me. She’s strong and very capable of taking care of herself. I’m assuming you taught her that.”

“I wish she had better judgment.”

Ryker snorted. “I’m not my father.”

“For right now. What happens when you take that club over? When you’ve got the power? Where does Ella fit into that? Are you going to drag her along, fucking women behind her back? Dealing drugs and trading guns. Where does my little girl fit in that life? She’s worked hard to be where she’s at. Just being associated with you can give her a bad name.”

Ryker couldn’t answer all those questions. He didn’t know how he’d change it so Ella fit in. She was innocent and he wanted to keep her that way. Part of him worried that she’d lost some of that innocence with everything that transpired. Ryker couldn’t protect her from himself either. That would always be lingering over their heads.

“For my daughter’s sake, I’m calling a truce. Maybe I can repair the damage I’ve created.” He moved to the door. “Please tell her I miss her. Her mother wanted me to invite her to dinner. You’re welcome to come, too, if Ella wants to bring you. Just let her know that I care about her. I miss talking to her every day.”

Ryker struggled with their conversation long after her father had gone. He didn’t know what it was like to have a parent that cared too much about him. Not the way her father cared about her.

When Ella finally came home, he had the table set, with candles lit. He’d ordered in a home cooked meal from a local restaurant and divided the food up for them. Ryker poured Ella some sweet tea while he grabbed some water, wishing like hell it was a beer.

“I see all you did was lay around today.” She closed the door and dropped her stuff to the floor.

He walked to the end of the table and took his spot. Leaning back in his chair, he pushed hers out with his foot. “Sit.”

“I don’t want to do this.” She shook her head. “I’m taking a shower. Don’t follow me.”

Ryker lifted his water to his lips and stared at the door she slammed. She stayed in the shower at least thirty minutes and in the bathroom ten more before she came out dressed in a tank top and pair of short shorts. He loved the way her nipples poked against the white tank top, darkening the spot slightly. She wore purple shorts that barely covered her ass cheeks and they were pretty damn tempting as well. Wearing no makeup with her hair pulled back, she looked tired. Worried even.

“There was a point in time where you used to like spending time with me,” Ryker commented. “I guess the honeymoon is over.”

“Well, I’m sorry I’m not giving you what you need. Call one of your friends. I’m sure they will.”

He stood. “That’s uncalled for.”

She sat on the sofa and clicked the TV on. Ryker walked over to her and took the remote, clicking the TV off.

“What the hell?”

“We’re talking about what’s got you in a pissy mood.”

“Just leave me alone.”

“No.” He grabbed her arm and pulled her up. “Is it my injury?”

“Let me go.”

“Not until you talk to me.”

“Fine.” She propped her hands on her hips. He could see the frustration on her face. An array of emotion swept over her as she searched for words to express how she felt. He caused whatever she struggled with. He knew it from the moment he looked into her eyes. “Do you know what it’s like to have your hand inside your lover’s stomach, feeling their blood, sticky and warm against your fingers? Do you know what it’s like to know that if you move your finger just a little bit, it could kill them?”

“Ella—”

She clenched her jaw. “You were lying on the ground in a pool of your own blood three fucking days ago and now you’re walking around the apartment like everything is so fucking fine. It’s not fine. You’re not fine. You need to lay in that bed and not fucking move!”

Ryker pulled her to him, wrapping his arms around her and holding her tight. “Listen to me.” He kissed her temple. “I’m alive. I’m right here and I’m not going anywhere.”

“You don’t listen to me.” She shook her head. “I know Vampire’s been here, since you shaved. You had to get the shaving cream from somewhere. He probably also took you to get food. Or just fucking drove around.”

“I haven’t left the apartment. Your dad actually came by to entertain me for a while.” He swallowed. “Well,
entertain
isn’t the right word.”

“What did my dad want?” She eyed him curiously.

“We called a truce. He invited you to dinner and said I could come along.”

“And you ordered something in?”

“Yeah, well, you and I needed to talk first.” He brushed away a strand of wet hair that had fallen into her face. “I’ll do whatever you want. Please stop being mad at me.”

She moved away from him and went to the table he’d set. “I can’t simply turn my emotions off after what you did. After what I had to do.”