- After the third fight, I decided to leave, but when I was leaving, Luck stopped me. - Ryder says with a smug smile on his lips. - He wanted to know how I did to win three battles in one night and called me a cheater. I laughed saying it wasn't my fault that he was a loser, so he walked up to me and since he couldn't hit a blow, he started playing dirty.
- Play dirty? - I ask with curiosity.
- Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah.
- What do you mean, play dirty?
- He deconcentrated me so I'd lose control. - he says grumbling and looking at me ugly, when I pressed the cloth over the wound. - Look out!
- I'm sorry! I'm sorry! - I mean by relieving the movement.
- I lost focus, so he hit me in the rib. That was enough for him to hit me and take me down.
Sigh. Ryder was a very focused fighter. Luck must have said something to make him lose control. The little he knew about that brutamonte, he could have imagined what he could have done, judging by what happened hours before the fight and what led to our fight.
- Ryder, what did Luck say to distract you to the point of losing the fight? - I ask curious. Ryder ignores me for a few minutes by putting an arm over his face. - Ryder, don't pretend you didn't hear. What's that?
Grumbling he crosses his arms over his chest making an ugly face.
- He said you'd be the next little bitch he'd have fun with right after he sent me to the hospital, just to prove who was the best.
As I stretch out my eyes, I suffocate a scream by placing my hands over my mouth. No wonder Ryder was so hurt. That must have deconcentrated him to the extreme.
- Did you see what your stupidity did? - I mean it reprehensively. - It made me angry with you, almost sent you to the hospital and even made you lose a fight.
- Who said I lost anything? - he asks in an arrogant tone. I look at him without understanding. - I'm hurt, yes, but Luck is much worse. If you don't believe me, go to Sant' James and prove it. That's where the ambulance took him, after I broke his chin, nose and took the jaw out of place.
Making a face I stare at Ryder with a mixture of incredulity and admiration. He could be a madman, but when he wanted to defend someone, he put his soul on his goal.
- You didn't have to do that. - I say sighing and change the ice. - All you had to do was act decent and less arrogant. I'd have avoided a lot of trouble.
- Are you kidding? That bastard offered details of what he'd do to you in bed and most of it was disgusting. - he said between teeth. - Believe it! He deserved every stroke of me and I don't regret it at all.
- You're crazy! I don't know if I appreciate it or I get angry.
Ryder stares at me with a face.
- Look, I'm sorry about what I did last night! I never had a sister or a friend. I feel like I have to protect her, especially from my world.
- Thanks, but I guarantee I can take care of myself. - I say smiling. - I'm not those little paws you know. I can defend myself.
- I'll bet you do!
- But... - I'll take a break. - It's nice to have someone like you as a coast guard. I also never had a brother or friend to defend me and I had to learn on my own. Maybe I need your help now and then.
- Once in a while? - he asks fun. - You attract trouble as cockroaches are attracted to light.
- Oh, boy! Of all the bugs you had to compare me to a cockroach?
Ryder lets out a laugh, then mumbles about the pain. I shake my head as a sign of concern, but I laugh at him.
- Come on! - I mean by raising and helping Ryder up. - Lie on the couch. I'm gonna make a snack and call the pharmacy. I'll order one of those spray painkillers.
- If you want, we can study a little.
I look at him with my eyebrow up.
- What have you done with Ryder Taylor?
- It's okay! It's okay! - he laughs on his shoulders. - We can also stay here, watch some movies or who knows...
- Complete that sentence and I'll cut your tongue out!
He laughs out loud, coughs up and throws himself on the couch. He points to the bag I threw on the floor.
- What did you bring in this bag? - Ryder asks.
- It's my dress for your mother's exhibition. - I say open the closet and get some cereal.
- Can I see that?
- Only on the day of the exhibition, if you go, of course!
- Sure! We could go together, if you want.
- It would be nice to have an escort who wasn't Jane. - I mean by turning my eyes. - She's very nice, but I'm sure I'll end up coming back alone.
Ryder lets out a laugh.
- I promise to take her back, no matter what.
- Oh, great! Where do you keep your cutlery?
- Come here,
