- Drop it! - Ryder orders pointing to Shane and Bruce. - Let her go now and I swear I won't hurt you... a lot!
They huff each other's eyes and release me to advance on Ryder, according to Aron's silent order. I run to one corner of the wall and remove the gag. Ryder looks from Bruce to Shane, evaluating who he will beat first, until Shane takes the first step. Ryder deflects his punch and, grabbing his arm, breaks two fingers from his right hand. Shane fell to his knees on the floor howling, while Ryder, without even being sweaty, faces Bruce. Smart, he raises his arms in surrender and tries to pass Ryder, but with a quick movement, Ryder grabs Bruce's neck and brings it to his front. He head-butts Bruce, causing him to fall to the ground. With the beak of his heavy boots, Ryder kicks his ribs twice, making Bruce moan.
- I warned you not to touch her or the problem would be with me! - Ryder says between teeth and, grabbing Bruce's hair, hits his head against the wooden bench.
Bruce fell unconscious, so Ryder stands up. With a threatening look, he faces Aron, who points the knife at him. Ryder lets out a laugh.
- Do you really think that could stop me from breaking all your bones, Carter? - Ryder shakes his head in negative. - I'd love to see him try!
Aron advances on Ryder, who dodges the blow by laughing. He hits a punch at Aron that I fell, but gets up again, attacking Ryder again. Ryder calmly dodges the ball again, hitting another punch and then a shot at Aron. He falls on the ground.
- So, you think you can attack girls? - says Ryder stepping on Aron's hand when he tries to get the knife. Aron screams and Ryder bends down, grabbing his hair. - Is your powerlessness so deep that you need the help of two more to fuck a girl?
Ryder lifts Aron up by the hair and holds one of his wrists when he tries to punch him and hits a blow to his face, making Aron's nose pop.
- If you touch Brooke again or any girl without her permission, I swear I'll kill you! - he says throwing Aron's head against the closet. - Are we clear?
- You can't threaten me, Taylor! - says Aron with a cold smile. - I can do whatever I want, with whoever I want. Brooke's just a bitch...
Ryder hits a punch in Aron's stomach, causing him to slide to the ground contorting.
- Brooke is not a slut and you know it very well! - he says between his teeth. - She's a friend of mine and I'll make sure you don't drive around this city or any other city for a long time.
- You have no idea who you've messed with!
- No, Aron! You're the one who doesn't! - Ryder pauses by pulling his cell phone out of his pocket. - This is Ryder Cavanaugh. I need to speak to Detective Williams.
I make an amazing face, just like Aron. It was the first time I heard Ryder use his father's last name.
- Casey, I need an ambulance and cops at the UNY gym. - he takes a break. - I just saved Brooke from an attempted rape, performed by three idiots who need plastic surgery.
Smiling on the phone, Ryder faces Aron with disdain.
- You're not related to Judge Cavanaugh, are you? He asks in a trembling voice.
- Unfortunately, I'm his son! - Ryder responds with satisfaction and approaches. - You're too fucked up!
Punching Aron again, who faints, Ryder takes a deep breath as he gets up. He's coming towards me, I'm shrinking in the corner of boxing, all bloody, with my hands on my face. I shudder with fear when he touches my shoulder.
- Are you all right? - He asks.
Crying, I throw myself in Ryder's lap and tie his neck. He squeezes me hard and I moan because of the rib pain.
- They... They... - I stutter between tears and sobs. - I thought you were here making a joke, but it was them.
I cry, sticking my head around Ryder's neck and hugging him hard.
- Shii! Stay calm! - he says by running his hand through my hair. - Jace told me what happened as soon as I arrived. So I ran over here.
He takes off his jacket, dressing me in it.
- Come on! I'll take you to the hospital!
Raising me on my lap, he comes out with me from inside the locker room and crosses the court, whose game had been paralyzed by the police, who had just arrived.
- Is she all right? - Casey asks.
- Shaken and a little hurt. - Ryder answers. - The others are much worse.
- I can imagine! - she says rolling her eyes. - I'll need both your statements.
- Sure! As soon as Brooke can get visitors at the hospital, I'll call you.
Casey settles down for him and turns to face a tall, dark, cowboy-looking cop.
- Come on, Maise! - she says. - We'll see what the damage was.
The policeman settles down and accompanies Casey with determined steps. He was tall and very handsome.
- Come on, nice breasts! - Ryder says in a mocking tone. - Let's make it brand-new.
Ryder turns to Jace, who throws the key to his car. He delivers the key to his motorcycle.
