Chapter 64 Sixty Four

• RYAN’S POV
• I barely saw the blood. I barely heard the cracking of the bastard’s nose under Derek’s fists. All I saw was her. Ariel Slumped Shaking and her scent was wild, uncontrolled, heat-laced and scared, sweat dripping down her temples.
• I couldn’t breathe. I couldn’t think. I shoved my chair forward, hard enough it nearly toppled, and lifted her into my arms anyway, forgetting every second of the show I’d kept up for years about these legs. I could stand if I wanted. I’d always been able to stand. Just not for long. But right now? It didn't matter. I’d carry her with broken bones if I had to. Her head slumped against my shoulder, voice so small I wanted to rip the walls off.