Rescuing Ryder (Serenity Securities, Team Hawk #1)

Chapter 36

CHAPTER THIRTY-SIX

Claire waited in Kassie’s office. She fidgeted and bit her nails until Kassie walked in.

“Hi, Claire. I’m glad you came today. Bryanna mentioned she picked you up. Do you need a ride down? I can arrange it.”

“No. I don’t know how long I’ll stay. I need to talk to you.”

Kassie sat beside her instead of sitting behind her desk. “What’s up?”

“You might want to call Chase and ask him to join us,” she suggested as she steeled herself for her confession.

“I assure you I can handle things on my own. Chase and I discuss everything,” Kassie insisted.

“I have feelings for Ryder. I don’t know when they started. Maybe around the time he asked to switch or shortly after. I acted unprofessionally.”

Kassie nodded. “I see.”

Claire pinned her gaze to the floor.

“How long have you loved him?” Kassie asked quietly.

Claire turned watery eyes in her direction. “I don’t know,” she whispered.

Kassie knelt in front of her and let her cry.

“We’ll figure this out, Claire,” she soothed. “Why does it scare you?”

“I worked with him. What if I said or did something to set him back because of my feelings for him?”

“I think, if anything, it brought him out of the dark,” she stated. “Dr. Hill says he’s forthcoming in therapy. When he joins group sessions, he listens instead of watching the clock. Life has bumps no matter how hard we protect ourselves. What counts is how we choose to handle it. You’ve given Ryder the tools. Now he has to decide to use them.”

One of the veterans rushed into Kassie’s office. Both women were startled by the unusual commotion.

“Come quick, it’s Scott, he’s on the trail,” the man practically shouted. Both women took off at a run. Kassie ran faster because of Claire’s vision. One of the veterans rushing to the scene noticed her and led her by the hand to the site.

“Scott, it’s Kassie. Can you tell me what happened?”

The young soldier shook his head as he teetered on a broken log. His bed sheets hung from a branch above him and he made a noose at the end. Kassie leaned down, whispering to one of the men. He gathered a few of the others and they began ushering the teens back to the building.

“Take a deep breath. Where’s Lexie?” Kassie asked about the service dog Scott cared for and trained with.

“She’s in my room. Make sure she goes to someone who will take good care of her,” he sobbed.

“She’s already taken. Lexie belongs to you,” Kassie reminded him softly.

Ryder and Whiskey ran from the path’s edge, witnessing the scene.

Ryder went straight to Scott. “Hey, soldier, do you want to explain yourself?”

“I can’t do this anymore,” Scott cried.

“I know the pain, son. I deal with it daily. Some days feel worse than others. Sometimes, something sets us off. Yesterday, I worried if I pushed away the one person who helped me the most. I know you depend on Lexie. Do you mean to leave her?”

“What?” Scott asked, confused.

“You act as a team. You’re Lexie’s partner as much as she’s yours. We never leave our partner to go it alone.” Ryder reminded the young man.

Claire began to walk toward them when Kassie grabbed her arm and slightly shook her head, indicating to her to allow Ryder to try and reach Scott.

“I locked her in my room, sir,” Scott admitted sorrowfully.

From a distance, barking sounded and became louder.

“Then I suggest you rethink this,” Ryder ordered. “She depends on you. Even when you think the world can go on without you, Lexie won’t disappoint you. Eventually, you’ll experience more good days than bad. You’ll find someone who understands you and can handle the bad days when they come. You found your fellow brothers right here. Lexie chose you. Now, you have a choice: do you want to fight for the life you deserve? We’re right here to help you. You’ll never face this battle alone again.”

The barking neared and a ball of black and gray fur bounded over the leaves, clearing the distance between her and Scott. Lexie sat beside him and whined pitifully.

“Sounds to me like she missed you. How about we see if Miss Bryanna left us some cookies and talk this out?”

“My girlfriend broke up with me. She says I’m damaged and she can’t continue dating me while I deal with this. She doesn’t like dogs,” Scott confessed.

“Hell yeah, you’re damaged,” Ryder yelled out. “So am I. I once thought like you, Scott. I can’t promise you it’s an easy journey. But these people will stay by your side. They won’t let you down. Who the hell wants to date a person who doesn’t like dogs? She’s not the one for you. You’ll find someone who loves animals and she’ll have the heart to accept you as you are.”

“Can I keep Lexie?” Scott asked.

Kassie moved forward. “Of course, she’s staying by your side. Why don’t you come down from the log and return to the cabin with us?”

“Ryder. Why didn’t you talk to me before now?” Scott asked as he peered down at the men.

“Because I struggled with my demons. I didn’t think I mattered. It shows you we don’t see how much we mean to others until something happens. I know you, Scott, and you matter.” He extended his hand and Scott gripped it for dear life.

Whiskey and Ryder helped him down and Kassie wrapped her arms around Scott while he sobbed. Tears ran down Claire's cheeks as she witnessed how far Ryder had grown.

Ryder exited the hospital. Whiskey stayed with Scott and Dr. Hill. Claire waited outside. When he noticed her, Ryder slowed his walk and glanced around.

“Can I talk to you?” she asked.

“Is this a professional call?” he asked, sarcastically.

Claire’s face fell. She turned around, intending to return to her office.

“Damn it, Claire. What do you want?” Ryder barked.

She shook her head. “Nothing. It’s not important.”

His hand wrapped around her arm. “Don’t leave. How do you plan to get home? Did you drive yourself?”

Claire shook her head, afraid if she spoke now, she’d cry.

“Walk with me,” Ryder coaxed, holding out his hand.

Her fingers intertwined with his as they walked the path toward the cabins. Ryder opened the door, allowing her inside. Claire crossed her arms as he put on a pot of coffee.

“You did a wonderful job with Scott today,” she complimented him.

“I learned from the best,” Ryder quipped. “What do you want?”

“I don’t know. I didn’t like how we left things yesterday,” Claire admitted.

“Me neither, Claire Bear.”

“I told Kassie,” Claire whispered.

“Do you feel better?” Ryder bit out.

“I didn’t want to compromise your reason for staying here. You’re under Serenity Mountain’s care.”

“You keep reminding me of your mantra. How long do you plan to hide under it?” Ryder advanced toward her.

“What do you mean?”

“You sit in your office and spout your bullshit, but the good ’ol doc can’t take her own advice.” He invaded her space.

Claire stepped back. “What advice?”

“Telling the damn truth. You want to hide behind your degree because you’re afraid of me,” Ryder accused.

She punched him in the arm. “I’m not afraid of you.”

Ryder jerked his head as he laughed softly, “There ya go, with all your aggression, again. You might want another outlet for all this confusion and anger.”

Claire stared at his mouth. Her lips parted, and her tongue swiped her bottom lip; her breath came out in shallow pants. Claire’s gaze lifted to see his hazel eyes pinned on her. When they clashed with hers, Ryder captured her mouth, pushing her back against the wall. Her arms wrapped around his shoulders as her tongue tangled with his.

“Say it, Claire. Tell me you want this as much as I do,” Ryder growled.

“I want you,” Claire stared boldly into his eyes.

“What are you wearing today? Is it the black jogging bra with the purple stripe or the baby blue with the pink design?”

“Neither.” She smiled.

Ryder picked her up, wrapping her legs around his waist. Pushing Claire against the wall, he unzipped her sweatshirt. He jerked it down her shoulders as she struggled to free herself from the arms.

He cradled her ass, carrying her to the counter and setting her on the bar. Ryder reached under her tee and lifted it over her head. Claire did the same with his, throwing it to the floor.

He ran his hands over the black sports bra, cupping her breasts. Ryder stepped back to slide his hands under her leggings and lifted her slightly to pull them down. Claire’s thin black undies ran high on her hips. His hand traced her hip bone before he bent and nipped her. Ryder pulled her shoes off as her hands roamed frantically over his chest and shoulders. Claire whimpered as he placed a hand in the middle of her chest, pushing her down against the counter. The sound of their gasps filled the room.

“Do you only purchase matching bra and panty sets?” he asked.

“Yes. I like things in order,” Claire breathed out.

“Guess what, Claire Bear? This is messy and dirty and I certainly don’t want order. Don’t ever change your undie choices, Claire. You’re damn hot and I love it.”

She beamed a smile as Ryder kissed her softly. Her hand smoothed the scruff along his jaw.

“Where do you hurt, Claire?”

“I ache right here, low in my belly.” Ryder leaned down as her hands ran through his hair to kiss her lower stomach.

“Where else?”

Claire slid her hand inside her panties. “Here.”

He smiled. Grabbing the sides, Ryder slid them over her hips and down her legs. He kissed her girly parts. His tongue darted out, swiping between the delicate folds.

Claire’s scent tickled his nose as he braced her feet on the counter's edge. He pulled the stool out from under the bar and sat down, inspecting her.

“Where else?” he murmured.

Her fingers trailed down and she touched herself while Ryder watched. His stubble scraped against her thigh, causing her to jump.

“You’re beautiful,” his voice deepened as her finger dipped inside. Ryder captured her wrist and brought her hand to his mouth, licking and sucking her juices from her fingers.

Claire rose and lifted the bra over her head. He pulled her closer to the edge, pressing his hard cock against her. Ryder’s kisses became greedy. He couldn’t get enough of this woman.

He fought with himself all day to keep from driving to her house, demanding Claire listen to him. She made Ryder feel human again. He didn’t delude himself into believing she solved his problems. They required hard work and freaking talking about the bad parts he stuffed into a small square corner of his mind. Claire gave him a reason to fight for it. And it scared Ryder to the core.

Cupping her breasts, he lathed her rose nipples with his tongue, pinching and tugging them. Ryder’s hand trailed down to her center to find her soaked.

“I want you now, Claire,” he informed her gruffly.

Her frenzied fingers worked the button of his jeans and slid them down as he kicked his way out of the legs. Claire laughed out loud at his antics.

“You won’t be laughing much longer,” he teased.

Claire reached down and grasped his cock, pumping it up and down.

A low moan escaped his lips as Ryder lined up at her entrance. “Can you take it hard and fast?”

She smiled as she leaned in to kiss him. “Bring it,” Claire whispered against his lips.

Ryder’s cock teased her outer lips and he plunged inside.

“Wait,” she pushed him away. “Condom.”

Ryder’s eyes widened as he suddenly realized their carelessness. He took off running naked down the hall and into his bedroom. Throwing open the closet door, he grabbed his bag and dumped it on the floor. Ryder rummaged through the items until he discovered the brand-new box he purchased across the street from Claire’s appointment the day before.

Ryder returned to the kitchen with his erection bobbing up and down, causing Claire to giggle. He ripped open the box, sending condoms flying. Picking one up, he tore it with his teeth. Claire snatched it and rolled it down his swollen shaft, making him groan.

Gripping her hips, Ryder plunged inside. Her laughter stopped abruptly followed by a low moan. He spread her thighs wider, watching as he impaled her.

“Ohhh,” Claire keened as his head lowered and he sucked a hard nipple into his mouth. Ryder thrust harder, watching as her breasts jiggled to the rhythm of their lovemaking. The apples and oranges from the fruit basket fell and toppled from their place as things shifted in their wake.

Claire watched and grinned. He smiled back, never stopping as Ryder beheld her sweaty hair plastered to the sides of her face. Claire’s pale skin held a rosy hue and her eyes filled with lust.

“Come, Claire, I can’t hold on much longer,” he ordered.

Claire stared into his eyes. “I want you to come with me,” she demanded breathlessly.

“Come. Now.”

“No.”

“You’re the most stubborn woman I know,” Ryder ground out. “Remind me to spank your tight ass,”

Her eyes widened in curiosity and arousal, yet she refused to give in. Ryder tilted himself upward and his hand reached between them.

Noticing his intentions, she tried to stop him. Ryder glanced up, knowing he gained the upper hand.

“You’re not playing fair,” Claire cried.

He leaned close to her ear and whispered, “I know.” Then bit her shoulder.

Time stopped as her body stiffened, clamping down on his cock. Ryder closed his eyes and growled, delving deeper inside her as he rode the wave of his orgasm home.

He kissed her forehead before sliding out and ridding himself of the condom. Claire sat on the bar, her chest heaved up and down as she focused on the floor.

“Don’t pull the shy card on me now,” Ryder cupped her cheek and smoothed the damp hair away.

“I’m not. It’s not how I pictured tonight going,” Claire admitted. In fact, it scared her. With other men, she still maintained her professional persona. With Ryder, she lost the ability to control her emotions. One minute they fought, and the next, she wanted to run her hands over his chest and run her tongue over his tattoo.

“Do you think I’ll shut down because Dr. Claire Meyers doesn’t want me?” Ryder bit out.

Claire winced before she hopped off the bar and gathered her clothes. She went to the spare bedroom and dressed. She came back out to discover Ryder in jeans with no shirt.

Claire went to leave. Her hand grasped the knob, and she turned toward him. “I never think of myself as a miracle worker. I take my job seriously, especially when dealing with the lives of men and women who sacrificed for our country. One wrong decision, one wrong day, can jeopardize their lives. You witnessed Scott today. People who come here deserve the best I can offer them. You deserved it, too. I’ve watched you change and I’m so damn proud of you.” Tears threatened to fall. Claire turned and opened the door when an arm shot out and closed the door.

She rested her head against the door.

“I’m a jackass,” Ryder murmured. “Stay.” His hand brushed her hair away from her face to glimpse at her.

“No. I’ll ask for a ride home at the hospital.” Closing her eyes, she breathed in his woodsy scent. Ryder didn’t understand.

“Everyone left for the evening. The night shift doesn’t leave for another four hours,” Ryder reasoned with her.

“I want to go home,” she insisted.

“Fine. Give me a minute and I’ll drive you home.”

Claire opened the door and waited for him outside. She needed a breath of fresh air. A minute later, he came out to drive her home. The evening turned intense, confusing her more than ever.

Ryder pulled into her driveway and walked her to her door. She unlocked it and he followed her inside. Claire felt along the wall to turn on the lamp, reminding herself to call the electrician in the morning. When she didn’t feel the table where the lamp sat, she turned.

“Ryder?” she called, her voice sounding panicked.

“Don’t move, Claire,” he ordered as he went to the office and flipped on the light. Claire’s breath caught in her throat as she surveyed her home. Her office now resembled a tornado-stricken area. Papers decorated the floor and furniture upended. Ryder took her hand, led her away from the window, and gestured for her to sit in the darkened corner of her entryway. She watched as he cleared the rooms of any intruders before taking out his phone and calling Leo.

“It’s Ryder. Claire’s house was ransacked.”

He hung up the phone and pulled her close. “Don’t worry. Things can be replaced. You can’t.”

Ryder’s reassurance only heightened her fear as he walked her from room to room. Her new living room sofa lay on its side, slashed with a knife, and the table held big gouges. Stuffing from the pillows decorated the hardwood floors. The glasses in her kitchen smashed on the tile. Still oozing liquid, wine bottles lay shattered.

Ryder led her to the porch and sat with her until the team arrived.

“We’ll figure this out,” Ryder assured her as he rested her head against his shoulder.

Somehow, Claire didn’t feel like a doctor with a degree in handling a person’s mental health. She felt like a woman alone and scared.