Chapter 4: Don't Touch What Is Mine

The car stopped in front of a massive nightclub. It wasn't a normal club for students. This was where the rich and dangerous came to play.

Ryker got out first. He adjusted his cuffs, looking like a king. Then he extended his hand to me.

"Take it," he ordered softly.

I hesitated, then placed my hand in his. His grip was warm and firm. He pulled me out of the car and immediately snaked his arm around my waist. He pulled me so close that our hips bumped together with every step.

"Smile," he whispered into my hair. "Everyone is watching."

We walked inside. The music was heavy and loud, vibrating in my chest. The air smelled of expensive perfume and cigar smoke.

As soon as we entered, the room went quiet for a second. Everyone looked at Ryker. Then, they looked at me.

I felt naked in the red dress. I tried to shrink away, but Ryker’s arm tightened like a steel band around my waist.

"Head up," he murmured. "You are with me. No one can touch you."

We walked to the VIP section. Men in suits nodded at Ryker with respect—and fear.

"Ryker! You finally came out of your cave," a loud voice boomed.

A man with a gold tooth and a snake tattoo on his neck approached us. He held a glass of champagne. His eyes were not on Ryker. They were glued to my chest.

I felt sick.

"Viper," Ryker said. His voice was cold. He didn't smile.

"And who is this beauty?" Viper asked. He stepped too close. "I didn't know you had a taste for sweet things."

Viper reached out. His dirty fingers brushed against my bare arm.

I flinched and stepped back.

In a split second, the air in the room froze.

Ryker moved faster than I could see. He grabbed Viper’s wrist. He didn't just hold it—he squeezed it. Hard.

I heard a sickening crack.

"Argh!" Viper dropped his glass. It shattered on the floor. He fell to his knees, his face twisting in pain.

Ryker didn't let go. He bent down, his face close to Viper's. His eyes were burning with a dark, terrifying rage.

"I don't like to repeat myself," Ryker said, his voice quiet but deadly enough to cut through the music. "But I will tell you once."

He yanked Viper's broken wrist, making him scream again.