Ryley's Revenge (Gloves Off #2)(36)

“All right,” I groaned. “I’m going to run to the bathroom really quick. I have to pee all the time and it’s only going to get worse.”

“Okay, well I’ll just enjoy a glass of wine for you since you can’t drink.” She laughed and walked away.

Trudging into the bathroom, I was thankful there was a stall open. Once I was done and out in the hall, I looked down into my purse to grab my phone when a set of hands grasped my shoulders and pushed me back down the darkened hallway.

“What the—?” I started but then stopped once I glanced up. It was Colin with his mouth set in a firm line. He was very angry.

“You know, I thought I was going to come home and tell you my good news and that everything would be just the way it was.”

“Did you make the team?” I asked, eyes wide. I was excited for him, but it didn’t matter at this point.

“I did, but instead of celebrating with you, I get here and see him.”

“Colin, don’t start. Look, I’m happy you made the team. It’ll be a wonderful opportunity for you. But what made you think Ryley wouldn’t be here? I’m with him now.”

His nostrils flared and for the first time in my life I’d never seen him so upset, not even when he told me he got arrested for getting into a fight with Camden out in Vegas two months ago. “Yeah, and the last time we spoke I assumed it was over.”

“No,” I gasped. “I was angry, but we worked it out. In fact, there’s something I need to tell you.” His eyes went wide. “I moved in with him, Colin. I didn’t want to tell you like this, but I figured it would be better hearing it from me and not someone else.”

“What if the baby’s mine?” he snapped. “I’m not going to let you and my child live with that f*cker.”

“You don’t have a choice,” Ryley thundered behind us. I froze but I couldn’t see him over Colin’s shoulder. “And the baby’s not yours,” he added.

Tensing, Colin’s grip tightened on my shoulders, but then he let go and turned around. “There’s still a chance. You’re not the only one who’s been with her.”

Ryley snarled and moved forward, but I jumped in his way, placing a hand on his chest. I glared at both guys and then settled on Colin. “I’m sorry this isn’t what you wanted, but you’re going to have to get over it.”

“We’ll see about that.” Abruptly, he took my hand and pulled me to him, closing his lips over mine in a bruising kiss. It startled me, but then everything moved in slow motion as I was ripped away and he was on the floor with a busted lip.

“Holy f*ck,” I gasped, clutching my stomach. “What the hell just happened?”

Ryley’s body shook with rage, but he stepped back and didn’t make another move. Colin jumped to his feet quickly and licked the blood off of his lip. “I’m warning you, Ash. Once he finds out that baby isn’t his, he’s going to leave you.”

Ryley growled, “Do you want a broken nose to go with the busted lip? I’d be happy to take this outside.”

Colin stood to his full height and sneered, “You’re not worth it and she’ll realize that sooner or later. You don’t know her like I do. I’ve spent almost every single day of the last three years with her.”

Putting his arm around my waist, Ryley pulled me in close. “I may not know her as well as you do, but I’m going to have the rest of my life to remedy that. And the only reason I’m allowing you to walk away right now, is because I remember what it was like to lose her.”

Colin stumbled back a step and looked gutted. “This isn’t over.” With those final words, he stalked past us and out the door.

My heart hurt for him, but he was being so damn stubborn it made me want to hate him. I wish he would let me go. I kept my attention on the door, wondering if he was going to come back, but he never did.

“Are you ready to go sit down with everyone?” Ryley asked softly, rubbing my shoulders. I hadn’t even looked up at him since Colin kissed me.

“Yeah, I’m ready. I can’t believe what just happened.”

“Tell me about it. It took all I had not to hit him sooner, but when he kissed you I couldn’t hold back. There was no f*cking way. I’m sorry if I ruined the night for you.” Taking my hand, he guided me out into the restaurant toward our table. By the looks on their faces, they had an idea of what just went down. Even Bradley wasn’t at the table anymore.

“You didn’t ruin my night, Ryley. If anything you make them all better. I’m sure you’ll figure out a way to make it up to me.” By the sly grin on his face I knew exactly how he was going to do that.





BRADLEY RACED OUT of the restaurant shouting my name, but I kept going. I had to get away from there . . . from her. The video didn’t work like I thought it would. Obviously, Ashleigh didn’t care that he f*cked around with a shit ton of women. Grabbing my phone, I punched in Camden’s number.

“What’s up, f*cker?” he answered.

I slammed my car into gear and sped out of the parking lot. “We need to talk. Can you meet me?”

The line went silent, but then he came back on. “It didn’t work?”

“No, it f*cking didn’t,” I hissed.