Thanks to The Boots

Chapter Twenty-Four

Ryder and I walk down the hallway, we're leaving. We stop when two figures block our exit.

"Where are you two going?" Mr. Thomas asks.

"Leaving," Ryder says, calmly.

I look at Ryan, and my heartbeat picks up. My hands start to shake, but I clench them in fists at my side.

"He's trying to take his thing with him," Ryan comments, staring at me. "That bruise looks painful."

"It would've hurt more, but the guy was pretty weak."

"Still knocked you out."

"Didn't kill me."

"Would've if Ryder didn't stop me."

"He shouldn't have been able to stop you. You're a year older than he is," I mess up on purpose.

"Two years," Mr. Thomas corrects me. I look at him in surprise, I thought Ryder would be the one to say it. Mr. Thomas takes a step towards me, I want to take a step back, but I hold my ground. "Can I see your neck?"

I lift my chin up, and he walks closer. Ryder steps in between us, but I place a hand on his shoulder. He steps back, but stays at my side.

Mr. Thomas grabs my chin, making me jump and Ryder step closer. His side is pressed against mine. Mr. Thomas moves my chin from side to side, inspecting my neck.

"How did you get this?" he asks, stepping back.

"Last night, while I was being escorted to my room, your oldest son attacked me. He strangled me and I passed out due to lack of oxygen. If your younger son wasn't there, I probably would've died."

"Is this true?" he asks no one in particular.

Ryder says yes proudly, while Ryan mumbles it.

Mr. Thomas rubs his chin, thinking. I hold back a laugh at the action. "Ryder, you may leave."

"I would have done it without your permission," he grumbles. We begin to walk pass the two, but Ryan grabs my arm.

"What about our deal?"

I laugh, "It's off, like I would trust you alone anymore." He doesn't let go of my arm, so I turn to face him directly. "Let me go."

"No."

"Okay," I bring my right fist up and punch him in the face. He lets go immediately and crumbles to the ground, but I still kick him in the stomach. "Don't touch me."

Ryder and I walk out of the mansion. We get into a fancy car, and Ryder tells the driver where to go. I don't hear it, because he told him outside.

"Where are we going?" I ask, kind of joking because I know we're going to the apartment. We still have to make cupcakes.

"I'm taking you home."

I stare at him in shock, "What?"

"You're going home."

"Don't you need permission?"

"I got it earlier this morning. Their gang attacked us yesterday, so we're giving you back with that," he gestures to my neck.

"Oh," I don't really pay attention to what he said, because I'm just too excited about going home.

"Yeah, do you want anything from the apartment?"

I sigh, "Nah, it's okay." I look down at my shoes. I wish I was wearing the combat boots, and I want to get them from the apartment but I'm not going to tell them that.