Eye for an Eye

Chapter 8: Breakups & Rebound Sex.

After what felt like an eternity of crying in Caleb's arms, when the tears had run dry and all that was left was the aching emptiness, I finally made my way to Ryan. I knew he was still recovering from his injuries, but I couldn't wait any longer. I needed him to help me find Noah.

Now that Mila was safe, far away from this mess, I could focus on the only thing that mattered—taking down the people who had threatened everything I loved. My family was out of the picture, and I could finally do what needed to be done without hesitation.

I knocked softly on the door before stepping into the room. Ryan was sitting up, watching TV, his eyes lighting up when he saw me. A small, weary smile stretched across his face as he patted the bed next to him, silently inviting me to sit.

I moved over and slowly sat down beside him, taking his hand in mine. It felt comforting, but I knew there was no time for comfort now.

"Ryan, I know you're hurt, but I need you to find Noah for me," I said, my voice steady but filled with urgency.

He looked at me, concern clouding his features. "Hope... can't you wait a few days? You're upset about Mila, I get it, but—"

"No, Ryan, I can't," I cut him off, my voice harder now. "I can't just sit back and wait for West, or my mom or Ashton to come for us. I need to protect my people. I need to take them down."

I stood, turning away from him, needing space to think, to breathe, but the words were tumbling out of me now. I could feel the weight of the plan settling on my shoulders.

He sighed, his voice tinged with frustration as he scoffed. "You're going to get yourself killed, you know that, right?"

"I don't care!" I shouted, spinning back around to face him, the rawness of my emotions finally spilling over.

Ryan was up on his feet now, his anger growing as he moved toward me. "What are you going to do once you find him, huh? What makes you think he's even alive after betraying Ashton?" His voice was rising, and with every step he took, I found myself backing away until my back hit the cold, unforgiving wall.

Why the hell does there always have to be a wall in my way?

"Because he has information," I shot back, my voice shaking with the weight of my determination. "He knows everything about Ashton, West, and my mother. If I get that information, I'll have the upper hand. West's gang needs to be taken down. I want him to leave me alone, for good. My mother... needs to die. And Ashton... he just needs to stay the hell out of my life."

Ryan's eyes flared with anger, and he slammed his hand against the wall next to my head, making me flinch slightly, though I didn't move away. I stood my ground, meeting his furious gaze. His jaw was clenched his body tense with the effort to rein in his emotions.

"I'm doing this," I said quietly, my voice firm despite the storm of emotions swirling inside me. "Whether you like it or not."

"If you won't help me now, I'll just talk to Jace," I said, my voice tight with frustration. "When I go to this ball, I'll speak to the Golden Triad and see if they're interested in making an alliance."

I tried to step around Ryan, but he shoved me back against the wall with force, his eyes flashing with anger.

"What the hell are you talking about, the Golden Triad? You mean the most ruthless Mafia in the world? You think they'll help you? He could kill you," Ryan snapped, his voice low and full of warning.

Before I could respond, the door slammed open, and Oliver stormed in, his eyes narrowing when he saw the tension in the room. Without a second thought, he grabbed Ryan by the arm and yanked him off me.