'Astrid?' Ryker's voice cuts through the air, filled with concern.
I continue walking, ignoring him, my gaze fixed firmly on the path ahead. Ryker persists, falling into step beside me. 'Astrid?' He repeats, his voice soft but insistent.
Refusing to acknowledge him, I keep my head down, my silence a shield against his intrusion into my life. But Ryker is determined. He gently seizes my wrist, and an electric current of sparks seems to surge through me at his touch. He tugs gently, pulling me back towards the diner.
'Ryker! Let me go!' I protest vehemently, my voice carrying my anger and frustration.
'No, Astrid, I won't,' he declares, halting and turning to face me. 'I looked for you all night after you ran off, and I've been searching for you all day yesterday and today. We need to go back to Jim's Diner to talk,' he insists, his grip on my wrist firm.
'There's nothing to talk about,' I retort, attempting to free my wrist from his grasp.
Ryker's expression tightens with determination, and before I can react, he scoops me into his arms. A sharp cry escapes my lips as the pain radiates through my injuries, and he quickly sets me down, his eyes filling with worry. I hunch over, gasping for breath, trying to endure the pain.
'I'm so sorry, Astrid. I didn't mean to hurt you. Are you okay?' He asks, guilt across his face.
'I'm fine, just please don't touch me,' I reply, my trembling voice revealing my pain.
Ryker studies me intently, realizing there's more to my distress than just my previous physical injuries. He gently pushes my hoodie down, his expression darkening as he growls softly, his eyes locked on the bruises around my neck and chest. 'Astrid! Please look at me?' He pleads, his voice filled with worry and sorrow.
Reluctantly, I lift my gaze to meet Ryker's piercing blue eyes, tears streaming down my battered and puffy cheeks. I don't know why, but I feel so ashamed of myself.
'Oh, Astrid...' Ryker murmurs, his voice heavy with defeat and sorrow. He gently brushes a tear from my bruised cheek. I flinch from the mixture of sparks and pain. I shift back slightly, avoiding his gaze, my eyes fixed on the ground.
'Astrid, I didn't mean to hurt you,' he says gently, his voice laden with remorse.
'I know,' I reply quietly, my voice barely a whisper.
'Can you please walk with me to the diner so we can talk?' Ryker begs in a low, desperate tone.
With a slow nod, I surrender to the fatigue and the overwhelming emotions. Ryker helps me stand, and together, we make our way to the diner, neither of us speaking.
Ryker maintains his close stride beside me, his gaze fixed on my downcast figure. The front entrance of the diner looms ahead, and as we approach, one of Ryker's men swiftly opens the door. 'Alpha,' he acknowledges with a nod. Ryker enters but then turns to find me hesitating at the threshold. My arms are wrapped around myself, an unconscious attempt to shield my body.
Observing my reluctance, Ryker tilts his head slightly, his expression one of concern. 'Astrid, you worked here for almost a year, and now you're afraid to come inside?' He says.
I nibble on my lower lip, glancing up at him. 'It's just that I'd prefer Jim didn't see me in this state,' I confess softly.
Ryker pauses, contemplating my words. 'Will you be okay here for a minute? I'll tell Jim to stay in the kitchen, okay?' He offers, concerned for my well-being.
I nod in agreement and settle onto the step outside the diner's entrance. My eyes trail along the ground as I wait.
A few moments later, the clamor of clanging pots and pans echoes from within the diner, accompanied by Jim's angry shouts demanding to see me. I quickly rise to my feet, pivoting as I spot Ryker restraining Jim, who is a mix of fury and distress, upon discovering that I've been hurt again. Realizing that Jim won't be easily alleviated, I deeply breathe and steel myself for what's to come. I move towards them.
'Jim...' I speak softly, my voice trembling with a hint of vulnerability. 'I didn't want you to see me this way, but I can see you aren't going to allow anyone to stop you from seeing me, so I may as well get this over with,' I admit to him, keeping a cautious distance. Ryker continues to hold Jim back, understanding the need for caution.
Jim ceases his struggle against Ryker's grip, his posture stiffening as he takes in my appearance. Grateful for the concealing hoodie and jeans, which hide the other marks and injuries down my arms, legs, and body, I try to hold his gaze.
'Astrid...' Jim utters my name, his eyes welling up with unshed tears.
Ryker releases him, allowing Jim to take a step closer. However, I instinctively step back, wary and vulnerable.
Jim freezes and glances back at Ryker. 'I'll get you some ice,' he murmurs, retreating towards the kitchen.
The other men in the diner stare at me, cringing at my injuries. Their expressions wince with discomfort as they take in my visible injuries. Feeling the weight of their stares, I return their gaze with a hard, defiant glare, making them quickly avert their eyes.
Jim breaks the tense silence, gesturing toward an empty cushion seat. 'Astrid, take a seat here,' he offers with concern.
He walks to the diner door, flipping the sign from 'open' to 'closed' and locks it securely with a key, causing my eyes to widen with apprehension as I watch the door.
Ryker raises his hands, attempting to alleviate my unease. 'It's fine, Astrid. I don't want us to be interrupted. I'll unlock the door when you're ready to leave,' he reassures me.
Hesitantly, I nod and make my way to the offered seat. Ryker settles in beside me, and Jim approaches, discreetly passing me an ice pack without making eye contact. He returns to the kitchen, leaving us in relative privacy.