Page 63 of Double Standards

“Ryder,” he answers my silent question. “Axel sent me.”

The air leaves my lungs and words fail me. Finally, I manage to whisper the only thing I can think of: “Hi.”

He nods and silently takes my hand, leading me to a sleek silver Mustang that gleams in the colorful New York lights.

“I’m taking you home,” he says as soon as I settle into the plush leather seat. I don’t respond. I just let him guide us through the city streets until we reach Lexie’s.

“Thank you.” I manage to stifle the words as I step onto the curb, facing Lexie’s apartment building.

“Stay safe, Cassie,” Ryder mutters back, and that’s the last we say before he peels away into the night.

Chapter Twenty-Two

I’m still riding the edge of that call with Cassie, the way her voice cracked just enough to show how rattled she was. She’s trying to keep it together, but I know that flutter in her tone isn’t just nerves—it’s fear. And it’s all because of that asshole Cooper, thinking he can mess with her without consequences.

The anger’s boiling low but steady in my chest, and I hate how much of myself she’s already wrapped around her little finger. I’m not even sure if it’s protection or possession driving me, but I know I won’t let anyone hurt her.

The front door clicks unlocked, and only a handful of people know the code. The heavy footsteps echo through the hallway—Ryder and Trigger. Both of them, here, unannounced.

“Axel,” Ryder’s voice cuts through the silence—low, rough, controlled, like he’s holding back a storm. “Just thought you’d wanna know… Cooper cornered Cassie tonight.”

I tighten my grip on the phone, eyes narrowing. “How the fuck do you know that?”

A pause, deliberate and heavy. Then Ryder says quietly, “Because I was there.”

The words hit like a fist. Not just that Cooper had the nerve,but that Ryder had to be the one to step in. That little prick thought he could test me by going after her—and got caught red-handed.

“Why the hell didn’t you call me right then?” I growl, voice low and sharp. “Should’ve wiped that fucker off the map.”

Ryder’s steady. “Didn’t want to make a scene. Figured I could handle it. But it got close. He was pushing her, Axel. Thought no one was watching.”

There’s something in Ryder’s tone—calm, measured—that hits me harder than the news itself. No panic, no wasted anger. Just cold, clear control. He didn’t rush me with the call, didn’t want to drag me into something that could spiral out of control before he had a handle on it. That kind of thinking—that patience—is rare. It’s the difference between a scuffle and a war.

I clench my jaw tight. The urge to explode claws at my chest, but a small part of me respects that restraint. Ryder’s handling the fallout, keeping Cassie safe, and waiting for the right moment for me to step in. I’m not the only one fighting for her. And maybe, just maybe, that’s what’s going to keep us both alive.

But it doesn’t stop my fists from balling. “I want to fucking kill him,” I roar, slamming my fist on the desk so hard papers scatter everywhere. “That fucknut’s lucky you got there first.”

Trigger snickers, leaning against the doorframe with that cocky smirk. Ryder exhales, calm but firm, attempting to pick up my mess.

“You can’t kill everyone who pisses you off,” Trigger smiles, shaking his head.

“Says who?” I spit, glaring between them.

“He’s a fucking nobody,” Ryder cuts in smoothly.

Trigger nods sharply. “Exactly. Why waste your time on a nobody?”

I know these two have my back, but sometimes I wish they didn’t. Sometimes I want to lose control. I’m not saying I’d killthe bastard—but maybe a little pain, a sharp reminder, would teach him to back off.

No. I can’t do that to Cassie. Not to her.

Ryder exhales again, voice dropping low. “I told him to back off. Made it clear there’ll be consequences if he tries again.”

“Good,” I grit out, eyes burning with barely contained rage. He doesn’t get to touch her—not once, not twice. No matter the cost, I’ll make sure of it. Cassie isn’t just collateral; she’s everything.

Ryder’s voice is calm, but the words cut sharp. Cooper’s desperate—been trying to sabotage her career, and tonight, he went for round two. Desperation makes assholes dangerous. They lash out without thinking. I’ve seen it before. This Cooper is playing with fire.

“Asshole,” I mutter, jaw clenched tight. I swear I’ll make him regret every breath he takes. Let him choke on the consequences of crossing me.