Page 1

Chapter one

Ava

My proclamation echoes through the crowd, empowering the women gathered around me. My voice carries clear and strong across the feminist rally.

"We will no longer be silent!" I watch as my words ignite a fire in the women assembled in the crowd. "The time has come to shatter the glass ceilings that have confined us for far too long. To break free from the chains of oppression and embrace our true power as women." The energy in the air is electric, as we raise our voices together in unity, fighting for change. It is a powerful moment, one that will be remembered by everyone in attendance for years to come.

The sound of the crowd's cheers and applause is deafening, each individual voice merges together as one to form a powerful wave of noise that can no longer be ignored. The enthusiasm of the women in the crowd fuel my determination, ready to lead the charge.

"We demand equal pay, equal opportunities, and an end to the insidious misogyny that pervades our society," the words tumble from my lips with fervor. "This is our moment to rise up and claim our rightful place—."

"You can't seriously believe the ridiculous nonsense you're spewing." My speech is abruptly cut off by a deep baritone voice, slicing through the buzz of the crowd like a knife.

Everyone gathered around falls silent, their attention now focused on the unexpected interruption. I turn to face the source, my eyes landing on a man standing near the back of the crowd with his arms folded across his broad chest. Even at this distance, I can make out the sharp angles of his jawline and the intensity of his ice-blue eyes.

A wave of murmurs ripple through the audience as I hold the strangers stare. The tension in the room is palpable, and my grip on the podium tightens as I prepare myself to challenge him.

"Excuse me?" I speak up, louder than before, keeping my voice strong. I will not back down or cower to this man, but he isn’t backing down either. He takes a few steps forward, his eyes locked onto mine without a hint of hesitation.

"I said, you can't seriously believe the ridiculous nonsense you're spewing." His words are a challenge, daring me to respond. The audacity of this man. How dare he come into this space, my space, and try to tear it down with his misogynistic rhetoric?

I feel my cheeks flush red as the anger builds in my chest. "Who do you think you are?" I narrow my eyes on him. The damn nerve of this man.

He continues to approach the podium I’m standing behind with confidence.

"You can't just come in here and say that I don't, how did you say it again? Oh, that's right—I couldn’t possibly believe the nonsense I'm spewing."

With a smug smile on his face, he extends his hand, a business card between his fingers. "Ryder Donovan," he introduced himself, "Just stating my personal opinion, of course."

Damn, he’s gorgeous. Ava… stop. You cannot seriously find this man attractive right now.

Before I can even respond, Ryder turns his back to me and walks away, leaving me flustered. I can feel my heart pounding in my ears as my temper rises. Confused, I stand there, mute, trying to process what had just happened.

Finally breaking my silence, I address everyone in the room. Scanning the sea of expectant faces before me, I'm reminded of the significance of our mission. Particularly when there are men who still think equal rights are below them.

I conclude my speech and open the floor for the group's questions. Even as I attempt to maintain my concentration, my mind keeps wandering back to thoughts of him. After addressing the final question, I express my gratitude to everyone who has come out to see me today.

I walk off the stage and Danie is there to greet me, "Ava, are you okay? You handled that asshole perfectly!" My best friend Danie gives her approval, as she comes to stand by my side.

I force a smile, still feeling rattled from the confrontation with Ryder. "Thanks, Danie. It's just frustrating how closed-minded some people can be." As I speak, I can feel my hands shaking slightly with residual adrenaline.

Danie laces her arm through mine as we gracefully make our way off the stage, the bright lights and pulsing music fade into the background behind us.

"Speaking of open minds, did you catch that guy's name?" One perfectly groomed eyebrow raises suggestively as she leans in closer. "He may be an ass, but you can't deny he's also one hot piece of ass."

I laugh at her boldness, "Don't even go there," I warn, playfully nudging her shoulder. I can’t blame her though, despite his annoying behavior, I see what Danie is talking about. He is definitely attractive. "He is just a typical guy, Danie. Spewing the same BS. 'Why should women have the same privileges as men?' Blah, blah. Just because he may be hot, doesn't mean he isn't full of himself."

"Yeah, but you don't actually know that, Ava. You are going off of one comment that he made. You don't know what he believes unless you ask him." She gives me a pointed look.

Damnit, she has a point. A lot of guys tend to think being a feminist means we automatically despise men, which is completely wrong. Unfortunately, because of all the false narratives floating around and the very small group of feminists that actually do feel that way, everyone assumes all feminists share those same extreme views. The fact that those voices tend to be the loudest doesn't mean they represent what feminism is really about.

Maybe we can have an actual conversation like two adults. I could hear him out and he could hear me out. Why would Ryder give me his contact information if he didn't want me to contact him? I reason with myself, my fingers toying with the embossed lettering on the small rectangle of cardstock.

"I'm going to invite him for coffee tomorrow," I say to Danie, but more to myself. "You know, just to hear him out." I can feel the blush rising in my cheeks as I say it.

A smirk spreads across Danie's face. "Oh sure, Ava. 'Hear him out.' That's definitely the only reason you want to see Mr. Tall, Ripped, and Brooding again. You definitely want to hear him talk. His dirty talk."

Just to be clear, this has nothing to do with the fact that Ryder is probably the most gorgeous man I have ever laid eyes on in real life.

I playfully slap her arm as we reach the exit, a smile tugging at my own lips. "Oh, come on, you know that I am not in any place to entertain that idea. I want to have Clint completely gone and out of my life before I even think about starting anything with someone else."

"No one mentioned jumping into a relationship. I'm suggesting you let someone clear out those cobwebs," she teases with a laugh.

As we start to head home to our apartment, I pull out my phone and send Ryder a quick text.

Hi Ryder. This is Ava Jade. I would like to invite you to meet me for coffee tomorrow if you would be up for it. We could discuss our difference of opinion.

That sounds professional. If he says no or doesn't respond, no big deal.

Ryder : Good evening Ms. Jade. Where do you have in mind?

Shit, he responded. He wasn’t actually supposed to respond.

Do you know the Grind and Shine coffee shop on 3rd street?

Ryder : I do.

Do you want to meet there tomorrow? Around 11:00 AM?

Ryder: That works for me. I'll see you then. Maybe keep your claws at home?

Oh, this guy thinks he is so funny.

Maybe, it all depends on how well behaved you are if they come out or not.

Ryder: Promises, promises. I'll see you tomorrow, Ms. Jade.

"What did I just do?" I mumble to myself. This is definitely not going to end well.

I sit in the small booth, my fingers drumming anxiously on the wooden tabletop as I wait for Ryder to arrive at the coffee shop. Though his bold interruption at my rally yesterday still irritates me, I'd be lying if I said I wasn't a little excited at the thought of seeing him today.

I glance down at my fitted white shirt and jeans, smoothing out a wrinkle in my shirt with my hand. The outfit is casual but still put-together—perfect for a coffee meetup. Still, I can't help but fuss, nervously tugging at the hem of my shirt to make sure it sat just right.

My fingers comb through my long blonde hair, checking for any tangles. I spent extra time this morning styling it into soft waves, but now I worry it looks too fussy. With a sigh, I drop my hands to my lap.

Get it together, Ava. It's just coffee.

But this isn't really just coffee, is it? This is a chance to challenge Ryder's views, to make him see things from my perspective. At least, that's what I keep telling myself. I refuse to admit that part of me was simply eager to see those baby blue eyes again.

My head snaps up when the bell above the door chimes, but it’s just another patron. I force myself to take a deep breath, counting to five as I exhale. I need to get it together. This is just another man. A very sexy man, but just another man all the same.

I reach for my water glass, hoping to get rid of the Sahara Desert that is happening in my mouth. As I lift it to my lips, the bell above the door chimes again. This time when I look up, Ryder stands in the doorway. His eyes scan the room before landing on me. A small smirk tugs at his lips as he makes his way over to where I sit waiting.

Despite his relaxed attire—a plain white t-shirt that stretches tightly across his chiseled torso and dark wash jeans—he radiates a sense of authority. His broad shoulders fill the space around him, and when his eyes meet mine, my breath catches in my throat.

"Ryder," I say, trying to sound casual. "I have to admit, I'm surprised you actually came today."

One dark brow curls upward in amusement. "And why is that, Ms. Jade? I'm a man of my word."

I smile, "That's good to know."

The waiter walks over then, a polite smile on his lips as he approaches our table. He takes our drink order with his eyes lingering appreciatively on Ryder's muscular body the entire time. I giggle to myself at the way he is so blatantly flirting with him—batting his eyelashes, leaning in just a little bit too close. I have to give it to the man; he certainly has good taste. It’s hard to imagine anyone not being attracted to a man like Ryder.

What impresses me even more, though, is no matter how much attention the waiter gives him, his focus stays squarely on me. As the waiter reluctantly retreats behind the front counter to get our drinks, I find myself both amused and oddly flattered by the entire exchange.

Remembering why I invited this man for coffee, I start with the most pressing question I have. "Why in the hell did you interrupt my speech last night? It was kind of a dick move. There is a Q his eyes fill with understanding. I appreciate that he doesn't offer empty condolences, allowing me to continue at my own pace when I’m ready.

My voice catches in my throat as I speak, the memories still fresh and raw in my mind even after all these years. "When I was nine years old, my mom and dad died in a car crash," I say, swallowing back the tears threatening to spill over. "It was just me and my older brother, August, after that. We had to uproot our lives and move across the country to live with our grandparents. My mom was always my role model. I looked up to her in every way possible." My voice trembles as I continue, "I guess in a sense, pursuing her passion is my way of keeping her memory alive and feeling a connection to her."

I remember those first few months after the accident—how lost I had felt without my mom there. I wasn't sure how I was going to make it without her.

August was my rock, the one who made sure I kept going to school and tried to maintain some sense of normalcy. He even had a girl at school teach him how to braid my hair just like our mom used to do.

"Those were really tough years," I admit, "But my grandparents did their best to raise us right.”

For a moment, I think I see a flicker of understanding, even admiration, in his eyes .

"I apologize, once I start talking about them, it's hard for me to stop."

He reaches over and squeezes my hand. “That is understandable when it's a subject so close to your heart.” Ryder offers a comforting smile.

"What about your brother, August?" he asks. "You mentioned he was there for you after your parents passed."

"He was six years older than me, but he stepped up and took care of me after we lost mom and dad."

I can still picture his goofy grin and tousled brown hair so vividly. August had always been my protector, the one who made sure I was safe and happy no matter what.

"He was my biggest cheerleader." I continue, "Auggie was the one who taught me how to drive, and how to throw a punch."

Ryder remains silent, allowing me to gather my thoughts and I appreciate his patience.

The waiter arrives with our coffees. "Here you go, handsome," he says with a flirtatious wink at Ryder as he carefully places our drinks in front of us.

Ryder responds with a curt nod and a quick thank you. Dismissing the poor guy without a second thought. The steam rises from the cups, filling the air with the rich aroma of freshly brewed coffee.

Focusing back on the conversation, I continue. "After high school, August enlisted in the military. He wanted to serve his country. To make a difference in the world like our parents had."

The memory of his beaming smile as he showed off his uniform still brought a mixture of pride and heartache. Auggie had been so eager to begin his service, so convinced that he could change lives for the better.

"He… he didn't make it back from his second tour overseas," I whisper, blinking back the tears. "His unit was gunned down while on a supply run."

I can still remember the sharp, gut-wrenching pain of seeing the officers at my door, the way the world seemed to stop spinning on its axis at that moment. Losing Auggie had ripped another hole in my already fragile heart.

Ryder reaches across the table again, his calloused palm covering my trembling hand in a gentle squeeze. The simple gesture provides an anchor, grounding me in the present and allowing me to continue.

Ryder looks like he is trying to figure me out. Staring at my face like it holds some secret.

"Your brother is August Jade?" He seems a little confused as he questions me.

I nod slowly, waiting for Ryder to elaborate.

"The two of you lived next door to me growing up." Ryder states in disbelief, looking at me as if have grown a third head.

"That's impossible, I would have remembered you. Also, there weren't any kids that lived around us. My grandparents lived on a farm. There wasn't a neighbor for three miles in either direction."

"Not by your grandparents, before when your mom and dad were still alive. August and I were best friends. I know a lot happened before you moved away, but I can't believe you've completely forgotten about me." He places his palm against his chest in mock offense.

This can't be true. I would have recognized him before. I mean, wouldn't I?

I look at him, like really look at him while thinking back to my childhood all those years ago. I feel my eyes widen and my mouth falls open in surprise as the pieces start to fall into place. "Oh my god, Ry!" I gasp.

He laughs as I lean across the table to wrap my arms around his neck, probably too tightly, giving him a big hug.

"Yeah, August and I, we were best friends as kids. Inseparable, really." The smile on Ryder’s face grows as he talks fondly of my brother. "Ava, your brother was one of the best men I’ve ever met and the best friend I’d ever had—loyal to a fault, with a heart of gold."

I can’t believe this twist of fate, my mind whirling as long-forgotten childhood memories resurface. "I can't believe I didn't recognize you sooner," I murmur, studying Ryder's chiseled features with new eyes.

"You've certainly… grown up." I say, thinking back to the teenage boy I had such a crush on when I was a little girl.

"It’s been a long time, Ava. We were just kids back then. I remember you following us around everywhere. When we would go on dates, you would get so mad at us because you couldn't go too." Ryder chuckles at the memory. "You'd be waiting for us on the front porch with the saddest look on your face."

I laugh. "That's because I was so jealous of the girls you'd go on dates with. I always thought we were going to grow up and get married. Then you and Auggie would have been real brothers."

The look of shock that crosses his face is adorable. "You wanted to marry me?" he asks in surprise.

"Don't let that head on your shoulders get too big. At one point I also wanted to marry the Cookie Monster. I remember you and August were always getting into trouble, driving my mom crazy."

"Those really were good times. The best memories I have from my childhood are with your brother." Ryder says with a faraway look, but his face turns serious as he goes on. "I was crushed when I heard about what happened to your mom and dad. I thought of them as my second parents. I spent almost as much time with you and your family as I did with my own. Watching you and August leave town afterward ripped my heart out. I actually begged my parents to let you two live with us. I wanted to keep you and August with me so badly, and I just didn’t understand why my parents couldn’t keep you." He let out a soft laugh at the memory.

"And then when August didn't come back from his last tour..." He shook his head slowly. I recognize the grief that flashes across his face. It’s a feeling I know all too well. "I'm so sorry you had to go through that all alone. That’s a hell of a lot to carry. You’re a strong woman, Ava."

Squeezing his hand gratefully, I feel a profound connection growing between us. "Thank you, Ry. It definitely hasn’t been easy, but we can't choose the cards we are dealt."

Clearing his throat, Ryder asks "What else do you do besides go and get the women population charged up to burn their bras?"

"I am a professor at Seattle University, specializing in women's studies."

“How do you find time to do the rally's when you are a professor? That alone has to keep you pretty busy.”

"Well, it is summer break after all. No classes to worry about for another month. Usually, I would be traveling during this time, but I've been immersing myself in a writing project on the evolution of women across different decades. Specifically, how it shapes and influences the next generation of women," I share with him.

"That's remarkable, Ava. You've achieved so much. I know August and your parents would be as proud of you as I am," Ryder remarks.

Tears start to well up in my eyes again. I blink quickly, hoping one won’t fall down my cheek causing my makeup to run. Who would have thought I would need to put on waterproof mascara? This is not how I thought my casual meeting with Ryder over coffee would play out. "Thank you, that means a lot to me."

“What is it that you do for work?” I ask him after taking a few moments to compose myself. I lean back in my seat trying to create some space between us. I feel this unexplainable pull towards him.

"Me and a few of the guys I served in the military with went into business together. After we were discharged, we pulled all of our money together and started a private security firm, Axiom Security Specialists. Ethan picked the name from our unit's callsign, Axiom. We all loved the name, but Ethan liked that it was abbreviated to 'A.S.S.' and he could say ass during meetings. He's the practical joker of the group." His grin spreads as he shakes his head. "We also own two nightclubs together here in Seattle.”

"And you also own a nightclub? How do you find the time to run a security firm and a club? And you said that I have achieved a lot?" I’m genuinely impressed by everything he and his friends have built for themselves.

"Yes, but you did it on your own, Ava. I have my team—Ethan, Keith, and Chase. They are good guys who carry their weight. And we own two clubs, actually.” He shoots me a lopsided grin, “What can I say, we like to keep things interesting, and none of us are big on down time.”

"Which clubs do you own?” I am curious if I’d heard of them before.

"We own Blaze and Club X," he tosses out casually. As if owning Blaze, the most popular night spot in Seattle is no big deal.

Blaze is always packed to max capacity and buzzing with energy. And Club X—well, I've heard the whispers about that place, but never anything concrete. I know that you need a password or key card to get into it.

"Wow, that's quite impressive, Ryder. I've been to Blaze a lot. It's incredible—the energy, the music, the whole vibe. I remember dancing until my feet ached and my ears were ringing, but in the best way possible. How do you go from having a security firm to owning nightclubs? I mean, it seems like quite a leap from combat zones and a security firm to cocktails and dance floors. There must be an interesting story there."

Ryder settles back against his seat, "The nightclubs were more of an unexpected opportunity that came our way. Nothing particularly fascinating about it. Plus," he continues with a grin, "We figured if we were going to work hard, we might as well play hard too. The clubs allow us to do both."

I can't help but laugh at that. "I suppose that's one way to look at it. But Club X... I've heard rumors, but no one seems to know much about it. Why all the mystery?"

“It's not mysterious at all. It’s simply a private club that caters to a more exclusive clientele,” Ryder clarifies. "Before we owned the club, we rented the office space above Club X," Ryder began. "They were cheap enough for a group of guys just starting a company, which is exactly what we needed at the time. I already knew the owner." I watch as he glances at his cell, his fingers moving swiftly across the screen to send a message.

"Sorry about that. I had to handle something." Looking up from his phone, his eyes find mine again. "After we began making a little money, we started renovating the office space to make it into what we needed it to be." Ryder takes a sip of his coffee and goes on. "The old owner was selling both clubs because of some health issues. He and I had known each other for years and had built a good relationship. When he decided to sell, he gave us a good price for both of them, knowing we'd take care of them. We jumped at the opportunity and purchased them."

The pride in his voice is evident. "The rest, as they say, is history."

"Wow, that is really impressive, Ryder. How did you know the previous owner?"

Ryder seems amused by my question, "I was a member of Club X."

"Really?"

“Yes, but that's all you'll get on that subject for now." His tone is teasing but firm. He is definitely not the same teenage boy I watched pick food out of his braces at my family’s dinner table.

"Come on. You have to tell me if the rumors are true or not." There have been so many stories about Club X and what exactly goes on inside—wild sex parties, satanic rituals, even one claiming it is a brothel. I'm pretty sure none of that is true, but I’ve never known anyone who has been on the inside to ask .

"That depends on the rumors you've heard." His eyes are locked onto mine, daring me to voice the thoughts swirling in my head.

Even though a part of me wants to push further, I can't bring myself to ask if those rumors are true. The words are caught in my throat, even though I so badly want to know. My imagination runs wild with possibilities of what happens inside the club, and now more importantly, what does Ryder do behind those closed doors? I bite my lower lip, struggling to maintain my composure, the tension between us growing.

Ryder chuckles, his deep laugh and his eyes gleam with amusement. He is enjoying watching me squirm and purposely avoids spilling any of the juicy details.

"Maybe next time you're at Blaze, I can buy you a drink at the owner's table.” It doesn’t go unnoticed how he gracefully gives me an out, allowing me to save face after my obvious curiosity about Club X. Part of me is relieved, while another part feels a bit of disappointment at the change of subject. Still, the prospect of seeing him again at Blaze excites me.

"That sounds like fun, Ry. Maybe we should do that sometime."

The conversation flows onto safer topics. Ryder can actually be really charming. We laugh, having a great time together over a good conversation.

"How about I take you to dinner tonight? It’s getting kind of late, and I could eat."

Before I can say yes, my phone buzzes loudly in my pocket. I pull my phone out to see a text from Danie. Of course she knows the perfect time to interrupt.

Danie: You ready for tonight, babes? Our Uber will be here at 7!

I quickly glance at the time on my phone. Shit, it's almost 4 now.

"I would love to, but unfortunately I already have plans for tonight. Maybe we can have dinner another time?" I feel a twinge of regret as the words leave my mouth. Part of me wants to cancel my plans with Danie and spend the evening with Ryder instead.

"I'm sorry," I add, trying to soften the rejection. "It's just that my best friend and I have had this night out planned for a while now. But I'd really like to take a rain check if that's okay with you."

Hey, I'm still with Ryder. I'm leaving now, I'll see you soon

Danie: You're still with him!!! OMG are you having sex?

No! I'll tell you about it when I get there.

Danie: That's a bummer.

Trust her to think I'll sleep with him after our first conversation. I adore her.

His lips stretch into a slow smile, giving me a glimpse of perfect white teeth. "I won't dare interfere with your prior commitments."

"We're actually heading to Blaze tonight. Maybe we'll see you there. Who knows? It could be a fun coincidence." I pause, realizing how much I have genuinely enjoyed our conversation. "Honestly, it was great to catch up with you. I didn't expect this when I asked you to coffee, but I'm really glad I did. It was nice to talk about Auggie and my parents with someone who knew them."

"Of course." Ryder rises from his seat to say goodbye. Before I can react, he reaches out and pulls me into a tight hug.

God, he smells so good.

"It was good to catch up with you, too Ava."

As we pull apart, Ryder places a gentle kiss on my cheek. I begin to make my way out of the little coffee shop and as I do, I turn to wave goodbye to Ryder one last time. Turning back around, I walk face first into the glass door. I don't dare look up to see his reaction. But it turns out I don’t need to. I can hear his hysterical laughter behind me as I walk away as gracefully as I can.

I won't deny the initial spark of attraction I felt when I first met Ryder. But now, knowing his connection to August, it's like I've been given an unexpected gift—a piece of my brother's past that I never saw coming.