Ryan raised his hand and gently ruffled my hair, his voice as soft as ever. “Gabby, if Vincent ever does anything out of line—if you ever need me—just say the word.”

“I’ll be there. Right away.”

I swallowed the surge of emotions threatening to rise and gave a small nod. “Thank you,” I whispered.

Ryan gave a bitter smile, his voice rough and strained. “You never needed to thank me. Not between us.”

For a split second, I ...