Lila

I swallowed. “My uncle’s back,” I said quietly. “And I think he looks quite mad. Let’s stop for now.”

Jerry followed my gaze. He nodded once. “Yeah. Good call.”

He pulled Sunny to a gentle halt. She stopped smoothly. Jerry swung down first, then reached up to help me.

Before his hands could touch my waist, Ryder was there. He moved fast—faster than I expected.

“Take your hands away from her,” he said. His voice was low and hard. “And leave. Isn’t it the end of the day for you?”

Jerry froze. Confusion crossed his face. He stepped back immediately, hands raised.

“Sorry, boss,” he said quickly. “Didn’t mean...