— ryker.
Lying to members of the Jackals was never easy, even after the years of experience that Ryker had with everyone else. But it was necessary in times like this. He couldn’t very well start mouthing off about the messages he was receiving from A. There was no telling what the asshole would do if it got out — especially considering what Ryker had already gone through to keep the video secret. “It’s complicated,” he started, diverting his gaze away from her now. “It was either Alejandro or Harlow, and I couldn’t choose her. Believe me, there was no other option. I wish there had of been.”
Maria didn’t want to believe anything he was saying right now, but what else could she believe? And she trusted that he was telling the truth. She had to trust any of the Jackals. They were her family. They always had been. “Then un-complicate it. I don’t understand why you wouldn’t have come to any of us. Now Alejandro is locked up. And for what? An ‘it’s complicated’? Come on, Ryker.” A sigh left her mouth, her hands running through her hair. “Are you good? Like nothing’s going on, right?”













