Valentina’s POV
His words froze time and I was still confused not until Ryker’s fist snapped forward, meeting my cheek with bone-crushing force.
He slapped me heavily.
I flew back and hit the wall behind me. Pain exploded in my skull, stars burst across my vision, and my breath knocked out of me like a bell struck too hard.
I slid to the floor, my back pressed against the cold wall. My hands trembled, trying to fan swirling heat from my face.
I looked up painfully. One look. One word made the thunder in my head still.
Emerald. He’d gathered her close, his face buried in her hair. His arms trembled, the rage hadn’t gone, but something else cracked inside his chest.
“Ryker—” Raccoon stepped forward, placing a steady hand on his shoulder, “Let her be please.”
His voice was stronger t
