Chapter 254: Big Joe

Savannah “You’ve got some nerve,” Ryan said, his voice low and chilling, “coming in here and thinking you can threaten me.” His hand was still at my throat. I grabbed his wrist instinctively, trying to pry his fingers loose, but he only tightened his grip. Pressure built fast and sharp, cutting off my breath. “Ryan—let go,” I choked. A smile tugged at his mouth. Not amused. Not cruel. Just confident. “Not so tough now, are you?” Something hot and feral snapped inside me. And with my free hand, I swung. The sound of the slap echoed. His head turned slightly with the impact. For a split second, his grip loosened. I sucked in air greedily, staggering back, my lungs burning. My neck throbbed where his fingers had been, already tender, already bruising. “You bastard,” I spat, rubbing my throat. “What is wrong with you?!” Ryan slowly lifted a hand to his cheek, fingertips brushing the spot where I’d struck him. He looked almost… incredulous. As if the idea that I’d dared touch him hadn’t ful