Page 44 of Ryder

I give him a high five as he pulls up outside my apartment and I step outside. Ryder exits the back seat and I look up at him as we cross over.

“Goodnight, it was nice seeing you again,” I manage. What else is there to say?

“Oh, you’ll be seein’ more of me, Sugar. Don’t worry about that.”

I narrow my eyes. “Why does that sound like more of a threat than anything?”

“Not a threat, just a promise.”

“What if I don’t want your promises?”

The annoying smirk appears on his even more annoying face. Why is he being such a dick?

“You said you were in love with me.”

“Was. Past tense. Now if you don’t mind…” I go to push past him but he blocks my way.

“When I’m convinced you’re actually happy, I might let you live your own life. Until then…”

“You’re an ass.” I shove him in the chest. “And you don’t get to tell me what to do.”

I flip him the bird — childish, I know. Then I wave to Luca as I pass by the front windscreen. Ryder can explain to my brother if he really wants. I’m past the point of caring, really.

I’m not even in my front door when my phone beeps.

Ryder

You’re cute when you’re mad

Me

Leave me alone!

Ryder

If you really mean that, then why do your cheeks flush and your breathing accelerates whenever I’m close by?

Me

Plotting ways to end you takes up valuable resources

Ryder

You wish

Me

You just can’t stay away

Ryder

We have history, not just gonna forget that bc you’re ‘not unhappy’

Seeing my words flung back at me — and in print — makes me falter for a second. He’s right, in a way. I couldn’t wholeheartedly say that I am happy. Happier? Maybe, but things with Jimmy have been tense. He drinks a lot, and sometimes he’s mean when he’s drunk. He’s never hit me or anything. Well, he’s grabbed me once or twice, but I was giving him lip.

I stop myself.

Am I justifying his bad behavior? He only gets mad when he’s jealous, or when he’s had too many drinks. The rest of the time he’s funny, sweet and charming. He’s just really busy right now with the club. There’s so much going on in the business — which I wasn’t lying about. It’s also why Jimmy is barely ever around. I also don’t like the clubhouse because some of the guys look at me weird. I wouldn’t feel safe without Jimmy there, so I only go when he’s around.

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