Page 56 of Loathing Ryan
I looked down at his hand still clasped around my wrist, and he quickly let it go before grinning at me. “I’m great. How are you? I heard about what happened.”
Honestly, I would’ve been more concerned if hehadn’theard what had happened. It was common knowledge by now. For years to come, I was sure the Bennett Institute and Hawthorne Academy classes would be regaling the tale of ‘Ryan and Izabel: Shipwrecked.’
“I’m just fine. I was actually—” I began, but Mark continued.
“Hey, look, I know what you went through must’ve been really scary. Especially being stuck with Ryan, knowing your history, and how much of an asshole he can be. I just wanted to let you know I’m here if you need anyone to talk to.” Mark’s brown eyes gleamed with something I couldn’t place as he smiled at me.
“Oh…” I paused. “Well, thanks, I appreciate it.” I looked behind my shoulder in the direction I was heading. “I was actually looking for Ryan. Have you seen him?”
The sparkle in his eyes dimmed a little, and his face fell. “Um, I thought I saw him with some of the soccer team and one of your friends.”
“Juliet?” I asked, curious. If Liam was over there, I was sure she wouldn’t be too far behind.
Mark shook his head. “Ah, no. Nahla and a few others.”
I groaned internally. I was really hoping I wouldn’t have to deal with her tonight. But of course, she would flock to wherever Ryan was. He was probably still on herto-do listfor the summer. “Great. Thanks, Mark. I’ll see you later.”
“Oh, okay. I’ll catch you later, Izabel,” Mark said, dejected. I kind of felt bad; Mark was a charming boy, but I had a bigger fish to fry, namely, Nahla.
For the second time now, I continued my trek to find Ryan. This time, I wasn’t interrupted, and it didn’t take long. There he was, standing with his buddies with a cup in hand. I had to take a second to admire my boyfriend. He wore a white golf shirt that made his bronze skin stand out. His hair was perfectly messed up. A complete accident, I was sure, yet he looked incredible.
As I was watching him, Ryan tossed his head back, laughing at something one of the guys said. I felt the butterflies in my stomach, just as they always did whenever Ryan was around. I now found Ryan attractive all the time, but there was something special about when he could relax and laugh like he was doing now. I fought off my own smile as I walked toward him.
Just as Mark had said, Nahla was all up on Ryan, pressing herself against his side. Ryan looked exceedingly uncomfortable and tried to shrug her off more than once as he was talking with his friends. I appreciated the effort, but it wouldn’t work. Nahla could be relentless. I couldn’t stand this girl. I scowled as she made her move on him.
As I approached him, it was as though he could physically tell I was near. His attention snapped over to me and scoured me from head to toe. I could see relief and a flare of desire in his green eyes that I lived for.
“Hey, handsome,” I said as I walked up next to him. I glared at Nahla before touching Ryan’s cheek and pulling him down for a scorching kiss.
Ryan groaned appreciatively in the back of his throat and put his hand on my hip, urging me closer. His lips parted with mine, and he pressed himself into me, tangling our tongues together. I begrudgingly pulled myself away from him and stepped against his side. Ryan wrapped an arm around my waist and kissed the top of my head again.
“Hey, Nahla,” I said. My arch-nemesis crossed her arms over her chest as she glared at me.
“Hi, Izabel. Nice show,” she snarked back.
I looked up at Ryan and bit my lip. “That was nothing. You should see us in bed.”
Ryan’s jaw went slack at my brazenness, but it didn’t look like he minded. The boys surrounding usoohed, and Nahla looked even more annoyed.
“That’s cute,” she sneered. “When you get tired of her, Ryan, you know where to find me.”
Ryan laughed out loud at her offer. “Thanks, but not a chance.” Nahla scowled again and stormed off, her diligent followers trailing after her. He pulled me closer and looked me over again. “Heya, Bells.”
I stepped around to face him and wrapped my arms around his neck. “Hey, yourself.”
He grinned. “That was hot, by the way. It was enlightening to see your jealous side.”
“Please,” I scoffed. “That wasn’t jealousy. Nahla’s not worth jealousy.”
“You’re right,” Ryan admitted. “You know why?”
“Why?”
“’Cause she means nothing, and you mean everything.”
My thoughts returned to what Juliet said earlier today about Ryan being notorious for his hookups. I didn’t see him being like that anymore. This confrontation with Nahla just confirmed it.
I smiled and put my head against his shoulder. Ryan adjusted so his cheek was resting against my hair. “You are really cheesin’ it up tonight.”
