Page 90 of Ryder
“Yeah. For the record, I told you it was a fucking dumbass thing to do, but you wouldn’t listen. I figured it was safer to supply what you wanted, and be on standby in case anything went wrong.”
I’d started to shiver, so Ice hauled me up, helped me gargle with a few handfuls of water, and then dragged me back to the bed, pulling back the covers and shoving me under them.
“That’s better, now I don’t have to stare at your bare ass, or your junk.” He reached over to the bedside cabinet, grabbing my phone, which was propped up facing us.
“This is recording.”He stopped it, and turned to look at Tori. She was hovering near the kitchen, with a glass of water in her hand.
“I felt bad that he wouldn’t remember, so I videoed it for him.”
He turned back and handed me the phone.
“I promise you, brother. This happened because you made it possible. She didn’t do this to you without your consent this time.”
I nodded carefully as I took the phone.
“Yeah. I’m starting to remember coming to you. I don’t remember much after then though.”
I glanced at Tori, who was still staying away from me.
“I’m sorry, babe. I didn’t mean to freak out on you. Please come over here.”
She looked at the glass of water in her hand.
“Yes, please. I need that.”
She took a few steps closer, and stopped again.
“Ice could get you a fresh glass if you’re worried.”
I shook my head. “No, babe, I trust you. I’m sorry. I couldn’t remember anything when I woke up, but he’s right. I remember asking him for the drugs, and I remember why.”
Tori climbed onto the bed beside me, and pressed the glass of water in my hand, hovering for a moment in case I couldn’t holdit steady. She wasn’t staying as far away as usual. Was it a good sign?
Ice cleared his throat. “So you’re feeling okay now?” I nodded, and looked at Tori again.
“Did… did it give you what you needed?” Her cheeks flushed red, and she cast a glance at Ice before she looked back at me, nodding quickly. She was wearing one of my t-shirts, which covered her almost to her knees, and thank fuck she’d covered up before he came in, because I wasn’t strong enough right now, to kick his ass for having eyes.
“Hopefully when my body feels like mine again, I’ll be able to feel no blue balls anymore.”
Ice groaned. “Jesus, man. Can I go now please?”
I glanced at Tori. “You okay if he goes?” She was nodding again.
“Thank you, Ice. I didn’t know what to do when he first woke up. I’m… I… I’ve never been around for that part before. I didn’t know it makes people sick.”
He gestured at me. “He was sick last time too, but it could just be him. Apart from this, and some vodka now and then, he’s one of those weird clean living people.” He faked a shudder, and she smiled.
“Thank you for helping us.”
He nodded, reaching over to bump his fist against mine.
“I’m out. You’ve got my number, but don’t abuse it.”
After he left, Tori and I just stared at each other for a few moments. The silence that fell was no longer wary, or cautious. It was comfortable.
“So…”
She giggled. “That the best you can do?”
