Ryder
"They both didn't go into shock, did they?" Wilder asked out of breath as he plopped down on the seat a bottle of water in hand.
"Tess is alright, shaken up but fine. And she...well I'm not particularly sure," I said scratching the back of my neck a little nervously.
She has always been passive, not exactly brazen with her feelings but she's never been this cold, I thought watching her face but not a flicker of emotion passed through her face as she stared blankly into nothing sitting out on the patio or maybe she was just staring at the wall. Nevertheless it made me nervous. She's never been like this.
"I don't know. I lost him after a while. He must be familiar with the area to just disappear like that," Wilder said and I nodded in agreement.
This had done nothing but leave us with questions. Who was that person? And why did he break in? As far as I knew that was not a normal thief by bulgarly standards but that was just my opinion. Nothing seemed to be missing from the house.
"What about the parents?"
"She called," I said pointing to Tessa who was sitting in the living room. "They should be here soon."
"Right? I don't know bruh. I never expected so much drama on my first night back," he said and I shot him a glare. "What? I'm just saying it like I see it. Your...she's..I don't know. I expected her to freak out."
"Not everyone is a drama queen like you, Wilder."
"Still," he said but I didn't reply keeping my gaze on her but I couldn't help but agree with him. "She's like you. Expressionless and stuff. I see why you like her."
He said and I raised an eyebrow at him to see him sulk.
"Don't give me that look. I still believe she bewitched you," he said broodingly and I tried not to laugh.
Like the immature male he was, he'd never admit that the first impression she made on him, truly did impress him. It probably had something to do with threatening his balls without batting an eyelash but we both knew that at one point we'd been victim to one of us being used to get to the other. Other times some thought they could bag both of us with him getting the worst but her not sucking up to him intrigued him. The same way I was when she didn't approach me sparkle eyed and coy that you could see little stars and hearts in her eyes and floating around her. It didn't change even after the confession of attraction but anyone with a brain could see the sparkle in her eye that had been happening more than often lately. And even I had to agree even if she did suspect my feelings for her, she was a little slow with hers. Probably the reason Alice decided to step in and demand that I come out with my feelings already. There was also the slight mention of her giving a hand at my castration if I didn't woo her properly but that was a score we had to settle between us, I thought walking out to the patio after Wilder decided he was going exploring.
"Between who and why, what do you think should come first?" Her soft voice reached my ears as soon as I walked out the door.
"You'd have to know the person to know why they did what they did."
"So we practically have nothing to go on?"
"You could say that, for now. I believe that he.."
"She."
"Huh?"
"It's a she," she said biting her lower lip in hesitation before retrieving something from her pocket and I looked at her shocked.
"How did you get this?"
"It must have gotten stuck on my sweater when she shoved me."
"Trinity? Do you know anyone with that name?" I asked inspecting the gold necklace before turning to her as she shook her head no. "This is good."
"She'll be back," she says nodding her head as if in agreement but the more I think about it, the more I start to feel my own jaw clench.
"And I don't want you here when that happens," I blurt out before I can stop myself and yet I can't help but feel relieved I got it out as surprise flashes through her eyes but I glimpse a smile as she wraps her hands around my torso.
"The feeling is mutual," she murmured sliding her hand into mine before pressing a kiss to my jaw. "We'll figure it out."
She said squeezing my hand gently as I wrapped my other arm around her waist feeling my heat flutter slightly at 'we'.
"Why does it feel like I'm the one supposed to tell you that?" I asked as she regarded me with a sly smile before I pressed my lips against hers only to laugh when she made a pout when I pulled away and I was filled with the certain urge to be buried in her again.
It didn't matter what part of me, that's for sure. God knows that my pants were already strained the moment I saw her waiting for me in that booth begging to at least rub on her. I'd be lying if I said it wasn't partially the reason I had had her sit on my lap all night. Of course it had been torture whenever she wiggled her perky butt on my lap, which had led to questioning myself if I was really machosist, but I would go through it again and again. Maybe I should actually have a one-on-one with the guy because my balls were already combusting with heat begging to rub on her. Come to think of it, lately it seemed to have a mind of its own, more than normal. Could it be that I'd gotten a taste and it realized it couldn't get enough?
"You are but I'm mostly interested to see what this person will do?"
"Seriously?" I asked shocked as I saw her eyes glinting with mischief, smiling slyly. And it was definitely not the kind she had when she got Zoe kicked out at her party. As a matter of fact, I knew it too well. It was the same kind of smile Wilder and I pulled when we decided someone needed to pay for messing with us.
"Why do you sound surprised? I have an enemy in the shadows. Unlike Heather and Henley who show their hatred, I'm curious as to what they'll do next."
"You are crazy you know that."
"You like it," she said cheekily and grumbling inwardly, I realized it was true.
"Babydoll...?" I called trying to pull away to at least give a shot at warning her before she took things too far but my plea fell on deaf ears as she kissed me again, her arms wounding around my neck and my resolve was lost as I pulled her close hearing her beautiful moan grace my ears. Why was I pulling away again? "God, I want you so bad."
I muttered in frustration and her giggle resounded in the air as she leant against me and I sighed in content. Well, I guess she's fine after all, I thought cupping her cheeks and I gulped inwardly at the sight of her flushed face, swollen lips and those damn mismatched eyes darkened with lust.
"Don't ever show this face to anyone?" I growled in anger at the thought of anyone looking at her like this.
But before she could air out her confusion, a car is already pulling up and she visibly retracts to her shell.
"It's okay. Go back in. I'll talk to them," I say rubbing her arms and she nodded hesitating at the door before she turned to kiss me one more time as Wilder showed up a serious expression.
"Her room is trashed, but I guess you already figured as much."
"I had a hunch."
"She's coming with us, isn't she?"
"Without a doubt," I said with a curt nod as we turned to the couple making haste towards us.
**********
"And they agreed? Just like that?" She asked sounding skeptical about the situation and honestly I couldn't blame her.
"I promise, I asked as nicely as I could," I said and she scoffed before pouting.
"Fine, don't tell me but I know for sure no sane adult would leave a teenager, more so a female one in the hands of two male teenagers."
"Hey, we have Kaylee as a guardian."
"May I remind you her antics grow worse as she nears her due date," she says and I curse under my breath knowing she has me there.
But how could I explain that I practically used every method in my book to threaten them stay over for as long as she could in the name of whatever danger she would be in if she stayed in the house much longer. Okay, maybe I'd exaggerated some facts but the fact that people mostly avoided getting on our bad side helped. It didn't reduce the amount of hatred they probably had for me but I was well aware Tony had no intention of dragging the matter further. I had no idea why but he didn't want her in the limelight and as much as I agreed I was still suspicious.
"On the bright side, you'll get to spend time with me."
"Gee wow, now I see why Tessa gifted me a pack of condoms," she muttered under her breath and I could feel my eyebrows shoot up in surprise.
"What?" I asked amused and I could see her flush in embarrassment burying her face in her hands. Oops, do maybe I wasn't supposed to hear that, I thought with a chuckle.
"Shut up."
"Why would I? The girl has her mind set on the right place," I said teasingly and she punched my arm. "You know for someone so small, you sure pack a punch."
"How do you think I survived a life with my brother? Someone always had to set him straight," she said a certain twinkle to her eyes as she spoke of him.
"Sure you did."
"Hey, I have to thank my brother more than I'd like to admit. His stupidity trained me right. I could probably take you too."
"Jeez, you get a girl brought into the gym and she suddenly thinks she's Muhammad Ali," I said sarcastically and she shot me a frosty look explaining how she would definitely like to kick my ass. I don't doubt that she could.
"For the record, I can beat you both just as fine," she said before stopping and taking a deep breath. "Can we stop now? My feet can't take anymore."
"Already?"
"Hey, the longest I've gone is 3 hours. 4 if I push too hard and I have no intention of going to school feeling like my body is rejecting command center," she sassed and I chuckled slowing down. "I didn't know you liked morning runs."
I don't. "I needed the exercise and well you...had to focus your excess dark urges elsewhere," I said and she pouted making me laugh as she sat on the middle of the road and I watched her in awe.
The sky, a lovely shade of pink, purple and orange showing the light traces of the rising sun setting a soft glow on her tanned skin. Somehow with her sitting there, the cherry blossom tree behind her just about when the sun had started rising, looked like something out a painting than reality. When she told me why she had chosen the odd shade of hair color, I had thought she was unbelievably selfless. Now I could just about say it just about suited her more than anything as much as her jet black had the first time I saw her. Thinking about it, as we were still on the back side of the Stone estate, a few minutes of rest wouldn't hurt, I thought sitting down beside her.
"How are you still looking..fresh? I can barely keep my heart in my chest."
"Because unlike you, I've gone through coach Stratton's military training. I may not like the guy but I admit he's a good coach. There is also the fact I went to military school."
"You came back from there? Why?"
"Babydoll, am I supposed to believe you'd have joined military school just to meet me?"
"Don't flatter yourself. It's just that..I would have particularly chosen a non-stereotypical kind of school," she scowled and I laughed.
"I know what you mean."
"Then why?"
"The football in the school was shit." Let's not forget dragging out my high school years so the family business wasn't pushed into me early... at least till I met you.
"So it's safe to assume you came back for football?"
"Yeah, I may not be aiming to make a career off it but it doesn't mean I like it any less. We've always liked it and when my mom discovered we both liked it she spent days on learning basics to get us started on it even if she didn't grasp most concepts.." I said trailing off when I saw her watching me with a faint smile. "What?"
"It's okay to miss her," she said placing her hand on mine and I could feel my heart clench painfully.
"After getting over the guilt, I... suppose so," I muttered under my breath and I could feel her breath hitch before she squeezed my hand.
"It's safe to assume you haven't gotten over it," she whispered and I hugged my knees feeling slightly crestfallen as I stared blankly at the view infront of us. Not that I could really see anything.
"It's not that easy," I said letting out a shaky breath that I couldn't even recognize my voice anymore. "S-she was shot right in the head trying to protect me. Why do you think he's never around? Even if I never meant it to happen, maybe if I hadn't.."
"Ray..." I heard her call out softly and I trailed off realizing that I had turned into a babbling mess but the last thing I needed was her pity.
"I don't want your pity.."
"Good, because you aren't getting it," she cut me off and I looked at her shocked at the irritation in her voice. "You want to know what I think. The bitter truth, whatever happened happened. You can't change what happened, not unless you've found a way to travel back in time, which all in all could be disasterous and change your life into something just as worse or more."
"..." I choked on a breath at her cold tone, that is never heard and I watched like a deer caught in the headlights and despite my pride and the urge to walk away from this, definitely not liking her tone, I sat frozen in place pinned by those previously warm mismatched eyes.
"But that's besides my point. She gave her life for you. Do you think she did so so that you can drown wallowing in misery or the rest of your life? I think not. If that's what you think, then I'm guessing she's turning and tossing in her grave. I might have not known her but she sounds like a good mother and a good person at that," she said looking away and I caught the forlorn look on her face before she turned to me.
To my surprise, her cold voice didn't match the expression on her face as she scooted nearer and before I could realize what was happening she had already pulled me into a hug and my face landed on her chest but neither of us seemed to mind as I wrapped my arms around her waist pulling her closer and inhaling her scent as she ran her hand through my hair. Her powerful heartbeat seemed to be the last teir to complete the sense of melancholy that overwhelmed me.
"She would want you to be happy and not stuck in the past. As for your father, God knows what is going on through his head for blaming you for something that was and still is beyond your control? You know for someone so successful in the business arena and another ranking top in many areas in high school nevertheless, u feel both of you deserve a good bashing in the head. Your mother wouldn't have given such a priceless sacrifice if she didn't think you deserved to live out your life and you're dumb if you don't think so. I know it's not going to happen in one day, but moving on doesn't mean you'll forget her. You just have to find a way to come into terms with it. If not for your brother or for Kaylee or anyone who matters, at least do it for her."
And for you too, I thought pulling her even closer. I was lucky to have her, even more lucky that she could see through me and set me straight. I clenched my eyes shut at the thought of losing her. Just the mere thought of whoever broke in last night had my blood boiling. I didn't even what to think what could have happened if she didn't have the particular craving. I could have been there because I was heading towards her house anyway but what if the intention had been to hurt her? What if trashing majority of her stuff was just the substitute? I wondered a shudder passing through me. I couldn't bear the thought, not when I cared about her or felt some unfathomable emotion that I wouldn't dare mention out loud.
"I'm not sure if you are insulting me or comforting me?" I blurted out and I could hear her chuckle as I looked up at her.
"Trust me, I'm doing both," she said with a faint smile as we stared into each other's eyes. I broke it first for a moment feeling myself flustered and in embarrassment. I knew she wouldn't tease me for it since she had broken down more than once in front of me but as strange as it was, it was oddly gratifying.
"The sunrise seems oddly satisfying, don't you think?"
"Yeah."
"Piggy back ride back to the house? You don't look like you want to use your legs anytime soon," I said and she grinned lifting her hands up to me when I stood amused by how easy she could smile at the simplest things before I lifted her onto my back easily and started back home.
The girl might be curvaceous, and in all the right places, but she weighed less than you'd think. Maybe I should work on fattening her up even if it's just a little bit. She can sure throw a punch but I was more concerned about physical strength and stamina too, especially with what I have planned for her. And I don't mean it sexually..well maybe a little but this run wasn't just for fun. She could spar. It was good but not enough. At least in my standards. I had to know she could protect herself well enough without her smart mouth.
"What a waste. I actually have to go shopping for clothes now," I heard her grumble as she walked into the kitchen and I turned to her before a strangling sound reached my ears and it took seconds before I realized that it came from the back of my throat.
"I concur," I blurted out before giving her another once over and I gulped harshly trying to divert my thoughts out of bed.
On her was a well fitting black pair of shorts with gold trimmings paired with a full sleeve blouse with a lace design on the chest tucked into it. Maybe I am exaggerating a little bit but all that was running in my mind was the image of ripping the short and taking her on the kitchen counter..or floor, but I doubt she would appreciate the gesture. Especially when just anyone could walk in. It was mostly modest I'd admit but if this was my reaction, I would have to fight a lot of people off her today. Then again, if I did just that, I wouldn't have to come off as an asshole if I told her bluntly to change.
"Would you believe me if I told you this was the only outfit I could wear that didn't make me look like I was going on the red carpet?" She grumbled before giving me a pout as she hoisted herself on the breakfast counter. "Aarrgh, she better hide, whoever she is."
"Calm down my little Beasty. Tea? Flavored, no milk."
"Thanks."
"If you want, I can take you shopping after school," I offered and she looked at me surprised.
"Really?"
"Why not?" I said and she smiled at me as she nodded.
"Where is Kaylee? She's usually up at this hour."
"I told her to sleep in. She was looked exhausted last night..." I trailed off as a figure entered the room and I frowned. "And obviously she didn't listen to me."
"It's too early to start grumbling," was all she muttered peeking at me with sleep filled eyes before sliding up to Diana and hugging her arm who just patted her head as I shook my head to make her her beloved milk tea as they chatted quietly behind me.
"What is that?" I heard Diana ask suddenly my ears perked up immediately.
"It's nothing. Just a rash."
"A rash?" I asked turning back to see the reddening skin on the back of her hand and we shared a look and suddenly my stomach started churning as a sense of foreboding. Given her expression, she shared the thought.
"How long have you had it?"
"Maybe a week. Guys stop worrying it's just a small rash. I've been taking care of myself, following doctors orders and taking my vitamins. It will go away."
"Kaylee, you are pregnant. Even if it's just a small rash you should get it checked out. For your baby."
"And our own sanity," I added and she looked uncomfortable before she nodded sipping her tea quietly. "Good. I'm driving you."
"No you're not," Diana said and I turned to her confused.
"Why not?"
"I am and before you argue with me, you can't miss school," she said meeting her gaze with mine and I frowned hating she was right.
I couldn't miss school. I couldn't miss practice or I would get pulled off the team and for good this time. I'll admit for someone who sucks up to my father a lot he was getting good at this threatening stuff. Probably because he was being threatened too. Sure my father would cover for us every time we got into trouble, I had the hunch it was for his reputation, but clearly he didn't want to make anymore losses with Wilder and I back from military school and so he threatened what we loved. Football. I knew Wilder was in a pissy mood and probably drunk himself silly after we came back last night but I couldn't blame him. I was equally as mad but with my father trying hard to keep away I was responsible for everyone in the house. I had to keep a cool head and as much as Kaylee was like an elder sister to me, Diana was right and at the moment I was glad she was around. I couldn't trust Kaylee with anybody else, I thought taking her hand and pulling her with me upstairs, pressing her against the wall once in the safety of my room.
"Ray..mmph," I muffled her voice with my lips the need to ravish her overwhelming me greatly. "Oh dear..what was that for?"
"Being perfect," I mumbled against her lips as I pressed my body onto hers once more before kissing her. "K-kaylee..?"
"Don't worry," she said pecking both my cheeks, her face looking slightly flushed and her lips even swollen and pink. Maybe I should have waited till she had recovered from our make out session before she went to shower. "You'll be the first to know."
She reassured and I looked at her hesitantly.
"Are sure? You don't have to miss school. I could just send for Alfred."
"It's okay. I'll make sure she's alright before I come."
"Damn, I was really looking forward to go to school with you," I said and she giggled mischief shining in her eyes.
"Hmm, is that so?"
"Yes. Have I told you I have the hottest tutor ever?"
"Oh, is she?" She asked and I grabbed her by her generous ass and she let out a moan as I brushed my lips near that spot behind her ear and her hands trailed my body.
"She is. She is perfect like she was made for me. Hmm, her lips are just as sweet as the rest of her. I just want to bury my face between her legs and make the whole world know who's making her feel so good," I groaned kissing the corner of her mouth as her hand dropped lower, grabbing hold of my member and I froze watching her wide-eyed wondering what she'd do next.
"Ray.." she whispered leaning into me.
Unconsciously, I gulped a mouthful of saliva trying not to drool at how her naturally coquettish and seductive voice vibrated to my nerve endings and back as she squeezed gently and I couldn't stop the moan from slipping between my lips as her warm breath hit my neck and I dug my fingers into her derriere trying hard not to toss her onto the bed. Talk about a failed seduction. I really wanted to rip off those shorts.
"You are going to be late."
Then suddenly she wasn't there anymore, stepping out of my reach with a kiss blown my way and a seductive smirk on her face and I let out a groan in frustration. I wasn't mad, probably because it wouldn't be the first time she's done something as bold. She was a fucking tease and I loved it. She was the only person who could make me feel like I was losing my mind, I thought stepping in front of her to find the seductive smirk faltering and yet intact and I could feel my own lips quirk up.
"Babydoll, I believe I'm not the only one with an itch to scratch."