Diana
"Never again," I groaned dramatically onto Ryder's shoulders and he chuckled pulling his arms around my waist.
"It isn't that bad."
"Yes it is. I feel like I was ran over or something. That is the last time I'll ever get drunk."
"Empty promises," he said with a snicker and I hit his arm before resting my head back on his shoulder.
"It's not. I really won't."
"Sure."
"I'm serious," I argued pulling away and crossing my arms in front of my chest but it was pretty obvious he didn't believe it, and was immensely enjoying this.
"Weren't you the one who baked a red velvet cake just so that you could enjoy Cabernet Sauvignon at the beach last night? Even worse given your condition at the moment," He said and I pouted deflating immediately making him chuckle some more.
"I really wanted to celebrate your birthday."
"Of course you did," he muttered under his breath but I heard making me roll my eyes.
"But it was just so good, with the cocoa flavor and the strawberry syrup.." I rambled on and he smiled a glint flashing in his eyes before I froze feeling as if I'd been electrocuted as a sound similar to the rolling of thunder rang in my ears when his heated gaze grazed my lips.
"Yeah it was."
It was at that moment, I seemed to recall a lot of icing and licking, lips and fingers on skin in a moment of hazy pleasure and bliss, though nothing below the chest due to my great aunt's early visit the night before, when a knuckle brushed on my chest lightly followed by immediate tightening in painful pleasure and I blushed.
"So sensitive," he murmured his gaze still fixated on mine before he stroked my cheek and I awkwardly shied away from him finally remembering where we were.
"I think we've been here long enough," I muttered as I plopped off the counter and almost immediately he was glued to my side and I refrained from rolling my eyes though I made no movement to push him off as I turned to the mirror before the familiar sound filled the room and I stiffened.
A few moments later, a short girl with round glasses around 15, probably in her first year of highschool, darted out of the cubicle farthest from the door, her face flushed and resembled a tomato given how hard she was blushing before cleaning her hands, though I probably doubt she got the job done and darted out of the room. While I was still in my frozen trying to wonder when the hell she entered, Ryder lifted his face from my shoulder, amusement glinting in his eyes. He knew there was someone in there when I went through my 1001 monologue of lamenting. Not that I minded but I had seriously thought, that no one was around and that female janitor who had just finished cleaning the washrooms when I barged in, and hatefully glared at me as if I was the greatest bane of her existence, would be the only one to witness the extent of Ryder's domineering personality , to which she had blushed and her glare gained underlying tones of envy.
Honestly I couldn't even fault them. It's not like I insisted on my 'great aunt' visiting early. I hadn't also insisted for him to care excessively to the point of taking me to 'rest' at the nurse's office that soon turned into a zoo with all sorts of girls showing up with strange illnesses even though my 'great aunt' was ending her visit today. And why you ask? Because along with him followed his brother and two musketeers. That and the fact that for some reason, Howard was in the office with some story that he'd been out for some doctor conference to which Susie had replaced him but he has always been a doctor here for the past three years, I was beginning to think the principal didn't have as much authority as I thought. Then again, given that board of directors has a couple of spots with some big shots relative to some of the students, that he really can't afford to agitate, I feel slightly for him. But I didn't surprise me as much. Given the school itself has been named the most, if not one of, prestigious schools and one with a high cutoff, it didn't surprise me. It also explained why the school itself had a lot of students from the old and noveau rich families than most academies in the area. The three musketeers having at least three generations of wealth, we considered part of the old. So I did what any other person would, turn a blind eye and wait for retribution, and also excuse myself to the washrooms, disregarding those in the office, just to get away from it all. As for why he followed me, only he knows.
"Done?" He asked and I nodded coming out of my stupor before lifting my arms and he raised an eyebrow at me. "You want me to carry you?"
"Piggy back." If he wanted to spoil me why not go all the way, I thought giggling inwardly. Since he insisted on it, why not take advantage of it? As if realizing the reason for my strangeness, he smiled before shaking his head.
"You are wearing a dress."
"Why do I remember saying the exact same thing and you completely disregarded it?" I asked and his lips twitching for a moment. "And besides I'm wearing my high boots. See?"
I coaxed eagerly as he shook his head amused before relenting and I clapped eagerly as he leant down so I could climb, well I was jumping, but he didn't need to know. I swear he treats me like I'm pregnant, I thought when he let out a grunt and playfully glared at me through the mirror before making sure the red sweater dress didn't hike high enough to exposed my thighs where the boots didn't reach as I rubbed my head against his shoulder.
"What are you doing?" He asked stiffening and I looked his face through the mirror.
"Sleeping," I said getting comfortable on his back the last thing I saw was him biting his lower lip and thinking it serves him right for teasing me before placing a kiss on the back of his neck and he let out a disgruntled breath. I would pay for it, it said.
************
"It's fucking hilarious," Alice said bursting into another bout of laughter and I could feel my lips twitch. In annoyance probably?
She had come in here about half an hour ago in fits of laughter waking me from my nap that I had first thought that she was having an extreme reaction to my domineering boyfriend's antics of keeping me confined in here, yes boyfriend. After all that has happened, I was willing to come to terms with reality. Though I haven't told him yet, I was going to eventually, but at the moment I realized this was the least of my problems as I shared a glance with Howard. It was already lunch break and Howard explained the boys were getting the food but the fact that they were still gone was forgotten for the moment.
"What is?" I asked as Howard handed her a glass of water when her laughter died out and she started wheezing dramatically. "Alice, I swear if you start laughing again I'll fucking punch you in the face."
"Okay, okay. I'll tell you. So you remember how much Heather had raised the hype about her new car yesterday?" She asked and I raised an eyebrow at her questioningly and she shot me a glare in disdain. "What did we say about staying in the loop of stuff? Ugh,... Anyway, the hype revolved around some mysterious boyfriend and her younger sister disclosed a merger between their family and lover boy's taking advantage that he said nothing about it."
Admittedly it shouldn't have been something I'd have missed, but we were practically off the grid yesterday in our own world. Yesterday? I wondered as my mind drifted.
It had taken less than hour to get back to his house when he said he was going to get something from his room and I chose to go help Alfred who had just returned with a few guards each with two filled to the brim grocery bags when I noticed two at the back with huge bundles of red roses and boxes of chocolates.
"Miss Diana..? Don't worry about those. They seem to increase year after year for the three..." Alfred said before trailing off probably realizing that was probably not the right thing to say to me but I wasn't offended as I chuckled.
"I'd be surprised if they didn't. Don't worry. I know my place well. There will always be someone after him. It's not like I can ask him to hide away and restrict just because I feel insecure that another girl will come along and snatch him from me. Whatever ever happens happens," I said and he gave me one of the most genuine smile he's ever directed at me ever since I met him two days ago.
"Well then, would like something to drink while you wait for the young sir? It might be a while before he comes down. The old master is around," he explained and I nodded with a smile his polite address reminding me vaguely of the helpers back....home. I wonder if I was going to be willing to go back after all this time partially enjoying my life as a normal teenager.
"Tea, if it wouldn't be too much trouble," I answered and he looked pleasantly surprised and he flashed me a smile before suggesting rose tea in the garden when I explained how my grandfather was a tea enthusiast and he had somehow roped me into it.
I had had about two cups of tea with Alfred before I decided to go find Ryder only to find him in the dining room looking extremely murderous and glaring at his father, and despite the mood I stopped for a brief moment to ogle him. With the black pants and the black dress shirt snug on his muscular body, he looked like a handsome devil. A handsome murderous devil, I thought before walking into the room to find other four guests in the the room. Sitting on Mr Stone's left, Mr Charlie Steinfield, CEO of Steinfield Corp, specializing in real estate and business management, father to Heather and husband to Madam Z. Looked pleasantly surprised to see me. Beside him, the previously mentioned Madam Z, who glared at me once I walked in. Beside her a young girl around my age. I'd seen her around school a couple of times. Always aiming to please her elder sister. Could be considered a crony of sorts. On Mr Stone's right, future Mrs Stone who seemed displeased at me. An empty seat beside her only for Heather to seat at the next one. Depending on how you look at it, no matter where he'd have sat she would be right next to him. At he moment she was glaring at me as if she wanted to stab the cutlery into me. Geez, so much hate, give a girl a break, I thought before turning to Ryder, whose expression softened slightly. Note, slightly. Clearly he was refraining from lunging at his father, whose expression hadn't changed. Seemingly though, my appearance had just made everything more tense.
"Miss Diana, fancy seeing you here," Steinfield stepped up and at least four of the seven figures in the room tensed as he stood up to greet me.
"Mr Steinfield," I replied curtly and he smiled not minding my attitude and more pleased at acknowledgement. While I wished he was pudgy and hateful, he was a gentle and quiet person compared to the rest of his family. Though not a simple person, he was a person deserving my respect given he had started from scratch to the billionaire he was today. Though not ranking in top 20 of the richest people, he held his own ground well enough. But even with my respectful attitude, I could barely say the same for his family. Now that I was here today and they saw me, I was pretty sure the following days would be in the least troublesome, given they can't seem to have enough of me.
A few pleasantries later that lead to questioning glances, no doubt confused by the different attitudes we had, the tense atmosphere diffused slightly, at least before he asked why I was around and before I could answer Ryder had sidled up to me his hand around my waist possessively and finally Mr Stone's expression shifted as Charlie froze for a brief moment and he gave an awkward smile.
"So that's what it is? I'll say you caught a good one here," he said to Ryder flustered and I raised an eyebrow in question while Heather let out a pitiful cry, a small quiet one but in the room that fell silent at Charlie's words it was loud and clear.
Everyone's faces shifted and apart from Ryder's surprised one, every one had a myriad of emotions displayed all over their faces. And before anyone could figure out whether he was just jesting or not, he was already throwing out a random and pitiful excuse as to why they had to leave and to reminded Mr Stone of a meeting the following morning.
"We're also on our way out," Ryder said in a strange tone almost as if smug and making Charlie nod though he seemed to want to do anything but that and he lagged behind as he walked out behind us.
"What was that all about?"
"Just another harmless argument."
"You looked like you wanted to murder him."
"That obvious?" He asked as if it was the most natural thing in the world as he pushed my hair behind my ear and rubbed the lobe endearingly. "Don't worry about it."
I would have wanted to question further but at that moment my attention was attracted but the family behind.
"Enough!? I don't want to hear anything about this anymore. My decision is final."
"But daddy..."
"Charlie, maybe we can try..."
"Didn't you hear what I said? I've worked do hard to get where I am and I don't need you to ruin it with childish whims," he let in a hushed whisper that was more or less, not one and I could detect the bordering anger.
"Why are you being like this? Why did you change your tune...?" I heard Zoe's voice rising as we turned to the foyer and I couldn't hear anymore as Ryder garnered my attention pulling me away as the rest continued their way out and I did not miss the pair of glares following me.
"Turn around."
"Huh?"
"Come on."
"I know for sure you definitely don't want to take me from behind, and I don't exactly sense killing intent from you. So how exactly are you going to take advantage of me after letting my guard down?" I asked cheekily and he rolled his eyes at me.
"This isn't a mystery novel, so turn around for a moment," he said and I turned around feigning reluctance feeling my heart flutter hard for a moment before I felt something cool on my neck as his equally cool fingers brushed against my skin. "There. Beautiful."
Thumbing the necklace on my neck delicately I couldn't resist finding a reflective, and I didn't have to go far as I stood in front of an old vintage mirror usually kept near the entrance and I fawned as my gaze for the layered necklace with thin gold chains holding up two red pendants in the shape of a teardrop. Quaint and delicate.
"It's so pretty. Thank you," I said turning back to him and he smiled before brushing his lips on my forehead when a slap rang out outside and I peeked outside Ryder behind me to find Zoe holding her cheek looking at Charlie in disbelief, as did his daughters.
It was pretty clear what had happened as we looked at the couple quarreling by their car.
"...If you know what's good for you, you'll stop blabbering nonsense. You should know by now the kind of trouble running your mouth will get you into. Do you think she tolerant just because she doesn't want any trouble? We are the ones who should be afraid. Your lawyer has a lawsuit because you slandered her, one that you haven't dealt with yet but don't you think if she heard you say that it wouldn't pile up?"
"But I didn't...."
"I know you Zoe and I don't doubt you went looking for trouble. This is unlike you. It's already bad enough you did, but you haven't dealt with it. Is it that you think you are at the top of the food chain or are you trying to ruin yourself and your career? Tell me. Why are you yet to deal with it?"
"I...I"
"And don't tell me you don't have the money. You just finalized multiple contracts at the same time and just two weeks ago I deposited cash in your account?"
"Yes, but...what I have is for the car?"
"The car? Whose car?" He asked looking at Zoe incredulously, who in turn cast a glance at Heather, though subtle I caught it before glancing at the the receiver who seemed stiff even more so when we appear.
"Mom. Mom's car. I took it a couple of days ago out to town and it was vandalized. We just didn't want to tell you because you were out of the country for business," Heather replied quickly and Zoe stiffened before nodding and immediately Charlie's angry expression faded.
It was weird but with nothing much to go on, I discarded it as great kiss ass skills when Ryder scoffed at the side.
"What?"
"Nothing. We're going to be late. We've wasted a lot of time here as it is," he said before he led me to another Escalade, this time in black. Inconspicuous, but later I figured he must have realized that someone might decide to follow us and Wilder's yellow Escalade, given that Wilder had taken Ryder's car and Alice my Jeep home.
"... I mean just who was she trying to show off to. And this morning in study hall, she was called. And for what!? Her car had been reclaimed. She insisted it was just for repairs and what not but no one believes it," Alice rambled on before bursting out into laughter once more and I pursed my lips.
Though yesterday's encounter was strange, based on his reaction, was it all a coincidence? Though it might possibly be true, did he also think her response was weird? Despite so, I could care less about whatever reasons it was that her car got reclaimed. She might have also guessed so and she pouted.
"Seriously. You have to be the only person who doesn't gloat at your enemies' woes?"
"Enemy or not, would it help me sleep better at night?"
"Fine, let's leave it at that. So tell me? Where did you guys do yesterday? From the morning kiss to morning kiss? The hatches? Day out. Even the scented candles and red drapes. Leave nothing out, clear!? Not even the fact whether I should be ready to become a godmother or not?"
She asked and I shot her a glare in disdain. I swear gossip will one day kill this girl.
"I do not kiss and tell," I said curtly and all of a sudden there was a girlish shriek before the door opened and they walked in making my cheeks flush as they walked in with food bags, a subtle smirk on each of their faces apart from Wilder who walked in rubbing his shoulder pitifully, a glaring purplish bruise on his face.
He fell. Like I believe that. I know a black eye from a punch when I see one.
"Are you sure you got enough?" I asked narrowing my eyes at them. Considering for a fact that they were all males here apart from Alice and I, you had to wonder if they bought the whole lunch menu and cleared all of it out.
"Don't worry they'll be enough for you," Ethan said with a wink before darting away from me when he saw the look on my face. And fortunate too. I was out to make sure that there would be no offspring from the second generation of his family, but I soon forgot about it as they unpacked the food, once we spread out in Howard's resting area in the office.
"You do remember she's not supposed to eat spicy food," Howard burst my bubble soon after and I glared at him. I had no reason to hate but with every interaction he seemed to be trying to get a rise out of me. What he was looking for I didn't know but the only thing I knew is that he was messing with my food, and no one messes with my food.
"I know how to take care of my girlfriend," Ryder said curtly as he unpacked food from a black cooler bag before removing a glass food container and within moments of opening it, I'd already snatched it from his hands with a kiss on the cheek.
Who cares about spicy food? As long as he cooks for me, I would abstain from take out forever.
"Seriously? Is that why you left early?" Wilder asked looking at his brother incredulously. Whether he answered or not was lost to me,I was busy pulling him to sit with me. "You are even sharing?"
"I like him. I don't like you," I said nearly sticking my tongue out at him as Ryder pulled me to his lap not letting me pick up a second set of cutlery and I relented.
"You..!? Merciless witch?" He said dramatically clutching at his chest and I rolled my eyes.
"At least I'm a sexy witch," I said flipping my hair subtly and the male beneath me stiffened slightly and Wilder dropped his jaw on the floor as I gave him a look that clearly said 'beat that'. From then on, our lunch was mostly quiet and peaceful and full of happy chatter, of course if you treated Ethan's and Wilder's poor jokes as background noise or else you'd clobber them to death.
"So full," I grumbled under my breath before peeking at Ryder who was making tea for me in the open kitchen after everyone else left, not as keen as he was in missing classes, to the point I was beginning to think that every time I wanted tea he was just going to bust out a tea set. Seriously, the scene made in my mind was full blown anime. "How did I get so lucky?"
"Why are you so lucky?"
"Aah," I shrieked startled almost falling off the seat and would have definitely bumped to the floor headfirst if it weren't for the strong arms that held me in place.
"You know you are supposed to be on the seat itself instead of perching yourself on the armrest."
"Crazy bastard!? You're the one who startled me first how did it become my fault that I almost fell," I murmured under my breath before my chin was tipped up roughly.
"What was that?"
"My pretty little boyfriend is the best in the whole wide world," I changed my tune quickly and he rolled his eyes before placing me back on the seat.
"Kiss ass."
"Your ass is the only one I'd ever kiss," I said winking at him and he froze.
"I can't believe you just said that," he muttered passing his hand over his face before handing me the cup of tea and I took it gratefully before patting the place beside me and he chuckled before sitting and letting me snuggle quietly into him till I finished my tea.
"What's wrong?" He asked his hands hooked around my waist rubbing small circles through the sweater his other hand resting smoothing the ridge between my brows and I let him.
"Tony wants me to consider going back," I murmured quietly and he stiffened for a brief moment resting his chin on the top of my head as he lay with me on the sofa.
"And?" He breathed out wrapping both arms around me.
"While I might not be inclined to listen to a word he says, I'm not old enough to make my own decisions," I said distastefully and he chuckled as I lay my head on his chest.
Whether he answered or not, I couldn't remember, but I was plenty sure it was disappointing. Maybe I hoped there would be more of a reaction but in my current state, tucked in his embrace I fell drowsy pretty quickly before I felt him slip away asking if he could take me home or if I'd rather wait for him after practice. Mumbling some jumbo that definitely sounded like the affirmative of the latter, his lips lingered on my forehead briefly before I drifted back to sleep.
One moment later, I couldn't help but snap my eyes open and immediately my gaze landed on bright green orbs on a effeminate fair skin visage whose forehead was covered with messy brown strands giving its owner a casual and lazy look. But of course you couldn't disregard the cold aura around him.
"Creep," I muttered under my breath and his pink lips twisted slightly before he pressed them on my cheeks and straightened out before placing a small thermos infront of me.
"Watercress," he said gruffly his previously soft voice, a smooth baritone that would definitely make my innards quiver if I was any other girl out there. Despite so, I couldn't help but sit up with a smile taking it from him.
"Thank you, Kai," I beamed up at him and he flushed red scratching the back of his neck bashfully before stepping back.
Dressed in grey slacks, a navy blue dress shirt under a trench coat and a thin scarf that I remember gifting him, he potrayed the image of a young Young Master. Though definitely not a common sight that would be seen on campus grounds I knew for sure that he could handle himself and get out of any situation. Carefree yet aloof. And even so, his boyish features would definitely get him in all sorts of trouble, which made me wonder just how exactly did he get in here?
"You were right. How did you guess?"
His statement definitely got me back on track as I put away the thermos, getting lost in my thoughts for a moment before I answered him.
"Steinfield Corp is doing pretty well on its own but at the rate the company is heading giving a year or two and they'd be barely standing on their last legs. A merger would be the next best thing. Of course they could just take another course of actions but merging would relatively reap better profits on both sides."
Which probably explains why they would have been around yesterday and not just because their families were close. Thinking about though, I wondered how senior Stone had planned to go about it. Obviously Ryder wasn't someone who liked being controlled, and even if he were to relent according to everyone he has a somewhat passionate hate for Heather that makes me wonder how they seriously came about to sleeping together. And if he were to go for Wilder, he would be mad and Ryder even madder. Was he planning to threaten them or something? Is that why he always seemed to be probing as if trying to look into my soul and figure me out so he could get rid of me easy?
"But it fell through?"
"That's gotta be on the daughters," I said and a complicated expression fell on his face.
"Are you going to help?"
"What's in it for me? It's not my fight."
"Won't he be trouble?"
"It's not like I asked them to do it. He knows his place at least I want to believe he does. If he proves trouble, then deal with him," I said off handedly and he nodded. "And besides he has a reason to consider.."
I said pointedly and he blushed awkwardly before clearing his throat as I raised an eyebrow at him.
"They were only helping.."
"Helping? More like extorting," I snorted but didn't not admonish him further.
For someone my age, I was filthy rich when I thought about it. From my allowances to what I earned. Despite so, who just didn't like having more money and so my people drafting a lawsuit that had got at least 10 million dollars as compensation, I wasn't a bit remorseful at the thought that if I couldn't prove my innocence, even if they thought otherwise, I would have probably been suspended or worse for defaming the school, especially because Zoe had made a big deal out of it after she'd been kicked out and humiliated at the ball. As for whatever claims were made or just how far the truth was stretched, as long as she learnt not to mess with me it didn't matter as much to me. Especially because I was yet to get her back for attempting to hurt me, I thought before finding him shifting, eyeing the door warily.
"Alright," I mumbled waving him off as I decided to go back to my nap when he leant forward kissing my forehead.
"Goodnight, boss," he said and I refrained from rolling my eyes as I peeked at him under half closed eyes.
"You are better suited as my brother. Why you insist on calling me that is beyond me."
"At the end of the day, you are still my boss," his voice faded as a slight breeze caressed my bare legs and my lips curved up in a slight sneer.
Family. They could either be your stepping stone or your downfall. It didn't matter whether you are related or not.
************
A loud screeching sound roused me from my sleep and I groaned grumbling in loathing for the person who created the alarm clock as I dove deeper into the covers only realise the bitter reality. One, that annoying ringing was not stopping anytime soon and two, Ryder did not come back last night after he had brought me home and abruptly otherwise he'd have taken care of it. With a groan, I lifted my hand from the warm confines of my blankets searching for that metallic thing making the noise only to find the screen dark as my mind took slightly longer than normal to catch and remembered I always leave my phone on silent before I turn in for the night. Then where was the noise coming from? I wondered muddle-headedly as I spotted the huge glaring lights reading 2.30 a.m and I snorted mad as I trudged out of the room till I found the culprit.
'Just you wait, I'm going to curse your 9 generations.'
"Do you know what time it is to be making calls this late!?.."
"Babydoll?"
One word and my anger and the other not so nice words I had planned in a spun of the moment died out immediately.
"Ray? Is everything okay? Are you still coming back tonight?" I asked hurriedly not even noticing how worried I was till I heard him sigh on the other side and a cold chill seeped into my bones. "Ray..?"
At his next words, my blood ran cold and the phone slipped from my grip. If it weren't for my fast reflexes we'd definitely be replacing the phone. But one thing for sure, I was definitely awake now.