I looked at him, refusing to cry in front of him. “Thank you.”
“For what?” Ryland raised his eyebrows. “If anything I just added more stress.”
“No,” I insisted. “Thank you for telling me the truth. It’s more than anyone else has done for me here.”
Ryland nodded slowly. “I guess it’s because I sort of know how you feel.”
My eyes met his icy blue gaze. “Really?” I found that hard to believe. He was so good at everything. Maybe a bit of a loner, but it seemed that he liked it that way. He wasn’t easy to get close to. He was like a well-sharpened blade that you could feel the cut before you even touched it.
“Really,” He said. “I wasn’t exactly welcomed here with open arms. I’m sorry I was so cold to you these past few weeks, but that Rogue incident really set me back.”
I was silent, waiting for him to continue.
Ryland sighed and leaned forward in the chair. “You see, when I came here, it wasn’t by choice. A kid that I was training with back in Cali got lost in limbo for a bit, showed up in Europe a few days later. I didn’t exactly have a clean record, so I got blamed for it. I swear I never meant to screw up his teleportation, he just had a weak mind. But it didn’t matter to the administration. I got expelled and transferred here.”
“Oh.” What could I say? I guess he did sort of understand what it was like to walk around with an invisible target on your back. He knew what it felt like for people to be afraid of being around him. No wonder Luke was the only person who sparred with him. He was probably the only psychic student powerful enough to match him.
“Don’t worry about me, Bianca.” Ryland shrugged. “I think I’ll have to just accept that I will never be welcome back in the West Campus.”
“I’m sorry if I added to your troubles,” I said.
Ryland shrugged again. “Seriously, don’t worry. You save my ass that night. You literally saved my life and I’ve been acting like a dick to you. I’m the one who should be sorry.”
I reached out and put my hand on his knee, feeling the need to be close to him. “Well, how about we both just say we’re sorry.”
Ryland chuckled. “Let me make it up to you?”
I didn’t miss the flicker of heat behind his eyes. “How?” I asked, tipping my head like a total flirt.
“Date night. Tomorrow. Me and you.”
My body had been craving another amazing make-out session, but I supposed date night was a better place to start. We had never done anything with each other besides fight and kiss. Maybe it was time to give him a chance. What was the worst that could happen?
CHAPTER FOUR
Apparently, date night to a guy like Ryland meant sparring. But, what else were we going to do while stuck on campus? It wasn’t like we could just go out for dinner and a movie like regular teenagers.
“So, this is your idea of a date, huh?” I couldn’t help myself.
Ryland looked over his shoulder and smirked. “I thought we could both use a little therapeutic anger release.” He resumed pulling training stuff from a storage closet. He had closed off the retractable walls to give us a small but adequate amount of space and privacy to train together.
It was past dinner and the training room was empty on a Friday. Most of the students, who weren’t been held hostage here, went home to visit their parents. Luke had forgone visiting for my sake, saying his duty was to protect me until he was told otherwise. I felt too guilty to tell him about my date with Ryland tonight.
I watched Ryland pull out the mats, noticing how his muscles flexed under his tight t-shirt. He sparred bare foot, his muscular body in training clothes that left nothing to the imagination. I fidgeted, trying to get myself to focus on the task at hand, but all I wanted was him.
“Ready?” Ryland swept back his blond hair from his eyes.
I nodded.
Ryland walked to the center of the mat. “I figured that with all this weird stuff going on and us needing to burn off some energy, I’d teach you a little hand-to-hand combat.”
My physical fighting skills were severely lacking compared to my psychic skills. I had the strength of a kid and my fitness levels weren’t exactly stellar. I had been working out on my own in the student’s private gym, and while I had seen some progress, I knew it wasn’t enough to take down a kidnapper or Rogue.
The thought of combat with Ryland sent warmth blossoming through my body. I pulled my hair into a ponytail and joined him on the large blue mat. “Ok, I’m ready.”
Ryland didn’t give a warning before he lunged at me, throwing his fists at my face.
I screamed and dodged, stretching out my hands and wrapping him in my psychic energy.
Ryland was frozen where he stood, caught in my invisible grasp. He grunted against the force.
I released him and let my hands fall to my sides.
“No telekinesis.” Ryland rolled his shoulders and took a step back. “You can’t always count on your powers, Bianca. You need to be able to fight.”
I knew he was referencing the fact that for some reason he couldn’t read my mind. It was like fog to him and neither of us knew why. His telepathic powers were some of the strongest in the academy, but to him my mind was dark.
I set my jaw and nodded. “Ok, no powers.” I agreed.
Ryland took up a fighting stance again. “Don’t run away, either. Just dodge my punches. I’ll go easy on you.”
I held up my hands in a defensive pose and waited for him to strike. My psychic energy pulsed at the base of my skull, but I ignored it. I had to do this the old fashioned way.
We went for several rounds. It was obvious he was going easy on me, but after a while I actually began to anticipate his moves and dodge more successfully. I rolled away from him and blocked his attacks with considerable ease.
I help up a finger to ask for a break and Ryland put his hands on his hips while he waited for me. I collapsed on the mat with my water bottle.
“Good work, so far.” Ryland said, watching me take a long drink of water. “Honestly, I didn’t think you’d be able to block me as well as you have.”
I screwed the cap on my water bottle and smiled. “Well, I have had a little bit of practice.”
“Next, I think you should come at me.”
I blinked, looking up at him from the mat.
“Your defense it pretty good, but your offensive moves need a lot of work. We’ll do the same thing, but I’ll block you.” Ryland explained.
“I don’t want to hurt you,” I said.
Ryland scoffed. “No offense, but I doubt you’d be able to land a hit on me anyways.”
I accepted the challenge with a grin. “Fine, let’s find out, shall we?” I kicked out with my legs, but to my surprise, Ryland leaped away from them. His reflexes were better than a cat’s. My mouth fell open.
“See?” Ryland laughed. “Try again.”
That impossibly sexy boy had lit a fire in my competitive spirit. I would not allow myself to be humiliated. I had to land at least one hit on him or I’d never live it down. I jumped to my feet and lunged at him.
Ryland sidestepped my attack. “You need to think before you act. I can’t read your mind anyways, so don’t make snap decisions. You need to calculate your every move, not run around like a crazy person.”
I paused to catch my breath. From what I had observed, there was no discernible pattern to how Ryland dodged moves. It was the same when he sparred with Luke. He was unpredictable and I had no idea how to anticipate which way he would feign to get the upper hand.
My eyes caught his for a moment and I was trapped in the icy blue depths. A shiver ran through my body. I blinked. I had to focus. This was not the time to be hypnotized by a handsome face. I needed to prove myself to him.
I cleared my mind and focused on what needed to be done. I had to land at least one hit. That was the objective. If I could do that against the academy’s strongest fighter, then that would be something to be proud of.
I sucked in a breath and then came forward, jabbing with both hands.
Ryland grabbed my right fist and twisted me away, pulling me to his chest. “Nice try.”
I looked up at him. We were too close. My body was against his and my hands were locked in his grip. I couldn’t escape unless he let me. No, that was weak thinking. I still had a chance. He was distracted by the feeling of our bodies together too and I used it to my advantage. I twisted around and used his weight against him, sending us both crashing to the mat.
Ryland let out a gasp as he fell on his back. “Wow!” He seemed as surprised at my success as I was.
Never in my life did I think I could toss a tall, muscular guy with with my tiny frame, but I did it anyways and without the help of my psychic power! I let out an excited squeal. “I did it!” It was only then that I noticed I was still on top of him.
Ryland’s chest was heaving as he caught his breath. He looked at me with a warmth in his eyes that I had never seen before. “That was pretty awesome.” He said. He sat up and wrapped his arms around my waist, crushing his lips into mine.
I melted at his touch. The heat that was spreading through me ignited into a wildfire as I let the sexual tension take over. I had been craving his kiss more than anything.
Ryland groaned as he pulled me against him, holding me as if he were afraid I would vanish if he loosened his grip even a fraction. He pulled away from our kiss, trailing his lips down my neck and whispering into my ear. “I want you, Bianca. Please, don’t make me wait anymore.”
I whimpered. My voice was soft, barely audible when I replied. “I want you too.”
Ryland rolled over, pinning me between the mat and his hard body. He kissed me, running his hands down my body and cupping my breasts in his hands.
My nipples hardened against the thin sports bra I was wearing. I arched my back as he explored my body. We had come so close to this so many times, and now we would both get what we desired. My thighs trembled as he moved his hands lower.
“You’re beautiful,” Ryland said. He gently pulled my thank top up and my bra down, revealing my small but perky breasts. He grinned and began to tease me with his tongue.
I moaned. I as much as I wanted his touch, I needed more. I wanted him. All of him. Right here and now. I slipped my hands down my leggings, pulling them down over my hips. “Please, Ryland.”
If Ryland was surprised at my boldness, it didn’t show. He moved his mouth down my body until he found his prize.
I gasped and moaned as he worked me up to a climax. It took only a flick of his tongue to send me over the edge. “More, more.” I begged.
Ryland put my legs over his shoulders and lowered down to me. I could feel his hardness at my opening, waiting to be thrust in completely. His eyes were fiery and his breath was hard against my skin. With one solid motion, he pushed himself into me, his large manhood stretching me to the limit.
I cried out in surprise, the pain faded quickly to pleasure. “Oh my god, Ryland.” I moaned.
Ryland’s breath caught in his throat as he bore down on me. “Bianca, you’re so tight.” He gritted his teeth as he pumped faster and faster.
Here I was being taken by him in the middle of the training room. It felt so naughty but so right. I didn’t care in that moment. All I wanted was him. I held my legs to my chest and watched him reposition before plunging inside me again.
His thumb brushed against my sensitive nub, sending another wave of ecstasy through my body. Ryland groaned, pulling out and emptying his seed onto my belly before collapsing down onto the mat beside me.
I looked at him. Somehow my ponytail had come loose and flyaway hairs were stuck to my forehead. I swept them away and let out a soft giggle.
Ryland looked at me mischievously. “Why don’t we take your training to the bedroom?”
CHAPTER FIVE
The next morning, I woke up in my room with Ryland’s naked body against mine. He looked like a marble statue, all hard lines and ridges of muscle. Even when he was sleeping, he couldn’t lose his handsomeness.
I was shaken from my memories of last night by a knock at the door. Ryland stirred but didn’t wake. I jumped from the bed and threw a t-shirt and pajama pants on quickly. “Who is it?” I called out.
“Bianca, it’s me.” Luke’s voice came from the other side of the door. “You weren’t at breakfast, I wanted to make sure everything was ok.”
I froze, glancing at the clock. It was past ten o’clock, which was terribly late for students who were normally up at the crack of dawn. “Oh, I’m fine.” I replied. “Just wanted to sleep in.”
Luke didn’t sound convinced. “I don’t want to bother you, but I need to look out for you. Can you open the door?”
I cursed under my breath and slid the lock open. I peeked out my head, making sure Ryland’s sleeping form was hidden from view. “What’s up?”
Luke’s eyes narrowed. “Are you sure you’re ok?”
I nodded. “Yep, just sleeping in, like I said. I’ll come find your for lunch, ok?” My voice squeaked.
Luke didn’t seem convinced, but he didn’t press the matter. “Fine,” He sighed. “See you later.” He turned and walked away without looking back.
I sighed and shut the door softly. I rested my forehead on the frame.
“You know, you could have just told him I was here.” Ryland said.
I looked up.
Ryland was sitting in bed with his hands behind his head. He looked totally relaxed and indifferent to the fact that Luke almost caught us sleeping together. “It’s not like you’re dating him or anything.” He said.
Ryland didn’t know that I had slept with Luke a few weeks ago, in a moment of weakness while trying to forget my stress. Wasn’t that what just happened last night too? I shook my head. “It’s complicated.”
“I know you have a thing for him too, Bianca. I’m not dumb. I know we’re both fighting for your interest. This sort of thing isn’t uncommon with psychics. Psychic women are less common, after all,” Ryland said. He stood and pulled on his clothes.
I didn’t know what to say. I wasn’t trying to be a rarity and I wasn’t trying to be indecisive or greedy. I just wanted both of them for different reasons.
Ryland hesitated before leaving, looking at me over his shoulder. “I don’t mind whatever we’re calling this. Honestly. Casual is fine for now,” He said. “But, sooner or later you’re going to have to pick a side.”
#
I hid in my room until lunchtime and then met Luke in the cafeteria. He didn’t seem happy that I had wasted half the day away, specifically the half of the day that he was supposed to be in charge of looking out for me.
I set down my plate of pasta and smiled at him. “Hey Luke, sorry about this morning.”
“It’s fine,” He said in a tone that meant it was anything but fine.
“I needed to sleep in,” I added.
“I said it’s fine.” Luke’s voice was firmer. “I was worried about you when I didn’t see you this morning. I was going to come get you earlier but I didn’t want you to think I was being weird.”
I reached out and touched his hand. “It’s ok. I understand that you’re taking this seriously and I appreciate it.” I took a breath before continuing, wondering how much to say. “Ryland told me that the Rogues are still at large.”
Luke sighed. “You weren’t supposed to know that.”
“Hiding the truth from me won’t protect me. Preparing me for the worst will.” I countered.
Luke nodded. “Yeah, I guess,” He said. “Alright, I won’t keep anymore secrets from you.” His honey brown eyes met mine. “As long as you promise to do the same.”
I looked down at my pasta. I didn’t want to lie to him, but I supposed that not telling him about my night with Ryland wasn’t exactly a lie. “Sure. Promise.” I looked back up with a smile.
That seemed to appease him
for now. Luke was so loving, so sweet, so kind, and it hurt me to hide anything from him. But, I had to trust my gut and right now it was telling me that I shouldn’t get these two guys mixed up with my love life. We had too much to worry about right now. What was the word Ryland used? Oh, casual. I’d just keep things casual until I didn’t need to worry about being kidnapped in the middle of the night.
Once the coast was clear and the Rogues were behind bars then I could be normal again. I could see Daniel and my parents again, too. I sighed, pushing my pasta around with my fork but not eating.
“What’s up?” Luke asked. He had two finished plates in front of him. These boys sure could eat.
I looked up again. “Nothing, just really bummed out I can’t see my parents.”
“It’s for your own good,” Luke said.
“I know.” I understood, but it didn’t make it any less painful. I sighed and forced down some lunch. I could only manage a few bites before wanting to be sick. I pushed my plate away. “I don’t feel well. I think I should head back to the dorms.”
Luke stood up. “I’ll take you.”
“You don’t have to.”
Luke silenced me with a stern look. “Yes, I do. I promised Ms. Blackwell that I would.”
We walked back to the dormitories in silence. When we arrived at my room, I hesitated. “Thanks for looking our for me,” I said.
Luke smiled. “No problem. Seriously.” He paused. “I know that Ryland has the afternoon duty, but I was wondering if you wanted to watch a movie or something in the lounge tonight? There’s no need to be cooped up in your room, especially on a quiet weekend like this.”
“Sure,” I agreed. It wasn’t like I had anything else to do. “I’m going to nap. I’ll see you later.” The door shut with a click.
I didn’t remember when I finally slept last night, but I did know I was still exhausted. Thinking of last night with Ryland made my body warm at the smallest memory. He was amazing. I collapsed onto my bed, hugging my pillow tightly. It still smelled like Ryland.
#
There was a knock at my door a few hours later. “Bianca, it’s me. Let me in.”
Psychic Lies: An Urban Fantasy Academy Romance (Psychic Academy Book 2) Page 3
