Ryley's Revenge

by L. P. Dover

  AFTER THE DAY Ryley and I had, I couldn’t believe how exhausted I was when we got back from shopping. I watched him start the load of bed sheets in the washer before navigating his way around the kitchen to cook us dinner. I was in heaven. We ate dinner on the back deck and then afterward, I went exploring in his house—our house—while he got the fire ready in the pit.

  “I can’t believe you’re actually burning those sheets,” I announced, shutting the patio door.

  He tossed the last pillowcase onto the pile and the flames grew higher. “I’m not going to miss them.” When he turned around, his eyes went wide as he regarded the length of my body with hunger. Since we were going to spend time by the pool, I’d put on one of my bikinis. “Hot damn,” he exclaimed. “You look so fucking sexy right now.”

  It was strange because when I looked in the mirror, I could tell my flat stomach was starting to bulge just a tiny bit. “Do you think you’ll be saying that when I get bigger?” I asked nervously.

  He sensed my hesitation and came to my side, placing his hand on my stomach. “Are you serious? You’re not going to be able to keep me off of you.” Biting his lip, he glanced over at the pool and then back to me. “So what do you say? You want to relive that fateful night?”

  I smiled and ran my hand over his growing cock. “What do you think?”

  After lowering his shorts to the ground, he reached behind me and untied my top, letting it fall to the ground before untying my bottoms.

  “You don’t regret what we did, do you?”

  “No,” he answered seriously. “When we were in Vegas, there was a part of me that wanted you to be pregnant. After you took the test and I held you in my arms, I didn’t want to let you go. I knew as soon as it came back negative you’d be gone again. Do you regret it?”

  I shook my head and kissed his chest, trailing my lips up to his neck. “No,” I murmured in his ear. “The only thing I regret is leaving when I was too afraid to stay. That is something I’ll never forgive myself for doing.”

  Lifting me in his arms, I wrapped my legs around his waist and he carried me into the pool. “Well, we don’t have to worry about that anymore. You’re here and you’re mine. That time doesn’t exist to me now.”

  The water was warm as he lowered us into it and held onto me tight. When his lips found mine, I lost myself in his touch and opened for him, letting him claim me. Fisting my hands in his hair, I clutched him tighter when he circled his cock around my opening, pushing in just a bit. My skin broke out in chills as he lowered his lips to my neck on down to one of my nipples, pulling it with his teeth. I yelped and his deep chuckle vibrated all the way to my clit. He pushed in a little more until he was fully inside, lifting me up and down by my hips.

  Backing me against the wall, he thrust harder and deeper, grunting in my ear. He grabbed my breast and squeezed, holding onto the back of my neck to keep me from rising up. “Fuck, this feels good,” he growled. “And now I can come inside you anytime I want.”

  “Yes,” I moaned, tilting my head back.

  Lowering his face to my neck, he kissed me gently. “I could get used to his.”

  “Good, because I’m not going anywhere, Ryley. I’m always going to be right here.”

  Friday had finally come, which meant Colin was going to be back from New York. The fairytale life I’d had with Ryley the past couple of days was going to disappear. I couldn’t sleep, even though it was still dark outside. Instead, I sat on the floor surrounded by a horde of seashells in the empty bedroom that would soon be my son or daughter’s. For the past two hours, I’d made small crafts and hung them up on the walls—even making seashell candles to decorate the dressers. At least an ocean theme is something that would go great for a girl or a boy.

  “What are you doing?” Ryley asked, shielding his eyes from the light. Wearing only his boxers, he sat down on the floor with me and handed me a couple of seashells so I could slide them down the wire. “How long have you been up? It looks like you’ve been busy.”

  I shrugged, scrutinizing the project in my hands. It was going to be beautiful once I finished. “I couldn’t sleep,” I confessed. “There’s too much going on in my mind.”

  “Like what, angel?” he asked, tucking a strand of hair behind my ear.

  “Like Colin, for instance. He comes back today and he has no clue that I live with you now. I just don’t want to hurt him. Not to mention, he’s not going to leave me alone until we find out everything from the doctor.”

  “Well, there’s nothing he can do about it. Does he think if the child is his that you’ll choose him?”

  Sighing, I set my shells down and looked up at him. “He knows I want to do what’s right for the baby. But what he doesn’t realize is that I have to do what’s right for me as well. I would never be with someone just because we share a child. That was my fear with you and why I didn’t tell you at the beginning. I didn’t want you thinking I was using the baby as leverage to get you back.”

  “I never would’ve thought that, angel,” he murmured softly. “You’re not the kind of person to do something so devious. That’s why I fell in love with you. You saw through all of my faults and loved me for who I was. I’ve never had that before.” He smiled and then looked down at my last project. “So what is that exactly?”

  Grinning from ear to ear, I held it up by the top and let the seashells dangle down, all sparkly from the glitter I spread across them. “It’s a mobile to hang over the crib so the baby can look up at it,” I said, gently rocking it so the seashells clattered together. “I figured we could also get something that plays music too. I know babies like music.”

  “Do you think I’ll be a good father?” he asked in all seriousness.

  Furrowing my brows, I glanced up at him. “Do you not think you will be?”

  “I don’t know,” he admitted, shrugging his shoulders. “I want to be, but I don’t know the first thing about taking care of a baby.”

  What he didn’t know was, I had the same fear. I didn’t know the first thing about how to change diapers, or what the baby was going to want each time it cried. “Ryley, listen. You have nothing to worry about. You’re going to be a great daddy. Your child is going to love you for just being there for him. I have a lot to learn too. We can do this together.”

  Ryley got to his feet and helped me up. “Yes we can, and right now we need to go to bed. Stop worrying about Colin or the things we can’t change. He’s not going to come between us.”

  “Usually, it’s me who looks on the bright side. Since when did the roles switch?”

  Lifting me in his arms, he chuckled and carried me to our bedroom, setting me down on the bed. “It’s probably the baby hormones making you crazy. Don’t worry, you’ll be back to normal in a few months.”

  “I highly doubt that,” I laughed. “We’re going to have a miniature Ryley running around. There is nothing normal about that.”

  But I was going to love him . . . or her. Whichever one I was blessed to have.

  Later in the day, Colin called to tell me his plane had been delayed, but he would meet us all at the restaurant. It sucked because now I couldn’t tell him beforehand. The place Gabriella reserved for us was one of my favorites. It was just a normal pub that had the best grilled salmon I ever tasted, along with a killer black bean cake. Thank God my nausea wasn’t bad today.

  When we got to the restaurant, everyone was there except Colin. Gabriella ran up to me and flung her arms around my neck. “You are absolutely glowing,” she squealed. Then she leaned into my ear. “I bet that’s because you have Ryley tucking you in every night, huh?”

  “I do more than tucking,” Ryley teased, walking past with a wink and a slap to my rear.

  Gabriella giggled and rolled her eyes before turning back to me. “So have you talked to Colin? Bradley just told me he’s on his way.”

  “Great,” I murmured sarcastically. “Nothing like a brawl in a pub.” I looked over at the table and everyone sittin
g there. Ryley took a seat beside Matt, while Megan sat across from them. Bradley was the only one who looked uncomfortable and that was because he hated Ryley.

  Gabriella glanced over her shoulder and sighed. “Well, let’s just hope nothing like that happens. Because I know Bradley would be more than happy to jump in and help Colin out.”

  “All right,” I groaned. “I’m going to run to the bathroom really quick. I have to pee all the time and it’s only going to get worse.”

  “Okay, well I’ll just enjoy a glass of wine for you since you can’t drink.” She laughed and walked away.

  Trudging into the bathroom, I was thankful there was a stall open. Once I was done and out in the hall, I looked down into my purse to grab my phone when a set of hands grasped my shoulders and pushed me back down the darkened hallway.

  “What the—?” I started but then stopped once I glanced up. It was Colin with his mouth set in a firm line. He was very angry.

  “You know, I thought I was going to come home and tell you my good news and that everything would be just the way it was.”

  “Did you make the team?” I asked, eyes wide. I was excited for him, but it didn’t matter at this point.

  “I did, but instead of celebrating with you, I get here and see him.”

  “Colin, don’t start. Look, I’m happy you made the team. It’ll be a wonderful opportunity for you. But what made you think Ryley wouldn’t be here? I’m with him now.”

  His nostrils flared and for the first time in my life I’d never seen him so upset, not even when he told me he got arrested for getting into a fight with Camden out in Vegas two months ago. “Yeah, and the last time we spoke I assumed it was over.”

  “No,” I gasped. “I was angry, but we worked it out. In fact, there’s something I need to tell you.” His eyes went wide. “I moved in with him, Colin. I didn’t want to tell you like this, but I figured it would be better hearing it from me and not someone else.”

  “What if the baby’s mine?” he snapped. “I’m not going to let you and my child live with that fucker.”

  “You don’t have a choice,” Ryley thundered behind us. I froze but I couldn’t see him over Colin’s shoulder. “And the baby’s not yours,” he added.

  Tensing, Colin’s grip tightened on my shoulders, but then he let go and turned around. “There’s still a chance. You’re not the only one who’s been with her.”

  Ryley snarled and moved forward, but I jumped in his way, placing a hand on his chest. I glared at both guys and then settled on Colin. “I’m sorry this isn’t what you wanted, but you’re going to have to get over it.”

  “We’ll see about that.” Abruptly, he took my hand and pulled me to him, closing his lips over mine in a bruising kiss. It startled me, but then everything moved in slow motion as I was ripped away and he was on the floor with a busted lip.

  “Holy fuck,” I gasped, clutching my stomach. “What the hell just happened?”

  Ryley’s body shook with rage, but he stepped back and didn’t make another move. Colin jumped to his feet quickly and licked the blood off of his lip. “I’m warning you, Ash. Once he finds out that baby isn’t his, he’s going to leave you.”

  Ryley growled, “Do you want a broken nose to go with the busted lip? I’d be happy to take this outside.”

  Colin stood to his full height and sneered, “You’re not worth it and she’ll realize that sooner or later. You don’t know her like I do. I’ve spent almost every single day of the last three years with her.”

  Putting his arm around my waist, Ryley pulled me in close. “I may not know her as well as you do, but I’m going to have the rest of my life to remedy that. And the only reason I’m allowing you to walk away right now, is because I remember what it was like to lose her.”

  Colin stumbled back a step and looked gutted. “This isn’t over.” With those final words, he stalked past us and out the door.

  My heart hurt for him, but he was being so damn stubborn it made me want to hate him. I wish he would let me go. I kept my attention on the door, wondering if he was going to come back, but he never did.

  “Are you ready to go sit down with everyone?” Ryley asked softly, rubbing my shoulders. I hadn’t even looked up at him since Colin kissed me.

  “Yeah, I’m ready. I can’t believe what just happened.”

  “Tell me about it. It took all I had not to hit him sooner, but when he kissed you I couldn’t hold back. There was no fucking way. I’m sorry if I ruined the night for you.” Taking my hand, he guided me out into the restaurant toward our table. By the looks on their faces, they had an idea of what just went down. Even Bradley wasn’t at the table anymore.

  “You didn’t ruin my night, Ryley. If anything you make them all better. I’m sure you’ll figure out a way to make it up to me.” By the sly grin on his face I knew exactly how he was going to do that.

  BRADLEY RACED OUT of the restaurant shouting my name, but I kept going. I had to get away from there . . . from her. The video didn’t work like I thought it would. Obviously, Ashleigh didn’t care that he fucked around with a shit ton of women. Grabbing my phone, I punched in Camden’s number.

  “What’s up, fucker?” he answered.

  I slammed my car into gear and sped out of the parking lot. “We need to talk. Can you meet me?”

  The line went silent, but then he came back on. “It didn’t work?”

  “No, it fucking didn’t,” I hissed.

  “Okay, meet me at the bar in an hour. It’s time for Plan B.”

  We hung up and I headed straight for the bar. My jaw throbbed from where Ryley punched me, but at least I got to kiss Ashleigh right in front of him. I had to accentuate the fact he wasn’t the only one who could touch her.

  When I got to the bar, I walked straight on in and ordered two rum and cokes. I tossed one back and then the other, feeling the fire spread its way through my body. What other kind of plan could Camden come up with? It was obvious nothing was going to separate them.

  By the time the hour was up, Camden waltzed in and took a seat beside of me, whistling when he saw my busted lip. “My brother?” he asked, looking at my mouth.

  I huffed and rolled my eyes. “The one and only. Apparently, he didn’t like me kissing his girl.” But I wasn’t the only one who had been beaten. Camden’s eye was bruised and he had scabbed over cuts on his arms. “I’d say you didn’t have a good week either by the looks of you,” I added.

  Camden slapped me on the back and chuckled. “That’s what you call real fighting, not just some busted lip. But don’t worry, Ashleigh will be yours soon. I just need to come up with another plan.”

  “I don’t think there’s anything you can do,” I scoffed. “They’re determined to stay together—she’s even moving in with the asshat. However, I honestly don’t see him sticking around if we find out the baby’s mine.”

  “Baby? What the fuck are you talking about?” Camden stormed, getting in my face. “Please tell me you’re fucking joking. Is it yours or his?”

  I waved the bartender over and shook my glass, but before I could guzzle down my refilled drink, Camden angrily slid it to the side.

  “You’re not drinking anything else until I get to the bottom of this. When did you find out she was pregnant? Does my brother know?”

  “Goddamn, slow it down with all the questions,” I snapped. “I found out last week. She said she wasn’t going to tell Ryley until we got the tests done, but it looks like she told him while I was in New York. Ryley and I had a little argument over it tonight.”

  “When does she go to the doctor?” he asked.

  “She goes next Thursday. We’ll find out everything then.”

  For a few minutes, Camden stared off into the distance until a devilish smile spread across his lips.

  “I don’t see how any of this is funny,” I snarled.

  “Do you think you’re the father of the baby? I mean, like deep down do you believe you are?” he asked seriously.

>   “Fuck if I know. The chances are slim.”

  Camden rolled his eyes. “That’s not what I asked. What I want to know is, if this baby happens to be my brother’s, are you willing to claim it as yours if it meant getting your girl back?”

  I stared over at him. What was he up to? “If it meant getting her back, I’d do just about anything.”

  “Even botching the test results?” he asked.

  “What? Like at the doctor’s office?” That shit only happened in movies and stupid ass soap operas.

  Camden’s eyes lit up. “Yep.”

  “How do you plan on doing that?” I inquired incredulously. It was ridiculous, but if he could do it . . .

  “Let’s just say, I know the right people. All I need to know is where the appointment’s at and you’ll be all set. The baby will be yours and my brother’s life won’t be ruined.” He stared at me with wide, excited eyes until I finally broke down and gave him the information he needed. Guilt consumed me, but I would do just about anything to keep hold of Ashleigh. In the end, she would see I was better—that I would stick by her.

  Camden slid my drink over and I tossed it back, feeling the anger boil through my veins. I wanted to go back to that restaurant and beat the shit out of Ryley for taking her away from me. Yes, I took her away from him first, but I deserve her. He doesn’t.

  “Looks like you got some pent up aggression over there,” Camden teased. “Do you want to do something about it? I’m sure we can find you a guy who looks just like Ryley to fight.”

  “What the fuck are you talking about?”

  Camden leaned in and lifted a brow mischievously. “I’m talking about a fight, twinkle toes. None of this pansy ass fighting you’re used to, but something real, where you can make people bleed. Are you interested? Although, I have to warn you this is real shit. Once you go there’s no going back. Because if you speak a word of it to anyone, they will hunt you down and put a bullet in your head.”

  I glanced at his arms and then up to his face. “Is that where you got all of that?”