I look over at her and sigh.
Three more weeks of this?
Cally Harmer. At only fifteen, she’s one of the hottest young players rising up in the tennis rankings. Up until a month ago she had only completed at a junior level, but she had earned a wildcard entry into Wimbledon after winning several lead-up tournaments in a row. Unfortunately, she’s like a miniature version of me.
Translation—a pain in the arse.
“Watch your mouth,” I fire back. “And you don’t have a career to fuck up yet.”
She pouts and resumes serving shots across the net. “You know you’re a joke don’t you? I used to think you were a great player, but then you got cocky.” She narrows her eyes at me, flipping her long blonde braid over her shoulder. “I don’t even know why you’re here. Since when do you actually give a damn about tennis?”
“I’m here because my sponsors are paying me fuckload of money to babysit spoiled brats like you,” I say, gritting my teeth. “I’m here because apparently I have nothing better to do for the next fucking month than waste my time trying to dig your head out of your own arse.”
Her mouth drops open in shock. “I’m not going to stand here and listen to this abuse.” She laughs as she packs up her gear. “I cannot believe you just said that to me. You’ll be hearing from my father,” she adds before she storms off.
Fuck. Maybe I’d taken that a little too far. Reaching into my pocket, I grab my phone and search for Matt’s number to give him a heads-up on what was probably—hopefully—the end of my mentoring career. With any luck I’ll be back in London by the end of the week.
Me: Sorry in advance. I won’t let it happen again.
Him: What? What happened?
I wince as my phone begins to ring. I ignore his three calls, hoping he takes the hint that I’m not in the mood to elaborate. He doesn’t. Seconds later, a text comes through.
Him: For fuck’s sake, Ryder! If you’ve done something at least have the decency to let me plan some damage control.
I turn my phone off before shoving it back in my pocket. A small sense of satisfaction washes over me as I chuckle. I hope Cally’s father rips him apart.
Payback for telling Scarlett where I’m staying.
Chapter Six
Ryder
I walk into the bathroom, turning on the shower. It’s one of those fancy electronic setups, so I press the buttons until I have what I think is forty-five degrees.
Damn Americans and their fucking Fahrenheit.
I slide my shorts down my legs and kick them into the corner along with my shirt. I step under the stream of hot water and inhale sharply as it hits my skin. It’s too hot, but I can’t be fucked getting out to fix it, so I have what would have to be the quickest shower ever.
The knock on the door comes just as I’m changing into a fresh pair of shorts. I slip a T-shirt over my head and run my hand through my damp hair. I catch my reflection in the full-length mirrors that line the wardrobe doors. I look like shit, but I don’t care.
I open the door and my breath catches in my throat.
Scarlett.
My heart races because I have no idea why she’s here. Wasn’t everything said yesterday? How can she even look at me after the way I treated her? I stand back and she walks in. The smell of her hits me in the face like a jagged glass bottle. It’s sweet and sexy and just . . . her. I can’t explain it.
I’m trying not to stare at her, but it’s hard because she’s fucking stunning. It’s like she’s trying to torture me. Her strapless cream-and-floral sundress sits just above her knees. She has her hair down tonight, and it’s falling in sweet little curls around her shoulders. I fight the urge to reach out and finger them.
“I didn’t expect to see you again,” I mutter.
“We need to talk. This time you’re going to let me explain.”
Her hands are clasped in front of her and her expression is hard. Only her voice shakes as she speaks, giving everything away. I smirk. She’s cute when she’s trying to be tough. Too cute.
“Look,” I begin, “I’m sorry about yesterday. I was an arse.”
“You were,” she agrees. “But I probably could’ve handled things better.”
“Maybe, but nobody deserves to be treated like shit.”
Her face reddens. We both know my comment is really directed at her.
“Will you let me explain?” she asks throwing her hands up.
She’s frustrated, and for the first time I consider that maybe there really is a reasonable explanation.
“Can I stop you?” I mumble. I can’t seem to stop the retorts that keep shooting out of my mouth. “Drink?”
She shakes her head and sits down on the couch. “I’m not with him, Ryder. Jake’s father? I want nothing to do with him.”
I look up, surprised. My jaw tightens as I wait for her to continue. I need to hear more before I say anything.
“He turned up after he saw us in a magazine.” She laughs bitterly. “I swear I thought he was out of my life.”
I sit forward. I believe her, but I’m confused. Why all the secrecy then? Why couldn’t she have told me this on Friday? Or even yesterday, for God’s sake.
“What does he want?” I ask carefully. I’m still not sure how I feel.
“To fuck with me. To ruin my life. The same thing he always wants.”
Always wants?
She told me he left when she got pregnant at sixteen. I hate doubting her, but I can’t help wondering what other lies she’s told me. I grunt and sit forward.
Do I trust her? Can I, after all this?
“Why couldn’t you have told me this before? I don’t understand why let me think you were together. Do you have any idea how that felt?”
She bows her head and sighs. “I’m sorry. He isn’t a good guy, Ryder. I didn’t want to drag you into this.”
“But now you do?” I laugh.
“It’s better than you hating me,” she retorts.
I guess it is.
“Where is he now?”
She shrugs. “ I don’t know. Probably following me.”
“What about Jake?” I ask, alarmed.
“He’s fine. He’s staying with a friend until I can figure out what to do.”
“Go to the police,” I say. “Get a restraining order on this wanker.”
“It’s not that simple,” she mutters softly.
“Why not?” I press. What isn’t she telling me?
“It just isn’t. Ryder, I’m not here for you to solve my problems, okay? I just needed you to know the truth. If you still want nothing to do with me, then I understand, but—”
She gasps as I reach forward and grab her hand, yanking her onto my lap.
“Do you have any idea how fucking crazy I’ve been feeling the past few days?” I mutter, kissing her lips. “Stay here. Spend the night with me.” My hand creeps around her neck as I pull her into another kiss.
She sighs, cuddling up against me. “I can’t get you involved in this.” She shakes her head.
“Scar,” I whisper, kissing her nose. “I am involved. I’m a big boy. I can handle myself, okay?”
We spend the rest of the evening getting reacquainted. We snuggle on the couch, the TV on in the background as I rake my fingers through her silky hair. She smiles, her eyes closing.
“The media might try and run with this story of us,” I mutter, kissing her neck. “Is that going to cause problems for you with...what’s his name?”
“Tony. Maybe. I don’t know. He’s not a good guy, Ryder.”
I kiss her neck again. That’s the second time she’s said that. I wonder what he wants from her? My first thought is money. If he thinks we’re together, then he might be trying to blackmail her.
But what could he have on her?
There’s no point asking her because she’s determined that this is her mess. Or maybe she’s determined to keep whatever he has on her hidden from me. I push the thought from my mind.
> Her past is just that: her past. The only things I care about are the present and the future. And I want her to be part of both.
“I don’t want you being home by yourself, Scar. Stay here. Bring Jake here too. You must hate being away from him. This penthouse has three bedrooms.”
“It’s too much—”
“For fuck’s sake, let me do something,” I growl, holding her close. “You want to deal with Tony yourself, fine, but let me help. If he is as bad as you say, do you really think staying home alone is a smart move?”
She doesn’t answer. I kiss behind her ear and she smiles, turning her head to meet my mouth. I trudge my thumb over her lip as I caress her face. My cock hardens as her body moves against mine, and I groan.
“Okay,” she agrees. “Fine. We’ll stay here.”
“Good.” My lips press against hers, our tongues entwining in a deep kiss. I stand up and extend my hand. I’m determined to make the most of our alone time tonight. She smiles, getting to her feet, her lips meeting mine.
I wrap my arms around her waist as we backtrack into the bedroom. I reach behind her and lower the zipper of her dress. It falls down over her smooth curves and into a heap on the floor. My fingers move over her stomach, her skin so creamy and white; a stark contrast to her lacy black underwear and bra.
“Come here.” I move back on the bed and she crawls over me, her hair falling around her shoulders.
She leans forward and kisses me, her body slowly grinding against mine. “I’m sorry I didn’t tell you earlier what was going on.”
“It’s okay. I mean, it would’ve saved us both a whole lot of hassle if you had, but I get it.” She smiles at me, and I tilt her head so her lips meet mine. “You know you can trust me, right?”
She nods and nuzzles closer to me. I tickle the back of her neck as I listen to the sound of her heart beating against my chest. A moment ago I couldn’t wait to feel myself inside her; now all I want to do is protect her. I’m not sure from what yet, but she’s holding back. I just wish she felt she could fully trust me.
I switch on the television mounted on the wall we are facing and stroke her hair. I have so many questions I still need answers to, but now isn’t the time. She looks tired, like she hasn’t slept properly in days. A pang of guilt hits me, because I know my behavior wouldn’t have helped the situation.
“I’m glad you’re here,” I murmur.
“Me too.”
Chapter Seven
Scarlett
“Are you sure you’re okay?”
I’m sitting in Penny’s kitchen, cradling a cup of coffee in my hand. Jake is busy playing with Max, oblivious to anything outside the world of Transformers. I smile, glad he hasn’t caught on that anything is bothering me. He’s a pretty switched-on kid.
“I’m fine. I just need to figure out how to get rid of him.”
Penny hesitates before responding. “I know someone who got some help in getting rid of her ex.”
“You know I can’t go to the police. Not with what he has on me. I can’t risk losing Jake.” My voice is low. I don’t need to elaborate, because she knows everything. I don’t even know why she’s bringing up going to the police.
“I don’t mean the cops, Scar. I’m talking about making him go away. Permanently.”
I gasp. There is no way she could be suggesting what I think she is. But her expression says everything. How does my middle-class, perfect best friend even know about shit like this? I want to laugh, but I don’t, because she’s serious.
“I could never do that, Pen. I don’t think I could live with myself if I...if I had him killed.” I whisper the last five words.
Penny’s eyes widen and she laughs as she reaches over to slap me. “Scar! I was talking about having someone scare him off, not have him killed. What am I, insane? No, all I’m talking about is giving him a taste of his own medicine. He’s been blackmailing you for years. One ‘chat’ with this guy, and you’ll never hear from that scumbag again. Trust me.”
“I don’t know...” I hesitate and my voice trails off. Just thinking about it scares the crap out of me.
“Just think about it, Scar.” She reaches across the table, taking my hand. Her eyes are filled with worry. “How else are you going to get rid of him for good? He’s like a bad case of herpes. You think he’s gone and then he shows up again.”
“Penny! Just . . . yuck.” I cover my face with my hands and sigh.
“You know what I mean. So you get the cash together and pay him off again. You know he’ll be back.”
She is right. As much as I don’t want to admit it, I know she’s right.
I glance over at Jake and wonder how far I’ll go to protect him.
“He can stay here, Scar. He’s happy here and he’s safe.”
I nod, knowing it’s for the best, but the selfish part of me hates being away from him. I miss his silly little jokes and that toothy smile. I call him over, laughing as he rolls his eyes at Max.
“We’re playing,” he says, his eyes widening as if to emphasize how inconvenient my interruption is. I want to squeeze him so tight and tell him how much he means to me, but I don’t, not wanting him to worry.
“Do you want to sleep over with Max for a couple more nights?” I ask.
“Really, Mom?” He squeals and throws his arms around me. I hug him back, trying not to show the part of me that’s disappointed he’s not missing me more. He races back over to Max to resume playing. Penny chuckles next to me. I roll my eyes at her.
“Good to see he’s missing me,” I joke.
“You know how much that boy loves you,” she chides.
Again, she’s right: I do know that.
***
My phone rings when I leave. It’s Ryder.
I press answer, the anticipation of hearing his voice making my heart race. “Hello?”
“Hey, it’s me. I just wanted to warn you that there are some photographers camped out front, so be careful when you come over.”
“I’m leaving Jake at Penny’s for another night or two.” I hesitate. “Are you sure you want me there, Ryder? The media, Tony...are you sure you want all that?”
“Will you fucking get over here already?” He laughs. “You think I give a damn about the media? Have you met me?”
I laugh, because he has a point.
“I think you should know I have what every girl wants . . .” His voice is low and sexy. I feel my nipples grow hard under my T-shirt.
“You’re very sure of yourself,” I say with a giggle. I won’t admit that he’s right: he does have what I want. He is what I want.
“I was referring to the pint of chocolate ice cream in my freezer, you dirty, dirty girl.”
I giggle, my face flushing. I love how he’s capable of making me feel so many different emotions.
“Fine. But I’m only coming for the ice cream,” I warn.
He chuckles. “Oh, you’ll be coming for me too. Trust me.”
***
He lifts his knees and moves my hands until I’m sitting upright, my back leaning against his thighs. He watches as I unclasp my bra. A shiver races through me as he stares at my breasts. My nipples harden.
“Fucking beautiful,” he mutters.
I lift my hand, running my finger over my panties. I groan at the wetness of my pussy as his cock throbs against my thigh. All I want him to do is bury himself inside me.
He gently rolls me onto my back, his mouth finding mine in a soft, slow kiss. I sigh as our tongues caress. I press my lips against his, groaning as he trails kisses down my neck. His fingers tug my panties down my thighs and over my knees. I shrug them off, parting my legs as he begins to touch the insides of my thighs.
“That feels good,” I moan in approval. My eyes are closed, and a dreamy smile spreads across my lips. “Oh God,” I gasp as he pushes a finger inside my wet pussy. My mouth presses against his, kissing him deeply while his finger works circles inside me.
I groan, my back archin
g as he slides another finger inside me.
“You’re incredible,” he whispers, kissing my neck. “And so damn wet. I love how wet your pussy is.”
He slides his fingers out and lifts them to my mouth. I squirm and shake my head. He laughs and runs his tongue along his the length of them.
“You have no idea how sweet you taste.” He grins.
Raising my eyebrows, I lean over and press my mouth against his, tasting him . . . tasting myself.
“Now I do.”
His eyes narrow as he slides down the bed and buries his face between my legs. I groan, latching my legs around his neck, my thighs clenching at the feel of him inside me. A scream escapes my lips at the feel of his tongue flicking at my clit, my thighs tensing even more as I arch my back. How can this possibly feel so damn good?
“God, yes! Yes!” I gasp. My fingers latch onto his hair, pulling it as ecstasy jolts through my entire body. “Stop,” I plead, but he doesn’t stop. Instead he plunges his tongue deeper into my pussy. I cry out as another surge rushes through me, and I fall back onto the bed a whimpering mess.
“I told you that you’d be coming for me.” He winks at me and gets to his feet.
I groan and roll over, letting him scoop me into his arms. I sigh when he kisses me, the sweet taste of my own scent invading my senses.
“And you definitely did that,” I giggle.
Chapter Eight
Scarlett
“Are you hungry?” he asks, kissing my lips.
Hungry for what? I smirk at my naughty thoughts and don’t answer, but my grumbling stomach gives me away.
“I’ll take that as a yes.” He smiles. “What do you feel like?”
“Anything, so long as it doesn’t involve leaving this room,” I say.
I stand up and walk over to the window. From our view on the top floor, I can make out the photographers that are camped in front of the hotel entrance twenty-six stories below. I smile as his arms wrap around my waist, pulling my naked body against his.
“What do you feel like?” He kisses my neck and I smile. “I mean, apart from extremely sexy and oh, so soft.”
He hands me the room service menu and I pick the first thing on it. I’m hungry, but I can’t think about food right now. I have too many other things on my mind.
Wildcard: Volume Two (Wilcard, #2) Page 3
