by K. C. Lynn
I look back at the girls who are still laughing at me and can’t take the humiliation any longer. Rushing outside, I sit on a set of stairs that lead up to a space for lease, the wall giving me a small measure of privacy. As I wait for Ryder I try really hard to reign in my emotion, but the pain becomes suffocating, desperately needing to be released.
“Oh please, Emily, stop feeling sorry for yourself! I am sick and tired of you being nothing but an embarrassment to this family.”
“Um, how about you read the fucking sign, idiot. ‘That’s A-r-o-m-a’.”
Not being able to stop myself, I drop my head in my lap and cry out all the hurt and humiliation I’ve just endured in the past hour. I don’t know how much time has passed before I feel someone lean down in front of me. I immediately know it’s Ryder by the amazing scent that penetrates through my sadness. I try to stop my tears, but now that I have let go I can’t seem to stop.
His strong hands run up my bare arms in a comforting gesture. “Em, look at me.” I shake my head, not wanting him to see how broken I am. I hear him sigh before he pries my arms out from under my face and wraps them around his neck. I hold him close and soak in his comfort, desperately needing his strength. Eventually he leans back, then reaches up and cups either side of my jaw, lifting my gaze to his. The sympathy on his face, when he sees mine, has me crying harder. “Shhh. It’s okay, baby. Please don’t cry,” he murmurs, bringing his lips against my wet cheek. I thread my fingers in his hair as he kisses away my tears. “Are you hurt?”
“Just my feelings,” I whisper truthfully.
His jaw flexes and his eyes spark with fury. Just when he’s about to say something, a female voice penetrates the air. “Well hey there, sexy.”
I hear a bunch of giggles and stiffen in recognition. You have got to be kidding me.
Ryder stands and looks over at the group of girls from the coffee shop in annoyance. They stop short and gape at me when they realize he isn’t alone. I quickly turn my face away, feeling even more embarrassed now that they know they’ve made me cry. I see Ryder out of the corner of my eye look back and forth between us, putting the pieces together.
“Come on, baby.” Bending down, he catches me off guard by picking me up and cradling me in my arms. I bury my face in his neck, feeling mortified that he’s carrying me away, but not enough to let him go because it feels good to be in his arms. It feels safe. “Get the fuck out of my way,” he barks, trying to walk past them to his vehicle. Their quick shuffles sound distant the further we get.
Once we are headed back to my apartment, I rest my head against the passenger window, feeling emotionally exhausted. “Thank you for picking me up. I hope I didn’t interrupt anything important for you,” I whisper a few minutes later, breaking the silence.
“You didn’t interrupt anything, Em, and even if you did it wouldn’t have mattered. I still would have come for you.” I feel a small smile touch my lips, his sincere words bring a small measure of warmth to my heavy heart, but it vanishes quickly when he says: “Are you going to tell me what happened with your parents?”
I think about the original reason my father called me there, but don’t want to hurt his feelings with my parent’s judgment so I decide to skip that part. “I told them I want to try the hypnotherapy.”
“It didn’t go well?” he prompts when I explain no further.
A bitter laugh bubbles up my throat. “That is a major understatement.” I think about my father’s furious expression and shake my head. “My father was so angry, Ryder.”
“Did he hurt you, Emily?”
My head snaps up at the anger in his tone and I see pure violence hardening his expression. “No, of course not. He just scared me is all.” I think about how upset both my parents were. “It doesn’t make any sense that he would be that mad over me getting hypnotherapy.” I guess he was already pissed about me going out with Ryder, but still.
“Unless there is a reason he doesn’t want you to remember what you saw.”
“What?” I ask, thinking I misunderstood him.
He shrugs. “It seems to me he might not want you to remember what you saw all those years ago.”
I think about that, my mind running at the possibility but I quickly reject the thought. “No, it’s not that. If he didn’t want me to remember he wouldn’t have had me try it when I was younger.”
“Are you certain he did?”
“Of course.”
“So you remember doing it.”
“I…” I close my mouth and think about it for a moment. “Actually, no I don’t, but I don’t remember a lot from back then.”
He grunts. “It’s something to consider, Emily. Why else would he get that angry about you potentially regaining your memory?”
I think about the quick flash of panic I saw in my father’s expression before his angry outburst. Could it be because he’s worried what I will remember? Is that why I have only ever seen Dr. Shepard? If so, what on earth could he be hiding? I try to think of different scenarios but none of them feel right. By the time we pull up in front of my apartment building I’m even more conflicted.
“What did you end up telling him?” Ryder asks as he puts the vehicle in park.
“I told him that I was going to be making whatever decision was right for myself, and if he couldn’t respect it then not to contact me again. Then I got the hell out of there before he could bring the wrath of hell down on me. I was pretty tough,” I joke, trying to lighten the mood, even though there is nothing funny about any of this. It’s worth it when I look over to see a smile on Ryder’s handsome face. Good god the man is seriously sexy.
His smile turns into a smirk as if he knows what I’m thinking. Grabbing my wrist, he pulls me across the seat until I’m straddling him. Then, cupping my face between his strong warm hands, he kisses me. Warmth explodes through my entire body in all the right places, especially my heavy heart.
The kiss is not desperate or frantic like last night. This one is slow and thorough, but just as intense. It steals my breath and eases some of the pain that was suffocating me just minutes ago. By the time he releases my lips we are both breathless. I feel him watch me but I keep my eyes closed, wanting to bask in this moment for as long as possible. My hands find his face, going back in time. I smile when he encircles my wrist and presses his usual kiss to my palm.
“What is something you’ve been wanting to do since getting your sight back?”
His question catches me off guard. Opening my eyes I see him watching me, his gaze hot and intent. “Hmmm,” I muse, thinking about it. “Going to the movies. I was supposed to go with Cece the other night, but instead we stayed in because I was feeling a little off-kilter by this sexy, bossy guy who had just barged back into my life.”
He smirks at my teasing. “Sexy, huh?”
I roll my eyes. “And you heard the word ‘bossy’ too, right?”
“Yeah, but I like the sexy part better.” He chuckles before leaning in and trailing his mouth down my throat. I moan and tilt my head to the side to give him better access. “I guess that means I owe you a movie date.” His husky voice vibrates against my sensitive skin, the same time his hands snake up under my dress to cup my bottom.
“Mmmm. Sorry, I can’t.”
“Why is that?”
“I’m washing my hair.” I giggle when I feel him falter, but my laughter dies abruptly and trails off into a gasp when I feel a sharp sting on my ass that was just delivered from his hand. My clit swells at the sharp contact, and before I can stop myself I grind down on his erection to seek relief.
He groans and thrusts up against my eager motions. “You liked that, Em?”
“Yes,” I pant breathlessly, not sounding like myself at all.
“If you liked that, baby, then just wait until I spank your pretty ass while my cock pounds into your sweet pussy.” I whimper at his dirty words, my panties growing insanely wet. My hips start moving frantically, creating a friction I desperately need. Un
fortunately, he ceases my movements with a low growl. “Time to stop or I am not going to be able to control myself from slipping into you right here.”
“That’s okay with me,” I reply truthfully, and fight against his tight grip on my hips.
He chuckles then groans. “Soon, Em, I promise. First let me take you to the movies.”
I let out a frustrated breath when I realize this isn’t going any further. “Okay, when?”
He quirks a brow, surprised at how easily I agreed. After what he just did to me I’m willing to do almost anything he says at the moment, which is dangerous. “How about I come back around six? I have a few things I have to do first. We can grab supper after.”
I nod. “Okay.” He gives me one more delicious kiss before letting me out, and the moment he drives away I feel a sudden emptiness.
Chapter 13
Emily
“Well, girl, what do you think? Do you think Ryder will like it?” I ask Summer, who lays comfortably on my bed watching me get ready for my movie date. Her eyebrows raise, seeming to assess my outfit that Cece told me to wear. The faded jean skirt is short and flirty but not indecent, and the soft yellow lace tank hugs my body in all the right places. It shows just enough cleavage to tease but still remains classy. The outfit is dressy casual and perfect for the movies, Cece had said. I really had no other choice but to take her word for it.
Summer lifts her head and responds with a low howl of approval. Giggling, I sit next to her on the bed and run my fingers through her soft fur. “Thanks, girl, you always know the right thing to say, huh,” I croon as she licks my face with her sweet kisses. “You are the bestest friend a girl can have.”
Everyone thinks I’m odd for saying she is my best friend, but it’s the truth. Most people don’t understand that a dog will be the greatest friend you’ll ever have.
They are loyal, compassionate, and accept you for who you are – faults and all. They don’t discriminate or hold grudges, they don’t care what brand of clothes you wear or how much money you have. They will love you unconditionally until their last breath, and, to me, that is the true meaning of friendship.
The knock on my door interrupts our moment. Grabbing my cell phone I hit the button for the time, and hear Ryder is ten minutes early. “Wish me luck, girl. I’ll see you in a few hours.” I give Summer one last kiss on the head then grab my thin cardigan in case it gets cold in the theatre. As I make my way to the door my heart kicks up in anticipation, my body still remembering his love tap from earlier and his promise for later.
Doing a quick fluff of my hair, I open the door with a smile. “Hey, you’re early, I…” My words trail off and my stomach sinks when I see the person on the other side of the door isn’t Ryder, it’s Kyle. Shit!
His eyes sweep down my body. His predatory gaze doesn’t make me feel pretty like Ryder’s does, it makes me feel sick and exposed. I put my cardigan on over my tank top to cover myself as much as possible.
“Kyle, what are you doing here?” I keep my tone light but I’m not friendly by any means. I quickly take notice of the suit he wears then remember what my father said earlier at the country club.
“I’m here to pick you up for the charity dinner. I have to say, Emily, as much as I love your outfit it’s not really great attire for tonight’s occasion. But you can wear it for me another night.” He winks and gives me a charming smile, one so many girls find attractive.
I guess if you judged him by looks only you could say he was good looking. His clean-cut blonde hair, blue eyes and dazzling smile with perfect white teeth make most girls swoon. But I know what he looks like on the inside and there is nothing attractive about him.
“I told my father earlier that I wasn’t going.”
“I was hoping I could change your mind.”
I shake my head. “Sorry, but no. I don’t want to be anywhere near my parents tonight.” Or you…
“Come on, Emily, it will be fun. And I promise I will be on my best behavior.” He tries convincing me with the most insincere smile.
“I’m not going, Kyle. Sorry you wasted your time coming here.” I begin to close the door but he slams his hand against it, the loud bang making me flinch.
His blue eyes flicker with impatience. “What the hell is your problem? Why are you fighting this so much?”
“You know what my problem is. We don’t get along, we never have. I am not going out with you just to appease my parents.”
“You aren’t even giving this a fucking chance!”
I realize this is getting us nowhere. “Look, it doesn’t matter. I have already told you I’m not interested in a relationship right now. I have a lot…” I gasp when he grabs me by my arm and pulls me against him. My heart jackhammers at his furious expression.
“You are a fucking liar. I know all about your date last night. Decided to go slumming again, hey, Emily. When are you ever going to fucking learn?”
“Ryder is none of your business!” I seethe through clenched teeth.
“That’s where you’re wrong. It is my business and you’re bringing yourself a lot of trouble if you keep fighting everyone on this. Now my patience is wearing thin when it comes to you. You need to pull the stick out of your ass and accept this.”
“Never! I will never have anything to do with you. Now let go of me!” His grip tightens painfully as I try to break free from his hold. One minute we’re struggling then the next he’s gone and I’m free. I stumble back but catch my balance quickly.
“What the fuck!”
I race back to the door to see Kyle slammed up against the wall, an enraged Ryder pinning him there by his throat. Oh shit!
“What the fuck are you doing here, Prescott?”
Kyle glares back at him but there is no denying the fear in his eyes. “I should be asking you the same question, Jameson. Still don’t know your place after all these years?”
Ryder applies pressure to Kyle’s throat, making him sputter and his face turn the color of a tomato. “And you still don’t know when it’s smart to shut your fucking mouth!”
“Ryder, stop!” People begin poking their heads out of their apartment to see what all the ruckus is about. I rush over and try to do damage control before this gets anymore out of hand. “Ryder, please stop,” I plead. “Someone is going to call the police.”
I start to think he isn’t even hearing me through his rage, but then he flicks me a glance before leaning in closer to Kyle’s now purple face. “If you ever put your hands on her again I will fucking kill you!” he threatens, before pushing himself away. Kyle doubles over with his hands on his knees, inhaling lungfuls of the oxygen he was deprived of.
Ryder pulls me against his side and wraps an arm around my waist. “You all right, Em?”
“Yes, I’m fine,” I respond shakily, not sounding fine at all.
Once Kyle finally catches his breath, he stands and glares at both Ryder and me. The violence in his eyes causes a shiver of fear to run down my spine. “I’m sure your father will be thrilled when I show up at the dinner and tell him you completely disobeyed his order from earlier today,” he says like an immature tattletale.
Ryder goes at him again. “You talk to me, asshole, not her!”
I jump in front of him and put a trembling hand on his chest. “Ryder, just let it go,” I say firmly, before looking back at Kyle. “I told my father today that all decisions are my own and I won’t be forced by any of you to change them. This crap stops here, Kyle. Leave now and don’t ever come back.”
He watches me for a moment then shakes his head. “Don’t say I didn’t warn you, Emily.”
Ryder stiffens and I apply pressure to his chest, making sure he doesn’t go after him again. “You better listen to her warning. Don’t come back here, or next time you won’t be walking away from it.”
Kyle smirks arrogantly and I consider letting Ryder at him again, but thankfully he walks away. I blow out a relieved breath and run a shaky hand through my hair. I glance
up at Ryder who seems to be looking more pissed by the second.
“You ready?” his tone is clipped and he doesn’t look at me.
“Yeah, just let me get my purse.” I grab it off my counter then lock the door behind me. Silence surrounds us as I follow him out to the vehicle, his body radiating pure fury the entire time. Is he mad at me?
As soon as we get into his SUV he slams the door so hard that I jump. He grips the steering wheel tightly, his knuckles turning white and his chest heaving with angry breaths. “What the fuck was he doing there, Emily?”
His accusing question pisses me off, but I try to tamp down my anger since I’ve had enough drama for one day. “My father wanted him to take me to a charity dinner tonight. I told him at lunch I wouldn’t go, but clearly he ignored me, like always, and sent Kyle anyway.”
“So that’s what the fight was about today with your father – me, not the hypnotherapy?”
“He called me there because family friends saw us last night at Crustacia. The lunch ended with us in a fight about the hypnotherapy.”
“You shouldn’t have fucking lied to me.”
“I didn’t lie to you. I just left that part out. I…”
He laughs bitterly. “Same fucking thing, Emily. What – didn’t want me to find out that daddy didn’t approve once again?”
Tears begin to blur my eyes at what a dick he’s being. “No, I didn’t want you to know because I didn’t want your feelings hurt, and it didn’t matter what he said because I was making my own decision. Just like I am now and I’ve decided this date is over.”
I go to open the door and get out, but he grabs my arm. “Em, wait, baby, don’t go.”
His soft tone has me looking back at him. “Look, I’m sorry I’m being an asshole. I’m not mad at you. I’m just pissed at the entire situation. Seeing Prescott’s hands on you like that made me fucking insane!”
“I’m okay,” I mumble quietly, sitting back in my seat.
“Does he come often?”
