“No one will find out,” he says.
I shake my head. “We can’t do this again.”
“You opened the door, doll,” he whispers. His thumb strokes gentle circles over what I’m certain is a hickey. “This is only justthe beginning. But for your sake, and the sake of the reputation you’re desperately clinging to, I’ll treat you the same. Just so no one will ever catch on.”
He drops his arms to his sides, then steps back, giving me room to squeeze past him and flee his bedroom. I rush down the stairs and don’t bother turning on any lights as I enter the living room and plop onto the sectional couch.
If I took a time machine to tell my younger self that Ryder would one day want me as badly as I wanted him, my younger self would have laughed and called me a liar. I never thought this would happen. My crush on him was innocent because I believed he wouldn’t reciprocate the feelings.
I turn onto my side and close my eyes, willing sleep to come. My mind is my worst enemy as it replays the grinding session with my stepbrother. Warmth pools and settles between my lungs as Ryder’s groans echo in my head. His sweaty body moving beneath me and how he looked at me like I was his god. His lifeless, dull eyes were so full of life. All because ofmeand whatIwas doing to him.
He’s finally looking at me and speaking to me after years of pining for him, but all I feel is remorse and shame.
And I don’t know how to move on from him after this.
“THROW ME TO THE WOLVES” FUTURE ROYALTY
Isway in place as Ryder helps me with the same helmet from yesterday. He hasn’t said much since waking up earlier this morning and handing over my phone, which I accidentally left in his bedroom. Then he tossed a hoodie to me and told me he’s taking me home. That’s it. He didn’t help me as I struggled to get the slightly bigger hoodie on. Instead, he disappeared to the back deck, where he spent his time texting somebody.
For all I know, he could have been chatting with Hawk or the others in his friend group. I don’t know and I shouldn’t care.
But I do. A lot, actually.
The way he’s acting feels almost sneaky, so I wonder if he’s talking to another woman. I have no right to be jealous. I’m not single, unfortunately, but he is.
My eyes slide shut as Ryder fastens the helmet’s straps beneath my chin. He hasn’t said much to me since last night—which cuts deep—but he’s still gentle while handling me.
I barely got any sleep last night. My nerves were everywhere because of what we did, as well as the looming threat of Justin finding me here. Every creak from the house’s settling structure startled me awake. I held my breath while searching through the darkness, afraid to find him sneaking into the living room. He’d probably drag me out of the house by my hair.
I believed Ryder when he said he’d take care of Justin if he were to show up, but anxiety is a workaholic. It never takes a day off.
Ryder drops his hand, then taps the side of my helmet, signaling he’s finished. I blink open my eyes as he backs away and waits for me to get on his motorcycle. The slight curl of his fingers as he beckons me brings all sorts of dirty thoughts to mind.
I duck my head, thankful he can’t see my blush, and I squeeze past him. I mentally prepare for him to grab me or even spank my ass. It’s something I wouldn’t put past him.
Nothing happens.
My shoulders slacken, and disappointment coils in my stomach. I hate how he’s messing with my head. Gone are the heated looks and passing touches meant to turn me on.
Ryder is keeping his word by treating me the same way as before, even though we’re alone.
I can’t help but wonder if it was a one-and-done thing. A heat-of-the-moment mistake where we said things we didn’t mean as passion consumed us.
I slide onto the bike and inch backward to give Ryder room as he straddles the seat in front of me. The engine roars to life, and I lock my arms around his waist. He picks his way down the long driveway before we take off on the main road.
My stomach flips as he increases the speed exiting the neighborhood. It’s early on a Sunday, so not a lot of people are out. I thank the sky above because the last thing I need right now is for someone to see us.
The ride takes less time than when driving a car. I knew Ryder enjoyed riding his motorcycle, but I didn’t realize how much he loved speeding until these last two days.
Ryder parks on the far side of the driveway, and my stomach knots as our parents’ house looms over us.
Home sweet home.
Back to my prison, where I have to be the good daughter of Jerry Richmond. Time to face the music and find out what Justin told my father happened yesterday.
I slip off the seat as Ryder knocks out the kickstand, and I linger nearby for him to help me with the helmet. Not that I need the help. I just want to drag this out for as long as possible and feel his hands on me before we go back to how things were. He doesn’t spare me a glance as he straightens to his full height and stalks toward the path leading to the backyard. My heart sinks as he disappears around the corner, leaving me standing here looking like a fool.
“This is only just the beginning. But for your sake, and the sake of the reputation you’re desperately clinging to, I’ll treat you the same. Just so no one will ever catch on.”Ryder’s promise resurfaces, cruelly reminding me this is exactly what I wanted, and he’s keeping his word.
