“Except you ran out like a freaking spaz,” I groan. “They probably think you’re a tease.”
No. I’m not a tease. They are. I didn’t know what the hell I was doing.
It doesn’t make me feel better though. I spend a few more minutes in the bathroom, splashing water on my face in an attempt to cool my heated skin, and praying I can calm down, so I won’t look like a turned-on mess when I walk out among the dozens of party goers.
Finally, I walk out of the bathroom with a plan to make a quick exit. I don’t need to face my humiliation tonight. It can wait until tomorrow when I’ve had time to convince myself it wasn’t that bad. So, I’ll just slip out through the crowd with no one the wiser.
Except – it seems awfully quiet. Much quieter than when I first arrived. Swallowing hard, I make my way back toward the main living area of the penthouse. I am unpleasantly surprised to find the place empty except for Maddox leaning against the counter drinking a bottle of water. He quirks a brow at me with a knowing grin, but he doesn’t say anything.
“Where — uh — is — uh —"I stammer like an idiot. They really did melt my brain. “Where is everyone?”
“Gone,” he says plainly.
“Everyone?” I squeak. Did they clear everyone out to get me alone again? I’m not sure I can withstand another round.
“Dane and Jake are somewhere.” He shrugs his shoulders as he continues to sip his water. I have the urge to slap that bottle out of his hand. Or dump it over his head. His casualness is unnerving.
“Well, I – uh – I should probably go too.” I jerk my thumb over my shoulder in the direction of the door. Maddox gives me a mischievous grin as I back up. I close my eyes when I bump into something solid. I know it’s not a wall that has magically appeared. A wall doesn’t set my body on fire.
“Do we make you nervous?” that gravelly voice whispers in my ear. It’s become their favorite question tonight.
I don’t even know why, but I yelp in surprise, spinning around in a jump that has me losing my balance. Two handsgripme around the waist, bringing me flush against his chest. They slide up my side, beneath my shirt. Not byaccident, I’m sure.
Ryder squeezes me tighter to him, his whiskey and smoke breath should be repulsive, but it has my blood reaching a boiling point yet again.
“No,” I laugh, hating the pitchy sound of nerves that I cannot disguise tonight. “Of course, you don’t make me nervous.”
His fingers dig into my side, gripping me to the point of pain. And I’m the twisted girl that wishes he would grip me just a little bit harder. My breath catches in my throat and his eyes drop to my lips again. He is very aware of what he’s doing to me.
“I think you’re a little liar, Heaven. Why do we make you so nervous?” He grips my chin, pulling me to him. I think he might kiss me again, but then his mouth drops to my ear. “Or is it just me that makes you nervous?”
“Let her go, Ryder. You know why she’s scared.” Maddox calls out.
I bite my lip, wondering what it is they think they know. Ryder’s eyes scan my face that I’m sure is tomato red. A sly smirk appears. “I’ll let you go. For now,” he brushes his mouth against mine lightly. “But make no mistake, Heaven, and hell will collide, and I’m getting tired of waiting.”
My mouth opens and closes like a goldfish as moisture floods between my thighs.
What in the holy hell is that? Has he missed the part of just friends?
I knew the minute I laid eyes on him thathe was trouble. I later realized that was an understatement of massive proportions. Once again, however, I’m proven wrong. Ryder Jamison is not trouble. He’s not even dangerous. He’s absolutely lethal, and I’m afraid crossing any lines with him just might cost me my soul.
Ryder
Breakdown
I pound my fists into the bag over and over, working out my frustration over my latest conversation with my mother. She is pissed I’m not coming home for Christmas. I’m not sure why she thinks I would. I try to keep as much distance between us as possible.
I don’t answer her calls andrefuse to open her emails or respond to her texts. The only reason I did today was because she called from my grandfather’s house instead of her cell. She can’t use Rayna to get me home anymore, so now she’s trying to use my grandfather. I should’ve seen it coming.
“Ryder, do you realize how it will look if my son isn’t here?”
“Maybe they’ll start to question if you’re the amazing mother you pretend to be,” I hiss. “Oh, wait, I almost forgot. You are amazing with your other children.”
“You have always been so difficult. I will never understand why you are like this.”
“If I’m difficult, Margret, it’s because you made me this way.”
“I gave you everything. I did everything for you.” And there she is. The self-sacrifice didn’t take long to show up.
