The school hallway was bustling with students during the lunch break and at the center of the chaos was Ryker.
I stood at my locker, searching for a book I needed for my next class. My long, chestnut hair cascaded over my shoulders as I concentrated on my task. Wearing my hair that way made me feel sheltered from the chaos.
I found the book and immediately shut the locker only to get startled by Ryker leaning on behind the door, causing me to jump and drop my books. They scattered on the floor, my fragile confidence shattering along with them.
“Oops, clumsy Harper,” Ryker sneered, a malicious grin on his face. “Always dropping things, aren’t you?”
I felt my cheeks flush with embarrassment, and my heart raced. I knew this was coming.
I bent down to pick up my fallen books. “Why do you do this, Ryker? What have I ever done to you?”
Mason and Jake exchanged grins, waiting for the usual cruel retort.
Ryker leaned in closer to me, his tone dripping with sarcasm. “Oh, Harper,” he taunted, “you think I need a reason to mess with you? You’re just an easy target. It’s like a game, watching you squirm.”
My eyes welled up with tears, but I refused to let them fall.
.
.
“Are you really doing this Harper?” I asked myself, feeling my stomach in knots.
As I watched the group of familiar faces gathered on the balcony of Charlotte’s lakeside cottage, doubts crept into my mind. What if I regretted coming here? What if he was still the jerk he used to be? Ugh! Harper, just don’t think!
My eyes caught the peaceful waters that mirrored the sparkling stars above, creating a picturesque scene that was a contrast to the inner turmoil I was experiencing at the moment.
Checking my phone, Emily still hadn’t messaged. She had mentioned she was on her way when I left my apartment, but her absence was starting to make me wonder. The evening had grown darker, and my nerve was mounting.
The sound of laughter and conversation from the balcony reached my ears; their cheerful voices, the clinking of glasses, and the gentle breeze rustling through the trees.
I took a deep breath. “All right. Do or die.”
As I reached the front door, I paused for a moment to take a look at the wreath of vibrant flowers with a sign that read “Welcome Back, Alumni!” hung cheerfully.
With a deep breath, I pushed open the door and stepped inside. The warm, rustic interior of the cottage greeted me, adorned with twinkling fairy lights and the comforting scent of wood and home-cooked food. The chatter and laughter from the balcony grew louder as I made my way through the cozy living room.
“Harper, you made it! I’m so glad you’re here.” I heard Charlotte’s screechy greeting, welcoming me with a warm hug.
I returned her hug and smiled. “Wouldn’t have missed it for the world, Char.”
“I would feel bad if you didn’t come. You did not reply to my DM on I*******m!”
I bit my lip. “Didn’t I? I thought I replied, Char. Sorry...”
She feigned upset, letting out a playful huff, and then linked her arm with mine. “You’re forgiven. You’re here now. But seriously, why’s Emily late?”
I wrinkled my nose. “Honestly, I’m not sure. She said she was on her way when I left, but I haven’t heard from her since.”
Charlotte’s eyes twinkled with mischief. “Since she’s late, she should prepare a grand entrance with a dramatic flair.”
I laughed at the thought. “Knowing Emily, she would never do that.”
“I know.” She laughed as we made our way toward the balcony where the rest of the guests had gathered.
Familiar faces turned toward me, and a chorus of greetings filled the air. I was so relieved Ryker was not here.
“Oh, the kitten is here,” joked Lala in a whisper as she hugged me.
“You still never changed. Stop calling me that.” I told her. She just giggled and handed me a drink. I particularly disliked the pet name. She, however, would whisper that name to me, avoiding one particular person to hear it.
Mason, Emily’s ex-boyfriend, was among the group. He extended a hand. “Harper. Good to see you here.”
I shook his hand with a friendly smile. “Likewise, Mason. It’s been a while.”
For a split second, I entertained the idea of giving his hand a twist, but I quickly dismissed it, besides, I believed that Ryker was the mastermind behind the plan to ridicule me and that he was merely a dog without a tail. Nevertheless, what angered me the most was the instances in which they all laughed and taunted me whenever Ryker attempted to intimidate me.
“Where’s the other dog?” I said, and everyone fell into silence. They looked at Mason for a moment and then at me. “I mean Jake,” I gave them a shrug, my tone nonchalant.
Mason let out an uncomfortable chuckle. “Jake couldn’t make it tonight. He’s caught up with work.”
Charlotte then laughed, breaking the awkward silence following my comment. “Oh, Harper, you always have a way of keeping us on our toes!”
I smiled, deciding to steer the conversation away from any lingering tension.
“Well, enough about that,” she said, a grin spreading across her face. “Let’s focus on making new memories tonight! How about we play a round of our classic college game: ‘Never Have I Ever’?”
Lala grabbed a deck of cards from the nearby table, her enthusiasm infectious. “Okay, let’s do this! I’ll start. Never have I ever skipped a class for a hook-up!”
Laughter erupted as some of us raised our glasses while others exchanged knowing glances.
“I have!” Charlotte burst into laughter.
“Yeah, I did that too!” Chelsea chimed in, her infectious laughter spreading like wildfire through the group.
“Never have I ever broken up with someone because I was a pussy!” Charlotte screeched, her eyes playfully trained on Mason, who couldn’t help but grimace at the sudden turn of the game.
“Oh, Ryker’s arrived,” Lala announced with excitement.
My heart rate quickened at the thought of his presence. Sure enough, there he was, striding onto the balcony with an air of confidence that was all too familiar.
I felt a rush of emotions—fear, anger, and a lingering sense of unease as I cast my eyes somewhere but him. These people mostly didn’t have any idea what Ryker and I had in those years. For them what we had was a playful banter, but they never had any idea what he was like when we were alone.
Drinking from my cup, I refused to meet his eyes.
Charlotte, always quick to lighten the mood, broke the silence. “Well, well, look who decided to grace us with his presence. Ryker, care to join in on our little game of ‘Never Have I Ever’?”
“Yes, right there! Oh, please, please!” I screamed in urgency, my head thrown back as I felt myself coming. My knees were shaking and my heart was racing.At seven months pregnant, I never knew pregnancy could ignite such a strong desire, and with Ryker, it was impossible to deny. I thought our sex life would diminish when I got pregnant. But it only seemed to intensify. Ryker was always attentive, making sure I was comfortable and satisfied. I believe he liked me being pregnant even more than I thought. And now, as my belly grew bigger and our baby kicked inside me, our intimacy only grew stronger.His fingers expertly stroked my swollen clit. I knew I was close.“Squeeze my cock. Come for me.” He urged softly against my ear, licking the shell, his length grazing my walls deliciously.“Just like that,” I gasped, gripping the rails of the headboard as I felt his cock grate my walls, his movements never slowing. I liked it this hard. The aching in my core loved it.“What’s my name?” he
The next day started with a golden vibe, still riding the magical wave from our wedding. It was splendid. Everything was like a dream. Ryker pulled out all the stops to make sure the whole event was unforgettable; from the venue that looked like it came out of a fantasy movie of a dreamland surrounded by flowers and nature, to the crazy intricate decorations that had me wondering if we accidentally walked into a movie set.We kept it low-key with just a few classmates, mine and Ryker’s family, and my best friend, making it an intimate wedding reception. But those few made the whole place buzz with good vibes. They say tough guys don’t cry, right? I thought so too, but Ryker was out there proving everyone wrong, blaming his teary eyes on the wind like it was some kind of ninja slicing onions around him. Hilarious, but it made the whole thing even more emotional and memorable.Opening my eyes, the sunlight played peek-a-boo through the curtains, telling me I had to get up now. Last nigh
The tempest that raged through my man’s life had finally subsided since that darkest day. Everything had fallen into its rightful place. The evidence Josephine kept against Henry, the tape capturing the moment Henry took Leon’s life, had been surrendered to the government. This same evidence had served as Josephine’s shield, ensuring her survival and persuading Henry to spare her life. Besides that, Henry believed that Ryker was his biological son—a truth Josephine had vowed to protect until her last breath, praying that Henry would never inflict harm upon his own flesh and blood.However, Ryker, who wanted to learn the truth, discovered it when he turned 20 through a secretly conducted DNA test.With Jake, Mason, and Ryker displaying exceptional teamwork, gathered all the data and information of the drug cartel the government needed to crack everything down. With Henry’s death, Jake’s slick hacking skills ensured that all the cash he stashed away ended up in Ryker’s pockets. Sweet in
The hospital corridor echoed with the familiar sounds of beeping machines and hushed conversations. Approaching Jake’s room, I braced myself as I didn’t want to be emotional again. He just saved my life. Ryker had told me Jake was not in a critical condition. He had a shot in his left thigh and right shoulder, far from death. It had been hours since the event.Entering the room, we found Jake propped up on pillows, wearing a hospital gown that clashed comically with his tough exterior. His eyes lit up as he saw us, and he attempted a nonchalant grin.“Well, well, if it isn’t the dynamic duo. You guys bringing popcorn for the show?” Jake teased, his voice a bit raspy.I snorted, “Hmmm, we thought we would add some drama of our own. Maybe a hospital room musical?”Ryker chuckled beside me. “Yeah, I was thinking of auditioning for the lead role. ‘Ryker and the IV Stand.’”Jake laughed a genuine sound that cut through the sterile hospital air. “I’ve always said you missed your true callin
Despite the warnings, I made up my mind. I couldn’t just stay here hiding behind the protective walls he’d built. It felt selfish, and my heart just wouldn’t stop worrying. Each second screamed for this day to end.I wanted to see him safe.With bravery, stepped outside. The sounds of gunfire instantly greeted me. Each shot felt like a punch to the gut, making my knees weak and my heart pounding into my ears. I thought I could feel the chilling wind carrying the danger, but despite the fear that gripped me, a strange sense of courage settled in. I knew I was weak, but doing nothing and just hiding was weaker.Then the sounds stopped.What’s happening?Move... I just had to avoid anyone.Crouching on the floor, I flattened my back on the wall in the hall, my heart pounding in rhythmic waves. As it was in the day, someone would see me if I were not careful. I silently made my way to where I thought I heard voices. The ringing sound of silence after the gunfire was deafening. It made my
My initial fear of meeting these people was replaced by camaraderie. At first glance, they could be so intimidating, but now, they regarded me with respect, and that was because they respected Ryker in this place.When he left my side, I took the chance to find out Wheeler’s room. As I stepped outside, two guys started tailing me. I knew Ryker had sent them, much to my irritation. I wasn’t foolish enough to make a run for it; I knew it would only land me in more trouble. All I wanted was to work, but if that didn’t sit well with him, fine by me—I’d stick around to keep him pleased.Wheeler, the one who looked like he could snap a person in half, gave me a nod of acknowledgment. He looked fine now. Without a shirt, the bandage was wrapped around his stomach.“I didn’t expect your visit,” he smiled hesitantly.I took a deep breath and smiled, trying to suppress the wave of intimidation. “Ryker told me what happened. I wanted to check on you.”Wheeler chuckled, though it sounded more lik