I excused myself casually from the group when I saw Ryker sit down in my peripheral vision. I could feel the group’s curious eyes on me.
“I will call Emily,” I told them. “Be right back.”
As I walked away, I released my breath slowly. I thought I’d worn my confidence on full display, but his mere presence knocked that off in a second. And it was strange how his presence still had the power to stir up a whirlwind of emotions within me.
“Come on, Emily. Where on earth are you?” I muttered under my breath, my impatience growing with each passing second.
I impatiently tapped my foot as the phone rang on the other end. I glanced over my shoulder and looked around me. I went behind a big tree. Hugging myself tightly, I wrapped the long coat around me as if it were a protective shield against the emotions that threatened to overwhelm me.
I closed my eyes and took a deep breath, trying to calm the racing of my heart as I leaned against the tree’s rough bark. The call directed me to a voicemail.
I sighed, muttering under my breath, “I will kill you Em if you won’t show up tonight. I will make sure—” My breath caught up in my throat, my gasp silenced by the hand that suddenly covered my mouth.
“Sssh,” a voice whispered softly before two piercing blue eyes stared back at me.
My heart leaped into my throat, and all the hair on my skin stood on end as a shiver crawled its way up my spine. Ryker...I realized I was trapped behind this tree with him, alone and vulnerable.
“You don’t have to scream.” He murmured softly, his voice calm as a millpond. “Unless you want their attention here.”
My breaths were shallow, and my chest tightened as I struggled to find my voice. Slowly, I nodded, not daring to make a sound.
Ryker’s hand slowly retreated from my mouth, but he remained close, his presence looming over me. I knew that whatever had brought him here, it wasn’t a mere coincidence.
“What do you want?” I wanted to clap for myself when my voice came out defiant as I glared at him.
Ryker’s eyes lingered on me. “You cut your hair. I liked it long.”
His words felt like a slap to the face, catching me off guard. With all the things I had imagined him saying or asking, it was my hair that he chose to comment on.
A scoff escaped me.
“Don’t tie your hair,” he grabbed the yellow ribbon that tied my hair in a bun harshly, “you looked like a duck with a bun on top of its head.” Then walked away with it, leaving me a painful scalp and a broken confidence.
That incident four years ago chose to fill the gap in my memories. It was a cruel and unnecessary act, and his comment about my hair just now reopened old wounds that left me feeling vulnerable.
“I thought you had changed, Blackthorn, but it seems to me that old habits die hard,” I said monotonously, my eyes fixed on his chest. I didn’t care if he thought I was still scared of him because I couldn’t meet his eyes. I just couldn’t care.
But I felt his eyes boring on me, and for a moment, it felt like we were back in college, locked in a battle of wills.
I heard him sigh. “Of course, you won’t believe it. I’ve been a jerk.”
A scornful laugh slipped off my lips, edged with bitterness. His admission didn’t erase the years of pain he had caused me, and it certainly didn’t make everything okay. His presence had reopened old wounds, and it was going to take more than words to heal them.
“A jerk? That’s putting it mildly. Do you really think commenting on my hair and admitting you’re a jerk is going to fix that?” I said, finally meeting his eyes...
Which was a very wrong move.
I found myself staring into deep, piercing blue eyes, just like I had in the past. Those eyes held a depth that I couldn’t quite understand. It always drew me into a whirlpool of emotions that I constantly bury every time. I hated myself for being this way.
“I know it won’t change the past, Harper,” he said, his voice softening. “But I’m trying to be better, to make amends.” He took a step closer, and instinctively, I took a step back, but the trunk of the tree covered my escape. “I’m not asking you to forgive me,” his voice was barely above a whisper.
I held my breath as his hand reached out and touched my hair, his touch surprisingly gentle.
“But I’m asking you to see me for who I really am,” he said, his voice filled with a vulnerability that I had never seen in him before.
I felt a rush of conflicting emotions wash over me. His hand cupped my cheek, making me gasp. His palm felt so hot. My breath hitched as his intense blue eyes lingered on my lips, which instantly opened as I let go of my breath. Desire and lust crossed his eyes and I felt like I was struck with heady emotions as I watched him look at me with those eyes.
My eyes were drawn to his Adam’s apple, moving up and down as he continued to watch my lips with a hunger that was impossible to ignore. The tension in my stomach grew thicker, and when his face descended, green lights sparked in the back of my head.
“Try and I will kill—”
My words were abruptly silenced when he pulled me into a kiss. It was a sudden, passionate kiss, and all the words I had intended to say vanished in an instant. I pushed against his chest as his tongue sought entrance, but it was like pushing against a solid wall.
His kiss was intense as if it was filled with a longing that had been buried for years. And when his tongue danced over my lips and sucked them, I couldn’t help but gasp, giving him the invitation he sought.
His tongue delved in, deepening the kiss, finding a rhythm that was overwhelming and I found myself responding. The kiss carried a whirlwind of emotions, desires, and memories that threatened to consume me.
We both moaned simultaneously, and the sound sent a jolt of awareness through me. It was as if a bucket of cold water had been thrown over my desire-fueled haze. I pushed him away, breaking the kiss.
He looked dazed, his eyes glazed over from the intensity of the kiss.
“This is so wrong,” I breathed and ran away.
“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