Chapter 15

Ryder’s Pov

 

The phone vibrated in my hand as I stared at the screen for a full minute, irritation crawling up my skin at the picture staring back at me.

 

Clenching my jaw, as if to solidify my decision, I ended the call, walked back to the bed and slumped down on it.

 

Damien must be mad to think he could ring my line for any reason whatsoever, guess he was getting bold again.

 

“Looks like he wants me to come give him another warning, and I’ll make sure he doesn’t forget it this time,” I muttered to myself as I stared angrily at the ceiling.

 

My mind began to flash back to a time before all this, when I considered him a pal, not knowing he was just a scheming manipulative bastard desperate to get into my pants.

 

A loud groan escaped my throat as the image of him coming onto me flashed through my mind. I remembered how he looked so desperate and pitiful and all I wanted to do was punch him.

 

I didn’t - and that’s where I went wrong - instead I tried to be reasonable and let him down slowly.

 

And then he went ahead to do that shit.

 

“Fuck!” I yelled. No one could make me as angry as people like Damien who walk around feeling like they owned the world because life had placed them on the better plane of things.

 

Was that hypocritical of me? Probably, but at least I tried not to be too much of a cocky bastard.

 

My phone chimed next to me, the screen illuminating my dimly lit room and I took a moment before lifting it up.

 

It was a text from Damien.

“Damn, he’s got balls.”

 

I was going to ignore it but then I saw a name in the preview that made me look again. Sitting up quickly, I tapped on the message.

 

Asswipe: Not picking up huh? Typical.

Asswipe: What’s your deal with that Jameson boy? Thought you didn’t swing his way.

 

The entire message quadrupled my anger in an instant. Why would he ask me about Zach?

How dare he even?

 

I had already thought out the nastiest and most riveting reply but I stopped myself before I could start typing. Perhaps it would be best to just make an exception and block him instead. He’s not worth it.

 

But even after I deleted his chat, I couldn’t stop thinking about it. Maybe I was right and he was already establishing a relationship with Zach.

 

If that was the case then I couldn’t let that happen, not with everything I knew about him, Zach would never be able to survive a guy like Damien.

 

Why did I care? Because if I let this happen, it would only be a matter of time before it affected the project one way or the other, and I wouldn’t have that.

 

Scrolling to Zach’s DM, I quickly typed up a chat.

 

Ryder: Don’t tell me you’re still up texting that Damien character.

 

Zach: What the actual hell, Ryder?

 

Ryder: Don’t get fond of him. You shouldn’t even have his contact.

 

Zach: Are you honestly not seeing how crazy you sound??

 

With a groan, I hit the call button and watched the tone ring for a while before he finally picked.

 

“What?”

“Just tell me if it’s him you’re texting.”

“Maybe we should start with how that’s any of your business.”

“Would you just stop being stubborn, I’m trying to look out for you here.”

 

A pause.

 

“And since when is that a thing you do?”

“What?”

“Look, thanks for not being a total dick earlier today, but there’s no point acting like that was some turning point between us. You don’t need to look out for me, what you need to do is to stop stalking me.”

 

“I’m not stalking you. I’m just ensuring you don’t go and fuck up my grades.”

He scoffed. “There it is.”

 

My eyebrows furrowed. “What the fuck are you on about now?”

“You’re just a selfish prick, not that I’m surprised. You don’t have to worry, in case you forgot my grades are on the line as well.”

 

“You say that, but you didn’t turn in Barlow’s assignment because of him. Or am I wrong?”

“What the- Ryder, goodnight.”

The call ended before I could say anything else.

 

“Why do I keep fucking that up,” I groan, frustration rising. All this wouldn’t even be my problem if only I could get some sleep. But every time I closed my eyes all I could think of was Zach.

 

“Shit,” I muttered, picking up my phone and calling the only person I knew could keep my mind off him.

 

The receiver clicked after the first ring.

 

“What’s up, you up for a ride?”

 

The voice came groggily. “What time is it, babe?”

“Late. Pick you up in thirty minutes?”

 

After a moment of silence, she groaned. “Fine.”

 

Brittany was already standing in front of her porch by the time I got to her apartment, dressed in bright colors and skimpy fabric with a whole lot of glitter. She hurried excitedly to my window and planted a kiss on my cheek before rounding my car.

 

“Do you know any good spots?” I asked as she slid in next to me.

She nodded animatedly and I wondered how she always had so much energy about her.

 

“There’s this new club downtown Max is throwing a party at. He said he sent you an invite?”

 

“Oh, yeah. I think I got that,” I said, pulling my gear into drive. “Pin it on the GPS for me?”

 

“Sure thing babe!” She squealed. “God, I’ve missed nights like this,” she said as she leaned towards the screen, and I managed a smile before pulling out of her street.

 

Lord knows I haven’t. But I’d do anything to get that damn boy out of my mind.