Page 10

Chapter ten

Ava

It's been six days since Ryder left in the middle of the night for a business trip, without so much as a goodbye kiss. Six days since we have talked on the phone. Six long, drawn-out days with no end in sight. My attempts to reach out have been met with brief, curt responses, if any.

Well, I have had enough.

I step out of the shower grabbing a towel and drying my hair before walking into the bedroom fully naked. I open the closet and grab the tightest and shortest black dress I have

As I rummage through my drawers, searching for my lucky black lace bra and the matching panties. Where the hell is it? I guess the red set will due. That's the third set to go missing in recent weeks. Danie and I have searched everywhere, and the only explanation we can come up with is that some creep with a lingerie fetish is taking them when one of us is doing laundry in the laundry room of our apartment building. We have to stop leaving the laundry unattended while it’s washing and drying, this is getting ridiculous.

Right now, I need to focus on getting ready for a girls' night out with Danie. A much-needed break from all the stress, drama, and missing Ryder so damn much. Tonight is going to be fun—no more sulking over him and his silence. I'm determined to let loose and enjoy myself.

I just feel so stupid letting myself fall for Ryder when he obviously didn’t feel the same way about me.

I walk into Danie’s room and find her finishing up her makeup. She looks at me standing behind her in the mirror. “Damn girl, are we hunting tonight?”

"Might as well give it a try. I'm not exactly off the market as much as I thought I was. I'm tired of feeling sorry for myself. Ryder clearly has no interest in me for anything beyond the bedroom. He's been out of town and has only texted me four times. FOUR!" I raise four fingers to emphasize my point. “That’s not even one a day.” I pout and throw myself on her bed.

I know, I know I’m being ridiculous, and a bit over dramatic. Trust me, I fully realize this. What I didn’t realize was how my feelings for Ryder had grown and changed into something that began to creep into the “L” word category. I will not ever say that out loud, not to myself and especially not to Danie.

Danie just smiles at my theatrics. We’ve been friends for so long, she just expects it at this point in our relationship.

“Ava, you know Ryder said he was out of town on business. Do you ever think that maybe he’s telling you the truth and he's just busy working? Being in security can be a dangerous job. Then with the time difference, maybe he doesn’t want to bother you in the middle of the night." She attempts to rationalize the situation.

“You know, it’s really annoying when you do that.”

“Do what?” Danie asks, clearly confused.

“When you rationalize every situation like an adult and then you’re always right. Can’t you just let me have my temper tantrum in peace every once in a while?”

Danie huffs out a laugh, “That’s a negative, babe. I’m just fulfilling my best friend duties by helping you navigate life while not pointing out your tendencies to overthink and then overreact to things. Now get your sorry ass off my bed and stop pouting.”

See, totally annoying! She isn’t wrong though, my tendency to overthink has led me astray, beyond the realm of reason, a lot.

"I think it would be a good idea to try a different club tonight," I suggest, not wanting to chance running into Ryder’s friends at their club.

She pouts her lips, "But I was really hoping we could go to Blaze. They have the best drinks, an d there are usually so many hot guys. Please, Ava." She's now begging, her green eyes widening in that puppy-dog look she's perfected over the years.

Danie's right, as always. It's like a hot guy meat market in that place and their drinks are to die for. "Okay, you win," I concede, knowing that a night of fun and flirting might be just what the doctor ordered to lift my spirits. If I see his friends, I’ll just ignore them.

"Yes!" Danie squeals excitedly, as she throws her arms around my neck.

****

We have only been here at Blaze for an hour, but it already feels like an eternity. I have been scanning the crowd the whole time, desperately searching for any sign of Ryder, or his friends.

"Okay, that is enough," Danie’s voice cuts through the thumping bass as she grabs my hand and yanks me off the barstool. "You have been sitting here like a lost puppy ever since we arrived. It's time to let loose and have some fun." She flashes me a grin, as she forcefully tugs me toward the dance floor.

Soon, I find myself swept up in the rhythm, thoughts of Ryder finally fading away as I lose myself in the music. My focus shifts completely when a pair of attractive guys join our little dance party.

Danie is in her element, a smile already spreading across her face. I know her well, she’s a true social butterfly, always ready to flutter her wings and charm everyone around her. She has a special talent for captivating men, wrapping them around her finger without them giving her the slightest bit of resistance.

Danie winks over the shoulder of the hot guy she is dancing with. Trying to encourage me to have some fun. I return her look with a subtle nod, letting go of my inhibitions for tonight and just live in the moment.

If Ryder wants to be with me, he would be. If he wants to talk to me, he will have. I'm not going to play cat and mouse with someone when I don’t even know where I stand with him. I should just take the silent treatment for what it is. He was just never that interested in me.

Suddenly, I'm being spun around. I find myself pressed against a firm, muscular body. The familiar cologne instantly gives away whose arms I am now in. I don’t need to look up to know it is Ryder.

"Looks like you are h aving a fun night, Ava."

"Yeah, I got bored waiting around for this guy to text me. He kinda blew me off and just left me in the dark, literally." The words tumble out, laced with a hint of bitterness over his lack of communication.

I know I am treading on thin ice by calling out his behavior so directly. But considering my hurt feelings and the amount of liquid courage I've consumed so far tonight, I can’t resist pushing back just a little.

With a cockeyed grin, he replies, "Fair enough." Then Ryder’s mouth is on me, delivering a kiss that sends tingles racing throughout my body. His tongue teasing against mine, igniting a slow burn of desire low in my belly. I melt into his strong embrace, savoring the delicious friction of our bodies pressed together. God, I’ve missed this. I’ve missed him.

"I want to show you something," he says against my lips. He laces his fingers with mine as he leads me toward the back of the club.

We make our way up a dimly lit staircase, the bass of the music growing fainter with each step. Ryder pushes open a door with an 'Exit' sign above it. We emerge onto the roof, greeted by the cool night air. It feels good against my skin after being surrounded by the sweltering heat of bodies on the dance floor.

"Wow, it's beautiful up here," I say in awe as I take in the lights of Seattle's skyline.

Ryder wraps his strong arms around me from behind, his solid warmth surrounding me as he presses light kisses against my neck.

"I'm sorry I couldn't talk or explain more to you while I was gone." He speaks in that deep tone that never fails to make me melt. "There was a lot going on. It seemed like every time we'd get everything set up and going in the right direction, something else went wrong. There was always something that needed my attention." His warm breath tickles my ear as he explains, his embrace tightening slightly.

"No need to explain, Ryder."

Spinning me around in his arms, "Let me get this straight, you expect me to believe that you being short with me, and those sassy comments before, mean you don't care? I may be hardheaded, but even I am picking up on the fact that you are pissed at me.” He puts a finger under my chin, tipping my head up to meet his eyes. “I'm home for a few weeks. Then I have to go back. I have some notice this time, so I’m letting you know. It won ’t be as hectic, I’ll do better this time. Promise."

A pang of sadness hits me at the thought of him leaving again, but I refuse to let it show. Pushing that aside, I put on my best smile and look into his eyes, drinking in every detail of his handsome face. "Well then, we'll just have to make the most of the time we have." I try to keep my tone light and playful even as my heart breaks a little on the inside. “I’m sorry for overreacting. I should have trusted you. It’s just that after everything with Clint, it’s something I struggle with. I know I shouldn’t put my issues on you, and I’m sorry for that.”

"Hey, I have shit too, we all do. You’ve just been lucky so far to have avoided the unpacking of my shit.” Ryder gives me a smile, “What do you say to us forgetting we both have shit, we get out of here and go back to my place? It's been too long since I've had you all to myself."

I swallow hard, excited at the thought of what would be happening back at his place between us. "I just need to let Danie know that I'm leaving so she knows I’m okay. I feel bad leaving her though. We are supposed to have a girls night." I reluctantly pull away to send her a text.

"Danie will be fine, Ava. Ethan is downstairs. I asked him to keep an eye on her and make sure she gets home okay before I came up to you on the dance floor.”

“Thank you. Okay, let's get out of here then." I quickly type out a text to Danie letting her know I am leaving with Ryder. Her reply comes through almost immediately.

Danie: I figured you'd be leaving with him when Ethan came up to me and let me know he was my big brother for the night. Have fun girl. Stop overthinking everything. Love you ??

***

The moment the door to Ryder's apartment clicks shut, Ryder is on me. He presses me against the wall, his body against mine. His kiss is hungry, and his hands move urgently over my body as if he can’t get enough of me. It's as though he wants to imprint every inch of me onto his memory—every curve and angle—as his fingers trace possessively along my skin. I could feel his need, so strong it is almost tangible, and it only serves to heighten my own. I return his kiss, my fingers tangling his short hair.

In the dimly lit bedroom, we begin peeling each other's clothes off. The last thing to go is my dre ss, revealing the tiny red lace lingerie I’m wearing underneath. The red lace stands out against my pale, exposed skin. Ryder’s eyes widen at the sight.

"You're even more beautiful than I remember," Ryder whispers almost reverently as he traces a finger along the lace, sending shivers across my body.

I feel a surge of desire as Ryder lifts me effortlessly off my feet, my legs instinctively locking around his waist. Our bodies align perfectly, fitting together like two pieces of a puzzle. I feel safe in his strong arms, as if I have finally found where I belong. Our kiss deepens and I am completely lost in the intensity of our connection.

He moves us to the bed and lays me down gently. He slowly peels my panties from my body, his eyes taking in every inch of my exposed skin. Ryder explores my body with skilled hands, paying special attention to my nipples, squeezing and pulling on the hardened peaks that are puckered against the lace fabric of my bra. I arch my back, offering myself to him, wanting more.

Ryder quickly pulls his shirt off over his head and tosses it to the floor. I can feel my mouth start to water looking at his pecs and hard six pack. Next, in one motion he pulls off his belt, then undoes his pants and slides them down along with his boxers. Then he is back on me.

His hands find their way to my thighs and he roughly spreads them as far as he can get them, his strong, throbbing cock finding its way to my entrance. A needy moan escapes my lips as he enters me in one smooth stroke, filling me completely. Every deep, purposeful thrust sends waves of ecstasy through my body, our bodies moving in perfect sync as we drive us both towards our release.

Ryder's movements slow, his hand slipping down between our bodies. He gathers some of my arousal coating his cock on his fingers. Moving his hand to my ass, he begins to inch one finger inside my tight hole, sending a shock of pleasure through my body. I gasp at the sensation, my moans mixing with his as he fills me in more ways than one.

"On your hands and knees," he commands.

I don't hesitate to obey, craving everything he has in store for me.

I move into position, and Ryder reaches into the drawer of the nightstand, taking out a bottle of lube. I gasp as the cool liquid lands on my ass, his fingers skillfully spreading it across my skin.

"I'll take it slow," he pro mises. "Just relax."

He positions himself beneath me so his head is between my open thighs, his mouth just below my pussy. Snaking one hand behind me, he gently begins to penetrate my ass with one finger. His other hand pulls my hips down, guiding me to take a seat on his face.

"Ryder, stop. I’m going to smother you to death." I manage to say between moans. “Oh fuck.”

"And I'll die a happy fucking man." He growls, punctuating his words with a smack to my ass that makes me cry out and a moan of pleasure I’m not expecting leaves my lips. He continues, his finger still teasing me.

It all becomes too much, and I lift up a little. “Oh my god, I can’t take any more,” I say, trying to catch my breath.

"See how good I can make you feel? Stop talking and get that pussy back on my face where it belongs, and enjoy the fucking ride, baby."

I don't need to be told twice, and I lower myself back onto his waiting mouth.

“That’s my good girl,” he rewards me with a firm squeeze on my ass. “I've been waiting for a week to taste this sweet pussy again, and I'm a hungry fucking man."

He adds another finger, stretching me further, his mouth never leaving my core. My body tenses at the intrusion, a mixture of pleasure and discomfort, but I push down, taking him deeper as I adjust to the feeling. His tongue laps at me, his moans of satisfaction vibrate against my sensitive flesh.

As he works his fingers in and out, my body starts to relax, the discomfort fading as pleasure takes over. I rock my hips against his mouth, needing more.

"That's it, baby, ride my face." His tongue circles my clit, his lips sucking gently as his fingers continue to move. My breath comes in short gasps as the pleasure builds. I feel my core tightening.

"Ryder, I—" I can't finish my sentence as waves of pleasure crash over me, my body shaking. "Oh my God, don't stop!" I cry out, my body bucking against his face. My juices flow freely, coating his face, but he doesn't stop, his tongue continues lapping eagerly.

I feel his fingers twist and turn inside me, his tongue never missing a beat. I whimper, overwhelmed by the sensations coursing through me. My body feels like it's on fire, every touch of his tongue against my swollen clit sends jolts of pleasure through me.

"Fuck, you taste so good," he says between licks, his fingers still moving gently in my ass. "My favorite fucking meal."

He knows exactly what he's doing. Ryder teases my clit with his tongue, his fingers pumping slowly in and out of me.

"You like that, baby? You like having your tight little ass stretched around my fingers while I eat your pussy?"

"Yes," I gasp, my cheeks flaming with embarrassment at my admission. "It feels so good."

He chuckles, the vibration sends shivers through me. "It's about to get better, I promise."

Before I can ask what he means, he picks me up and flips me on my back.

"I want to see your face while I fuck your ass. I want to watch you while you come. And I want to watch the expression on your face when you realize how much you fucking love my cock in your ass." He says while lining his hard cock up against my tight entrance, slowly and steadily pushing inside of me.

With each inch that enters me, I feel the burn and also a wave of pleasure spreading through my body. I can't help but moan at the intense sensations taking over.

He continues to ease himself in, inch by inch, I don't know whether to tell him to stop or keep going, until finally, he is fully buried inside my ass. My body is filled with him, every nerve ending firing off.

With tender care, he begins to move, slowly pulling out and then pushing back in again. I swear I can feel every ridge, every vein of his cock moving inside of me. I put my hands on the headboard and start pushing down, meeting his movements with my own.

"Good girl," he whispers huskily. "Take my cock, every fucking inch."

He thrusts deeper, rubbing my clit with one hand while using the other to pinch and tease my nipples. The sensations intensify as pleasure grips every inch of my body, driving me closer to the edge.

My body is on fire, buzzing with pleasure as his cock thrusts in and out of my ass. His fingers pin ching and rubbing my swollen clit only amplifies the intense sensations coursing through me. I can feel my orgasm building, higher and more intense than anything I've ever felt before.

He looks at me and says, "I'm close." Our eyes lock, and I know we are both about to come. And then it hits me, the depth of our connection. This is raw and intimate beyond anything I've experienced before. This time, it is different between us. This is more than just sex. It is him letting me know he needed me last week as much as I had needed him.

I cry out, an unrestrained, primal moan ripping from my lips as my body is overwhelmed by a mind-shattering orgasm. My back arches, my body convulses, and I surrender to the all-consuming pleasure that takes control.

He matches my intensity, his movements desperate as he continues to thrust into me. His body tenses, and with a deep, guttural growl, he comes deep inside of me, his warm cum filling me.

We stay like that, trying to steady our breathing, him still deep inside of me. In this moment, not only are we connected with our bodies, but I feel…

"I love you, Ava."

Ryder's words stun me, but it's exactly what I was thinking, and I hear myself say, "I love you too, Ryder."

It's the truest thing I've ever said.

Without saying anything else, Ryder pulls out and moves to his back and pulls me on top of his chest. I nestle my head against his firm chest. His chest rising and falling with each inhale and exhale.

That is when I start freaking out. I squeeze my eyes shut and try to control my breathing so he doesn’t notice. My mind is going a hundred miles per minute. He said he loves me. I said it back. What the fuck. It had to be something he said because we just had sex. He can’t mean it. Can he? Do I?

"Stop overthinking," Ryder says, interrupting my thoughts.

"I'm not," I lie.

"You're freaking out about us saying 'I love you’. Stop overthinking this. It's clear that I'm in love with you, and it's obvious you feel the same way. It's as simple as that. "

"What's clear is that the first time you tell me you love me, your cock is buried in my ass. Your timing could have been a little better."

A laugh bubbles up from deep within his chest, "Can you really blame me? Have you seen your ass? I'm surprised I held out this long."

"Ryder! Seriously??" I shove his arm playfully, "I've missed you." His arm tightens around me.

"I know," he says against the top of my head, pressing a kiss there. "I’ve missed you so fucking much. Work has been complicated to say the least. But I'm here now."

"How was Russia? Are you allowed to tell me anything?" Ryder tenses for a moment before he answers my question, his body language giving away his discomfort.

"Nice subject change there," he chuckles. "It's a beautiful country. Unfortunately, I was too consumed with work to truly appreciate it. I only caught glimpses from the car window as we were moving from one place to the next."

"I'm sorry. That must be so disappointing. You go to all these fascinating places, but you don't get to actually see them."

"Yeah, but it's part of the job. Speaking of Russia, you didn't know I was coming back tonight," Ryder said in a matter-of-fact tone.

"No, I didn't know. Why?" I ask, confused by his question.

"Then who were you wearing that red lace bra and panty set for?" He inquires, his voice dropping an octave.

I feel the flush creep up my neck as our eyes meet. "For myself," I reply firmly. "A woman doesn't need a reason to feel sexy."

Suddenly, I’m being flipped onto my back, Ryder's weight pressing me into the mattress as he hovers above me. His face is so close I can feel his warm breath on my skin, his piercing blue eyes lock onto mine.

"Is that so? After today there will be no one else other than me. You’re mine now. I take care of what belongs to me, and I never loan out my toys. No one else will touch you, see you, or fuck you. I'm a jealous, possessive bastard when it comes to you, and I can't stand the thought of anyone else laying their hands on what's mine. Do you understand?"

"Yes Sir."

"If voyeur ism is something you'll like to explore at the club I could be open to that depending on the situation. I will consider us being watched during a scene if it is the two of us. But sharing you, that's a hard limit for me and will never be open for discussion."

Before I can respond, he begins peppering soft kisses across my face—my forehead, my cheeks, the tip of my nose. I can't stop from giggling at his sudden playfulness. I know he is just trying to lighten the mood.

My laughter fades as his lips trace a path along my jaw and down my neck. I bite my lip, trying to stifle the moan threatening to escape. But when he reaches the sensitive spot just above my collarbone, I can't hold back a soft gasp. My fingers tangle in his hair, torn between pulling him closer and pushing him away.

"You're insatiable," I scold, a smile playing on my lips.

Ryder laughs against my neck, "Only for you, Miss Jade."

As much as I want to lose myself in the moment, a nagging thought persists. I gently push against Ryder's chest, creating some space between us. He looks at me with concern and a little confusion.

"Ryder," I begin, "You can't just disappear on me like that again. Waking up and finding you are gone, then you barely respond to my texts. I was going out of my mind."

He sighs, rolling onto his side and propping himself up on an elbow. His free hand finds mine, intertwining our fingers together. "I know, and you're right," he admits. "You didn't deserve that. But it's a complicated situation."

I squeeze Ryder's hand gently, offering silent reassurance. "It's okay. You don't have to share the details of your work with me. I understand it's complicated. Just promise me that you'll let me know you're safe. That we are good, and not leave me wondering where we stand."

"I can do that. We are always going to be good. It's just the work I do—it's not always black and white. Sometimes, to do the right thing, we have to operate in shades of gray."

I nod, understanding the weight behind his words. "Is that what happened in Russia?"

"Yes," he admits. "We stumbled upon something—something big. It's going to take time to untangle the mess, and I can't share all the details yet. But I promise you, Ava, I'm doing everything I can to make things right. I didn't even realize I hadn't been responding. I was just so caught up in what was going on and what I needed to do to get the job done."

I study his face, seeing the conflict warring in his eyes. Despite my frustration at him not communicating, I trust him. "Okay," I say softly. "Just don't shut me out completely, alright?"

Ryder pulls me close, his strong arms enveloping me in a comforting embrace. “I promise to message you every morning when I wake up, and I will tell you things if I can. You will just have to be patient with me on that.”

I tilt my head up to meet his gaze, seeing the sincerity in his blue eyes. "Thank you," I whisper, reaching up to trace the line of his jaw with my fingertips. "That's all I ask."

Ryder leans down, capturing my lips in a kiss that speaks volumes.

"So, since you're back from your mysterious business trip, does that mean I get to have you all to myself for a while?"

A grin spreads across Ryder's face. "Well, I guess I can clear my schedule for you. Do you have something specific in mind?"

I pretend to consider his question for a moment, tapping my chin. "Oh, I don't know. A proper date might be nice."

"I think that can be arranged, Miss Jade.”

***

"Good morning," Ryder says, his voice still thick with sleep. A lazy smile tugging at the corners of his mouth as he tightens his arms around me, pulling me closer against the solid warmth of his body. His fingers trace a pattern along the curve of my spine as he nuzzles my hair, breathing in deeply.

"How did you sleep, beautiful?" He asks while his lips brush along the sensitive skin just below my ear.

I let out a content sigh, loving the feeling of waking up with Ryder's strong body wrapped around mine in the warm comfort of his bed.

"I slept incredibly well. Better than I have in a long time, actually. You better be careful Ryder, I could get used to waking up like this."

"I could definitely get use d to mornings like this. I never typically share a bed with anyone. I assumed I'd feel anxious, but it's really nice waking up to you lying next to me and knowing you’re safe in my arms. I like it a lot actually." Ryder gives me a gentle squeeze. "Is something on your mind, beautiful?"

"Just trying to figure out if this softer side of you is merely an act," I tease.

I laugh at Ryder's feigned look of indignation. "Oh, you’ve got some nerve trying to call me out like that." His voice takes on that low, commanding rumble that I love.

Before I can react, Ryder shifts his weight, pinning me beneath him in one quick motion. His muscular frame blankets mine as he braces himself above me on his forearms, effectively caging me in with the solid strength of his body. A playful smirk tugs at the corners of his sensual mouth as he takes in my startled expression.

"It’s not an act. You’re just the only one that gets the softer side. It’s something just for you, no one else.” His lips are a mere breath away from mine. "Only for you, Miss Jade."

My heart hammers wildly in my chest as I look up at him, acutely aware of the hard planes of his body pressing against mine, separated only by the thin sheet tangled around our legs.

“What I do think, is that you’ve forgotten that I’m the one always in control.” Slowly, Ryder lowers his head, his lips tracing a featherlight path along the sensitive skin between my breasts. A shudder of pleasure ripples through my body at the intimate touch.

"And I think it's past time I remind you just how good I can be at making you submit to me," he whispers, his breath warm on my skin. "Because when I want something, I get it. Whether it be by will or simply taking what I want. In the end, I will have exactly what I want. And right now, what I want is for you to give yourself to me completely." His lips curve into a smile as he speaks, his eyes darkening. "So, Miss Jade, are you giving me what I want, or do I need to take it from you?"

Holy Fuck.

Desire coils low in my belly as Ryder's mouth blazes a scorching trail of open mouth kisses down my stomach. My fingers thread through the soft strands of his tousled hair as I instinctively arch into his skilled hands, craving more of his intoxicating touch. At this moment, all of my walls, my inhibitions, are gone. The only thing that matters is surrendering to the pleasure rapidly unravelin g me from the inside out.

"Ryder..." I breathe out his name in a ragged whisper, my body trembling with longing. "Please Ryder."

The husky chuckle that rumbles out from deep within his chest is a sound I’ll never get sick of hearing till the day I die.

"Good girl," he purrs in approval, his fingers feeling as if they are drawing patterns of fire across my bare skin. "That's exactly what I like to hear, although taking what I want could have been just as fun for both of us.” I’ve never hated my lack of resistance more than I do right now.

“Look at you," Ryder says in that low voice. "So beautifully flushed, every inch of that creamy skin begging for my touch. How bad does my little slut want it?"

I can only whimper softly in response, my body arches helplessly. He uses his firm body to pin me to the mattress. Ryder's lips curve into a wolfish grin at my unguarded reaction. "That's it, Ava, Let go for me. Give in to what you crave."

I cry out sharply as Ryder's teeth graze the throbbing pulse point at the base of my neck, the sting of pleasurable pain sending jolts of electricity coursing through my veins. "Ryder...please." I hear myself whimpering again. I barely recognize my own voice, it’s so filled with need.

A low laugh is my only answer as Ryder's fingers tangle in my hair, tilting my head back to allow his hungry mouth better access.

"So responsive, Miss Jade. You have no idea how fucking beautiful you are when you let yourself go like this. When you give yourself over to me completely to do with as I please."

Ryder's free hand cups and kneads the soft swell of my breast. His thumb brushing in circles over the taut peak, sending pleasure ricocheting through me. I can't seem to catch my breath, every nerve ending in my body humming with tension.

"Please...Sir." I beg again, far beyond caring how needy I must sound.

"Since you asked so nicely." With agonizing slowness, Ryder's hands map a path down the curves of my body. Just as he finds his way to my wet pussy, a loud pounding on the door startles both of us. Ryder and I go still, our gazes locking as the noise comes again, more insistent this time.

"Fuck, I'll go see who it is. Don’t you dare fucking move. I'll be right back." Ryder orders as he gets off th e bed, grabbing his sleep pants from the floor beside the bed.

“Ryder?”

“Yeah, baby?” He freezes, waiting for me to say something.

“You might want to do something about that,” I point to his noticeable erection through his sleep pants. “You may scare whoever is on the other side of that door with that big monster.”

He looks down in annoyance and then back to me, “They should already be fucking scared.”

I laugh as he turns and exits the bedroom. Taking a deep breath, I use the time to check my phone. There are messages from Danie letting me know she got home safely and that Ethan is the perfect gentleman. They actually got along really well and she adores him like a little brother.

Then there are messages from an unknown number.

Unknown: Are you really okay with being just another one of his many whores???

Unknown: What would you really care though? You’re just fine with bouncing from one dick to the next.

Unknown: You will get what’s coming to you, Ava.

Unknown: I'm going to take it all away. Just wait and see.

I stare at the disturbing messages on my phone feeling a mix of fear and anger. The cruel, taunting words are like a slap in the face, shattering the peaceful moments I just had wrapped up in Ryder's arms.

This has to be Clint trying to scare me. He’s the only person I know who will message me like this. I thought he was still in jail. I need to tell Ryder.

As I am walking to the living room, I hear Ryder talking to whoever is on the other side of the door. I strain to make out the muffled words coming from the other room, Ryder's deep voice is tinged with an urgency that immediately sets me on edge.

"No, I haven't told her. She doesn't know anything about Russia, and I’m going to keep it that way. Ava has been through a lot already. I’m not putting this on her as well."

“She has the right…” Chase is cut off by Ryder

“I said no, and that’s final.”

“Okay, but when it bites you in the ass, I don’t want to hear it.”

Russia? What could have possibly happened there that he feels the need to hide it from me? I begin to spiral with worry. Did he sleep with someone while he was away? Why does it matter to anyone else if I know what happened? Now I feel sick.

Stop it Ava. You’re overthinking like always. Pull it together

I take a deep breath and try to reign in my intrusive thoughts. This is absurd. I could just ask Ryder instead of acting like a child.

As I make my way back to the bedroom, my phone starts ringing again with back-to-back notifications. All new text messages. All the same cryptic type messages from an unknown number—twenty five in total. I quickly scroll through them, a feeling of dread settling in the pit of my stomach. It has to be Clint. No one else cares this much about what I do.

I decide instead of telling Ryder, I’ll keep the messages to myself for now. I don't want to burden him any further. It sounds as if he’s dealing with a lot right now with the job in Russia, and I don't want to add my problems on top of that.

All of these messages might truly be nothing. It could just be some kid messing around, who could’ve gotten my number from the university website. Or possibly a student trying to scare me after seeing the news article that was written about the attack at Blaze and Clint assaulting me. There’s nothing like being splashed on the front page of the paper to get students talking and for them to get really stupid ideas.

Ryder finally walks back into the bedroom.

"Is everything okay?"

He lets out a frustrated sigh. "Yeah, just some work stuff Chase is having a problem with. I have to go into the office to get it sorted out." His tone is clipped as he heads to the closet to get dressed.

I can tell Ryder is preoccupied, so I’m not going to ask what Chase was talking about. Whatever the problem is, it’s serious enough that he needs to go into the office right away to handle it. I’m not going to add to his already full plate.

Coming over to me, he bends down and gives me a tender kiss. "I'll be home in a few hours. Will you still be here?" Ryder’s blue eyes search mine for an answer.

"If you want me to be," I respond with a soft smile. “Then I’ll be here.”

He leans in and captures my lips in another kiss that leaves no doubt in my mind that leaving for the office is the last thing he wants to do right now. "Of course I want you to be here when I get home. We can have dinner here when I get back. Then finish up with my favorite dessert."

"And what dessert is that?” I ask in the sexiest voice I can come up with.

“The kind that I can only find between your legs.” Running his hand over my already wet pussy to make his point.

Well fuck.

“Okay Mister. Enough of that,” I say as I grab his hand and bring it back to my hip. “You keep that up and you’ll never get out of here. I'm going to get an Uber back to my place to pick up some things I need to work on," I say, reluctantly pulling away.

“Hold on,” he says as he walks over to his closet. When he comes back out he hands me a key fob. "Just take the BMW. It's parked in the garage in the back. If you can't find it, ask Jim—he's the security guy on day shift in the lobby. He knows where it's at. I'll let him know to be expecting you."

“Oh no, that’s okay. I can't just take your car. What if I get in a wreck or something.”

“I have insurance. Take it. I never drive it anyway.”

"Okay, thank you." I’m touched by his thoughtfulness, and a little speechless that he’ll let me drive his car. As he leaves for work, I head for the shower, letting the warm water wash over me. I feel content in my relationship with Ryder. Like maybe everything in my life is finally falling into place. It has to be—this man makes me happier than I ever thought possible.