Just a Little Crush(28)

He chuckled. “Who said I don’t? My plan didn’t exactly work. Getting to know you only made me want you that much more. In case you haven’t noticed, every time I’m around you, it tends to end the same way. So, I’m being honest with you. I’m telling you who I am so I can never hurt you. I don’t trust myself around you.”

I slid down from the rock and walked up to him.

His gaze followed my every movement and he stiffened as I closed the gap.

“You had the chance last night and you didn’t.” I slid my hands over his chest to his shoulders. “I trust you.”

“Don’t ever trust me.” His tone was pleading and it pulled at me.

No matter what words came out of his mouth, instinct told me he wouldn’t intentionally hurt me.

On my tiptoes, I laced my hands around his neck and pulled his mouth to mine. When my lips brushed against his, he brought his hand to my cheek and gently pushed me back.

“Brinley.” He sounded exasperated.

My feet flattened onto the packed dirt, and I stared at him for a moment. “I’m sorry.” I spun away, headed for the hike-and-bike trail. “We should go. It’s late and I have class tomorrow.”

“Wait.”

Leaves and sticks littered the walkway, creating potential hazards. I hoped he followed because I found the darkness terrifying but refused to slow down and face my embarrassment. We weren’t far from where the car was parked, but I was thankful when footsteps fell in step behind me.

“Slow down, please.”

I ignored him and made it to the car. His doors were locked so I waited by the passenger side. I hugged my sides as he approached, but the doors didn’t click open.

Ryder turned me to face him. “We need to get something straight. Not kissing you right then was one of the hardest things I’ve done.” He ran his finger over my cheek and tilted my head up. “I want you. Understand? So fucking bad it kills me to be around you.” He brushed his lips over mine and whispered against them, “I want to taste you.” He traced the seam of my lips with his tongue. “Here.” He ran his hand over my neck and along my collarbone. “Here.” He placed another light kiss on my lips then ran his hand down my chest and cupped my breast. His thumb brushed over me and warmth shot through me. My breath caught and he sighed against my mouth then said, “Here.” He sucked my bottom lip into his mouth and ran his hand down my stomach and between my thighs. “And especially here.”

A sigh slipped out, and he rubbed his hand over me as I arched into him. He shoved his tongue past my lips and tangled it with mine. His hungry kisses made my mouth raw as he stroked me. I sucked his tongue and he groaned then tore free. The door clicked unlocked.

“Get in,” he said, his voice gruff.

My breathing was erratic as I stood stunned. He walked around to the driver’s door and I scrambled into the car. He seemed pissed and I didn’t know how to respond. Frustrated and confused, I buckled up and sank into my seat.

He pulled out of the parking lot in silence.

Though pretty sure he sped, I kept my mouth shut. He seemed in a hurry to get me home and away from him. So when he pulled into the parking lot of his dorm, I didn’t know what to think. Maybe the walk back to my dorm would cool us both off.

When I got out of the car, he grabbed my hand and led me inside his building. I waited for an explanation that never came.

He opened the door to his suite and swore when he saw Noah on the couch.

“What the hell?” Noah asked.

Ryder ignored him and pulled me toward his room.

“Ryder, what the fuck are you doing?” Noah stood and gaped at us.

I glanced between them. What the hell was he doing? Not only was this situation awkward, he still hadn’t spoken to me. He seemed pissed, yet dragged me to his room.

“I’ll deal with you later,” he grumbled to Noah.

“Bullshit. We’ll talk now.”

“No. We won’t.”

“Always have to win, don’t you? Think you can just haul her off and force yourself on her? Is that how you plan to win?”

“This isn’t a fucking competition!” Ryder banged his fist against the wall and let go of my hand.

I stepped back and stared at him.

Noah raised an eyebrow, “Since wh—”

“If you don’t shut the fuck up, I’ll shut you up,” Ryder growled.

“You won’t do shit.” Noah crossed his arms. “So what did he tell you, huh? What did he say to get you in his bed?”

Ryder grabbed Noah by the shirt. “So help me God, if you don’t shut your fucking mouth I’ll beat the sh—”