He smirked, dimples settling into his tanned cheeks as he leaned closer, his eyes falling to my lips before raising them again. “You didn’t say no last night.”
Just like that I melted, and I knew he saw it because the air around us seemed to change, charged with electricity and begging for that connection.
He lowered his voice, and I knew he was struggling not to let the sexual attraction between us cloud his judgment.
“Come with me, Ella.” The way he spoke, his words sounded explicit even when I knew it wasn’t what he meant. I sucked in a ragged breath, feeling like I couldn’t get enough air in my lungs. The oxygen supply to my brain felt cut short. Flashes of my legs wrapped around his hips and our bodies moving together filled my thoughts. He leaned closer, inhaling the scent of my hair before whispering into my ear.
“I could always make you.”
My lips parted, but I couldn’t form a response as he pulled back, his mouth hovering over mine, our breathing shallow and lost in the moment. His hand left my shoulder, and he slammed his palm against the damp window next to my head, snapping himself out of the moment. I startled, but I knew his anger was directed inward.
“Get in the fucking car.” His tone was harsh and unlike anything I’d heard when he was in bed with me last night.
“Make me.” My childish tone made me cringe, but he was so incredibly frustrating, I couldn’t help myself.
His mouth twisted in a half smile as he grabbed my waist, bending over so he could lift me onto his shoulder.
“You fucking asshole! Put me down!”
He walked to the passenger side of the car, ignoring my fists that pounded against his back. “I asked you nicely.”
“Pfft. That’s what you consider nice?” I snapped as he opened the door and lowered me to my feet, caging me between him and the seat.
“Get in.” He stepped forward, pressing his body against mine. I had no choice but to sit down or let my brain turn to mush again just from being in such close proximity to him.
“Dick,” I muttered under my breath as he closed the door, laughing. Jogging around the front of the vehicle, he got in, running his hand over his wet hair and sending water droplets sprinkling around him.
“Beautiful day.” The engine roared to life with the push of a button, and we pulled out, driving quickly through the wet streets. “Put on your seat belt. Can never be too safe.”
I scowled but pulled the belt across my lap and clicked it into place. “I want my things back.”
“They’re yours. I just want some answers.”
I tried to ignore the tightening in my chest. There were certain things I never spoke about. Certain memories I didn’t want to relive.
Ryder pulled out his phone and called the hotel, extending his stay for another night.
“I didn’t realize you were leaving today.”
His eyes went to the rearview mirror and back to the road. “I was going to go visit my mother. I have some business to take care of back home.”
“Oh.” We pulled into the parking lot, and I got out of the car, looking out over the lot as I waited for Ryder. He walked by me and continued toward his room. “Is my stuff inside?” I called after him, but he didn’t respond. I followed, hating that I knew this was going to get worse before it got better.
He unlocked the door, leaving it open behind him. I scanned the room, noticing all the belongings were gone.
“Where are my bags?” I crossed my arms over my chest as Ryder walked back to me, reaching over my shoulder and shoving the door closed.
“I can’t play this game with you anymore. It’s fucking up my head, Ella.”
“I’m not playing a game, Ryder. I want my things.”
He reached forward, and I took a step back, pressing myself against the door. “If you touch me, I’ll scream.”
“If I touch you, you’ll scream…and moan…and beg. I’m not going to fucking hurt you. Whoever has fucked up your head, Ella, I’m not them. I just need answers.”
“I don’t have any.” I reached behind me, pulling open the door, glaring as I slipped back outside. I walked quickly across the lot to the band’s SUV and yanked open the back door. Inside were Ryder’s duffel bag and my bags. I put my book bag on my shoulders and turned to leave, shrieking when I almost collided with Ryder’s chest.
“Get out of my way.” I shoved against his chest and began to walk toward the overhang to get out of the rain. He grabbed his bag and followed after me, throwing it against the door of his room.
Bond
Chapter 20—Rellik
Bond: a force or feeling that unites people; a common emotion or interest