“Don’t try to intimidate me. Your ‘tough guy’ act doesn’t work on me.”
Completely frustrated by her presence, I lean the bike on its stand and approach her threateningly. She takes two steps backwards, but I don’t let her move away more than that as I grab her arm and squeeze it tightly.
Her fragile body is completely dominated by mine and the sensation of having this much control over her sends my senses into overdrive.
Riley pushes her hands against my chest to keep me away from her, and it provokes a strange response in me; it’s a mix of resentment, because she feels the need to put this useless distance between us, and something that burns my stomach.
“Knock it off, Riley! I said I’m going to take you home. So, get on and stop pissing around. Got it?”
She holds my gaze with the same hardness that I showed her, before shaking off my arm and grabbing the helmet.
“Don’t ever try to touch me again,” she threatens, putting the helmet on her head.
Her words don’t hurt me.
No.
Her words explode inside me, empty me out. Destroy me.
“I live in town, just outside the centre. 537 North Circular Road.”
I get back on the bike and extend my hand to her, but she refuses it and gets on without my help. I hit the pedal and we’re off, forcing her to hold on to me, right over my belt. I can feel her nails scratching through the fabric, at my skin, and a shiver runs through my entire body. I’m sure it’s just the cold morning air and the speed of the motorbike.
There’s no other reason.
Absolutely not.
I ride along the street that faces the sea. The hazy winter sun unexpectedly rises slowly over a slice of water and the saltwater scent mixes in the wind with the smell of coffee and pastries from the cafés with their already gathering crowds.
I watch the city wake up before my eyes, the sky in soft shades. I’m aware of her arms around my waist, her body so close to mine, and I find myself enjoying this ride after spending so much time alone, and this silent company. Her hands slowly soften their grip, resting looser around my waist.
For the first time in my life, I find myself wanting something that I never believed in, and that desire for more reminds me just how truly alone I am.
