We remained in tense silence as we walked the streets, the heels of my boots clicking against the pavement while Ryder moved as silent as a predator. The street turned darker, the buildings more derelict. Abandoned, while men in oversized coats seemed to loiter without purpose.
Ryder halted outside a Tudor-style pub that looked absurdly out of place amid the grim street. Golden light spilled through the windows, warm and inviting, whileabove the door a wooden sign creaked in the breeze, its painted letters stating:The Fluffy Duckling.
The patrons were less inviting, all turning with a harsh glare as soon as we entered. Not that it bothered Ryder, who lifted his arm if he was a king greeting his court.
“Ryder, baby!” a woman purred, coming over to press her palm flat to his chest. “I’ve been waiting for you to call me. I can’t stop thinking about?—”
Ryder gripped her wrist, pulling off her hand with more force than necessary. “You know not to touch me,” he said, voice darkening.
The woman pouted, seemingly undeterred with the rejection. “You didn’t mind when my lips were wrapped around your?—”
Ew.
“Excuse us,” I interrupted, taking Ryder by the arm and dragging him further inside. He stiffened a little before a chuckle followed me, and I turned to find him looking at me amused.
“Relax. I’m not going to fuck her.”
“I don’t care which cheap toy you decide to shove your dick into,” I snapped. “But I thought we were here to talk to your friend?”
“Ouch.” His grin widened, knowing. “You sound a little jealous to me.”
I bit the inside of my cheek, heat prickling at the accusation. “Why would I be jealous?”
Ryder stepped in close, the bar digging into my back as he crowded me. “Because calling her a cheap toy is a pretty mean thing to say for someone who isn’t jealous,” he said, voice brushing like velvet.
“No thanks, I’m not interested.”
Ryder’s head dipped closer, his arms locking me againstthe bar without a single touch. “I think your cunt would disagree.”
“Ugh, does your ego have no limits?”
He merely gave a casual shrug. “I’ve never had any complaints.”
“You’re disgusting,” I said. “The only reason last night happened was because of the drink.”
“Sure, keep telling yourself that, love,” Ryder whispered, his lips brushing so close to my ear that his breath sent shivers down my spine. “I bet if I slid my fingers between your thighs right now, I’d find you wet for me, wouldn’t I?”
My response got stuck in my throat, heat sweeping across my skin at his words.
“You took our fingers so well, and now you’re aching to show me how well you’ll take my cock. Aren’t you?”
My anger burned hot, even if my traitorous thighs pressed together automatically. “You’re delusional,” I hissed.
Ryder grinned, but his eyes had darkened to embers. “Shall we test my theory?”
I scoffed, folding my arms. “You really think you’re God’s gift just because you know where the clit is?” I shot back. “You’re not even that handsome.”
He tutted. “Now, you’re just being mean.”
“Chto ty hóchesh’?”
The voice broke through the tension, and rather than move away Ryder simply looked over my shoulder. “Maxim, perfect timing as usual. I’m looking for Roman.”
Slipping beneath his arm, I turned to face the bartender. “Where’s the bathroom?”
A bored gaze met mine. “Through there,” he said in a thick Russian accent, his head gesturing to the side.
“Thank you.” Not bothering to acknowledge Ryder, Ifollowed the bartender’s direction and headed to the shared bathroom. The dark space immediately closed around me, and I rushed to the sink, splashing water on my face.
