“What is she doing?” Concern starts to set in as it occurs to me, he wouldn’t be pointing her out to me, unless there was a problem.
“Crying. For the last hour.”
Fuck.
“Thought you might wanna know.”
“Why me?” I decide on playing dumb because she and I are walking a fine line. We haven’t exactly hidden our relationship, but we’re also not advertising it. I’m not sure yet if her brother is a friend or foe.
“For starters, I’m not a fucking idiot. And maybe you’ve forgotten that I have access to almost every single square inch of this place.” He’s right. We even have cameras in the playrooms. They aren’t actively monitored, but they exist in case there’s an issue that requires it. “Listen. I don’t really give a fuck what she does with her life. Especially her private life. She’s been through a lot and I want her to be happy. I suspect you’re good for her but if you prove me wrong, I know how to destroy you. Physicallyandfinancially. Tell me this isn’t your fault.”
“It’s not my fault,” I answer. “But I’m sure as fuck going to fix it.”
And then I turn on my heels and walk out the door.
Arabella
He’s working and I shouldn’t bother him, but part of me knows that it would be a mistake to run away like I usually do. So instead, I’m sitting in the backlot of Gravity and I can’t make myself move. I have to be almost out of tears by now, but just as the thought crosses my mind, my eyes start to water again and the emotions start to swell inside of me, searching for an escape.
I should be used to my mother’s harsh words, but for some reason, tonight they cut deeper than usual. I left her house, without dinner, shortly after she called me fat and ugly with a dash of worthless. By the time I got to my car, I couldn’t hold it in anymore. I cried the entire way here, and haven’t stopped since.
The club is already open and out of the corner of my eye, I catch the employee entrance open briefly and then close. I can’t tell if someone went in or came out, but I don’t have to wonder for long when my driver side door is yanked open. I look up through tear filled eyes to see Ryker leaning into the car with his arms resting on the doorframe.
“Hey,” he says in a softer voice than I’m used to.
“Hey,” I copy his greeting as tears fall and I close my eyes, breaking into an uncontrollable sob.
“Fuck baby, I’m sorry.” He pulls on my hand, guiding me out of the car and then he surprises me by picking me up.
“Wrap your legs around me. I’ve got you.”
Normally, I’d protest. I’m too heavy and I don’t want to hurt him, but I’m too tired to argue. So I let him carry me, burying my face in the crook of his neck. He walks me into the club until I hear the distinct click of a lock as he sets me on my feet. Opening my eyes, I see we’re in a room, but it’s different from the last one, with its simple black walls and a large bed.
“Sit,” he orders and I do as he says, landing at the foot of the bed. “What did she do?”
“I’m pretty sure she hates me,” I mumble and my body starts to shake as I spiral into another sob. “I told her I’m seeing someone.”
I can tell he wasn’t expecting those words to come out of my mouth.
Before he can respond, I continue with ragged breaths. “She doesn’t believe me because she doesn’t think I have anything a man would want.”
“Jesus Christ.”
“My own mother–” I whimper.
The bed dips as he sits, pulling me into a tight embrace. “Shhh,” he coos. “I’m sorry, baby. No one should have to hear those things from their own mother. I hope you know that none of that is true. Not a word.” He rests his chin on my head, gently stroking the hair that’s falling down my back.
I pull away and look up into his ocean blue eyes, “Can we talk about it another time?” His brows pull together as though he’s unsure but he nods in agreement anyway. “Distract me… please.”
40
Ryker
The sight of her sitting in her car, alone and sobbing, nearly destroyed me. I knew Christine was cruel and unkind, but I had no idea how bad it had gotten. This… is next level and diabolical. People like her shouldn't be parents. Full stop.
If I wasn’t sure before, I sure as fuck am now. I’ll do everything in my power to protect this beautiful soul sitting next to me. But her mother… Arabella can’t be controlled by her forever. I know it’s second nature for her to give in to her mother and hide from the intense emotions she elicits in her, but I wish she could see what I see when I look at her. I need her to understand.
“I’d like to try something from your soft limit list if you’re open to it. Do you trust me?”
