It all started with a game

Chapter 15

This is so stupid. I mean look at me, clinging on to him like some pathetic child. I didn't want to know what Ryder was thinking. He was probably begging for this to be over so he can get rid of me. I'm pathetic. Here I am, crying all over some guy who doesn't give a single care in the world about me. I told myself I would never do that again, I would never be with a guy who didn't care about me but here I am. And for what, to win some stupid game, to make a friend who clearly doesn't like me either? Can I get any lower?

I shouldn't be here. Ryder doesn't care about me, Tenshi doesn't care about me, my ex didn't care about me, my father didn't care about me. No one cares about me. I shouldn't be here.

I pushed Ryder away. "I'm okay," I lied.

Ryder frowned, giving me a slow nod. He glanced down at my hand, which was now coated in blood, along with his shirt, and the countertop, and the floor. My mess was everywhere. My eyes started to water again. Not again. Ryder was pulling me back into his arms within seconds, after wrapping my cut in a wash cloth to keep it from bleeding further. This is humiliating. But nonetheless, cried on him because it was about the only thing that was going to stop the tears. "I promise, I'm almost done," I reassured him that he would be off the hook soon. I'm crying over a stupid glass.

He pulled me in tighter. "Take your time."

And I most certainly did, until the blood was well crusted to everything it touched and I was completely dehydrated from all the tears. Didn't make me feel any less ashamed though.

"Come on, let's get your hand cleaned up. You're bleeding a lot." Ryder cleared my face of my tears.

I shook my head. "It's fine. It's not a big deal." I wiped my nose, probably looking about as ridiculous as I felt.

"It is a big deal, gorgeous, you're bleeding." He brushed back my hair in a soothing motion.

"I'm not bleeding anymore."

And despite the fact that it was my finger that was injured and not my leg, Ryder lifted me off the kitchen island, carrying me to the bathroom himself. I didn't complain, resting my head against his chest, suddenly very tired.

I couldn't stop myself. I just wanted to lay my head on his chest and listen to his heartbeat. It was so soothing, rhythmic. I couldn't stop my body from relaxing at the sound of it. I just wanted to lay here, to let him take care of me because I'm tired. I'm really tired.

But I can't afford to lose this game. If not for Tenshi than for the sole fact that I will not be the one to get my heart broken.

But it couldn't hurt to let him help me just this once, could it?

Ryder sat me on the vanity, beside the sink. He grabbed a first aid kit from one of the cabinets, before gently dabbing the dried blood off my skin.

He was gentle yet experienced, like he'd done this before. Based on the scars all over his hands, he probably has done this a lot.

"You wear glasses?" I questioned, wondering how I never noticed. I feel like that's one of the first things you should know about a person.

He chuckled. "I usually wear contacts. I switched them out when I went to the bathroom."

"They look good on you." He looked way better than good. I really didn't think the boy could get more attractive.

Ryder looked away from me, clearing his throat, a light tint spreading across his cheeks. "I, um, I have to—" he reached over for the bottle of rubbing alcohol, accidentally knocking it off the counter. Ryder attempted to catch the sealed container, fumbling it once more as it hit the floor. He stilled, avoiding eye contact. "Is it hot in here? It's hot in here. I'm gonna go open a window." Ryder tried to stand up, sending the container of bandaids flying and then tearing a shower curtain trying to catch said band aids.