It all started with a game

Chapter 23

"Oh." I ran my finger along a section of dust on the table leg. "Why didn't you go with them?" I asked, already knowing the reason.

"I just didn't feel like it." He lied. I knew why he didn't go. Just in case I wasn't okay and I wanted to see him.

"Can I come over?" I whispered, my legs wobbling from my position on the floor.

He didn't hesitate to answer. "Of course. Do you want me to pick you up?"

"No, it's okay. I can drive." A ride on the bike might clear my head.

"Okay, be careful. I'll see you soon."

"See you soon."

I grabbed the keys, not waiting a second before hopping on the motorcycle, roaring the engine to life. It did little soothe me, only managing to accomplish spiking my adrenaline up. Pain and adrenaline don't mix. I pulled onto the street and applied the throttle, the engine revving in response before I was soaring down the street. Wind flew past my unprotected skin, the feeling almost calming, but my pulse was too high to calm down. I pulled the clutch, shifting to the next gear, steering the bike with my body as I took a sharp right.

I can't believe Ryder didn't love this. How could he not? It's the ultimate feeling of freedom. The feeling of complete control.

I was at Mateo's house in no time. I set the kickstand, throwing my helmet on the seat. I pounded on the door, practically panting from the adrenaline rush that came with going twenty over the speed limit. Ryder answered the door, looking me over to assess the damage. I'm sure I looked like a mess, my hair having been attacked by the wind and my face flushed. "Hi," I breathed heavily.

"H-hi," he stuttered, his face tinting a soft pink.

I couldn't smile, though I wanted to. "Hi."

Ryder snapped his eyes to my face, clearing his throat. "Come in, we can go to my room."

"Your room?" He has a room at Mateo's house?

Ryder nodded. "I stay here a lot, so they gave me my own room when I was younger."

I knew Mateo was like a brother to him but I guess I hadn't realized how close the two of them really were.

I followed Ryder into his room, not getting a chance to look around as Ryder turned around to face me, his eyes boring into mine. "Are you okay?" He asked again.

I stared back, his gaze so intense, so concerned, it nearly made me breakdown right then there. He always had that effect on me, but I couldn't cry right now. I wouldn't. So instead of answering, and letting him shatter any walls of defense I had left, I grabbed his face, kissing him hard and sloppily because it was the only thing I could think to do. It was the only thing that would guarantee not to make me cry.

Ryder's hands found my waist. "Beatrice," he mumbled between kisses.

I ignored him, running a hand through his hair. I just don't want to cry right now.

"Beatrice, wait." And yet he was still kissing me back.

I didn't want to wait. I didn't want to wait because if I had to look at him and hear him ask me one more time if I was alright, I would shatter. So I didn't wait, I grabbed the hem of his shirt and tugged it above his head, tossing the shirt to the floor. Ryder let out a soft groan as I sucked on the tender spot of Ryder's neck, which had suddenly grown hot, in fact, his entire body was burning as I ran my hands along it. I definitely didn't need to cry anymore. "Beatrice," he moaned, although I don't think he meant for it to come out as a moan with how anguished it was.