Don't Fall for Me

Part 6: Two-Strings

He shrugged, "I figured a place like this would take your mind off of things. I know you like this type of music."

"No no no. Ryker's band is playing here tonight. I'm not going in there," I refused.

"I have to go pick Riley up from tennis practice soon, so unless you wanna stick around while we make out in the back seat-"

I was out of the car before he could finish. I mentally gagged. Him and Riley seemed to be getting really close.

Xander drove off to pick up Riley and I was stranded at The Hangout. I checked the time on my phone. Ryker's band wouldn't be on for another twenty minutes.

I walked in the club for teenagers and felt a little self conscious. I never felt self conscious so why was I feeling so now?

Maybe it was because my eyes were puffy and red or because I hadn't paid attention at what I had put on when Xander told me he was coming to pick me up. I sighed.

The club was dark, but various colors of strobe lights flashed all around. Music was blasting from speakers in the ceiling. Body's were gyrating to the music on the dance floor. A large stage was set up off to one side and a bar that served only sodas and water was on the other side of the room.

I recognized Dean, Tracey, and Hannah at the bar. I felt myself scanning the room for Finn before I could stop myself.

"Looking for someone?" a voice asked behind me.

I jumped, pressing a hand against my heart.

"Finn! You scared me!"

He chuckled, "Sorry, Evangeline."

He led me to the dance floor and we lost ourselves in the up beat music. I grinned at Finn while we danced and he returned my smile. His green eyes sparkled.

Drum sticks tapped against each other and the music slowed until it stopped. Finn and I stopped dancing to look at the stage.

Curtains were peeled back, revealing Two-Strings. Two guys were on guitars, one on drums, and one singer stood on the stage. A piercing set of blue eyes locked on mine.

I gasped.

"You alright?" Finn nudged me.

"Yeah," I said a little breathlessly.

Ryker looked so hot up on stage. I wanted to trace every tattoo on his arms and neck. His black tank top matched the color of his hair that was styled in a faux mohawk. A red bandana was tied around his head and a silver hoop pierced his lip.

He smirked as he saw me checking him out. I tore my eyes off of him, coughing into my hand. I leaned up to whisper into Finn's ear. Ryker's eyes narrowed on us.

"Finn, I need to go to the restroom. I'll be right back." I didn't give him a chance to protest or offer to go with me before I ran to where I thought the bathroom would be.

I found a door marked with the female sign and shoved the heavy door open. The awful smell clogged my nostrils as I stood in front of a mirror.

My face was pale and my gray eyes were wide open. I splashed water on my face, making myself snap out of it.

I just checked Ryker Avery out, and I had enjoyed it. I pinched myself.

No. I didn't just check him out and I didn't like it at all. I liked Finn and he liked me. I hurriedly left the bathroom so I couldn't think about it anymore. I returned next to Finn's side.

We jumped to Two-Lashes' songs along with most of the students who went to our school. After a few songs went by, Ryker said into the microphone, "This last song is dedicated to the most annoying girl on the planet," he held up a finger and pointed it right at me, "This is for you, Angel."

All eyes turned towards me. Jealously and envy wafted around the room, suffocating me. I don't know how they could be jealous of a dedication like that. I didn't want this attention from them or from Ryker.

I balled my hands into fists. No doubt Rkyer was going to make fun of me in any way that he could with this song.

Ryker began singing the song that he had caught me listening to in English class. I had thought that he would have written a song about me that he would mock me with.

Somehow, this was even worse. Especially since the song was called, "Don't Fall for Me." Why did he feel it necessary to make it a point that I wasn't allowed to fall in love with him? I was never going to. And who did he get to say who I fell in love with?

I was so done with him. I put my head down and shoved my way through the crowd towards the stage. Teenagers got angry and pushed me back, but I kept going. Finn's protests died behind me.

I didn't stop until I was on the stage with Two-Strings. The drummer and guitarists stopped playing. Ryker sang on with an amused smirk on his face.

I ripped the microphone out of his hand to get him to shut up. He raised an eyebrow.

I turned to the crowd, lifting the microphone to my lips. Finn looked shocked, just about everyone did, except Ryker.

Strong hands grasped my shoulders and spun me around to face Ryker. He whispered in my ear, "I thought I told you to stay away from me."

"You're the one who told me to come here!" I shouted.

"Shh. You're causing a scene," he hushed, "And what the hell are you even wearing?"

I threw the microphone on the ground as hard as I could. A sharp, shrieking sound blasted from the speakers. The audience covered their ears. Ryker didn't even flinch.

"Let go of me, jerk!" I yelled.

He dropped his hands from my shoulders. I started to turn away and get the hell of the stage when he said, "Wait. You owe me."

I spun around, incredulous. My jaw dropped. Was he serious?

"Come hold the microphone for me while I sing the rest of the songs," he demanded.

I was humiliated, but if I walked off the stage now, it was like admitting defeat. I swooped down and plucked the microphone off the ground.

I smiled, far from angel-like and held the microphone up to his face.

"Sing away, Ryker Avery." I saluted him with my middle finger.