The walk back into Red Ridge didn’t take as long as I thought. Besides, the fresh air was good for the soul and by the time I reach downtown, I feel a little better.
Until I hear the familiar rumble of a motorbike behind me.
Glancing over my shoulder, my eyes narrow at Ryder as he slows his approach.
“Are you following me?”
“We need to talk.”
“No, we really don’t. I thought I made that perfectly clear when I walked away.”
What is it with these insufferable men thinking they get to call the shots all of the time?
“Change of plan, darlin’. Get on.” He tips his head to the back of his bike and a bitter laugh bubbles in my throat.
“No thanks, I’m good.” I march off down the sidewalk but Ryder tails me, managing to keep his bike pacing my footsteps.
“Go away, Ryder.”
“Come on, Kitten, don’t be like that. We were having fun, weren’t we?”
Anger explodes inside of me and I whirl around, glowering at him. “Is this a game to you?”
“What? No, that’s not—”
“You were into it, I know you were. I felt it. And then you stopped because—”
“I stopped because you’re hurting and the first time I fuck you isn’t going to be because you want a distraction. It’s going to be because you want me, sweetness.”
“W-what?”
“You heard me, Katrina. You think I don’t see the hurt in your eyes. I get it, baby. And I’m here for you. Whatever you need.”
“Go away, Ryder. And stop following me.” Before he can stop me, I take off down the sidewalk and slip down an alley where I know he won’t be able to follow.
Maybe I’m a coward running like this but something about his words struck true.
I was using him because he had something I needed, something I wanted.
Did he really have a problem with that?
Or is he just fucking with me?
I act like I have it all figured out, that I’m a strong, confident girl… but really, I wouldn’t know chivalry if it smacked me in the face. Because no one has ever wanted me that way before.
But Ryder doesn’t really want me?
Does he?
As if the universe hears my desperation, my cell pings. Digging it out of my pocket, my heart flutters at the sight of his name.
Ryder: Run all you want, Kitten. But remember what I said. I’m here for you… whatever you need.
Annoyed, I text back.
Kat: I call bullshit. You know what I need and you were too fucking chickenshit to give it to me.
Ryder: Already told you, darlin’, when I fuck you it’s going to be because you’re so desperate for MY dick you’ll beg me to take you.