Page 1 of Ryder

Chapter One

Neve

I crouch in front of my miserable five-year-old daughter, wiping her chubby wet cheeks with the pads of my thumbs. “Come on sweetie, it really isn’t so bad. You’ll be back home before you know it and I’m sure your Daddy has so much planned that you won’t even have time to miss me,” I reassure her, even though it’s killing me to push her, when she doesn’t want to go.

She sniffles again, more tears rolling down her rosy cheeks. “He doesn’t play with me, he’s always too busy,” she cries. I know she’s right, she’s not being dramatic. I doubt Finn wants to see Harlee anymore than she wants to see him. He never wanted her from the second I found out I was expecting, and nothing’s changed, apart from now I’ve left him she’s his key to get to me.

“How about when you get home tomorrow, we go out to the cinema, or we can just stay home and watch films all day? You get to choose.” Harlee nods her head, her sad frown still marring her innocent face. I hate Saturdays, I hate handing my little girl over to my ex-husband, but I know he’ll make my life hell if I don’t.

The low sound of rumbling fills the air and I watch my new neighbour rolling his motorbike to a stop. The guy only moved in a week ago, and already he’s driving me insane. His noisy bike has woken Harlee more than once during the night.

He dismounts the large machine and removes his helmet. As annoying as he is, I can’t help but check him out at every opportunity. It isn’t often you got to see a six-foot something biker on your doorstep looking as good as he does. His brown shoulder length hair is pulled back into a tight man bun and even though I never go for guys with long hair, I feel strangely attracted to the biker. Having a six pack, tattoos and a golden tan, helps his cause.

“Good morning Siren,” he says with a wink. He pulls a rose from his side of the fence and saunters towards us. Bending down on one knee he holds out the rose to Harlee, who giggles and accepts it with a curtsy. “And good morning to you, Ms Harlee. Why do you look so upset?”

“I have to go and see my Daddy,” she mutters, looking down sadly at the rose. Griffin stands, towering over me so I have to tip my head back to see him clearly.

“Well Siren, you kept that quiet, you’re not with the little ones Daddy?” he asks, arching a brow.

“My name is Neve,” I reply, indignantly, “And why would I tell you anything about my personal life.” We have the sort of banter where I pretend he’s not hot and he pretends I’m his world.

“Because we’re neighbours. I’m old fashioned that way, and I like to be able to walk into each other’s houses and borrow a cup of sugar, talk about our day and discuss relationships.”

I watch the black car stop outside of my house. “You’d better not walk into my house uninvited, or I’ll put a knife in your chest,” I whisper to Griffin, as I take Harlee by the hand and step closer to the vehicle.

Max, Finn’s driver, steps out from the driver’s side. “Finnegan had better be in the back Max, I’ve already told him that he needs to be here to collect her,” I warn. I’ve had countless arguments because Finn likes to send a car to collect his daughter rather than turn up himself. The last time it happened, I’d refused to let Max take her, resulting in a huge argument between us both.

“Relax Neve he’s in the back,” Max says, like he’s bored of my nagging, while pulling the door open. Finn steps out, casting his eyes briefly towards Griffin, who remains watching the whole exchange with interest.

I take note of his expensive suit and his designer shoes and roll my eyes. Coming around this area dressed like that, is purely for attention. Why can’t he just wear what normal men wear at the weekend.

I’ve never had the same interest in money as Finn, which was why I only take a small amount from him in maintenance money to help raise Harlee.

Finn steps towards me and places his hand on my lower back, dangerously close to my arse. He kisses the side of my head, and then picks Harlee up and kisses her on the cheek. “How are my girls?” he asks, smiling. I shudder, he makes my skin crawl with his smarmy ways.

“Harlee is feeling a little unsettled, please spend time with her Finn,” I warn him firmly.

“I always do,” he replies passing her to Max, so that he can secure her in her car seat. “What are your plans for the evening?”

I contemplate not telling him, but I know it’ll end in an argument, and Harlee is already upset. “Mya is popping over for a catch up, and then I plan on an early night.” Finn places his finger under my chin and raises my head so that I’m looking at him.

“I’ll call you later. Answer.” He places a firm kiss against my lips and gets back into the car.

“Let me kiss Harlee.” Finn opens his door, indicating that I should lean over him to kiss her goodbye. I sigh and lean over his knee, noting that he places his hand over my arse for a second time. “Be a good girl and we’ll watch whatever movies you choose tomorrow, okay.” I place tiny kisses all over her face, making her giggle. “I love you Popple,” I whisper.

“I love you too Mummy,” she replies, looking slightly happier.

I watch the car drive away, my heart aching in my chest. “You have a kid with Finnegan Lawrence,” says Griffin, stepping forward and giving me a quizzical look. It isn’t unusual for people to recognise Finn, although those that do are usually criminals.

“Was he responsible for saving your arse, or putting it away?” I ask, turning back towards my house and heading up the path.

“I don’t need bent lawyers to save me, I rely on the truth.”

I glance back and give him a smile. “I have to get inside and tidy up. My friend is coming over. It was nice catching up, but remember what I said Griffin, stay out of my house unless I invite you.”

He gives a salute and a cheeky wink, “Understood Siren.”

I spend the next few hours cleaning the house from top to bottom to take my mind of Harlee. By the time Mya arrives, I’m shattered. I pour two glasses of Prosecco and pass one across the breakfast bar to Mya. “So, Finn rang to ask if Harlee’s allergic to fish, because he tried to give her some, and Harlee told him she couldn’t eat it. I mean how does he not know that she’s allergic to it?” I ask angrily. “It’s not like I haven’t drummed it into him. And you know what he said? That kids are too finicky these days and they must eat it to build a tolerance up. I almost had a fit I was so mad. I mean, why the hell does he think I put her epi-pen in her bag?” I groan, “I hate sending her to him.”

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