Page 39 of Ryder

Should’ve called Ryder. You should have told him you were here.Now it looks like I’m just being rude, or the stuck-up brat he always thought I was.

Jimmy filled a void that was missing when I returned to Arizona. I’d never felt more alone. Granted, running into his arms probably wasn’t the smartest of ideas because at the time I was heartbroken over Ryder. But little by little, he took all the bad feelings away. He paid attention to me and made me forget. He liked what he saw, and he wasn’t afraid to tell me. We didn’t have to run around in secret or hide our feelings for one another like me and Ryder. Still, moving in together wasn’t exactly planned. Jimmy moved and wanted me to come with him. When I applied for prospective jobs in my field, I was offered a placement almost immediately. It sort of sealed the deal. Still, living with another person is an ordeal in itself, and I’m not entirely sure I’m cut out for it. Jimmy is a slob; something else I didn’t know until we started spending more time together.

Still, it’s going to be awkward explaining to Luca that Jimmy isn’t coming. I never told Luca about what happened between me and Ryder, and it’s clear that Ryder didn’t either. Jimmy wouldn’t be happy if he found out who Ryder is and that he’s part of NOLA Rebels MC, so I’ve kept that little detail to myself. If their paths happen to cross, I guess I’ll deal with it as it happens. I know I’m walking a very dangerous line, one I didn’t intend on.

Jimmy is the biker I met that night at the bar. The one who couldn’t keep his eyes off me.

He’s also part of the Devils Ink MC: NOLA Rebels’ archrivals. Ryder’s club.

The two clubs have been at odds since Cash and his stepbrother, the Devils Ink president, came to blows. Now the two clubs can’t stand each other. I knew Jimmy was into some questionable stuff, but it felt good being introduced as his ol’ lady. It felt special, even if the clubhouse leaves a lot to be desired. It’s nothing like the NOLA Rebels HQ, not that I saw much of it the night Ryder dragged me through the club up to his room. I thought the Devils Ink were good men, like the Rebels, but I’m starting to realize they’re not. Jimmy may have shielded me from all of that; heck, he doesn’t even like me showing up there. His jealous streak has always been an issue, but it’s worse now we’re in his new club. I know it’s only because he cares, and he doesn’t want to see anything bad happen to me.

He’s protective.

I look down at my hands, unable to stop them from shaking. He loves me. That’s why he does what he does. I know that. I just need to keep reminding myself every now and then.

Ryder

Seeing her again; it’s like pure fucking torture. She looks fantastic. High-class in her smart pant suit and blouse, heels and her glorious, golden main half pinned back off her face. She gives me a hug and I try not to inhale that sweet scent I remember wrapped all over me.

“I’m doing okay,” she says after I ask her in a soft voice how she is.

“Glad to hear it.”

With Luca right there, I can’t exactly quiz her on what the fuck she’s doing here in New Orleans, so I’ll let her do the talking.

“Yeah, kinda weird you didn’t tell Ryder,” Luca says as we’re seated. “Always good to know another person in a city this big.”

“That’s exactly what I need,” she sniffs. “Another overprotective alpha in my life, other than my big brother.”

“What about this boyfriend of yours we keep hearing about?” he presses. “Really, Crys, I think it’s pretty goddamn lame he can’t make himself available. It isn’t the first time.”

She fiddles with the napkin on the table as I watch her. Her mannerisms are all off. She’s not making eye contact, and she seems nervous. “I’m sorry, and he is too. Really. We might make a trip out to Cali soon, make a weekend out of it.”

She’s full of shit. I always know when she’s lying, but Luca is perusing the menu. “Yeah, I’ll believe that when I see it,” he mutters.

“What sort of business does this guy do?” I haven’t even opened the menu. The only thing I have on my mind is what the fuck Crystal is up to, and why this asshole is such a mystery.

She waves a hand. “All kinds of stuff. Imports, mainly. They have a couple of antique stores downtown, and they’re expanding throughout Louisiana.”

I’ll bet he’s a fucking dipshit. Any man should be tripping over themselves to have Crystal on his arm and meet her brother. None of this is adding up.

As I watch her, I notice small details that Luca hasn’t. For one, she’s quiet — Crystal is never quiet. She’s always had too much to say. Every now and again, she’ll look over her shoulder, like she’s waiting for someone. Her hands shake a little and she tries to steady them by playing with the cutlery on the table. Her face, while as beautiful as ever, seems to have lost its spark. Her smile doesn’t reach her eyes. Speaking of which; they don’t have their usual spark either, nor is she jumping in when Luca debates what he’s going to have as an appetizer.

Where is my girl? The one I’ve known my entire life and can read like a book. Is she still in there?

“Sounds like he’s a busy man,” Luca grumbles. “Too busy to spend time with you and the two men in your life.”

“Three, if you count Bronco.” I give Crystal a sarcastic smile. “Funny, you didn’t tell him either you’d moved.”

Crystal folds her arms over her chest. “Is that what this is about?” she huffs. “Are you two going to pick on me all night because I’m trying to get my life together?”

Luca looks up from the menu, his eyebrows pinch together. “Is everything okay?”

“Yes. Everything’s great.” Fucking liar.

“Perfect. What’s the name of that business yourboyfriendruns?” I ask.

“He has a name.”

---