Page 28 of Ride or Die
"What was that for," I ask on a whisper. He shrugs a shoulder.
"Felt like a good idea," he smirks. He lets go of me and moves to sit on his bed. "Why didn't you tell me your dad is the Pakhan of the Bratva?"
"We kind of haven't gotten to the “talking about our families” conversation," I tell him, sitting next to him. I pull my feet onto the bed and tuck them under, sitting cross-legged. "Why was he here?"
"Bull reached out to him when we first got word the cartel had been sited. Your dad wasn't worried about them until your bakery got shot. We were trying to discuss a game plan on how to handle the cartel together," Ryan explains to me. "I also told him you and I are back together. He asked the two of us to have dinner with him and your mom soon."
"Well, that will be fun." I smile.
"I thought so. I love your mom. I just need to get to know your dad. With him being Pakhan, I'm sure it will happen sooner rather than later," he says. "Want to explain to me what you told people after I left? You told your dad it was a mutual decision?"
"I didn't want my family to hate you, because I didn't hate you. I was hurt and confused, but I never stopped loving you." I freeze. I didn't mean to let the last part slip out. Ryan smirks at me but doesn't comment on it. We're both quiet for a few minutes. Quiet moments between the two of us have always been peaceful, never awkward.
"Thank you," he says, breaking the silence. "For doing that."
"Don't get me wrong. It was as much for me as it was for you. I never wanted to explain or answer questions I didn’t have the answer to," I tell him. His smirk grows into a full smile and he chuckles.
"I don't doubt it for a second," he says.
"We better get back out there so Minx and Rivet don't come searching for me." I giggle. Ryan pulls me in for a quick kiss and we head back out to the main room.
18
Buster
The week flies by.I still had to work every day and it killed me to leave Cali. We've been spending a lot of time together. Some days, it's like nothing ever changed and other days we learn new things about each other. Either way, I've been soaking up every second I have with her. She has still been sleeping at Minx's house while I'm staying in my room at the clubhouse. It's torture not sleeping next to her, but we're trying to take things slow.
Tonight, we're going to her parents' house for dinner. Her dad should be giving us an update on when A Novel Bunch will be reopening. This week would be a good time for it to reopen. It's the beginning of November and being open for the holidays would be good for business. Cali has been hanging out with Minx and Emma all day, so I decide to shoot her a text.
To Cali:HeySólnyshka, you about ready to head over to your parents' house?
She doesn't respond right away, probably still taking her time getting ready. I'm sitting on the couch with a couple of the brothers, not paying attention to a damn thing they say. Shade and Clutch are arguing about American vs foreign-made cars. They have this argument at least once a month.
Minx and Emma walk into the clubhouse and as I'm about to ask them where Cali is, she walks in right behind them. She gorgeous as always. She's wearing a sweater dress that is similar to a hoodie, only long like a dress. It fits her body perfect, hugging it in all the right places. She curled her hair and has on a touch of makeup. I stand as she walks closer.
"Well hey there, beautiful," I say to her with a smirk. She flashes me a smile and stays out of arms reach. I would much rather take her back to my house and have my way with her. I am trying my damnedest to respect her wishes to take things slow. We kiss, but kissing only makes me want her even more. I crave all of her. I take a step forward and pull her into my arms. "My Sunshine. Are you ready to go?"
"Yeah," she sighs out. I kiss the tip of her nose and let her go and she grabs my hand.
"Are you okay? Nervous?" I laugh. She looks up at me with doe eyes.
"No, I'm not, but it has been a while since I've gone to a dinner where Papa was there," she tells me.
"It'll be alright. We can stay for however long you want," I assure her. We say goodbye to everyone and head out to my car. Bull was okay with us going off on our own since we were going straight to the Pakhan's house. It's a twenty-minute drive. Fifteen if I go a little faster than normal. I open the passenger side door for her, watch her climb in, and close the door. I walk to the driver's side and hop in. I fire up the beast and off we go. I may play it cool around everyone else, but inside, my nerves are going fucking crazy.
Cali's mom always welcomed me with open arms before I just up and left. Her dad, while I never saw him much, was always a pretty quiet guy when he was around. Her brothers were pretty cool, but five years is a long time.
Cali turns on the radio to some country station. I have never been one to listen to country, even growing up, but it's something I would always put up with for her. She sings with whatever song is on. All I can focus on is the sound of her voice. She sounds like an angel. I've missed moments like this. We don't talk the whole drive to her parents' house. I let her sing as much as she wants and relish the moment.
As soon as we pull into her parents' driveway, she stops singing. I park the car, hop out and hurry to her side before she can get out. I open her door and offer my hand to help her out. She grabs my hand and a shock goes through it. There's always been some kind of crazy connection between the two of us and shit like that proves it. She holds my hand as we walk up to the door. Before she opens it, she turns to me.
"You sure you want to do this?"
"You sure you aren't nervous," I ask. She shrugs.
"Maybe I am a little," she admits. I chuckle.
"Babe, how many times do I have to tell you it's gonna be alright?" I squeeze her hand. "I'm gonna be by your side the whole time. If for any reason you want to leave, say the word."
