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This is it. Ryder is the one. I knew it the second I saw him.
“Oh shh-it.” I barely register that we are not alone. Who cares? Apparently, Ryder does because he lets go of me as if I have a disease and looks over at the guy I want to strangle. It’s the same one as before. Why is he trying to ruin my life?
I almost scream no when Ryder gently detaches my hands from his shirt.
“Jesus, Ryder. I had no idea… but… Prez needs you.” I can’t even look at the jerk who seems to be the bane of my existence. The moment is gone, over, before it even got started.
“I’m coming. I need to escort Julianna to her room.” It’s curt. His breath kisses my warm cheeks.
“Ox needs to talk to you, too…” His voice trails away, and for the first time in my life, I actually wish bad vibes on this guy. As if that can work and this bad-luck biker will disappear. God, I want to cry, and I never cry.
This was my chance. I had him. I was ready to give him everything. If only I were more experienced in the art of seduction. As it is, after the Russian, and now this, I can barely stand much less try to keep Ryder interested.
“Let’s go.” His voice is an order. When his hand touches my arm, I jump.
“But food.” I sound like a crazy person, or someone who doesn’t speak English.
“Here.” He grabs a bag of chips and pulls me with him.
“Thank you,” I whisper. Why am I thanking him for chips? This is all that biker’s fault, so I give the jerk a death glare, but we’re moving so fast he’s essentially a blur. Everything is—the loud heavy metal music, the mass of people, and the distinct smell of marijuana that instantly makes my eyes water.
“Julianna, I don’t want you to leave Axel’s room. Do you understand me?” Somehow I can hear him, which is a miracle. Moving his grip from my arm to my hand, he pulls me up the stairs.
“I just wanted food. Amy usually brings it—” God, I’m out of breath. As I stare at his broad, muscled back, the leather vest almost seems to mold to him. I blink at the dagger and wings patch.
“I’ll have food brought to you,” he says tightly.
At once, I’m cold, way more scared than when I was faced with the BO-infested Russian. Ryder sounds done, like he regrets what just happened.
“Do you understand?” He swings me around to face him. I blink up at him, my breathing harsh, and it has nothing to do with racing up the stairs, and more to do with the truth that he’s leaving.
“Yes.” I nod, taking in a huge gulp of air, then instantly coughing.
“Christ.”
I’m so mortified that I can’t even look at him. I’ve never been exactly graceful, but I also have never been like this. Swallowing back the need to cough again, I turn toward Axel’s bedroom door.
“Jul…” He reaches for my hand.
Again I want to cry, which of course I won’t, but these feelings I have for him are scaring me.
“What?” I snip, but it sounds more like a wheeze. His warm hand finds my chin, forcing my eyes to look at him.
“Don’t make the mistake of thinking I’m something I’m not. You and Gia need to pack your shit and go. Otherwise, I’m gonna fuck you.” His voice goes straight to my already wet core, and I shiver. He just said everything I’ve been dreaming of.
“What if I want that?” I fire right back.
He arches a dark brow and we stare at each other. This is my chance—I can feel it. He wants me. He’s gonna take me to his room.
Instead, he gives me the bag of chips.
I’m so stunned that I automatically take them as he growls, “Get your ass inside.”
RYDER
Past
Disciples’ clubhouse
Burbank, CA
Ox walks in, grabs a bottle of Jack, and drops into the chair across from me. “We’re clean.”
“How many did you find?” Blade looks over, rubbing the back of his neck.
To say we all look like hell would be putting it nicely. After last night, I proceeded to partake in some of Axel’s latest shit. I have no idea where he gets his weed or hash. Whatever it was made me numb. That and a bottle of Jose Cuervo sealed the deal.
I should have just fucked a bunny. Saved my brain cells and liver, but my cock wants a blonde with big blue eyes and legs to die for… who is still here. Even now, I can smell her, that faint scent of apples and lemons…
“Ryder?” Blade’s voice cuts into my dull mind.
“Yo?” I say, leaning over to grab the bottle from Ox, who arches a brow but doesn’t hand it over.
