A heat boiled in Ryder. The little slut could at least play her part as the president’s daughter, but Ryder imagined she was fulfilling some duty his father had assigned her. Well, he would fulfill his, too.
Sheila turned to him. “What is she, a nun?”
Ryder grabbed Sheila's shoulders and yanked her close to him, making her crash against him. “Say another thing to her. Huh!”
“Let go of me.” She pushed against his chest, but he gripped her harder, making her bright blue eyes opened wide.
“Don’t say anything to hurt my relationship with her.”
“Lay off, Ryder. Father already warned me, but I don’t have to be nice to her.”
Ryder threw Sheila from him. She stumbled back, flopping onto the couch. Her blonde tresses fell over her wide eyes. Good, now she’d behave. “Let’s go.” He headed for the door.
Alecia leaned against the wall and took a deep breath before exhaling. She straightened and walked towards the door. She could have sworn she heard a light thud as if something had been thrown against the couch. What could be going on in there? Did Sheila throw something while pouting to get her way? She was sure Ryder was telling her to lay off. Some sister. She backed up at the sound of approaching feet. The door opened, revealing Ryder with Sheila behind him. Her hair slightly ruffled.
Alecia smiled at Ryder, but he turned from her and focused on Sheila who fixed her hair in a hall mirror. A harshness filled his eyes.
“Everything alright?” Alecia placed a hand on Ryder's tense shoulder.
“We’re cool.” He walked past her and grabbed Sheila coat from a nearby rack, helping her to slip it on. He then helped Alecia's with hers.
“He’s a perfect gentleman, isn’t he?” Sheila said as she made her way to the door. “Just don’t ever make him angry.” The girl wagged her finger in the air.
Ryder just strode past her, not saying a world. Don’t worry, she had no plans to.
They pulled up to the back of a club with lime green lights that circled around the building. The pounding of drums filled the air along with an electric techno beat. No one left the car until Mike received a message from someone saying it was safe.
Ryder left her behind as he strolled to the club with an arm firmly around Sheila. Alecia wrapped her arms around her waist, slowly shaking her head. What was she - Mike’s assistant instead of Ryder's beloved? He had warned her it would be like this. She just needed to be patient, especially since she would have him all to herself when they returned home. He had promised.
They entered through a backdoor, and waded through a dark kitchen area – as if they knew the way perfectly. No one working in the back paid attention to them. When Ryder opened the door, Alecia caught the sight of bright green and orange lights that covered the walls. Bright strobe lights protruded from the ceiling, bouncing off the floor.
“Hello, Mr. Hendrix and Ms. Harrison,” said a man as they walked through.
Alecia went to follow, but the man held up a bar, making her stop. The man’s brow crinkled as his eyes roamed over her, probably taking in her attire. Alecia wrapped her arms around her waist again and looked over the man’s head as Ryder left her behind. He didn’t even notice. She should have stayed home. Why bother coming, if Sheila wasn’t even going to try and get to know her?
“Ryder,” she shouted out, but he didn’t respond.
“She’s with me,” Mike said as he held up a badge and grabbed her arm.
The man lowered the bar, letting Mike push her through; his eyes never leaving Sheila. Ryder got halfway to the bar before he turned. His gaze roamed over the dance floor. So, he finally remembered her. Alecia rolled her eyes and allowed Mike to guide her to her fiancé.
“Here,” Mike said, before he turned and walked away.
“Where’s he going?” Alecia asked.
“Don’t worry. He’ll keep an eye on us,” Ryder said as Mike disappeared between several girls holding drinks, their eyes following the agent.
A warmth spread through her when Ryder took her hand, and guided her to the bar.
Sheila sat on a stool and crossed her legs, while Alecia stood by Ryder's side. Ryder ordered two shots of vodka. Alecia planted her elbow on the bar and leaned her cheek into her hand. Tears pricked at the corners of her eyes. He didn’t even ask her if she wanted anything, but instantly procured something for Sheila as if he anticipated her wishes. But on other nights he always anticipated hers, and fulfilled her needs. He just didn’t get her a drink. She needed to stop being so silly.