Chapter 31

Avery It took a while for me to decide whether I should talk to Stefano or not. It took a cup of coffee, grilled cheese and three hours of sitting at Grind House. Thank goodness Jenna didn’t notice how deep my thoughts were. I didn’t want her to question why I was suddenly spacing out for hours. Instead, she just asked why I disappeared in the night of Sierra’s wedding. I just told her I had an emergency and have to leave right away. As I waited for the elevator to open, I can’t help but having second thoughts if I should talk to him or not. But Sierra was right, if I want to get this over with, I needed to talk to him. Whatever answer he may say, I just have to accept it. I don’t think I’m in a state to have a relationship let alone from a man like him. I’m in the middle of redeeming myself. Relationships would just be in the way. I think Stefano feels the same way considering every one kept telling me that he never has a woman in his life. I don’t think it would change since he would evade his parents’ attempts in matchmaking him with daughters of his friends. The elevator door opens. I stepped inside and pressed the floor where his office was located. Maybe this is just some sort of excuse for me so I wouldn’t feel hurt from what he did or what he’s about to say. It sucks but it’s true. It did sting. Things for me are different now. I just didn’t think karma would hit me right in the chest. I was attracted to him and that’s it. I knew my place very well. I was just surprised. Shocked. I lost control and succumbed to my desires. And where did it get me exactly? As I got out of the elevator, it wasn’t a surprise to meet him again here. His always doing business here but what caught me the most... "Ryker?! What happened to your face?!" I ran towards him. He was shocked to see me. Being mad at him all this time was thrown out of the window the moment I saw his bleeding face. His eyes softens when he saw me. "Avery..." My hand reached to his face but he stopped me midair. He grabbed my hand and squeezed it. My brows raised questioningly. "What happened? You’re bleeding-" "Why is it not me?" He asked with a hurt face. "What-" He pushed me against the wall. I gasped when my back landed a bit roughly. I opened my mouth to ask him what he was doing but he beat me to it. He slammed his lips to mine. My eyes widened caught by surprise. My hands rested to his shoulder and pushed him. He pushed back and deepened the kiss. He bit my lower lip and licked it. He kissed me again with roughness ang desperation. I couldn’t move from initial shock. He pulled away with a pant. His eyes travelled to mine. I saw how drunk he was from the kiss. "I deserve you more." He said through gritted teeth. I frowned. "Ryker..." I sighed. I looked away. My eyes widened when I saw Stefano from a distance. He was brooding, clenching his fist. Rage glistened in his transparent eyes. I pushed away Ryker abruptly. I turned around and walked away quickly. "Avery." Ashton called. I didn’t know he was standing in front not until he called my name. I stopped for a second and looked at him. I shook my head and continued to walk away. When I reached the lobby, I heard Ashton coming right after me while calling my name. I wanted to ignore him and just continue to walk. "Avery, wait." I heard him running and he grabbed my arm to stop me from getting further. "Avery." He forced me to turn to him. "Listen. I’m sorry." He said through pants. "For?" I asked coldly. "I knew what happened... I knew what happened between you two." He said stuttering. I frowned confused on what he meant. Why would he say sorry? That Ryker kissed me? Was that even it? He noticed my confusion. "About you and Stefano." My breath hitched. I glared at him. What the actual ****? "And you think you should be sorry?" I put emphasis on you. Why would he be sorry? He wasn’t the one who fucked me out of my wits and fucking left. "Can we talk about this somewhere else?" He looked around worriedly. I knew he was worried about his image. And with my temper right now, I might cause a ruckus right this sec. I really didn’t notice the people cause I’m fuming right now. "We don’t owe each other a talk, Ashton so I’m afraid you have to step back." I almost growled at him from my anger. "Look... I’d really like to talk to you, Ave. Please." He said begging. "I’ll pick you up at 7. Just one talk with me and I promise to never bother you again. I’ll be out of your business."