Authors: Connie Lafortune
“Ouch, that really hurts, precious,” Ryker laughs. “But anonymity was exactly what I desired. Besides, there is something that Jonathan and I have in common. An apadravya.” My cheeks instantly heat when Ryker’s eyes fix on mine. Hell’s bells, of course he would bring that up. “Also, I thought I rather rocked the Goth look.”
“Oh, you know you look good no matter what. Stop fishing for a compliment.” I feel giddy when his lips brush lightly against mine. He’s reminding everyone that I belong to him. Quickly, I turn my attention towards my cousin. “Cole, did you have a chance to read…”
“Fuck me, you’re cock is pierced?” Kennedy just had to focus on that part of the conversation.
When Ryker’s attention suddenly turns towards Kennedy, he’s scowling. Here we go again. “If you know of somewhere else to put an apadravya, Kennedy, please let me know.”
“Duh, you’re so funny Ryker, I forgot to laugh. Did you do it to get into a college fraternity? Because I don’t know why anyone would put …”
“Actually, it was while I was stationed in Afghanistan. My team and I were hunkered down in the trenches with the apocalypse reigning down around us. Mind you, I’m not a religious man but I promised God if I ever survived, I’d get my cock pierced. At the time, it seemed like the bravest thing to do. As soon as I kissed American soil, I did it.”
Silence suddenly fills the room. I know for a fact that Cole was in the trenches with him. Everyone made the same promise that day, but Ryker was the only one who went through with it.
Then Cole picks up where we left off. “From what I can gather, Rodriguez has already revoked any plans he made for retaliation. He’s giving you his word that nothing will ever happen to you two. And that’s huge coming from him. Clearly, he’s doing this because of Sonia. And since Ryker played an important role in her life, he’s forgiven him for his betrayal. As far as I’m concerned it’s over, but I’ll keep a security detail around to ease Ryker’s mind.”
It takes me a minute to regroup, and then everything sinks in. “Security? Ryker, is there something we need to discuss in private?”
“Bella, let me handle it. I can assure you that it won’t be long before we pull the plug. After what happened last time, I’m not taking any chances. You’ll just have to trust me.”
“I do trust you, Ry. I just wish you’d told me sooner. Now I’m going to look over my shoulder every time I go outside.”
“That’s why I didn’t tell you earlier, Bell. Just go about your daily routine and leave everything to me. Have I ever let you down?”
No, he hasn’t. Unless, of course, I count the time where he led me to believe he was dead. Or when he thought I’d be happier without him. And there was that time…
“Bella. I can see your wheels turning and I know what you’re thinking. Those were extenuating circumstances.”
“Hey, I’m starving. Let’s all go out to dinner. My treat.” See, Kennedy isn’t rude and abrasive all the time. She comes through in a pinch.
“Sounds great! What does everyone feel like? Italian, Chinese, or maybe we could try that new sushi restaurant that’s getting all those rave reviews.” I look at Cole, then Ryker—who’s giving me daggers! I’d guess it’s safe to say he doesn’t want to go anywhere with Kennedy.
“I could go for a scorpion bowl, so I vote Chinese.” Whew, thanks Cole. At least someone’s making an effort.
“Fine. Chinese it is.” I want to kiss Ryker senseless when he winks at me. He’s willing to put up with Kennedy, just for me. And believe me, she’s best in small doses.
“Clearly, you’re upset and I don’t like it.” We just walked in the front door and Ryker hasn’t let up since we left the restaurant. I blame the dinner debacle on too many scorpion bowls. “Bella, talk to me. Don’t shut me out.” I watch as he slides off his shoes and leaves them on the matt by the door. Like he’s done a million times before. Today, it just irritates me.
“I don’t want to talk about it, Ryker. So just drop it.”
“Are you still angry because I hadn’t told you about the security detail? For the life of me, I don’t know why you’re acting like a petulant child.”
Oh, he didn’t! “I’m going to bed.”
“No! We’re not going to bed, until you tell me why you’re so angry.”
“You’re a smart man, Ryker. Figure it out.”
“Oh, for fuck’s sake, Bella. I’m smart but I’m not a mind reader…”
“Fine! I’m pissed because you didn’t tell me my father wanted to see me. Cole did. Were you ever going to? Or would you have ignored his request because you want me to believe you were protecting me? I’m a grown woman. I can make my own decisions, Mr. Steel. Oh, and while I’m on a roll, if Cole wants to see Kennedy then that’s his prerogative. You have no business trying to interfere. You were the one who acted like a petulant child when they stayed to have another drink. There! Now you know why I’m pissed. Are you happy now?”
“No, I’m not happy when you’re hurt or angry.” Ryker pinches the bridge of his nose. Then he holds out his hands in surrender. “I’ve already told you that Hawk was an informant for the drug cartel while working for the DEA. He’s looking at life in a federal prison, Bell. I’m not allowed to see him until after the trial and I don’t want you going there alone. I won’t apologize for wanting to protect you, precious. I’m your husband and that is my job. As for Cole, he’s a big boy. If he wants to fuck Kennedy then he’s on his own. I have all I can handle right here.”
Now I feel foolish. I let the scorpion bowls go to my head. He really does have my best interests at heart. And after everything Aaron “Hawk” Matthews put me through, he can wait a little longer to see his daughter. “Is this our first fight, Ry?”
Ryker doesn’t need to hear the words ‘I’m sorry’. He already knows I am just by the tone of my voice. I watch his lips quirk in a wicked grin as he saunters over. With fire in his eyes. His hungry mouth crashes into mine while his hands thread through my hair. Tugging. Until I can’t breathe and I’m about to faint. “Yes, I believe it was, precious,” he murmurs against my lips. “Now, we’re going to have one helluva night trying to kiss and make up.”
Hell’s Bells…
Epilogue
Three months later
Ryker
I’m probably just as nervous as she is. No. I take it back. Bella was calm, almost serene when we left the apartment. I, on the other hand, have become edgy and restless. That being the reason I’m pacing back and forth. I swear I’m wearing a path in the ornate marble floor of the lobby. And I’m tired of trying to make small talk with everyone who’s waiting to get into the theatre. The only reason I’m here early is because Bella had to arrive an hour ago so she could get ready for the show. Now I’m just impatiently waiting for everyone to arrive so we can all walk in together. Fucktard Cole was supposed to meet me here ten minutes ago. It’ll break Bella’s heart if her cousin isn’t here to see her perform.
We’re all sitting in Row A of the second ring. I don’t want to be level with the stage because I want to hover over her. Just like I do in the bedroom. I’ve even gone so far as to purchase every single ticket in the row so as not to have any late theater-goers stepping over us once it’s begun. I know it was a bit extravagant, but Bella’s worth every single cent. This is a once in a lifetime event and I don’t want anyone ruining it for us. At last count, there should be only six of us attending tonight’s show. Where the hell is everyone?
As I peruse the magnificent artwork of French artist JR, a hand lands on my shoulder. Cole. Thank fuck he’s here. Otherwise I’d be crawling out of my skin. To say I’m disappointed when I spin around would be an understatement. But I am because Mr. and Mrs. Harper are anxiously awaiting my greeting. I knew they were coming because Bell had warned me. It’s going to be awkward but I can do it for her sake. In fact, this is the first time I’ve seen Vega since I visited her in her hotel room. Precious and I decided not to press charges that day, we felt she had already paid the ultimate price. “Thank you both for coming. I know Bell will be pleased you were able to make it.”
“Well, thanks so much for inviting us. Nothing could have kept us away.” Ah, Mr. Harper just made it known that he’s here whether I approve or not. He was devastated when he found out that his daughter Lyra was dead. Which made him actually cling to Bella all the more. At first it made her uncomfortable, but she soon realized that he thought of her as his daughter. Soon, they were closer than they ever had been. It was Vega who had backed off and that was fine by me.
“I have four other guests attending tonight. As soon as they arrive we’ll go inside. Unless, of course you’d like to go ahead without me?” I’m hoping they do so I won’t have to make small talk.
“We don’t mind waiting. So, Ryker, did she cave and tell you about what song she’s chosen?”
“Absolutely not. Bella was adamant about keeping it a surprise. Why? Did she confide in you?” I would be hurt beyond words if she’d told Mr. Harper and not me. I’m her husband for fuck’s sake.
“Oh god no. I was hoping perhaps she’d slipped and told you what it was. Well, I suppose we’ll find out soon enough, won’t we?”
“Find out what?” Oh, even after all these months, Kennedy still hasn’t grown on me. I’m trying, I really am. Especially now that she and Cole are dating. What he sees in her, I have no clue. But he’s happy and that’s all that matters. Kennedy doesn’t waste any time playing catch up with the Harpers, which gives Cole a chance to make his escape.
“Is he coming, Ryker?”
Cole is referring to the sixth and final person to make up our party. Gage. He gave me his word that he’d be here but I have my doubts. “If he said he’d come then he’ll be here. We’ll give him five more minutes, then we’ll go inside.”
“No worries. We have plenty of time.” Cole stuffs his hands in his pockets and rocks back and forth on his heels. Yeah, he’s just as nervous as I am.
When Gage and Bella started communicating again, I was pissed. Strike that. I was livid. And then I was quick to remember that she chose me, not him. But when she’d needed my approval so she could invite him to the theatre on opening night, I just about lost it. Gage was never a part of her life while she was dancing. I was the one who dropped her off and picked her up every day. Carried her when she was so exhausted she couldn’t take another step. And rubbed her feet every single night before going to bed. It was brutal for me just knowing there was another man in her life. Because I’d never had to share Bella with anyone before. Until I lay awake one night and realized why she was working so hard to perform again. It wasn’t for me, Gage, or even herself. It was for all of the fans who used to come to the theatre to watch Bella Steel dance. The magic she wove while she was on stage was breathtaking. Only then did I understand that she was dancing for all of them. So, I conceded and here I am waiting for the ‘other’ man.
I impatiently pull the black cuff of my jacket back to check my watch. Two minutes and counting. “Sorry I’m late. I had a hard time finding a parking spot.” My head snaps up just in time to see my nemesis walking towards me. Looking handsome and well-dressed in his dark-grey Ralph Lauren. Fuck! It’s going to be a long night. Gage sticks out his hand and, reluctantly, I take it. His handshake is strong, firm, and confident.
It takes every ounce of willpower I have to look him square in the eye and say, “Glad you could make it. Let’s go inside.” I take in a deep breath and head toward the theatre. While Gage confidently greets Kennedy, Cole, and the Harpers. If looks could kill, Gage would be dead. Vega refused to take back the money she’d paid him over the years, so he donated it all to charity. I thought it was rather noble of him. Fuck! I thought once everyone arrived, I’d be less nervous. Unfortunately, it has the opposite effect.
Once we’re all seated, I sit back. Willing myself to calm the fuck down. You’d think that I was the one who was getting on that stage. I purposely chose a seat at the end and luckily no one decides to sit down next to me. Everyone is coupled, with the exception of Gage and me, and he chose to sit by himself also. This is one show I want to enjoy on my own.
All performances tonight are freestyle. Every soloist or pair has chosen their own songs and dances to perform. It’s the first of its kind. It’s the brainstorm of my beautiful wife Bella and the New York City Ballet. If all goes well, it will become a tradition. And since I have no idea when she’s supposed to perform, I’ll just kick back and enjoy the show.
About an hour in, the lights dim and a spotlight appears on my beautiful wife. Standing center stage. My heart swells to near bursting at the pride that fills me. And my vision blurs when the crowd gives her a standing ovation. Thunderous applause fills the theatre while everyone begins talking all at once. The roar of the crowd is deafening as my precious blows kisses and graciously curtsies. Bowing her head in respect.
Once the crowd has settled down, someone hands Bella a microphone. I sit on the edge of my seat with my arms over the railing, waiting with bated breath. While her lyrical voice fills the theatre.
“Thank you. Thank you so much. My name’s Bella Steel and I am honored to be here with all of you tonight.” At the mention of her name, the crowd goes wild once again. They begin clapping and stomping their feet. Bella waits patiently until the final audience member quiets down. “I can’t even begin to put into words how excited I am to be here tonight. Many of you may already know that I haven’t been around for years. But I won’t bore you with all of the details because, after all, you’re obviously here to see us dance.” More clapping ensues, but this time Bella’s able to continue speaking. “Although my time away has been a struggle, I wouldn’t have changed a thing. It’s made me the strong woman I am today. And if it hadn’t been for my memory lapse, I would have never met Kennedy and Gage, two very important people in my life. You both picked me up, brushed me off, and held my hand until I could walk on my own. I love you both to infinity and back.”
I’m so captivated with each and every word that I’m unaware of someone standing near me. “Mr. Steel. Could you please come with me?”
What the Fuck!