Resisting Ryann Read online

  “It doesn’t matter what you promised.”

  He stops chewing. “How so?”

  “Because, I’ve moved on, and so should you.” That’s not entirely true, but I’m trying.

  Logan took Luke’s place here at work, which apparently was another promise I was left unaware of until the day he walked in, strutting around the gym as if he owned it. Luke prepared Jim and Pam in advance, and Logan agreed to take over. I guess it worked out for all of them. Logan dating my best friend is hard enough, but having to work with him … well, it’s nearly unbearable.

  “You trying to convince me or yourself?”

  “You read the letter.” I blow out a breath. “Forget it. I don’t want to get into this again.”

  It’s been five months. I haven’t heard from Luke in the last three, and only a handful of times before that. It started with a few texts I received from an unknown number, saying things like, “I miss you,” or, “When this is all over, I’ll explain everything,” and finally followed by, “Do you trust me?” I never replied to any of them, though a few times I came close.

  Why the untraceable number? I didn’t know, but I definitely didn’t like it. The last one came around three months ago. Telling me he loved me—that it killed him to be away from me. I read it at least a hundred times, wanting to believe he had good reason for all of this. I needed to know the truth, and he wasn’t planning to give it … at least not anytime soon.

  One day I received a package with no return address. When I opened it, I found a Taser gun wrapped in a bow with a note that read: KEEP THIS ON YOU. ASK LOGAN TO SHOW YOU HOW TO USE IT. IT’S IMPORTANT.

  What the hell?

  “Forget about the letter,” he groans. “He didn’t mean it.” He waves goodbye to one of our regulars, and I do the same.

  “How am I supposed to forget it? I can’t.”

  He shrugs. “Maybe I have more faith in him than you do.” Finishing what’s left in his mouth, he throws the wrapper in the trash.

  “Faith has nothing to do with it. He wrote it, Logan.”

  The letter said he was sorry for all that he had done, that he would always love me, but it was best we both move on. He wanted me to be happy … blah blah blah … and a person like him doesn’t deserve a person like me. It was the last time I’d heard from him. He had made his point pretty clear.

  “Doesn’t matter.” He folds his arms. “There are things I know about him that you don’t. And you won’t until it’s over. Things aren’t always what they seem. Remember that.”

  “Don’t worry, I will.”

  “Do you miss him?”

  The question catches me off guard. “I don’t want to,” I reply.

  He grins with a nod. “Good.” Jerk.

  “Are you one of those people who secretly gets off on torturing animals?” I narrow my eyes.

  “Nope.” He guzzles down a full bottle of water, then crushes the plastic.

  “I’m not sure I believe you.”

  “Believe what you want.” Glancing at the clock, I see there are only ten minutes left before his class starts. “You leaving?”

  “Yeah, I just need to get my stuff.” I head to the counter, and he walks behind it.

  “Do me a favor,” he says, grabbing my purse. “Tell Gia to wear the red one tonight.” He hands it over. “She’ll know what it means.”

  Eww. “You couldn’t just tell her that yourself?”

  His mouth tips up. “Thought it’d be more fun to have you do it instead.”

  “I guess that’s my queue.” I turn around and wave. “See ya.”

  “You planning to see loverboy again?” he asks from behind me.

  I glance at him suspiciously. “Maybe … why?”

  He shrugs. “You may need to defend yourself from him one day, and I’d be happy to help you with that. Just let me know.”

  “Oh, I’m sure you would. Look … Sean’s been a good friend to me, but nothing more. Be nice, okay?”

  He snorts. “Right.” He emphasizes the word. “A friend who’d love to get inside your panties.”

  “Not all men are like you,” I retort, pushing past the door. “Good bye,” I yell.

  “If you can’t see that this guy’s a bigger douche than I am, then you’re blind,” he yells back. I do my best to ignore him and crawl inside my car.

  Sean’s and my friendship sparked at a time when I needed someone most. If I wasn’t drowning myself in work, I was spending much of my days alone. If that wasn’t possible, I was forced to be around Logan and Gia’s constant display of affection. Their relationship had blossomed, while mine had fallen apart. After months of making excuses for him, becoming everything I never wanted to be, I’d finally had enough. I’d climbed up to the rooftop to get some air. I’d only been there a minute when a familiar male voice called out to me. I peeked over the edge. Sean stood below, looking nervous as he stared up at me. I could see that he was carefully choosing his words.

  “You expecting company?”

  I contemplate turning him away like I’ve done before. Instead I reply, “No.”

  He lifts his brows, clearly surprised. “Would you mind some?”

  “I don’t know,” I reply, regretting it. “I mean, yes, I’d like some, sorry.” I close my eyes, embarrassed. When I open them, he is already climbing up, and he is smiling—probably laughing at me. I would, too, if I was him. I am a mess.

  “So you finally said yes,” he murmurs. “What made you change your mind?”

  I lie down on the blanket and focus on the stars. “Believe me, I was doing you a favor. I haven’t been that much fun these last few months.”

  “You going to tell me why you’re so sad all the time?” Sitting down beside me, he leaves plenty of space between us so it won’t be awkward. My gaze moves over to him, and he taps a spot on his shoulder. “I’ll let you borrow these to cry on if you need to.” He shrugs. “Won’t bother me any.”

  I grin, which is something I haven’t done in a while. I hold out a hand, saying, “To be honest … I think I could really use a friend.”

  Watching me cautiously before he takes, he smiles. “If you let me, I think I could be that friend.”

  We shake on it. “Good,” I nodded. “Then it’s settled.”

  “My money’s on Ryann,” Marcus says.

  Gage scowls in his direction. “You want to go next?”

  Marcus is in his face, “That a promise?”

  “Let’s do this,” I tell them, sick and tired of their banter.

  Gage shoots me a twisted grin, charging toward me like a mad man. I guess he’s ready to start. “Show me what you got,” he says, swinging erratically. I almost feel sorry for him when I slam a fist into his pancreas. Then the other one hits his jaw. He staggers back, using the car parked behind him for leverage. He spits out a mouthful of blood, and I give him a minute to clear his head before signaling him to come closer. He takes the bait, pushing toward me, and puts all his energy into his swing, only landing a few body shots. It hurts, but not enough to do damage. He’s frustrated and tired.

  Using my knee as a ploy, I strike him, and he blocks me. I thank him by sending an uppercut straight to his chin, following through with a left hook. He stumbles to the ground, walking backward on his hands. I let him up. He dives right at me, wrapping his arms around my waist—a weak attempt to take me down. I pound the side of his head over and over. He’s on his way down again. Everyone’s shouting, his earlier words replaying in my head. I stare at his broken face. He slowly comes to a stand. I’m amazed he’s still conscious.

  “Is that all you got?”

  “You sure you want more?” My mouth curves into a grin. The dude doesn’t quit. It’s impressive.

  He spits. “You ain’t seen nothin’ yet, mother fucker.”

  I go with a different approach, taking him to the ground. It may be my weakness, but this guy isn’t a threat to me, and I’m tired of watching his crazy ass get up. I want to end this now. He ro
lls onto his side, scooting away, but not really going anywhere. I reach around his neck and easily put him in a chokehold. He grips my forearm with both of his hands, squeezing and pulling, trying to loosen my hold, but there isn’t any use. I’ve got him locked in securely. This is over. “Tap out,” I tell him. “It’s all you’ve got to do.”

  He continues to struggle. “Fuck you,” he chokes out, his air supply close to non-existent. The son of a bitch won’t give up, even knowing he doesn’t have a chance. I think he’d rather pass out.

  I squeeze tighter. “Tap, dude. You’re going out.”

  He removes a hand from my arm and slowly presses it to the concrete. He’s ready to tap. He’s turning blue.

  “You giving up?”

  He taps.

  I want to make sure he means it. “Is that a yes?”

  His legs are shaking, and he taps again, making it obvious for everyone to see. There’s no question he’s tapping out. I let him go, and he gasps before spitting out another mouthful of blood. He rolls onto his back, throwing an arm over his eyes. I grab my shirt, wipe off the sweat and blood, then toss it over my shoulder. I walk away without looking back. I’m done.

  “You just got your ass handed to you, Gage,” Marcus cackles. Glancing at my father and his female friend, he waves me over. There’s a gleam in his eye.

  “I almost forgot … have the two of you been introduced?” He gestures between us. My eyes move to the petite brunette by his side. She eyes me curiously, like she knows something I don’t. “I’ll take that as a, ‘No,’” he answers. “Rachelle, this is Luke, my son, as I’ve already told you. Luke, this is Rachelle,” he appraises her. “Rachelle and I are close. I’ve been meaning to introduce you for some time.”

  Reaching out her hand, I ignore it. “So, this is Luke,” she quips, her sultry voice sending a message. “I’ve heard so much about you.” If she stood any closer, we’d be touching.

  “Likewise,” I reply, uninterested in her advances. I didn’t come here to make friends. Glancing at my father, I say, “I’m out.”

  “What? You’re not going to fight anymore?” Rachelle asks, placing a hand on my chest and surprising me when her eyes lift to mine. “Winner takes all?”

  “Not tonight.” I step back, slowly removing her hand. “This wasn’t for you, cupcake.”

  “I never said it was.” She lifts her chin defiantly. Good, I’ve offended her.

  My father smirks beside her. “Tomorrow maybe,” he joins, not minding that his close friend wants to test-drive the younger Ryann. Why would he bring her?

  “Luke, you coming?” Marcus shouts.

  I look over my shoulder and raise a finger. “Hold up.”

  Back to my father. “Why’s she here?” I ask, tipping my head toward Rachelle. “What is this?”

  His grin is menacing. He leans forward and pats me on the back. “If you want me to share son, just ask.”

  Real smooth. “Cut the bullshit. You know this isn’t a place for her,” I spit. “If something goes wrong, they’ll take her.” Meaning the cartel. “She’ll be used as a sex slave the rest of her life. It’s a stupid move, and you know it.”

  He stiffens. “Rachelle being here isn’t up to you. And you, my son, better not forget who you’re talking to.”

  “Then who’s it up to? And don’t worry, I haven’t.” I glance at Rachelle, who’s in shock. “Are you scared? Cause you should be.”

  “I … uh,” she stutters. I’ve put her on the spot.

  “How old are you … low-to-mid twenties?” I ask.

  By her expression, you’d think I’d wanted the color of her panties. “I’m twenty-five.” She’s a year younger than me.

  I raise my brows. “You want to make it to your next birthday?”

  Gazing at my father, she says, “Of course. What’s that supposed to mean?”

  “It means, if you walk away now, you might have a chance.”

  He interrupts, “Rachelle is capable of making her own decisions. Luke is just toying with you my, dear.”

  My fingers ache to hit him. “Capable.” I nod. “Like Mom … you mean?”

  “Yes,” he clips, working the tension in his jaw. “Just like your mom.”

  “Hanging out with Beckham tonight?” Gia asks, startling me. I just stepped out of the shower. She’s lying on my bed, gazing up at the ceiling. Beckham is the nickname she gave Sean the first day she met him. He earned it because of his striking resemblance to the soccer player … well, minus the tattoos.

  “You nearly gave me a heart attack,” I reply, short of breath, placing a hand over my heart. “Yes, I am, but I needed to shower first. I felt gross.”

  “Sorry,” she murmurs. “Not because you feel gross, or because of Beckham, but for the near heart attack,” she reassures. “I didn’t mean to scare you.”

  I slip on some jeans and a V-neck before making my way to the bed. Judging by her expression, I can easily tell that something is bothering her. “What?”

  She arches a brow, feigning innocence. “What do you mean?” I’ve seen the look many times. We’ve known each other since elementary school. It’s hard to get anything past one another.

  “I know that face. What’s going on?”

  “Is it that obvious?” She fidgets with her necklace.

  I nod.

  Releasing a breath, she says, “Fine … Logan texted me.”

  I roll my eyes. “Why’d I even ask?”

  “He said you were going to come home and talk shit,” she quotes. “He didn’t have time to explain, but told me I’d get it from you. I’m almost afraid to ask. What’d he do?”

  “I don’t want to talk about it right now. It’s exhausting, and I’m not in the mood to argue. Later.”

  “Wait a minute,” she replies. “What makes you think I would argue? Is this something about me?” her voice squeaks.

  “No, not at all.” I hold out my hands. “I promise. The words just didn’t come out the way I meant.” I sigh, and she scoots over, so I lie next to her. “Logan was giving me crap about Sean. It’s hard when he brings up the L word. You know?” I look at her. “He has this way of making me feel guilty … like I’m doing something wrong.”

  She furrows her brows. “I had a feeling that’s what this was about. I’m sorry, Reese,” she murmurs. “I’m not sure why he has a problem with Sean. When I brought him up the other day he freaked out.”

  “What happened?”

  “I told him I was glad you seemed better. At first, he agreed. But, as soon as I mentioned Sean being the reason, he got all caveman and started accusing me of having a thing for the neighbor,” she snorts. “So I dropped it.”

  “Insecure much?”

  “Tell me about it.” We both laugh. “What’d he say to you?”

  Not wanting to cause any more drama, I say, “It doesn’t really matter anymore. I’m over it.”

  “Yes, it does. Tell me,” she nudges. “You can’t leave here until you do. I’ll lock you in. I swear.”

  I roll my eyes. “He doesn’t believe Luke meant what he said in the letter. He thinks it’ll all makes sense when he comes back, and I’ll understand why he did it.”

  She chews on her lip. “He’s told me the same thing.”

  “And?”

  “And?”

  “Do you believe him?” A big part of me wants her to tell me she does.

  “I don’t know,” she sighs. “I’m pissed he left you here without any answers. And I just can’t think of a good enough excuse for you to be okay with that.”

  I groan. “I feel the same way.” I sit up, and she does the same, putting an arm around my shoulders.

  “What did he say about Sean?”

  I grin because he’s predictable. “That he’s a douche … and he just wants to get inside my panties.”

  She rolls her eyes, giggling. “Typical Logan,” she says, shaking her head. “What an ass! First of all, what straight guy wouldn’t want to crawl inside of a woman’s p
anties? It’s human nature.” She shrugs. “Has he tried anything since the first time?”

  “No.” Sean went in for a kiss near the beginning. I acted as if he was attempting to take my virginity—spitting out a million excuses as to why I wasn’t ready. By the end of the night, I realized I had rambled on for hours. Other than goodbye, I never even gave him a chance to reply. Yep … something is truly wrong with me.

  “See? Doesn’t sound like a douche to me, and let’s not forget who he looks like … David Beckham,” she replies enthusiastically.

  “I’m not sure his good looks will earn him any points with Logan. If anything, it’ll work against him. Caveman, remember?”

  She pauses. “Okay, maybe you’re right. Let me tell you. It helps him with me,” Gia quips, wiggling her brows. “And I just came up with a brilliant idea that may solve our little problem.”

  “You’re breaking up with Logan,” I joke, hopping off the bed. I know she wouldn’t do that. She loves him too much, and I wouldn’t want that for her.

  “No, no. Not that.” She looks off in the distance. “Dinner.” Slowly, she nods. “The four of us, here. We’ll force them to become friends.” She lights up like it’s the best idea she’s ever had.

  I shake my head. “No way. I refuse to do that to Sean.”

  She frowns. “Come on. It’s the only way. Think about it.”

  “I am. Logan sees him as a threat.” I run a comb through my hair and throw it up in a bun. “Nothing will ever change that as long as his loyalty stands with Luke. It doesn’t matter that Sean and I are just friends.”

  “In normal circumstances I’d agree, but not if I threaten to take his privileges away … like in the bedroom,” she says suggestively, raising her brows.

  Logan would hate to have his bedroom privileges taken away. “You may have a point.” I tilt my head. “Huh, okay … I’ll think about it.”

  Her face stretches into a huge smile. “Awesome!”

  “Are you anxious to see me, or were you just being hospitable?” I didn’t even have a chance to knock.