Taming Ryder (Souls of the Knight 2)

“So you’re gonna employ her at the salon?”

“Yup. She’s really looking forward to it. So tell me about you? How’re things with lover boy?”

“Great,” I admitted, smiling. “Really great.”

“I can tell. I don’t think I’ve ever seen you look so happy.”

“I am happy. It all seems very surreal sometimes though.”

“Why’s that?” she pressed.

“Because I never thought it was something I wanted, or something I could do. Lots of reasons, I guess.”

“Soooo,” she began, drawing out the word, letting me know which question was about to follow. “Have you, you know, done ‘it’ yet?”

“If you’re talking about sex then no. Just about everything else,” I added with a wink, “but no sex.”

“I’m sorry, Ry, but I just don’t get it. I mean, you’ve done scenes with other guys since you’ve been together, right? Even with Mason?”

I shrugged. “That’s different.”

“How? Explain it to me.”

“I know a lot of people don’t understand but filming porn really is work. If you can imagine going at it for up to six hours at a time, having to take Viagra to keep yourself up, having people telling you where to put your leg, what to say, when to groan…it gets kinda boring. Whereas with Mason…” I trailed off, sighing dreamily like a lovesick thirteen year old. “It’s special. He’s special. With him I want to feel every single touch, hear every single gasp. You know we’ve already done it, back in the beginning, both on and off camera, but I want it to be so much more next time. I want him to be the only thing on my mind, and me on his. I want it to be fucking perfect.”

“Wow,” Elle breathed, straightening her back as if she’d been winded a little. “I don’t think I’ve ever heard anything quite so beautiful.”

“Gimme a break, Elle. You make me sound like a pussy.”

“I’m serious, Ryder. I can’t tell you how proud I am of you. You’re a whole different person lately. You’re calmer, you smile more, you don’t stink of pot. I think you might have finally found someone to tame you.”

“I didn’t need taming.”

I needed saving.

“Regardless, he’s a nice guy. I approve.” She winked. “If I didn’t you’d have to kick his arse to the curb.”

“Is that so, huh?” I teased, jabbing her in the stomach with a taut finger. Somehow our play fight escalated and we ended up on the couch, bashing each other with pillows. I’m ashamed to admit Elle eventually won, pinning me to my back with her straddling my waist. “Wonder what Kip would say if he could see you right now?” I teased, struggling to laugh past the weight of her on my chest.

“He’d probably tell me to go easy on you, pussy boy.”

“What the fuck ever,” I jeered, chuckling as I wrestled myself free from under her.

“He asked me to marry him,” she blurted out, turning the lively air serious.

“And?” I urged, clasping my hands together.

“And I said yes.”

“Holy freaking shit, Elle! That’s awesome!”

“What you said about never thinking you wanted a relationship? I used to think like that too, and if I’m honest the idea of marriage scares me witless sometimes. But, I’ve also never been so excited.”

“Have you told anyone yet? When’s the big day?”

“We haven’t planned that far ahead yet. I’m thinking next summer maybe. I’ve only told Sawyer, therefore Jake will know too, but so far that’s it.”

“You need to throw an engagement party,” I suggested, smiling eagerly. “But not until I get back of course.”

“Goes without saying.” She smiled, patting my knee. “I guess I’d better leave you to pack? Knowing you like I do, I bet you haven’t even started.”

“That’s not true! I’ve transferred my toothbrush from the bathroom to the bedroom,” I protested.

“And that’s it?”

“Um, yeah.”

“Then I’ll help you. I’ve no appointments this morning.”

“Yes, Mother.”

“Don’t compare me with her,” she said, tacking on a groaning noise. “Are you still intent on going to see her when you’re back in England?”

“Yes, and you know why,” I answered a little more curtly than intended. “They’re still my parents.”

“But they treat you like shit.”

“So do yours,” I shot back. “But you’re still planning to support your mum financially.”

“That’s for Kylie.”

“Bullshit. Kylie will be here.”

“Yeah, yeah, okay. I get it. Just… be careful. I don’t want them hurting you again.”

“I’ll be fine. Mainly because I’m expecting it, I suppose.”

“Then why?”

“Because this is their final chance. I have to try one last time, and if it doesn’t work, I’ll walk away. I don’t expect you to understand, but I need to do this.”

“Then I’m behind you. You know I am.”

“And I’ll have Mason with me. Honestly, Elle, you don’t need to worry about me.”

“I will always worry about you, Ryder. You’re the little brother I never had.”

“Seriously? So you’d have asked your little brother for advice on taking it up the arse?” I laughed and Elle blushed, throwing her hands up to hide her cheeks. “I never did ask you how that went.”