Ryder's Claim (Mafia Heirs 2)

"That was never my intention –"

"Relax." The word comes in a low hiss. "I'm messing with you, Nicoletta. Can't you take a joke?"

I smile awkwardly, not knowing what to tell him. But the truth is, my only company for the past years has been Papa and a few snappy maids. I can't take a joke. I'm not used to banter or deep conversations. All Papa and the maids cared about was how thin I was and how pretty I looked. That was my only responsibility.

Once again, Ryder makes me feel like I'm not good enough, and I blink away tears.

"What's wrong?" His brow creases as I wipe my eyes. "I didn't upset you, did I?"

I shake my head. "It's okay. I miss you, Ryder."

"You shouldn't." He instantly switches back to professional mode, though his eyes betray him, drinking my figure in. "Don't say those things, Nicoletta. You're here for my brother."

"I know," I mutter guiltily. "You don't have to remind me. But Ryder... Don't you feel this, too?"

He won't look at me and he seems to be struggling with an answer. "You need to quash those feelings, Nicoletta. We are not meant to be together."

"What about that night we kissed?" I'm shocked by my own courage, my cheeks flushing as I stare him down. We've stopped walking now and we're standing in the middle of the maze, challenging each other with our determined stares. "Am I supposed to just forget all of that happened?"

"Yes," he nods gravely. "You should. I went too far that night."

"Too far? I'll say," I mutter. "You took advantage of me."

"It's not like you weren't willing," Ryder replies. "You begged me to show you how to kiss."

"I don't think Adrian would like that very much." I lift my chin up proudly.

"I don't either," he hisses. "So you'd better keep your pretty little mouth shut, principessa."

"I'm not going to tell him. I'm asking for myself," I go on stubbornly. "Did it even mean anything to you?"

"What does it matter?" Ryder's fiery dark gaze rests on my lips for a split second. "We can never do it again, and that's the only thing we need to remember right now."

"You don't want to do it again?" Batting my lashes, I hope he doesn't know just how fast my heart is beating.

"That's not what I said, Nicoletta."

His words are only encouraging me. By now, I've realized I didn't completely imagine the attraction between us. Ryder felt it, too – he's just trying to stop me before we make another mistake... But I don't want to be stopped. I'm craving his touch again just like that first time in our villa. And I'm not going to stop now.

"You made me feel so worthless," I whisper. "Just leaving like that... You never really gave a shit about me, did you?"

"That's not true." His voice is getting strained and he clears his throat. "You're approaching dangerous territory. I'm only going to warn you once."

"Warn me? I haven't done anything wrong." I smile at him, the picture of innocence. Now I can use his lust against him. "You're the one who kissed me, groped me, used me when your brother wasn't looking... I wonder what Adrian would think about all that?"

He gets closer to me, snarling in my face, "I’m not going to tell you again. You're not to mention that to my brother."

"Or else what?" My lashes flutter and I smile. "You can't stop me."

"Everyone has a price, principessa," Ryder smirks. "So, what's yours?"

"To start?" I tap my finger against my chin, giving him what I hope is a seductive smile. "A kiss, and I won't tell tonight."

"You think you're a smart little cagna, don't you?" he asks sweetly. "I'll put you in your place, Nicoletta. Just you wait."

"So, what will it be?" I go on, disregarding his words. "A kiss, or the truth?"

He glares at me. My heart skips a beat with anticipation. But Ryder doesn't kiss me. Instead, he pushes me back and I stumble over the hem of my long dress. I shriek as I fall to the ground, leaning back on my elbows as he advances on me.

"I'm not touching you," Ryder hisses at me. "You're a fucking kid. You're not my responsibility. And you'd better stay away from me if you don't want to get hurt, principessa."

Instead of being wise enough to obey him, I pick myself up, glaring at him as I dust grass off my dress and arms. I get up close to speak to him, eyes narrowed into slits.

"I can play games too," I tell him. "But at least I'm honest about wanting you and not a fucking coward."

"I'm not a coward." He looks really pissed off now, and I back off a little, intimidated.

"Oh no?" I smirk. "If you weren't a coward, you would've kissed me already."