Total pages in book: 72
Estimated words: 65354 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 327(@200wpm)___ 261(@250wpm)___ 218(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 65354 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 327(@200wpm)___ 261(@250wpm)___ 218(@300wpm)
Elyse looked at me, and I ruefully smiled before we left as a group. She didn’t say otherwise, and I wasn’t going to leave her — not tonight.
We found a bar on the next block that was on the quiet side, just serving drinks and playing music. Tori found us a large table, and I nearly groaned as I watched Elyse sit between her and Diana, choosing to get drinks from the bar. We brought them back and Justin moved beside Tori while I darted to the other side, holding my thoughts in.
“I spoke with Lucas just before we left.” That must be the asshole’s name. Wonderful. “Every painting was sold tonight. Every single one!” Diana said, and Elyse blushed and leaned her head on her aunt’s shoulder. “There will also be a lot of interest from other buyers in the future. Get ready to rock, Elyse.”
We all held up our glasses to clink them together.
“I am so proud of you, baby girl. So proud,” Diana said, slipping an arm around Elyse. They were close, and that was apparent, but there was more. I knew that Elyse didn’t have much contact with her family, if at all. Why was she this way with her aunt? Diana treated her as younger than Elyse was, as well. I had a feeling that there was something much more complicated there that I might or might not want to know.
We talked all about the show as Tori filled us in on the details. Well, they spoke, and I listened. The paintings had sold quickly. Tori mentioned how much money the gallery made, and it was generous for a new artist, making me imagine what she’d make down the line. It didn’t seem like Elyse was in this for money as much as the fact that it was her heart and soul. Tori also talked about the possible outcomes in the future, and I just wondered if I was going to see her alone at all tonight.
We stayed for an hour or so before it looked like Elyse was going to fall asleep at the table. Everyone stood, and I made my way to her side. “We need to talk,” I softly spoke so it would be between us as Tori and Diana looked on.
“I have my aunt staying with me for a couple of nights, so it will have to wait.” Elyse wouldn’t look at me, and I slipped my hand over hers, squeezing gently.
“I think I deserve to have you hear me out.”
She glanced at me with what appeared to be fear in her eyes. “I’ll call you.”
“What’s wrong?” I hissed. Elyse flushed and looked at Tori. I looked at her as well, and she was looking between the two of us with an awkward expression on her face. Justin slipped an arm around her waist, and she smiled grimly at Elyse as Diana stepped forward. “Elyse, wait.”
She moved with her aunt towards the door, and I stepped in front of Justin and Tori. “What the fuck is going on here?”
“I don’t think your little display back there scored you any points,” Tori said. “Elyse isn’t into confrontation, Ryder. You could have handled it differently.” Her words were firm, and Justin glanced at her.
“He was being too familiar with her. Being that she doesn’t like confrontation, would she stand up for herself?” I asked as Tori paled. “I didn’t hit him. That was self-control for me.”
“Calm down, Bells. Give it a night or two and see how this plays out,” Justin urged me with a long, curious look.
“Fine.” I turned and walked out to the street and slipped into my car. He could find his way home, and would likely be with Tori tonight. Fuck. I wanted to be with my girl. I headed home and grabbed my bottle of Jack, taking it to my room as I plopped on my bed. I had the following day off and was going to drown my sorrows tonight. I could figure this shit out in the morning.
Chapter 14
ELYSE
I SAT IN MY bed after Diana was asleep, both exhausted and wound up. The night played through my head, and the success of the showing was some of the best news I could ever get. I knew that I had a future in art, and I should have been on top of the world.
Ryder wouldn’t leave my head, though. I was looking forward to him being there and when he finally was, it had to be a moment that Lucas had me in the corner. I knew how it looked. Lucas was a little aggressive with me, but he was running the show that did so well. I didn’t plan on anything happening between us.
It had to be then that Ryder found me. The look in his eyes was furious and cold, and it chilled me to the bone. I saw the Ryder from the ice at that moment and felt like I was shutting down. The men got into some bravado contest, and I was waiting for Ryder to hit him and end everything I thought my life was supposed to be.