Total pages in book: 148
Estimated words: 135517 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 678(@200wpm)___ 542(@250wpm)___ 452(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 135517 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 678(@200wpm)___ 542(@250wpm)___ 452(@300wpm)
“I have nothing to say to you, Ryder.”
“That doesn’t make any sense. If you’re not talking to me, how am I going to hear what you have to say?” Has he always been this damn annoying? And since when was he, Mr. Sensible?
Usually, he’d fly off in a huff until he came back hours later, acting as if nothing had happened, and I’d take him back without making an issue out of it because I hate arguing. Now he’s being an adult, which for some reason was pissing me off because where the hell was this rational, mature human being when we were together?
“What game is this now?” I was still itching for a fight but couldn’t quite put together why. He was trying to be reasonable when I felt anything but. I didn’t even have the excuse of being angry any longer since I’d already let him take me to bed. I’d lost the damn battle and the whole war without striking a blow.
“I’m not playing any games, Elena. I’m being one hundred percent honest with you. I can’t live the rest of my life walking on eggshells, and I know it’s gonna take a hell of a long time for me to make this up to you. I just want you to know that I’m willing to do whatever it takes, but I’m not leaving you ever again.”
He sounded and looked so earnest, but do I dare believe him? There’s only one way to find out. The Ryder I know hates not being in control and hates things not going his way. But the girl who would always bend to his will was no longer here, and I won’t ever go back to being that weak just for him to love me.
“Ok, fine. Don’t say anything else. You just listen up. You want us to get back together again, and then we’ll do it my way this time. Whatever I say goes, you have to abide by my rules. The first time that you do anything I do not like, we’re through.”
“I can do that.”
“Really, Ryder? Do you really think that’s the kind of relationship I want to have? What kind of stupidity is that? You just said yes?”
“You just said…”
“Do you really think I meant that? Who the hell wants to live like that?”
“I knew you didn’t mean forever, Elena. I thought this was what you needed to be sure of me. I’m willing to do whatever it takes, so if that means you have your way in everything until you feel comfortable again, then I’m down with it. Whatever it takes. Now, why are you mad again?”
“Aren’t you tired of being a prisoner? Didn’t you learn a damn thing? Do I look like your wife? I don’t want you to be a puppet on a string, and I don’t want to dance to your tune every time you play.”
“Seriously, tell me what you want. Anything you ask, I will do it.”
“The only thing I ask of you is that you find new friends. Oh, and that manager has got to go, and you are going to make a public apology to Sydney.”
“What the hell do I owe her an apology for?” I gave him a look that was hard enough to cut glass.
“Come on, Elena, you know I didn’t write that stuff. I told you that they’ve been using my accounts to do shit, half of which I still don’t know about.”
“I don’t care that you were not the one who wrote it. The whole world thinks you wrote it. That’s all I ask of you. I want nothing for myself. Just apologize to Sydney, OK? You don’t have to apologize to me. I don’t need your apology, but you hurt my friend, and that is a big no-no.”
“You know she hates my guts. I doubt an apology is going to work.”
“She was there for me when you weren’t, and if I get back together with you without making that right, it would be a slap in her face.” It’s going to be hard enough explaining last night to her as it is.
“Ok, if I do that, will you give me another chance?”
“You have to earn that chance. You don’t just get to ask me if I’m gonna give you a chance. You have to earn it. Then I’ll decide if you’ve done what you’re supposed to do to earn it.”
“Sounds fair enough, but what exactly will this entail?”
“You’re already questioning my methods? There’s the door.”
“Would you calm the hell down? Still so testy.”
“So, we’ve agreed! I’ll be the one to decide whether or not you’ve earned it. Are we clear?”
“OK, so how do I prove that I’ve earned it? What am I supposed to do?’
“You’re asking me? You’re hopeless. How the hell did she put up with you for so long, any damn way? You’re both idiots.”