Stony Heart x Bad Boy

Luna, a talented but guarded woman, returns to her hometown of Nashville to confront her past and help her beloved grandmother, Maggie, save her foreclosed home. Luna is haunted by heartbreak and betrayal from her past relationships, causing her to be wary of getting involved with anyone, especially a famous rock star like Ryder. Ryder, a successful and enigmatic rock star, is drawn to Luna's strength and independence. Despite Luna's initial resistance, Ryder pursues her, determined to break down her walls and win her heart. However, Ryder struggles with his own demons and the pressure of fame, often pushing people away, including Luna. PREDATOR AND PREY My heart skips a beat as I catch Ryder Stone's eye. He squints at me, and I can feel his piercing gaze penetrating through my soul. Despite the anger and resentment that bubbles up inside me, I can't deny the undeniable truth - he's devastatingly handsome. The nickname "Asshat" that I bestowed upon him seems far too lenient now. I glance over at my grandmother, silently praying that she doesn't notice the sudden change in my heartbeat or the hitch in my breath. This is not a love-at-first-sight moment, far from it. It's a moment where fate has once again dealt me a cruel hand. Why is he here in Nashville? In the same courtroom as me? I desperately hope he doesn't remember me, that I'm just another face in the crowd to him. After all, I'm nothing to him. Just a weirdo, I tell myself. There must have been countless other girls since me, all vying for his attention. But then, as if the universe is intent on mocking me, a slow, sinister smile of realization spreads across Ryder's face. It's the same grin he gave me two years ago, right before I refused to let him cuff me to his bed and he kicked me out of his house, telling me to get the f**k out. That memory comes rushing back, and I feel a mix of fury and desire surge through me. Ryder Stone has always had a way of making me feel both captivated and repulsed at the same time. His presence now, so unexpected and unwelcome, makes me feel like he's about to devour me whole at any second. My brother Ember, bails on us the moment we reach the bottom step of the courthouse - he swears he's got a late afternoon class, but I'm positive that's total bull. He's probably just going to drink away his worries. I don't confirm my suspicions as our grandmother speaks to him, thanking him for being there for her. A razor sharp sensation scrapes the wall of my chest as I once again try to come to terms with the fact Ember knew more about what was going on with Gram than I did. Standing by myself a few feet away from them with snowflakes melting the second they kiss my skin, I feel left out - literally like the redheaded step child. As quick as the thought entered my head, I squash it down. What am I, a jealous ten year old? My brother waves goodbye to me before he takes off in a graceful sprint toward the parking garage where he left the Dodge. Smiling up at me with a grace and fortitude I've always been envious of, my grandmother jangles the keys to her ancient black Land Rover in my palm and closes my fist around them. She pulls an umbrella out of her bag and opens it. "Richard wants me to come to his office for a strategy meeting. I'm sure you don't want to waste your time in a boring meeting with an attorney." I may not return home nearly as often as I should, but I know my grandmother better than just about anyone else. This is her way of telling me she doesn't want me around for whatever she and Nielson have to say to each other. She doesn't want me involved. My muscles tighten. I purse my lips into what I hope passes for a good-natured expression. "Sure. I'll just" - I squint at my surroundings until my eyes land on a two-story cafe directly across the street from Nielson's office and the courthouse - "go grab something to eat over at Alice's. I'll keep an eye out for you." "I'll see you in a few minutes," Gram says. "And Luna?" "Yeah?" "I'm so happy you've come home." Tears burn the corners of my eyes. I squeeze them shut, whispering, "Me too, Gram." There's so much else I want to say and do but there are people all around us heading into the courthouse and to various attorneys' offices. I give her a cheerful wave instead. It's only after she disappears into Nielson's building, I let my shoulders slump and drag ass across the street to the cafe. I haven't been to this restaurant since my mom's legal woes a few years ago, so I'm stoked to find it's now decorated in an Alice in Wonderland theme. My roommate and I are complete opposites but one of the places where we find common ground is fantastical movies and books and . . . you know, Johnny Depp. The woman behind the counter wearing an elaborate velvet Hatter hat smiles up at me and yells, "Go ahead and seat yourself, hon. Someone'll be right over." I nod my head appreciatively and then find a booth in the far left of the cafe that gives me the best view of Nielson's office and easy access to the wall vent. After I order a double slice of the special - Cheshire pie - and a cup of coffee, I send a series of texts to Tori that sound more than a little neurotic. Ryder Stone is the person who's bought the house. That shitface bought my gram's house. The universe has to be plotting against me. WTF is he doing here?