Bad Boy's Forever

Chapter 11

I am so bored right now. I could be dancing but I have lost interest in that. I haven't seen Ryder ever since I tortured him so he might have gone to fix his issue... I am sitting at a bar, looking at the couples dancing on the floor.

"Noreen, is that you?" Someone says, a way too familiar voice. I turn around and my eyes widen as I gape at the person.

"Christian?" I ask with furrowed eye brows. I haven't seen Christian ever since that day at the beach, we didn't get time to exchange numbers all because of Ryder but I remember his face and voice. He has really changed. He has dark hair that falls on his fore head and his facial features are more defined, he is dressed in a pair of dark jeans and a black shirt showing off the bad boy vibe, he looks hot, compared to the nerdy side he exhibited during high school.

"It's been years. How have you been?" he asks throwing me a charming smile. If I didn't love Ryder a lot, I would swoon over it.

"I'm good." I smile at him as I stare at his features, "You look... different."

He chuckles and takes a seat next to me, "I guess I changed." He shrugs like it's no big deal. "You look hot yourself." He compliments and my cheeks burn up.

"What have you been up to?" I ask as I try to cover my flushed face, taking a sip of my drink.

"I own a book store some blocks away." He says and I smile at him, "I see you've taken up headlines with your company. Congratulations, I'm so happy for you."

"Thanks, I'm happy for you too." I grin. We continue to talk about random things, about what's happening, college stuff, high school stuff, his new job but he doesn't mention anything about that night which I'm very grateful for. We also exchange numbers to one day meet each other.

My eyes wander off to examine him again, he really looks different. I don't think I would have recognized him at first glance or from afar. He's still got his tattoos that cover his arms. My eyes land on a shiny diamond ring on his ring finger and I gasp.

He notices my stare and grins cheekily, "Oh this," he says trailing a finger on his ring, "I got married three months ago to the love of my life."

"Oh my God, congratulations. I'm so happy for you." I say as I lean in to hug him, which he returns.

"Thanks." He mutters from my back. A hand grasps my arm yanking me away from Christian and I widen my eyes in horror.

Ryder grabs Christian by the collar and throws a punch in his face. I gasp in horror as I witness the situation, "I told you years ago to stay away from her and you don't fuckin' listen." He growls as he throws another punch in his face.

What the fuckin' hell is going on?

I take a second to process what's going on until my mind slaps me to take action. I walk up to Ryder and slap him hard across his face. He lets go of Ryder to examine his cheek as I turn to Christian.

"Oh God, I'm so sorry, are you okay?" I ask staring at his bruised face, there is a red mark that comes from his right cheek to his jaw, and he also has a bruise around his left eye. I don't think his wife will be happy to see his state when he gets back home.

"It's okay. Cold ice will do the job, don't worry about Me." he winces when he goes to touch his face.

"Princess-"I hear that – that- I don't even know what to call him at this point, I want to strangle and kill him. What the hell is wrong with him? I cut him off ignoring him as I turn to Christian.

"Are you going home? I can take you if I want." I offer to Christian who just shakes his head and smiles at me,

"It's okay, I have my car. It was nice meeting you but I gotta head home." He says and I smile apologetically at him. "I'm so sorry. I'll text you." I say and he nods heading the opposite direction.

God, I feel so horrible. It was just one innocent, normal and civil conversation but it ended up with him having a bruised face. Why can't my boyfriend act normal for once? Is that so fuckin hard to ask? We talked about that insecurities and the jealousy, he didn't have to just jump into conclusions about me talking to a guy.

I sigh and grab my purse heading outside ignoring him. I'm so emotionally and physically exhausted right now.

I order a cab who arrives immediately, I take a seat and give him the directions as he drives to the pent house.

I know I'm not acting mature by talking to Ryder and expressing my opinions but that won't change anything. I don't think it will. I don't want a toxic relationship with Ryder especially where he treats me like property. I won't allow him to do that. I love him but if he continues to do this, I actually don't know what I will do. Two fights in one day!! I don't even know how to handle this. There is only one person who I can talk to right now, our love doctor. Amelia.

I take out my phone from my purse and dial her number she picks up on the second ring. That was quick. "Hi, what's up?"

I take a deep breath and tell her about the two fights that happened today, she listens tentatively without interrupting which I'm grateful for. When I'm done, I sigh and wait for her speech.

"Okay, the guy is very insecure and what you need to do is to show him that it's him you only love. No one else." Amelia explains, "If he continues to do this, either you punish him or suggest therapy sessions for him." She adds with humor etched in her voice and I laugh at that. I tried punishing him today, it worked but he didn't learn his lesson. I don't think Ryder will freely go to therapy even though I begged him to do so. Why? Because you know, he is Ryder Dawson.

"You should not let him drive you into a toxic relationship, don't let him treat you like property." She says.

"Thanks Amy. Love ya." I say and she quickly hands up without a good bye and I scowl at her through the phone. Amelia and Melisa have an issue with saying good bye which I really don't get.

The driver pulls up to my pent house, I pay him with an extra tip as I head straight to my room. I enter the shower, strip off my clothes and turn on the water and switch it to warm. I step into the shower and let the warm water help cool my anger. If that even makes sense.

I think of Amelia's advice. Of course I love Ryder, haven't I shown it in some ways or have I? I have been spending a lot of time with him, have I shown him how much I love him. I'm not sure but how should I?

An idea pops in my head that I think will work. I hope....