A ONE NIGHT STAND

Chapter 6- Ryder's world. Ryder

In Germany, I was finally able to catch a few precious hours of sleep after days of restlessness. But my peace was short-lived, as my phone rang multiple times, jolting me awake.

Groggy and disoriented, I opened my eyes to find Angel, one of my casual acquaintances, sleeping beside me. We had spent the night together out of convenience, a fleeting moment of intimacy to satiate my physical needs which I haven't satisfied in a long while.

As I carefully removed her hand from my chest, I realized I was naked and quickly put on a pair of shorts. Despite my gruff exterior, I'm a difficult and serious person, not one for sentimental displays. A small part of me still held onto a spark of humanity.

I stumbled towards the phone, still ringing incessantly, and saw my father's name flashing on the screen. I blocked the call without hesitation, not ready to face his lectures or criticisms. But before I could return to bed, my mom's call came through, and I answered with a gruff.

"Hello," My voice laced with a mix of annoyance and resignation.

"Son, your dad has been calling you several times, and you didn't pick up but rather blocked him," my mom said, her voice laced with concern and a hint of annoyance.

I replied irritably, "Is this the reason you called me, mom? Nothing much to say, just to talk about how clearly Mr.Lei has been calling me repeatedly, and disturbing my peaceful sleep with the incessant noise that's coming from my phone?"

But before my mom could respond, my dad snatched the phone from her.

"You've grown large wings, I assume? Not picking my calls and blocking me? You must be so stupid and senseless at the same time! I think it's about time you leave Germany and come back home right now. We need to talk business," he bellowed, his voice filled with anger and frustration.

I thought to myself, 'He still considers me useless when I have actually proved myself worthy, and he has no idea.' But I didn't let my thoughts get the better of me. Instead, I remained calm and composed.

My dad continued, "I'm talking to you, Ryder, and when I do, you give me an answer. I want you back home this weekend. It's simple and brief."

I replied with just one word, "Ok," and cut the phone off, tossing it onto the floor, which made a crack sound.

Suddenly, I heard noises from downstairs, like someone who was forcefully trying to barge inside my house and rob me. I stood up high, waiting to see who had the audacity to enter my private space.

'Wait a minute, how did they know my secret code and locks?' I thought, and then it dawned on me, it was my two annoying and loud friends, Tony and John.

Tony, a visionary tech entrepreneur, is the founder and CEO of Tony's Tech Ventures (TTV), a global leader in innovative software solutions. TTV's cutting-edge technologies have revolutionized industries, making Tony a respected figure in the tech world. His charisma, business acumen, and innovative spirit have driven TTV's exponential growth, earning him a spot among the world's top tech tycoons.

John, a connoisseur of art and design, owns the prestigious John's Art Gallery (JAG), a hub for contemporary art and collectibles. JAG showcases rare and exquisite pieces, attracting art enthusiasts, collectors, and celebrities worldwide. John's keen eye for talent and his passion for art have made JAG a benchmark for excellence in the art industry, solidifying his reputation as a respected art gallery owner and collector.

And lastly, I'm the owner of RW Modelling Industry, a leading agency that represents top models, delivers high-end campaigns, dominates fashion weeks, graces magazine covers, and partners with luxury brands, setting the fashion standard.

Together, we're the unstoppable tycoons, unrivaled in wealth and power. Maintaining our status requires a relentless individual race of hard work and determination.

In the opulent living room, Tony and John savored the finest wine, oblivious to the tension brewing upstairs. I watched from the shadows, my irritation simmering like a pot about to boil over.

Angel emerged, naked and vulnerable, her gentle touch a stark contrast to the turmoil within me. I rebuffed her advances, my voice cold and detached. "Your service is over, you can get out from here."

Tony and John caught the tone, their smiles faltering.

"Hey, Ryder and our sweet Angel. You look so lovely without clothes on," Tony quipped, his sarcasm palpable.

John chimed in, "We could have some taste too if you would allow us access in."

Their laughter was short-lived, silenced by my stern glance.

Angel's tears flowed like a river as she fled, and I followed, my body tense against the wall, my back resting against it like a mighty god.

"What else are you waiting for? More money? I can give you that, but leave my house. Your presence alone irritates me."

She stood up from the bed, cleaned her tears, and walked seductively to where I stood and caressed me, from my neck to my d**k and her whispered plea was laced with desperation. "I don't want your money, Ryder, I want you."

My response was firm, unwavering. "I don't need a harlot like you in my life, your service is useless and I wouldn't be needing you furthermore." With a harsh push, she fell, and I stood over her, my eyes blazing. "Don't make me repeat myself, get out from my house, or you wouldn't like what I'm going to do with you."

As I opened the door, Tony and John eavesdropped, their eyes wide with curiosity.

"Oh, Ryder, we came to call you for..." Tony started, but John interrupted, "For a business collection for your brand."

"That's exactly the word, business collection." Tony added

My gaze pierced their souls. "Really?"

Tony's laughter was nervous, his shoulder brushing mine. "Of course, Ryder, but we forgot to knock."

We descended into the dining room, our conversation flowing like a tense dance.

Minutes later, Angel descended the stairs, her elegant attire and poised demeanor a stark contrast to the tension that had just unfolded.

"Ryder," she said, her voice sweet and gentle.

I gazed at her with disdain, my expression unyielding.

"Make use of the door," I replied impatiently.

Undeterred, she approached me, her eyes pleading.

"Why are you being so hard on me, Ryder? It hurts. I sincerely don't need your money, I need you." Her words were laced with vulnerability, but I remained unmoved.

Tony, sensing the tension, intervened.

"Come and sit on my lap, Angel," he said, his voice smooth and inviting.

She obligingly moved over to him, her eyes never leaving mine. Tony wrapped his arms around her, his gaze locked on mine.

"You shouldn't be harsh on her, Ryder. You should be gentle with her more often, she's a good chick." He sipped his wine, his expression mocking.

I grew impatient, my annoyance simmering. "Are you ready to discuss or do you want me to leave?" I asked gruffly.

Tony's smile was leisurely. "Ok, fine. Angel, you would have to leave, but I'll call you later."

She smiled happily, her eyes sparkling. "Thank you, baby," she replied, planting a kiss on Tony's cheek before blowing me a kiss and departing.

As the door closed behind her, I exhaled, my expression softening slightly. But the reprieve was short-lived, as Tony's words brought me back to the looming issue with my father.

"My dad wants me to come over," I said, my face stern.

"Already?" John asked, his brow raised.

"He called today, demanding my presence. I need to go back home this weekend. I also need to start running my business on a low profile, which I've been doing but at least it's more easier since my presence would be seen more often." I sighed, my frustration evident.

"Have you forgotten, Ryder, You wear a mask to hide your identity, When would you stop wearing a mask?" John asked, his brows raised high.

I looked at him, nodding slightly at his question and he understood immediately and that was a good win on my side because I wasn't in the mood or interested in explaining myself on why I wear a mask to hide my identity.

Tony's gaze was piercing. "You still don't want to tell your father, Ryder?" he asked, his voice low.

I shook my head. "We both know he considers it useless and disgracing."

John's expression was empathetic. "Doesn't he know how RW Modeling Industry has risen and graced among other modeling industries?" he asked, his tone incredulous.

I scoffed. "He doesn't care or give a f**k about modeling or fashion. I'm sure he wants me to run back home and handle his psycho business. A war is going to set in between us, that I know for sure." My eyes locked onto Tony's, my jaw clenched.

John's words were a stark reminder of my complicated relationship with my father.

"It's not like you have a good relationship with your dad, Ryder. It's just business-oriented," he said, his voice neutral.

"That's a good observation," I replied, tapping my fingers on the exquisite table, my eyes fixed on Tony and John. I pushed my chair back, the legs scraping against the floor, and stood up.

"I'm going to go pack my things, I need to prepare before hand. You guys can sit here alone and drink to stupor. I don't need your presence upstairs with me." My voice was firm, my gaze unwavering.

Tony's expression was unimpressed. "You should be more polite with us, Ryder. I wonder who is going to tame your ego," he said, his tone laced with sarcasm.

I ignored him and walked upstairs, my footsteps echoing through the opulent hallway. But before I reached the top step, I heard John's voice behind me. "We are coming with you." I stopped and turned, my eyes narrowing. Tony looked at John, surprised.

"We are?" he asked, his brow raised.

John's response was firm. "Of course, we are."

I shook my head, my expression unyielding.

"Well, I don't care about what you guys are going to do. Just don't travel with me." With that, I turned and continued to my room, leaving them behind.

The weekend finally arrived, and I prepared myself for the inevitable trip to my father's domain. I boarded my private jet, ready to escape the chaos of the city. But as I stepped into the luxurious cabin, my eyes widened in disbelief.

Tony and John were already seated, sipping their wine and surrounded by a bevy of beautiful women. The girls' laughter and giggles filled the air, creating a festive atmosphere that only served to heighten my irritation.

My gaze locked onto Tony and John, my expression darkening.

"What the hell are you two doing here?" I demanded, my voice low and menacing.

The girls' smiles faltered, sensing the tension, and they quickly scrambled to gather their belongings.

"Get out," I commanded, my eyes flashing with anger. The girls hurriedly obeyed, their heels clicking against the jet's stairs as they made a hasty exit.

Tony and John watched them leave with a mixture of amusement and annoyance.

"Why are you always a killer of joy, Ryder?" Tony asked, his voice laced with sarcasm.

I turned my attention to them, my eyes blazing. "What are you two doing here? I thought I made it clear I didn't want your company."

John shrugged, his smile unwavering. "We're here to travel, of course. And to keep you company, dear Ryder."

My response was venomous. "You two are more annoying than those whores who just left. Can't you see I'm trying to escape the chaos of the city, not indulge in it?"

Tony's expression turned serious, his eyes locked onto mine. "We're not going to let you face your father alone, Ryder. We're in this together, like it or not."

"Just keep quiet, Tony," I snapped, my patience wearing thin. "You both have your businesses to deal with, rather than meddling in my family affairs, which I'm not interested in." My voice was firm, my eyes flashing with annoyance.

Tony's expression turned defensive, but John intervened before he could respond.

"That's definitely true," John said, his voice calm and measured.

I hissed irritably, my frustration boiling over. Without another word, I turned and stalked into my private quarters, leaving Tony and John behind.

The door slid shut behind me, and I leaned against it, my heart racing with pent-up emotion. I couldn't believe they were still trying to insert themselves into my personal life, despite my repeated warnings to stay away.