HER BULLY

Chapter Eight

His gaze dropped to my lips, and for a moment, I thought he was going to kiss me.

But he pulled away.

And I hated the fact that I felt… disappointed.

Wait.

Why would I be disappointed?

Do I like Ryan?

No. No, I don’t want that.

“I am going to prepare dinner,” he said awkwardly, breaking the tension before walking out of my room.

Was he also affected by what almost happened?

I hoped he was.

My phone buzzed.

Bianca: I’m coming on Monday. Can’t wait to see you.

Me: Oh my God, me too.

A smile tugged at my lips. Bianca coming back meant I wouldn’t feel as alone anymore.

I walked into the kitchen and froze.

Ryan was cooking.

And not just cooking—he looked like a professional chef doing it effortlessly.

What the hell?

Why does he look… attractive doing everything?

For f**k’s sake, he’s my bully.

“I didn’t know you could cook… or look like a chef while doing it,” I said, sitting down.

He placed the food on the table before sitting opposite me.

“I learned when I was thirteen,” he said quietly. “When my grandpa died… he taught me how to cook.”

That caught me off guard.

I remembered then—his grandpa was Italian.

“Okay,” I said softly.

We ate in silence.

But it wasn’t uncomfortable.

It was… strange.

Like something unspoken was sitting between us.

“I’m not part of a gang,” he said suddenly.

I looked up immediately.

He was watching me—carefully this time. No cold stare. No arrogance.

Just something… heavy.

“So why were you holding a gun?” I asked, studying him.

“I can’t tell you yet,” he said. “You won’t be able to handle it.”

My chest tightened slightly.

I nodded anyway.

Maybe… not knowing was safer.

“Can I ask you something else?” I said quietly.

He didn’t answer, just waited.

“Why do you have nightmares?”

His fingers paused slightly.

“It’s my childhood,” he said after a moment. “When we were kids… we never really got along. We were only friends because of Hayden. It’s… related to him.”

The name alone shifted something in the air.

I didn’t push further.

If I did, he might shut down again.

“Are you still going to bully me?” I asked, trying to lighten the mood.

“No,” he said immediately.

I frowned.

“Why? Are you satisfied now?” I challenged.

His expression changed instantly.

Cold again.

“No. I’m not,” he said sharply. “But if you want, I can continue.”

He dropped his cutlery.

Silence.

Tension.

“I knew you wouldn’t change,” I muttered.

My phone buzzed again.

Bianca: I’m back. Come over and help me unpack. I miss you.

Me: Me too.

I stood up.

“Where the hell are you going?” Ryan asked, suddenly behind me.

“None of your business,” I snapped.

“It is my business,” he said, grabbing my wrist. “Because you are my business.”

I scoffed.

“I f*****g hate you,” I said.

“Good,” he replied instantly. “It’s mutual, darling.”

I shoved my phone toward him. “Bianca’s place.”

“Come back before 11,” he said firmly.

“Okay, Mum,” I muttered sarcastically before walking out.

❣️❣️❣️

I hugged Bianca the moment I saw her.

Her house felt warm, familiar—safe.

We started unpacking.

“So… any boyfriend updates?” she asked, smirking.

I shook my head.

“Oh, I have one. His name is Ivan. He moved in with me,” she said casually.

“What? Since when?” I blinked.

“I wanted to tell you in person, dude,” she laughed.

We always called each other that.

Then her expression changed slightly.

“What about Ryan? Are they still bullying you?”

“Not really,” I said. “They stopped recently.”

She sighed. “Sorry I wasn’t there.”

“It’s fine,” I said quietly. Then I hesitated. “I think I like Ryan.”

Her head snapped toward me.

Like I had just said something illegal.

“What about Reed?” she asked quickly.

“I don’t like him anymore,” I admitted. “But… Ryan… I don’t know. I get butterflies when he does things for me.”

Her eyes narrowed slightly.

“What has he done?”

“He saved me from kidnappers… stayed with me during a panic attack… he’s been overprotective,” I said.

Bianca leaned back slowly.

“Hmm,” she said. “I don’t know… but from everything you’re saying?”

She pointed at me.

“I think he likes you.”

I shook my head immediately.

“No. He shouted at me before I came here.”

She sighed. “Then we observe him.”

I nodded.

But my heart didn’t feel calm anymore.

❣️❣️❣️

It was midnight when I got home.

Ryan was already asleep.

I went straight to my room.

Then—

A scream.

His scream.

My heart dropped.

I rushed into his room.

He was sweating, panting, shaking.

“Ryan,” I said quickly, sitting beside him and holding him.

“Maven… I think I—”

He stopped.

His eyes shot open.

And when he saw me—

Something in his expression broke.

Before I could react, he pulled me into a tight hug.

Tight.

Desperate.

Like I was the only thing grounding him.

His face buried in my neck as he breathed unevenly, and I froze for a second before slowly patting his back.

His scent filled my senses.

And my heart betrayed me again.

I like him.

I really do.