As Fate Would Have It | ✓

chapter thirty-one

Song for the chapter: Ocean Eyes, by Billie Eilish

Ryker had pulled me towards his bed, making us both fall backwards on it. I couldn't stop smiling now that he had openly admitted his feelings, told me the reasons he did what he did.

Not that it was okay, but I can understand why he did it. I guess, if roles were reversed, I'd do the same for him. I'd wanna help and provide for him in any way I can, and that was his way.

He kept running his fingers through my hair, pulling me close to his body. He nestled his face into the crook of my neck, begging me to tell him about everything he had missed out on. It wasn't much, mostly just moving. He immediately looked up at me with a frown on his pouty lips and apologized for not being there to help.

I told him it was okay, that it wasn't a fun process, anyway. He pouted, resting his chin on my shoulders as I went on with the boring details of my move. When I asked him what he had been doing, his cheeks turned a bright red.

He didn't wanna tell me, but I kept prying, so eventually he admitted that last night wasn't the only time he'd been out, just 'watching' me. He promised it wasn't in a creepy way, but in a protective way to make sure nobody would mess with me as I was walking anywhere. I pushed my hands through his hair, smiled at him.

My poor, misunderstood Ryker.

Somehow, he brought up the fact that Kyler called him yesterday.

"What did he want?" I ask.

"Nothing. He's a pain in the ass."

"Ryker."

He lets out a whine. "Maddison. I don't wanna talk about my stupid brother when I just got you back."

My stomach flutters.

"But I wanna know. What did he want?"

Ryker let's out a low, frustrated groan. "He was asking me to come with them this weekend to some meeting with international partners. Said something about family being important, but I'm pretty sure that he's just trying to get me there because there's something in it for him."

I push my hand through his hair, because it's my favorite thing to do, and it causes him to look up at me.

"Maybe you should go."

"Fuck no."

I smile. "Come on, Ryker. He's your brother."

"He only cares about what that fucktard of a father thinks, not me."

"Have you tried, though?" I ask gently. "I mean, really tried? You're an adult now. It's time to try and move on—try and fix your relationship with him. As much as you may hate to admit it, that's your blood and you only get one."

Ryker's fingers brush lightly against my cheek, leading up to my ear as he tucks some hair behind it. The corners of his mouth turn upward slightly as he stares at me.

"Is that why you try so hard with your dad?"

I inhale, nodding slightly. "I mean, he's not perfect. But he's family. He's all I got left besides Joey."

He stares at me for a long time, just staring at my eyes. I feel the most vulnerable when he stares so intensely at me like that. With another deep inhale, he finally gives a single nod.

"Fine. Okay. I'll go. But only if you come with me."

"What? Ryker, I-I can't go with you. That's family and personal, I have no business being—"