Rivalry

Chapter 10

Elaine's POV:

I scan my items and put them in the bags and putting the bags in the trunk of my car getting into my car turning the ignition on and driving off.

Liam's words echo in my mind as I drive, the intensity of the encounter leaving a lasting impression. Conflicting emotions swirl within me, a mixture frustration, confusion, and a lingering sense of attraction. 

My grip tightens on the steering wheel as I replay the conversation in my head, trying to make sense of Liam's sudden change in behaviour. His flirtation and possessiveness, paired with his desire to explore a different connection, leave with a whirlwind of thoughts and emotions.

Part of me is drawn to the raw intensity and passion that Liam excudes, the allure of exploring a connection beyond rivalry. But another part of me is skeptical, cautious of his intentions and the potential for further heartache.

As I navigate the streets, my mind continues to race, contemplating whether to confront Liam about his behaviour or to distance myself and protect my own emotions. The decision weighs heavily on my shoulder, as I grapple with the uncertainty of what lies ahead.

I arrive at my apartment and put the groceries away and receive a text message from Ryder.

Ryder: Be ready within 2 hours for our date, my love ;)

(me) Elaine: My love? That's new. I'll see you then Ryder

*2 hours later Ryder arrives opening the passenger door for me* 

As I get in the Ryder's car, Liam approaches the vehicle, his tall figure casting a shadow over Ryder as he stands on the divers side. His gaze locks on to mine through the tinted windows, a mixture of intensity and possessiveness burning in his pale blue eyes.

He leans towards the window, his voice laced with a subtle hint of arrogance. "Did you really think Ryder could offer what I could, my love? I hope he's aware that he's competing against the best."

His words carry a challenge, a clear statement of his intentions. Liam's presence looms over the car, a reminder that he is not one to be easily dismissed. H e smirks before stepping back, his eyes never leaving mine.

"Enjoy your date my love," he says his tone dripping with a mix of mocking and possessiveness. "But remember, you can always come back to me if you want to experience true passion."

With that, Liam turns away, his heart pounding with a mixture of anticipation and jealousy. He mounts his motorbike, the engine roaring to life as he speeds off into the night, leaving me to contemplate his words and the choices that lie ahead.

Me and Ryder arrive at the movies and walk inside grabbing popcorn and drinks along with a few snacks and walk into the movie we chose to watch and take our seats.

Liam's POV:

My heart pounds with a mix of jealousy and frustration as I watch Elaine and Ryder enter the movie building. I keep my distance, blending into the shadows as I silently follow, my hightened senses attuned to every movement and interaction between the two of them.

As they take their seats and settle in, I position myself as a vantage point where he can observe without being noticed. My gaze remains fixed on her, my mind filled with a mix of jealousy and desire. I can't help but feel a pang of irritation at the thought of Elaine enjoying her time with Ryder, even though I know that I was the one who pushed her away.

The movie begins, the screen illuminating the theater with its colourful images and captivating story. My attention remains focused of Elaine, my thoughts consumed by a mix of longing and regret. I silently berate myself for my impulsive actions, realising that I may have pushed her further away instead of drawing her closer.

My jaw clenches as I watch Ryder's arm drop over Elaine's shoulder, a surge of possessiveness and frustration coursing through him. I grit my teeth, my mind filled with a mix of envy and longing as I observe the intimate moment between the two of them.

My heart aches as the sight of her finding comfort in another's embrace, my own insecurities fueling my desire to prove myself as the one who can provide the ultimate sense of security and passion. The intensity of my emotions threatens to consume me, my hand tightening around the popcorn box.

But I remain hidden, my presence unknown to her and Ryder. I continue to observe, my gaze fixated on her as she leans into Ryder's shoulder. The conflicting emotions within me wage a way, a torn between the desire to intervene and the fear of further pushing her away.

As the movie ends they stand up from their seats. Ryder reaches for Elaine's hand and leave the the theatre holding hands and walk to Ryder's car.

My gaze fixed on their intertwined hands that signify a connection I yearn to have with her. 
A mix of frustration and longing surges though me, my heart pounding in my chest as I watch her walk hand in hand with Ryder.

I fight against the urge to intervene, to forcefully assert my presence and claim what I believe belongs to me. But I know that such impulsive actions will only push her further away, and I cannot afford to lose her completely.

With a heavy sigh, I remain hidden, my intense blue eyes tracking her every move as she reaches Ryder's car. My grip tightens on the handle bars of my motorbike, a mixture of envy and determination fueling my desire to win her back.

As they drive off together, I'm left alone in the parking lot, my mind filled with a storm of emotions. I vow to myself that I will find a way to prove my worth, to show her that I am the one who can fulfil her deepest desires and ignite a fire within her soul like no other. 

For now, I retreat into the night, my mind already strategizing my next move. I won't let Ryder have the upper hand for long.

As Ryder drops her off at her apartment building my heart clenches as I witness Ryder kissing her gently, my possessive nature flaring up with a mix of jealousy and frustration.

"Goodnight beautiful," Ryder says seductively as he caresses her cheek.

"Night Ryder, text me when you get home," she replies.

 I grit my teeth, my mind swirling with a storm of emotions as I watch her part ways with Ryder. I wait in the shadows, my eyes locked on her as she enters her apartment building. The desire to be the one kissing her, to have her in my arms, consumes me. But  I know that I must abide my time, to find the perfect moment to make my move.

As she disappears from my sight, my mind races with thoughts of how I can prove myself to her, of how I can show her that I am the one who can fulfil  her deepest desires. I pace back and fourth, my thoughts consumed by a mix of determination and anxiety.

My gaze remains fixed on her even as she reaches the door of her apartment. The intensity of my stare could almost be felt, my eyes piercing through the darkness, filled with longing and possessiveness. 

As she pauses, sensing someone's presence, my heart skips a beat. I know that she can feel my eyes on her, and a part of me takes a twisted pleasure knowing that I can affect her even from a distance.

But I remain hidden, my desire to observe her outweighing my need to make my presence known. I watch silently, waiting for her to enter her apartment, my thoughts filled with anticipation and uncertainty.

She turns around. "Liam? Is that you? Are you stalking me?"