Sinners Never Sleep | Stikolson *COMPLETED*

Chapter Six

RICKY

I hated clubs. I hated how many people were squeezed into such a small space and it was supposed to be fun, I hated how the drinks were overpriced, I hated the dubstep and dance music that was blasted out of the speakers, and I hated how people grinded on each other getting all horny and sweaty. I'd much rather be back in the apartment curled up with a book or binge-watching my shows on Netflix.

But TJ wanted to come out with some of his friends and dragged me along so he could show me off. Of course, the only real time he showed me any affection was when he was faking it in front of his friends, he loved to pepper my neck with kisses and keep his arm around my waist to claim me as his. It usually helped if he had a few drinks in him as well.

"Babe, I'm going to get a drink, can I get you anything?"

I asked the question more out of politeness, I didn't really want to get him or his friend's anything but I had to play the doting boyfriend. TJ squeezes my waist before releasing his grip and allows me to slide out of the booth.

"I'm good Ricky, just get back quickly."

I nod and morph into the crowd of sweaty bodies just wanting to get another drink in me so I could start to forget this night. I swear about six people grabbed my ass which wasn't okay.

The bar was less crowded than I expected which meant it didn't take me too long to get served. I was stood next to someone who was slightly taller than me and from behind he looked good. However, when the bartender returned with my whisky the guy turned around and I nearly dropped my glass.

"Ricky—"

"Ryan—"

Well, at least I now knew that Ryan hadn't lied in his profile pictures. Damn, he was fucking attractive in person, his eyes were more intense in real life and I found myself unable to look in them. I thought that if I looked him in the eyes he would hypnotise me and I'd do anything he wanted.

"Well, this is a pleasant surprise, Ryan."

Ryan chuckles and brings his own glass of whisky to his perfectly shaped lips, that I could only imagine kissing.

"Before you say anything Ricky no I'm not stalking you, my friend Josh made me get out of the house for once. But what are you doing here? You don't strike me as someone who likes these type of places."

I make a hand motion towards the booths across the dance floor and Ryan squints his eyes, but the strobe lights block TJ.

"I got dragged here by TJ, he likes showing me off to his friends."

I don't think anything of Ryan's sudden change in body stance, he went from relaxed to tense in a matter of seconds and if you looked close enough it was as if his eyes had gone pitch black as he curled his lip back in disgust. Then I remembered that I'd told him about TJ hitting me.

"I meant what I said Ricky, he shouldn't be able to get away with hurting you."

I shrug my shoulders at his concern.

"The only way I'll be free from TJ is when he's dead, but until then life goes on."

I down my whisky and order another one. Ryan frowns in my direction before smirking.

"You know I could make it happen, Ricky, make it look like he had a little accident on the way back home from work."

I throw my head back and laugh, "You're funny Ryan."

Too lost in conversation with Ryan I didn't notice TJ sneaking up behind me until I felt an arm snake its way around my waist making me jump out of my skin.

"Ricky, who's your friend?"

Before I could answer him Ryan clears his throat and all but glares at TJ, and I thought TJ's looks could kill but Ryan had him beat on scariness.

"I'm Ryan, a friend of Vinny's who introduced me to Ricky."

TJ scoffs, "don't think I didn't notice you eyeing up my boyfriend Ryan. Ricky is mine."

I wanted to be anywhere but here right now. TJ could get possessive and it was showing. Ryan smiles and swirls his whisky in the glass.

"So what if I was 'eyeing' up Ricky, he's very beautiful and can do a lot better than yourself."

TJ removes his arm from around my waist and goes to punch Ryan, but Ryan grabs his fist and brings it down roughly on the counter making TJ flinch. In all the time I'd been with TJ I'd never seen him flinch in pain before, it was kind of a nice sight.

"Come along Ricky, I don't want you hanging around people like this."

Ryan releases TJ who latches onto my arm digging his nails into my skin enough to break the skin slightly. I gasp and bite down on my lip. Ryan notices my discomfort and quirks an eyebrow.

"Why don't you run along TJ and allow Ricky to talk to whoever he wants. Can't you see you're hurting his arm?"

TJ glances down at my arm and I swear for a second I see a flicker of sadness before it was immediately replaced with rage. He lets go and I clutch my arm to my chest watching as he storms off cursing both of us under his breath.

Once he's out of sight I let out the breath I'd been holding. I order another whisky, needing the liquor more than ever.

"Are you okay Ricky?"

I nod and down the whisky in front of me before motioning for another.

"I am now Ryan, no one's ever stood up to TJ before."

"You're worth standing up for Ricky. TJ is scum and deserves everything that comes his way."

Ryan knew how to say all the right words. Next thing I know he closes the gap between us, cups my chin with one hand while the other snakes around my waist pulling me closer to him. I should have stopped him, but I couldn't fight the obvious attraction I had to him. Right now I was putty in his hands.

"What are you doing Ryan?"

"Showing you what you've been missing Ricky."

Ryan leans down and brushes his lips across mine before biting down on my lip enough to make my lips part. I usually wasn't one for public shows of affection, but I guess since it was Ryan I didn't mind one bit. If I could make some people jealous then fire away. He deepens the kiss and to make things less awkward I kiss back if anything went south I could blame it on the alcohol.

After a couple of minutes, my whole body felt warm and my head was slightly fuzzy as Ryan pulled back but still kept his arm around my waist.

"Let's get out of here Ricky."

All I do is a nod, unable to form a coherent sentence let alone argument against why it was a bad idea for me to go home with Ryan while I still had a boyfriend. Ryan grins and starts to drag me through the club, his grip not as tight as TJ's as to not hurt me any more than I already was hurting. I'd regret my decision in the morning once the alcohol wore off.