All That Matters

Chapter Ten

RYAN'S POV

I sat there, my mind hazy as I focused on the ripples my drink made as I swirled it around. I knew it was going to get bad tonight. I felt it. I didn't like it here but I despised going home. It wasn't even home anymore, it was just a place where I let the pain in.

"Bro I'd totally fuck the one with the sexy tits. Look at her move man", I heard some cunt say behind me.

I turned around to face two guys who went to my school as they eyed Aria on the dance floor, lust reflecting off of their eyes. Fuck I wanted to wipe off that stupid grin on their faces.

"Yo Kevin, every chick here knows she'd have a lot more fun with a fucking dildo than your shrimp ass dick", I growled at him, resentment clear in my tone.

Before he could say anything that would to push my buttons , I got up and walked towards Alina.

"We need to go. Its late", I said under my breath. My blood was boiling for a reason I failed to understand. My hands twitched as a flexed my fingers, I wanted to punch something, break it.

"We're going to leave with Sammmm, you can go", she giggled. Clearly she'd had too much to drink because she didn't notice that it wasn't a fucking question.

"For fuck's sake Alina, get to the car right now and take Aria with you. Cammie took Sam's car, she had an emergency. I'm bringing him, Mark, Vanya and the rest.", I said exasperated. I think she noticed the silent plea in my voice because she grabbed Aria and headed out without further argument.

As I located the rest of the gang and reached the car, I realized Mark would have to drive as I was drunk and not in the right state of mind, and neither were the rest of them. He had gone sober a month ago.

"There's not enough room for all of us.", Vanya remarked we clambered inside.

"No problem", Alina chirped as she got into the front seat on Sam's lap.

"Fuck", I muttered under my breath. There still wasn't enough room. Rhea's huge ass needed space.

"Aria come here", I said grabbing her wrist as she stood outside looking as lost as ever.

"Are you okay with sitting on me till we drop off Rhea? It isn't very long.", I whispered to her, not letting my mind process what I was doing.

"Um okay", she said looking down at her shoes.

She climbed in and sat on my lap as Mark pulled out of the parking lot. I could feel everyone's eyes on us. This was totally out of character for me.

As we got on the road, I could feel Aria's body slumping sideways from fatigue and liquor, and soon enough she fell back against me, her eyes closed.

My body went rigid, my breath caught in my throat as she turned over and lay her head against my chest.

I could smell her hair. It was a mild yet evident mix of what smelled like strawberries and licorice. It calmed my nerves. My hands twitched again. This time not out of rage, but out of urge. An urge to hold her. I swallowed and looked away. What am I doing to myself?

Suddenly the car went over a pothole and everyone lurched forward. Instantly my hands went around her waist to keep her from falling forward. I felt her body tense but she didn't wake up. I didn't let go of her. I placed my head against the backrest and shut my eyes.

I knew she was different for me.

I knew, because everyone had left and though the back seat remained empty, we stayed that way till home arrived.
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Author's note: This was kind of a long chapter phew. I wasn't able to find the perfect song to fit the scene so feel free to leave suggestions in the comment section. Love ya ××