Arranged to My Best Friend

8.

RYDER

I stretched out on my couch, one leg hanging off and one arm thrown over my face. I was taking a break from studying the notes my poor-excuse-of-a-father's secretary had sent over. Suddenly my phone began ringing and I rubbed my eyes, glancing at the contact.

"What?" I said bitterly.

"What is your problem?" Kyle sneered. "When I said find a girl, I didn't mean her!"

"You never specified. You told me to choose whoever I wanted. Maybe if you got that giant head of yours out of your butt-"

"Ryder, she does not qualify!" He barked.

I picked at the lint on my shirt. "I hope Mom doesn't hear any of this. I know you'd hate to have her upset."

"You watch your mouth, boy, or I'll-"

"You'll what?" I taunted. "You're already freezing my fees when I screw up and now are threatening my future as head of Dallas Enterprises. What else can you do? You've already ruined me!"

"You are such an ungrateful brat! Be thankful for the things you do have."

"Don't you dare talk to me about being grateful," I growled.

"You know, you're lucky I'm giving you a choice of an arranged marriage."

I snorted. "Yeah, thanks."

"Now dump that girl and go find someone suitable," he demanded.

"Yeah, no."

"Listen here-"

I sat up and shouted, "No, you listen! I chose Brie because she is my best friend and I trust her more than anybody on this freaking planet. If I have to be forced into this, Brie is going to be my bride. Understand?!"

"I don't appreciate your tone," he spat.

I rolled my eyes. "Oh boo-freaking-hoo! I don't appreciate you telling me how to run my life! I moved out the day after I turned eighteen. It's because of Mom I still take part of anything!" I yelled bitingly, my voice growing angrier each second.

"I need to go," he said coldly. "Europe is waiting for me to answer a conference call."

I ran a hand through my hair and down my face. "Whatever." And with that, I let the phone crash onto the carpeted floor.

~~~

I crinkled my nose sleepily at the sound of my bedroom door opening followed by soft steps. I shifted under the covers, thinking it was Benjamin, my driver, and I hoped he'd just let me sleep.

UMPH!

A body flopped on top of me.

"Gah!" There was only one person who would do that. "Brie! Why must you do that? Why can't you wake me like a normal human being?"

"This way's more fun."

"Maybe for you," I grumbled. "You're such a pain."

She laughed. "Quit whining, you big baby."

"Maybe I would if you'd get your elbow out of my spleen!"

She readjusted herself, sitting up next to me instead. I rolled over onto my side, facing her. She looked at me with curious eyes, like she was searching for something.

"What's wrong?"

My eyebrows drew together. "Nothin. Why?"

"I know when you're irritated."