Belonging to the Bad Boy

Chapter 26

Weeks pass by and Ranger and I are still trying. I assume he never heard what I said that night as he never said anything and never acted differently. I'm glad things didn't change between us but I know now that I am in love with him. As the days and weeks passed I fell harder and further for him, the person he was what I was with him and who he was entirely.

He still fought, something I knew I would never be able to change. He fought with friends, leaving them when they stabbed him in the back, fighting with anyone who dared to mess with me or my friends. He tried hard to be friends with my friends, Damon and him finding pleasure in annoying the rest of the group, George and him finding things in common such as old music and movies. He let me drive his beautiful car, and I soon found out it was the exact car my dad and helped refurbish and it once belonged to his dad.

I watch him, his emerald orbs shining in the sun as he speaks with our friends. Flynn and Ranger still do not get along so well, but they tolerate each other and Flynn says he no longer feels romantically for me anymore. George and I also grew closer over the weeks, sometimes spending lunch alone together while Ranger played football, Damon was at band practice and Flynn spent time with friends outside of our group. George expressed he never felt a part of that group, and when alone we'd either talk about everything or sit silent in each others presence, reading books we had recommended to each other.

Today it was just Ranger, George and I, and I tried wholeheartedly to focus on the book in my hands but I couldn't stop my wandering eyes. I observed Ranger, taking all of him in; his brilliant toned body, his bad boy aesthetic, his dark hair moving slightly in the wind, his lips that I desired to have pressed against mine and his dazzling eyes, the kind that saw straight into your soul. I watched him as he watched nothing, staring out into the distance and I couldn't feel anything but pure love for the man that sat before me.

George nudges my arm gently, snapping me from my thoughts, from my stare. I turn to him, seeing a grin on his face as he raised his eyebrows at me. He was the most approving and accepting of the relationship, telling me that we were good for each other. Damon approved in some sense, but was still weary of that man he could be when he was pushed the wrong way. Flynn never approved, and I'm not sure if it's because he doesn't like Ranger or if it was due to his previous feelings for me.

I smile gently at George, blushing crimson as I was caught in my staring, admiring. "I'll see you guys later," George suddenly says, placing his book in his bag as he stood. I looked at him apologetically, but he simply shook my head, patting my shoulder as he left. I turn back to see Ranger now staring at me, not caring as I catch him in the act. My smile widens as he makes his way over, sitting next to me and wrapping an arm around my side.

"What are you reading?" He asks, motioning down to my book without taking his eyes from me. I glance down and back to him, shaking my head as I put the book down next to me. It wasn't important at all, and I just wanted to spend time with him. I turn and straddle the bench, leaning forward to place a kiss against his lips.

I feel his smile on my lips and a small chuckle escapes his lips. He pulls me close, arms wrapping tightly as he kissed me. He was so gentle when we were alone, no worry for anything or anyone except me. He was kind and patient and caring and I loved that I made him that way. Lets be honest, everyone dreams of being the one the bad boy changes for, and that dream came true for me, even if I never thought of actually pursuing or falling for one.

His lips gently trail down my jaw and I hum in approval, tilting my head for better access. He smiles against my skin, peppering small kissed along my jaw and neck, gently rubbing my hips with his thumbs. All too soon he pulls away, a sparkle in his eyes. "So, are you free tonight?" He asks, and I nod.

"I'm always free for you," I say truthfully and turn scarlet, realising my thoughts were voiced aloud. He chuckles, flashing me the most beautiful smile I'd ever seen.

"That's good to hear," he chuckles, placing a quick kiss on my lips. "I was hoping you'd come over for dinner? You've been requested by the parents." He asked with hope and I could see the nervousness in his eyes. The big, bad boy was nervous for me to come to his house, to meet his parents.

I smile widely and I see relief flush across his face, his smile mirroring mine. "Of course!" I squeal, throwing my arms around his neck. He met my dad weeks ago and they got along pretty well. I'm sure he loved that Ranger did everything in his power to keep me safe, despite his first reservations of him.

"I'll pick you up at 8?" He asks, smiling down at me, his whole face lit up in happiness. I simply nod and hug him once more.

-_-_-_-

I hear the roar of an engine outside and the lights shine through the kitchen window, and I know he's bought his motorcycle. "Midnight," my dads voice fills the silence as he walks into the kitchen. I stand and smile, chuckling at his statement. "I don't care how long you're out just as long as you're safe," he then says, reaching for a hug. I happily respond and hug him back, filled with joy.

"Enjoy your time alone," I comment, raising my eyebrows playfully as I knew he was having Jemma over tonight. He laughs and shakes his head.

"You look beautiful," he comments, pulling back to look at my outfit. I have a simple, black dress on, a gradient of grey running into black on the lower skirt, the sleeves sitting just off my shoulders. I paired it with my black combat boots, wanting to be comfortable at the same time as making a good impression. I wanted to be me, just a more presentable person, someone you could take out to a restaurant and them not be in old jeans.

I hear the knock at the door and hurry over, opening it to find Ranger looking wonderful. Of course, he wore his black, skinny jeans, but I expected nothing less. Paired with it were his heavy, black boots and a white shirt tucked into his jeans with a simple, black belt around his hips. I grin as I see him, not being shy as my eyes raked over his body, his doing the same to me. God save me please for I am wholly in love with this man.

"You look breath-taking," he mumbles, looking me over before meeting my eyes again.

I giggle lightly, a blush spreading across my cheeks. "And you, Ranger Jones, look as handsome as ever." He chuckles, leaning in to peck my lips. "Have fun!" I call to my dad, saying goodbye as I closed the door.

It felt like minutes and we were at Ranger's house. I admire it once more, my eyes moving straight to the small bench under the window on the porch. I hope to sit there later tonight, providing it doesn't snow. December is a cold month, and as long as it didn't snow, I knew I'd have Ranger's sweaters and his heat to keep me warm.

We walk in and the smell that hits me is truly divine. I inhale deeply, appreciating home cooking. "Just a simple carbonara, dear." Her voice was angelic and the person who emerged from the kitchen was no less than beautiful. Black hair flowing to her waist in a ponytail, a tall and curvaceous woman enters the hall, her bright green eyes meet mine. I now know where he gets those wonderful eyes of his. "It's so nice to finally meet you," she says, pulling me in for a hug. I happily return it, so glad she was so friendly.

"Are they here?" I hear a gentle voice, not as deep as Ranger's but holding the same authority. "Oh, welcome!" He cheers, also pulling me in for a hug. I giggle quietly, obsessed with the hospitality. "I'm Gary, and this is Sarah," he says, and I wonder how such normal named people came up with Ranger. We all make our way to the kitchen and my mouth waters. I'm starving.