Belonging to the Bad Boy

Chapter 27

The first time I met Ranger's parents was a whirlwind, and I loved every moment of it. After that I would go around once a week for a meal, as per the request of Greg and Sarah, and I didn't mind it one bit. His parent were absolutely amazing and made me feel welcome and at home immediately.

Christmas soon came and went without a pause. It felt as though everything was moving so quickly, and there was so way to slow it down. My dad and I spent Christmas together, fulfilling our tradition of giving our gifts and spending the day binge watching cheesy, Christmas movies with all of the chocolate and candy we'd bought in the weeks before. We always order Chinese food, always ordering a new dish to try. After spending so many years this way, the thought of a large, family gather at Christmas scares me. Where's the time to appreciate each other? What about the stress? Cooking and cleaning? It just didn't appeal to me all that much. As far as I can tell, Ranger is the same as me, spending quality time with his parents at Christmas and no one else, while our friends were those who had second and third cousins over for a huge meal.

It's now New Year's Eve and I am getting ready for the party that Damon was, once again, dragging me to. I thank the heavens that he was allowing me to choose my own outfit this time though. I stand at my mirror, admiring the dress I'd bought specifically for this party. A crimson red, the dress fell around my body perfectly. The skirt of the dress comprised of a couple of thin layers of tulle, stopping just above mid-thigh, it moving in a majestic flow when I walked. The top of the dress consisted of long, lace sleeves that sit just off of the shoulder. I pat the skirt of the dress, smiling at my appearance.

I had light makeup on, nothing on my eyes other than a small, winged eyeliner and mascara, light foundation, concealer and contouring and a red lip to match the dress. Once again, I slide into my combat boots, knowing I'll be stood for a long time. My phone pings, and I check the text from Ranger, telling me he's outside. I grab my purse and run downstairs; my dad already gone for the night. He and Jemma are out celebrating together, and I have to admit that she's a lovely lady. She was very respectful when she met me, and probably nervous, but she cooked an amazing meal and was so nice the entire night. We had a couple more evenings like that.

I open the front door and smile at Ranger. Similar to the night I met his parents, he has his signature black, skinny jeans on. He's also sporting a light blue, fitted shirt, tucked into his jeans with the new, dark brown, leather belt I got him for Christmas. The beautiful charm bracelet he bought me sits on my wrist, only holding three charms so far. Every event he buys me a new one. His leather jacket and combat boots hold his signature bad boy vibe and I love that he's so confident in himself.

"Beautiful, as always," he comments, stepping closer. He wraps his arms around me and pecks my lips, looking down on me with that beautiful glint in his eyes. "Let's go," he hums, leading me to the Barracuda waiting for me. He opens the passenger door as a true gentleman, and soon were driving away.

We roll into the drive of the familiar house, and I can't contain my smile. Flynn was hosting this year's New Year's Eve party; the last one I was to attend before college next September. The thought of leaving saddens me, but I ignore it for now, deciding to worry about my future later on. We walk in hand in hand, the cliche couple. Bad boy and good girl turned semi-bad. "Hey!" Damon, Flynn and George greets us. It is one of the few times I've seen George actually consuming alcohol, but I suppose New Year's Eve is the perfect celebration to let loose to.

We dance the night away, spending hours dancing and talking. I drank a fair amount of alcohol, deciding to let loose for once. There wasn't school for another week and I knew I'd be safe. Ranger didn't drink, but then he never really tended to. He was the driver tonight, after all. That never stopped him from having fun and enjoying the night with us, stealing kisses and dances from me.

The time came, a minute away from midnight and everyone was scrambling, trying to make sure they had their drinks refilled and back with their friends or partners in time. Damon, Ranger, George, Flynn, and I all stood together, Rangers arm wrapped tightly around me. He seemed off, his body tense and face tight. I wanted to ask what was wrong, to assure him that everything was alright despite not knowing what was bothering him. I couldn't as the timer began to count down, everyone shouting and cheering as we counted down.

"10, 9," we shout, I look at my friends and thank the heavens I have them, that they're such good people and that I get to celebrate this moment with them. "8, 7," I look around at my classmates and fellow students, smiling as everyone came together, despite their differences, to celebrate. "6, 5," I take a sip of my drink, the yelling hurting my throat as the excitement inside me was not possible to contain. "4, 3," I finally look up at Ranger, seeing him already staring at me. "2," his words are quiet, his eyes never leaving mine. I smile at him, ready to kiss him as the clock strikes midnight and we're hurdled into a new year, starting anew once again. "1," I speak it, but Ranger's words over power mine. "What?" I ask, tears welling in my eyes. I look at me cautiously, the crowd around us roaring. I'm glued to him, and he to I. Others around us drink and cheer and kiss.

"I love you," he says again, this time louder. I hear our friends stop next to us, obviously hearing him too. Neither of us look away from each other, my heart threatening to burst as tears fall from my eyes. He said it, the words that scared him most, the commitment that I knew would never be easy for him.

"I love you," I reply, and I see all fear wash away from his face, the biggest smile gracing his lips and reaching his eyes. I'd never seen him so happy and relieved, and in a moment his lips are crashed against mine, holding me close as our friends cheer for us, holding each other and jumping up and down.

The months I had spent with Ranger had been some of the craziest of my life, and now, now I would never change it. Not for fortune or fame, not for the world. He was now, one hundred percent mine. We pull away from each other, breathing heavier than ever before. "I love you with everything I have, Alessandra Claire."

I swoon, my cheeks undoubtedly flushing the same colour as my dress. "I love you too, Ranger Jones, with every piece of my being."