Broken

Chapter 23

Thursday rolled around like it was nothing. The day was quiet. Everyone mainly kept to themselves, no laughing, barely any talking. I skipped out lunch and went to the library.

Sitting down in the corner, I opened my book and loved being in this secluded area of the school. About ten minutes in, I heard footsteps come near me and looking up, Ryder was there with a smile on his face.

"Mind if I join you or do you want to be alone?" He's asking me? I smiled and patted down the area next to me. He smiled and sat down next to me. It felt comfortable sitting here next to him.

Finally some alone time between the two of us.

He leaned his head on my shoulder and I felt realized reading aloud to him. He turned the page when I was done and we just sat there.

Enjoying each other's presence.

He's such a comforting soul, even if he doesn't really talk all that often. Just his presence is enough.

Occasionally, he would run his hand along my thigh or kiss my shoulder. I felt loved.

I'm guessing for him touches and actions mean more than words. And I'm fine with that. It's different for everyone.

"Athena?" Ryder asked while I was reading. I stopped and closed the book, giving him my attention. He sat up and looked at me in the eyes. "What do you think about everything that's happening?"

"Nothing bad is really happening right now." I shrugged and watched as he broke his serious expression with a smile.

"My dad is still after you, I guess what I'm saying is, what do you want to do?" He asked scratching his head. "I know that it's making you weaker, it's making me weaker too, but since you're human it's worse."

I found myself putting my hand on his cheek, caressing it. He leaned into it and looked into my eyes. We just stayed there. "Let's not worry about that."

Ryder put his hand on my wrist, to keep my hand there. He closed his eyes and breathed in. "But baby, we have to."

I shook my head, fighting the tears away because I hate that I cry so much. "No we don't, okay? Everything is good, we have Jacob and Kevin on our side. The gang is good. We don't have to worry about it."

"But baby, Jacob and them are the least of our problems. The larger issue is still there and I'm not sure if you want to mark-"

Why does he think so much? Can't help just do it without thinking?

"Ryder, I don't want to worry about it, okay? We can just enjoy the moment right now. This peace and calmness." I rushed out kissed his lips and slightly pulled back. "Please? Please Ryder."

He's going to start stressing out and I don't need the stressing or the thinking or the worrying.

He sighed, we were so close, I could feel the breath on my lips. He shook his head and kissed my top lip before gently pulling away, leaving a lingering feeling on my lips. He went back in and kissed the bottom lip before pulling away completely.

"Okay." He whispered, handing me the book. "But we have to talk too."

I don't want to talk about it. I just want to do it.

"I know something we can talk about!" I said with a smirk. "When are you going to ask me to be your girlfriend? Or are you too shy and want me to do it?"

Ryder smiled and rolled his eyes. "Is it really that important?"

I gasped and slapped his thigh, standing up. "Of course it is!"