el

o realize I was wrapped tightly in a pair of powerful, muscular arms. My heart skipped a beat as

begging Ryder Knight to take me in his bed? And the worst part? He had granted m

t he could shrug off. The thought of what had happened-and ho

t of all, what was he thinking about me? Did he see me as just anot

to disappear. If only the earth could open u

say if they found out about us? They literally saw us as brother and si

at the hell

ely lose it if they ever found out I'd lost my virginity to Ryder Knight. They were super conservat

orbidden. They warned me about

rules in one night. Shit. I couldn't even c

slid out of the bed. As I stood, a sharp hiss escaped my lips from the ache between my l

he slept soundly, completely unaware of the storm he'd unleashed in my heart. He look

tly, determined not to wake him. My cheeks burned with embarrassment and guilt as

_

yd

My hand searched the other side of the bed, but it was cold and vacant. Slowly, I o

y silent the house was. I got out of bed, checking the bathroo

at... without a word, after.

my hands clasped tightly as I stared into the distance, lost in thought. Did sh

of it hit me like a freight train. But what was done was d

le realization that things could never go bac

spiraling thoughts. I groaned, picking it up to ch

nd the dealer wants you to come and inspec

h the details. I'm busy," I replied,

" he starte

ed, cutting him off b

was the mafia boss-the head of the underworld. People feared my name, and no o

She didn't know it yet, but ther

__

el

ights this weekend?" my

en avoiding him ever since. I hadn't replied to his texts or calls. But then, last night, Mrs. Knight-Ryder's m

d the weekend with them," I replied in a low voic

r. What if his family sensed something unusual be

a stern tone. I braced myself, knowing exactly what was coming. She never like

o is show off their wealth and power, making people like us feel gr

bout us," I said, trying to defend them. "They use their power a

g to my advice. Fine. But don't come crying to me when you get backstabbed by

self," I tried to comfort her, though th

now your father will never forgive you, Bella," she w

d out. They couldn't bear it, especially with Mom already hating Ryder. If this secret got out, it would

ould have already forgotten about it. After all, he was Ryder Knight, a man who didn't stick to one girl when he could have

riends are waiting for me," I

waiting for me so we could

them with a shrug a

hey all laughed as we headed t

t my mouth shut, hesitant to reveal mine. Everyone knew the Knights were some of the wealthiest people around, and spen

, and my friends giggled behind

t!" Rina said, l

n't need to turn around to kno

o be with him? He's literally walking tem

"He's my dad's best friend's son, and he already has a g

el

d stop anyone in their tracks. My heart skipped a beat for no reason when I saw his handsome face. My cheeks heat

ion. So why does it feel different today? I scolded my

mile. Before I could react, Ryder stepped forw

osebumps erupting all over my skin. I trembled

anicked internally. Surely he must have

eyes twinkling with a mischievous smile. Before I could even process w