Page 13 of Stryker's Ruin
“Educational games, puzzles. Exercise in the morning, Yoga after lunch.”
“What about toys? Like dolls?”
I feel the heat on my cheeks. Thankful he can’t see my shame in the waning light. “One time when I was about ten, my teacher would take me hiking in the Alps. I was exploring while she rested and I found a stuffed bear. I hid it in my jacket and whenwe got back to our cabin I snuck it under my mattress. After she would go to sleep at night, I would pull it out and play with it. I wasn’t able to sneak it into my luggage on the next move.”
As if sensing my loss, he hugs me closer. We walk down a ramp and suddenly a river flows beside us. “Is this the river they dye green?”
‘Yep. Every Saint Paddy’s Day. Somewhere in the middle of this walk is one of the best burgers and fry places. Or a little farther and we can get pasta or pizza.”
“Oh please, a burger. I’ve never had one. Ettore said it was the one food she missed the most when she was with me.”
“Then burgers it is.” He pauses. “Have you ever been to a restaurant?”
“The reason we had to leave Paris was because she took me to a coffee shop. I’ve never been since.”
He explains the options before the server comes to take our order. Stryker orders cheesy fries to go with our sandwiches and a Guinness stout to drink.
“Oh, could I have a wine, please.”
“I need to see your ID,” the waiter says.
“ID?”
Stryker covers my hand on the table and looks at the waiter. “She was reminding me. I’d like the stout now, and the Cabernet Sauvignon with my meal. Also bring her a coke.”
He waits for the waiter to leave, before smiling at me. “In the US you have to be twenty-one to drink. When they suspect you aren’t of age, they ask for your ID, or driver’s license that proves your date of birth.”
“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to embarrass you.” I study my clenched fist in my lap. I was having such a good time and now I’ve ruined it.
“Look at me, Ruin.”
I raise my gaze expecting the censure to come. Instead, he’s smiling. He strokes his thumb over the knuckles of my hand he still holds. “I was fifteen and a real cocky-ass punk the first time my dad took me to lunch by myself. I ordered a beer and whipped out my fake ID. A really bad fake ID, I might add. The waiter busted me, but my dad ordered a second beer for himself. He placed both beers in the center of the table and when the waiter wasn’t watching I drank my beer. Looking back, that was the day he gave me autonomy and we started a real relationship.
“We’ll share the wine, Ruin. And you can try the beer as well.
Something inside me breaks, my eyes fill, and I have to swallow again and again. I meet his gaze and nod, understanding he’s giving me the same experience.
I feel like I could fly.
CHAPTER 9
Stryker
I’m in trouble. Real trouble. I should call Steel and tell him to pull me. I won’t. Guess I’m still that cocky-ass punk. I’m lost and I know it. I don’t know how it happened or why.
What I do know is I want her. She should be mine. Somehow, I have to save her from this fucked up scheme. Even if I have to burn this town down to do it.
Back at the apartment, I set all the locks and the security system. “You can take your shower first. I’ll take mine while you unpack.”
“Where is your room? Your things?”
“We’re sharing a closet and dresser. I’ll be sleeping on the couch.”
“You would have had a room at the other place.”
“And I wouldn’t have slept because it wasn’t safe. I know this security system. No one is breaking in here. If you’d rather take a bath, I think there’s bath salts in the drawer. A nice soothing soak might help you relax. Would you like tea before bed?”
“That would be nice if it isn’t a bother.”