Lesson Fourteen - The Key To Success Is To Start Before You're Ready.
After my encounter with Riker the rest of the day could be summed up in one word.
Boring.
People were staring at me as I walked by and I was positive that the rest of the school had heard about what I did at this point.
What I wasn't expecting was to see Ashley Blain in front of me when school was over. She was leaning against my brothers car and I knew nothing good was going to come from this situation.
For her anyway.
Ashley was Riker's ex girlfriend. They had been off and on again from the start of high school with it only stopping last year. Some say that Ashley was the one to officially call it off but I found that very hard to believe. No girl in their right mind would freely let Riker Kennedy go.
No I think it was Riker who ended it with her and that didn't sit well with her so she did the only think she could do.
Spread rumours.
Not that Riker seemed to give a flying shit because let's admit the man doesn't have time for a childish tantrum. The girl could probably spread what ever rumour she wanted and it wouldn't get a reaction from him.
Well not the reaction she wants anyway.
From what I've also heard Riker's dad loved her for what ever reason. It was probably because she would legit stay out of the way of their family and let Riker do what ever he wanted.
To me she was just a spoilt brat but then again so was I, so who was I to judge.
"Get your skinny ass off my car." I all but snapped as I unlocked it to prove a point.
There was already one of my cars ruined because of this place I didn't need someone else denting another.
Even though it was my brothers, the bitch in front of me didn't need to know that. Plus I stole the car keys from him ages ago, in fact he almost made it to easy.
He was probably running around the school looking for them as we speak and I would be long gone before his mind clicked.
"I heard about you and Riker."
Rolling my electric blue eyes I couldn't help but think of how stupid this conversation was going to be and I haven't even heard it yet.
Of course she was here about that of all things.
Why was there always a crazy ass bitch when it came to a fit guy? You wouldn't see me doing something like this with Zane. I would just wish them luck and hope they tasted me every time they kissed.
Horrible I know but I wasn't in the mood right now if no one had guessed.
"I said get your fucking ass off my car." A few heads turned at my outburst but I didn't care. I also didn't care why she was here but she really needed to move before I made her.
No one touched my cars.
Ashley must have noticed that I was serious because she moved this time like her ass was on fire.
That's all I was at the moment, serious.
My life needed to go back to normal or I was going to lose the plot with them all.
This wasn't who I am.
"You know my dad and yours are planning a deal." This time she caught my attention as she flipped her strawberry blonde hair over her shoulder.
It didn't take a genius to know that she was trying to hold something over me. What ever that was I didn't care because I was sure I could beat her at her own game.
That didn't mean I couldn't have a bit of my own fun until she really did royal piss me off.
I looked at her carefully acting like I was worried about something when I was anything but that. "What about it?"
"I could easily tell my dad to pull out of the deal if you don't back off from Riker."
There was nothing that could stop my next reaction, I laughed.
Properly laughed.
If people weren't looking before they definitely were now and I really didn't give a shit but Ashley was growing more uncomfortable by the second.
She looked at me like I was insane and maybe I was but I found it nothing but funny that she thought she could get to me with this.
Of all things she actually thought that would work. Clearly her dad needed to have a word with her on how 'businesses' worked because clearly this girl was delusional.
"Ok lets get something straight here, bitch."
The shock on Ashley's face was almost enough to set off another round of laughter but I hid it well as I sized her up.
"You're the bitch here." Her not so smart remark make me ignored her comment as I continued.
It wasn't even worth reacting too.
"First things first, I don't want Riker so you can have him all you want. What ever the fuck is going on between the two of you is between the two of you. If he takes you back or not is his choice it has nothing to do with me and never once as your name even popped into my mind. Second don't go threatening me with shit like that. We both know your dad gets more out of that deal than my dad would. So don't stand there and act all high and mighty. Third-" This time I got up close and personal with her, my expression turning dark. "Don't fucking touch my car again."
One thing I did know in this life was the look of defeat and with Ashley's expression I knew she was beat. I could see it in her face she had only one card and I wasn't going to fall for it. Nothing in me could care about her fathers deal, it had nothing to do with me.
We could survive without it so she could do what ever she wanted with that little threat. Not that I believed her father would back out of it because of her.
If the deal was with my dad it was probably worth millions. In fact I could probably punch her right now and break her nose and her dad wouldn't give a shit as long as he still got that deal.
Sad I know but it was the reality.
With one last glare with her dull brown eyes she stormed away and I gave her a wave as she walked past. The fakest smile crossed my lips as she looked back once before turning away with a huff.
Not long after that I heard my phone ring and I pulled it out of my pocket as I finally got into my brothers car.
It was my mother.
My eyes almost rolled into the back of my head for probably the millionth time this day. It took everything in me to not slam my head against the steering wheel.
There was two options either I ignored her call and risked her coming to find me later or just cut my suffering short and answer it now.
All I really wanted to do was go up and roll up in my Queen sized bed. It was basically calling out to me at this point.
Why was everyone so annoying lately?
"What do you want?" I answered knowing this was the easier option even if it felt like torture.
"Lyra!" My mother squealed out of pure happiness.
It was probably pure happiness of torturing me even more on my day from hell.
Then it clicked her happiness only meant one thing. It was going to annoy me whatever came out of her mouth next.
"What?" I asked again doing my best not just to hang up on her.
Trust me it took every bit of patience I had left, which wasn't a lot.
"I'm getting married soon."
Her sentence honestly had me looking down at the phone like I could physically see her. Had she officially lost her mind? The whole world knew that, why would she call me to tell me something I already know.
Probably to annoy me.
"I already know." My voice was blunt as I spoke basically asking her if she was an idiot.
"No silly." She remarked clearly not hearing my tone. "I'm getting married in 4 weeks how exciting is that."
The sequel that came out of her honestly would've made birds fly away. Once again I moved the phone away from my ear but this time to save my hearing.
"I really don't care." My voice was still blank not even understanding why she felt the need to tell me. I honestly felt like I didn't care about anything anymore people were just annoying now at this stage.
"Lyra." She complained down the phone because I wasn't giving her the reaction she wanted. What did she actually expect me to do? We all knew they weren't marrying out of love. "You're my only daughter you're meant to be excited with me."
Was she joking? I couldn't tell anymore.
"Maybe I'd be more excited if you were in my life more. Or maybe it's the fact that the man you're marrying is the man that rules the Kennedy Empire."
She sighed like what I had said was things that could just be brushed under the rug.
Now she was really ticking me off.
"You really need to get over this."
Before I even got a chance to flip someone had knocked on my window, making my attention snap away. Quickly I noticed that it was Riker standing outside motioning he wanted to talk. Nodding at him I unlooked my brothers car door so that he could get into the passenger seat.
My eyes watched him expertly and he raised an eyebrow when he seen me watching. Sighing away wasn't my think so I raised my own eyebrow copying his own expression, basically mocking him.
Suddenly I remembered that I was still on the phone to my mother.
"I need to go." I told my mother as I watched Riker never breaking eye contact. He was the first to crack and not soon after he had a blank expression on his face, almost like he was thinking.
In fact I couldn't really read him at all at the moment.
That was something I didn't appreciate.
"But Lyra-" It was really starting to annoy me every time she said my name. It sounded wrong coming from the woman who had basically abandoned me when I needed her the most.
"What?" I finally snapped out and I seen Riker look at me with a raised eyebrow once more. Clearly even he wasn't sure if I was talking to him or my mother. He looked amused and I wasn't in the mood to be his sense of entertainment.
"I just want to talk." Came my mother's voice. It was now soft, actually if I was to guess it sounded defeated.
"And I don't." With that I hung up on my mother and turned back to face Riker. "I know you're going to say something about me and my mothers relationship so save it, I don't want to hear it. Frankly I'm not in the mood for anything, so unless this conversation is important I don't want to know."
He raised his hands up in mock surrender making me narrow my eyes dangerously at him. "I just seen Ashley over here talking to you, I just wanted to know what she said. If you haven't guessed I know what she can be like."
We both knew I could look after myself and he should know that better than anyone so I don't actually think he was checking up on me. In all honesty he did sound curious.
Didn't he know curiosity killed the cat.
"Do you really think I can't handle someone like Ashley Blain? That's the biggest insult if I've ever heard of one." I scoffed trying to work out why he was actually here.
How could he think I couldn't handle the likes of her.
It was an insult if I've ever heard one.
"Yea you're probably right." He leaned on the car door turning his body to face me slightly. His expression softened slightly like he was finally getting around to why he was really here. "Though I feel like everything is annoying you at the moment."
He was right of course, there was no point in denying it.
"I just hate people, you all just need to stay out of my fucking way." Nodding my head towards the car door I gave him the hint to get out of my car.
Normally I would love to mess with Riker with our normal banter but today wasn't that day.
"Ok, Ok." He said rolling his eyes clearly getting the hint. I wasn't really in the mood to fight him about anything not even when he was giving me attitude. After all I was giving it right to him too. "Though I've got some good news. I got your car fixed I can bring it around to you later"
My face brightened up when I heard that. My BMW I8 was my baby, my only baby. I loved all my cars in general of course but that car was my number one, nothing could compare. "You serious, she's got a door again?"
My annoyance was long gone at the sound of my car being fixed. Even though I could have fixed it myself it was more out of pride to make Riker get it fixed. After all he's the one who murdered it on purpose and I was hardly going to let him get away with that.
He was lucky that's all he had to do, I've probably murdered people for less.
"Yea." He laughed clearly amused at how my mood did a 180. "And I'm sorry about that by the way. That took it a bit far when I crashed into it on purpose."
He looked genuine when he said sorry, and it was probably the first time I've ever actually heard him say sorry.
The school wouldn't believe me even if I told them.
"Is the badboy and future Mafia leader really saying sorry to me right now?" My voice went high, almost to high as I tried to copy one of the girls in school when he gave them the time of day.
Riker gave me that infamous smirk of his as he shook his head looking amused. "You know what princess, I believe that I am."
"Good, now can we talk about others things you should say sorry for." I remarked pretending to open my phone to open a list.
He sighed at me as I acted like a child but his smirk was still plastered on his face. He opened the car door to get out making a cold breeze escape into the car.
"Don't push your luck princess." And with that he closed my car door and walked away. I watched him for a few seconds as he made his way across the car park to his own car. As soon as I was sure he was out of ear shoot I let out a squeal of joy.
My baby was coming home. I couldn't wait.
Maybe Riker wasn't all that bad.
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Lying home, I'd be lying if I said this didn't feel like one of the longest days in the world. I must have drank about 3 litres of water when I got home because the hangover was now in full effect. Rolled up on the couch watching tv I heard our butler Richard go and answer the door.
Who ever it was needed to back off because it was no me time.
"Miss Lyra, Mr Kennedy is hear to see you."
Looking up from my position on the couch I seen see an amused Riker looking down at me. Clearly I wasn't the picture of health right now and I was just waiting for the insult that was sure to happen.
"You look like death." I narrowed my eyes at his remark knowing that I didn't have to wait long.
"Sorry for being in my own home and looking what ever way I want to look." Looking down I had an over sized t-shirt on and botty shorts but you couldn't really see the shorts with the top. My long dark hair was in a messy bun at the top of my head.
Frankly I probably looked like I had been dragged through a hedge backwards.
"I will leave you too it." Said Richard and Riker came to sit down beside me. He lifted my legs and rested them in his lap not even seeming to think about it. I looked at him curiously trying to catch what angle he was playing at but didn't question his actions out loud.
"I didn't know you like Deadpool." He started tracing the tattoo that was up near my hip once more just like he did the day off the party.
This was a dangerous game he was playing and he knew it.
"There's loads of things you don't know about me Mr Kennedy." I remarked coping what Richard had called him earlier.
The man was also so polite even when we told him to us there first names. He just said it was apart of the job and then was on his way.
"I know that." Hitting his hand away half heartily when I felt him trying to push up my shorts to see my tattoo. My focus was never taken off the tv once though.
He groaned out in annoyance rubbing his hand through his hair in frustration. This time I looked at him and raised my eyebrow wondering why he was actually here and why he was nuts about my tattoo.
"What is with you and my tattoo?"
"Fuck knows." He said shrugging his broad shoulders, he clearly didn't even know the answer to that one himself. He started to trace the edge of it again clearly trying his luck once more. "I just want to know what it is."
"To bad." I shrugged my own shoulders copying him and went back to watching Deadpool.
Trying and failing to ignore him.
"Where are your brothers?"
He seemed to look around almost like he was expecting them to jump out at any second. Most guys were terrified of my brothers but that wasn't the vibes I got from Riker. It was almost like he would welcome the challenge of coming face to face with them.
"Alex, Hayden and Chase are away back home. They found out about my mother trying to throw a party for Chase's birthday and bailed as soon as possible. Even mommy's boy Alex ran for the hills. Damon on the other hand, fuck knows where he is, probably running around getting into shit with Zane."
My voice was light hearted as I spoke waiting to see what he was saying to the last part.
Riker stopped tracing my tattoo and gripped my leg tight. Looking at him from the corner of my eye I seen his jaw had clenched. Clearly this was an interesting subject to bait him into.
If there was one thing in this world I loved it was information.
There was loads of things you could do with information.
"You know that's why me and your brother don't get along right?"
Turning back to the tv I acted like I didn't really care. "I don't care what you lot get up to, it has nothing to do with me. If I had issues with it would you be sitting in my house right now?" For a moment I thought about what I was going to say next before I spoke up. It was a dangerous path to go down. "The only problem I have with your family is when you are trying to get shares in my families Empire by using my mother. I couldn't give a flying shit what you do otherwise."
He looked at me carefully like he was trying to work out what I meant under my words. Then he gripped my hips and pulled me up so I was sitting on his lap facing him. It happened so quick I didn't have time to react and when I did I tried to get out of his grip but he just gripped me harder.
This was not where I was expecting this to go.
My breath seemed to catch in my throat as I looked in his eyes. For the first time in my life my brain couldn't seem to come up with anything to say.
"You know you're more involved in this than you probably want to be." His voice was low and deep almost alluring and I was going to lie when said I loved the sound of it.
He was making my whole body come alive with just the touch of his hands on my hips and for a moment I forgot who I was.
Then I remembered and the game changed.
Leaning in closer to him and wrapped my arms around his neck. I could see his eyes cloud over and look at our position. There was something about Riker that called out to me. Something that told me he was dangerous but I already knew that. I've already been down this road before and I couldn't risk doing it again. I was lucky to get out of my relationship with Zane alive.
In fact in that world there's worse things than death.
"Oh I know I am." I whispered in his ear and I get his fingers tighten on my hips. "Which is why I need to stay the hell away from you and Zane." With that I stood up and left him there on the couch.
I couldn't be bothered with this anymore.
I couldn't be bothered with any of them anymore.
Including Riker Kennedy.
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