Free Ryder (Resisting Love) by Chantal Fernando

towards him and push it aside, Ryder taking my hand in his as I’m about to pull it away. He places a chaste kiss on the inside of my wrist, and gives me a full watt smile. We finish our meal in silence, the air in the room thick with sexual tension. Ryder gets up and clears my plate and I thank him. When he comes back into the room holding a plate with cheesecake, strawberries, and a bottle of whipped cream, I raise my eyebrow in question.
    “Dessert is in the bedroom tonight,” he says huskily, motioning his head to the bedroom door. My breath hitches as I stand up slowly, and walk into the bedroom; an exaggerated swing in my hips. I hear Ryder growl as he walks closely behind me.
    He doesn’t even bother closing the door.
     
    *****

 
    Chapter 11
     
    Lexi
    Laughing, Ryder and I walk hand in hand into the club. Morning Alliance are performing a gig at Chase’s club, and this is the first time I'll see him play with his band. I’m wearing a tight, fitted white dress, with a sweetheart neckline, and playful white platform heels. My hair is curled and let loose and wild, bouncing over my shoulders as I walk. My makeup is my usual mascara and bright red lips. Ryder’s eyes almost popping out of his head when he saw me was validation enough that I clean up pretty well.
    Ryder stands behind me and nuzzles my neck, placing a few wet kisses there. Goosebumps rise on my arms, and my hair stands on end. Ryder is so affectionate and it’s still taking some getting used to. “Lexi girl,” he growls, “every pair of male eyes are on you right now.” I blush and give him a small grin, causing him to dig his fingers into my hips. “I’m both proud and frustrated as hell,” he whispers into my ear, nipping the bottom of my lobe with his teeth.
    “Ryder!” I chastise, not used to PDAs. He chuckles deeply, and spins me around, giving me a deep kiss. We walk over to Tee, Layla, Chase, Kade and James.
    “Look who finally made it!” Tee teases, giving me a sleazy grin. Ryder leads me over to the empty chair next to Tee. “I gotta go, my Queen of hearts,” he says to me, kissing me once more. “Look after my girl, Chase,” he says to Chase. Chase nods. Ryder, satisfied, leaves me to go prepare with his band.
    “Can I get you a drink, Lexi?” Kade asks with an evil grin.
    “No, thanks,” I say back, causing him to laugh. Ignoring him, I turn to James.
    “So, James, how are you?” I ask him.
    “I’m doing alright, how are you?” James counters. He looks delicious in a blue shirt that shows off his ripped biceps and gives a nice view of his chest. Which, for your information, is worthy of being on a calendar. I stare at his lip ring as he bites it with his teeth.
    “Lexi?” he asks, not for the first time.             
    “Huh, what?” I say stupidly.
    James chuckles, shaking his head at me. What’s a girl to do?
     
    *****
     
    Twenty minutes later I’m standing at the bar, ordering myself a screwdriver from Payton when a man stands next to me. He motions to Payton with a nod, which she returns. I tilt my head to the side when I realize there's something familiar about him. I can only see his profile, spiked up brown hair, arms covered in tattoos, and an eyebrow ring. I don’t know anyone who looks like that, but I still can’t shake the feeling that I've met this man before. Payton hands me my drink, offering me a smile, and I pull a fifty dollar note out of my purse. The man next to me takes his own drink, thanking Payton.
    When he speaks, I instantly stiffen because I know that voice. Oh, hell, do I ever know that voice. I put my head down, covering my face with my hair. How could I forget that posture? That delicious scent of his cologne? I slowly take a step back, turning around, and heading for our table.
    “You forgot your drink, sweetheart,” he calls after me in his smooth voice. I realize there's no getting out of this. I’m going to have to face him. I turn around and look into