Ryder has stayed close, keeping his hand on me at all times, his touch bringing a small measure of comfort. During introductions I made certain everyone was aware of who he is to me, much to my parent’s dismay. Most people didn’t bat an eye because they don’t know him, but the few who do didn’t bother to hide their dirty looks. I wanted to throw my drink at them for it, but Ryder just smirked, seeming happy to piss them off. I also haven’t missed the majority of the women here eyeing him, or smiling at him in a way that has jealousy burning inside of me. Ryder is completely oblivious to it all, his eyes have been trained around the party, constantly searching and watching.
Leaning down, he kisses my cheek. “What time do the girls usually show?”
I look around, finding it odd they aren’t here yet, considering dinner is soon. I wait until my father finishes speaking to a colleague and ask him. “Where are the girls from Serenity Hills?”
He clears his throat. “There has been a change of plans and they won’t be coming tonight after all. But the director, Ms. Pike, will still be here on the facilities’ behalf.”
My heart plummets and I feel Ryder tense next to me while Nick curses in my ear. “That’s too bad, I was looking forward to seeing them.” Knowing we need a little privacy, I excuse us and lead Ryder over to the far corner of the room, pretending to show him some paintings.
“Great, now what the fuck are we going to do?” Nick snaps.
“Something doesn’t feel right,” Ryder mumbles. “Why, all of a sudden, are they not doing it?”
“Who the fuck knows, all that matters is they aren’t, which means we need to come up with another plan.”
“I could search for the key in my father’s office then you could at least have that?” I offer.
“No!” they both snap at the same time.
“I don’t want you leaving this party. I’ll sneak out at some point and look for it. I just need you to tell me where his office is.”
I think it’s silly Ryder would go when I already know where it is, but I know there’s no sense in arguing about it. So I give him directions and hope I’m explaining it right, since the only sense of direction I have is from when I was blind.
“Just be careful, please,” I tell him, terrified at the thought of something happening to him like Rosa.
He pulls me against him. “Don’t worry, baby, I’ll be fine. I’ll sneak out when the time is right.”
Nick chimes in: “If you can get it to me right afterward, Higgins, Crowley and I can search the property while you keep eyes on everyone in there.” I’m assuming Higgins and Crowley are the other FBI Agents they called in to be on standby with Nick.
“That works, if I can get outside to you unnoticed.”
“You can go through the side door that leads to the garden,” I suggest. “I don’t think there is a camera there.”
“There is one off to the right. We’ll disarm it before then,” Nick says, obviously familiar with my father’s security system.
“All right,” Ryder agrees, but seems distracted as he stares at something over my shoulder. “My attention keeps getting drawn to Kensington, he’s been looking nervous as hell since I got here, and now he seems to be in an argument with Prescott Senior.”
I turn and find him next to the bar. Ryder’s right, he seems to be in a heated argument with Kyle’s father. For the second time tonight I’m glad Cece wasn’t able to come, because, if something goes down, I would hate for her to have to witness her father being put in handcuffs. Although I know she’s going to be crushed either way.
After a little more talk of their plan, we take our assigned seats, which is unfortunately at the same table as my parents. Although I knew we would be – image is everything.
To say dinner is awkward is a major understatement. If my father and Ryder aren’t glaring off with one another then it’s Ryder and Kyle. I was hopeful he wasn’t coming, since I hadn’t seen him when we first arrived, but no such luck. Thankfully his table is away from ours, but it doesn’t stop him from staring at Ryder and me. His gaze holds so much hatred I can feel it without even having to look at him. I pull Ryder’s attention back to me by kissing him, hoping it will also make Kyle stop watching us, but all it does is piss my mother off.
She leans in with a fake smile. “Do you mind not acting like a whore?”
I feel Ryder tense and I quickly put my hand on his leg, hoping to stop him from reacting. “Please don’t,” I whisper, knowing it’s what my mother wants.
“What a bitch.” I hear Nick mumble in my ear, which has me feeling embarrassed that he knows how horrible she is to me.
Ryder grinds his teeth with restraint and I feel his body vibrate with fury, but he thankfully holds back. It makes my mother thrilled to know she got to him. So she continues with her usual insults to me. Telling me to watch how much I’m eating because I can’t afford to gain weight. She also remarks how unflattering my dress is on me because it’s a style that suits only pretty, slender girls.
Of course I know what she says is untrue. I’m a size six, which is in no way, shape or form overweight, but even if I was a healthy twelve, fourteen or even a sixteen I’d still love myself because I know I’m a good person. Its times like these where I think it would do the world good if the majority of people couldn’t see. That way they could only judge someone’s beauty on their souls and not on their looks.
Ryder’s patience snaps at the last insult and he doesn’t hold back any longer. He leans in and gives her the same smile she gave me a few moments ago. “If you don’t shut the fuck up I’m going to make sure everyone at this party knows what a bitter lush you are, who is jealous of her own daughter.”
My father steps in now. His demeanor is relaxed but his voice drips with icy disdain. “You watch yourself, boy, this is my house.”
“I don’t give a fuck. If you don’t want a scene then put a fucking muzzle on her or else the next insult will be her last.”
Oh god… I grab my glass of wine, hoping to calm my pounding heart.
Right when I take a hefty sip I hear Nick say: “Just tell him to take her in the back and fuck the bitterness out of her.”
The wine gets stuck in my throat and comes sputtering back to the surface, making me cough like a fool. Ryder pats my back, barely containing his smirk. “You all right, Em?” I nod but continue to sputter. I eventually get myself under control and try to ignore my mother’s disgusted glare.
“Sorry about that, Emily.” Nick apologizes with a chuckle.
“It’s okay,” I mumble then realize I shouldn’t have replied. Thankfully no one calls notice to it and all talk ceases for the rest of dinner, including my mother’s insults.
The speeches begin with the director, Ms. Pike, thanking everyone for their contributions and support for Serenity Hills. My blood boils at the way she carries on about how much she cares for the girls and their future. She talks about what a safe and loving environment they are in and what a difference Serenity Hills has made in their lives.
“What a piece of work,” Nick mumbles. “I can’t wait to lock her up and throw away the key.”
My father’s speech is last. Near the end Ryder excuses himself to the restroom. I squeeze his hand, suddenly afraid for him to leave. He leans in and kisses my cheek. “I’ll be okay, baby. I’ll try to be quick.” I reluctantly let him go, but the entire time I’m sick with worry.
Once my father’s speech ends a few minutes later everyone stands and begins to mingle. I decide to go to the restroom so I can check in on Ryder. As I make my way over I am intercepted by an older gentleman who looks oddly familiar, though I don’t know why.
“Miss Emily, it’s so nice to see you again.” I recognize his voice but can’t put my finger on who it belongs to. The man smiles warmly at my confusion and extends his hand. “Forgive me, I should reintroduce myself since I’m sure you don’t recognize me, it’s Archer Benedict.” I falter, knowing his name was on the list.