Tasting
Chapter 173

173–Dating My Ex Friend

Nora:

Disbelief and shock paralyzed body for a while. I watched her jump into the back with the helmet on and then wrap her arms around his stomach, holding him tightly. The two took off right before my eyes. and I couldn’t even object. My heart was pounding so hard that I stepped back and started taking deep breaths.

“I need to–,” I looked around, noticing how everything had started to blur up. It was as if the stress was slowly blinding me. This couldn’t bel possible. Cain could do it because he wanted revenge, but Ryker? There was no way the guy who was obsessed with me would date. April. This didn’t seem right. Maybe he was just trying to make me jealous to get a reaction out of me? Or he might have done it in response to me dating Brody. Because other than these reasons, I couldn’t really believe Ryker would do that to me.

I had barely calmed myself down when a hand on my shoulder jolted me to reality. I spun around to replace Brody standing there with a smile. on his lips.

“Thank goodness you’re here,” I instantly smiled for him, showing him how desperate I had been for some affection. “Hey, are you okay? Did something happen in school? Please tell me no one bothered you.” His smile vanished when he saw how worried I looked.

“I’m fine. It’s just that the driver isn’t there yet, and I freaked out,” I lied, rubbing my palms anxiously. I wanted to scream, but it wasn’t the right time or place to show my craziness.

“Actually, I’ve come to drop you home myself,” he stepped ahead and opened the door to his car. I was stunned to realize he had come and parked his car right in front of me and I couldn’t see it. How lost I was in my thoughts.

“Thank you,” without a second thought, I jumped in and closed the door. Next, I texted the driver not to come to the school.

Throughout the car ride, Brody talked about a multitude of things, but I couldn’t focus on anything he was saying. I was worried: if I confronted Ryker, would he hurt me like Cain did? Or would he feel guilty? He didn’t look guilty when he picked her up though. I was convincing myself that Ryker did it because I was dating Brody. That made sense. Why would he hold back when I was dating his enemy?

“Are you alright? You’ve barely spoken a word,” he laughed uncomfortably, jolting me awake.

“Oh, I’m sorry, what were you saying?” I shook my head and asked him.

“Eh!” he chuckled a little, “girls love the topic of shopping. And you showed no interest, ouch!” he joked.

He was so pleasant. I could be so happy just being with him. No drama. or worries. No fear of getting caught with him. Why couldn’t I

convince myself to do just that? Because of the mate bond. I was tied to those who were so mean and cold.

“It’s actually– I don’t think April and Natalya like me very much,” I murmured under my breath.

“Why? You should be the one hating on them since they started that rumor,” he corrected me.

“It’s just that April told me today that she has asked Natalya to move in

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173 Dating My Ex Friend

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with her. I’m not sure how much it’s not related to me,” I nervously chewed upon my nails.

“Oh, that. I don’t think she means any harm to you. She’s just that way. She’s messy, sure! But she moves on from stuff quickly. And as for asking Natalya to move in with her, once she befriends someone, she wants them under her nose. So I’m pretty sure it’s just them bonding,” he explained, kind of defending her actions.

I wasn’t certain if I could even say anything more about her. The fact that Ryker and Cain chose those whom I hate was just too much of a coincidence. Did they plan all that to hurt me? Was revenge always on their minds?

Once we arrived, I got out of his car and so did he. That’s when I watched Ryker returning. He had dropped her off and was already coming back. It gave me a little idea.

I needed to know if he felt the same way about me or not. It was just a little test, something that would comfort me into knowing my mate was still not entirely done with me. I turned to Brody when I watched Ryker take off his helmet and look our way. I held my breath and smiled for Brody, who was frowning in bewilderment.

“Thank you so much for the ride. You have no idea how much I had freaked out outside that school,” I laughed even when there was nothing to laugh about.

“Thank you,” repeating myself, I leaned over him and kissed him on the cheek. The way his body flinched filled me with guilt. He was so sweet and nice, and here I was using him to see if my mates were even still in love with me. Love was actually a huge word; even if they cared a little, it would be enough.

Then, as expected, Ryker narrowed his eyes and put his helmet aside.

His brisk walk made it clear he was not happy to see us together. It raised my hope. I watched him approach us and stand face to face with Brody, who also straightened his back. Now, I was regretting my actions. If Ryker insulted Brody because of the kiss I gave him, I would be the guilty one and responsible for it.

However, my hopes died very instantly when instead of showing jealousy, Ryker pressed his lips tightly and uttered, “I think it would be better if we keep our differences aside just for the sake of you dating my stepsister.” My jaw hung low, but Ryker wasn’t done yet. “And I am also dating your cousin April. So I guess it is safe to say we are even and that we need to accept each other’s presence from now on.”