CHAPTER 53. A NEW DAY
Once Abused. Now Loved.
RYDER
I woke up to a golden hue of sunlight caressing my face, forcing my eyes to squint into it. I checked the nightstand and it was a few minutes past ten.
Rolling down my bed, I slid my feet into my pair of crocs and headed to go take a shower. It was a warm bath and did ease my stressed-up frame.
After the long shower, I got dressed in an oversized, creased, multi-colored, long-sleeved shirt buckled up to just my chest area. I chose a black, tailored pants to go with and I dashed out of my room, looking like a goddamned hobo.
But I didn't mind. It was the easiest outfit I could get on my own. Fishing for clothes through a jacked-up wardrobe wasn't my forte.
Down the hallway by the left, I paused by the door of Hara's room. I needed to check up on her as It was my every morning routine.
It's been two weeks since we found her and since she lost the baby. I succeeded in coaxing her to live here in the palace. But then, It came with a price.
I had to solemnly swear not to make whatever advances at her and give her all the space she needed. Just until she finally warms up to me.
It was like putting a rope around my neck for hanging, but I had no choice. It was either that or I let her go. The latter was unthinkable.
The early days of her stay were pathetic. She always stayed locked up in her room, moping and crying. She wouldn't let anyone in and wouldn't eat anything. She wouldn't even let me comfort her. It was draining.
I was at my wits' end and had to solicit the elderly women of the palace Omegas. They were kind enough to offer their help and took up the responsibility of taking care of her.
And so far, they've done a tremendous job. Hara was moody and barely said a word to them, but they still surrounded her with good vibes and always tried to lighten up her mood.
I still tried to stay around her as much as I could. I cut down on my duties and practically made Darius take care of most of them. That way, I had more time to linger around her room, and stay next to her as much as I could.
It was frustrating trying to perk her up countless times and it all went down the drain. A lot of other men would have given up by now, but I don't fall under that category. I'm gonna take it to the end, regardless of how frustrating it might be.
The torturing part of it all was the cold nights that I'm curled up in bed, stuck with huge, glaring boners. Knowing she was close and yet so far had them heated up. Jerking off wasn't an option as it barely works now. Well, except, I got something exciting to jerk off to.
I ended up taking a peek at her when the maids undressed her for a night shower. The women caught me doing it but it wasn't in their job description to butt in.
Most times, when she was in the shower, I chased the women out of the room. Then it's just me, and I watch the water cascade down her naked body and that's enough to get me all excited and make me cum from my jerk-offs.
And before anyone blames me for acting the perv, be sure to remember that I haven't fucked any pussy in a long while. I was emotionally and sexually starved and it was all her doing. I'm just making her take responsibility for it the little way I knew how.
I peeped into the room and she was asleep, and she looked freshened up. I shut the door quietly and headed out to the front yard. The palace had a deafening quietness around it like everyone had deserted it or something.
I was bored and unsure of what to do. There was no one to talk to either.
Darius had gone night clubbing with the guys from the packhouse. He was yet to return to the palace. No doubt they must still be in their post-coital coma right now.
I'm sure last night was all about fucking as many pussies as their dicks could hold.
With a sigh, I headed to the garage but bumped into Hailey. Yeah, she's been visiting a lot and was probably the only person Hara talks to.
“Ryder,“ She scanned my outfit and if she found it amusing, she didn't dare make it obvious. “Where are you headed off to?”
”The bar. I'm bored as fuck. Need to unwind somewhere. But you should go ahead. I know she loves your company,“
“Sure. I will.“ She smiled, and added in a low tone, “I'm sorry she's still being distant with you,“
“Nah, it's nothing,“ I shook my head, hating how pathetic she was beginning to make me feel. “I'm fine and I understand her perfectly. And don't worry, I'm willing to wait till she's okay. I mean, I waited for twenty-seven years, what's a few more weeks or months?“
“Right. That's the spirit. Hang in there, Ryder.“
“I will,“ My gaze went to the bags she was carrying, “What do you have in there?“
“Fruits. She said she was craving them,“
”Oh? Well then, I'll get more on my way back. Probably a truck full of them,“
“What?“ She laughed, like I was being ridiculous, when in fact, I was being damn serious. “Nah, don't bother. These will do,“
“You sure?“ I eyed her skeptically and she nodded. “Okay then,“
“Yeah, get going. I'm sure you can be useful somewhere else,“ She laughed.
“Ouch,“ I feigned pain, chuckling at her savage line. “That hurts, but you're right. I should get going. Do call me if you need anything, anything at all,“
“Sure, I will.“
She headed inside the building while I headed to the garage. I hopped into my newest Porsche 718 Spyder and headed to the bar.
I headed straight to my office, dialing Tiffany's number on the way.
I threw the door open and froze in my tracks at the sight in front of me.