22. Chapter 22

Chapter 22

Scarlett

We arrive at the party in another stretch limousine. While I was a little bummed not to be able to hang on to Ryder, I was relieved to know my hair wouldn't be a complete disaster at the party.

The new bar opening for the Raven's Tap House is bursting with people. Red and black lights flash all around us, and the parking lot is packed. For a small town, this bar is really drawing in a big crowd. I'm sure having a celebrity like Raven Ryder here helps, too.

As we emerge from the limousine, Ryder takes my hand, and I gladly allow it. He looks dapper in a black suit with a red handkerchief placed in his breast pocket. We walk up to the entrance, and I see a red carpet has been laid out. Photographers from local papers are pushing up against one another, trying to get the perfect shot of Ryder. I smile at him, dazzled by his mere perfection.

I hear his name being called all around me, and it's like a whirlwind. There are even a few paparazzi who managed to get the scoop that he was traveling into Hollow's Cove.

"Ryder," Drake calls out, and we move toward the front door.

Drake shakes hands with Ryder, and then the rest of Raven's boys join us on the red carpet.

I go to move away to allow the men to have their pictures taken, but Ryder stops me.

"What are you doing?" he asks me.

"This isn't about me. I was moving out of your shots," I say.

Shaking his head, Ryder pulls me next to his body and wraps his arm around my waist. "You are with me. I want you in every picture they take," he says, leaning in and placing a kiss to my lips.

I hear everyone around us go nuts, and then the flashes are almost blinding. I simply smile and never take my eyes off of Ryder as he answers questions about the bar opening from reporters. We stand there and take a few more pictures before we are escorted into the bar.

Once inside, I take a moment to look around. This bar has the same biker vibe as Drake's bar, but with a more farmhouse family feel. There are tables placed around the room, and a large mahogany bar sits to the left. I can see the entrance to the kitchen, which gives diners a beautiful view inside. Family photos of the Raven's line, the walls and barn doors with black metal brackets house the restrooms to the right. It is so warm and inviting, and as I glance around and see several families already enjoying meals, I can already tell this place will be a success.

"This place is incredible," I say to Drake.

"Thanks, it was a combination of all of us. The wives designed the layout, but my brothers and I put in the work. We are happy with how it turned out." He beams with pride as he speaks.

"A big thank you to Ryder for helping us fund this place, too," Blaze Raven says. Behind him, I see Jagger, and clubhouse member, and Storm, Axel, and their families as well.

"We are family, I was happy to help," Ryder says, and for the first time, he seems a bit shy.

I nudge his side while everyone continues talking. "Hey, are you shy?" I quietly tease him.

Glancing down at me, his lips curve. "Nah, I just hate that they keep thanking me. I was happy to help them, especially with the guys wanting to donate to All Our Children. In fact, I have an announcement to make," Ryder says.

He releases his hold on me, and I see him run through the crowd. He stands tall on the bar and whistles. Everyone in the room hushes and turns to see what is going on. I watch with a strange curiosity. What on earth could this man be up to now?

"Hey, everyone. I want to thank you all for coming out to support the opening of the Raven Tap House. My family means the world to me, and I was happy to be part of this endeavor in the Raven franchise."

Everyone begins cheering and clapping, and Ryder beams as he watches everyone around us. Holding up his hands, he starts to calm everyone down again.

"Alright, I have one more thing to announce, and then we all need to party. Tonight, half of the proceeds made are going to be donated to All Our Children, a home in Los Angeles that takes in troubled and orphaned children. My beautiful date, Scarlett," he says, pointing to me, "She works there, and believe me, it is a remarkable place for these children."

Everyone cheers again, and I can't control the tears that are now flowing down my cheeks. I can't believe he is going to donate money to All Our Children. He has already done so much with the Ravens already promising to help out, plus the time he invests with those boys-- it's all so much.

Ryder jumps off the bar, and as he approaches me, I can't fight my feelings anymore. I pull him to me and crush my lips against his. He is taken aback at first, but then his arms snake around me, and we become lost in one another. It doesn't matter that we are surrounded by hundreds of people. Right now, all that matters is the two of us.

When we finally part, my breathing is rapid as I catch my breath.

"I take it you liked what I said," Ryder says through a smile.

"I loved it," I breathe.

Ryder's eyes watch me carefully like he is trying to read my thoughts. I think he knows how I truly feel. I know it has to be radiating off of me by now.

The band starts playing again, and a slow song has lovers heading to the dancefloor. Ryder eyes me as he extends his hand out to me.

Without hesitation, I allow him to lead me to the dancefloor, where he wraps me in his arms, and we begin to sway lighting to the sounds of a love song. I bring my arms up to his neck and clasp my hands in his hair, running my fingers through the long locks. I breathe in his scent, making note that it has quickly become my favorite smell in the world.

"Scar, I couldn't imagine being here with anyone else but you," Ryder whispers in my ear, his lips brushing against my skin and causing goosebumps to dance across my arms.

"There isn't anywhere else in the world I would rather be," I admit, my reservations long gone.

Pulling me back, Ryder locks eyes with me, and I can see him trying to read my mind. His chiseled, strong face doesn't waver as a deep, longing tears through me.

"I need to get you out of here right now. I'm about to rip that dress off your body," Ryder says through clenched teeth.

I feel my core heat, and I bite my lip in glorious anticipation of what tonight will bring.

"Yes," I say, wild salacious need driving through me.

Ryder takes my hand and leads us to the entrance. We are almost running as we make our way past the red carpet and reporters, and by the time our feet hit the pavement of the parking lot, we are full-on sprinting.

The limousine is parked across the street, and we race to it, laughing all the way. Once inside, Ryder doesn't hesitate as he begins to devour me with kisses. I lean my head back, allowing him access to my neck and shoulders. A moan escapes my lips as Ryder pushes a button to allow the partition to block us from the driver. Now, with no audience, we can continue our journey of ecstasy.

"I need to taste your sweetness," Ryder almost growls, that predatory gaze stealing my heart.

All I can do is nod as he slowly lifts my dress as his hands begin lightly feathering up my legs. I watch as his eyes never leave mine, and he continues moving until he has reached my sensitive bud. His eyes go wide when he feels the heat radiating from me. My need is so strong, I have been ready for him since we arrived at the bar.

"You are ready for me," he moans, slipping his fingers under the silky fabric of black my panties.

"I am always ready for you," I claim, biting my lip with anticipation.

I feel him begin to move my panties down my legs, a smooth move as his eyes never waver from mine. He begins to trail light kisses up my right leg, then alternating over to my leg. I can't think as my head swims with desire. He is taunting me, making my body beg for what I truly want right now. I feel like I am going to combust if he doesn't hurry up with this teasing game.

"Ryder," I breathe, my voice heavy. I am not too proud right now to beg him for what I want. For what I need and crave.

"Tell me what you want," Ryder demands, his lips so close to my clit, I can feel his warm breaths tickling my sensitive area.

"You, Ryder. I want you," I almost scream.

A wicked smile spreads across his face before he moves in and places his lips on my clit. He begins to lick and suck, an arousing combination that has me digging my hands through his hair, pushing his head closer to me.

His hands begin to rub my thighs, spreading me further open as he nibbles on me. I cry out his name, my body giving in to Ryder. He owns me now—all of me.

His tongue darts in and out of me as he takes two fingers and slides them inside of me. The climax building is insurmountable, and I feel like I am about to die and go to heaven. Screaming out his name again, I fall back on the seat as I combust all around him.

Pulling his face back up to me, Ryder grins as I struggle to regain my breathing. That was beyond magical, and I swear, I saw fireworks and angels dancing all around me.

"Fuck, Scar. You have never looked more beautiful," he says, moving up next to me.

He takes the handkerchief from his pocket and wipes me off his face before leaning in and placing a soft kiss to my lips.

We lean back into one another, both of us exhausted from the high Ryder just took us on. My walls are long gone, and my vulnerability is wavering. I have given this man all of me, and there is still one thing left he wishes to possess.

"Ryder," I say, causing him to look at me.

His fingers are trailing down my arms as he holds me close to him.

"Yeah," he says, his voice low and tired.

"You know how I told you that I needed time. That I had all of these rules, I had created to save myself from heartbreak?" I ask him.

Ryder leans over and looks at me with fear in his eyes. I can feel him tense under me, and I know that I need to get to the point quickly.

"You are the only exception, Ryder. I wasn't willing to take a risk with anyone ever again until you came along. Now, I can't seem to find reasons to walk away. I try to fight my own heart, but it desires to be with you. I'm tired of running, of trying to create reasons not to allow me to be with you. To love you," I say.

A sense of knowing crosses his features, and I know he understands what I am trying to say. Placing his hands around my face, he holds my head, forcing me to look at him.

"Scar, I have been waiting to hear those words from you since the day I met you—no more running. You are mine now. This, what is happening between us, is forever," he states, before crashing his lips against mine.

And, at that moment, forever with Ryder Raven was all I wanted.