Chapter 53
1260words
She slipped onto the bar stool, placing her purse over the counter. Aurora took the time to look around, her eyes caught the boxing ring first and a smile crawled up her lips when she remembered the last time she was here.
"Hey, pretty," A voice piped and she shifted to face the newcomer. The brunette bartender that was here the last time greeted chirpily, she was holding what appeared to be a box of drinks.
Aurora smiled, "Oh, hi, uhhh-" She scratched her head, trying to remember what her name was.
The brunette placed the box down, a rustling noise following her action, "Sandy," She offered, placing two beer bottles atop the counter, "And you're Ryan's girlfriend, right?"
She didn't know why but a warm sensation crept to her cheeks and she tried to fight back the blush, "Uh-no, we're not-I mean he's not-" She sputtered helplessly and Sandy chuckled,
"Alright, hun. Whatever you say," She brought out an opener and proceeded to uncork both bottles, "The freezer is bad so you'll have to make do with this one."
Aurora frowned, opening her mouth to tell her that she hadn't ordered a drink but Sandy had already disappeared through the back door. She stood, leaning over the counter,
"Sandy!" She called, gripping the edge of the countertop, "I don't drink-"
A sharp yelp escaped her when she felt a hand lightly tap her shoulder. Aurora turned instantly, eyes widening when they fell on dark-colored orbs,
"Ryan? When did you get here?" She queried, settling back on the bar stool.
He smiled, taking the empty stool beside her, "I've been here for a while, oh-Sandy already brought them out," He took one bottle and gulped it, his throat bobbing back and forth.
A satisfied exhale left his lips and he placed the bottle back on the counter. Aurora's nose scrunched instinctively,
"You want some?" He pushed the other bottle towards her and she shook her head.
"No," She muttered, shifting on the chair, "I'm fine, I drove here so I have to remain sober."
He grinned, "It's just a sip," She gave him a look and he raised his hands in surrender, "I'm joking, so anyways," He stretched his hand, offering his phone, "He got another packet, same drug."
Her fingers wrapped around the device and she peered into the screen. Evan was exiting the same pharmacy, a gift bag in his hand. The photo didn't seem odd but now that she knew what he was purchasing, her hackles were raised.
"Have you found out why he's getting those drugs?"
She shook her head, a disappointed feeling wrapping around her chest, "Asides those photos, he hasn't done anything suspicious lately. And that's what scares me, I feel like he's planning something big."
Ryan made a tutting sound and reached for his beer bottle when he caught her narrowed eyes. His hand dropped and he cleared his throat,
"Oh, no, don't stop on my account." She drawled in a sarcastic tone.
Ryan made a waving motion with a hand, "About those photos, I don't think you had them permanently deleted."
"What?"
He sighed, shifting to face her properly, "If it was stored on his laptop then it's possible that the entire content is still backed up by cloud."
She silently processed what he'd said and when it hit her, her eyes went wide and she gasped in stupefaction.
"Oh fuck!"
He smiled grimly, nodding in response, "So it's highly possible the photos are still safe with him."
She cursed under her breath, running her fingers through her hair. To be honest, she hadn't even thought of that and probably Evan too because he went all berserk on her the day he got back.
But come to think of it, he was extremely cocky last night so that must mean that Ryan was right and the evil jerk had restored all the photos once again.
"I just think," Ryan began and her attention fell on him, "I know it's crazy but I just think we should wait for him to make a move. He's a meticulous guy and we'll never figure out what he's up to by simply monitoring him-"
"No," She interrupted sharply, "The last time he made a move, I got stabbed. What do you think he's going to do this time?" She hissed aggravated, her legs bouncing up and down, "We have to find out what he's planning, no matter what."
Ryan didn't make another comment and she blew out a breath.
"Look, I know you mean well but," She broke off with another anxious sigh, "I can't sit still doing nothing when I know he's up to no good."
Ryan bobbed his head, "If that's the case, this drug he keeps buying might be the first clue we've got."
Aurora smiled, grateful that he understood her concern. She instinctively placed her hand on his and squeezed gently, conveying what she couldn't say with her mouth using her eyes. The corner of his lips tugged upwards and he blinked in a way that said that it was fine.
"Ill snoop around," She said with a shrug, "See what I can find."
"Alright, but be careful," He had a concerned glimmer in his eyes and it caused her chest to flood with warmth.
Aurora smiled warmly, "I will," Her phone buzzed loudly and she retraced her palm, reaching into her purse to bring out the device, "It's my mom, I have to get going or else she'll get suspicious."
"What excuse did you give her this time?" He asked with a teasing tone and she chuckled even as she rose to her feet.
"The spa."
"Wait," He called out, grabbing her wrist and preventing her from walking away, "I got us tickets, to the theater. I don't know if you'll be available tonight but," He broke off and her eyes widened when she spotted a blush rising on his cheeks.
Was Ryan Thorne blushing because of her?
Now she felt like a terrible person for what she was about to do next. She watched as he reached for his back pocket, pulling out the tickets and stretching it to her.
"Oh, Ryan," She began softly, offering him an apologetic look, "I'm sorry but there's a family gathering tonight and I can't miss it."
"Oh."
"I'm truly sorry-"
"No, no, it's fine," He stammered, chucking the tickets back into his pockets causing Aurora to grimace, "It's fine, we'll just do it next time."
She still didn't like the downcast expression on his face, "Ryan-"
He cupped her cheeks, spearing her with those obsidian orbs and she fell silent, "I mean it, it's fine. There's always a next time."
Ryan pressed his lips against hers and her eyes fluttered shut. The kiss lasted for about a minute but it still left her panting and breathless.
"Have fun at dinner," He winked and she choked out a laugh.
The sinking feeling she felt was slowly disappearing and Aurora agreed internally. He was right, there was always a next time and they would have the opportunity to see as many movies as they'd like.
If only she had known how things would turn out that night then maybe she would have skipped the dinner and just spend the night with him instead.
