Chapter 8

I knock on his door lightly. Ryder yells again, and this time I can hear him louder.

"Ryder, open the door! It's Samantha!! Ryder!" I start banging on the door. "Ryder, please, open the door!"

I suddenly hear something fall. Then footsteps coming towards the door. I take a step back, not knowing who will open the door. Maybe this isn't the smartest thing to do.

I'm about to walk away when Ryder yanks the door open. Tears are in his eyes, and they're red. I've never seen a man distraught like this.

"I'm sorry if I woke you up," he says as he wipes the tears from his eyes. He tries to compose himself, but he can't.

"No, forget about me! What's wrong? Are you okay?" I reach out and put my hand on his chest. His rapid breathing starts to calm itself. I remove my hand quickly when I realize he has no shirt on. The only garment he has on are black sweatpants.

Ryder suddenly turns around and walks deeper into his room. I'm left standing there. I cautiously peek inside. Should I walk in?

Definitely!

It's dark. The windows give illumination from the outside, thanks to the moon. I can see Ryder sitting on his bed on the other side of the room.

I touch the wall, trying to find a switch when I see a lamp. I struggle to turn it on, and when I do, my mouth drops.

The lamp doesn't give off much light, but it's enough to see where I just stepped into.

Ryder's bedroom is more significant than the first floor of my house. Everything is taupe and gray, from what I can gather. Of course, the floor is black marble. He has a living room, bedroom, and office. The double doors to the office are left wide open.

I don't see the closet or bathroom, but I can only imagine how big they are.

I turn, looking for Ryder. He's still sitting on his bed, pouring himself some water. I exhale as I slowly make my way toward him. "Does this happen every night?" I ask, walking up and sitting next to him on the bed.

"Why do you care?" He asks angrily, taking a sip of water.

Ouch!

"I can't imagine your line of work and having a peaceful night's rest." I rub my arm as I look around nervously and sit beside him on the bed.

Ryder scoffs. "Yeah, well, it comes with the job." He pours himself some more water and stands up.

Did he really just say that? Who in their right mind thinks killing and being unable to rest is fine?

"How can you think that way? It's called a choice! You don't have to go around killing people!"

"You think I like doing this?! I was born and bred into it. This world isn't cupcakes and rainbows, Samantha! We all don't get to work the hours we want and surround ourselves with daisies and lilies!"

Is that a dig at me? I instantly get furious!

Ryder starts to pace back and forth, putting his hand on his hip.

I stand up. "You don't think I know that?! If that were the case, I'd be asleep in my bed now! I wouldn't be talking to a psychopath hell-bent on making me miserable and eventually killing me!"

Ryder stops and looks at me. He takes a giant step forward, standing right in front of me. Our faces are inches apart.

"Life isn't fair! I'm the poster child for unfairness! I wish every goddamn day that my parents weren't assassins! That they weren't killed in front of me-"

He stops and looks away from me. It's kind of dark, but I swear I just saw a hint of pain in his eyes.

"I'm sorry. I didn't-" I take a step forward and immediately stop.

He looks at me and points the finger at me. Anger spread throughout his face. "Don't you fucking do that, Sam! Don't feel sorry for me!"

Now I am hurt. "Why wouldn't I? You don't deserve to be in this mess! We both don't!"

Ryder gets in my face again. "Do not think I don't know why you are telling me this! You just don't want me to kill you!"

"This isn't about me! Stop it!" I yell.

He finishes his water and heads straight into his office, slamming the double doors.

What the hell just happened?

This guy is beyond fucked up. I had never met anyone like him.

His emotional baggage is evident. My first priority is getting away from him, but now I want him to open up to me. What is wrong with me?! Did I really want to die here?

I walk to his office door and knock.

"Go away, Samantha!" Ryder yells at me.

"I'm not going anywhere, Ryder! Even if I have to sleep on the floor. I'll probably never be able to walk again, but I'm not leaving!"

I exhale deeply as I sit on the cold, hard marble floor. My back is against the door, and I cross my legs. This is going to be uncomfortable, but Ryder needs someone.

Anyone.

He needs me.

After what seems like forever, I can't take my ass hurting and my legs falling asleep anymore. I turn and knock on Ryder's door.

No response.

I sigh.

I will just wait for him on his bed. He will not mind if I rest for a minute, right? Only until he comes out.

I get up and walk to his bed.

I didn't realize I had fallen asleep. I turn and look at the alarm clock.

It's 3 am.

It had been an hour and a half since I got up from the floor.

Is he still in his office? I shake my head and stretch. I still can't believe a grown man could throw a tantrum like that.

I turn over and kick something hard with my leg. I look and notice someone is in bed with me.

Ryder is fast asleep and snoring lightly. His back is toward me.

I am so scared to move. Should I stay? Leave? Should I take a pillow and smother him with it?

Slowly removing the comforter, I get out of bed. I turn and walk away when a hand grabs my shoulder.

I jump and turn. It's Ryder!

How did he get out of bed that quickly?! I didn't even hear him!

"Could you stay?" Ryder swallows hard. I can tell he isn't comfortable begging. He looks towards the floor nervously. "If you want, I'll take you for some fresh air in the afternoon. Just lay back down, please."

Ryder had me with take you out.

God only knows I need away from this place. Maybe I will even hatch a plan to escape.

I slowly nod and follow him back into bed.

This is insane! Laying with the enemy.

Mom, if you could see me now!

I get back underneath the covers and try to relax. It's not that hard, either. Ryder's bed is very comfortable.

My back is facing him. Ryder starts moving slowly towards me until I feel his backside pressed against mine.

Is this normal behavior? I'm terrified to breathe. What if he starts screaming in his sleep again? Do I wake him up again?

Isn't this man hired to kill me?

And now I am supposed to soothe him? Maybe I should leave.

I decide against it and close my eyes. Anything to postpone or even stop my death, I guess.

"Goodnight, Ryder," I say, yawning and closing my eyes.

"Night."