Chapter 5

Minutes passed, and the road opened onto a breathtaking view. There were rolling hills to the horizon, golden in the sun, and a rocky prominence perched over a valley below. The sky was draped in soft oranges and pinks, the setting sun casting long shadows across the landscape. A gentle breeze rustled the leaves of a nearby tree, and the earthy scent of damp soil and distant water traveled on the wind.

It was stunning. Annoyingly stunning.

Ryder parked near the edge, turned off the engine, and stepped out like this was normal, like this wasn't the most beautiful place I'd ever seen.

I stayed put, arms crossed, trying not to be excited by the view in front of me.

He leaned down to my window, knocking lightly. "Come on, Zara."

I eyed him warily. "Why?"

"You'll like it."

I already did, which was exactly the problem.

Still, I begrudgingly released my seatbelt and got out, feeling the soft crunch of gravel beneath my feet as I walked in to take a closer look. The air was different here. It was lighter, cooler, with the faint, far off rush of running water far below.

Ryder approached the edge of the cliff with the assurance of a hundred trips. He moved like he'd claimed it as his own personal haven.

And then, without waiting, he dropped down onto the rock, his legs dangling out over the edge.

He smacked the area next to him. "Sit."

I crossed my arms, staying out of his reach. "No."

He sighed. "I didn't bring you here to throw you off a cliff, if that's what you're worried about."

"That's exactly what a murderer would say."

Ryder snorted. "Just sit down, Zara."

I hesitated.

But… the view truly was breathtaking. The manner in which the final light of day spread across the sky was captivating. It was as if the world had stopped, just for this instant.

I sighed resignedly and sat beside him, making a point to leave a good six inches of space between us. The rock I sat on was cool, the uneven surface gritty beneath my palms as I balanced.

He chuckled, low and amused. "You look like you'd rather be anywhere else."

I turned back out to the view again, struck by how peaceful it was. The wind pulled at loose strands of my hair, the cool air brushing over my skin. For the first time in a long while, I felt something like peace.

I sighed, the argument draining from my tone. "It's… nice."

"See? I have good taste."

I side eyed him. "Which is surprising, considering you're such a terrible person."

He laughed, the sound rich and unbothered. "I'll take that as a compliment."

I rolled my eyes but didn't argue.

The silence stretched, comfortable for a moment, until Ryder finally spoke again.

"I brought you here because we need to talk."

I stiffened. "About what?"

He turned to me, gaze steady. "Us."

I groaned. "There is no us."

"There has to be." He leaned back on his hands, his expression unreadable, the fading sunlight casting sharp shadows across his face. "If we don't make this believable, people will start asking questions. And that means we need to put in some effort."

I frowned, suspicion creeping in. "Effort?"

He nodded, his gaze steady. "Public displays of affection? Come on Zara, I know you get what I'm saying."

I choked. "What?"

"Hand holding. Sitting close. Looking at me like you don't want to murder me in my sleep."

"But I do want to murder you in your sleep."

He smirked, tilting his head. "That's the problem."

I clenched my fists, every muscle in my body screaming at me to push back. "You cannot be serious."

He shrugged, completely unfazed. "You agreed to this. If we don't act like a couple, people are going to wonder why Zara suddenly decided to date me. And if they don't believe the story, there's no money for you."

I wanted to argue, wanted to fight. But I knew he was right.

I exhaled sharply, every word tasting like regret. "Fine."

His lips twitched like he was enjoying this far too much. "Say it like you mean it, sweetheart."

I shot him a glare, my fingers itching to shove him off the cliff. "I will throw you off this cliff."

Ryder grinned, victorious. "That's the spirit."

...…..

The drive back was tense, the air heavy with unspoken feelings. I kept my eyes on the road ahead, arms crossed, not wanting to concede the smug satisfaction coming from Ryder.

Leather and a whiff of cologne filled the air, mixed with the night air blowing through the open window.

When we pulled up in front of my place, he got out, walked over to my door, and opened it for me.

I gave him the stare-down.

He raised an eyebrow. "What? You expect me to allow my girlfriend to open her own door?"

I glared at him. "You open my door twice a day? This is a trap."

He smirked but didn't say anything. With some reluctance, I got out.

And then it happened. His hand brushed mine, again.

A soft tingle wrapped around my skin, seeping deep into my belly like an unwelcome heat.

I jerked back as if scorched, scowling up at him, praying he hadn't seen how difficult it was to breathe.

Of course he did.

Ryder's grin was arrogant, condescending, completely infuriating. "Bye, Zara.".

His voice enveloped my name in a secret, and I hated the way it lingered.

Without another word, I turned on my heel and stalked toward my house, each step sharper than the last. The night air was cool against my skin, but it did nothing to soothe the erratic pulse hammering beneath it.

It was nothing. Just a hand. A stupid, insignificant brush of skin.

And yet…

Long after I was inside, long after I had shut the door and leaned against it, I could still feel it.