Promise Me Darkness by Paige Weaver Read Free Book Online

danger?
    "I don’t think I need your opinion on who I date.”
    “Oh, I’m sorry! I forgot, you can give your opinion on the girls I date, but I can’t do the same?”
    “You don’t date girls, Ryder, you sleep with them. There’s a difference,” I said, irritated. I really didn’t want to have this conversation. Sitting down on the edge of the bed, I pulled on my running shoes. Glancing up, I caught Ryder rubbing a hand over his face in frustration.
    “I don’t want to fight, Maddie. I just don’t want you hurt by some jackass.”
    I finished tying my shoes and stood up. “I won’t let anyone hurt me, Ryder. You know I’m tougher than I look.”
    “I just hope you can handle that jerk.”
    “If I can handle you, Ben will be a breeze.”
    Before the last word was out of my mouth, Ryder closed the distance between us and grabbed my long ponytail in one hand. Pulling me gently by the hair, he tugged me closer.
    “I would rather you handle me. I won’t hurt you,” he rasped, looking deep into my eyes. His hand moved from my long hair to the back of my head.
    “Stop it, Ryder,” I whispered, breathlessly.
    “Stop what, Maddie?” His voice was so husky it made my heart skip a beat.
    I ignored the humming in my body and rolled my eyes at his question. He knew what he was doing. He knew all the moves, all the right things to say and do. He probably used them on every girl he met. And I wasn’t going to be another sucker for a hot body and smooth words.
    “I’m going for a run,” I mumbled, leaving him standing in my bedroom. I needed to put some distance between us. If I didn’t, I might say screw it and do something rash, like kiss my best friend.

    ~~~~

    I ran. As my legs covered the miles, the fresh air cleared my mind. By the time I returned to the apartment, I decided the whole thing was silly. Ryder and I were friends. That was all. A little attraction and some innocent flirting wasn’t going to change that.
    By the time I returned to the apartment, everyone was gone. Eva was at work and Ryder was nowhere to be found. I should have been relieved to have a few hours alone but instead I found myself wondering where Ryder was and when he would be back.
    While I was running, Ben texted me numerous times, apologizing and begging to have lunch with me. I wasn’t ready to face him yet but knew we needed to talk. So I agreed to meet at a little sushi place by campus.
    He was, as always, a perfect gentleman. He apologized profusely for fighting with Ryder and believed me when I said we were only friends. When he asked about Ryder sleeping in my bed, I assured him that nothing happened. I was able to convince him that there was nothing between Ryder and me. Now, if I could only convince myself of that maybe things would return to normal.
    I was enjoying my California roll and trying to act normal around Ben when my phone beeped. My heart raced when I saw who the text message was from — Ryder.
    Where r u?
    I started typing, peeking up at Ben once.
    Me: w/Ben
    Ryder: Asshole. Ur not alone w/him r u?
    Me: No
    Ryder: Good. U deserve better.
    Hmmm. Should I? I started typing again.
    Have someone in mind?
    Staring at my phone, I waited. There was no response. What had I been thinking? I wanted to kick myself for sending that text. Then my phone beeped.
    Me
    I was still staring at the text when Ben reached out to take my hand. Forcing a weak smile, I slipped the phone back into my purse.
    “You okay? You’re shaking,” Ben said, covering my hand with his.
    “I’m fine.”
    “So about the frat party? Will you be there tonight?”
    “Sure,” I answered. I smiled at Ben again but my mind was on the text.
    Me. One simple word that had my heart racing and my stomach doing flips.

    ~~~~

    After lunch, I returned home and found Ryder on the couch watching television. Empty beer bottles were scattered on the coffee table and he was working on another.
    “Why are you drinking this early?” I asked, taking a