CHAPTER 19. NO MORE HANKY-PANKY
RYDER
Alighting from my private jet, I was met with repeated camera flashes and was swamped up by a bunch of paparazzi and reporters. They held out their recorders and were throwing a bunch of questions my way.
It was raining. Not the thunderstorm kind of rain, but yeah, it was raining. And it's unbelievable that these humans would stand out here to suck the life out of me when they should be helping those already affected by the constant rain.
With my sunglasses on and an umbrella over my head, I was guarded to my car. The door opened and I slid in, shutting off their shouting and interrogation.
“Stupid humans,“ I grunted. How could they be so jobless?
“Welcome back, Sir,“ Tiffany spoke up. For a second there, I'd forgotten she was right beside me.
Tiffany was my human secretary. When it comes to matters that involve my partnership and business deals with humans, she takes a record of all that. She maps out my schedule and emails them to Jason. Tiffany was young blood, who had so much passion for her work.
“You know you're not stupid,“ I said, hating how judgemental her tone was. She giggled, lowering her head. I glanced her way and she was biting on her lower lips. That kind that gets a man hard and yearning to pounce into any available pussy.
I looked away, watching the wet roads. I couldn't believe it myself. Tiffany was a hot dish and most times, her pussy had soothed my throbbing dick. But right now, I wasn't a bit interested in taking her hard and fast, right here, in my car.
”Sir…“ She drawled. I could hear the hidden question in her voice. She wanted me. She wanted to get fucked. That's how it's always been between us. But right now, I'm the one acting strange.
“The meeting was successful. I got a nice deal with Glazier Corporation. I'll email you the details later so you can keep a track of it. With the flood threatening to bring about havoc, I'll be very taking care of my people,“
“Sir,“ she repeated and leaned in closer. She wasn't letting me off the hook easily. I watched her hand get lost in between my inner thighs. I waited for it, anticipated it, and It made me feel guilty. Made me feel like a cheater. But damn, Hara hasn't even accepted the mate-bond yet. Still, I couldn't bring myself to fuck Tiffany, not now, not ever.
“Sir,“ She called again, and her hand moved, grazed my fly. My dick went thumping hard against my fly, screaming to be freed. She smiled. Tiffany was no dumbass like Ciara. She knew just the right strings to pull to get any man hard-on.
I bit down my moan. If she hears it, she'll take it as a cue to tease my dick further.
She was staring right into my eyes. I know she sees the longing in the eyes. The thought of slamming her into the window and fucking her ass ran through my mind. Just this once, I pleaded with my heart. But it won't give in. I fucking couldn't get myself to touch any other woman, except Hara.
“Why the wait?“ She husked out, nipping at my earlobe. Then she came for my lips and took a soft kiss from me. “We'll be reaching the palace soon. Let's get started already,”
“Tiffany–“ This time I couldn't bite down the moan, as she squeezed my dick through my fly. Fuck! She asked for it.
With no more hesitation, I carried her off her seat and settled her on my lap. My hands roamed to all parts of her body at once and she was giggling in return. I released her boobs from her bra and took hard bites from her rosy nipples. She moaned in pleasure, throwing her head backward to give me more assess. She rocked her hips around my groins, and I swear, that made me lose my shit.
I fuddled to adjust her skirt so I could get right down to fucking her. There was no time for foreplay. She helped roll up her skirt to her waist and her fast fingers were already unzipping my fly.
“Fuck, no, Tiffany.“ I forced her down my things, settling her back on the seat. “Let's not do this,“
“What?“ she asked unbelievably. She was horny as fuck. My rejection had her turning crimson from embarrassment and a thread of anger. It was a brutal thing to do to someone who wanted to fuck so badly. But I have no choice. As much as I want to fuck her, I can't bring myself to do so.
“I'd like to have a professional relationship with you. Starting now. No more hanky-panky. We're done with that shit,“
“Why? Did I do something wrong?“ She asked helplessly.
“No, Tiffany. You've been amazing. I just can't do this anymore,“
“Did your fiancee find out about us?“ She asked in a low tone, looking out the window.
“She can rot in hell for all I care.“ I scoffed. I could literally fuck Tiffany in front of Ciara, just to have the pleasure of watching Ciara go crazy.
“So what's the problem? If it isn't your fiancee, then what? You suddenly don't want to fuck my pussy anymore?“
“No, not that either. Believe me, I want to. It's just–” Fuck! This feels like a break-up scene. I've never had to explain this much to any lady. But Tiffany was somewhat different. She was in charge of all my shit. Her business skills were outstanding. She got my respect. I would never thrash her aside like she's some bitch.
I had to go gentle on her, or else she might flare up.
But how could I explain to her that my strong attraction to Hara keeps me from doing a lot of things? I can't get Hara out of my head. And it's crazy that I feel committed to her. I can't go fucking pussies anymore. I'll die from the guilt.
”Are you seeing someone else?“
“What?“ my head turned in her direction. ”Tiffany, c'mon. You're being immature right now.“
“Am I?“
“Yes, you are. This isn't some kind of commitment. We had fun. No strings attached. I don't owe you an explanation and you know that.“
“Okay, Sir.“ She said. But her eyes were teary. She arranged her clothes and was back to being 'professional'.
The ride was silent and neither of us stared at each other. We both had our eyes out the windows.
But then she spoke up, ”You have a meeting tomorrow with Kingdom corporation. And also a photoshoot for the new, modeling company you signed up with,“
“Cancel them. The comfort of my people is my priority right now and I can't afford to be distracted. Tell the modeling company I'll send in a substitute.“
“Sure,“ She began typing into her laptop. She looked so composed. Like nothing had happened earlier. One of the million reasons I'd rather be with her than Ciara. She knew how to control her shit, unlike Ciara who throws hers all over the place.
In a few minutes, we were driving into the walls of the palace. I spotted the warlords standing at the main entrance.
They came rushing to my car at the sight of it. The car door was opened by Darius.
“Welcome home, Ryder,“ He gave me a soft tap on my shoulder.
“Thanks, man.“ We were already heading inside, with the other warlords. “How's it been?“
“Tough. The rain won't stop. The flood has started infiltrating the smaller packs. It's chaotic out there, Ryder,”
We arrived at one of our private halls and got seated at the round table.
“Rackline,“ I stated flatly. “Has the flood gotten to it?“
“Rackline?” Giveon repeated. “You mean the home of the psychos?“
“Not everyone staying there are psychos, and yeah, Rackline. Has it been flooded?“
“Nope, not yet. Why the sudden interest in Rackline? For all I know, you despise that area.“ Darius pinpointed.
I wasn't interested in 'Rackline'. I was interested in my mate, Hara. Rackline was the name of the hellish neighborhood she squats at. I was worried about her and her unborn child.
“Rackline is still a part of my pack. I don't see what's strange about showing concerns for them,“
“Hmmm. Okay.“ Darius nodded. “We need to act fast. These packs can't hold up much longer. They'll get destroyed,“
”Have them evacuate their packs. Inform the Alphas of the packs that are yet to be infiltrated. They'll be taking in the refugees. This is a hard time for all of us. We got to be our brothers' keeper,”
“Sure,“
“Also, inform your men. We take out supplies to these packs tomorrow. If they'll be taking in the refugees, they'll need food, money, and clothing. We'll be sending them all that tomorrow,”
“Of course. But we do know this is just temporary, right? If the rain persists, all the packs would be flooded. What happens then?“
“We take them in,“ I said.
“All of them?“ Fredrick asked further.
“All of them.“ I nodded firmly. “Why?“
“We can't take in all of them.“ Giveon chuckled dryly. “It'll ruin us,“
“So would you rather leave them out there?“
“No, but–“
“But nothing, Giveon. These packs swore allegiance to us. We have to keep them safe. I hope the rain stops sooner. But if it doesn't, we'll take them in. All of them.“ I stated matter-of-factly.
“That's going to be one hell of a drastic move.“ Fredrick muttered.
“Tell me about it,“ Giveon chirped in.
“That's enough!“ I silenced their murmurings. “This meeting is over. You may leave,“
They grudgingly stood to their feet and left the hall. It was just Darius and me in the hall now.
“Don't get them wrong, Ryder. They care for those packs too. But the idea of providing refuge for all of them is a bit scary, I must admit,“ Darius said.
My fingers were intertwined as I looked at him. “Have you got a better option?“
“No.“
“Then let it go,” I demanded. He nodded.
“I don't see Jason around.“ Darius said casually, making a dramatic head search for Jason.
“He's on a special assignment.“
”Oh, okay. Does it have to do with the pack?”
“It has to do with me.“ I flashed a fake smirk, trying to flag off his interrogation.
“What's it about?“
“Dammit! Will you stop? I'm tired of the questions.“ I snapped.
“What's wrong with wanting to know what your beta is up to?“
“You're being nosey. You know what? I got a special assignment for you too.“
“What's that?“
“A photoshoot. For a modeling company. I can't make it but I promised to send in a substitute. Who better than you?“
“What? Hell no. I can't – I don't know the slightest thing about being a model,“
We were interrupted by a burst of familiar laughter. “C'mon Darius, don't be such a sissy.“ Jason was striding into the hall.
My heart raced expectantly at the sight of him. He had news about Hara. That was his special assignment –Hara, my mate.