<b>Chapter </b><b>527 </b>


    SEVoucheres


    I stared at him, surprised. He was lying right next to me, and the room still had that post<b>–</b>sex vibe. I was <b>about </b>to get up and take a shower when Ryan’s strong arm wrapped around me from behind, pulling me back into bed and into his embrace. “Take me with you, okay?” he asked.


    I tapped my finger between his eyebrows. “New Year’s is a big deal, a fresh start. Don’t you want to have dinner with your family?”


    Ryan buried his face in my neck, his voice husky. “My mom said we’d have dinner together, but I don’t want to. I don’t want to hear her lecture me. I just want to be with you.”


    “No, you need to be with your family,” I insisted.


    “Being with you is when I feel most rxed, happiest, and honestly, most like myself,” Ryan gave me a puppy- eyed look. “You never even scold me, Vic. You’re so gentle. I really love that about you.”


    I froze for a second. It’s not that I’m overly gentle–it’s just that getting mad makes you age faster, and I’m just trying to fight off aging here.


    “Ryan, quit acting like a kid,” I said, trying to peel his arm off my waist.


    But he just squeezed me even tighter, like he wanted us to be one person.


    “Vic, your gentleness is nothing like anyone else’s. Sure, some people pretend to be sweet, but with real–like water, soothing and embracing everything around you,” Ryan breathed against my neck, his warm breath sending a shiver down my spine.


    you,


    it’s


    “Maybe I’m faking it too, just with better acting skills,” I teased.


    “I’m not dumb, you know. Actually, I’m smarter than most people–I see through a lot. So don’t even think about putting on a mask around me,” Ryan said, lifting his head. His eyes, once hazy, now clear and deep, reminded me of Edward’s–like the bottomless depths of ake, so dark and mysterious it sent a jolt through <ol><li>me. </li></ol>


    Ryan gave me a half–smile. “Vic, you probably don’t realize it, but I’m way more patient and forgiving with you than with anyone else.”


    I paused, realizing maybe I shouldn’t treat him like a kid just because he’s a few years younger than me.


    In a powerful family like the Jennings, any child who isn’t smart enough never makes it past childhood–they end up dying young in all sorts of ‘idents.


    Ryan blinked at me, giving me that puppy–eyed, harmless grin. “Why so nervous? Are you shaking?”


    I instantly got annoyed and struggled to break free. “You’re being ridiculous. Let go–I need to take a shower.”


    “Vic, I’m still not satisfied…” Ryan’s eyes were full of pleading. “Can we go one more round?”


    “No way, I’m totally wiped out,” I said, shaking my head.


    <b>10:48 </b>Fri, <b>Sep </b><b>5 </b>


    “I do!” Ryan flipped over with amanding presence, bracing his strong arms on either side of me as he gazed down. “What am I supposed to do? I just can’t ever get enough of you…”


    1 shoved at him. “Are you trying to wear me out or what?”


    Ryan lowered his head to my car, letting out a softugh. “This time, I’ll be gentle.”


    Unable to resist his relentless coaxing, I gave in once more, half protesting, half yielding. Ryan was like a tireless predator–young, wild, and insatiable.


    We spent a few days going back and forth about whether to bring Ryan to Hachester. In the end, it didn’t really matter–if we left him behind, he’d just keep clinging to us anyway.


    With New Year’sing up, I looked at Ryan seriously. “So, if you’re heading to Hachester, what reason are you going to give? Are you finally going to talk to your grandpa about us?”


    “I’m not ready for that conversation yet,” Ryan mumbled, dropping his head. “I’ll figure something out. Don’t worry, I won’t drag you into any mess<b>.</b><b>” </b>


    I nodded. “Alright, then handle it yourself. Text me when you get to Hachester.”


    “Can’t we go together?” Ryan asked softly.


    AD