Alecia gripped Ryder hand as they walked to his apartment door - his other hand held two movies. Somehow she had talked him into the romances instead of the action thriller. "I’ll get some blankets,” he said, letting go of her hand and reaching for the doorknob. Yes, they would need blankets, since she had agreed to come back here and cuddle with him. She rubbed her fingers together, feeling the sticky sweat that gathered despite the chilled air. They were starting to make a habit of being alone. That could be bad or good, but so far Ryder hadn’t asked for more than holding and kissing her. Ryder opened the door and ushered her in, but she stopped in her track, her body tensing. A tall, slender woman with brown hair that fell to the middle of her back sat on the couch in a blue dress shirt that she recognized as Ryder's. "Hey, Ryder.” The girl bit down on one of the cuffs of the shirt. Alecia eyes opened wide, focusing on the smirk on Ryder's face. "That’s my shirt,” he said as he walked to the girl, and held out his arms. She jumped off the couch and into his arms before he spun her around in a half-circle. As they embraced, the girl looked over her shoulder at Alecia. They had the same silver gray eyes. Ryder pulled her from him. “Here to torment Lucas?” Alecia let go of her breath. This must be Ryder's sister. The girl laughed and turned her gaze back to Alecia. “No, I wanted to meet Alecia. Is this her?” Alecia blinked. He must have been talking about her to his family if his sister had made a surprise visit to meet her. “Really,” he said, turning towards her. “Alecia, this is Chloe.” “Yeah, I figured,” Alecia said. Ryder's sister crossed her arms over her chest and tipped her head to the side, a strand of hair fell over her shoulder. “She looks so innocent, but beautiful.” Ryder chuckled. “I know, it was one of the first things I noticed about her.” Chloe laughed and then sat on the couch - the shirt barely hid the full curves of her body. “Taylor's here by the way.” Ryder's smile disappeared. “Where is she?” "Asleep on your bed. We had a long day.” Chloe brought the cuff back to her lips and bit on it. Ryder left the living room, and went to his bedroom. Alecia took a deep breath and let it out in a slow stream. What was he doing in there with his ex and why was she on his bed? He hadn’t said one thing about that but just marched off to his room. She squeezed her hands together. This was strange. The air of the room seemed to be filled with a tenseness. A couple seconds later, Ryder emerged with Taylor by his side. Alecia mouth dropped open. Before her stood, Ryder's first love, a werewolf, probably a beta or so, and she was beautiful. Not just beautiful, she had an exotic look to her. She was a tall girl, almost as tall as him, with golden - red hair that, unlike most redhair was bone straight, and long, falling over her shoulder. She had tanned skin, and bright penetrating green eyes that were the dominant feature of her face. She wore a pair of boxers and a Yankee t-shirt that was Ryder's. The girl’s gaze rested on her as if she was studying her. Probably sizing up her competition. There was no way she could compete with a girl who looked like she could walk off a runway. Taylor glanced at Ryder and gave him a sensuous smile before she walked up to Alecia. The girl placed two hands on Aleciy hips. Alecia jumped, taking a step back. “Ryder, you must share her with me.” "She’s not into girls,” he said. A smile crossed Taylor's face, revealing a perfect row of white teeth. The scent of rose perfume filled the space between them. Ryder walked up to Alecia and wrapped his arms around her waist, placing his chin on her head. He had come to her, but she felt no peace. Taylor must be here for a reason. The girl laughed and turned around, walking over to Chloe, Taylor sat next to her and leaned back against her so that she lay in between her legs. Alecia swallowed hard. Taylor had such familiarity with Chloe's body. But wasn’t Chloe engaged to Lucas? Taylor's fingers trailed up Chloe's legs. “Maybe I can teach her things.” Ryder laughed. Alecia wrapped her arms around her waist and sniffled as tears built in her eyes. He thought that was funny. He should know how she would feel about such comments. Ryder bit down on the side of his bottom lip, a slight blush on his cheeks. He was still attracted to her and had said Taylor had a girlfriend, but maybe he liked that. She pulled herself from Ryder. “I’m going to get a drink.” She walked to the kitchen, and as she grabbed a Coke from the fridge, she saw Ryder lean over Taylor and whisper something into her ear. Taylor laughed and pushed him away. They were too comfortable with each other to be exes. She must be here to get him back, and based on Ryder's reaction it wouldn’t be too hard for her. Maybe if she…. No, she wouldn’t go there, she pushed the thought away. Alecia returned with a Coke and sat in a chair. "Whatever, Ryder,” Taylor said, breaking out in a deep laugh. "I’m telling you the truth. Lucas is a fool.” They were lost in their own world, not even realizing she was there. She rolled her eyes and looked at the clock. It was 11 p.m.. Alecia tapped the top of her Coke bottle. So much for introducing him to Persuasion. "So, Alecia, how is Ryder treating you?” Taylor asked, her emerald eyes locking on Alecia. "Hmm.” She looked back at the clock. She needed to leave. Standing, she grabbed her things and stared at Ryder. He turned to her and smiled, although his eyes wavered. “I guess Alecia wants to get back to her dorm.” He stood, grabbing his keys and coat. “Bye, Alecia,” the girls said in unison. Alecia rushed out the door with Ryder at her heels. Those two girls could shove it for all she cared. In the car, Ryder said, “what’s up?” She crossed her arms and leaned as far back into the seat as she could. “Just take me to my dorm.” He shook his head. “All right.” The street passed by in a blur. Alecia leaned her cheek against the chilled window that was probably as cold as she felt. Taylor was staying with him tonight despite the fact the girl could afford a hotel. It would be real easy for her to slip into his bed and back into his life. Unless.… Alecia bit on her fingernails. Maybe Ryder would be tempted to ditch his sister and spend the night with her. She would let him into her bed, and fill his arms, keeping them from feeling the void of Taylor. At her dorm, she hurried out of the car and waited for Ryder. He smiled, taking her hand. "I love you,” he said, reaching down to kiss her cheek. Alecia grabbed the collar of his shirt, and kept his face lowered. “Stay with me tonight.” “Where did that come from?” He laughed, biting down on his lip. "I just want you here with me. You can even stay in my bed, with me in your arms.” "Really.” He raised his eyebrows. “You think we’ll be able to just sleep.” He took a step back. “Don’t answer that. Alecia, my sister is here.” Tears swelled in Alecia's eyes. She wrapped her arms around his waist and laid her head on his chest. He would rather be with his sister. Maybe she should let him have more. "Pretty thing, you don’t have anything to worry about,” he said. She squeezed him tighter. “Please, stay with me?” Ryder pulled himself from Alecia and took her hands. “You could stay with me.” Alecia let go of his hands, and turned from him. She didn’t want him around Taylor. “No,” she whispered as she went to unlock her door. Ryder grabbed her arm and spun her around, clenching her shoulders. “I’m not getting back with Taylor.” “You seem happy she’s here.” He yanked her towards him, making her crash against his chest. “Listen, there is something you need to understand. Us four, as in Taylor, Chloe, the president's daughter and I, grew up like brother and sisters. Taylor and I will always be close, but nothing else. She doesn’t even like men.” Alecia looked at the concrete sidewalk in front of her dorm room. “I saw the look on your face.” He let go of her shoulders and turned from her - a chill swept over her with the absence of his warmth. She walked to his side. A strong glare filled his eyes.“I’m sorry,” she said. Ryder placed his hands on his hips and looked at the ground, shaking his head. “I’ll stay with you.” He looked at Alecia. “You know, Alecia, I want you three to be friends, so you’re going have to get over this pettiness and learn to trust me.” She hung her head. How bad would it be to be around Tayloy? She could keep her eyes on them both. “Okay, I’ll stay with you. Although, I don’t know where I’m going to sleep.” He laughed. “I don’t know how much we’ll sleep.”