Chapter 25: Chapter 25

There was Ryan by the doors and behind him was a pissed off looking Daimen. The bad boy pushed past my ex, who looked at him with a shocked fearful gaze, and looked around the cafeteria until his eyes found me whereupon he smiled.

I swallowed as he made a beeline straight for me. He stopped at my table and leaned over me his hands pressed against the table and his knuckles were white from the pressure. His amber eyes were a darkening pool.

"I have to talk to you." Daren smirked softly and grabbed my arm. It was a rough grab and I could see anger past his smile. His body was tensed and his jaw ticking as he clenched it.

Why do I have to like him of all people? I thought my heart lurching.

I shook my head and got up from the table. Without saying anything I slipped from his hold and walked away. I didn't want any part of this. I just wanted to disappear.

"River." I didn't even bother looking at him as I heard his voice.

"River." His voice got louder as I began to leave the café. I couldn't stand the thought of being close to him.

I ignored the whispers and wondering gazes of students as I left the cafeteria in a fast walk. He was following, I was certain after I heard the café doors open once more after they'd shut from my departure.

"River!" Daimen whisper yelled and I felt his hand grab my arm.

In moments I was pressed against the lockers and Daimen's blazing eyes locked with mine. He studied me and his jaw ticked.

"Why've you been ignoring me?" He grunted and I looked away from him.

"Please Daimen... I can't--" I started.

"Shut up--you're not going to leave me here looking like a fool." He growled and I looked at him with a soft scowl.

"What are you--" my words were muffled as his lips crashed against mine. My eyes squeezed shut and I gripped the fabric of his shirt in unbelieving hands.

Just kidding, he only hugged me. Still I inwardly freaked. My eyes widened and I froze up.

"Daimen." I gasped in bewilderment.

The boy ignored me entirely and pulled my body flush against his. I sucked in a breath before he squeezed me tighter and I couldn't comprehend what was happening.

"I need a hug dammit." He huffed and I slowly reached up and hugged him back.

"Stop ignoring me... you're the only one I have left... except Rocky." Daimen whispered and a chill ran down my spine.

"You've got Rick." I sighed.

"He's at his home. I need you. You're my best friend." Daimen said laying his chin on my head.

"Be mad at me all you want, but don't ignore me." He huffed holding me tighter. He lifted my hand and glanced at the ring, a smile coming to his lips before he kissed my hand gently. My stomach knotted up and I closed my eyes briefly.

"Fine. I won't ignore you." I gritted out as Daimen let my hand go. He chuckled softly and laid his head against my shoulder.

"Good." He sighed and I felt a smile tug at my lips before I leaned my head against his. Daimen hugged me tighter and I gasped as he effortlessly picked me up.

"What the hell?" I said as I held onto him. Daimen chuckled.

"You're adorable." He huffed as he put me down and ruffled my hair. I frowned at him and fixed my hair. A blush burned at my cheeks and I hid my face.

"Shut up." I grumbled and he laughed.

Where are you? I pulled my phone from my pocket and looked at April's text.

"I've gotta go back." I said and Daimen smirked.

"Okay Princess." He said and I began to walk away before he threw his arm over my shoulders and pulled me against him.

"I'm coming too." He said as I looked at him in bewilderment. I gave a nod and we went back into the café.

April looked at us as we came over a shocked look on her face before she gave me a smug look.

'No.' I mouthed to her as we neared and she raised her eyebrows before taking a bite of her sandwich.

"Sup Princeston?" She said as I sat down, Daimen right next to me.

"Hey April." Daimen said and my friend gave him a wondering once over.

I tensed as Daimen's hand brushed my leg under the table before grabbing mine. I shot him a sideways glance as he held my hand and he smirked subtly.

My phone suddenly buzzed and I looked down at the text from April. I shot her a look where she sat and read the message.

Look at y'all. Couple of the year

I frowned at her and put my phone back into my pocket. Daimen's thumb rubbed against the back of my hand and I glanced over at him. He was typing at his phone with his free hand.

My phone buzzed again.

I saw that Princess. My eyes widened at Daimen's message. He chuckled softly.

Daimen

"You've been following me. Why?" I asked and River gave a scoff.

"No reason." She said with a shrug.

"Don't lie to me." I quipped and she raised an eyebrow before rolling her eyes.

"I can lie if I want to." She said nonchalantly and gave me a challenging look.

"Yeah, okay." I said and started to walk away before she suddenly grabbed my hand. A jolt went through me at the contact and I sucked in a breath.

"You need to get a grip and realize that you effect people. Everyone in this damn town practically pisses their pants when they see you. You're supposedly some badass, but I don't see that. I see a boy who's scared." Riv said in a hissing voice.

I whirled around to face her. Her hand was still clasped in mine and I frowned. I looked at her and saw the anger in her eyes, "Well you know what I see? I see a girl who thinks she knows everything. A girl who doesn't know when to fucking quit. I see a girl with so many secrets she probably can't keep up with them all. But I suppose she's used to hiding things--" I said and came to a halt as she snatched her hand from mine and began walking away.

Angered, I followed her.

"So you can say whatever you want, but as soon as I say something you walk away?" I geared and she kept walking.

"Shut up Daimen, just go kill someone or whatever." She hissed continuing to walk away from me.

"Why? What did I ever do to you?" I asked her and she paused.

"Just leave." She spat her back to me.

"I want an answer." I said and laid a hand on her shoulder. I frowned as she whirled around to face me, her eyes dark.

"You created this mess and I'm having to clean it up. This is your fault, not mine! Yet here I am!" She yelled and poked my chest with her finger. I looked at her as she yelled and bit the inside of my cheek.

"I'm sorry okay? I didn't know this would happen." I said and she suddenly looked at the ground.

"I didn't know either..." she breathed sounding like she was talking about something else and before I could ask what she meant her body was against mine. My eyes widened in shock as her hands gripped my shoulders and in a flash her soft, warm lips were against mine.

I instantly calmed down, but as soon as that calmness hit I was washed over by a hunger. My hands slid along her back and I groaned as her body moved against mine. Her lips moved in an animalistic manner with mine and I wasn't sure who was leading the savage kiss. The only thing I was certain of was that I wanted more. My hands gripped her waist and River moaned and pressed herself roughly against me. Her hands ran through my hair before we finally pulled away for air.

I panted and tried to comprehend what had just happened while Riv leaned against me. Suddenly she moved a little and I bit my cheek to contain a groan.

"Are we gonna go further or are you just going to kiss me?" She asked and I groaned as her lower half rubbed against mine.

"I take its my first guess?" She said with a seductive tone and I tilted her head up before claiming her lips with mine again.

"Don't play with me." I growled out not meaning to but I couldn't control myself. The kiss quickly deepened and soon our tongues were locked in a battle for dominance. I held her against me and after a while she gave a sexy moan.

"Daimen. Please." She gasped as I pulled away and kissed her neck.

"Oh my... I want you." Her hands gripped my shirt and I groaned and pulled her closer.

"My room. C'mon." She said and began tugging me toward the house. I followed without objection and soon we were inside.

I pushed her onto the bed and she didn't waste any time with discarding her shirt. I smirked as she motioned me closer. Before long we'd tore each other's clothes off.

I groaned as she pulled me down for a long kiss. As the kiss deepened I pulled her legs apart and entered her slowly. My body quaked at the pleasure rushing through me and Riv clawed my back.

"Yes." River moaned as I rocked against her.

"Daimen." She gasped.

I woke up with a groan. My hands scraped over my eyes and I stifled a yawn. I got out of bed and looking down at myself went into my bathroom for a cold shower.

"Really man?" I asked myself, staring at my reflection in the mirror. My hair was sodden and water trickled down my face. I tightened the towel around my waist and cursed softly.

Great, now I feel like a pervert. I grabbed my toothbrush and started brushing my teeth before pausing. I was starving. I set down my toothbrush and headed to the kitchen.

Rocky followed and I poured some food into his bowl and gave him some more water.

I grabbed a bowl of cereal and ate it quickly.

I wonder if she dreams about me...

No! Snap out of it Daimen. I frowned and finished my breakfast before going back to my bathroom and brushing my teeth.

I started thinking about my little sparrow.

I couldn't believe her bastard of an uncle hurt her. I couldn't wait to get my hands on him again. But I really didn't expect she'd ever harmed herself... those scars were a cold shock and felt like a low blow to the stomach. River cutting at her wrists? It made me feel sick just thinking about it.

She'd seemed so broken that night and I had wanted to help her so I showed her a good time. Of course, her dumbass of an ex had to be brought up and ruin the moment; I honestly had wanted to go further.

I scowled and rinsed my mouth before washing my face and strolling out of the bathroom.

I'm pretty sure River and I were on good terms now. I mean we hung out the other day, even though April kept giving me dirty looks. Pretty sure she doesn't like my, but that's fine. She's not the one I'm trying to impress.

I was pouring food into Rocky's bowl when a knock at the door made me start. I stood up straight and Rocky grumbled and followed me towards the front door.

I opened it with a scowl.

"The hell do you want?" I spat at my father who glanced to the ground.

"We need to talk." He said and I let out a long sigh before allowing him to come in.