The Ryland Boys
Chapter 12

Lucas was packed this morning and when I asked why he said his mom wanted him to join.

As Alison and Benson got ready for leaving, Alison eyed me “I’m going to take him, I just cant be gone so long after the last time.” She sighed.

I nodded “I’ll see you in a couple days right?” I asked Lucas who nodded.

Giving him a hug, I hugged Alison and Benson.

They headed out the door after hugging the boys and we watched them leave.

After they took off Carter shut the door “Party!” He shouted.

Jax eyed Carter with his bruised eyes and nose “I’m not taking part in it.” He said shaking his head and going upstairs.

Mason smiled at me “You joining?” He asked and I laughed “I’m not giving up my job, and rent for a party.” I said heading up the stairs.

“It’s just us! Let’s do this!” Mason said to Carter.

Going into my room, I shut the door reading some magazines for a couple hours.

By the first doorbell, I realized, they really are throwing a f*****g party.

I got out of the room going to the stairs to see Carter pull it open, twelve kegs began entering the home and I ran a hand through my hair.

Heading back inside, I bit my nails nervously before deciding to just stay in the room.

“Open the door babe.” Lindsay’s voice came and I stayed quiet, “Listen I forgive you for last night. I know you made a dumb decision but I forgive you. Open up.” she said.

It stayed quiet before she banged on the door.

Eyeing my door, I listened to her yell at Jax to open up.

The door opened “What?” Jax asked sounding annoyed.

Lindsay stayed silent for a moment “Why didn’t you answer?” She asked.

“I’m resting. Let me sleep Lindsay. You know after every fight I rest the next day.” He said sighing.

“Right, I’m sorry. I’ll leave you alone.” She said sighing and leaving.

I put my nose back into the book, focusing on the book.

After a good two hours the party was roaring and the house full, I had locked my door to make sure people would stop opening it up and staring at me confused.

Another hour later and majority of people were shitfaced.

A knock came on the door and I ignored them.

Another knock came, I stood and walked to the room pulling open the door staring at the culprit.

“I left to get some alcohol and when I came back my bedroom door was locked. Now someone’s f*****g in my bed.” He said running his hand through his hair annoyed.

I eyed his stressed face, stepping aside, I gestured for him to come in. Shutting the door I locked it and eyed the bottle of liquor in his hand.

“I’ll share my bed if you share your liquor.” I said smirking.

Jax stared from me to the bottle in his hand “Sounds good enough to me.” He said as we sat on the floor and he handed me the bottle. I took a drink and handed him the bottle.

As he took it he tipped it back putting it down, we repeated that cycle until the bottle was gone and he was laughing drunken to himself.

I eyed him “I’m going to get another bottle. Don’t let anyone in.” I said getting close to his face to see one of him.

He nodded and we walked to the door, I headed out the door and he locked it. Going down stairs. I collected two bottles of rum and headed up to the room knocking “I got rum.” I said softly.

The door opened and I went inside shutting and locking it behind me. “Let’s drink.” I said handing him his own bottle.

We opened them and began drinking, after reaching half way through the rum I was stumbling around the room dancing to the music downstairs.

I got tired and turned on the tub plugging it and turning the water on, it steamed and I watched Jax laugh and walk in “Why?” He asked.

Staring at him I stepped into the tub in my pajama shorts and camisole “Im cold.” I said stuttering and then sitting in the tub.

I gestured for him to come in and he c****d an eyebrow “P***y.” I said low watching him smirk and get in while wearing his gym shorts and a T-shirt.

It was so warm and cozy in here, “What’s your secret?” He asked taking a drink.

I laughed and laid my head back staring at the ceiling “You willing to die for it?” I asked him.

Jax grinned with his eyes half closed “I am.” He said taking another drink.

Knocking my knees into his I looked over at him and eyed him “Promise you won’t get weird after I tell you?” I asked.

He nodded and I held up my pinky, he hooked his pinky laughing lightly.

We both leaned back I let out a deep shaky breath “Three years ago my mom had this bad manic depressive episode, my aunt came and took her away. I was happy to have the house to myself.” I said running my thumb over my lips tracing the outline, “On the last two days, I was so excited that my mom was coming home, well I got drunk from a party earlier and when I got home I forgot to lock the front door.” I said eyeing the bottle.

“He pushed the front door open and I was in my bedroom. I hadn’t noticed until he pulled open my door, he noticed me and then shut the door softly locking it behind him.” I said taking a drink and swallowing it down “He uh-He shoved me into the bed, stripped my bottoms off and then raped me.” I said looking over at him.

Jax stared at me with an expression I couldn’t name, “After he finished, he reached for his gun to I guess kill me” I wanted to stop there but my blabbering drunk mouth wouldn’t let me. “I grabbed the trophy on my night stand, it was my heaviest, proudest one. I swung it at the side of his head and when he fell to the floor I bashed his f*****g head in with the trophy.” I said adjusting myself in the tub.

“Where is he now?” He asked taking a drink.

I pressed the bottle to my lips watching him carefully “Jepson Cemetery.” I said watching him sink lower into the tub.

Tipping the bottle I drank a bit “I called my friend Amanda first. She came over and helped me wash up, even cleaned the b***d I tracked everywhere. She held me while she called be police. Since he was in my home, it was self defense and I was innocent.” I said tracing the letters on the bottle.

Jax cleared his throat “Do you regret it?” He asked eyeing his bottle.

I shook my head “The guy had killed seven young girls, the youngest was eight.” I said disgusted.

He sat up “It made you stronger didn’t it?” He asked looking over my face, I smiled gently and nodded “I’m not a crazy psychopath.” I said moving to the middle of the tub.

Jax lifted a hand pushing my hair behind my ear catching me completely off guard, I could’ve sworn someone let a butterfly garden loose in my belly and chest. “You’re not. You’re a lot of things but you aren’t that.” He said softly.

I took a drink, swallowing it down and smirking “You say that like you know me.” I said.

He watched me intently “I think I’m starting to. You’re different from other girls.” He said as I leaned into the side of the tub laying my head on my arm “You’re used to Nona’s .” I said laughing.

He laughed looking at me confused. “You know that bowling for soup song.” I said shutting my eyes.

“What?” He asked.

“Her name is Nona she’s a rocker with a nose ring. She wears a two way but I’m not quite sure what that means.” I sang laughing as he laughed.

I reached for my phone pulling it down and typing it in I played it and let it play.

Jax stared down at me with a small grin “You Listen to this music?” He asked and I nodded “I love rock.” I said lifting my head up.

He shook his head “I never would’ve guessed that. Maybe pop or country, not rock.” Jax said smirking.

“She’s watching wrestling creaming over tough guys listening to rap metal turn tables in her eyes.” I sang laughing with Jax.

I waited and eyed the phone before the next song on my playlist came on.

“What’s your secret?” I asked him eyeing him.

Jax smirked “You willing to die to know mine?” He asked.

I nodded “Oh yeah.” I said making a face that he laughed lightly at.

He leaned back “I uh, I have a heart problem,when I was six my sister Alyssa and I got hit by a car. My rib broke and scraped along my heart wall. Alyssa didn’t make it, she died at 4.” He said sadly before drinking.

I ran a hand over his chest to feel the scar or mark, “Mom doesn’t talk about it, she refuses to acknowledge we ever had a sister Alyssa. You won’t find a single photo of her in the house.” He said.

Laying my hands back to my thighs I shrugged “It’s a normal coping mechanism, sometimes if something’s too drastic or painful for us to remember we shove it into our subconscious mind.” I said trying to remember it all but too drunk to recall.

He leaned back, his legs sitting on both sides of me “You’re smart Norah, have you ever thought of being a psychologist though?” He asked staring into the water at my legs.

I shook my head “Just because we’re good at something doesn’t mean we have to turn it to a career.” I said smirking and watched him stare for a while.

“The first day I came, I saw you get out of your Hummer and walk up. You seemed so intimidating. Every day I’m here though, I realize you aren’t, you’re actually very curious and just quiet.” I said honestly.

Jax grinned “When I first saw you I thought ‘that girls a walking disaster'” he stared at my face “I mean the coffee stain, your crazy hair, the tear in your skirt.” He laughed “Then I thought ‘damn she’s got killer legs.'” He stated knocking a knee into mine.

I rolled my eyes smiling, as he took a drink he passed me the bottle and I drank handing it back.

Staring at Jax, I laid my head on the tub “Do you love her?” I asked him.

“The girl with the killer legs?” He asked laughing and a bit taken back.

I shook my head laughing “No, Lindsay. I mean she’s so….mean to you.” I said shrugging.

Jax nodded “I do.” He sighed.

Watching his faceI could tell it’s kind of like the love of your alcoholic or meth sibling. You love them but you can’t stop their ways.

“She’s loyal though?” I asked watching his eyes fill with regret, he stared at me dropping his head back into the wall. “Wasn’t always. A couple years ago she was dating this Cory guy, he left the state and then came back two years ago. She was f*****g him for about eight months.” He said shaking his head.

What a f*****g “Dumbass.” I said shaking my head.

He eyed me “I didn’t know she’d cheat.” He said sighing.

I shook my head “Not you, her. Don’t let your head get all big but Jax you’re a dream boat!” I said staring at him bothered.

Jax stared at my lips for a while, “I wonder what my life would’ve been like had I met you years ago….” He said softly.

I felt my heart flutter.

A knock came to my door and I jumped looking to it, “Ha-ve you seen Jax Noraah?” Lindsay.

Looking to Jax, he stared at me with a very calm stare, he wasn’t panicking, I was panicking!

“Coming.” Jax called to her.

I felt my jaw drop slightly and he stood getting out of the tub, water dripping down his shirt and I stared up at him watching him step out.

He walked to the door with his soaked shirt and shorts pulling open the door “Lets go to bed.” He said to her before he began walking out.

His eyes catching mine once more before he headed out the door shutting it behind him.

I could hear her aggravated and drunk self saying “What the hell are you doing in her room?” And “Why are you soaking wet?” Then “You got drunk with her?!”

Unplugging the tub, I stood and pulled my wet pajamas off tossing them in the tub and pulling on new ones. I waited until I heard the bedroom door shut. It was quiet outside too, besides a few laughs and then mumbling.

Pulling open the door, I shut it behind me and headed down the stairs quietly. I was hungry.

Going into the kitchen, I stared at Mason flirting with a pretty brunette, he softly kissed her hand and I hoped that he’d date her and stop flirting with me.

“Is there any food?” I asked looking to the fridge stumbling back.

A laugh came followed a long “Uhhh” and then “Norah are you drunk?” Mason asked sounding slightly sober.

I looked behind me to him with wide eyes “Maybe.” I said eyeing all the healthy foods.

Going to the phone I pondered the pizza number, on a sober night I knew it by heart, it was all I ordered last year. Pushing the buttons in, I waited and Mason stared at me confused.

“Pizza Palace! This is Peter speaking, what can I get for you?”

Awe Peter still works there?

“Hey Peter! It’s Norah, can you do me a favor and bring-“

“Norah! Long time no see, you doing good?” He asked.

I laughed “Yeah, Listen I’m super drunk and I really need pizza. How fast can you bring me three combo, two pepperoni and a veggie pizza?” I added the veggie because of Lindsay. I’m nice, I know.

“Same address?” He asked.

“No it’s uh-” I looked to Mason and he shouted the address “You get that?” I asked.

He gave a yup, “I’ll be there in twenty minutes, or it’s free.” He said the last part laughing.

“Get here in twenty two minutes.” I said and he laughed.

Hanging up I smiled at the girl “You eat pizza right?” I asked.

She gave me a small smile “Love it.” She said a bit tipsy.

I high fived her “I like her Mason. Keep her.” I said to him walking out the kitchen and upstairs grabbing eighty dollars and going back down to the stairs sitting and watching it.

I sat on the steps staring at the door until Carter walked over “What are we waiting for?” He asked.

I kept my eyes on the door “Pizza.” I said, before a couple others joined asking the same thing. One was the waitress from the sushi place.

“Hey its you!” I said smiling at her, she nodded “Lucy.” She said holding her hand out.

I shook it “Norah.” I said looking back at the door.

After fifteen minutes, Lindsay’s voice came “Why are you weirdos staring at the door?” She asked walking past us.

“Pizza” Carter said watching the door.

Lindsay eyed us “Damn that does sound good.”She said eyeing the door.

I looked to her and then Jax behind her before looking at the door “I ordered you a veggie pizza.” I said before a couple more minutes passed and the doorbell rang.

Jumping up, I headed to the door and pulled it open “Peter!” I smiled and he held out the boxes “Here you go babe, that’s three combos, two pepperonis, a veggie and I added a meat lovers in there for you on the house.” He winked and Mason and Carter took the boxes.

Jax walked over to the guy “How much do we owe you?” He asked leaning into the doorsill staring down at the guy.

Peter stuttered “Oh shit….You’re Jax Ryland!” He said before looking to me, I smirked and Peter began looking for something grabbing a receipt and a pen “Can I get your autograph?” He asked.

Jax nodded and signed the paper. “Peter?” He asked as he wrote.

“Yeah” Peter said smiling wide.

As Jax finished, he handed it to him “The pizza?” He asked pulling his wallet out.

I put $80 in Peters hand, “Keep the change kid, don’t buy smokes!” I said watching him smirk and give me a wink heading to his car.

“You didn’t have to pay.” Jax said looking down at me, “You’re supposed to be saving for your big trips.” He said pulling out a hundred and tucking it into my cardigans pocket.

I went to protest but he turned going to Lindsay toward the kitchen.

God, this f*****g guy.

Shutting the door I headed to the kitchen and grabbed a meat lovers slice eating it up, my drunk tummy was so happy.

There was at least ten people with us and so we finished the pizzas quick.

“Who wants the last slice?” Mason asked holding up a slice of veggie pizza.

“You guys want to play some basketball outside?” I asked looking everyone over.

Mason laughed “Yeah! That’s my girl!” He said putting the plate down and running outside.

I headed out with him and a few others, that was until everyone was outside laughing about how whoever is on Nick and Masons team is going to win.

Nick was a tall built guy who had a crooked smile but seemed sweet. He was on Masons team and also the guy who helped me move all the boys to Lucas’s room that last party.

Nick was a team captain and Mason was another.

“Norah!” Mason shouted laughing as I walked over giving him a half five.

“Lindsay.” Nick said grinning.

She laughed and walked over to his side.

“Jax.” Mason said laughing as Carter stared us down.

“Lucy” Nick said grinning.

Mason looked to Nick “You can’t just pick all the girls Nick.” He said laughing.

“Hilary.” Mason said, the brunette he was with earlier walked over.

She refused to make eye contact with me and I wondered if she hated me now.

Leaning into Masons back I held his shoulder “Pick that guy.” I said pointing to the tall guy.

He stared at me “I don’t know that kid.” He laughed, we shared a weird look and laughed.

“Tanner!” Nick said as a skater looking kid went to his side.

“Tall guy over there!” Mason said and I laughed dropping my forehead to his arm to hide my laughter. “Cory.” Lindsay said to Mason.

“Okay Cory.” Mason said.

The name ringing a bell….Cory…..

Carter crossed his arms over his chest “Really?” He laughed as no ones chosen him yet.

There was just him and two other guys and a girl now.

I eyed Lindsay’s weird stare at Cory and looked back at Jax who seemed on edge.

Is this the same Cory he said Lindsay f****d?

Nick picked the last girl and then we picked a guy in a hoodie.

“It’s cause I’m fat huh?” Some big guy asked laughing and looking to us.

Nick laughed “Get your a*s over here Luke.” He gestured and the big guy walked over.

Leaving Carter with us. “You fuckers.” He said shaking his head laughing.

I bit back a laugh “Don’t be so sad, you just don’t seem like the basketball type.” Mason said to him.

Carter gestured to me before he shook his head and pointed to Hilary “Oh but she does? She’s in heels!” He said gesturing to her feet.

We all looked down and she laughed nervously “No he’s right, I suck.” She said shaking her head.

I shrugged “At least you’ll look good doing it.” I said smiling.

She gave me a quick small smile before looking away.

She hates me.

I pursed my lips, awesome.

“Let’s get this s**t started!” Mason clapped his hands together.

Ten minutes into the game, I realized I wasn’t terrible at basketball but I’m also not the best.

Bouncing the ball to Mason, he made the shot and I high fived him. “Is there anything you can’t do?” Nick asked me smirking. Oh he’s flirting.

I gave a small laugh before Mason covered my eyes and pulled to the direction of our court “No fraternizing with the enemy.” He said out loud.

Pulling his hands off my eyes I gave him a small shove “Yeah okay.” I said walking to Jax’s side. He was watching Cory but trying to be discrete about it, “Is it him?” I asked low.

Jax looked to me, his eyes moving to my lips and he nodded “That’s the fucker.” He said low.

I could easily seduce this guy into confession, or even into a room where I could get Jax to beat him. “Want me to get you two alone?” I asked calmly.

Jax gave a small and slow nod, he was unsure though.

Walking up to Cory I looked over at him, he gave me a small smirk and I winked.

His eyes moving down my body, and if Lindsay was going to cheat on Jax with someone, it’s a good choice. The guys well built and handsome.

“What was your name?” He asked as the game began.

I kept my eyes on the ball “Norah.” I said giving him a flirting smile before heading past him taking the ball from Luke and bouncing keeping someone behind me, but as their manicured nails went to snatch the ball I realized it was Lindsay.

Looking to Cory I winked and gestured for him to go behind her.

He did and I bounced the ball under us and turned to see Cory bounce the ball down the court.

Lindsay watched Cory, a small smile on her lips before she looked to me “You don’t have to be so desperate. Everyone can see your thirsty b***h showing.” She said low to me.

I smirked “If everyone can see it then I’m doing it right Lisa.” I said watching her walk past me annoyed.

Nick stole the ball and I cornered him laughing and then trying to smack it out of his hand, only he’s a professional player so that’s not really possible.

Stepping back I watched Mason take over and I walked to Nick running a hand behind his waist, he looked down at me smirking and as Mason snatched the ball I smiled “Go Mason!” I shouted.

He tossed the ball to Jax and as Jax jumped and shot it into the hoop, I smiled wide at him.

Cory stared at Jax for a moment trying not to keep or make eye contact, I’d say he’s a smart guy but sleeping with a pro fighters girlfriend is a very dumb move.

A hand ran over my waist and I turned around giving Cory a small push back “No touching what you can’t afford kid.” I said smirking.

He bit his l*p to try and look sexy but that one grab made me really hate him.

“I’m filthy rich, there’s nothing I can’t afford.” He said grinning and going to grab again, I was pulled back lightly and I turned staring at Jax who was staring ahead as the game was going on.

It was a small and quick gesture but even without words, it was loud. That one pull told Cory to back off, and I liked it.

Cory turned around not saying more, I looked back at Jax who caught my eyes “Don’t worry about it. I’ll get my pound of flesh when it’s time.” He said low.

I nodded and we watched the ball get close “But thanks for trying.” He said before stealing the ball from Luke and heading down the court.

At least he knew I was trying to help.

The game went on and then Cory smacked shoulders with Jax as he ran the ball down the court. I held my breath and when I saw Lindsay, I noticed she was too.

Jax took a moment before he ran a hand through his hair and watched Cory shoot the ball in.

“We won!” Mason shouted laughing and highfiving us.

Jax tossed an arm over Lindsay’s shoulder as she laughed about Luke falling.

Cory walked over and smirked down at me “I see Jax is a little protective.” He commented furrowing his eyebrows.

I shook my head “Oh, no they all are.” I said gesturing to Mason who was watching us intently and Carter who was walking over.

Cory grinned “You their sister?” He asked confused.

I laughed “Oh no, I’m Lucas’s babysitter. Their mom had a couple rules and one of them is keeping the guys away. She doesn’t want me getting distracted.” I said watching him nod.

“Who’s friend are you? I mean who invited you?” I asked trying not to sound rude.

We began walking inside and he looked ahead “Lindsay did. We’re neighbors. Childhood friends.” He said smirking.

I laughed “She hates me.” I said nodding.

Cory nodded “She may have mentioned that.” He said shaking his head.

Oh he’s so f*****g her right now too.

Walking to the living room I turned on the tv and noticed Mason and a few others walk in as they sat I eyed Jax as Lindsay wanted him to come watch a movie.

He stared up at Cory’s head and then Lindsay nodding.

They took a seat and I looked to the couch that was all seated, both the long one, the short one and the recliner where filled.

“Come here.” Mason said scooting and pushing Cory over.

Regrettably, I sat between the two and began going from movie to movie hearing a few yess and nos until I found a movie that everyone said yes to.

King Kong.

I eyed Naomi Watts as she was slowly lifted up to be sacrificed to Kong.

“This scream right here is my favorite part of the film.” I said out loud turning it up as Naomi let out the famous b***d curling scream as she saw Kong.

Mason laughed “You like that?” He asked.

I nodded “Yeah, I think she’s very talented.” I said blushing.

“You’re so weird.” Lindsay said shaking her head.

Ignoring her I eyed the tv, Hilary was feeling Mason up and the awkward tension grew. “You scream like that?” Cory asked grinning at me.

I looked up at him a bit bothered, “Have you ever seen the gym?” I asked him.

His interest spiked “No, care to show me?” He asked.

I stood and looked down at him taking his hand and walking him out the living room. Jax was staring at me with a confused look, I smiled and took Cory to the gym.

Pulling the door open I headed inside “You’re strong, do you work out a lot?” I asked him pulling on head gear.

He laughed as I put it on and slid on some fighting gloves. Going to the CD player in the corner, I eyed the CD in…Fuel, good choice.

Pressing play I turned the music up “You want to do a little fighting?” I asked him grinning.

He smirked and got onto the mat “I’d love that.” He said pulling on boxing gloves.

I pat my head “Headgear.” I said.

Cory scoffed “Babe you won’t do much damage.” He laughed.

I smiled “You’re right, come on.” I got onto the mat and threw a few weak punches laughing.

He smiled and I looked to the gym door, Jax was watching quietly with arms crossed over his chest and his eyes studying us.

Cory turned to look and I ran a hand up the side of his face catching his attention. He grinned and I ran my hand behind his head grabbing a fistful of his hair, he g*****d with a smug look “I’ve got such a hard on for you right now.” He said smirking.

Stepping back lightly I looked down at the boner and as he looked down to it I brought my left knee up hard while pulling his head down to it.

Cory’s nose made a cracking sound and I let go watching him stumble and fall over holding his nose.

“I told you to wear your head gear.” I said smirking.

Cory stared at me and grabbed my leg yanking me to my a*s.

I landed onto my back and he crawled over me, gripping his sack I gave it a death gripping squeeze and he let out a girlish scream. “Damn, that scream was so high pitched you could’ve taken Naomi’s part as Kong’s bitch.” I said shoving him off me and standing up giving him a hard kick to his d**k before pulling the gloves off and tossing the helmet to the side.

“f**k off Cory.” I said walking out to see Jax leaning into the wall and give me a small grin.

I placed the gloves to his chest “I needed my own pound of flesh for his crudeness.” I stated before walking away.