The Ryland Boys
Chapter 30

It’s been two weeks since Carter found out, and I’ve searched all over the town trying to find a good place for myself. After Jax and Lindsay get married next week I want to be out of this place and into my own home.

Since Alison is home all the time, I didn’t have to babysit Lucas, we still spent time together and he liked to talk to my stomach because he said his friend is in there.

I guess he believes my baby is going to be his best friend.

Probably will.

“I f*****g said I wanted the yellow lighting! You imbeciles!” Lindsay shouted to the men Alison hired to help with the wedding.

She’s been paying them extra to deal with her s**t.

I got annoyed with her crap and Lucas and I went inside getting some snacks and eating in the kitchen.

Jax walked in grabbed a Powerade and drinking some while Lucas stared at my stomach talking to it. “He still talking to his friend?” He asked.

I nodded and stared down at Lucas who was saying he’ll give the baby his bumble bee transformer toy.

Smiling, I stared up at Jax who watched us lost in thought before walking out and going to train. He’ll be fighting again this weekend, and despite Lindsay constant pleading for him to drop it, he’s still going.

I was proud of him for that.

Alison walked in “Leave the baby alone Lucas, they’re probably tired of hearing your voice.” She said laughing and grabbing out a watermelon slicing it and putting two on a plate for Lucas.

I smirked as Lucas ran off with his watermelons.

“Want some?” She asked.

I shook my head “Shouldnt you be freaking out about the fact there’s a wedding next week?” I asked laughing.

She shook her head shrugging “I paid those men out there to make sure I don’t have to worry. Plus I don’t care much for this wedding. They’ll only last a few months.” She said scoffing and leaning in “Then he’ll see your baby and realize it’s his and drop her and marry you. Then I’ll worry about a real wedding.” She said low.

I smirked “Let’s not hope for that.” I said shaking my head.

She looked to the clock “Crap, you’re going to see your friends for lunch right?” She asked me.

I nodded and watched her grab a yellow ticket off the fridge “Can you pick this up from the dry cleaners? It’s Bensons suit for tomorrow, he has an important meeting.” She said and I took it. “Of course.”

Alison winked “Life saver, thank you!” She called as I walked out the door.

Lindsay gave me a shove and eyed me “Move out of my way w***e. Honestly you think a dumb b***h like yourself would know when she’s no longer wanted.” She shook her head and scoffing.

I laughed “You’re the one who isn’t wanted Lindsay.” I said shaking my head.

She stared down at me gripping my hair and pulling it, to which I did the same and she yanked it before letting go “I hope you die giving birth to your STD child.” She stated going out the door.

She said everyone was giving her a migraine and she couldn’t handle it, I think she knows I want to kill her but can’t because she’s pregnant.

I changed and headed out my room, my eyes landing on the side desk, staring at the drawer.

My mind was battling on my own little justice, and I went to the drawer pulling it open and eyeing the flash drive. Picking it up, I shut the drawer and walked out the door closing it and locking it behind me.

I put the key in my purse and watched Jax going up the stairs wiping his face with his towel. His eyes looked up at me and I leaned into my door eyeing the flash drive and debating my next move.

He furrowed his eyebrows “It’s quiet, where’d Lindsay go?” He asked walking past me slowly while eyeing the flash drive.

Staring up at him I tilted my head to the side slightly “She left, everyone’s giving her a migraine.” I said calmly.

Jax nodded slowly, “Here’s a little pre wedding gift. Just don’t open it around Lindsay.” I said placing it in his hand and smirking before I walked down the stairs.

I went out the front door and drove off to get lunch, I was meeting the girls at an expensive stupid fancy restaurant known for the best lunch meals.

Taking a seat in the booth with Nichole and Amanda, I smiled at them both “Hey, so I f****d up and gave Jax a flash drive full of some very sexy photos of me before I left and it’s been on my mind since I left the house.” I said rushed and sat down.

Amanda eyed me “The ones you took for the fight?” She asked with wide eyes.

I nodded and she laughed “Oh god Norah! The guys getting married next week! You probably just made him doubt marrying her at all!” Nichole said building my anxiety up higher.

“Not helping Nikki!” I said watching the waitress walk over “What can I start you to drink?” She asked me.

I smiled “Water please.” I looked to the girls who held up their drinks and I nodded watching the woman leave. “You guys order too?” I asked.

They both nodded.

“Sorry I had to pick up Bensons dry cleaning.” I said shaking my head.

My ears caught on her voice, so distinct, “I’m not kidding you, she’s just sitting there! Like I’m not about to marry her f*****g son! Like I’m not pregnant with his god damn baby.” She said annoyed.

The mans laughter came out and I listened “Babe, she’s just trying to get you pissed, that’s how she is.” He said laughing.

Nichole stared at me and I looked st her and then amanda “She’s here.” I said low.

They both stared at me worried, and I eyed Nichole “Go walk and see how many tables down she is.” I said watching Nikki nod and get up hiding her face and pretending to go to the restroom while looking around and holding four fingers to me.

She headed back to us and sat down “four tables and her back is to us.” She said laughing lightly.

I listened to the guy “Don’t let them stress you Linnycup, just stick with the plan alright?” He said sighing.

What plan?

She sighed “No- I just, I know, I will.”

“After a month, you’ll get the fortune when you leave him and then we can go somewhere. Anywhere. Just you, me and our baby.” He said and I quickly grabbed my phone out pressing. The recording button.

The waitress came over handing me my drink and I smiled at her “Thanks.” I whispered and she nodded leaving.

“I just can’t wait to be away from her, both of them. Plus being a fake vegetarian is starting to drive me insane. Stupid baby just wants meat all the time.” She said annoyed.

He laughed “Just like me. I’m telling you babe, you’re going to give birth to a mini me.” He said cocky.

It sounded a lot like Cory.

“After I get the money, I’m leaving him, I’m not sticking around to let his mom or his side hoe Norah f**k up my life some more. I know she’s f*****g him, she has to be! There’s no way that James just dropped her, no, he saw what I saw. Those two are always mentally f*****g one another.” She said with attitude.

I smirked and stared at Nichole who laughed quietly.

“You know how many times I’ve caught him masterbating to pictures of her? He took a photo of her posters, those dirty slutty photos she had plastered for the fight, and then I’ll wake up and he’s just under the blanket jacking off to her photos.” She said scoffing.

Staring at Amanda and Nichole I bit back a laugh and looked back to the phone still recording “Babe, don’t worry about them. He’s an i***t, I mean Norahs hot but she’s got nothing on you. Plus she’s psychotic, remember when she kicked my a*s?” He asked laughing.

Yup it’s Cory.

Lindsay sighed “Thank god the babies yours and not Jax’s because I could not stand a lifetime with his mother.” She said the words in a perfect way. I ended it and saved the voice recording as Lindsay placing my phone away.

Nichole stared at me carefully “What are you going to do?” She asked low.

I eyed her “I’m thinking. I don’t know how to approach this in the best outcome, the least hurtful.” I said staring at Amanda.

The waitress walked over and I ordered my meal, and I even ordered Lindsay a virgin margarita.

I listened as the drink was brought to her “Who’s this from?” She asked laughing.

The waitress smiled “A girl a couple tables down. Norah?” She said thoughtfully.

I smirked and stared at Nichole with a cheeky grin.

“Norah?” She asked sounding nervous.

Listening to the sound of her heavy feet walking to my table I smiled drinking my lemon water, I looked over at Lindsay as she stood by my table slamming the glass down. “It’s Virgin sweetheart, I don’t think it’ll harm Cory’s kid.” I said kindly.

She eyed me “What the f**k are you after? You’re pregnant with another guys baby too. You think he’ll take you? His dad would never let you!” She said disgusted by me and then glaring “How much did you hear?”

I looked to Nichole and then back at Lindsay “Did I ever tell you about my photo shoot for those slutty posters? I got an entire flash drive of the photos. Some of them too sexy for me to even allow on posters. One of me topless, just covering my n*****s with my arms…” I smirked at her and watched her eyes grow.

Smiling I placed my cup down “I gave him the flash drive, figured he’d need to unwind and relax after the stress you’re putting on him. Lots of material worth jacking off to.” I said nodding.

A slap came across my face and I watched her without changing my expression “If I were you I’d leave this town, never show my face again and forget all about Jax’s fortune.” I said scowling.

She stared at me with tears welling up in her eyes “I don’t know what you’re talking about.” She said in denial.

Nichole smirked “Did you know Norah begged Jax to not leave you?” She asked Lindsay as she drank her smoothie.

Lindsay eyed her “Aren’t you the one who f****d Carter while he was dating Lucy?” She asked scowling.

Nikki nodded “Yeah, a guy like him will never settle.” She shrugged.

Cory walked over coming up behind Lindsay protectively, “Come on let’s just go back to the table. He won’t believe her anyways.” He said gesturing for Lindsay to follow.

She nodded and scowled at me “I hate you.”

I smiled “Feelings mutual Linnycup.” I smirked and watched her walk back to her table.

After finishing our meals, I headed to the house and smirked at Lindsay car parked in the garage.

I got out and headed inside, Lindsay was on the couch eyeing me with Jax sitting beside her.

His eyes went to me, his eyes roaming down my body and back up slowly to my face. A small smile on his lips before he blushed and looked to the tv.

Smiling I headed down the hall to the room Benson usually goes to. Knocking I waited, Lindsay leaned into the wall staring at me “He hates when people interrupt him in his study.” She said scowling.

I held his dry cleaning in my hand ignoring Lindsay and as he opened it up he was smiling at me. “Ah! Come in, come in.” He said stepping aside “Oh is that mine?” He asked.

Nodding I handed it to him, “I just wanted to drop it off. Sorry to bother you.” I said pursing my lips.

He shook his head “Never a bother. You let me know when you want to invest some of that money, I could double it in a couple months.” Benson said smiling down at me.

I laughed “Ill think about it, but don’t worry, if I decide to I’ll go straight to you!” I said watching him nod.

As he shut the door, I smirked at Lindsay and walked past her “Bitch.” I muttered going to Lucas who was smiling “My friends back!” He said taking my hand and pulling me to the couch.

I sat beside Jax laughing as Lucas sat between us looking at Jax “Its a boy.” He said smiling wide.

Jax smirked “Oh is it? How do you know?” He asked watching Lucas stare at my stomach “I just know it.” He said proudly.

I laughed and stared at Jax “He just knows it.” I said smiling and watching Lucas talk about how to play alien verses astronaut.

Looking up at Jax, I watched him stare at me, and as I caught him he focused down at Lucas.

“Hey, you guys want to go to the drive in tonight? I know Lucas wanted to watch that one shark movie and I need a reason to not be home.” Alison said staring at us and then Mason who was coming down the stairs.

We all nodded and Lucas stared confused “what’s a drive in?” He asked me.

I grinned “It’s pretty cool, one of my favorite things when I was a kid.” I said watching him stare still confused.

Alison stared at me and then Jax and Lucas, her smile growing before she slowly placed a hand to her chest. She jumped when Lindsay spoke “I think that’ll be great.”

I watched as Alison eyed Lindsay “Oh, you’re here.” She said sighing.

Lindsay scowled “Jax, lets go upstairs.” She said rubbing her stomach and c*****g a h*p.

He inwardly sighed and nodded getting up and going up the stairs.

As soon as they where behind the door, Alison walked over to me “You better have a plan.” She said watching me “You have a look, it’s in there and I like it.” She said pointing into my eyes.

I smiled “I do, but just promise me you won’t be mad I don’t tell you now. It’s important I do this thoughtfully.” I said watching her ponder but then nod.

Mason eyed us both “So they aren’t getting married? Isn’t it important, I mean she’s pregnant with his kid.” He said scowling.

Lucas got up and headed to the kitchen and I nodded “So am I Mase, but he cant know.” I said watching Alison look to Mason and me.

He stared at me for a couple minutes “So it’s not James’s? It’s Jax’s…he said you guys only did it once. What the hell, he never lies to me.” Mason sounded hurt.

I laughed “It was once. Just so happens, that’s all I needed.” I said shaking my head.

Mason nodded “Alright, so we’re gonna replace Lindsay for you?” He asked.

I shrugged “Maybe. Originally I wasn’t going to do anything, but I recently got some news and it makes me incapable of allowing this wedding to proceed.” I said in a serious tone.

The sound of shouting came from upstairs and I listened “Where is it? I know she gave it to you!” Lindsay said to Jax.

“Where the f**k is the flash drive?!” Lindsay shouted tossing things.

Alison stared at me “You gave it to him?” She gasped and I nodded smirking as Mason asked “Which one? The one with the sexy photos?” He asked receiving a nod.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.” Jax called back.

She laughed “Oh I’m sure you don’t, Does she know you stole her poster and hung it behind Betty?” She asked.

Mason scowled “He has a poster?!”

I eyed him and listened to Jax “I’m done with this s**t Lindsay. You can’t keep doing this psycho jealousy thing! Your temper tantrums are not working anymore. They just piss me off, and they’re bad for the baby.” He shouted back at her.

We all looked to the stairs in disbelief, Alison smiled wide “That’s my boy.” She said proudly.

It was quiet for a while before the sounds of moaning came.

Oh wonderful.

I eyed Alison and watched her eye the bedroom annoyed. “We’re going out tonight, I can’t stay here.” She said turning and going to the backyard.

Lucas ran in being chased by Carter who stopped when he eyed his moms face. “The kid wants to go swimming.” He said gesturing to Lucas.

I nodded and gestured for him to hurry so we could change and go swim.

“You’re doing great kid.” I said smiling and watching him do another flip.

He got water up his nose blowing it out with booger’s into the water “You think my friend will like to play in the pool too?” He asked.

I shrugged “I’m sure they will.” I said smirking.

Standing, I let the sun beat on my body, my stomach sticked out like I was bloated and I smiled down at it softly.

Two days ago, Alison took me to the pediatrician and I got an ultrasound and felt so happy.

I was really pregnant. It’s all I ever dreamed of, sure the timing kind of sucks but now that I’ve got more money than I know what to do with, I’ll be set. Me and this baby for life.

Alison told me she’d want to help me raise it and wanted to give me money to help but I denied her twice.

This was for me to do.

Lucas dog paddled around a bit more, a pair of dark purple nail polished toes stepped in beside me and I turned my head staring at Lindsay.

She sat uncomfortably close, “If you ruin this for me, I’ll kill your baby.” She said smiling at me softly.

I didn’t know what to say, to do. She just threatened my unborn child’s life and I know the crazy b***h is serious too.

She stood up and grabbed my phone off the table before tossing it into the pool.

I stared in disbelief and she scowled “Im marrying Jax, if I have to take the one thing you cherish dearly to get him, then I will.” She said close to my face before I went to fight her.

The cold metal pressed to my stomach and I stared down at the knife then up at the crazy psychotic wack job. “What do you choose Norah?” She asked moving closer to my face, “Your child or Jax’s poor failed marriage? Which one seems more painful? Losing this child or watching him realize he got plaid?” She asked low.

I scowled before dropping my glare to the pool “You win.” I said softly.

She put the knife back in her top and nodded heading back inside.

My heart was racing and I ran my hand over my stomach protectively.

Something told me if I had fought her, she would’ve stabbed me, as important as Jax is to me, I’d never choose another life over this one in me.

Wiping a stray tear, I watched Lucas squirt the gun at the dragon fly.

Swimming to the bottom of the pool, I grabbed my phone and came back up jumping out of my skin when Amanda stood with her feet in the pool “God dammit Amanda! You scared the s**t out of me.” I said holding a hand over my chest.

She eyed my phone, “I’m guessing psycho b***h wasn’t going to let you ruin her plans. Don’t worry we can find another way to expose her.” She said calmly.

I shook my head and she scowled “What do you mean Norah? I’ve never seen you back out of the truth. It’s Lindsay for Christ sake.” She said sounding annoyed.

Laughing low and dryly I nodded “That’s exactly why.” I said placing my phone on the floor and staring at it. Geez.

“You can’t be serious.” She said softly.

I eyed Lucas and as he smiled at me, my heart swole up, “You don’t understand, I need one. I won’t risk losing this child Amanda. She’s crazy, if she knew, she’d kill it.” I said shaking my head.

Taking steady breaths, I looked to Lucas who was swimming over “I’m hungry.” He said looking to my belly and giving it a k**s before going and drying his feet and legs running inside.

I watched him and turned to amanda who sighed “Alright babe, whatever you decide to do. It’s up to you.” She said pecking the side of my head and going inside.

Sitting down I ran my hand through my hair looking to see all the basketball team run out laughing and talking. (Minus the two traitor men).

“Norah! Looking good!” One called over and I smirked “Thanks kid.” I said before staring over at my phone and then up at the guys,

I bit my l*p and stood drying off and heading inside changing into a pair of shorts and a T-shirt. “Carter, can you come with me? I need to go do something but I need a guy in case things go south.” I said watching him get off the couch and nod.

He changed and we drove off to James’s home, the way we ended things was wrong and I need him to know that I’m not the type to just leave things unsaid.

We pulled up and Carter stared at the front door “Want me to come with you?” He asked.

I shook my head “If I stare at you then come.” I said taking a breath and got out shutting the door and going up the steps.

Knocking on the door, I stared at it for a while before it pulled open and Kev stood there. “Norah.” He said blankly.

I watched him scowl and knew I deserved it, “Is James home?” I asked watching him nod and gesture for me to come inside.

Biting my l*p, I eyed him before stepping inside even though I hoped we’d have this conversation in the front.

Steadying my breath, I followed Kev up stairs and he knocked on a door.

He looked me over before it opened and James stared from his brother to me with his eyes growing with hatred.

I crossed my arms over my chest, “Can we talk? Please. I know I really f****d you over but let me explain.” I said watching him sigh and gesture for me to come inside.

Stepping into the room, I stared at the door as he shut it behind us.

He gestured to a chair beside the bed and I took a seat “I really did care about you. To be honest, my life for once felt perfect. I mean I was just so happy with how everything was going, I-I really cared about you.” I said watching him stare at the floor as he leaned into a dresser by the door.

James c****d an eyebrow “Cared about me? That’s all though right? Because you loved Jax. You know Mason told me not to bother, not to expect this to go anywhere because you were crazy about Jax. I gave you a chance Norah. I trusted you! I fell in love with you! For once in my life, I felt like everything was perfect. Then when he began fighting all my f*****g weak spots, I knew you told him.” He shook his head and stepped forward.

I stood and he reached down grabbing my wrist and yanking me to his chest “Did my love not mean anything? I cherished you! I was more in love with you than I’ve ever been with any woman in my life. You tore my f*****g heart Norah!” He was shouting now and gripping my wrist harder.

Pulling my wrist out I went to step back but he turned and shoved me with one hand.

Falling back into the small side table, I watched him turn and scowl at me, “What did he do that made him so unbelievably perfect in your eyes? Did you guys f**k? Was the s*x just so good? Or maybe you two were secretly f*****g the entire time. Was that it?” He asked kneeling down and tipping my chin up to stare into his eyes.

I scowled pulled my chin from his grip and shoving him back. “Since when did you become such an aggressive a*****e?” I asked standing and watching him stare in disbelief.

“When did I become an aggressive a*****e? Well gee, maybe the day you f****d yo my life with your lies and deviant eyes. You f****d me over Norah. Not the other way.” He said shoving his index finger into my chest.

As he stepped closer backing me into the wall, I held my glare “Don’t touch me.” I said scowling.

He nodded “Yeah well you don’t get much of a say.” He said shoving me into the wall with a hard push.

“He gave me a say. Men like you, you just take and take and never ask me what I want.” I said furious with his face so close to mine.

James stared into my eyes “Alright baby, what do you want, a punch to the eye or a punch to the stomach?” He asked gripping my face in his hand.

I smelt the liquor on his lips as he breathed the words in a silent threat.

He went to pull back and punch and I quickly said “Eye…eye.” I said realizing I couldn’t get away from his grip.

His hand was enclosed tightly around my neck and I wondered how I always manage to attract the violent ones.

There’s a psychological theory that men who are abusive have a sixth sense and they can tell which woman in a crowd will take their s**t.

I guess I’m one of those girls.

Gritting my teeth, I watched him nod and pull back his fist. I shut my eyes tight and waited for the punch but when it knocked the wind out of me, I realized…he’d punched my stomach.

I stared at his face and watched him stare at me intently “I asked what you wanted, I never said I’d give it to you.” He said as the b***d cams running down my legs.

“No, no, no…” I stared down and as he let go stepping back I stared in horror. My heart racing and my stomach aching incredibly.

James stared in confusion and horror and I shoved him hard twice until he stumbled over the chair falling onto his a*s.

Taking a quick and ready breath, I slammed the bottom of my shoe hard into his face before kicking him repeatedly and crying.

“Norah!” Carter ran in and stared at James and then my legs “f**k!” He said running over and picking me up.

I was feeling very lightheaded quick and I wanted to rest…for just a little while.

Just a little while.