Safety seems to be Ryder’s number one priority with me and I just put it down to that. But there has to be more behind it with how close they are, barley leaving my side unless Ryder is around. Whether they fear that while they’re backs are turned, I’m going to run or not. There is not enough ‘danger’ for them to be as close to me as what they are. So why are they? “Lottie, it’s just through that door.” Cyrus calls his voice pulling me from my thoughts as he nods at a double door in front of us. The dark wood of the doors in front of me makes me chest shake a little. My thoughts coming back to how close Ryder is getting to me, I know I should be nervous of the way he touches me and by the way I feel when he does, I’m not though. I like it and right now the urge to have that touch is what pushes me through the door once Cyrus has it open. Light pours into the room through the open wall, all the glass panels being pushed back letting the warm breeze into the cottage themed room. The pale blue walls with all the white vintage furniture make the room more fitted for the meal we’re about to have. Ryder is sat outside on the balcony at a small three seated table with a phone pressed to his ear. He’s in black skinny jeans and a white button up shirt and his hair looks as though it was slicked back at one stage but now it’s slightly disturbed and I know that his hands have been locked tightly in it with frustration by the small crinkles. He seems to half have his Royal formal and his more casual look to him as well. I like the mix. My feet feel glued to the ground as I watch the muscles in his back move beneath the material of his shirt. I don’t know if I should get closer to him or stay back and wait for him to be finished with the phone call. I’m not stuck there for long as he throws the phone down onto the table. The force of his throw was hard and moved faster than what I thought would be possible. It makes me jump slightly out of surprise but when Ryder’s head rests in his hands as he braces himself on his elbows. He’s breathing is hard, so much that I can see the sharp movements through his back. Slowly I walk over to him keeping my footsteps light so I don’t disturb him. Once I get behind him, I raise my hand running my fingers lightly over the back of his. “Ryder.” My voice was quiet and nervous but as soon as my skin made contact with his and I felt the small electric shocks running through me, he had his fingers interlocked with mine his hand gripping mine as his warm breathes hit at my skin as he finally began to calm down. “Morning,” he laughs out, a small smile warping his face but it doesn’t reach his eyes and the smile isn’t sincere. It worries me, deeper than what it should. “Are you okay?” I ask ignoring his fake attitude. His eyes run over my body quickly before they stop on my lips, moving them back up to lock eyes with me. He gives me a small nod as he releases my hand. Cold seeps through my jeans into my skin from the cold iron of the seat as I sit down. There is a plate of scones in front of me with a bowl of cream and strawberry jam sat on the side. It looks nice. It’s something I’ve only ever seen from a window though and I desperately want to dig in but Ryder’s gaze is still locked on me. “What?” Biting my lip lightly as to not split it again, I look up at him noticing that the smile he now wears is real and I know it’s for me. “You look beautiful,” he whispers a sentimental look in his eyes. It quickly drops as a maid walks in the door with a tray in her hands. “What would you like to drink? Tea, coffee, water, hot chocolate even.” He continues his voice completely changed from before. The maid bows down in front of the two of us and once her head is back up she smiles towards me waiting for my answer. Turning towards Ryder I can see that he has a concentrated look on his face, but his eyes are concentrated on my face. “Um, I don’t really know. I’ve only ever had water.” Ryder lets out a small laugh when I say that. “Bring her all off them in a small mug but still bring her a glass of water.” Ryder says towards the maid as he takes the plate of small sandwiches from her. Giving me a nod she turns towards Ryder giving him one, “Yes your majesty, I won’t be long.” “Thank you, Abigail.” Ryder sighs happily, his eyes still on me. My eyes are concentrated on Ryder as he watches me carefully. His eyes only move form mine when his phone that surprisingly wasn’t broken vibrates on the table. He breathes out heavily, his eyes sympathetic as he looks back up at me. He leaves the room telling me that he will be back soon after he takes the call. He still confuses me to no end. I shouldn’t trust him but I do. The way that I felt when he took my hand was unexpected. The way that he seemed to calm down from the contact of my skin against his even made me more comfortable to be there with him.