A Much-Needed Break
Emerald's POV
The tension from the earlier exchange with Ivy had begun to ease by the time we arrived at my room. I was feeling lighter than I had felt in hours, but I wasn't sure if that was because Ryker's jokes were actually hitting home or if I was just getting tired.
Ryker made a simulated bow to me as we came to a stop in front of my door extending his hand as though he were making a dramatic departure.
“And now, ma'am, we are safe and sound. I hope I've fulfilled my responsibility as your nighttime bodyguard.”
I couldn't resist laughing. Even the most ordinary situations seemed to be transformed into a comedy movie scene by Ryker's theatrical flair. For a brief moment, his witty grin made me forget everything else.
I said, “Well, Ryker,” and I arched an eyebrow. “It safe to say that you've done your job because I'm not feeling as stressed out now. Congratulations on your new position.”
His arms swung out in triumph as he straightened up. He declared as though he had just been given a standing ovation “Another victory for the Ryker brand of entertainment!”
I laughed, but then a gentle, surprising part of me wished the moment would go on. I didn't want him to go, even for a moment. In my mind, I could hear Lena, my wolf, giggling because she found our relationship amusing.
She asked in a playful, jovial tone, “You like him, don't you?”
I muttered, “Shut up, Lena,” not realizing I had said it aloud until Ryker gave me a perplexed look.
With his eyebrow raised in that manner that always gave the impression that he knew more than he was revealing, he questioned, “Talking to yourself Emerald?”
With my heart pounding for a new reason I dismissed it with haste. “Well, no, just pondering.”
“Right,” he smiled, obviously not convinced but not arguing. “I'm happy I could contribute to a more relaxed atmosphere. If nothing else, I'm great at helping people temporarily forget about their troubles.”
“Okay, Ryker,” I said, folding my arms. “Aside from making dramatic entrances and saving the day what precisely do you do around here?”
As though giving the question some serious thought he cocked his head. “To be honest I do a little bit of everything. I mostly keep things lighthearted and amusing.”
As if he were a clown with a knack for timing. I arched a dubious eyebrow. “Entertain huh?” I asked.
He dramatically straightened up and raised his arms in the air before I could say another word. “Watch,” he said, his voice deep and almost comedic. “A master of movement arts.”
Surprisingly he spun on the ball of his foot with surprising skill as he suddenly dropped into a strange but astonishing breakdance move. When he tried to spin on his back, his head swayed, and his arms thrashed for balance. Uncertain whether to laugh or be shocked I stood there for a moment with my mouth open.
“Ryker, what the hell—?” Then it happened.
His expression contorted in a heightened state of focus as he moved into an odd mashup of awkward popping and locking. For a brief moment, he appeared to be on the verge of falling, but he changed course and almost crashed into the wall with a cartwheel.
Unable to control myself I started laughing. The ridiculousness of the scenario—Ryker performing breakdancing moves in the middle of the hallway obviously oblivious to the current circumstance—was the ideal way to relieve the tension I had been experiencing throughout the day.
I thought in between chuckles, “I think you might be right. I think you're the most entertaining bodyguard I've ever seen.”
He stood up straight, breathing a bit more heavily than I believe he had anticipated and came to an ungraceful stop. He dismissed himself with a sarcastic smugness and said, “I mean, I could have gone for the classic dance moves, but I like to think I offer something new.”
I was still holding my stomach in an attempt to gather my thoughts. I firmly believe that the word new is appropriate for it. I have never seen anything like that.
Ryker bowed slowly and dramatically to me. “Thank you so much. All this week I will be here. Remember to give your entertainers a tip people.”
I wiped away my tears and continued to smile as I said "I think you need a nap.”
He shrugged laughing. “I might do. I'm growing too old to handle this. Hey, I'm just out here to make sure my favorite expectant mother makes it home safely.”
I said, trying not to lose my cool “Ryker, you're ridiculous.”
He winked and remarked, “I'm ridiculously entertaining, not just ridiculous.”
The smile on my face persisted even after I rolled my eyes. “Alright, alright. As my official personal comedian, you have been hired. But only if you pledge to limit the amount of breakdancing.”
“Agree,” he said with a smile. “However there are no guarantees regarding the absurd aspect.”
When I eventually reached for the door handle I shook my head while continuing to laugh. Before I could twist it though, I heard Ryker's voice once more.
“Goodnight Emerald,” he said, his voice suddenly softer and more sincere. “You look after yourself, Okay?”
Facing him I felt a little lighter than before. “I appreciate everything you did tonight Ryker. Sincerely I have no idea what I would have done in your absence.Really.”
His smile turned into something more genuine as he nodded. “Emerald, you don't realize how many people are on your side. Always remember that.”
I nodded and felt as though the day's burden had been lessened than I had initially believed. It was more than just Ryker or Caden it was the knowledge that I had supportive and caring people in my immediate vicinity.
I said, “Goodnight, Ryker,” in a quiet voice. “And I'm grateful. For bringing me to laugh.”
His typical mischievousness returned and he smiled. “Anytime lovely. Any time.”
I smiled at him and leaned against the door for a moment allowing the silence of the room to envelope me. The image of Ryker clumsily breakdancing in the hallway brought back memories of the laughter and made me smile again. Perhaps they weren't as hopeless as they thought during their lowest points.
I felt as though I could breathe for the first time in a long time.