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In the spotlight

Chapter two

Ryder Emmett

Yes, you got it right. My name is Ryder and you can say I'm one of the successful men alive. But whenever it comes to sports, I'm second to none.

I've started pursuing this career of mine since I was fifteen. It started as a hobby, and since I was the only one my parents had. They were always supporting me in every way.

Even when I told them about my dream of becoming a basketball player, they supported me. Even though they did plan for me to take over their company.

Well, not a deal. I can always hire someone for the job.

Ok, I'm huge and tall. And I'm just thirty-five. Say that again but I'm not married.

I signed a contract four years ago so I wouldn't get involved in anything romantic. I was meant to stay strong and fit till the end of the contract.

I don't know who fucking told them I was going to lose my abs whenever I get married. Well, that might happen.

Anyways, I don't plan on getting married. I have never dated and I don't believe there is something in this world that can make your heart beat faster than usual. Unless, when I'm playing.

So, I took life as fun. I'm loved by all and hated by none.

Despite so many awards I've earned, I still have plans to write rainbow in the future.

"Did you see that? Ryder Emmett is going to make a new world".

I laugh as I stare at the presenter on the TV. My name is always at the tips of every presenter, even magazines love to place me on the front page.

What more do I want in life?

"Love".

I hear a voice in my head say. I turn back to look at the lady on the TV.

"Ryder needs a wife. He've got all things asides a wife"

I wave it off mentally. I've got all things and I don't need love.

"Ryder is rich and very handsome but age is no more by his side. When will he get married?"

Can I ever get married?

Well, people do say there's always love in one's lifetime but I don't seem to find mine.

I accept I do have crushes but the feelings do fade away the second month. I haven't seen someone that would make my heart quicken.

Maybe I'm not destined to have one.

"Yes, Belle used to be his favorite"

I shake my head negatively at their ignorance. I never loved Belle. I didn't even crush on her a bit.

Gosh, I'm tired of listening to these people.

I have a football match in one of the cities two weeks from now and I'm looking forward to it.

Knowing that this city is mine, I love to flaunt it.

I switch off the TV, take my coat and don my hat before moving out of my apartment.

Did I tell you I live like a king? Now, you know.

Most upcoming politicians can't afford what I have.

It's fame and wealth.

I enter my car and drive off to Rock and Brew. It's one of my favorite restaurants.

I ordered Brews-chetta with Garlic parm fries.

Just when I sat to eat, I couldn't stop the stares and the compliments coming my way. It feels so good to be a star.

After that, I will be going to the gym. I need to train more so I won't lose my babies.

"Ryder!" Someone says behind me. I turn my head towards Belle. What the heck is she doing here?

It's ok that she has already created lots of rumors about us having a romantic relationships, why is she trying to add more? What if the rumors break the contract I signed?

"Ryder, what are you doing here?"

I look around us, at the faces watching us. Some have started to take pictures of us.

Damn it! I'm not in the mood for this.

I take Belle by her hand and lead her out of the restaurant. I opened the car door, "Enter please," I tell her and she comply immediately.

I close the door and enter my car too. I drove out of the vicinity. There's a spot I love going to because it's always free of people and it makes me relax.

I pull the car into a stop and look up at Belle, "What was that about?"

She gives me a skeptical look.

I sigh, " Why are you in Rock and Brew?"

She burst out laughing now, " it's on social media. Everyone knows where you are Ryd," she says softly. And I have to admit I love the way she pronounces my name. She's my type alright but she's still not capable of turning my head.

"You could have come to my house. Why did you come to Brew?"

She didn't say anything.

I sigh and turn away. I know why she did it. She probably already heard about the news circulating us together, " I don't like this Belle. We should both know where we stand. I don't like you going out of your way to affect mine"

" I am going to drop you at home. I don't want us to see for a while," I say and start the ignition. She didn't say anything and I sincerely love her silence.

She had been attaching herself with me after the hot sex we had two weeks ago. Now, she goes around acting like my queen.

Now, she's going to make me change my schedule for today.

I drove into town and finally arrived at her house but she wouldn't get down.

I look up at her again as I don't know what she's planning at the moment.

"Have sex with me for the last time and I will never disturb you again"

" No Belle, that's not going to happen again, "did I say I regretted the last time we had together? And I don't want it to happen again.

"If you can't, fine, "she says and quickly opens the door. I caught hold of her hand before she got down. Belle is tricky and defiant. There's nothing she wouldn't do to get what she wants. I sincerely have no idea how I ended up meeting her.

"Fine, I will"

She smiles so enchanting, " come to my house by nine then. Save and quiet. We will be done before anyone notices anything".

I nod briefly and let go of her, " I will then"

She smiles wider and closes the door.

I watched her for a while before driving away.

Come to think of it, it will be fun for me as well.

My schedule has changed more.

I drive straight to the gym. I mustn't miss my daily exercise for anything.

I have friends here too. Friends with whom I play basketball.

"Hi Ryder, "Austin says and we shake hands before we walk inside the VIP gym room.

When I finished up, I drove to town for lunch. Ordered fried rice with turkey and chilled juice. Then, I went for thirty minutes of swimming.

These are what keep me alive.

When I was done, I decided to go for Rocks and Brews alcohol hours even if it's just for thirty minutes.

When I was done, it was almost nine. I drive back home and refresh. I decided on designer wear. I got blue jeans with a shirt and a sport shoe.

When I checked the time, it was thirty minutes after nine already.

I just don't know why I keep thinking Belle is up to something bad. Why must she insist on us having casual sex before she lets me off? She must be planning something.

Nevertheless, I can't allow her to breach my contract. Alex will never accept an explanation. The moment the internet takes up the rumors, I will be ready to pay him fifty million dollars which I'm not ready to give out.

I pull to a stop in front of Belle's house and wait for the gate to open. The gate opened automatically and I drive it. I park the car safely and get down just in time to see the gate close on its own.

For all I know, Belle could be looking at me now. She's always the one operating the gate remotely.

I move to the front door and knock softly.

The door opens and Belle stretches her head out.

I stare at her for a while. She has already changed and is awaiting me. She's wearing a light and invisible night dress that's exposing the size of her nipples.

She smiles seductively, "Like what you see?"

I hate to admit to the fact that Belle is sexy too.

Why then can't my heartbeat for her?

She pulled me in and didn't let me talk before she clung to me and started to kiss me.

I lift her off the ground, giving in to the feeling coursing through me.

Life is fun to me. I will forever be Ryder Emmett.

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