The rest of the week dragged on slowly. I officially had to bend to Ryker's will on Monday, but for the weekend I was free. And it just so happens that Finn asked me out on a date at fancy restaurant for Saturday. Which was today.

I showered and did my makeup while my hair dried. I tried for a simple, yet sleek look. Of course I wanted to look great in front of Finn. No doubt he would look hot. I had told my mom about my date and knowing that I had nothing appropriate to wear for this type of event, she allowed me to dig through her closet. I had picked out a navy blue dress with lacy long sleeves that hugged my curves in all the right places. When my hair was finally dry, I used my mom's curling iron to put a few long curls in my hair. Then I was ready to go.

I went downstairs to wait for Finn to pick me up. He would be here in about an hour so I still had time to kill. I went into the living room where my mom was watching television. She paused her show and jumped off the couch when she saw me.

"Oh, Eve! You look beautiful," my mom gushed.

I smiled as she came over to hug me. I hugged her back and then she held me an arm's length away to give me a closer look. A tear ran down her face and I wiped it away.

"My baby girl's all grown up," she said all teary eyed.

"Nah," I said and sat down on the couch. My mom sat beside me and we watched the rest of her show until the bell rang. I slowly got off the couch, smoothing my dress and hair down. I shooed my mom away with my hands and she laughed, going upstairs.

I unlocked the front door and smiled shyly at Finn. His eyebrows shot up and he said, "Wow, Eve, you look amazing."

I blushed. He was wearing a white, button down dress shirt with black dress pants. Finn wasn't looking too bad himself, and I told him that. He chuckled and held his arm out. I slid my arm through his and he helped me walk down the driveway in my heels. I wobbled every step of the way, but Finn held me steady so I wouldn't fall. He brought me to the passenger side of his car and opened the door for me. I got inside and waited as he climbed in the driver's side.

I thought the car ride to the restaurant would be awkward and I would have to turn on the radio to fill the silence, but we surprisingly talked the whole way there. We talked about school, music, hobbies, and just about everything else. When we reached the restaurant, Finn opened my door again and helped me walk.

We walked in the dimly lit restaurant and I immediately felt out of place. Everyone here screamed wealthy which explained why Finn had picked this restaurant. His father owned a country club or something and they were pretty well off.

The host led us over to a booth near the back. The seats were made of red velvet and a candle was burning in the center of the table. I neatly tucked my dress underneath me as I sat down across from Finn. The host laid four menus out between the two if us. I had no idea why we needed so many or what each one was for. I tucked my bangs behind my ear and discretely looked at which menu Finn had picked up first and grabbed the same one.

Oh, it was for drinks and appetizers.

"Hmm, what would you like as an appetizer?" Finn asked me when the host had left us alone.

I hadn't even looked through the menu when I blurted, "Chips and salsa," and regretted it right away. I hated spicy food. My face would get red and my eyes would tear up. I'd also have to drink gallons of water to wash away the spiciness.

Finn nodded, "Sounds good to me."

Hell no, it didn't. Ugh, I'd be forced to eat it now since I'd chosen it. I'm such an idiot. Maybe I was more nervous than I thought.

Our waitress came by and took our orders for drinks and appetizers. I had made sure to get a water I could chug. Finn ordered a sprite and the damn chips and salsa. Even the least mild salsa was too spicy for me so it really didn't matter which type they brought out. I would still react the same way.

Our drinks were brought out and I took a sip of my water when Finn asked, "So, what do you think about Two-Strings?"

It took all I had not to spit my water out at him. That question was so random. Finn knew I hated Ryker, but he sat with him at lunch so I guessed they were "friends". I would have to answer this carefully. I stalled by swallowing my water slowly. Then I responded, "They're okay."

The truth was, I really did like their music. Without a doubt, Ryker knew it, too. He's caught me listening to them so many times now.

I was saved from having to say anything else when the chips and salsa arrived. Finn grabbed a chip and dunked the whole thing into the salsa in the small bowl. He took a huge bite and swallowed without showing any signs that it was hot.

Humph, maybe salsa wasn't as spicy as I thought. I took a chip and dipped half of it in the salsa. I took a bite and felt fine.

At least I thought I did.

That was when my taste buds suddenly felt as though they were on fire.

"Good, right?" Finn asked after he finished eating his chip.

I nodded, still trying to swallow mine. I couldn't do it. I was pretty sure my face was starting to get red and I could already feel tears forming in my eyes. I hastily swallowed the rest of the chip and chugged my water. Oh my gosh, that felt so much better. The icy goodness slid down my throat, cooling off the burning sensation. I looked up once I felt refreshed.

Finn's eyes were crinkled in silent laughter. He clutched his stomach as he doubled over and let it all out. 

"You don't like...spicy stuff...do you?" He said in between fits of laughter.

I shook my head, setting him off again. When he caught his breath he said, "Sorry, you should have seen your face. It was priceless!"

I couldn't help but laugh at that. The waitress came over while I was still laughing. I stifled my laughter to listen to her.

"Ready to order?"

Finn nodded, saying, "Yeah, Eve you can order first."

Oh shit. I haven't even looked at the dinner menu. Those stupid chips and salsa screwed me up. I waved my hand at Finn and told him that he could go first.

"Steak, well-done, with mashed potatoes, gravy, and green beans, please," he requested.

The waitress wrote it down on her little pad and looked over at me.

"Uh, I'll have the same as him," I said pointing a finger at Finn.

She tucked her pen and pad in her apron, saying that the food would be here shortly and we thanked her.

"Did you even look at the menu?" Finn caught me.

"Pssh, yeah and I just happened to pick the same meal as you," I said, feigning nonchalance. Truth was, I probably would have picked something along those lines anyway. Steak was a luxury at my house. We didn't have it often because I had to cook many times for just myself when my mom was working.

Finn and I made small talk. He was very polite and made me laugh a lot. His green eyes sparkled at me from across the table, making me blush. Good thing the lights were very dim in here or else he would notice. That would be embarrassing.

Our food arrived quickly and I unwrapped my silverware, placing the napkin across my lap. See, I had manners even if I never used them. Finn did the same and we dug in.

The steak was delicious, it was almost like each bite melted in my mouth. A fork load of mashed potatoes was on my way to my mouth when my cell buzzed on the seat beside me. I chose to ignore it. It could only have been Xander or my mother and I would tell them the details later. So, I shoved the fork in my mouth, relishing in the deliciousness of the buttery potatoes.

My phone buzzed again. I ignored it.

"My parents own a beach house up in Florida," Finn said, "We go surfing, tubing, fishing, and just hang out at the beach all summer. It would be really great if you could come for a week or so and relax."

I put my fork down and wiped my mouth with my napkin. I said, "Oooo, Finn. That's amazing! I would love to come. That sounds like so much fun. I've never been surfing before."

"Really? Surfing is so cool, I'll teach you how to surf," he said with a brilliant smile.

Buzz, buzz.

Who the hell was sending me so many messages? As I put the napkin back down on my lap, I pressed the home screen on my phone to see who it could be. "Asshole" flashed across the screen and I mentally groaned. Why would he be sending me so many text messages?

I looked up at Finn and said, "Hey, I'll be right back. I need to use the restroom."

"Alright," Finn said.

I got up and almost got lost on the way to the bathrooms. I had to ask a few waiters directions on the way here. When I finally reached the bathrooms, I locked myself in one of the stalls to open all the text messages.

They read:

Come to the shop.

Now.

Angel. I know where you are.

Angel. I'm coming to get you.

Your video.

My blood boiled. How dare he demand me to leave my date with Finn! I wasn't supposed to start doing as he said until Monday. It was Saturday! And how did he even know where I was? Oh right, Finn must have told him since they were friends or whatever.

I typed back, No way. Monday. Don't post.

My phone started ringing. The douche was calling me. I picked up in the first ring.

"Ryker, I swear. I'm on a date right now, and you said I don't start doing what you say until Monday. I'm not leaving."

He hung up. I took that as a really bad sign.

Finn would start to get suspicious if I didn't come back soon. So I sent a quick text to Ryler, I hate you, I hate you, I hate you.

See you soon, came his reply.

He knew I would come. Or else I knew he wouldn't hesitate to post the video.

I left the restroom and found my way back to Finn easily enough. I sat down and looked at my half eaten dinner. I frowned and thought about what I would say to Finn.

"Is everything okay?" He asked when he noticed my frown.

"Yes, well no. My mom, uh, it's her birthday and I completely forgot. She said she's coming by here to pick me up. I'm really sorry Finn. I'll make it up to you somehow."

He smiled, "I didn't know it was your mother's birthday. You should be with her."

I nodded, "Yeah, I really am sorry to cut this short. It's all my fault, but I had an amazing time with you, Finn."

Then I got up, figuring Ryker was probably already here from the infinite amount of times my phone buzzed during my short exchange with Finn. Finn walked me to the door and kissed me. I kissed him back and walked off in the parking lot, pretending to look for my mother's car that wouldn't be here. I hid behind a vehicle until Finn went back inside the restaurant and I could no longer see him.

A deep rumbling noise sounded from the other side of the car I was hiding behind. I stepped out from its shadows to see a sleek, black motorcycle with a driver who was too hot for his own good. My stupid heart picked up its pace. I ignored it.

Ryker pulled off his helmet to glare at me. He was the one ruining my date. Yet he was angry. He had no right. I yanked the helmet out of his hands and strapped it over my head. My hair would be a mess in a matter of seconds, putting my time curling it to waste.

And of course Ryker would pick me up in a motorcycle, not a car that I knew he also owned. When I got on behind him, my dress rode up far higher than I wanted. I tried to pull it down, but it wouldn't budge from where it was showing off almost my entire leg.

Ryker's gaze dropped to my bare legs and a fire ignited behind them. His eyes lingered on my legs for a second too long, so I slapped him across the face. His tongue slipped out to moisten his lip piercing as he smirked.

Then he slipped his hands under my legs to pull me closer. My skin burned and got goosebumps where he touched me. I hoped he didn't notice even though I knew he did. He dragged me until I was plastered against him. He grabbed my hands, wounding them around his stomach where his abs tightened. I involuntarily shivered, and not because it was cold outside.

He relaxed and I leaned in to him for warmth, and only warmth I told myself. Ryker pushed me back for a second as he took off his leather jacket. He draped it around my shoulders and pulled me back.

Ryker looked down at me and said, "Don't fall for me."

Then we were off, leaving Finn behind me.