Next few days I avoided being around Ryder. I knew I wasn't brave enough for that.

Elevators, car parks and even cafeteria I was wary of his presence. Not to mention the library. I would wait around the corner to make sure he left.

Until my luck ran out.

We had weekend exhibition in the downtown and Ralph was giving out some books for charity. Which led to the part timers carrying the books around and making sure that they were kept safe until sale.

We packed two box of books according to  Ralph's list. Neither of us opening their mouth. It was only two for both.

"Let's get these loaded", Ralph announced brushing the non existent dust from his pants.

"Do you have a truck or something?", I asked searching for vehicle parked at the front.

He huffed in pain. His body not getting along with any tiring work. "No, I asked Ryder to take his car".

Please don't tell me we are moving the boxes in that car.

I've started to become nervous. Ryder showed the way to the car that parked at the end of the lane as it was too tight to park here.

Halfway through carrying the second box I heard a snap. The acute pain from my back, I immediately knew its gonna trouble.

I put the box in the middle of the road, sitting down holding my back. I had to breathe and control the urge to cry at the same time.

I lifted the box half way through bending myself from not giving too much strain to my back.

I put the box on the ground waiting for Ryder to tie the first box in place. As soon as he touched the second box I stumbled back to the library.

"You okay?", Ralph enquired when he saw me grimacing. I waved my hands telling him that I pulled something and nothing serious.

Remind me to get those pain relief patches.

Ryder entered the library after packing and told Ralph that he was ready. You know when something bad was about to happen and then you get minute of slow motion

That, exactly happened to me when Ralph told me to accompany Ryder. I'd never been so quick to refuse. He had to coax me telling to wait until he came.

"I'll take a cab or something", I was definitely not going with him. "Its about an hour from here." Exactly my point. I had to sit in a confined space with Ryder for an hour.

"I am fine, Ralph. I have some more work here. I'll get a taxi", I convinced , atleast tried.

"Don't be brat and get in the car", he said sternly that I had to follow. I dropped my head and followed the Devil to the Hell  without a word.

As expected I couldn't breathe as soon as the engine started. He hadn't spoken anything except 'Don't scratch the door'. As if that day wouldn't come

He drove with a set jaw and eyes focused on the road. No radio and no talking, boring as hell.

As the minutes went by I found myself staring at him. How different he was from Connor. His dark aura completely in contrast with Connor's bright features.

There is nothing worse than almost hitting another car to snap me out of my train of thoughts. He slammed his brake eventually disturbing my set position for my back.

The sudden jerk shot up the pain. I curled up on my knees biting myself from crying out loud. It felt like hammering.

I wanted to get out of the car. But it was painful for me to sit back straight. I called Luke biting my lower lips from trembling.

When Luke picked up the phone he knew I was in trouble. He became anxious when I told him I wasn't feeling well, which rarely happened.

I was that girl with 102 degrees of fever and still get out of the bed as if nothing's bothering me. So it was a deal when I called him to meet me at the place where exhibition was being held.

I cut my call, holding myself up closing my eyes to concentrate on that particular position.

I noticed at the corner of my eyes Ryder was set on the road. I wasn't expecting him ask me about my pain when I knew he had no empathy. The least I wanted from him was to step on the gas and get there before I lose my mind.

The car turned into the parking lot. I pushed myself out of the car, catching the door when the pain shot up again.

Ryder opened the back door hoisting a box. "If you're done with the drama, carry the second one". I had never despised one this much in my life. He enjoyed me in pain. The smug gave it all. As hurtful as it was I never let it bother me. He was no one to me.

I prayed for Luke to come earlier. I lifted the second box and followed him until the registration. That's when Luke parked his car next to Ryder's.

I limped to Luke while Ryder was talking in the front desk about where the boxes had to be placed.

Luke was worried as he saw me limp. He ran to me and delicately held me to his car. "What did you do ? Does it hurt much? Shall we go to the hospital ?", he rained questions.

I held my fingers in his mouth bending towards the ground and panting. "Did you bring patches?".

He scurried away to take those relief patches from the dash. I leaned on to his car for support. He gasped as he lifted my shirt.

"What have you done Emily?", the shock evident in his voice and his touch was soft. I didnt even think that it'd be visible but I guess I was wrong.

"Not a big deal Luke. Just put on the patch", I mumbled in between the ragged breathes.

"Yeah not a big deal girl 'cuz I can see purple bruise in there clear as a day". I had no strength to reply back. My knee almost buckled when he put on the patch.

It took me a few minutes to regain composure and stand on my support. Luke advised for medical support and I agreed rather arguing with him, which was a lost battle.

Until then I didn't realize Ryder standing next to his car with back door open.