Ashton
True to his word Ryder steps back and gives me space. We fall into an easy relationship and start to build our family life. I play the perfect wife and mother which comes surprisingly easy to me. Ryder carries on as he’s always done. The doting father and the hard president of his club. To everyone else, we’re the perfect family and gradually I start to feel comfortable living here.
Today Cassie starts school and despite her excitement, I feel sorry that she’ll be away from me for most of the day. She looks angelic in her uniform and I see the proud look in Ryder’s eyes as he watches her run towards him with excitement.
“Daddy, I’m a big girl now, aren’t I?”
Grinning, he winks at her and then growls. “Don’t you grow up too soon little princess. You’re my baby, remember that.”
She giggles as he swings her up and then tickles her mercilessly. They start to play fight and I call out in alarm.
“Enough, you’ll mess up her uniform. What sort of impression would that give your new friends young lady?”
Cassie giggles and I shake my head and laugh as I see the two of them standing before me. So alike in every way and equally adorable.
Rolling my eyes, I grab the camera and take a brief picture and then hurry things along.
“Right then, into the car and don’t mess up your uniform. Kiss daddy goodbye.”
Ryder looks at his daughter with so much pride I feel my heart melt. “Be good baby girl. Remember to do everything the teacher tells you and no backchat.”
Cassie cocks her head to one side and says thoughtfully.
“What if I don’t agree with what they say?”
Ryder laughs. “Then tell your daddy when you get home and we’ll talk it through.”
She smiles. “I love you, daddy.”
As he kisses her softly he whispers. “I love you more my angel.”
I smile gently at him as Cassie races off to the car. “She’ll be fine. Don’t worry. You know, it’s not too late to change your mind and come with us.”
He shakes his head. “No, it’s best I stay away. She needs to fit in, remember. She needs you, Ashton. You’ll be the respectable parent she deserves. Not the hard, battle-torn biker who deals in retribution.”
I look at him thoughtfully.
“You know you’re more than that-don’t you?”
He winks and I see the cocky bastard that he is coming back with a vengeance.
“Keep telling yourself that, darlin’. There’s no one else around here that would agree with a word you’ve just said.”
Laughing, I follow Cassie out.
The journey takes us 30 minutes and Cassie talks nonstop all the way. She’s so excited and I laugh to myself. I wonder how long before she hates the thought of this drive every day.
We pull up outside a hugely impressive building. There is wealth and privilege all around and the air is thick with tradition and expectation. The other children look well-bred and immaculate and their mom’s as if they have stepped out of a magazine. I start to question why Ryder would want to send Cassie to a place like this. From my own experience, I hated every minute I spent in places just like this one. My daddy sent me to the best schools, and I detested every one of them. These people aren’t real. They are bred to judge others they deem beneath them. They have no tolerance and no compassion.
I feel as if the walls are closing in on me as I walk Cassie to the large hall where we’ve been told to gather.
Cassie holds my hand tightly and I can tell she’s overawed by the whole experience.
We take a seat in the hall and wait for the headmaster to address the new pupils and their families. I notice that most people have two sets of parents with them and feel conspicuous that it’s only the two of us. Luckily, another woman sits down next to me and I see she has a daughter who looks every bit as adorable as Cassie. The woman smiles brightly.
“Hi, I’m Jennifer and this is my daughter, Imogen.”
I see Cassie smile at the little girl who looks at her shyly. I smile back. “I’m Ashton and this is Cassie.”
Jennifer rolls her eyes. “This is all a bit Harry Potter, isn’t it? I’m starting to wonder what the hell I was thinking enrolling her here.”
I laugh and nod in agreement. “Me too. It has a good reputation though.”
Jennifer laughs softly. “Apparently it does.”
Our attention is drawn to the stage as an impressive man in a gown stands up and says in a loud, strong voice.
“Ladies and Gentleman and new pupils of Harvey-Vallard. My name is Principal Armstrong and I want to welcome you all to our school.”
I look at him with interest and find little to warm to. He has a sharp look to him and looks as if he will be a hard taskmaster. Once again, I worry about the choice Ryder has made.
He carries on for a while and then wraps it up by calling the children forward. They are divided into three classes and introduced to their new teacher. As Cassie follows in line, the only comfort I get is that Imogen is close behind her. At least she has a friend to settle in with. It would appear the alliance was formed as soon as they met. I just hope nothing happens to rock this boat of privilege. As long as Cassie is happy, then so am I.
The parents are then treated to welcome drinks and a chance to mix with the teachers and other parents. Jennifer stays by my side and we soon discover that we think along the same lines. I find out that Jennifer’s husband travels a lot overseas and works for the government. When she asks about Ryder, I brush off the question by saying he runs a security business.
It must be half an hour later that we are introduced to the principal.
He wanders over and looks at us both keenly.
“Ladies, I am pleased to meet you. I’m Principal Armstrong. I pride myself on a very hand on approach with our new families and trust you will be very happy here.”
As I shake his hand and smile I shiver inside. His gaze is predatory and his eyes rake me from head to toe making me feel exposed. He swings his gaze to Jennifer who has grown a little more subdued. It appears she feels the same because the look she throws me mirrors my own.
Standing back, he smirks. “Now, I will shamelessly recruit you to our parent’s association. We meet once a week in the library and work together to ensure that your little darlings have the best possible experience they can with us. I do hope that I can count on your participation.”
I remind myself that I’m here for Cassie and will do whatever I have to make her happy so I smile brightly.
“Of course. Just tell me when and where.”
Jennifer nods. “You can count on me too.”
He smiles. “Good. We meet tomorrow after you drop your children off. 9 o'clock, don’t be late. I’d hate to have to give you a detention on your first day.”
He heads off chuckling to himself and Jennifer pulls a face. “Ew, gross. Do you think he realizes just how creepy he is?”
I laugh. “Probably not. Men like that think they’re invincible. I just pity the poor woman he married.”
Jennifer grins. “Well, if you’re up to it, how about grabbing a coffee with me and we can get to know everything about each other as only good friends do.”
I smile and shake my head. “I would love to but I’m afraid I have to get back. I’m meeting a friend but I’m free tomorrow if you are.”
Jennifer pulls a face. “I have a feeling we’ll need stronger stuff than coffee after our parents meeting but you’re on, tomorrow it is.”
We walk out together and as she chats away, I feel happy that I’ve made a friend. Maybe it won’t be so bad. First impressions can sometimes be distracting. I’m sure that once we both settle in the reason for Ryder sending Cassie here will become evident.