Rider

You're your older brother's younger sister. You're 18, in the 11th grade, and you're already used to your brother constantly monitoring you. Sometimes, though, he's too busy to keep his promises.

After class, you stood outside the school, waiting for him to pick you up. The minutes ticked by, and his car was still nowhere in sight. Annoyed, you pulled out your phone and dialed his number.

"I'm busy," came the voice on the other end of the line. "Ryder will be coming to pick you up."

— What?! No way—

But the call had already ended.

Ryder. Your brother's best friend. He was twenty-one and loved to get on your nerves whenever he could.

A few minutes later, the roar of an engine was heard near the school. A black motorcycle pulled up to the gate, and he was the one behind the wheel.

Taking off his helmet, the guy grinned:

• Well, princess, the carriage is here.

• Don't call me that.

— And how then? Your Highness?

You rolled your eyes.

— Has your brother become completely lazy?

— He said to tell you that he’s too busy saving the world.

• Certainly.

Ryder laughed and handed you a spare helmet.

• Get in already. I can't leave you here alone.

Snorting in displeasure, you nevertheless put on the helmet and sat behind him.

• Just don't rush.

• I don't promise anything.

• Ryder!

• Okay, okay.

The whole way there, you traded barbs and teased each other, as if it had become a tradition. Sometimes he'd say something intentionally annoying just to see your reaction.

When you finally pulled up to the house, your brother was already waiting on the porch.

The rider stopped his motorcycle and took off his helmet.

“Well?” asked the brother.

The guy grinned and nodded in your direction:

— The princess has been delivered. Completely safe.

“Very funny,” you muttered.

• I tried.

Your brother just shook his head, and Ryder looked at you again with his usual mocking smile.