Off Sides

to be said in front of Danny and I want you to hear me so there is no misunderstanding. I am with Danny. She is with me. We love each other...deeply, and there isn't anything you can say or do that is going to change that. I'm asking you..." Ryan pauses and takes a deep breath, "no...I'm begging you to please accept this and for once, let me be happy with something of my own choosing."
    For just a split second, I think I see something like understanding cross her face, but then it shuts down. Her veneer is back in place.
    And then she actually laughs. "Ryan...don't be silly. You can't possibly think you have something to justify a long term relationship with this girl."
    I feel Danny tense up next to me but I give her waist a small squeeze of reassurance. "Mother, I not only think it, I know it. Now, either you can be happy for me, or not, but I am with Danny and nothing is going to change that."
    My mother's lips peel back in a snarl and her next words are like ice in my veins. "Ryan Burnham...you have obligations to this family and I am not going to stand by while you throw away what could be a very promising future on some two-bit waitress. Now tell me you understand what I'm saying so we can be done with this foolishness."
    I take a deep breath and offer up a prayer requesting patience. I look at my mother. Her beautiful visage is curled into an ugly scowl and her attitude makes it that much worse. I exhale and choose my next words very carefully.
    "I understand what you are saying." I watch her visibly relax. "But I don't accept what you are saying. We are clearly at an impasse and until such time as you can accept Danny being with me, we have nothing more to talk about. I'd like you to leave now."
    Danny lets out a small gasp beside me and I squeeze her again.
    My mom turns to leave but not before landing her cold eyes on Danny. "I hope you're pleased with yourself, you little gold digging tramp. You've managed to alienate Ryan from his entire family."
    Danny almost sags against me but I hold onto her tight.
    "Leave, Mother." I grit out.
    She flips me one last glare and leaves, slamming the door behind her.
    Immediately I turn to Danny and pull her too me. She's shaking and I stroke her back to soothe her. I hear the door to my room open up and assume its Mike. I turn to ask him to give me a few more minutes but I'm incensed to see Angeline standing there.
    "What the fuck do you want?" I snarl and Danny's head pops up to see Angeline standing in the doorway. She pulls out of my arms and walks over to the window, turning her back on us. I think she’s seen all she wants to.
    Turning back to Angeline I just point to the door for her to leave but she just glares at me. "How could you do that to your mother, Ryan? Choosing that—"
    I don't let her get the word out. I lunge at her and grab her arm, probably a little more roughly than I intended, but I want to stop those vicious words from coming out. I push her out the door and slam it in her face. Leaning back against the frame, I can hear Angeline stomping down the stairs. I rub the spot between my eyes feeling a tremendous tension headache coming on.
    Then Danny's soft hands are on my face. She's staring at me with such compassion that for a split second I want to break down and cry like a baby. Instead, I grab her head and kiss the hell out of her. Pulling her in close to me, I turn us around and push her into the door. I pin her body with mine, dragging her hands above her head. I thoroughly consume her mouth in my zeal to make sure she is really mine. I'm terrified she might leave me just to get away from the insaneness of my family.
    Burying my face in her neck, I beg her, "I need to fuck you, Danny...please ...let me..."
    She doesn't hesitate as she reaches down to the front of my pants and strokes me. "I need you too, Ryan. Now lock the door."
    ***
    Danny and I are lying on the bed, our skin slick with sweat. We're on our sides and I'm spooned up to her back. My heart rate is finally returning to normal after what must have been the wildest and hardest sex I've ever had and now I'm filled with regret.
    "I'm sorry that was so rough," I say as I stroke her arm.
    Danny flips over quickly and puts a fingertip over my lips. "Oh no you don't, Mister. That was outrageously awesome sex and you are not to feel bad about that in any way. In fact, I insist we do that more often."
    I let out a huge sigh of relief and smile at her. "Thank God! I thought it was awesome