Rhythm and Ray: A DJ’s Journey

[Chapter 247: Little Rascal]

After a lengthy conversation, Donald asked Ryan to hand the phone back to his daughter.

"I'm here," Ivanka said as she took the call.

The exchange didn't last long; she just kept saying "uh-huh," and before long, she hung up. Ryan didn't bother asking Ivanka what her dad had said; it was probably the same few lines he repeated all the time.

As they approached her home, Ivanka slowly spoke up, "He just told me to get back to work as soon as possible. I might really have to leave this time; you should find my replacement quickly."

"Sure, no problem," Ryan replied, saying nothing more.

"Why didn't you... ask me to stay?" Ivanka suddenly felt a bit reluctant. She was confused, torn between two completely conflicting thoughts.

Ryan didn't respond; he merely turned his gaze to the window, his expression hidden.

"You haven't left yet. I know you don't want to leave," Ryan turned back to her with a smile.

"I don't!" Ivanka pouted. "I could leave you whenever I want."

"All right, then I'll arrange for someone to take your place tomorrow," Ryan said playfully.

"That sounds great," Ivanka chuckled softly.

Ryan suddenly grabbed Ivanka's hand in the dark, but Ivanka pulled her hand back.

She shook her head at him.

"I've always considered you a brother," she said with sincerity.

"Well, I could use a sister," Ryan replied, pulling her closer.

"Don't do that..." Ivanka's sentence trailed off as Ryan kissed her lips.

After half a minute, when their lips separated, Ivanka's eyes looked dreamy, and her cheeks flushed.

"You really can't do that to your sister," Ivanka still seemed hesitant.

"If I can't do that, then let's do something more thrilling," Ryan nodded with a smirk.

"Shut up," Ivanka rolled her eyes at him, her flushed cheeks making it look like she was playfully scolding him.

...

Just then, the car arrived, and without saying a word, Ryan followed Ivanka as she got out. He wrapped his arms around her from behind, and they walked arm-in-arm through the gate of the house, taking steps across the garden path, finally entering the house.

"Your driver is still waiting outside," Ivanka reminded Ryan as he was pushed into the door.

"I told him to find a hotel nearby," Ryan replied, implying he intended to stay the night.

"You guys should get some rest; make sure to prepare a big breakfast tomorrow," Ivanka instructed the staff.

As the staff left, Ryan picked Ivanka up effortlessly, like he had done back at the gym, and quickly ascended the staircase.

...

"How did you know where my bedroom was?" Ivanka asked curiously.

"Just a guess," he said casually.

"No way, you memorized it the last time you were over," Ivanka replied confidently.

Ryan carried Ivanka into her luxurious bedroom, which had a slightly princess-like feel. Several oversized plush toys were strewn across the bed, and a standalone vanity was lined with an array of makeup and skincare products, at least a hundred bottles and jars.

"Tell me the truth, when did you become interested in me?" Ivanka asked while sitting on the bed, unfastening Ryan's buttons playfully, then adopting a mock-serious tone.

In response, Ryan's large hands pinned her down as she fell back, with him pressing over her.

"If you don't tell me, I won't be friends with you!" Ivanka squealed as her top was torn open.

Now that they were in the room, there was no turning back. Ryan looked at Ivanka's alluring figure with a hunger.

"Have you had enough? You little rascal!" Ivanka gasped, breathing heavily.

Ryan's hand instinctively reached behind her, expertly unfastening her bra.

"Not enough. I'll save the rest for later. Right now, I've got business to handle," Ryan chuckled.

...

The following morning, Ryan slowly opened his eyes and glanced at the woman next to him, her golden hair cascading around her shoulders. Below her collarbone, she was hidden under the covers, her complexion rosy and her lips curled in a gentle smile.

Ryan reached out and gently touched her nose, teasingly. After a moment, she finally woke up.

"Good morning, little rascal," Ivanka said as she leaned in and pecked Ryan on the cheek.

Ryan turned to her and held Ivanka tightly, the pressure beneath her collarbone palpable.

Although it was an acquired product, it felt no worse than the real one.

Ivanka snuggled closer into Ryan's embrace.

"You still haven't answered me; have you had your eye on me for a long time?" Ivanka pressed on, remembering last night's question.

Having crossed that line, Ryan admitted, "Since the first time I met you at the club, you made it onto my target list."

"Little rascal, you must have a long list of beautiful women on there, right?"

"None of them compare to you."

Ivanka scoffed a little, rolling her eyes. "Sister is going to teach you a lesson." And with that, she began entwining herself around Ryan like an octopus.

Ivanka had always maintained a fitness habit, and with her ultimate devilish body, even the battle-hardened Ryan was defeated in a short period of time.

"Useless little piece of shit," Ivanka mocked with a playful grin.

Normally, women would be the ones begging for mercy, but the situation turned on its head, igniting Ryan's competitive spirit. As if he wanted to show off, he pulled her up to bend opposite him, without saying a word, just started working silently.

While Ivanka initially wore a smile, her expression quickly morphed into seriousness as her brow furrowed, and soon after, her brows relaxed again, her expression collapsed.

Ryan turned her back toward him and yanked her golden hair, forcing her neck and face to lift in an imposing stance like a bowstring ready to snap.

"Little bitch, do you still want to leave?" Ryan tugged her hair, testing her resolve.

Ivanka clenched her jaw but remained silent. Eventually, she couldn't hold back.

"I'm not leaving! I'll stay by your side forever!"

Her sharp scream echoed through the thick door and reverberated down the hallway.

...

After a while, they made their way downstairs to find a lavish breakfast laid out. Without any men's pajamas around, Ryan was still in yesterday's clothes. Ivanka took the initiative to serve Ryan food, taking care of him.

She started to feel more composed, sitting quietly across from Ryan with her chin resting in her hand, gazing at him. Suddenly, a thought struck her -- did Taylor Swift often look at Ryan like this?

Once she had that thought, her composure shook. Though she didn't regret what happened the previous night, she knew it was time to set boundaries or it might spiral out of control.

"After I finish breakfast, I'll go run the company. You should find a replacement; that pretty secretary of yours seems suitable," Ivanka suggested.

"She's an actress and plans to work in Hollywood after," Ryan rejected the idea, then lifted his gaze. "You can leave, but you should come by occasionally."

"Why can't you just come to find me?" Ivanka laughed.

Ryan shook his head immediately. "I'm busy."

So, you want me to chase after you?

"Fine," Ivanka nodded.

Thinking that visiting occasionally wouldn't hurt, she reassured herself that Taylor wouldn't find out; she was usually busy, too.

The bottom line is like a woman's plastic wrap. Once it is broken, it will often happen countless times.

"The staff saw me last night; you should know what to do, right?" Ryan asked.

"That's my staff from New York; their families work for my dad's company, so they won't spill anything. You can rest assured about that," Ivanka replied.

...

For the next three days, Ryan only went to the Bed Room once each day, then returned to the Spirit Club operation in Fort Lauderdale, ostensibly helping Ivanka, but he often made her call him "little rascal" in the office. After work, they usually went to the gym and returned to Ivanka's home.

Ivanka was surprisingly motivated at work, effectively managing several incoming franchise partners, even as Ryan kept interrupting her. In the first couple of days, Ivanka reminded Ryan to keep things on track, but by day three, she dropped the subject of leaving altogether.

"Little rascal, if this keeps up, what will I do if I have another little rascal?" Ivanka said as she felt a wave of warmth wash over her, concerned.

"Isn't that better? In a few years, you'll be an older mother," Ryan leaned down, wiping the sweat from her forehead.

You really want to have kids with me?! Ivanka gasped internally.

Out loud, she said, "You're just trying to mess with me. You know I took my pill."

Ryan just smiled and said nothing, then began to get dressed.

"Where are you going?" Ivanka immediately stood up.

"I have to stay in the Bad Room for the next few days; we're behind on the carnival preparations," Ryan explained.

"Is Taylor coming back?" Ivanka asked, suddenly realizing.

He walked over and ruffled her hair. "She'll be gone in a few days, and I'll come find you then."

Ivanka pressed her forehead against Ryan's torso, thinking for a few seconds, "Is that really okay?"

"Don't overthink it; just wait for me to return," Ryan said, gently touching her cheek before turning to leave.

...

Ivanka was momentarily frozen, then slumped down like a marionette with cut strings, closing her eyes as her thoughts swirled.

Her phone rang, jolting her back to reality, and she went to answer it.

"When will you be back? Renovations on the building have already started," Donald's voice came through the receiver.

"Let someone else handle it for now; Ryan hasn't found a replacement yet," Ivanka quickly replied.

"It's been a few days; are you thinking of staying?" Donald sensed something was off.

"Are you getting involved with that little brat?" His tone heightened in surprise.

"Dad, he already has a fiancee! I'm a person with boundaries!" Ivanka protested.

"Well, hurry back! Forget the company; Ryan's been stalling you! Once you leave, he'll find someone new easily."

"That's someone else's company! You're just a worker there; this is your future," Donald elaborated.

"Without Ryan, you'd be filing for bankruptcy! Everything you established in Atlantic City has gone down the drain! Can't I help him out?" Ivanka implored desperately.

"That's only if my terms are enough to convince him; it's that simple. I don't need his charity!"

"I said I can't leave now -- give it some time. This is final." Ivanka hung up, sighing heavily.

...

Ryan returned home to find some clothes relocated and a few handy items repositioned to create the illusion of having lived there, even filling the basket of laundry. The next noon, he left for the airport to pick up Taylor.

...

Today, Taylor put on a convincing disguise, flanked by three assistants pushing her luggage. When she returned, she usually didn't need a bodyguard.

Taylor kept her head down as she walked for a bit until she noticed a tall figure at the exit, also disguised. Immediately, she knew it was Ryan.

With many people around, they didn't say much. Taylor linked her arm with Ryan as they headed to the exit.

...

Once in the car, Taylor removed her disguise and leaned her head on Ryan's shoulder.

"I counted the votes; the judges who promised me didn't even cast their ballots," Taylor confided, sharing a concern.

"At least you won Album of the Year," Ryan replied.

"But Carrie Underwood won Artist of the Year," Taylor pointed out.

"If you can't make waves with the academy, go after the music association's rival," Ryan suggested, throwing out another idea.

"You mean the Country Music Association?" Taylor asked, curious.

There were two major awards in country music -- the Academy and the Association, with the CMA being held every November.

"Exactly; you need to take a firm stance and refuse to attend any Academy events while exerting influence with the Association."

"But... might that upset the Academy?" Taylor pondered the repercussions.

"Definitely, but the potential benefits outweigh the risks. As your fame grows, you'll become the face of the country music scene and leverage the CMA against the Academy. Eventually, we'll sign more country artists and earn more money," Ryan laid out his thoughts, mirroring his previous attempts within the electronic music realm. "Ultimately, how you choose to move forward is yours."

"I have to think this through carefully. Enough of these headaches. With Long Live almost done, I want to use your studio to record it. Can you clear out some space?" Taylor asked.

"Of course! When you're here, everyone else will need to step aside for you."

"By the way, how's the carnival preparation going?" Taylor inquired.

"Everything is proceeding well; the lineup is mostly finalized. As for the music conference, let's skip it this time since we just held one, and with the international music summit happening then, we should avoid the spotlight. Meanwhile, several electronic music equipment manufacturers will join us as sponsors, setting up experiential areas around the venue," Ryan added.

Thanks to the two women from the CW network, they pulled in many sponsors, and the gear manufacturers were just part of it; several heavyweight consumer brands joined in as well.

Taylor nodded approvingly, feeling reassured by Ryan's information.

"You're probably going to be super busy this week, right? Nathan Chapman will probably arrive the day after tomorrow. I'd like to check out your Spirit Club operation tomorrow," Taylor proposed.

"It's a mess over there; nothing interesting to see. I've been running around between two companies and could really use a day off. Let's just spend the day relaxing together instead," Ryan suggested.

Taylor nodded, a smile creeping onto her face. "You've got a point; I could use a break. I'll wear a sexy swimsuit tomorrow."

[T/N: Caught up with the original's schedule. Updates will be slow from now.]

*****

https://www.patreon.com/Sayonara816.