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Chapter Nine
Last Updated:
2025-01-02 19:59:52
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RECKLESS VOWS Chapter Ten
THE GAME DEEPENS. Lyra paced her room, the muffled tick of a clock on the wall the only sound chaperoning her thoughts. The estate was too quiet, its silence pressing in on her like a weight. Her earlier encounter with Ryker replayed over and over, his words cutting deeper each time she remembered them. “Let’s see how long you last.” She gritted her teeth, forcing herself to stop walking. She leaned against the edge of the vanity and met her reflection. Her face looked pale, her expression uneasy. “You can’t afford to fall apart now,” she thought, gripping the edge of the table until her knuckles whitened. Her mind raced with possibilities. Ryker wasn’t just testing her; he was hunting her. Every word he spoke felt like a trap, every exchange an intentional move to break her piece by piece. But Lyra refused to crumble. If she had any chance of surviving this, she had to stop being reactive. She needed to find a way to take control—or at least, enough leverage
Last Updated : 2025-01-02RECKLESS VOWS Chapter Eleven
MISSION IMPOSSIBLE.Lyra stood outside Ryker’s office, her heart pounding in her chest. She knew this was a risk, but she was out of options. If she didn’t find something—anything—she could use against him, she’d never survive in his world. Taking a deep breath, she turned the handle and slipped inside. The room was cold, and sterile in its precision. Bookshelves lined the walls, meticulously organized, and the desk in the center was pristine, every item placed with purpose. It screamed control, much like the man who owned it. She moved quickly, her eyes scanning for anything that stood out. A locked drawer caught her attention, the keyhole taunting her. She tested it, but it didn’t budge. “Figures he’d lock away the good stuff.”Turning her focus to the computer, she tapped the screen. It lit up, but a password prompt appeared. Frustration bubbled up as she rummaged through the drawers, finding papers, business contracts, and nothing of immediate use. In the corner of the d
Last Updated : 2025-01-02RECKLESS VOWS Chapter Twelve
THE PRICE OF DESIRELyra hurried down the long hallway. Her thoughts were jumbled. She was thinking about the confusing note that Ryker had left her.—“You have 24 hours to tell me who you are”—burned in her mind like an open flame. Each step echoed against the cold marble floors, but no matter how far she walked, the knot in her stomach wouldn’t relax. She hated the way he had her cornered, how his presence seemed to fill every corner of her world. Worse, she hated the tinge of something else she couldn’t name—a pull toward him that made no sense. Turning a corner sharply, Lyra nearly crashed into something—or someone. Her breath caught as she stumbled back, finding herself face-to-face with Ryker. He was standing in the middle of the hallway, his tall frame casting a shadow over hers. His dark eyes were locked on her, unreadable but intense. “Jane,” he said, his tone low and measured. “In a hurry?” She took an instinctive step back, her heart slamming against her ribs. “
Last Updated : 2025-01-04RECKLESS VOWS Chapter Thirteen
THE CHALLENGERyker leaned against the doorway of the kitchen, arms crossed as he watched Lyra stretch on her tiptoes to reach for a glass in the upper cupboard. She was muttering to herself, frustration clear in every sharp movement. He couldn’t help the faint smirk tugging at his lips—there was something disarming about the sight. But disarming wasn’t the right word for Lyra. She was dangerous, an irritation he hadn’t anticipated. And that unpredictability was as maddening as it was enchanting. When she didn’t notice him after a few seconds, he stepped inside, his movements deliberate. “Need help?” Lyra jumped at the sound of his voice, spinning to face him with wide eyes. “What are you doing here?” He ignored the question, closing the distance between them with measured steps. Her gaze flicked to the cupboard, and she quickly turned back to try again, pretending he wasn’t there. She stretched higher this time, but the glass was still out of reach. Ryker raised an eyebro
Last Updated : 2025-01-04RECKLESS VOWS Chapter Fourteen
THE PARTY Lyra sat stiffly at the dining table, staring down at the elaborate spread of food. She wasn’t hungry, not with Ryker seated across from her. His calm, organized manners were enraging, especially after last night. She could still feel the phantom touch of his hands on her skin, his words replaying in her head like a taunt she couldn’t escape. Ryker’s voice broke the tense silence. “We’ll leave for the party at eight. I expect you to be ready.” Her head snapped up, her frustration bubbling over. “I’m not going.” He didn’t even look up from his plate as he cut into his omelet. “Yes, you are.” “No, I’m not.” Her voice was firm, her hands clenched into fists on the table. “I don’t care what kind of spectacle you’re trying to make, but I’m not going to be part of it.” Ryker finally met her gaze, his expression unreadable. He set his knife and fork down with deliberate precision, his movements calm—too calm. “This isn’t a discussion, Jane.” Her jaw tightened. “I don
Last Updated : 2025-01-04RECKLESS VOWS Chapter Fifteen
A KISS FOR SILENCE.The party ended quicker than Lyra had expected. The drive home was wrapped in silence, with her gaze fixed on the passing scenery outside the window. Ryker sat beside her, his attention entirely on her. His piercing eyes watched her intently, as though studying her every move. “What were she and Marcus discussing?”“You should stop staring,” Lyra said, her voice low and tired. She didn’t even bother to glance his way. Ryker smirked, the mischievous grin she’d come to associate with him spreading across his face. “I can’t stare at what’s mine?” he teased, his voice laced with mockery and arrogance. Lyra’s jaw clenched. He was relentless, always pushing, always testing. “How long do you plan to keep up this stubborn act, Jane?” he asked again, his tone challenging now. Her fingers tightened around her dress as she fought the urge to lash out. “Can we not do this tonight?” she finally managed to say, her voice strained with exhaustion. “That’s going to be
Last Updated : 2025-01-08RECKLESS VOWS Chapter Sixteen
~BUILDING A LIFE TOGETHER ~The warm morning light spilled through Lyra's window, bathing the room in a golden hue. She stirred, stretching lazily under the covers before letting out a soft yawn. Her eyes fluttered open, landing on the shadowy figure seated on the armchair by the window. She froze, clutching the sheet to her chest as she fully registered who it was. “For Christ’s sake, what are you doing in my room?” Lyra snapped, her voice groggy with sleep but laced with irritation. Her gaze darted to the birdhouse-shaped clock on her bedside table. “It’s six o’clock in the morning!” Ryker didn’t flinch. He was impeccably dressed in a tailored suit, his tie slightly loosened. His sharp gaze met hers, unreadable, but there was a flicker of something in his expression—amusement, maybe. “You talk in your sleep,” he said, leaning back in the chair as though this were the most normal thing in the world. Lyra blinked, her annoyance quickly morphing into disbelief. “Are you ki
Last Updated : 2025-01-10RECKLESS VOWS Chapter Seventeen
~A VISIT FROM THE PAST~ Lyra let the warm water cascade over her skin, washing away the remains of her restless morning. Ryker’s presence had stayed long after he’d left, like a shadow she couldn’t quite shake. His words, his gaze, the way he always seemed to take up all the air in the room—it was maddening. Still, she was glad he was gone, if only for a few days. His absence gave her the time and space she so desperately needed. She had plans—starting with Jane. If giving back the money was the only way to regain control of her life, she’d do it without hesitation. Turning off the shower, she stepped out and wrapped herself in the soft robe hanging nearby. As she padded back into the bedroom, her eyes fell on the chair where Ryker had sat that morning. The memory of his sharp gray eyes watching her churned something she didn’t want to name. He was infuriating, she reminded herself. Overbearing. Impossible. And yet, there was no denying his presence—the way he seemed to c
Last Updated : 2025-01-11
Latest chapter
RECKLESS VOWS Chapter Eighteen
~KEEPING THINGS IN ORDER~Lyra grabbed Adrian by the wrist, slamming the door shut behind her. Mrs. Hargrave, who had been watching the entire scene unfold, stood frozen in the hallway, her mouth slightly open in shock. “Lyra,” Mrs. Hargrave whispered to herself, confused. Why had that man called her Lyra instead of Jane? And who was he? Adrian chuckled darkly, his laugh low and alarming, as Lyra yanked him through the hallway and out onto the driveway. Once they were outside, Lyra released his wrist as though touching him any longer would burn her. Her chest heaved, anger and panic bursting in her chest. Her sharp eyes darted around to make sure no one was watching before she turned on him. “What are you doing here?” she demanded, her voice cold and cutting. “How did you find me?” Adrian smirked, the same arrogant smirk that used to charm her but now made her stomach churn. Lyra’s heart pounded in her chest. How had he found her? She had covered her tracks meticulously.
RECKLESS VOWS Chapter Seventeen
~A VISIT FROM THE PAST~ Lyra let the warm water cascade over her skin, washing away the remains of her restless morning. Ryker’s presence had stayed long after he’d left, like a shadow she couldn’t quite shake. His words, his gaze, the way he always seemed to take up all the air in the room—it was maddening. Still, she was glad he was gone, if only for a few days. His absence gave her the time and space she so desperately needed. She had plans—starting with Jane. If giving back the money was the only way to regain control of her life, she’d do it without hesitation. Turning off the shower, she stepped out and wrapped herself in the soft robe hanging nearby. As she padded back into the bedroom, her eyes fell on the chair where Ryker had sat that morning. The memory of his sharp gray eyes watching her churned something she didn’t want to name. He was infuriating, she reminded herself. Overbearing. Impossible. And yet, there was no denying his presence—the way he seemed to c
RECKLESS VOWS Chapter Sixteen
~BUILDING A LIFE TOGETHER ~The warm morning light spilled through Lyra's window, bathing the room in a golden hue. She stirred, stretching lazily under the covers before letting out a soft yawn. Her eyes fluttered open, landing on the shadowy figure seated on the armchair by the window. She froze, clutching the sheet to her chest as she fully registered who it was. “For Christ’s sake, what are you doing in my room?” Lyra snapped, her voice groggy with sleep but laced with irritation. Her gaze darted to the birdhouse-shaped clock on her bedside table. “It’s six o’clock in the morning!” Ryker didn’t flinch. He was impeccably dressed in a tailored suit, his tie slightly loosened. His sharp gaze met hers, unreadable, but there was a flicker of something in his expression—amusement, maybe. “You talk in your sleep,” he said, leaning back in the chair as though this were the most normal thing in the world. Lyra blinked, her annoyance quickly morphing into disbelief. “Are you ki
RECKLESS VOWS Chapter Fifteen
A KISS FOR SILENCE.The party ended quicker than Lyra had expected. The drive home was wrapped in silence, with her gaze fixed on the passing scenery outside the window. Ryker sat beside her, his attention entirely on her. His piercing eyes watched her intently, as though studying her every move. “What were she and Marcus discussing?”“You should stop staring,” Lyra said, her voice low and tired. She didn’t even bother to glance his way. Ryker smirked, the mischievous grin she’d come to associate with him spreading across his face. “I can’t stare at what’s mine?” he teased, his voice laced with mockery and arrogance. Lyra’s jaw clenched. He was relentless, always pushing, always testing. “How long do you plan to keep up this stubborn act, Jane?” he asked again, his tone challenging now. Her fingers tightened around her dress as she fought the urge to lash out. “Can we not do this tonight?” she finally managed to say, her voice strained with exhaustion. “That’s going to be
RECKLESS VOWS Chapter Fourteen
THE PARTY Lyra sat stiffly at the dining table, staring down at the elaborate spread of food. She wasn’t hungry, not with Ryker seated across from her. His calm, organized manners were enraging, especially after last night. She could still feel the phantom touch of his hands on her skin, his words replaying in her head like a taunt she couldn’t escape. Ryker’s voice broke the tense silence. “We’ll leave for the party at eight. I expect you to be ready.” Her head snapped up, her frustration bubbling over. “I’m not going.” He didn’t even look up from his plate as he cut into his omelet. “Yes, you are.” “No, I’m not.” Her voice was firm, her hands clenched into fists on the table. “I don’t care what kind of spectacle you’re trying to make, but I’m not going to be part of it.” Ryker finally met her gaze, his expression unreadable. He set his knife and fork down with deliberate precision, his movements calm—too calm. “This isn’t a discussion, Jane.” Her jaw tightened. “I don
RECKLESS VOWS Chapter Thirteen
THE CHALLENGERyker leaned against the doorway of the kitchen, arms crossed as he watched Lyra stretch on her tiptoes to reach for a glass in the upper cupboard. She was muttering to herself, frustration clear in every sharp movement. He couldn’t help the faint smirk tugging at his lips—there was something disarming about the sight. But disarming wasn’t the right word for Lyra. She was dangerous, an irritation he hadn’t anticipated. And that unpredictability was as maddening as it was enchanting. When she didn’t notice him after a few seconds, he stepped inside, his movements deliberate. “Need help?” Lyra jumped at the sound of his voice, spinning to face him with wide eyes. “What are you doing here?” He ignored the question, closing the distance between them with measured steps. Her gaze flicked to the cupboard, and she quickly turned back to try again, pretending he wasn’t there. She stretched higher this time, but the glass was still out of reach. Ryker raised an eyebro
RECKLESS VOWS Chapter Twelve
THE PRICE OF DESIRELyra hurried down the long hallway. Her thoughts were jumbled. She was thinking about the confusing note that Ryker had left her.—“You have 24 hours to tell me who you are”—burned in her mind like an open flame. Each step echoed against the cold marble floors, but no matter how far she walked, the knot in her stomach wouldn’t relax. She hated the way he had her cornered, how his presence seemed to fill every corner of her world. Worse, she hated the tinge of something else she couldn’t name—a pull toward him that made no sense. Turning a corner sharply, Lyra nearly crashed into something—or someone. Her breath caught as she stumbled back, finding herself face-to-face with Ryker. He was standing in the middle of the hallway, his tall frame casting a shadow over hers. His dark eyes were locked on her, unreadable but intense. “Jane,” he said, his tone low and measured. “In a hurry?” She took an instinctive step back, her heart slamming against her ribs. “
RECKLESS VOWS Chapter Eleven
MISSION IMPOSSIBLE.Lyra stood outside Ryker’s office, her heart pounding in her chest. She knew this was a risk, but she was out of options. If she didn’t find something—anything—she could use against him, she’d never survive in his world. Taking a deep breath, she turned the handle and slipped inside. The room was cold, and sterile in its precision. Bookshelves lined the walls, meticulously organized, and the desk in the center was pristine, every item placed with purpose. It screamed control, much like the man who owned it. She moved quickly, her eyes scanning for anything that stood out. A locked drawer caught her attention, the keyhole taunting her. She tested it, but it didn’t budge. “Figures he’d lock away the good stuff.”Turning her focus to the computer, she tapped the screen. It lit up, but a password prompt appeared. Frustration bubbled up as she rummaged through the drawers, finding papers, business contracts, and nothing of immediate use. In the corner of the d
RECKLESS VOWS Chapter Ten
THE GAME DEEPENS. Lyra paced her room, the muffled tick of a clock on the wall the only sound chaperoning her thoughts. The estate was too quiet, its silence pressing in on her like a weight. Her earlier encounter with Ryker replayed over and over, his words cutting deeper each time she remembered them. “Let’s see how long you last.” She gritted her teeth, forcing herself to stop walking. She leaned against the edge of the vanity and met her reflection. Her face looked pale, her expression uneasy. “You can’t afford to fall apart now,” she thought, gripping the edge of the table until her knuckles whitened. Her mind raced with possibilities. Ryker wasn’t just testing her; he was hunting her. Every word he spoke felt like a trap, every exchange an intentional move to break her piece by piece. But Lyra refused to crumble. If she had any chance of surviving this, she had to stop being reactive. She needed to find a way to take control—or at least, enough leverage
