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Chapter Sixteen
Last Updated:
2025-01-10 08:48:51
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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
Last Updated : 2025-01-11RECKLESS VOWS Chapter one
CHAPTER ONE THE DEAL The shrill ring of the phone jolted Lyra out of her thoughts. She stared at the cracked screen, knowing exactly who it was before she even picked it up. “Miss Winson,” her landlord’s voice droned as soon as she answered, no pleasantries, just a cold, clipped tone. “This is the third notice. Your rent is overdue, and if I don’t have the payment by the end of the week, I’ll have no choice but to start the eviction process.” Lyra’s fingers tightened around the phone. “I just need a few more days, Mrs. Grant. I promise I’ll—” “No more promises,” she snapped. “End of the week, Lyra. That’s it.” The line went dead before she could respond. Lyra let the phone drop onto the table in front of her, staring blankly at the pile of overdue bills beside it. Student loans, medical bills, and now rent. The weight of it all pressed down on her chest like an iron cage. She exhaled shakily and pushed her hands through her hair. “Keep going, Lyra,” she to
Last Updated : 2024-12-18RECKLESS VOWS Chapter two
CHAPTER TWOENTERING THE LION’S DEN.The leather chair creaked faintly as Lyra shifted nervously. Across the sleek mahogany desk sat Mr. Wallace, Jane’s family lawyer, his sharp features framed by glasses that gleamed under the soft overhead lighting. The office was intimidatingly pristine, the kind of place where everything screamed wealth and power. Lyra felt entirely out of place like a kid pretending to play grown-up in someone else’s world. Mr. Wallace glanced up from the stack of papers, his stern expression giving away nothing. “Miss McCormick,” he said, addressing her with Jane’s surname. “As we finalize this arrangement, I must remind you of the confidentiality clause. Breaching it will result in significant legal repercussions.” Lyra swallowed hard, her palms damp against the cool surface of the desk. “Understood,” she murmured, her voice barely audible. “Good.” He slid the marriage certificate toward her, along with an expensive gold pen. “Sign here. And here. Initi
Last Updated : 2024-12-18RECKLESS VOWS Chapter three
CHAPTER THREE ADJUSTING TO THE ROLE.Lyra sat cross-legged on the plush rug in her room, Jane’s binder spread open in front of her. Pages and pages of neatly typed notes mocked her with their precision, each one detailing another facet of Ryker Blackwoods’ life. His favorite foods, the charities he donated to, his business associates, his habits, his schedule—it was all here. The overwhelming weight of it pressed down on her chest like a lead blanket. She flipped to a random page, her eyes scanning the words without truly absorbing them. “Ryker prefers espresso over coffee. Double shots only. No cream, no sugar. Served at precisely 175 degrees.”Lyra groaned, pressing her fingers to her temples. “What kind of person knows the exact temperature of their coffee?” she muttered. The staff downstairs didn’t make things easier. While polite, their watchful gazes followed her everywhere, as if waiting for her to slip up. She was hyperaware of her every move, from the way she held
Last Updated : 2024-12-18RECKLESS VOWS Chapter four
CHAPTER FOUR FIRST ENCOUNTER. The estate was alive with suspense, every corner humming with anticipation. Staff moved briskly through the hallways, their sharp footsteps echoing on the polished floors. Lyra perched on the edge of an armchair in the library, her fingers gripping the leather armrest so tightly that her knuckles turned white. The high shelves of books offered little comfort as she tried to steady her breathing. She had sought shelter here to escape the flurry of last-minute preparations, but the energy of the house was impossible to ignore. Through the slightly open library door, she caught snippets of conversation—maids whispering anxiously, the clink of fine china as the table was set, the low murmur of Mrs. Hargrave issuing orders. Everyone seemed to be bracing for something monumental. “Has the suite been aired out?” “The wine he prefers—did you double-check?” “Move faster; Mr. Blackwoods doesn’t tolerate delays!” Lyra pressed her hand to her chest,
Last Updated : 2024-12-18RECKLESS VOWS Chapter five
CHAPTER FIVE.DINNER.Lyra hadn’t expected the knock. She’d spent the last hour trying to avoid being noticed, pacing in her room and replaying her earlier encounter with Ryker in the library. Every glance, every word, had felt like a test she wasn’t sure she’d passed. So when Mrs. Hargrave arrived at her door, informing her that Ryker had summoned her for dinner, her stomach dropped. “Dinner? I thought he was eating in his office. Why now?”She quickly changed into something presentable—a sleek black dress Jane had packed for her. It wasn’t her usual style, but it seemed appropriate for the occasion. As she made her way to the dining room, her pulse pounded in her ears. The dining room was as intimidating as the rest of the estate. A long mahogany table stretched across the space, its glossy surface reflecting the soft glow of the chandelier above. Ryker was already seated at the far end, his sharp suit immaculate, a glass of wine resting in his hand. Lyra hesitated at th
Last Updated : 2024-12-18RECKLESS VOWS Chapter six
THE GAME BEGINSLyra barely slept. The pressure from the night before weighed on her heavily, and whenever she closed her eyes, she saw Ryker’s harsh stare.She woke up to sunlight coming through the curtains, but it brought no warmth. Instead, it reminded her that she was stuck in this trap of deceit.Her plan was simple: stay in her room and avoid him for as long as possible. She thought she might at least have the morning to herself, but fate—or Ryker—had other ideas. A sharp knock at her door interrupted her thoughts, followed by a maid’s voice. “Mrs. Blackwoods, Mr. Blackwoods requests your presence at breakfast.” Lyra froze. Her stomach churned at the thought of facing him again so soon. “I… I’ll be down in a moment,” she called out, her voice steadier than she felt. She threw on a simple dress Jane had packed for her, opting for something understated that wouldn’t draw too much attention. After a glance in the mirror, she forced herself to leave the safety of her room
Last Updated : 2024-12-26RECKLESS VOWS Chapter seven
THE GAME TIGHTEN The mansion felt quieter than normal, and the silence made Ryker’s voice stand out even more. Lyra paused outside his office, heart pounding. She knew better than to linger, but the tone of his words rooted her in place. Through the door, his voice was low and cold, like the edge of a blade. “You tell them I’m not a man who tolerates delays,” he said, his tone steady but laced with danger. “If this happens again, they’ll answer directly to me.” There was a pause, and then Ryker’s voice dropped even further. “No loose ends. I don’t care what it takes—clean it up.” Lyra’s breath hitched. This wasn’t just a business call; it was something darker. The air felt suffocating as if the weight of his words seeped through the door. She tried to step away quietly, but the sharp creak of the floorboard beneath her feet betrayed her. “Come in,” Ryker called, his voice carrying an amused edge. Lyra froze, debating whether to run or face him. With trembling hands, she p
Last Updated : 2025-01-02
Latest chapter
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
RECKLESS VOWS Chapter Nine
THE HUNTER’S PREY.Ryker leaned back in the leather chair of his office, the glow of the desk lamp casting sharp shadows across his face. The phone pressed to his ear crackled slightly with the distant voice of his investigator, who was rattling off a list of findings. “She withdrew a significant sum of money about a month ago,” the voice reported. “Enough to raise flags. And it doesn’t align with her usual financial habits.” Ryker’s fingers drummed against the armrest, the rhythm deliberate. “What else?” “Nothing substantial yet. But I’ll keep digging,” the investigator replied. Ryker’s voice dropped, carrying a note of threat that made even the faceless voice on the other end pause. “I don’t pay you for ‘nothing substantial.’ I want answers. By the end of the week. And make sure there’s no trail leading back to me.” He ended the call abruptly, the phone clicking against the desk as he set it down. Leaning forward, he rested his elbows on the polished wood, staring at the f
