RAINI LAVERNE
I had tripped on the puffy umbrella-looking bodice of the red-jeweled gown when I finally settled in beside the striking man.
“Hi,” I brayed, gritting my teeth and blowing off the choppy bangs of the hair my sister had butchered in her effort to make me look less like a grumpy nana and more like Cinderella.
It had not worked, and now I was stuck looking like one of the botched science experiments from one of our nightly horror flicks.
The dark-haired man only nodded, snatching up the menu with more grace than I could have imagined possible, and the impression of the long, ringed fingers he had curled around the purple plaque curled on the meat of my breasts rose unbidden in my mind.
What the hell was wrong with me?
Ugh! I shook my head imperceptibly, choosing to focus on the run of Italian words on the plaque instead of the non-too-gentle sway of the boat we were cruising on.
I’d never had any foreign cuisine in my life, past the watery mimosas my mother made every now and then. I felt the knot of anxiety squeeze my belly until the billionaire stepped in.
“Wine please, for the lady,” Zavier’s rumbling baritone came as the white-faced waiter nodded and backed away, a spring of pleasure bubbling in my stomach.
I fidgeted in my seat, tugging on my hair and dress as the man fired me with questions, watching with horror as an iron-faced woman settled opposite us, marking off my response on her checklist.
I tramped down on the urge to tear the notes out of her hands, settling instead for my own neat little questionnaire and stunning them both.
“You are quite a woman Raini Laverne, You don't intend to make this easy for me do you?” He laughed, running his fingers through the soft curls of his midnight-black hair in a way that sent sparks flying in my belly.
I shrugged noncommittally, damn near choking on my time when I attempted to replicate his cool aloofness.
The secretary snickered loudly, before excusing herself with a huff as I dabbed away at the drops of wine I had sputtered into my dress, avoiding the man’s amused smile.
The blush crept higher on my cheeks as I cursed inwardly. Kicking out every step of the way was the least I could do if I was going to be carted away from my family to some billionaire.
“You have no idea Raini, how fucking beautiful you really are,” Zavier whispered suddenly, brushing a knuckle against my cheek as I watched his gaze dip to my lips and then back up to my eyes before he pulled away.
I felt my breath catch in my throat as the heady feeling of the wine sloshing in my belly made the red hue of a blush settle leisurely on my cheeks.
“Thanks,” I breathed, bending so that my hair fell over my face before I caught the man roll his darkly-lined eyes and shake his head, as though he knew what I was doing and didn't recommend it, promptly tucking my hair back behind my ear.
The tingle in my cheeks spread to my nipples so that I felt the rose buds chaff sweetly against my bra, the wet pool in my panties making me rub my legs together maniacally, only now aware of how close he had gotten to me, with the tree trunk of his leg pressed up tightly against my own.
What was this man doing to me? There was something about Zavier, besides the fact that he was a freaking billionaire who could have anyone at all in the world that he wanted!
The sure set of his shoulders, and the delicate way he looked at me like I was an egg that he had to cradle.
What the hell was he doing with a woman like me?
“I, uh...I should get going, it's getting late.” I squeaked, feeling something in my chest break when the man did not immediately answer.
I turned to glance over my shoulder at the rush of blue-black water lapping reverently around us, the salt of the water catching in my nose hairs sending my stomach rumbling. It was beautiful, the way the overcast cobalt orange of the evening sky seemed to be kissing the black mass of water, the city lights winking at us like shy maidens.
I watched the man signal to the short, weather-worn captain who tipped his white hat and began to turn the boat around until the harsh yellow lights of the docks cast the billionaire in a ghastly yellow pallor.
“At least see the manor first before you go Raini,” The man pleaded in a voice that sounded like he was not pleading at all.
“My driver will drop you off, come on,” He whispered, extending his wide hand to me as he stretched to tower over our tidy little table. I hesitated, wondering what it was that could go wrong when one followed a strange billionaire to his mansion before placing my hand daintily in his, catching the lengthy exhale he heaved.
Did I make him nervous? I found that I quite liked the thought.
#
We had gotten to his stately manor, with luxuriously high ceilings and gold-lined walls at every turn until he’d shown me my room.
It was the only diamond-encrusted space in the whole manor, with high, blue-tinted floor-to-ceiling windows and a large light vanity.
For the second time since I met the billionaire in his luxury yacht, I felt full, complete. Like the steep hollow in my chest that had been eating away at my plump cherry of a heart since my father died was finally getting sated.
“I’m not sure about all this Zavier, I’ve never-” I croaked, feeling the tug of tears at my throat bleed into my voice before the man hushed me, seeming to think about it before he dipped his head to meet my gaze and his hands wrapped around my shoulders.
“Enough Raini, I know you're not as well off, but you're to be my wife now. I’m never going to let you go through that again,” Zavier whispered, hooking a finger under my chin until I nodded, sniffing loudly so that he laughed and broke away, just in time for me to catch the heart-shaped flowery garland on the bed.
“Whats this?” I whispered airily, more to myself than to the unimpressed mahogany of the upholstery as I marveled at the heart-shaped dandelions and orchids that wafted sweetly into my nose.
“I don't know, how the hell did it get past security?” Zavier growled and I whirled on the balls of my feet to face him, my mouth suddenly going dry as a chill ran down my spine as my knuckles went white where I had gripped the calling card.
I flicked it open, feeling my heartbeat thrum in my fingertips as my eyes trailed over the rustic barb of the words on it, a wave of dizziness slamming into me as the ground came up to meet me and the billionaire’s disembodied voice seemed to float above me.
I caught a glimpse of Zavier’s worried face before I let my eyes fall shut, mercifully, into the darkness.
RAINI LAVERNEI am fucking moving to the house of Zavier Cross, it is absurd how my life went from being remotely boring to moving to a mansion across town where I would probably get decapitated; I am not even joking.I choose to blame River, I still feel like strangling her to death or sucking her life out with a straw while she sleeps, but I think the latter will be more pleasurable to watch, my mum would probably be mortified and murder me afterward but that would be a worthy trade."I still feel this is the worst idea in the history of worst ideas ever," Trinity Fay muttered bitterly as she angrily shoved my clothes into my back, I am reconsidering inviting her to help me pack but how do I kindly tell her to go home without breaking her heart more than it already is."Don't listen to her," River interjected before I could reply to her, she wasn't helping me pack my clothes, just trying out my different shades of lipstick in front of my vanity mirror."She should listen to me becau
ZAVIER CROSSIt’s been fourteen hours, five minutes, and ten seconds since Trinity Fay and River have left me alone with Zavier Cross, but who is counting, I can't help but feel nervous as I pace around my enormous room. I glare around and wonder how I would survive the next 30 days living with this total stranger. A lot of thoughts rage in my mind, and my pessimistic attitude believes it will turn out really bad.As I pace around, the door opens and a young lady about my age enters the room. She introduces herself as Karla and tells me that Zavier has put her in charge of everything I would need. “ I will be the one who will cater for your every need, be here at your every beck and call even when you don’t need me, in other words, I will be the ultimate pain in your ass,”I can't help but chuckle. Karla has a wonderful sense of humor, and I soon warm up to her.We have a wonderful conversation, and I can't believe how funny and engaging she is. We joke and tease each other, and I st
POVII do not like being humiliated in front of anyone,especially because of some spineless celebrity wanna-be like Raini Laverne. "I need you to do something for me," I wasn't asking because I knew when I wanted something, I get it."I am sure you know whatever you want, I will give it to you, no question asked," Jason said, he was a muscular tall man with broad shoulders."I know that I do,"I walked majestically, close to where he stood, gazing at me and began touching his shirt, " I know you are one of the guards of Zavier Cross,"He let out a chuckle, "You women and how you are so infatuated by Zavier,"He dare called what I feel for Zavier an infatuation, I would have slapped Lucifer out of him, if not that I needed him."Well call it what you want, I know you are aware of his new TV wife,""Yes, Raini, she is hot,"This guy is really getting on my nerves but I won't bite."I want you to tell me everything she does when she is in the house, what is her relationship with Zavie
ZAVIER CROSSI walked into Raini's room and found her in a much better mood than I had left her in. It seemed like she had hit it off with Karla, which was a relief to me. I told her that we would be having dinner together and that she should get ready. I noticed her looking at me intently as if she was sizing me up. I could understand why, I mean, I was a stranger to her, a billionaire TV sensation that she had won in a contest."Hello, Raini," I say, giving her a smile.She looks up at me, a mix of apprehension and curiosity in her eyes. "Hi, Zavier. What's up?""I just wanted to let you know that we'll be having dinner together tonight," I say. "I thought it would be a good opportunity for us to get to know each other a little better."Raini looks like she's about to protest, but then she seems to change her mind. "Okay, sure. What time?""Let's say seven o'clock," I say. "And feel free to wear whatever you're comfortable in. We're not exactly formal around here."Raini nods, looki
I woke up in the middle of the night to the sound of something rustling outside my window. My senses were on high alert, and my heart was racing as I tried to identify the source of the noise. That's when I saw it- a shadowy figure lurking just outside the glass.Instinct took over, and I felt the transformation begin. My muscles contracted and expanded, and I felt my bones shifting and reshaping. My skin itched and burned as my fur sprouted, and my jaw elongated as my teeth sharpened.Within seconds, I had shifted completely into my black alpha wolf form. I felt my heightened senses kick in, my sense of smell and hearing becoming more acute. My vision changed as well, and everything took on a blue hue.I padded silently over to the window, my claws clicking softly on the floor. The shadowy figure outside was still there, but I could now see it more clearly. It was a person, standing just beyond the reach of the porch light.I growled low in my throat, warning the intruder to leave. B
Raini LaverneI woke up to a message from Trinity Fay saying she wanted to come to visit me. I was excited at the prospect of seeing her, it had been too long. But as soon as she arrived, I could tell she was still unsure about all of this."Girl, are you sure about this? Living in a mansion with some rich dude? I mean, what do you even know about him?" Trinity Fay asked, a hint of sarcasm in her voice.I rolled my eyes, "Oh come on, Trinity Fay. He's not just some rich dude. He has some good sides which I am getting to know in a way. Plus, he's been nothing but great to me since I got here."Trinity Fay scoffed, "Well, just be careful. You know how these rich men can be. They're always trying to control everything."I shook my head, "You're such a pessimist, Trinity Fay. Can't you just be a happy soul for once?"Trinity Fay smiled, "I am happy for you, girl. I just don't want you to get hurt, that's all. So, how has it been living with Mr. Mystery Man?"I chuckled, "It's been great,
ZAVIER CROSSI woke up feeling energized and excited for the interview today. This job means everything to me, and I won't leave any stone unturned. I head to the bathroom to freshen up, and I splash some cold water on my face. I look at myself in the mirror, and I can't help but smile at my reflection.I grab my hairbrush and tidy up my hair, making sure that it's neat and presentable. After that, I grab my suit and shirt from the closet. It's a black and white striped suit with a white shirt that has a black tie. I picked this outfit out yesterday, and I was glad it looked perfect on me. I ironed it last night to make sure there are no creases, and it looks crisp and clean.I put on my suit jacket, and it fits me perfectly, accentuating my broad shoulders. I check my watch, and I still have some time before I leave. I take one last look in the mirror and smile at the confident-looking man staring back at me.I grab my shoes, which are shiny black leather with a matching belt, and pu
RAINI LAVERNE My stay in this house has been nothing short of amazing and don't get me started about how Zavier is such a proper gentleman, but that eerie feeling sweeps over me again because know, no one is ever this good neither no one is this clean, we all have some shit we are hiding behind our dirty closet.Then you may fucking wonder, what about you Raini, what secret are you hiding under your dirty closet.For starters, let's talk about the fact that I am not here with the purest of intentions to get to meet this hot catch of a person and get to be his wife for the next thirty day, with the intention of falling in love with him, no, that's not it, I want to get more exposure and boost my modeling career.That's what makes the first thing I am going to ask of him since I got to this house a bit far-fetched and out of character. It started that day with my conversation with Karla."I think Carlos isn't sincere with his intentions," she muttered bitterly, she was telling me about