HAZEL STYLES POV
"Riven" I gasped In disbelief and watched as his lips lifted in a smirk that made my stomach lurch with emotions I couldn't quite explain
I'd fallen asleep on the sofa after letting out all of my frustrations, but I was sure the door had been locked so how the hell had he gotten in here? And did he touch my lips?
My nightmare had been a memory, but the last bit... Nothing like that happens. I met his piercing gaze, then took in our position. He was kneeling over me, his powerful thigh between mine, making an escape almost impossible, but I had to try.
I tried to twist away but he was much faster. Riven grabbed my shoulders and held me in place, then made a tsk sound.
"You covered it up. You shouldn't have done that"
I tried to shove him off and gasped as he took hold of my hand with just one of his and yanked it above my head.
He ripped the bandage off the bite mark, then pressed his mouth against my throat, his warm breath encircling the cut and making sparks shoot up my spine.
"What the hell do you think you are doing" I yelled while trying to remove my hand out of his grip. His hold was granite. "This is..."
"Shh" he cut me off as he inhaled the curve of my neck deeply, then his face was suddenly leveled with mine and he was so close, our nose was almost touching.
My heart was burning. I tried to take in some air into my starved lungs and realized that I couldn't fucking breathe.
"I gave you a present and you dared to cover it up. Is that your way of asking for more Hazel"
The way he said my name made my stomach flip. What the hell was this situation?
"This is trespassing and harassment. Don't think that I won't press charges"
He smirked at me, then leaned in to whisper in my ear. "Is that so? But do you want to know a secret"
I swallowed hard, my breath coming out in a short gasp. It couldn't be helped, my heart was pounding so hard, I was sure if he didn't get off me, I was going to pass out.
"I can do whatever I want with you and no one would bat an eye over it," he said then met my gaze. "It's just you and me here"
The hard ridge of his chest brushed against my breasts, and then his hand moved from the side of my face, his fingertips trailing my skin, a focused look on his face. His thighs pushed mine aside, then he moved up my body and got more comfortable. My skin was on fire everywhere he touched.
I gaped at him dazedly... I didn't even like the guy so why was I just letting him touch me?
“No, leave them. We are already late for the meeting. They are going to die anyway” His words from that night crashed like a bucket of cold water over me, dousing the heat that had built up inside.
"Get off me" I gritted out and he stared at me, his gaze intense on mine.
"Such expressive eyes" he murmured then let go of me and got off me.
I was surprised. I didn't think he was just going to listen.
Getting to my feet, I moved away from where I knew he could easily reach me and put a safe distance between us
He watched me keenly, his head tilting to the side.
"How the hell did you get in here"
He shrugged. "I broke the lock. It was pretty flimsy by the way. You should get something better"
"I've never had a break-in," I said then took a deep breath. "What do you want? Just because I didn't report you for this" I pointed at my neck. "It does not mean I won't "
He rubbed at his chin and took a step in my direction.
Alarm bells flared and I thrust my palm out to stop him.
"Don't come any closer. Say what the hell you have to say and get out. If you touch me, Julian will never let it go. He won't stop until he destroys you" I threatened, because I knew that Julian was affiliated with the mafia gang and since Riven was also Mafia, he would know exactly what that meant.
"Are you threatening me Hazel?" he asked, then smirked. "Because if you are, I might be tempted to find out just how good you make on your word" A groan escaped his lip, and then he pointed at his pants and my gaze dropped to it.
He was hard. My eyes widened. What sought of a psychopath was he? My gaze flew up to his and he laughed
"Hmm, who would have thought I would enjoy looking at a person's face this much? It makes me think of just how good it would feel if I wasn't just watching."
My back pressed against the door. "You damn psycho. I want you to leave. I am not joking at all. I'll really tell Julian about you..."
His eye darkened and he took another step, his height making the space between us even smaller.
A shiver trailed up my spine and I clenched my fist. "I'm sorry I threw that plate in your face, but you already hurt me too. I think that makes us even"
"No, it doesn't. Weren't you listening earlier? I said I would take ten times more from you. You didn't think I was joking did you" he said and flipped the weird-looking object he was holding.
My eyes widened as the lightning in the room bounced off the dagger In her hand.
"Where should I cut, Hazel? You can always make a bargain with me. How about a kiss Instead? I've been dying to know how you taste"
"What" I got out, the whole conversation feeling surreal.
"Don't look so disgusted by the idea, love" he said, his smile stretching "You'll quite enjoy the experience. I am a very good kisser"
"Even if I was held at gunpoint and your kiss was the only thing that could save me, I'll never... "
"Shh," he cut me off, his eyes mischievous. "Never say never. How about we test that theory now huh"
"If you don't leave right this minute, I am going to do something that I promise you, I won't regret" I got out and grabbed one of the sharp-ended brushes on the table.
His gaze caught the movement, and then his brows arched. "Are you going to stab me, Hazel"
"It depends on what you do next"
Amusement shone in his eyes. "Hmm, interesting. If you are so against a kiss, then..." He looked around and then pointed to the canvas that I'd ruined earlier. "I'll take that painting"
Was he serious? What the hell was this?
"I want you to paint the centerpiece for the Umbra Arts exhibition. That is quite an interesting painting. You must have been very pissed off"
I glanced at the painting and then gasped in shock as Riven closed the distance between us in just one stride.
Flinching in shock, my hands jerked involuntarily and I stared eyes wide as a sharp gasp escaped his lip.
Both our gaze dropped to his shoulders where I'd stabbed the end of the paintbrush into his arm. Blood dripped down, staining his white shirt a dark red.
My gaze jumped to his. "I'm... I'm..."
He growled, the darkness in his eyes crippling.
"You shouldn't have done that, little rabbit"
HAZEL STYLES POV "Let go of her, or I'm going to tase you, " Lena screamed, her eyes wide like saucers. I and Riven's gaze locked in on hers from the sofa where he'd pushed me unto after taking out the brush I'd stabbed into his arms.Lena let out a shrill scream, then slapped a hand over her mouth. I could totally understand her reaction. There was paint all over us since I'd tried to run for my life and ended up tripping on something and knocking up the bucket of paint mix.The whole studio looked like a nightmare and so did we.Riven regarded her, his eyes curious. "Are you really going to do that? I don't believe you" Lena's gaze moved to mine, the question in her eyes easy to understand. I mouthed that he was insane and her eyes widened further."If you don't let go of her, I am really going to use this and it's going to hurt. You'll probably become Impotent too, 'cause I am going to aim for your dick," she got out shakily, her grip on the taser unstable. "Lena, what the hell
HAZEL STYLES POV There was screaming alright, but it wasn't from Riven whatsoever. It was me as my face burned. My klutzy ass freaking sprayed myself in the face. I gasped as a searing, burning sensation exploded across my cheeks, nose, and eyes. My eyelids felt like they were being sliced open, and as tears streamed down my face, the pain only got worse."Oh God, I am going to die" I choked out and struggled against Riven who was trying to hold my flailing armsMy lungs burned, and trying to fight Riven's hold even though I couldn't see for shit made every breath I took feel like I was inhaling razor blades. Why the hell was he trying to pin me down when I was freaking dying. Why won't he just leave me alone?"Calm the fuck down, or it's going to get worse," Riven roared, and I stilled in shock at the fury in his voice. I was dying and he thought I could calm down. What the hell was his problem? This was all his fault. I wouldn't be all hysterical and dying if he hadn't broken i
RIVEN BLACKWOOD POV "What do you think you are doing," she asked as I stalked toward her. Her throat moved as she swallowed nervously, and my gaze dropped to her slender neck before moving back to her expressive wide eyes. She drew her hands up, her dainty fingers forming into fists. "Don't come any closer or I am going to punch you in the face. I'm really going to do it" she warned, her hands trembling a little.She looked so comical that I couldn't help a chuckle escaping my lips. She stared at me incredulously, her hazel eyes wide as saucers. "Do you think I am joking" I put my hands up in the air in mock surrender "Oh, I can tell you are very serious. It's just the whole paste on your face didn't give you the intimidating look you were going for."Her lips pursed angrily and I grinned because she looked like a pufferfish. The smile on my face seemed to aggravate her further and she swung at me. I caught her hand midair and she gaped at me, the pulse at her neck thumping wildly.
HAZEL STYLES POV Riven was crazy and so was the way he switched in an instant. One minute, he was smooth and charming, and the next, he was cold as ice. I didn't know how to react to the change.His words about my art still rang in my head. I didn't know how much I needed to hear that until he said it. My heart had taken a fucking nosedive, and up till now, I still couldn't breathe through the exhilaration of hearing that my art was good.But he was a bad person, and I just couldn't forget those words he said at that scene of the accident fifteen years ago. Did he know it was me? The girl he left to die. If he knew and apologized, would I be able to forgive him? Would he deserve it? My head was messed up. This was all Liam's fault. That bastard. If it wasn't for him, I wouldn't have crossed paths with Riven, and this wouldn't be happening right now. When this was all over, I was going to fucking hunt him down for what he did to me.His finger grazed my chin, and I flinched hard, my
HAZEL STYLES POV I felt trapped under his gaze. Was he really going to kiss me? Was I going to let him? He took a step closer, his piercing eyes making my heart beat frantically in my chest. "Riven," I called on a breath, my hand coming up to push at his chest, but he didn't budge. Why was he so ridiculously strong, or was it just me who didn't push hard enough? "Interesting" he murmured as his finger grazed my chin. "Do you really not want a kiss, Hazel?" He asked and I sucked in a breath. "Your eyes tell me you're conflicted, so why don't you just leave it all to me? Let me decide, Hazel. Let me give you what you want" He was so close, his warm breath danced across my face making my heart stutter. My gaze dropped to his chest, the proximity messing with my head. I flexed my hand against his skin, the rhythm of his heartbeat against my palm almost matching mine.He sucked in a breath and my gaze jerked up to his. There was a fire burning in their pits and it was consuming.His
RIVEN BLACKWOOD POV "I apologize, Victor. We were negligent and that led to you losing a lot of money, but rest assured, we will make sure to compensate with more than that which you have lost" The old man grimaced, the lines on his face deepening and making him look much uglier than before. I knew the words he was about to utter were going to piss me off, so I steeled myself."And why should I wait around to be compensated when I can take the matter into my own hands and find some other supplier? A more reliable supplier. Do you know what this means for my business? Do you know how much I am losing because of this" he got out, the anger in his voice palpable. I let out a sigh and raked my fingers through my hair. His narcotics order had been hijacked so I was sure he was beyond pissed, but he needed to watch his mouth.It was aggravating to listen to him whine, but Victor Vex was a major client and one of Father's close allies. Losing him wasn't going to be good for business. "Br
RIVEN BLACKWOOD POV "And you're so sure Hazel is going to fall for you" I grinned then turned to leave. "You can't go back just yet. Father wants to have dinner together tonight" I groaned. "Why?"Ethan shrugged. "How would I know? Maybe he heard about what happened with Victor's package, or maybe he just wants to have dinner""Does he have to do this every other night, though? If he has something to say, why does he not just use the goddamn phone he's always carrying around"Ethan gave me a tired smile as he walked past me. "Stop whining like a little boy, even though that's what you are"I grinned and bumped his shoulder. "Just because you're a year older than me doesn't mean I won't punch you in the face, Ethan""Like you did over Keira when Father made you the second in command and she commemorated it by letting me bend her over. You gave me a scar too," he said, pointing to where I'd slashed his face with a dagger. The scar was barely visible. That was because I hadn't cut as
HAZEL STYLES POV "Are you still getting creepy messages from that number?" Lena asked as we strolled through the clothing aisle. "Oh my, these dresses are gorgeous" "They are, aren't they?" I said as I felt the texture of a particular ivory-colored dress. "And no, I haven't gotten another message" Lena stopped in front of me. "You don't have to worry so much about it then. It was borderline stalkerish but since they already stopped, maybe they decided they were creepy after sending you that message" "I hope so. I really can't deal with any more problems. Riven is already plenty enough" Lena grinned. "True, but he's a hot problem," she said, adding a wink, and I shook my head."I see you've forgotten just how hard he tied you up the last time" Lena giggled. "I didn't forget, but since he's so generously offered you such a good deal, I think we should forgive him" "I still don't know his motive tho""I think he likes you and that's why he's doing all these. You said he told you h
HAZEL STYLES POV I jerked my wrist from his hold when I noticed that we were a few distance away from the atelier Riven turned to face me, his brows furrowing as he stared at me with a skeptical look on his face. "What the hell was that about? You can't just fire them..." "Oh, I can," he said, cutting me off. "My first thought was actually to put a bullet in their head, but I didn't bring my gun today and that's why they only got fired."I stared at him, not knowing what to feel. He was always so cold and did and said things that would make a normal person squeamish. Was that because he lacked empathy? Or because the only feeling he knew where the opposite of good. And if it was so when he said he liked me, was that really what he felt, or was it something more dark and evil?"I don't need you to defend or stand up for me. I can do it myself" I said and walked away from him, my chest burning in anger when I heard him coming after me.Increasing my speed, I maneuvered through the
HAZEL STYLES POV "What do you mean by that?" I asked, and Ethan smirked."Exactly what it means. You got an opportunity that most of them have been dying for, so of course they hate you. We only get the best of the best in Umbra art, Hazel. To them, you are just a nobody who got to paint the centerpiece of the exhibition because you're in a relationship with Riven.""I don't have a relationship with Riven," I cut in because I didn't want any misunderstanding."That's what you think but to them, they already concluded that you're getting all these opportunities because you're with him. It also doesn't help that You are not well-known in the art circle. I doubt a lot of people even know that you are Julian's sister" I was dumbfounded. Was that really the case? If it was, it would be awful. Just how hard would I have to work to have them acknowledge that I was any good? "You don't have to look so sad, Hazel. Take my word for it; you are a wonderful artist. Riven showed me some of your
RIVEN BLACKWOOD POV "Why are you here Julian?" I asked as I stepped toward him. "I am pretty busy, so try to make it quick" Just the sight of him made the urge to smash something burn hot in my chest. If I stuck a knife in his throat, would he sputter like a fish? The urge to test it out made my finger itch."You look like shit," he said as his gaze dropped to my hand, his eyes fixating on my healing knuckles. "Do you still get your rage episodes" I met his gaze, knowing that all he could see was the neutral expression I had on my face, but deep down, I was seething with anger. I was still very pissed and remembering how Hazel ignored my very existence because of him didn't help at all.She'd also been hostile today. Was it him? Did he fill her head with lies already? Julian was always good with making up stories about people if it got him his way. What could he have told her?"I want to see Hazel. Your guards won't let me in" "That's because they are following my orders. I told t
HAZEL STYLES POV Riven's gaze didn't waver, and his eyes tracked every little move I made. Feeling nervous, I shifted further into the door. Could he really see my pulse? Maybe he could, but what I was really worried about was if he could also hear just how fast my heart was beating since he was standing so close.I had to remind myself that I couldn't let him get underneath my skin. I was aware that I liked him more than I wished to, but ultimately, it would be my decision to give in to my feelings or not. And aside from what happened in the past, he was also a typical playboy, probably why he was so confident that he could get whoever he set his eyes on. Letting out a short exhale, I crossed my arms and matched his stare. "My pulse can beat for a lot of reasons Riven, it could be because I am terrified of you or I am angry that you are invading my space like this even though I've said countless of times how it makes me feel"His brows dipped, his lips pressing into a thin line. "H
JULIAN STYLES POV I wanted to fucking murder Riven. The road blurred in front of me, the rage that welled up in my chest suffocating until I couldn't drag in even a molecule of air. My grip tightened on the steering wheel. "How could this bloody happen?" I roared, stepping on the accelerator, but the speed of the car and the roaring of the engine did nothing to assuage the fire that burned hot in my chest."How dare you come after me, you bastard. I'll make you regret it, I swear it" I yelled as I sped through the night.Hazel. Hazel. Hazel. Her name was a wail in my head. I had told her about what that bastard did to us, and she didn't listen to a word I said.It was all Riven's fault, if he hadn't shown his face to her and then used his ridiculous offer to pull her in, all this mess wouldn't be happening.There was no way he truly loved her art and I'd be damned if I let him have her after holding myself back for all these years. He was doing this to get back at me and I should ha
HAZEL STYLES POV I shouldn't have bothered with trying to avoid Riven because the first person I saw as I stepped into the studio was none other than him, and shirtless at that I stared eyes wide as I took in his broad shoulders and the dark ink that covered his muscled back like wings and tapered down his well-defined waistline. The intricate design was beautiful and it just made him look all the more seductive without him even trying.Lena was right, he was hot. Everything about him was perfect.What the hell was he even doing here? When he said I would be painting for the exhibition, I didn't think we would be running into each other this early in the game. Wasn't he Mafia? Didn't they have a lot of things to do?I watched him as he spoke, his full lips drawing my attention. Memories of the kiss from the night before flashed in my head, and with it, the sensations I'd felt. It was like I was being kissed all over again. My lips tingled, and I raised my hand to my lips, my thumb t
HAZEL STYLES POV His gasp of surprise made me realize what I had said. We've fought over the years and never had I told him to his face that he wasn't my family. Julian stared at me, his eyes darkening as they filled up with tears. Was he going to cry? There was no way my word had really hurt him. Was this another tactic that he was going to use to guilt trip me?Sighing as the quietness lingered while he just stared at me, I let my gaze drop. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean..." "No, you meant to say it," he said, cutting me off. "I have to say this is a surprise though. Maybe I am delusional, but I was certain even if I didn't treat you like my family, you were always going to see me as your brother. I was so sure you would never say those words to me".I gave a bitter laugh and then glanced up at him. "You were so sure, despite the way you treated me. You made me feel worthless, Julian. You made me feel like I was responsible for all of our family misfortune and now you are shocked tha
HAZEL STYLES POV Riven's family were monsters. But I'd always known that. I'd known just what sought of people they were since the night of the accident. Just the look in Riven's eyes as he stared at me that night had convinced me that he wasn't all that human. His mother's eyes had been dead, too. But It made me wonder just what had happened to make them so cold that even witnessing something so tragic didn't faze them at all. It made me wonder just how much they went through until they became like that.And then I'd hoped that maybe, deep down, there were still some traces of humanity in them. I'd asked for help with that thought in my head. I'd held Riven's gaze and begged him to save me. He didn't. And I spent fifteen years hating him for it. Then our paths crossed, and he was even more terrifying up close. He was a maniac, but every time we interacted, despite acting like a psycho, he didn't hurt me with his words or actions- except for the one time he'd bit my neck. He had t
RIVEN BLACKWOOD POV "Where is she?" Ethan asked, as soon as I stepped back into the hall. "Did Julian take his sister away? Your shirt is a bit out of order. Can I assume there was a bit of a scuffle? Is that a bruise on your face" "Fuck off Ethan, I am not in the mood for your shit""Look at that temper and yet you say that all you want to do is use Hazel... Too bad you were rejected before you could even start"My jaw ticked, the blood lust in my veins all-consuming. I clenched my fist, ready to unleash every bit of anger when someone tugged on my shirt."Riven. Oh my god, I've been wanting to talk to you all night," a soft voice chirped. My gaze snapped to hers.She froze, the smile on her lips slipping away. She slowly let go of my suit, her hands trembling in the process. "Oh, um, did I catch you at a bad time? It's just that you said you were going to call me, and I've been patiently waiting, but it's been a whole year, and then I got an invite for this party, so I ..." I in