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
RIVEN BLACKWOOD POV Hazel had cried for me. And I still couldn't wrap my mind around it.She'd shed ugly tears for my pain and kissed my scars as if they were the most beautiful part of me.I pressed the shover button, my head dropping against the wall as the water poured in torrents around me, beating hard against my neck and back.Hazel was killing me.She'd cried for me, and it wasn't just because she pitied me; no, I could tell by her eyes that she'd been truly hurt that I was hurt. She had seen my pain that everyone else chose to ignore, and it had broken her.My heart burned in my chest.I could still see her face in my head, the redness of her eyes, the tip of her nose, and the way her lips trembled as she said sorry repeatedly. I was sure that I was forgiven for lying to her. It should have made me happy.But I was selfish, and It wasn't enough for me. I wanted more. I wanted her to choose to stay with me, I wanted her to love me, with all my scars and fucked upness.The wat
HAZEL STYLES POV Riven's lashes were thick.I stared at him, my eyes taking in every minute detail of his features as he slept. This was the first time I had seen him so sound asleep, and it did things to my heart that it had no right to. Why was he still here? Most times, he was gone when I opened my eyes. I tilted my head, my bottom lip between my teeth as I watched him. He looked breathtakingly handsome.How could someone so beautiful be so fucked up.But wasn't I also fucked up since I couldn't get him out of my head? Riven was dangerous. I should be running for the hills, so why was I here, watching him. Why did I feel like if I left, I would be making a mistake?Every time he came near me, it was like my brain circuited. Sometimes, I couldn't even remember my own name. Sure, he was hot, but I've seen a lot of hot guys, so why was it with Riven, my brain absolutely stopped working.He said he saved me that night.Could I really trust his words? Was that even a question when I
ETHAN BLACKWOOD POV "You should stop contacting me Asher, I told you, that was the only help I was going to be rendering""What the hell are you talking about. You gave your word that you were going to help us destroy Riven"I scoffed. "And you believed that. You must be more stupid than I thought. Did you really think that I was going to destroy my family business just because I hate Riven"There was a pause and I smirked just imagining the look on his face."Then why the fuck did you help us. You were the one who provided us with that video"I grinned, staring at my phone. "I was just trying to spice up Riven's relationship because he seemed to be very into it and wasn't doing much about it"I could feel him start to get angry."Don't fucking play me around you bastard, I know that's not why you did it""And what else would be my reason, Asher? I was just bored and needed a little distraction. I've had my fun, so I have no need for you any longer. Don't call this line—""The fuck y
RIVEN BLACKWOOD POV "Are you going to eat that, or do you need me to feed you?" I asked as she played around with her food."I don't need you to do anything for me" she snapped without looking up at me.I watched her, my fingers twitching as I waited for her to meet my gaze. She didn't. It wasn't surprising. Hazel was stubborn like that.My hands trembled as the ache in my chest grew. Not having her attention was starting to get to me.It hadn't been this bad before, but since last night, my obsession had gotten worse, and how could it not? Her taste still lingered on my tongue like an aphrodisiac and I could still feel her heart pounding beneath my palm, driving me insane with the urge to touch her, to claim her, to make her totally mine.She looked up at me, the frown on her face making her brows dip inward. "You want to have sex with me, don't you? That's why you keep staring at me"I grinned, my brows arching. Could she see into my head now? "Yes," I answered, my gaze dropping to
HAZEL STYLES POV I lay on the edge of the bed, blindfolded, wrists bound, waiting for him to make his next move.Soft music suddenly filled the room making it hard to pick up his movements."Riven," I called, then gasped as he suddenly clasped My thighs and spread my legs wider.My heart skittered in my chest, my breath coming in shallow bursts and then it was the waiting game all over again and this time it went on for much longer Anticipation gnawed at my insides, twisting them into knots. Was Riven not doing anything because he didn't like what he saw. All the shit Liam always said about my body and how unattractive it was suddenly hit me from all directions.Was that what was happening right now? Riven looking at me and finding me unattractive.I clenched my hand.Was he considering walking away, leaving me aching for a release he was too disgusted to give.Humiliation burned my chest, filling my veins with fire. I started to pull myself up, then gasped, the fire in my veins
HAZEL STYLES POV We were in the middle of nowhere. I stared at the tall trees that spawned for miles in front of me, my heart pounding hard in my chest.Just where the hell had he taken me."Do you like the view?" Riven asked, and my gaze snapped to his? He had a smile on his face and it only got wider as I glared at him. "You have to admit that it's such a pretty view even if you're mad" My head throbbed. How the hell was I supposed to get out of here. Staying with him for days was already messing with my head.It had been so hard to convince him to let me get out of the house; if I'd known that this was going to be my view, I wouldn't have bothered. God damn it why was everything so hard in my life."You don't like it?" he asked, his brows furrowing.I glared at him, "How am I supposed to enjoy the view when I have this on" I bit out and pointed to the collar on my neck. "Are you taking your fucking dog on a walk? Is that what this is"His gaze dropped to my neck, the smile on hi
JULIAN STYLES POV "Where is she?" I asked, getting up from my seat as Asher walked in. "Tell me you have even an inkling as to where that bastard took her"The look on his face told me everything I needed to know. There was still nothing.I clutched at my hair, the stinging pain on my scalp doing nothing to lessen the anxiety gnawing away at my heart.God, I was losing my mind. Just how many days has it been? Three, four, five... Five fucking days."You need to calm down Julian. We just have a few more of the BlACKWOOD properties to check out. If you'll just be patient...""Do I look like I have the patience? I am so sick of hearing you throw that word at me. It's been five days. Five days of her locked up with that maniac, and you tell me to be patient""There is nothing else to be done, Julian. It's Riven Blackwood we are talking about here. Do you think he would make it easy to find him""If he can't be found then I have no choice but to force him out. Tomorrow morning, I'll make
HAZEL STYLES POV He was looking straight at me. Not at the knife I was holding, just straight up staring into my eyes. He really didn't care that I could kill him. Or maybe he did. There was no telling what went on in his head. This was probably all a game to him I gritted my teeth and then brought the knife down, my eyes clenching shut.Breathing hard through the lump in my throat, I slowly opened my eyes and met his gaze, the rage in my chest lessening.Russet eyes met mine and I let out a rough exhale before yanking out the knife from the bedding where I'd stabbed into.He watched me, his eyes tracing my face."I am not someone who gets off on the pain of other Riven. I won't be playing your fucked up games," I breathed and tried to move off of him when he suddenly grabbed me by the waist and flipped us over.My back hit the bed, disorienting me for a second. Heat washed over me as I stared eyes wide at him in surprise. Was I just tossed around like I weighed nothing?His body
HAZEL STYLES POV I woke up to darkness all around me and it was only after trying to blink that I realized a blindfold was wrapped over my face. I paused, my heart rate increasing as I listened to get a feel of my environment. It was quiet around me. Too quiet.I could tell that I was sitting on a bed, though, and from the feel of the blanket on my thigh, it was probably a big, luxurious bedding.Where the hell was I? The memory of what happened slowly returned, and I let out a sharp gasp as my heart stumbled hard in my chest.I raised my hand to yank off the blindfold and yelped when I was met with resistance. There was something around both of my wrists. I flexed my hand, trying to use my senses to figure out what it was. It had to be some sort of cuffs, but they were smooth and snug around my flesh.Was I fucking chained up? The rankles of the metal against what could only be the bed frame as I jerked my hand had Panic clawing at my lungs and making it difficult to breathe.I tr