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
EPILOGUE ETHAN BLACKWOOD POV I gasped awake, my breath coming out in harsh pants as my eyes darted around the room wildly. But I was all alone.I sucked in a sharp breath and then groaned as the pain hit me all at once, my chest constricting painfully despite my effort to relax.The feeling was awful. My body felt like it was on fire, and despite all the drugs that were pumped into my system every other hour, I couldn't even breathe without feeling like I was on the verge of death.It was a horrible existence. I spent every day writhing in agony, praying and wishing for the day it would all end.And as if that was not enough, I kept having nightmares every other night of Riven coming to finish the job. I knew Father said he already made a deal with him to spare my life, but I was still skeptical. It could all be a lie to make me let my guard now— I scoffed."Let my guard down? What the hell can I do even if he chooses to attack me now," I muttered to myself, laughing at how ridicul
HAZEL STYLES POV I stared into the mirror, awed by the girl staring right back at me. Lena leaned over my shoulder, her gorgeous face shining as her lips stretched in a sweet smile."You look ethereal Hazel. I keep saying it, but Riven is totally going to be speechless when he sees you."I grinned, letting out a nervous breath. "He better be!" I said then met her gaze. "You also look really beautiful, Lena"She did a little twirl, then laughed. "I know girl!" "Like, look at all those curves—" A knock on the door interrupted me and we both glanced at it. "I'll go check," Lena offered, walked to the door, and pulled it open just enough to stick her head out. "Mr Blackwood," she gasped out and my eyes widened.I could hear him asking to talk to me alone. Lena glanced at me and I nodded.She stepped out as Mr Blackwood walked in, then gently closed the door behind her, leaving the both of us alone."Mr Blackwood?"He took off his cap. "Don't be so formal, Hazel, after all, we are beco
RIVEN BLACKWOOD POV "This was fun, right?" I asked, staring at her face as she basked in the sun, her skin glowing in the light.She grinned, her head turning in my direction. "After receiving gold bars from your Dad, I really don't have much to complain about."I chuckled, then tilted my face to the sun. We lay in comfortable silence, enjoying the sound of nature. It was serene. I glanced at her. Her eyes were closed, but I could see some crease on her forehead and I wondered if it was wise to bring her to the beach after what happened with Ethan. "Are you really okay, Hazel?" I asked, watching as her eyes blinked open, her gaze fixed on the crashing waves as she thought over my question. We've already talked through most of her trauma but I needed to make sure that she was truly fine. I had to know that I wasn't doing something that could jeopardize all the progress she'd made. I wanted to make sure I was her safe space just like she was mine. "You can tell me anything you kn
HAZEL POV The curtain opened, and Lena gasped, her gaze darting to Eloise, her mom, who was equally staring at me in awe."Well," I asked, spreading my arm a bit. "What do you think?"Lena's mom got up, her eyes fixed on me almost reverently. "What do we think? You look absolutely stunning, dear. Wow, I am just speechless," she said and I grinned, the nervous energy slipping out of my body. This was the third dress I was trying on and they had all been good, but I liked this one best and was a bit worried that Eloise and Lena might disagree, but I shouldn't have bothered. I guess, just like me, they had a good eye."Really?" I asked, just to make sure."Don't just sit there, Lena. Doesn't she look absolutely stunning?" She asked, turning to face Lena. I also faced her.Lena looked like she was in a trance, her wide eyes locked in on the dress on my body; then she blinked, her hands flying over her open mouth, and then she literally screamed. I and Eloise jumped, a bit surprised beca
RIVEN BLACKWOOD POV "I told you not to kill him," Father got out gravely, his hands flexing against the window sill. Letting out a sigh, he turned to face me. "What are you going to do when Victor finds out that you murdered his son huh? Do you think you'll be able to take him out like you did to Metz?"I stared at him. From how passionate he had been the last time we spoke, I expected him to be more angry than he was right now. Not that I cared though.I scoffed, then raked my fingers through my hair. "I wasn't thinking of doing anything that drastic, Father. Don't be so paranoid." His shoulders tensed, his veins visible as he gritted his teeth. "This is not a joking matter, Riven!" He snapped, his hands balling up at his side. Yes, that was more like it. Nothing pleased me more than rilling up the old man.I straightened, my gaze holding his. "I never said it was, you're the one who keeps blowing this out of proportion." I let out a rough breath, then stuffed my hand into my pocke
HAZEL STYLES POV The soft music filtering through the air pulled me out of the foggy dreamland I was in. My eyes blinked open, then I turned, the weight of Riven's arm on my hips making me smile.My face was leveled with his chest, and as I took in the smooth expanse of his skin, my pulse picked up, a wave of desire washing over me.I reached forward tentatively, my fingers caressing and tracing his muscles, loving the way he flexed even in his sleep."So beautiful," I whispered, then pressed my palm against his chest, the steady rhythm of his heart picking up as I flexed my hand.My gaze jerked up to see him watching me, the smoldering look in his eyes making my breath hitch."You're awake," I stuttered, my face flaming up as I remembered just how insane last night had been. I started to look away and gasped when his hand gripped my jaw, his russet brown eyes boring into mine."Keep your eyes on me, baby, you don't have to be shy when it's just us," he rumbled, his voice raspy. A sh
RIVEN BLACKWOOD POV I watched Ksar limp away, then turned to face Hazel."You shouldn't have taken that risk. I told you I was going to handle it," I got out, the rhythm of my heart still out of beat.Hazel stared at me from beneath her lashes. "I'm sorry," she muttered, then raised her head, her glazy eyes crashing with mine.It was disarming. My mouth dried and I swallowed, getting lost in them.It had driven me insane watching that filthy bastard touch her and put a gun to her head. For a split second, I'd almost put a bullet into his head when I had him in my range, but then Hazel had turned the tables in a move that stole the breath right out of my lungs.I had watched her through my scope, my heart pounding in my chest as she smashed his wrist and took the gun from him. She'd taken charge like the boss she was and I couldn't help but be proud of her even though the fear that it could have ended badly lingered like a bad taste in my mouth.Hazel stepped closer, her hands splayin
HAZEL STYLES POV He leered as he approached me, the gun in his hand aimed straight at my face. "Look at those rage-filled eyes," he grinned, flicking the gun. "I can see the obsession Julian had with you now. No wonder he wanted to keep you at his side so bad even if it meant dying," he said, then paused, his eyes roaming over my face.My hands balled into fists, the urge to punch the smug look off his face overwhelming. "I should have killed you on that night fifteen years ago. You were like an itch under my skin that I couldn't get rid of no matter how hard I tried. But if there is one thing I've learned, it's that waiting and anticipating the thrill of a kill gives the same dopamine as the act itself. Also, I knew this day was going to come. I am very good at predicting things, you see."Tears of pure rage brimmed in my eyes, blurring my vision. "Fucking bastard! It isn't enough that you killed my mom and my dad—""Wrong," he shouted, cutting me off. He leaned in, his eyes boring
HAZEL STYLES POV "Wow, you look really beautiful, Hazel," Lena said as I stepped out of the house.I smiled, rubbing my sweaty palm on the sides of my dress. "Thank you, Lena." My gaze dropped to the off-the-shoulder, beautiful, short black dress I had on. "But it's a bit on the shorter side huh?"Lena nodded. "I'm actually surprised Riven let you wear this?"I grinned, rolling my eyes. "He almost didn't. You should have seen him making a fuss about how it was going to make everyone stare at me" I huffed and she laughed "You couples won't take it easy on us singles, will you?" She tsked, then pouted. "I feel so jealous."I grabbed her arm, jerking her close. "Don't be. I'm sure you're going to find your prince charming very soon.""Ugh, please, I am done searching for a prince charming. I'll take a paid vacation instead," she said, and I laughed, then let go of her. "Come on let's go, or the restaurants gonna be close before we get there."I nodded, my gaze darting to those of Riven