ETHAN BLACKWOOD "Stop saying nonsense. Have you finally lost your mind, Keira" I yelled as I grabbed her by her arms and shook her harshly.She winced, her eyes defiant as she stared at me. "I was only guessing and you react like this." I let go of her as if I had been burned, and she scoffed. "You really haven't changed, huh? You don't get tired of going after what belongs to Riven, do you"I sighed, then let out a breath. "Hazel doesn't belong to Riven. She does not belong to anyone. She is her own person and can decide for herself who she wants to be with.""But you want that person to be you, don't you."I gritted my teeth, my whole body tense. "I am not interested in Hazel"She snorted then jabbed her finger into my chest. "Who do you think I am? I am not stupid, Ethan, and if I can see it, it's only a matter of time before Riven sees it too," she said, her eyes burning into mine, then she sucked in a breath and pursed her lips. "Look, I don't really care if you like her, Etha
HAZEL STYLES POV "You look really good." I grinned as I watched him cook, and he smirked."You should still be in bed. I was planning to surprise you with breakfast," he said, flipping the content in the pan he was holding.My gaze lingered on his bare chest and the way his muscles rippled as he moved about, the kitchen counter the only barrier between us."Stay in bed and miss all of this," I said and placed my hand beneath my chin, my elbows resting on the counter. I watched him for a few more seconds. "I don't think it's fair for you to look this good early in the morning, Riven. It's messing with my heart."He stilled, then leaned toward me. "If you keep complimenting me like this, I won't be able to control myself from jumping your bone, love. I'm barely holding back as is," he said, his lust-filled gaze dropping to my neck. The sport he'd bitten me tingled as he stared at it and I pulled back."Cook," I ordered, and he chuckled, then he went back to stirring the food, his gaze
HAZEL STYLES POV I jumped in front of Riven at the last second, my eyes clenching shut at the same time Riven's hand shot out.It went quiet for a few seconds, then I blinked, my eyes widening as I stared at Lena and the firmly pressed palm of Riven against her forehead, keeping her at bay. "Careful, Lena, you almost hurt Hazel just now," he warned, his voice a low rumble that had the hairs on my arms standing on end.Lena shook his hold off and then scoffed in disbelief. "Are you going to let him talk to me like this?""Lena, please if you can just calm down and—""—Calm down? He had me drugged just to break into the house. I could have died!""But you didn't," Riven answered, and my gaze snapped to his. Like seriously? I was trying to pacify her, and he was saying things that were only going to make her a lot more mad than she already was."Riven" I called, glaring at him a little.He huffed out a breath, his lips forming a thin line. "I was just stating the obvious, also I'm alwa
RIVEN BLACKWOOD POV THREE DAYS LATER "Are you nervous?" I asked as we stood in front of the door of my father's mansion.She glanced up at me, her smile faltering for a moment. "Shouldn't I be? I don't think your father is a big fan"I cupped her chin, my thumb grazing her cheek. I loved the way the simple contact had my heart racing."Well, you're mine, so he has no choice but to be a big fan. Besides anyone that does not like you must have some sort of brain disorder or something, because you're the most lovable person I know"She chuckled, the sound of her happiness making my heart twist. God, she was perfect, and I couldn't help but fall in love with her all over again."That's so reassuring," she said and slowly pulled her face away from my grip. I missed the contact almost instantly. It was hard to be in the same place with her and not touch her. She was like a magnet, always pulling me closer and closer, and no matter how many times I touched her, it never seemed to be enoug
RIVEN BLACKWOOD POV I cocked my head, my icy stare fixed on hers."Am I late? I made sure to set my alarm, so I'll be here on time."There was no way she was doing something so daring. "What are you doing here, Keira?" I asked, and she crossed her arms, her head tilting to the side, the sweet smile on her lips stretching."I came for dinner. Ethan invited me," she said, and my gaze cut to Ethan. Him again? God, everyone was testing my patience these days. It didn't take much for me to spiral out of control; they knew that, so why were they acting out all of a sudden?"Did you invite her, Ethan?"The corner of his mouth twitched. "I mentioned it in passing; I didn't actually think she would come,"Keira rolled her eyes. "Don't be such a coward Ethan. You wanted me here, and that's why you invited me."Father cleared his throat and smiled at her. "Well, we made a feast, so you're welcome to join us since you are already here. The more the merrier right"I glanced at Hazel, hating tha
HAZEL STYLES POV "I'm sorry about tonight. It wasn't supposed to go like that"I turned to face him, my eyes lingering on his face. "I actually expected a little bit of animosity you know. I would have been very worried if everything went too well," I said, meaning it. He grinned, then took my hand and pressed a kiss to it. We walked in silence, the cold air comforting."You looked so hot asking her to leave, you know," he said, meeting my gaze. "I wanted to fucking kiss you""You did kiss me" I reminded him. After Keira had left he'd turned to me and kissed me without a care that his father and Ethan were watching.He grinned. "Well, I want to kiss you again," he said and yanked me close all of a sudden, his hands tangling in my hair.I drew my head back, my eyes widening. "What are you doing?""What do you think" he said, his breath fanning my face, his scent seductive. Ugh, why was it so hard to resist him.I shook my head and pushed at his chest but he didn't budge an inch."Ar
ETHAN BlACKWOOD POV "You shouldn't have pulled a stunt, Keira. You just ended up making yourself Riven's target and don't think he's not going to come for you just because you two used to date"Keira's hands clenched around the drink she was holding. "Shut your fucking mouth, you coward," she gritted out, then downed the shot in her hand, slammed the glass on the table, and screamed like a mad woman, her hand banging against the counter repeatedly."You're going to fucking hurt yourself" I snapped and tried to grab her hand. She shoved at my arm hard, her chest heaving from her outburst."Don't fucking touch me! We had a deal. You were supposed to be on my side but when it came down to it, you couldn't even stand up to your brother, you fucking coward."I was so done with her. "If you stuck to the plan maybe I would have kept to my end of the deal. You were supposed to pretend that we were back together, but what did you do? You let your stupid jealousy get the best of you," I said a
ETHAN BlACKWOOD POV "Home sweet home," I got out as I stumbled into the house and hit the light switch. Light flooded the whole space, the painting of Hazel I'd bought catching my attention from where it hung on the wall.I walked toward it, stopping when I got close enough."So beautiful," I said and started to trace the vivid colors with my fingertips."Today was so shitty Hazel. I had to sit and watch you and Riven be together and as if that was not enough, I had to deal with that crazy woman. Can you believe she threatened me? She threatened that she was going to tell Riven that I have feelings for you," I groaned, suddenly feeling sick. Hunching over, I took in a deep breath and stumbled to the floor as I lost strength in my legs. A wave of nausea washed over me, cold chills breaking out all over my body."Fuck, I shouldn't have drank so much," I groaned, waiting for the horrible feeling to pass. Seconds ticked by, and once I felt more steady, I pushed myself to my feet. "This
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