Three

RIVEN BLACKWOOD POV

I watched as she ran, the urge to chase overwhelming. Such bewitching features. It made my blood run both hot and cold. She was an enemy, but who knew she was so alluring up close? Auburn red hair that accented her hazel eyes and a petite frame so frail, I was sure she would break if I handled her roughly. 

Would she though? My fingers itched to test out the theory. Her gaze had been fierce, so I bet there was fire in her. If I pushed hard enough, would she really break? And if I used just the right amount of strength, would she still bruise?

I turned in the direction she ran, my hands squeezing into fists as I willed myself to stop.

"Patience Riven. Patience" I told myself, trying to calm the urge to hunt her down.

My eyes blinked shut and I took in a deep breath. Her face flashed in my head, The perfect symmetry of her features and her pouty red lips was a dangerous combination that made me picture her in steamy precarious positions that made my throat dry and for my blood to run south. 

Recalling how the bite mark had looked on her neck also made me restless. There was something that had awakened in me. I couldn't place my hands on it, but it was there, brimming like magma, and threatening to overflow.

I also wasn't lying about her blood tasting good. It was intoxicating... Too bad, I wasn't only going to bite next time. 

"Killing her would be a shame". 

Yanking out a handkerchief, I dabbed at the blood on my face, my hand searching for the cut since it didn't really hurt. 

She had a pretty good aim, I'd give her that. 

The door opened and Ethan stepped out, his eyes angry and his hand covered in blood. I raised a brow and he made a face.

"They came up short" he explained and I threw the handkerchief at him. He caught it and tried to clean as much blood as he could. 

"I told you to save some for me" 

He rolled his eyes. "We actually need them alive, Riven. Killing them won't get the debts paid off" 

I scoffed as I spread my arms. "You say it as if I killed them on purpose. They pissed me off and I can never quite tell when they've had enough" It was the truth. Once the switch went off in my head, it was to awaken to chaos. It was always too late.  

Ethan shook his head, then glanced around. "Where's she"

"I didn't kill her"

He arched a brow. "Really?" He asked, his voice incredulous and I smirked. 

"What is that expression."

"You kill for less. I came back as soon as I could because I didn't want you to do anything stupid"

"I do not kill helpless little rabbits," I said, but he was right, I have killed for less. I couldn't help myself. It just came naturally. The people I killed were the scum of the earth though. I could always tell by staring them in the eye. 

"So you just let her go" 

Throwing my head back, I took in a deep breath and inhaled her scent that still lingered in the air. "Why would I do that when I can play to my heart's content with such a cute little pet" I got out and met Ethan's gaze. "I quite like the way her eyes widened when she met my gaze. I could see the fear in her eyes and yet she stared at me as if she couldn't bear to look away. I want to see more of it. No, I have to see more of it" 

"You shouldn't. You know who she is, don't you" 

"More reason I want to. I've been thinking of ways to get back at that bastard and would you look at that, the universe has finally aligned in my favor. If I can't touch Julian, then I can touch her, ruin her with my darkness, turn her against him, and watch his very world crumble" 

"Are you going to kill her"

I shrugged. "Who knows Ethan? I guess we'll just have to see how it goes"

"That sounds like you want to kill her"

I stepped past him, pausing at the door. "I do want to make her bleed. It's only fair after everything that happened because of her family don't you think"

"Father would be pleased. He'll probably worship the ground you walk on if you manage to ruin Julian. You are already his favorite"

I smirked, then walked out of the restaurant. 

Yes, I was my father's favorite. I was his favorite weapon. He had put me through the very flames of hell until I was forged into the finest of weapons. And now, I was the very best. 

I quite loved being the best. It had its perks. I could do whatever the fuck I wanted. 

Ethan followed me out. We stopped as we got to my car. 

"I have to go to the gallery. I think the exhibition has to be delayed. Our main artist got into an accident and won't be able to finish the centerpiece" 

"Is that so? You have so many problems don't you" I asked and he gave a suffering sigh. 

"Father is probably going to go ballistic when he finds out"

"I won't blame him. This was Mother's passion. He's doing this in remembrance of her

 If things don't work out, he'll be pissed"

"Then he should have been more invested"

"Don't postpone it. I'll help you find a replacement. There's nothing money can't buy this day anyway. We just need someone with a bit of talent"

"We need a centerpiece that Father will approve of. I see no way of this exhibition holding next month. There are just three more weeks left"

"It will dear brother. Father would just have to deal with whatever centerpiece I find won't he" I said, patted his shoulder, and entered the car. 

"Sir Riven" the driver called and I gave him a cold stare.

"Just drive around until I give you a destination" 

He nodded and started up the drive.

I picked up my phone and sent a message to the family's investigator. The information I needed was on my phone in a few minutes.

Hazel Styles. The name suited her. I bet they took one look at her eyes and they were like, yes, we'll refer to you as the color of your eyes. They were right too. I'd never seen such bright swirls of color. I wonder how she would look when she was utterly broken. Would they still shine so bright or become a dank muddle? Which would suit her better?

Reading through her files made my finger itch. There was something about her that got underneath my skin... I also wanted to see that bite mark again. I should probably leave more. It would look pretty on her pale skin.

I glanced at the driver. "Take me to this address," I told him and he nodded, changing course and switching lanes.

I stared ahead, her face flashing before my eyes.

How surprised was she going to be? Was she going to be shocked or would she be calm and collected?

I couldn't wait to find out.