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Riley's POVAs we approached the more upscale part of town, the buildings grew taller, sleeker, and the lights brighter. I leaned back, forcing myself to keep my breathing steady. I needed to stay calm, no matter what Jaxon had planned. I’d agreed to this arrangement, however reluctantly, and I’d just have to endure it.But as the car turned down a winding driveway that led to an imposing mansion, my heart sank. The sprawling estate was bathed in a soft glow from the surrounding lights, its sleek, modern architecture framed by meticulously landscaped gardens. It was as much a fortress as it was a home, with high walls and security cameras stationed at every corner.The driver stopped at the front entrance, and I took a shaky breath, gathering whatever courage I had left. This was it—no turning back now.“Have a good evening, Mr. Lawson,” the driver said as he opened my door, his tone as professional as ever. I could only nod, forcing myself to take in the cool night air.The fron
Jaxon's POVThe bar’s polished wood gleamed under the dim lighting as I leaned against it, watching the crowd with calculated ease. I’d kept an eye on Riley from the moment he entered the mansion, each uncertain step revealing how out of place he felt among my guests. There was something intoxicating about seeing him surrounded by the very world he’d likely never thought he’d be pulled into. And the best part? He had no idea why he was here, let alone what I had planned for him.My smirk deepened as Riley spotted me and, with that familiar glint of reluctance in his eyes, made his way across the room. I took another sip of my drink, letting the anticipation build as he finally stopped in front of me, crossing his arms in a thinly veiled attempt to appear composed.“Why did you invite me here, Jaxon?” His voice was cold, barely hiding his irritation. “Especially knowing you were having a party. I thought tonight was supposed to be... well, you know, private.”The corner of my mouth
Riley's POVThe dim lighting softened the room’s walls and ambiance, but nothing could dim the intensity of the disgust already sitting in my gut. I forced a polite smile as the old billionaire, Sheffield, continued to eye me with a gaze that made my skin crawl. His thin lips turned up in a smirk, the kind of smile that said he’d seen and taken all he wanted in life without a second thought. And tonight, I was apparently just one more thing for him to admire and consume.Meanwhile, Jaxon was talking, going on about the company’s latest venture, weaving the tale of success he hoped Sheffield would buy into. But Sheffield’s attention was only half on the conversation, his gaze repeatedly flickering back to my face as though he were examining a new piece of art he planned to add to his collection.I clenched my jaw, struggling to keep my emotions in check. I hadn’t expected anything like this when I was told to come here tonight. My thoughts flickered back to the arrangements Jaxon
Jaxon's POV The moment Sheffield returned from the bathroom, his satisfied smirk met mine. He strolled over with the same air of entitlement I’d come to expect, his eyes gleaming as they landed on Riley, who stiffened in response. Riley's expression was a barely concealed mixture of frustration and contempt, and it amused me to no end that he was struggling to hide it.I gently hit Riley's shoulders and he turned to look at me with obvious resentment plastered on his face."You had better smile if you don't want to see my bad side" I said, my voice going to a malicious tone.Riley's eyes widened in shocked as he stared at me, wondering what he might have done wrong."I'm trying my best here" he replied. "It's not exactly easy to smile comfortably when you're being given off to an old man as a piece of candy for him to have a taste."Riley rolled his eyes then returned his gaze to the ground."Nevertheless, you should smile" I said plainly."I'm trying my best" he said."Then try har
Riley’s POVI lingered a few steps behind Sheffield and his bodyguards, my jaw clenched tight. My irritation simmered under the surface, threatening to boil over. Every sound he made only fed my growing hatred for the person responsible for this debacle: Jaxon.My fists clenched at my sides as I replayed his words in my mind.Jaxon didn’t care about me or what this would cost me. He only cared about the contract, the money, and proving to the world that he could make anyone bend to his will—even me.I bit the inside of my cheek to stop myself from groaning aloud. If only I’d never met Jaxon. If only I could go back in time and erase him from my life. But I couldn’t. And now here I was, trailing behind an old man who was visibly struggling to climb a flight of stairs, all because Jaxon had decided this was my problem to solve.“You’re doing great, sir,” one of the bodyguards said, his voice cheerful.“Don’t patronize me,” the old billionaire snapped. He paused on the next step, grip
Riiley’s POVAs soon as I returned, I sat back on a chair, creating space between me and the old billionaire. Sheffield leaned back in his chair, his eyes watching me with unsettling intensity. I tried to focus on anything else—the clock on the wall, the air conditioner. But nothing could distract me from the weight of his gaze. “You seem tense,” Sheffield finally said, his tone light, almost playful. I forced a laugh, shaking my head. “Not at all. I’m just… ready to get everything sorted. Busy schedule and all that.” He smirked, clearly unconvinced. “Busy schedule, huh? You look like someone who’s carrying the weight of the world on their shoulders.” I shrugged, keeping my voice casual. “It’s just part of the job.” “Hmm,” he murmured, tapping his fingers rhythmically against the armrest. His gaze didn’t waver, as if he could see right through my facade. Then, without warning, he pushed himself out of the chair and walked over to a speaker in the corner of the room.
Riiley's POVThe conference room buzzed with the low hum of murmurs as my colleagues and I filed in. The heavy glass door swung shut behind me, and I reluctantly took a seat near the back, hoping to avoid any unwanted attention. At the front of the room, Jaxon stood like a king surveying his court, his crisp navy suit hugging his broad shoulders. His presence was magnetic, commanding respect and silence as soon as he opened his mouth. I stared down at the notepad in front of me, willing myself to keep my expression neutral as he began his speech. “Ladies and gentlemen,” Jaxon began, his deep voice cutting through the chatter like a blade, “I called this meeting because I want to commend the team for their hard work. Yesterday marked a significant milestone for Steele Enterprises.” His eyes swept across the room, pausing momentarily on me. My stomach twisted, but I kept my face blank. “We successfully secured Sheffield’s investment,” Jaxon continued, his tone measured, confi
Jaxon’s POVThe view from my office window rarely failed to command my attention. It was a sea of concrete and glass, stretching endlessly into the horizon. Today, though, my focus wasn’t on the cityscape. My eyes were fixed on the street below, watching two figures walking side by side toward the restaurant in the building next door. Riley and Eric. I’d spotted them as they left the office, Eric’s tall frame and easy confidence unmistakable. His hand had hovered too close to Riley’s back, and the way he looked at Riley—too soft, too interested—made my blood simmer. I leaned back in my chair, my fingers positioned under my chin as I thought over what I’d just witnessed. Riley, my reluctant little pet, walking off to lunch with someone else. It wasn’t jealousy—no, I didn’t do jealousy—but irritation prickled under my skin. Riley was supposed to be mine. I had made that very clear. And yet, here he was, laughing and smiling with Eric like he didn’t have a care in the worl
Riley's POV The sun was shining brighter, or at least it seemed that way when I stared at it.As I walked into the office building, a bounce in my step and a smile plastered across my face, I couldn’t remember the last time I felt this light. It would have probably been in a while because that was the only reason to explain why I felt this happy.I have been to a lot of hookups and one nightstands but being with Steven last night was as if I was in a whole new dimension.I just couldn't stop asking myself how I got to have this beaming smile plastered on my face when just yesterday I felt frustrated.Was it the thrill of last night with Steven? The taste of freedom after breaking my agreement with Jaxon? Maybe it was both. Either way, it felt like the universe had decided to throw me a bone for once, and I was all too happy to accept it. “Morning, Riley!” “Good morning!” I greeted every co-worker who passed me, something I didn’t usually do unless it was absolutely necessary
Riley's POV I wasn’t sure if it was the whiskey or the rush of doing something completely out of character, but as I stared at Steven, I felt a thrill unlike anything I’d ever experienced. Was I really doing this? Steven leaned casually against the wall, his eyes glinting with amusement as he caught me sneaking a glance at him. “Nervous?” he asked, his tone teasing but gentle. I shrugged, playing it cool. “Just… new to this kind of thing.” He chuckled, the sound warm and rich. “Relax, Riley. We’re just two people enjoying each other’s company. No pressure.” His reassurance calmed me a little, but I couldn’t deny the flutter of anticipation coursing through me.Steven set his wallet and keys on the dresser before turning to me with an easy grin. “Only the best for my company tonight.” I rolled my eyes, but a small smile tugged at my lips. “Smooth.” He laughed and picked up the phone on the nightstand. “What do you drink? I’ll have room service bring us something.”
Riley's POV The silence in the car was deafening. Eric kept his eyes on the road, his hands gripping the wheel a little tighter than usual. The tension between us felt like a physical barrier, and I hated it. But what else could I do? I had been honest with him—brutally, perhaps, but truthful all the same. Still, guilt gnawed at me. Eric didn’t deserve to feel like this, and I didn’t want to ruin our friendship. I cleared my throat, breaking the silence. “Eric…” He didn’t look at me, but his grip on the wheel loosened slightly. “Yeah?” “I’m sorry if what I said earlier upset you,” I began, choosing my words carefully. “I didn’t mean to hurt you, but I felt like I had to be honest. I value our friendship too much to lie to you.” Eric finally glanced at me, a small, sad smile tugging at the corners of his lips. “I know, Riley. I get it. And I’m not mad. Disappointed? Maybe. But not mad.” I let out a breath I hadn’t realized I was holding. “Good. I don’t want us to be
Riley's POV Jaxon’s stunned silence didn’t last long. The look on his face was a mixture of disbelief and controlled anger, his jaw tightening as he fought to keep his composure. I couldn’t deny the satisfaction I felt from watching him squirm, but that didn’t stop my heart from pounding. “I said I want out,” I repeated, forcing myself to meet his piercing gaze. His lips curled into a smirk, but there was no humor behind it. “You can say it as many times as you want, Riley, but it doesn’t make it possible.” I frowned, crossing my arms. “What do you mean it’s not possible? I’m not bound to you, Jaxon. This whole... whatever this is, it’s over. I’m done.” “You don’t get to decide that,” he said, his voice low and cutting. “You’re in this because I allow you to be. And you’ll stay in it because I say so.” Anger flared in me. “Allow me? Are you serious right now? You don’t own me, Jaxon. I can do whatever the hell I want.” His eyes narrowed, his stance shifting as if pre
Jaxon's POV Alexis’s laughter echoed in my ears as the roller coaster roared to life in the distance. I clenched my fists, willing myself not to explode. She always managed to test my patience with her antics, but today she was especially insufferable. Pairing me with Riley? That was no accident. She’d done it purely to amuse herself. Act your age for once, Alexis.“Something funny?” Riley asked, his voice tight with irritation as we remained seated and the ride went on.“Nothing,” I replied sharply, glancing toward Alexis and Eric. I could see them. They were chatting animatedly, as though their decision to stick me with Riley had been the most natural thing in the world. I didn't like this ride and I prayed for it to stop so I can get off and go home to spend the rest of the day alone, or more preferably, making love with some stranger on the app.Riley shifted beside me, clearly uncomfortable. I hated the way he always seemed on edge around me. It was as if he expected me
Riley's POV I couldn’t believe my luck—or lack of it. The day had been going so well until Eric had dragged me into this ridiculous situation. What were the odds that Eric’s old college buddy would be Jaxon's friend? Worse, what were the odds that we’d all have to spend the rest of the day together? This made me hate every minute I spent in this place just trying to calm myself and pretend like everything I good.I glanced over at Jaxon, who walked a few paces ahead with Alexis. Even when he wasn’t trying, his presence was commanding. The amusement park’s colorful lights and playful chaos seemed to dim in comparison to his dark aura. He wasn’t even trying to enjoy himself. If anything, he looked like he’d rather be anywhere else. Same, Jaxon. Same.“Isn’t this great?” Eric’s voice snapped me out of my thoughts. He was smiling, his expression genuinely excited. "Isn't what great?" I asked, absentmindedly and I felt bad when I saw his smile falter just a bit."Isn't it great
Jaxon's POVThe vibrant lights of the amusement park blurred into a mixture of chaos around me. Children’s laughter mixed with the distant hum of rides, while the sweet aroma of cotton candy and popcorn clung to the air. Yet, none of it reached me. I actually wished I was extremely far away from here instead pf having to go through the agony of watching people have fun.“Jaxon,” Alexis said, nudging me with her elbow. “You look like someone dragged you here against your will. Try smiling for once.” I raised an eyebrow as I stared at her."You did actually" I replied. "You dragged me out here even when I told you I had no desire, whatsoever, to be in this hellhole." "Don't sound like that. You make it seem like you're depressed or going through something" She said, a concerned look on her face.I cast her a sidelong glance, the corners of my lips twitching slightly. “I’m fine, Alexis.” “You call that fine?” she retorted, narrowing her emerald-green eyes at me. “You’ve got your
Riley's POV The soft hum of the vacuum cleaner vibrated through the air as I dragged it across the worn carpet of my small living room. It was a weekend—my supposed time to unwind—but my mind refused to cooperate. Each stroke of the vacuum brought back the memory I had been fighting to suppress all week. Jaxon and his arrogant ass.The name alone made my jaw tighten as floods if memory came rushing back into my head.I switched off the vacuum abruptly, letting out a frustrated sigh. My efforts to shut everything about him had been in vain.It wasn’t just his arrogance or his constant belittling of me that got under my skin. No, it was the way he had invaded my life—and my thoughts—so completely. I sank onto the couch, rubbing my temples. Just thinking about him was stressful enough.That night in his hotel room played in an endless loop in my head. His touch, his kiss, the way he’d completely consumed me. And then, just as quickly, his cold dismissal. “Why do I let him get to
Jaxon's POV When it was over, as we lay tangled together in the aftermath, Riley turned his head away from me, unable to meet my gaze. It didn't take much from me to know that he had no desire of letting me see how much this had affected him, how much I had gotten under his skin.“Riley,” I said, my voice soft, almost gentle. He didn’t respond. He couldn’t. Instead, he closed my eyes, willing himself to forget, to pretend that this meant nothing. Because if he let it mean something, if he let himself feel, he knew he would never recover.But I didn't care about his internal battles because I was already facing one myself.The room was quiet now, except for the soft rustling of clothes and the distant hum of the city beyond the hotel window. Riley was at the foot of the bed, his back to me, slipping on his shirt with deliberate care. I found my eyes drifting to him, studying the gentle curve of his spine, the way his slim frame moved with unconscious grace. His hair, still slight