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Jaxon’s POVThe conference room was filled with the quiet hum of muted voices and the rustle of papers. I had entered the room with my usual air of authority, followed closely by my personal guards. My gaze swept over the occupants, assessing their presence, before settling momentarily on Riley Matthews. He was setting up the presentation slides, his focus on the task at hand. For a fleeting moment, my chest tightened. Seeing him again after weeks of silence was harder than I expected. He looked different—freer, lighter. And yet, there was still something about him that stirred a deep, inexplicable ache inside me. I forced myself to look away, reminding myself why I had made the decision to end things. As much as I wanted to be a heartless bastard, I wasn't going to destroy the love that I had seen between Eric and Riley. It wouldn't be fair to any of them if I came in-between them just because I felt like having fun.My father, as annoying and evil as he was, had been right a
Riley’s POVEric and I sat together on the couch, the television humming softly in the background, though neither of us was paying attention to it. He had his arm placed casually over my shoulder, his fingers lightly tracing patterns on my skin. “Babe,” Eric started, his tone light but tinged with excitement, “I’ve been thinking. We should go on a vacation.” I shifted slightly, glancing up at him. “A vacation?” “Yeah,” he said, his eyes lighting up. “We both have been through a lot this past couple months. We deserve a break. Just us, somewhere far away.” The thought of a getaway should have thrilled me, but instead, a knot formed in my stomach. A vacation sounded great in theory, but with everything going on in my mind—particularly Jaxon’s distant behavior—I couldn’t see myself enjoying it. “I don’t know if it’s the right time, Eric,” I said hesitantly. “Why not?” he asked, sitting up straighter. “It’s the perfect time. Work has been stressful for you, and I’m tired of
Jaxon’s POVI glanced over at the open suitcase on my bed, half-filled with meticulously folded clothes and travel essentials. Alexis stood at the foot of the bed, rolling her eyes as she refolded a shirt I had just tossed in. “Honestly, Jaxon,” she said with mock exasperation, holding up a pair of socks I’d balled together. “You run a multi-billion-dollar corporation, but you can’t pack a suitcase to save your life.” I let out a low grunt, leaning against the doorframe with my arms crossed. “I didn’t ask for your help, Alexis.” She smirked, unbothered by my tone. “No, but you need it. And you know it.” I sighed, running a hand through my hair. Alexis had been one of the few constants in my life, and while her meddling could be irritating, I couldn’t deny she was right most of the time. As she folded yet another shirt with precision, she glanced up at me. “You’ve been different lately.” I stiffened, my expression hardening. “What are you talking about?” I asked, curio
Jaxon’s POVMy assistant cleared her throat awkwardly, clearly trying to diffuse the situation. “Mr. Steele, Ms. Carver specifically mentioned that Riley would be the best fit for this trip given his involvement in the marketing project. She trusted him to represent the department.” I didn’t look convinced. “There had to be someone else.” “I’m here now,” Riley said, a little sharper. “And I’m not going to back out last minute. This trip is important for the company.” My jaw tightened, my stare boring into him.“This trip doesn’t concern you.” “It does now,” he countered, standing his ground. “Unless you want to waste time finding someone else to replace me. I doubt the plane will wait for that.” For a moment, we both became quiet as we stared down at each other. I was waging an internal battle, my lips pressed so tightly together I thought they might disappear entirely. Finally, I exhaled sharply, my voice low and cold. “Fine. But stay out of my way.” I'm sure the wor
Riley's POVThe plane’s wheels touched down with a slight jolt, and I couldn’t suppress the smile that stretched across my face as I looked out the window. We were finally out of the air and now in Los Angeles. The city of stars, sprawling beaches, and endless opportunities. Even though I was here for work—and under less-than-ideal circumstances—I couldn’t help but feel a wave of excitement wash over me. It was my first time being here and I almost couldn't control the constant smile plastered on my face.As the plane moved to the gate, I glanced over at Jaxon, seated several rows ahead in first class. His posture was rigid, and he looked as unapproachable as ever. I sighed. If there was one cloud hanging over this otherwise perfect day, it was him. After collecting my carry-on bag, I made my way off the plane and into the bustling terminal. The energy here was electric, the kind of vibrant chaos that only a city like LA could offer. Jaxon and his assistant were already waitin
Jaxon's POVThe moment I stepped into my hotel suite, I allowed myself a brief sigh of relief. It was as if I had just returned from a long journey and I needed to rest my body, as well as my mind, from the gruelling ordeal I had endured on the way.The space was nothing short of magnificent—floor-to-ceiling windows that offered an unparalleled view of Los Angeles, a sprawling king-sized bed adorned with crisp, white linens, and sleek, modern furniture that exuded quiet luxury. If there was one thing my assistant had managed to do right, it was booking this hotel. The city stretched out below me, a glittering tapestry of lights and movement. From this height, it looked almost serene—ironic, considering how chaotic my thoughts were. I loosened my tie and wandered to the windows, letting the cool glass press against my palm. I loved this feeling of brief liberation, even though it felt alien a few moments later.“Not bad,” I muttered to myself, taking in the view. After a few
Riley’s POVThe room was quiet now, a sanctuary after the turbulence of the day. I had unpacked most of my things, neatly arranging them in the drawers and closet like I always did—it gave me a sense of control, even if everything else was a chaotic mess. The view from my window was stunning. The city lights of LA sparkled against the backdrop of the night, each one a small fragment of life I wished I could explore. My phone buzzed on the nightstand, the screen lighting up with Eric’s name. I smiled, already anticipating his teasing. “Hey, Eric,” I greeted, answering the call and laying back on the bed. “Riley! Finally! I thought you’d forgotten about me,” Eric said, his tone mock-indignant. I chuckled. “How could I? You’d never let me live it down" I replied with a smile playing on my lips.The conversation flowed easily, as it always did with Eric. He wanted to know everything—how the trip was going, how the city looked, what the hotel was like. “Well,” I began, “the c
Jaxon’s POV(An Hour Ago)The night was silent, but my thoughts were anything but. I paced my room, unable to shake the gnawing irritation that had been building since the plane ride. Every time I tried to focus on the city skyline outside, my mind dragged me back to Riley. Why this was happening became a complete mystery to me and I wanted it to stop as soon as possible.Something about him unsettled me in ways I couldn’t explain—or maybe I just didn’t want to. Unable to resist the urge, I grabbed my phone and dialed the extension to his room. It rang and rang, but no one answered. My jaw tightened. What was he doing? I tried to brush it off, telling myself I was overreacting, but after a few more minutes, I found myself standing outside Riley’s door. I knocked sharply, my irritation bleeding into my movements. I had expected him to come to the door almost immediately but despite knocking severally, there was still no answer. I knocked again, harder this time. Still nothin
Riley's POV The car came to a smooth halt in front of the restaurant, its glowing elegance an extravagant display of glass and lights. The sheer elegance of the building was enough to make anyone feel out of place, but I was used to this now—Jaxon’s world of wealth and sophistication had become familiar territory. Before I could reach for the door handle, it swung open, revealing one of Jaxon’s bodyguards standing tall and imposing. His movements were precise, almost rehearsed, as he stepped aside to let me out. “Thank you,” I said politely, stepping onto the almost busy driveway. “Please let the driver know to stay ready. I won’t be too long.” The bodyguard nodded respectfully, his deep voice steady. “Understood, Mr. Matthews" he said.I adjusted my jacket, smoothing down the runples and took a moment to take in the sight of the restaurant. The evening air was delicious, the faint scent of sweet and expensive perfume being carried through the breeze. A valet hurried past,
Jaxon's POV The first thing I became aware of was a soft, persistent voice pulling me from the suffocating depths of unconsciousness. It wasn’t sharp or startling, but it was there—gentle and warm, like a light tug at the edges of my mind. “Jaxon… Come on, Jaxon. It’s time to wake up now.” Alexis. I’d recognize her voice anywhere, even in this hazy void. She was the only one that could annoy me to wake up.I tried to respond, to open my eyes, but my body felt like it was filled with something heavy.My limbs were tight, my chest tight, and even my eyelids refused to cooperate. Still, her voice didn’t falter. “You’re stronger than this,” she said, her tone firm but encouraging. “Riley needs you, Jaxon. We all do. So, wake up already!” That name—Riley. It sparked something in me, like a fire lighting in full force.Slowly, painfully, I willed my eyelids to move. The room around me came into focus, and the first thing I saw was Alexis’s face hovering above mine, her eyes wide
Riley's POVThe quiet of my apartment was a welcome change after the constant hum of the hospital. I didn't have to deal with the relentless beeping of the machines connected to Jaxon and I have to admit, I felt relived that I didn't have to listen to it, even if for just a few moments.It honestly wasn't easy living without Jaxon and I couldn't believe I had become so close to him, so much that I couldn't imagine how my life would have been if we never met.I guess that's what happens with someone takes a bullet for you.I set my bag down and pulled out my phone, intending to check the time, but a text notification caught my eye. It was from Chloe. "Hey, Riley. How’s Jaxon doing?" She asked and I could feel her concern just from reading her short message.I sighed, my fingers hovering over the keyboard before I finally typed out a response. "He’s still in the coma. The doctors don’t know when or if he’ll wake up" I replied, almost feeling like these words have become some kind of
Riley's POVThe steady hum of the machines filled the hospital room, a cruel reminder of Jaxon's fragile state. I sat beside his bed, my fingers holding his hand tightly, as if my touch could somehow bring him back to me. I couldn't deny it, I was actually hoping something like that would happen and finally end this nightmare once and for all.His face was pale, almost as pale as the clean hospital sheets, and the rhythmic beeping of the monitor was the only sign that life still flowed within him. It had been weeks—weeks since he’d taken that bullet meant for me, weeks since he’d fallen into this coma, and weeks since my entire world had come to revolve around this quiet, suffocating room. I sighed, brushing a stray strand of hair from his forehead. “Jaxon,” I whispered, my voice barely audible over the machines. “You have to wake up. Please. I don’t know how much longer I can do this without you.” There was no response, just the rise and fall of his chest, fixed and unchangin
Riley's POV The moment Jaxon hit the floor, my entire world shattered. I pleaded with him not to go into the light but as I knelt beside him, I could feel his life draining slowly.“Jaxon please don't leave me!” I screamed, holding his head and trying to get him to stay awake. His shirt was soaked with blood, the red stain spreading fast across his chest. My hands trembled as I pressed down on the wound, desperate to stop the bleeding. His eyes fluttered open for a moment, glazed with pain, and he gave me the faintest smile. “Riley…” “Don’t you dare,” I said, my voice breaking. “Don’t you dare leave me, Jaxon. Stay with me.” His breath hitched, shallow and ragged, as blood trickled from the corner of his mouth. I pressed harder on the wound, my hands slick with his blood. The warm, sticky sensation made my stomach churn, but I couldn’t afford to think about that now. Arthur stood a few feet away, his face pale and eyes wide with disbelief. He stared at Jaxon as though u
Jaxon's POV The world seemed to tilt on its axis the moment my father pulled the gun from his jacket. Since when did my father carry a gun? This was entirely new to me and I tried my best to process fast what exactly I was stsriiat: the barrel of a loaded gun.Growing up, I have always looked at my father as a man of power, control, and manipulation. He didn’t need weapons—his words alone had the sharpness of blades. But there he was, holding a gun, his face twisted in fury, and the cold metal glinting under the dim light. “Drop the gun, Dad,” I said, my voice calm despite the storm of emotions raging inside me. “This isn’t you. This isn’t how we do things.” His grip tightened around the gun, his knuckles white. “Don’t lecture me, Jaxon. You have no idea what I’m capable of.” Riley’s voice trembled behind me. “Arthur, please… put the gun down. You don’t need to do this.” Arthur’s eyes darted to Riley, his hatred so palpable it felt like a physical force in the room. “Y
Riley's POV The air in the room was suffocating, thick with tension and the undeniable scent of danger. My chest tightened as I glanced around, the four guards surrounding us like wolves circling their prey. My hands trembled, and my legs felt like they might give out at any moment. I had faced enough trials in one day and I was already too tired to even continue another confrontation.I instinctively grabbed hold of the back of Jaxon's shirt as I leaned in closer to him, feeling the intimidating stares from the bodyguards that surrounded us with their huge, muscular bodies."Don't worry, Riley. I've got you. I'll keep you safe" I heard Jaxon say despite the huge amount of tension he was under.I looked at Jaxon as he remained standing in front of me, his broad shoulders squared and his head held high. His body was a solid wall of defiance and determination, shielding me from the menacing gazes of the guards. Although I could feel his intention to protect me, I could tell our s
Jaxon's POV The cold night air felt sharp against my skin as I parked my car far from the house and stepped into the shadows. I kept my eyes on the road ahead to make sure I was a safe distance from where Riley was being held by my father.I checked my phone once again to make sure the tracker signaling Riley was still up ahead was still working despite being a considerably distance from town.I sent Chloe a text, updating her of where I've gotten and told her to be on standby because I had a feeling I might need her.I couldn't tell just how this rescue operation might go and I didn't want to take the risk of putting Riley's life in more danger than it already was.The safe house stood in the distance, surrounded by tall trees and an eerie silence that settled heavily in the atmosphere that almost made me shudder.I took quiet steps as I surveyed the environment to look for a good entry point where I was sure I won't be seen or detected by my father's goons.Thanks to all the James
Riley's POV I laid on the bed, staring at the ceiling, my fingers brushing against the worn fabric of the blanket beneath me. My mind churned as I tried to piece together where I was and why Arthur Steele would have a place like this. Arthur didn’t seem like the type to hide away in secret locations. He was a man who dominated every room he entered, a master manipulator who controlled people and situations with ruthless efficiency. So why have a place like this? And more importantly, why bring me here? I rubbed my temples, the silence of the room amplifying the questions in my head. My thoughts spiraled, shifting to Jaxon. Was he looking for me? Did he know where I was? The idea that he might be out there, searching for me, gave me a small sliver of hope. My train of thought was interrupted by the abrupt sound of the door unlocking. I sat up, heart pounding, as one of Arthur’s bodyguards entered the room. He was the taller of the two, the one with the annoyed face.He thre