I need y'all's support. So please show me some love 🥺❤️✨🌈
Riley’s POVThe big menu felt weird in my hands as I looked through it, trying not to let my mouth drop at the outrageous prices staring back at me. I shifted in my seat, glancing discreetly at the people dining around me. They all looked so comfortable, sipping their wine, chatting softly, as if the cost of a single appetizer wasn’t more than twice my monthly salary. How did people like this even exist? The numbers on the page blurred slightly as my mind wandered. It wasn’t just the food prices—it was everything. The tailored suits, the glittering jewelry, the casual ease with which these people carried themselves. It was a world I didn’t belong in. “Something wrong?” Jaxon’s voice snapped me out of my thoughts. I glanced up, and there he was, lounging back in his seat, his eyes locked on me like he was studying an exhibit in a museum. “What are you looking at?” I asked, my tone sharper than I intended. He laughed softly, the sound rich and arrogant, like he knew somet
Riley's POVThe moment Sheffield spotted Jaxon and me, his face lit up like a bright traffic sign, his pearly white smile making him look even more insufferably smug. But what caught me off guard was how his expression softened—brightened, even—when his gaze landed on me. I wouldn't be surprised if he still had memories of our very brief time together when Jaxon had given me up to him.As he walked towards us, I silently prayed he would just give us a short greeting then find his way to another table. But judging from the look in his eyes, I knew it was impossible.“Well, well, if it isn’t Jaxon Steele,” Sheffield announced, his voice carrying through the restaurant with practiced ease. “And you brought company. What a surprise!” I glanced at Jaxon, silently pleading for him to deflect Sheffield’s attention, but the slight smirk tugging at the corners of Jaxon’s mouth told me he wasn’t going to. Sheffield turned to a nearby waiter and said, “Move us to a bigger table. My treat. We
Jaxon’s POVThe cool night air greeted us as we stepped out of the restaurant. Sheffield’s laughter echoed behind me as Riley walked beside me, his pace brisk, his shoulders stiff. I glanced at him, but his expression was unreadable, his lips pressed into a thin line. I couldn’t stop replaying the moment from dinner when Riley had told Ryan that Eric was just a friend. A friend.That single word lodged itself in my mind like a splinter. It didn’t add up. The way Riley had been looking at his phone, the brief flush on his cheeks—those weren’t the reactions of someone casually texting a friend. But maybe... just maybe, things between Riley and Eric weren’t as serious as I’d thought. The corner of my mouth lifted in a smug smile. If I played my cards right, this would work in my favor. We reached the parking lot, and I gestured toward Sheffield’s car parked at the far end. “We’ll walk you to your car,” I said, my tone neutral. Sheffield beamed. “Such a gentleman, Jaxon. Alw
Riley’s POVAs the car drove away from the restaurant, leaving Sheffield and his bizarre sugar baby Ryan behind, I leaned back against the seat, relief washing over me. The night had taken a turn I hadn’t expected, but I couldn’t help but feel proud of myself for managing to escape the madness. There was no way I would have survived a night at Sheffield’s house, especially with the kind of "fun" he had in mind. The very thought made my skin crawl. Running away had been impulsive, but as I caught a glimpse of Jaxon’s rare, unguarded smile in the dim light of the car, I knew it had been worth it. “That was quick thinking back there,” Jaxon said, breaking the silence. His voice was softer than usual, almost warm. “I don’t think anyone’s ever done something so... spontaneous with me before.” I raised an eyebrow, amused. “Never?” “Not since I was a teenager,” he admitted, his tone carrying a hint of nostalgia. The compliment caught me off guard, and I couldn’t help but feel a
Riley’s POVThe car hummed softly beneath us as we drove through the quiet streets of the city. I stared out the window, watching the neon lights blur into streaks against the darkened sky. Jaxon sat beside me, his usual poised demeanor unshaken, but I could feel the tension in the air. It wasn’t the same tension that made my skin crawl whenever Jaxon played his manipulative games. No, this was different. There was a lingering energy between us, a ripple from the night’s earlier events—running from Sheffield, the roadside food stand, Jaxon’s rare moments of humanity. But that wasn’t what was on my mind. Something else had clawed its way to the forefront. “You know,” I started, breaking the silence. “Back at the restaurant, you mentioned something about a cooking challenge.” Jaxon glanced at me, one brow arching slightly. “I did.” “And you insinuated I couldn’t cook,” I continued, my tone sharpening. A small smirk tugged at the corner of his lips. “I merely questioned yo
Jaxon’s POVI dug my fingers into Riley’s hair, savoring the soft strands slipping through my fingers as I deepened the kiss. His lips were warm and tentative, and for a brief moment, I thought I had him. .But just as I was about to take things further, Riley’s hands gently pushed against my chest. “Stop,” he murmured, pulling back. His breath fell against my lips, his voice steady but firm. My eyes locked onto his, and for a moment, the world narrowed to just the two of us. The air between us was charged, thick with unspoken words and the kind of tension that set my skin on fire. “I’m not comfortable doing this here,” Riley said, his voice quieter now but no less resolute. “Not in the car. Not with your driver right there where he can see and hear everything.” I blinked, surprised. It hadn’t even occurred to me that the driver’s presence might bother him. “You’re worried about the driver?” I asked, arching an eyebrow. “Riley, I couldn’t care less if we have an audience.”
Riley’s POVThe sleek black car came to a smooth stop in front of Jaxon’s sprawling mansion, and I felt my chest tighten as I looked up at the enormous structure before me. It was the kind of house you only saw in magazines or movies—sprawling lawns, intricate stonework, and a grand entrance flanked by towering columns. It screamed wealth and power, much like the man who owned it. The door opened on my side, and Jaxon’s butler greeted me with a polite nod. His sharp black suit and impeccable demeanor matched the extravagance of the house. As I stepped out, the cool evening air prickled against my skin, and I instinctively tightened my grip on the bag of groceries I had insisted on carrying myself. Jaxon emerged on the other side of the car, straightening his jacket and turning to the butler. “Take the groceries to the kitchen,” he ordered, his tone firm but casual, as though he was discussing the weather. “Riley will be cooking tonight. Also, inform the staff to stay away from
Jaxon’s POVThe rich clink of glass echoed in the kitchen as I pulled out a bottle of wine from the rack hidden within the oak cabinet.Not just any bottle, of course—this was the wine, the same vintage Riley had ordered at the restaurant not long ago. Back then, he’d savored every drop, his eyes lighting up with an appreciation that was rare to see. I had made a mental note of that moment, and now, it felt like the perfect time to revisit it. “Recognize this?” I asked, holding up the sleek, dark bottle. Riley glanced up from the vegetables he was chopping, his brow furrowing before his gaze landed on the label. His eyes widened, and he straightened, wiping his hands on a towel. “Wait. Is that... the wine from the restaurant?” I smirked, pleased by his reaction. “It is. And,” I said, opening the cabinet door wider, revealing the neatly arranged row of identical bottles, “I’ve got twelve more where this came from.” “Twelve?” Riley’s voice pitched higher in disbelief. He wal
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