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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 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 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 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 prep
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 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 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.
Jaxon's POV I leaned back in my chair, the picture of calm control, even as Riley sat across from me, visibly tense and glaring at Steven with a mixture of confusion and betrayal. His jaw tightened, his fingers curled into fists in his lap, and his lips were pressed into a hard line. For a moment, I simply observed him, letting the silence stretch. I could feel the weight of his unease in the room, a tension that made the air almost stop. Finally, I broke the silence, leaning forward with a faint smirk. “You know, Riley,” I said, my tone smooth, deliberate. “There’s something you need to understand about me—something most people figure out the hard way.” Riley’s gaze snapped to me, his anger barely contained. “What are you talking about?” I clasped my hands together and rested them on the desk, my eyes never leaving his. “Nobody crosses me and wins. Nobody. Because I’m not just a player in the game—I own the game. I am the game master.” He flinched, his brow furrowing, b
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