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Riley's POV The sound of the airport swirled around me as Eric and I stepped into the bustling arrivals hall. People moved in every direction, dragging suitcases, hugging loved ones, or rushing to catch their next flight. Amidst the chaos, Eric’s smile was as bright as ever, his excitement contagious. It felt good being back, returning to my normal daily routine, but there was something in my gut that just made walking this close to Eric not feel as good as it felt before.However, I knew I had to keep up a smile on my face, even though it was forced. I didn't want Eric to start worrying about me the first day I arrived in town after traveling.“Riley, I can’t believe you’re back!” he said, his hand brushing my arm as we walked through the crowd. “How was the trip? Was it horrible? Did anyone try to bore you to death in a meeting?” I chuckled softly, though my mind was elsewhere. “It was... eventful. I got to see many beautiful things and also meet great people” I replied and m
Jaxon's POV Sitting in my office, I stared at the skyline of Manhattan through the massive glass windows. The view was something most people would kill for—a beautiful sight of ambition and chaos stretching into the horizon. Usually, it brought me a sense of accomplishment, of control. Today, though, it only mirrored the storm brewing inside me. Riley and Eric. Together. Again. I leaned back in my chair, fingers tapping restlessly on the armrest. I’d tried to push the image out of my mind—the two of them walking away from the airport like nothing had happened, like the entire flight back hadn’t been filled with Riley’s promises to make things right between us. So much for that.It wasn’t like I could force Riley to do what I wanted. He was as stubborn as they came, a trait that both infuriated and fascinated me. But damn it, I wanted him to myself. Not half of him. Not the version of him that played tug-of-war between me and Eric. Just Riley—all of him. My jaw tightened as
Riley's POV The office was a blur of activity. Phones rang off the hook, keyboards were being typed on with urgency, and colleagues moved around with determined expressions. For once, I wasn’t swept up in the chaos. My mind was somewhere else entirely. Jaxon.No matter how hard I tried, I couldn’t shake him from my thoughts. The man had taken up permanent residence in my head, turning every quiet moment into a battlefield of emotions I didn’t know how to handle. I glanced at my computer screen, the spreadsheet glaring back at me. The numbers blurred into nothingness as my thoughts wandered yet again to the events of the past few days. The plane ride, the airport, the way Jaxon looked at me when Eric hugged me. Eric. I sighed, leaning back in my chair. He was supposed to be my anchor, the safe and steady choice. But lately, being with him felt like trying to convince myself that I could fit into a life that no longer suited me. Last night had been a stark reminder of that
Jaxon's POV The sight of Daniel standing in my office felt like a sucker punch to the gut. I didn't know exactly if I should feel happy that he was here or be angry that he had come to my company without even a notice of his arrival that would be sure to prepare me to see him.I wondered how exactly he had found out where my company was located but then I remembered he could have easily googled my name and found out all the information he needed about me off the internet.I hadn’t seen him since LA, since the night I’d promised myself I’d leave that part of my life behind. Yet here he was, as if summoned by some cosmic joke designed to test my resolve. His familiar smirk—half predatory, half playful—stirred up a wave of emotions I wasn’t ready to confront. I had to admit, he still looked as desirable as even I had left and I sort of wanted to take him home and claim his body.However, I wouldn't. I couldn't."Surprised to see me?" Daniel asked, leaning casually against the edge o
Riley's POV I stormed out of Jaxon’s office, my chest tight and my thoughts a whirlwind of disbelief and anger. My heart pounded in my ears, drowning out the sounds of the busy office around me. I wanted to be anywhere but here, away from the humiliation that burned hot in my veins. I had been so stupid.The image of Jaxon and Daniel—Daniel, of all people—was seared into my mind. I recognized him immediately, the waiter from the gala, with that easy charm and model-like smile. Now he was here, in Jaxon’s office, kissing him like he had every right to. What was he even doing in New York City? The gala had been in LA, and Jaxon certainly didn’t mention bringing anyone back with him. But then again, why wouldn’t he? Jaxon was a man of means, a man who could have anyone, anywhere, at any time. Flying someone across the country for a taste of their body? It probably didn’t even register as an inconvenience to him. I clenched my fists as I made my way to the employee lounge, my
Riley's POV The living room was dimly lit, the soft glow of the TV screen casting flickering shadows on the walls. I sat curled up on the couch with a bowl of half-melted chocolate ice cream in one hand and a spoon in the other, watching yet another predictable romance movie. On-screen, the couple laughed, flirted, and danced their way toward a happily-ever-after. But instead of feeling warm and fuzzy, I felt hollow, like I was watching a life I couldn’t quite grasp.I took another spoonful of ice cream, letting the sweetness dissolve on my tongue as I tried—and failed—to stop the endless loop playing in my head. Jaxon and Daniel. I’d only seen it for a split second, but the image was as vivid as if it had been burned into my brain. Jaxon’s hand on Daniel’s back. The way Daniel had leaned into him, their lips locked in a kiss so deep it made my stomach churn. I wasn’t sure what hurt more—the fact that it had happened or the fact that it shouldn’t have bothered me in the first
Jaxon's POV The sun streamed through the tall windows of my study, bathing the room in a golden glow. It was one of those days that seemed almost too perfect to belong to late autumn. Outside, the air must have smelled of leaves and sweet nature, but inside my mansion, there was only the faint scent of fresh coffee lingering from earlier in the morning. I sat at my desk, surrounded by neat stacks of documents waiting for my signature, but my pen hovered over the paper, unmoving. My mind refused to focus. Riley. I leaned back in my chair, exhaling sharply. The way Riley had looked at me yesterday—it was as if I’d punched him in the gut. Hurt, betrayal, and something else I couldn’t quite name had flashed in his eyes before he quickly masked it. But I’d seen it, and it stuck with me, gnawing at the edges of my concentration. “Jaxon, are you even listening to me?” Alexis’s voice pulled me from my thoughts. She was seated on the couch in my study, her legs tucked beneath
Riley's POV The moment Jaxon opened the door, his expression was almost comical—a mixture of surprise and suspicion. His usually composed features faltered, and for a fleeting second, I caught something unguarded in his eyes. “Riley?” he asked, his voice rough and uncertain. “What are you doing here?” There was a genuineness in his tone, an unfiltered curiosity that made me want to smile despite myself. For all his arrogance and bravado, there were these rare moments when Jaxon Steele felt refreshingly real. I cleared my throat, willing my voice to stay steady after breaking a few seconds ago.“I need to talk to you. Can we do that inside?” I asked.His brows furrowed for a second, and then, as if snapping out of his initial shock, he stepped aside, holding the door open for me. “Sure. Come in.” I stepped inside, my sneakers sinking into the plush carpet of the foyer. His mansion was everything you’d expect from a man like Jaxon: luxurious, modern, and pristine, yet it fe
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