Chapter 7: CHAPTER SEVEN

AT THE HOTEL

River strode into the hotel lobby, his confident stride commanding attention. The receptionists' eyes widened as they took in his chiseled features and piercing gaze. Whispered comments and giggles filled the air as they admired his rugged charm.

River approached the desk, his deep voice firm and direct. "I'm looking for Zoe. What room is she in."he asked, his eyes locked on the receptionist.

The receptionist provided him with the room number, and River made his way upstairs. 

River strode into the hotel lobby, his confident stride commanding attention. The receptionists' eyes widened as they took in his chiseled features and piercing gaze. Whispered comments and giggles filled the air as they admired his rugged charm.

River's eyes locked onto Zoe as she emerged from the bathroom, wrapped in a towel that barely covered her curves. Her hair was damp, and her skin glowed with a warm, golden light.

"Hey," she said, her voice husky and inviting. "I've been waiting for you."

River's gaze roamed over her body, his eyes lingering on the swell of her breasts and the curve of her hips. He felt a surge of desire, but it was devoid of emotion. He just wanted to use her to get the anger out of his mind.

Zoe's eyes sparkled with amusement as she walked towards him. "You look like you're in a hurry," she said, her voice teasing.

River's lips curled into a smile, but it was cold and calculating. "I am," he said, his voice low and rough. "I need to get something out of my system."

Zoe's eyes flashed with excitement as she reached up to kiss him. River's hands wrapped around her waist, pulling her close as their lips met in a fierce, passionate kiss.

As they broke apart for air, Zoe's towel slipped, revealing the curves of her breasts. River's eyes locked onto her, his gaze burning with desire.

"I want you," he said, his voice rough and urgent.

Zoe's smile was sultry, inviting. "I want you too," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "I want to make love to you."

River's expression was unyielding. "We aren't lovers, get that in your head and let's just go on with the damn sēx," he said, his voice cold.

Zoe's eyes faltered, but she quickly recovered. "Okay," she said, her voice hesitant.

River's hands roamed over her body, his fingers tracing the curves of her waist and hips. Zoe's eyes closed, her head tilting back as she surrendered to his touch.

As they moved together, their bodies entwined in a passionate, all-consuming embrace, River felt his desire burning out of control. He was lost in the moment, his senses overwhelmed by the feel of Zoe's skin, the taste of her lips, and the sound of her ragged breathing. But his heart remained detached, his emotions locked away.

River's demeanor was detached, his actions mechanical. He kissed her back, his hands roaming over her body with a calculated intensity. Zoe's towel came undone, revealing her curves, and River's shirt followed suit, exposing his chiseled chest. They moved to the bed, their bodies entwined in a passionate, yet emotionless, embrace.

River's actions were driven by a desire for physical release, rather than any emotional connection. He was in control, his movements calculated and deliberate. 

🕒AN HOUR LATER🕒

When they finished dressing, the tension between River and Zoe was palpable. Zoe tried to initiate a conversation, but River's responses were curt and detached.

"Don't get any ideas," River warned, his voice low and menacing. "This was just sex. Nothing more."

Her face fell, her eyes flashing with anger. "You're unbelievable," she spat, her voice venomous. "How can you treat girls like this? Don't you have any feelings?"

River shrugged, his expression unyielding. "I'm just being honest," he said, his voice devoid of emotion. "I don't do relationships. I don't do feelings."

Zoe's eyes blazed with fury as she stood tall, her voice dripping with venom. "You're nothing, River. Absolutely nothing. My dad is a CEO, and if you had played your cards right, you could have been set for life."

River's expression remained unyielding, but a hint of annoyance crept into his voice. "I don't need your dad's money," he sneered.

Her laughter was cold and mirthless. "Oh, really? Then why are you still stuck in this dead-end town? You could have had a way out, but you're too stupid to see it."

River's eyes flashed with anger, and he took a step closer to Zoe. "Get out," he growled, his voice low and menacing. "Get out of my sight before I lose my temper."

Zoe's eyes sparkled with defiance, but she knew better than to push River's buttons. "Fine," she spat, grabbing her bag and storming out of the room. "But you're missing out on a lot, River. A lot."

River watched her go, a mixture of relief and indifference washing over him. He waited for a while, then decided it was time to leave. As he stepped out of the hotel, he was greeted by a torrent of rain. He quickly mounted his bike and sped off into the downpour.

River sped down Main Street, the rain-soaked streets glistened like polished stone. He weaved through the crowded roads, his bike's tires skidding on the wet pavement.

Suddenly, a figure emerged from the darkness, oblivious to the rain and River's approaching bike. The girl was running down the sidewalk, her hair plastered to her face and her clothes clinging to her body. She was wearing headphones and staring intently at the ground, her eyes fixed on the path ahead. River's heart skipped a beat as he realized he was headed straight for her.

He swerved to avoid her, but it was too late. The girl didn't flinch, didn't even look up, as River's bike narrowly missed her. The sound of screeching tires and pounding rain filled the air, and for a moment, time seemed to freeze.

Then, just as suddenly, the girl looked up, her eyes wide with surprise. River's bike had come to a stop just inches from her, and for a moment, they simply stared at each other, the only sound the pounding rain.