Chapter 76

***~Riley~***

My exhale came heavy, “Is that supposed to scare me?” This was an admission of his attachment towards me and by the Gods, it felt good to know that he was affected by this thing between us in a way that I understood because I didn’t want him to let me go. Or even consider it. I was convinced that I’ll never have enough of Draven Thorn and I couldn’t fathom being in a position where I had to find out what life would look like without him in it.

“It should,” warring emotions flickered across his features and I wanted nothing more than to drag his lips down to mine in hopes that whatever thread holding him apart from me would burst. Dirty, I wanted to play dirty. I wanted to force a kiss and demand that he followed through with his words.

“You’re nineteen, Riley.” He bent forward, his brows furrowing and I resist the urge to remind him that my birthday was a few weeks away. That wasn’t the point. “You have so much to experience and I want you to have those experiences. To live a full life.”

“Coming from the man that just wanted to put a baby in me.” I scoff playfully in an attempt to will my body from its incessant trembling.

“Fair point.” He conceded but there was hesitation in his eyes. “What’s going to happen when you start exploring life and realise I’m just holding you back? Or worse, you try to leave for someone less fucked up?” He questioned and I initially thought his reasons were a ridiculous attempt to convince himself and me of ending us before we even started. There was a wild expression in his eyes and I immediately realised that he was being serious.

The man I was literally almost strangled to death over really thought that I’d fall for someone else. At the reminder of Talia, I swallowed hard, a sickening wave churning in my stomach with the knowledge that he’d touched another person. I reach up to finger the scarf still in place around my neck.

I had zero reason to feel the rush of possessiveness in my core but I did.

“I do want to explore life, learn about what makes me happy,” I answer tentatively, Draven hung on every word and my heart ached. Was he really worried that I would forget him? Discard him?

“But you know, more than anyone, that my experiences with men have been traumatising. I am not looking to find myself in the arms of one or many as a right of passage. That’s not what I’m searching for Draven. I’ve met many men and as fucked up as you think you are; you are the only one who’s ever made me feel safe. The only one I crave. I don’t want to lose that.” I inhaled, steadying my voice, “I don’t want to lose you, don’t ask me to.” I was searching his features, grateful that my words seemed to move him, his eyes the softest I’ve ever seen them. Vulnerable. Human. Promising. And there it was, hope. It took root and sprung to life.

“Let me explore my life with you at my side, Draven. I won’t ask for anything else.” I followed up, the tears pooling and distorting my vision. I learnt something about myself at this moment. I wasn’t above begging this man to stay with me. I should feel embarrassed for my pride but I couldn’t find it in me to care about that. If I didn’t let him know how I felt, if I didn’t at least try to entice him to want me back then I’d regret it my entire life.

I was dragged into his solid chest, his arms holding my body against his, my face buried in his chest and his chin nestled on my head. “I’d carve out my heart and hand it to you if you asked.” His words were too tender, too depraved.

“I could never deny you. Promise me, Riley—” he eased back to stare into my eyes, they were wet with tears, “promise me that you’ll ask for whatever you need from me. Don’t ever settle with me.”

I sniffled, wanting to bury myself in his hold once again.

“Promise me, Riley.” His voice was different, pained almost as if my answer was the balm to some fatal injury.

“I promise.” I barely get the words out past my trembling lips.

“Last chance, princess.” He cupped my face with both hands, my body still pressed up against his. “If we do this and you ever try to leave me, I’ll show you what it really means to be my captive.” There was an edge to his voice and my heart plummeted from the promise. I should feel scared, and hesitant but I didn’t. I felt safe. His depraved admission provided a sense of comfort to me.

“And what if you try to leave me for someone less broken?” I bury my face in his chest again, inhaling his scent. His arms wrapped around me, his exhale surging through my body.

“You underestimate my obsession, princess. It’s primal, innate. I’ve set my eyes on you and you’ll never be able to escape me.” His voice soothed me. “You’re not broken, Riley. Despite everything you’ve been through, no one has ever succeeded in breaking you. And if anyone dares try again, I’ll rip them apart.”

I shudder from the promise. There was too much to keep track of and I tighten my hold on him, hoping he understood my emotions from my touch. I couldn't put them into words, not properly.

“Are you certain this is what you want?” he pulled away to look at me again, searching my features for any hesitance.

“Fortify your prison all you want,” I grin, “I have no plans to leave you alone.” My answer melts away the remaining tension in his muscles and Draven smiles. Bright and boyish and my heart somersaulted in my chest.

God, I could get used to this gorgeous man being mine. I might have to work on getting his mother to actually speak two words to me though.

“Let’s seal this resolution in the shower.” His smile morphed into a mischievous, suggestive grin and I blushed.

I could definitely get used to this.

“Together?” I widened my eyes as he led me through the door. He reached into the shower to turn the tap on.

“If you don’t come on my cock again soon, I’ll go mad.” His hands moved quickly to discard his clothing and I mirrored his actions with my own clothes. I chuckled, holding this side of him close to my heart. I was yet to receive that kiss but knowing that Draven no longer saw us as a temporary attachment eased my insistence on it. For now.

“And this,” he tugged at the scarf at my neck and I paled, forgetting about it entirely, “never cover your neck fr—,” his voice cut off as the scarf floated to the floor.

“What the fuck happened to your skin?” the vulnerable, carefree man who’d just made an appearance was now gone.

“It’s not serious,” I say, attempting to move past him and into the shower, but he gripped my arm and pulled me back, I fell into him.

“The hell it isn’t,” he growled, “Who did that to you?”