Chapter 79

***~Draven~***

I’ve never had a girlfriend before. I’d argue that I still didn’t have one because Riley felt like so much more than just a girlfriend. That title felt small and insignificant to describe her importance to me. She stirred at my side, her body huddled closer and I tightened my hold on her, inhaling her scent until I was high on it.

“Why are you awake?” her voice came forth in a groggy mumble and I chuckle. This was exactly what I had been missing. This intimacy, this calm and I knew that if it weren’t for Riley I’d never know how much I wanted something so mundane. It didn't feel mundane, it felt surreal.

“I barely get four hours of sleep a night, princess. My schedule’s been fucked for as long as I remember.” You don’t become a dangerous assassin with a reputation for lurking in dark corners unsuspectingly by sleeping. I would have imagined myself burnt out by now but I’ve grown accustomed to surviving on minimal rest to the point that restlessness settles in if I am ever left without anything to do for long.

“How do you survive?” she rolls, her arms crossing over my chest and then she presses her chin down to gaze at me. I was certain she was only able to see a small fraction of my features in the dark. It would depend on how much her eyes adjusted. I smiled, catching myself instantly. When the hell did I start smiling so easily? This must be what true happiness felt like.

“I can barely stay awake and I sleep all the time.” She grumbles, my fingers burying themselves in her hair. Riley coos as I massage her scalp.

“Take your rest where you can, princess.” I advise her with a soothing voice, her breathing shallowing just a bit, “You’re going to need it because I plan to ravish you whenever the opportunity presents itself.”

“Oh?” she grins. God, I love that fucking smile. Does she know I’d kill to ensure it never dims again? “I definitely want to be rested enough to experience that.” She mutters, and an unfamiliar warmth bursts in my chest. My eyes widened, my first instinct was to clutch the area but I resisted. What the fuck?

This hold Riley had on me, I have no idea how to process it. One minute I felt full, content and in another minute I felt a pang of desperation. Now that she was mine, it was easier to lose her and that thought left me with an alien wave of panic and anxiety. I’ve infiltrated countless criminal organisations and gone on many suicide missions with not so much as a bad thought and here I was terrified of losing the woman wrapped up in my arms.

I meant it when I told her she’d have no more chances to leave. Riley was mine now. So, why in hell was I worried?

“I know you had plans to move away when you complete your studies,” I shake the unsavoury thoughts from my mind and focus on the present, on the way her naked body pressed up against my own. Her warmth and scent were nothing short of intoxicating.

“But I want you to make this your home.” I tell her, my breath catching in my throat at the few seconds of silence that ensues.

“This is your home, Draven. I can’t just—,”

“You can.” I interrupt her immediately. “I meant it when I said I am not letting you go. The organisation always sets up properties and assets for its employees, I’m not asking you to refuse them. They will be yours for your sole use but I want you to stay here with me. We can redecorate, make the house more to your tastes if that’s what you want. Consider this your home Riley, I’m not above adding your name to the Deed.”

She chuckles, “Who knew Draven Thorn would be this sweet?”

“I’m not sweet, princess. I’m a possessive, cruel man who would do everything in his power to keep you by his side.”

“It’s sweet.” She reiterates. “Are you serious about the renovations?”

“I can have a crew here in the morning.”

She hums in appreciation, “I’ve never been able to decorate my own space before.” She muses and my heart ached as images of her being abused lodged in my mind. My anger took over and suddenly I could barely wait to deal with the men I had locked away.

“Whatever your heart desires, my sweet girl, it’s yours,” I promise her and she exhales. I hope to God she felt safe with me, I wouldn't recover from that pain if she wasn't.

“Will you help me make it our home?” there was a cautious tint to her words.

“I’d love that." I was finally able to breathe easily, "I’ll clear my schedule tomorrow.” I answer softly, running my hand over her back until she fell into sleep once more. I felt more at ease than I’ve ever had and the most surprising thing happened, I nodded off, waking up the latest I’ve ever done in years.

***

“I hadn’t expected Gianna to be so excited about the renovations,” Riley commented as she buckled herself in. Over the past two days, we’ve been busy meeting with interior designers to cultivate a new feel for our home.

God, it felt amazing to say that. Our home. Riley Magner was mine. I was hers.

“Neither did I.” I answer honestly while I pulled out into the street. It was time for us to exit our little bubble. Riley had classes and I had matters piled up. Not that I minded at all, I was able to delegate most of it but there were matters I wanted to handle personally and those could not wait any longer.

“It’s nice to have the moral support,” I interject. Riley did more than just change me, she changed the atmosphere at home too. I’ve always treated my employees well but Riley treated them like family and there was a strange ease that settled in my stomach because of it. Gianna proved to be warm and easy-going, very different from the cautious woman I knew all these years.

“I agree.” She nods.

“By the way, is there anything you don’t like eating? I want to make dinner for us tonight.”

“You don’t have to do that; you’ll be exhausted after your classes.” I answer, my chest swelling with affection at the offer.

“I’ve already given Gianna the night off.” She counters and I could feel her gaze on me. Should it bother me how integrated into my life she is? It doesn't. I loved it.

“In that case, how about we make dinner together? We’ll teach each other our preferences.” I shoot a look in her direction.

“That sounds amazing.” She inhales deeply, a smile etched into her lips and I found myself mirroring it.

“It’s a date,” I confirm, impatient to be done with the day. We fell into a comfortable silence on the drive. Riley pulled out her notes to read while I prepared mental notes for my day.

At the organisation, I follow Riley as she made her way to her combat class. I noted the wary looks she sent my way but I ignored them. I wondered how long it would take for her to voice the question that was laying heavy on her tongue. It wasn’t until we were almost at her class that she spun around.

“That’s far enough.” She levelled me with a stare that could make men shudder. My girl was a force to be reckoned with. A mix of innocence and intensity. That always intrigued me. The way she was able to master both sides of the coin.

I bent until my face was level with hers. “Not nearly,” I grin at the way she grits her teeth and narrows her eyes at me.

“It’s a little insensitive don’t you think?” she lowered her voice.

“Talia is in this class with me.” She reminded me and my grin cracked as I recall the bruises that had been around her neck. It’s barely cleared all the way, but Riley covered the darker shades with makeup.

“It’s far more insensitive to pretend. We should want her to accept that I’m off-limits so she may finally turn her attentions elsewhere.” I say but Riley seems unconvinced.

“How about I just walk you? I won’t touch you, I need to speak to Jacob anyway.”

“Fine,” she concedes, taking off ahead of me. I watch her settle herself into the class, greeting her fellow recruits as Jacob sprints over towards me.

“Draven,” he smiles. “What can I do for you?”

Well, since he asked. “Be more attentive.” I answer and his smile falters. I promised Riley I wouldn’t make a big deal about the bruises but that didn’t mean I couldn’t let my displeasure known. Jacob nodded. “You have my word.”

“Good, because I’ll have your tongue if you break it.” I clap him on the shoulder, the colour draining from his face and I smiled as I felt Riley’s gaze on me.

“No pressure,” I smirk, deadly intent clear in my eyes.