Chapter 106: Hundred and six

LENA POV

I stared at my phone, my gaze boring at the number on the screen.

It's been two days already, two days of absolute torture and agony.

I wondered what the bastard was doing to Raphael at this moment.

He's taken him hostage and told me he was going to give me two days to think about it.

I guess he was calling to know what my answer would be.

Taking a deep breath, I picked up the phone, answered the call, and raised it to my ear.

"Hello."

I was greeted with a growl. "You should have picked on the first ring."

I wish I had the power to bitch slap him through the phone, but I couldn't, and I couldn't get him mad either.

"I'm sorry. The phone was under a pile of stuff. I couldn't get to it in time."

"Have you made a decision" he cut me off, his voice menacing. "Or should I kill your brother?"

I sucked in a sharp breath and then let it out. "I'll do it. I'll do what you want."

I could tell he was grinning in victory.

"Good girl," he praised. "I knew you would do the right thing. After all, Hazel is just your friend, and Raphael is your family," he said, then laughed.

"When are you going to let him go. Tell me how he is doing?"

"Once Hazel is dead, he'll be free to go," he said, then sighed. "You should be happy I took your whiny brother off your hand; he's barely been here for a few days, and I am already pissed with how picky he is. I should hit him more... He gets tamer when I beat him up."

My hands trembled, the rage in my chest choking my lungs. "You promised not to hurt him!"

"Promises are meant to be broken doll face; besides, I don't have the patience to deal with a tantrum-throwing toddler," he said, then let out a breath. "Let's get back to business. You'll go to Hazel today, make sure the listening device I gave you stays on."

"You already put a tracker on me. Do you really need to listen in on everything, too?"

"Yes, I need to. You might see her and decide to spill everything. I don't want to be screwed over by the likes of you."

"Fucking bastard!" I gasped out, unable to stop myself.

"Yes and this bastard is going to kill your brother the longer you drag this out... Turn on the damn listening device before I lose my temper, Lena."

I glanced at the small device he had given me, yanked it up with more force than was necessary then hit the power button, my hand closing around it as it beeped on.

"Good, now go to the Atelier. Hazel is working there right now. Bring her to me tonight. Make sure you bring her to me, or your brother is really going to die" he threatened and ended the call.

Yelling in frustration, I flung my phone against the wall, my whole body shaking.

Then I grabbed at my hair and tugged hard. The pain grounded me, jolting my courage.

Yes, I was afraid. I was terrified that any mistake I made would end up in Raphael getting killed, but I'd be damned if I betrayed Hazel for a second time.

I picked up my notepad and started writing.

Once I finished getting everything I needed on paper, I grabbed my bag, stuffed everything inside, got up, and walked out of my house.

The Blackwood's atelier was beautiful, and as I walked through the hallway, despite the fear in my chest, I couldn't help but notice the amazing art pieces that hung on the wall.

I guess this was why the Blackwoods' exhibitions were always a success. They had the best artist and jaw-dropping masterpiece.

Stopping in front of Hazel's studio, I took a deep breath then knocked on the door before opening it

I stood frozen as the door opened and my gaze met those of Riven's not too happy ones.

I didn't need anyone to tell me that I'd interrupted a very heated make-out session.

I forced a smile to my lips as I walked in, my gaze darting to Hazel who quickly pulled on her dress to adjust it.

"You both can't keep your hands off of each other for a second, can you?" I asked, and Riven blocked my view of Hazel, his arms crossing over his chest.

"Maybe you should learn to stop interrupting like this so I don't hate you more than I already do."

Hazel got up, grabbed his arm, moved him out of the way, and then pulled me in for a hug.

"Don't listen to him," she grinned. "He's always threatening everyone but he's a real teddy bear inside"

I doubted he was especially with the way he was glaring at me over her head.

She let go of me and then stared at my face, her face furrowing after a few seconds.

"What's wrong. You have dark circles under your eyes. Haven't you been sleeping well" she asked, her hand cupping my cheek.

I stepped back, moving my face away from her hand. "I just had a few rough days trying to deal with Raphael. He didn't take you getting engaged to Riven too well"

Riven's gaze cut to mine, his eyes narrowing. I could tell he didn't even like hearing Raphael's name, but if I wanted to ease into the whole situation, this was the only way.

"Oh, and speaking about your engagement, I'd like us to go out and celebrate it tonight. Let's have a girls' night out and talk. We haven't done that in a while. What do you think, huh?" I asked.

"Ahh," Hazel got out, then glanced at Riven. "Will that be okay with you, Riven?"

Riven stared at her, his lips pursing. "It's not really a good time yet. There is still some stuff I need to take care of..."

"Oh come on, stop being so paranoid. Also, you can always have your guards accompany us, right? Who could possibly harm us at a restaurant that other people will be eating at?" I said, then thrust my chin at him. "You've had her to yourself all this time and just this one dinner, you still won't give your permission"

Hazel glanced at him, then took his hand. "It'll only be for a few hours. Pretty please. Please."

Riven let out a sigh and then nodded. "Fine. You can have your dinner. But you'll get more than just two guards"

"Yes!" I got out, then grinned. "Oh, and while we are on that, I got you two a present," I said, taking out the book and, instead of giving it to Hazel directly, I motioned for both of them to take it, my gaze darting to those of Riven, who was watching me suspiciously.

Her brows furrowed as they took it from me.

"Open it" I got out quickly, hoping my voice sounded excited and didn't come off as too nervous. Ksar was listening and would definitely get suspicious if I didn't play my card right.

"Okay," Hazel got out and opened the book. Riven glanced over her shoulder, both their eyes widening as they read through the first paragraph.

Hazel's eyes snapped to mine, and I put my hand to my lips, then waved my hand, gesturing to get her to say something but to make it like she was excited

"Wow, this is really beautiful" she got out as Riven snatched the book from her and read through, his grip tightening on the edges.

"I'm glad you like it, Hazel. So about the dinner, can we go tonight? You'll really love the restaurant. They just opened and they serve the best dishes."

Hazel nodded. "Of course. Let me just call Sheila and ask her to send me a dress, okay."

Riven walked toward me and then took my hand, squeezing reassuringly. "Thank you for the gift, Lena. Make sure Hazel has a good time tonight. Also, don't stress her out."

I smiled, taking in a deep breath as I stared into his eyes. "You don't have to worry at all. I've got this. I promise she's going to have the most perfect night of her life."