Ninety seven

Ninety seven
LENA POV

Raphael was pissed, and it showed even in the way he strode ahead of me, his back ramrod straight, his hands balled up so hard, I could see his knuckles glistening white.

He suddenly stopped in his tracks and then turned to face me, forcing me to stop, too.

"Was that guy telling the truth? He can't possibly be her boyfriend right... I mean, did you see how violent he was... Hazel will never date someone like that... She literally lived alone because she couldn't stand Julian, and you're telling me she's dating him... He's part of the bloody Mafia!"

I let out a sigh and then shook my head. "I don't think he punched you hard enough if you're still asking all these questions, Raphael."

"Lena" he hissed, his eyes narrowing.

I threw my hand up in the air. "What do you want me to say, Raphael. Do you want me to feed your delusions and tell you that both of them are not together and that he's probably forcing her to be with him? Well, they are together. They love each other and were even dating before she went missing... Also, he was the one who found her, so stop saying shit about him."

His face scrunched up. "Why am I just learning about this, also I've been around all these times following up on her case but never saw him once so how is it that he rescued her"

I groaned, then blew out a breath. "That's because he's Riven Blackwood. Do you think he'll publish all his business for the world to see? Also, I made sure you two didn't run into each other because I knew you were going to put yourself in trouble by mouthing off," I said, then met his gaze. "Look, can't you just get over this silly crush you have for Hazel? She will never date you, okay, not only are you younger than her, but she sees you as her brother because we are family"

"Stop freaking saying that! I am not her brother, and we are not her family."

I dragged my hand through my hair. "Don't argue with me, Raphael. She clearly chose the violent guy over you so get over it if you want to keep breathing"

His brows arched. "Are you trying to say he will come after me if I don't stay away from Hazel? I actually plan to sue him for assault you know. You don't just go around punching people"

I gaped at him, then gasped out a laugh. "Are you being serious right now? You want to sue Riven Blackwood"

"Why, do you think he's above the law just because he's rich and part of the Mafia"

"Duh," I got out, then let out a breath. "Just drop the whole filing for assault or whatever. I don't have the strength to deal with shit after going through so much"

Raphael's gaze hardened, his lips pressing into a thin, hard line, and I just knew that whatever he was about to say was going to give me a headache.

"I don't care who he is. I came back because of Hazel and I'm not going to let him push me to the curb like some dirt under his shoes"

"And what are you going to do, huh?" I got out, grabbing and rubbing at the side of my head to calm the throbbing in my skull. "Look, you're actually lucky to be alive. The old Riven would probably have had you killed for daring to hug Hazel the way you did earlier"

He gritted his teeth, his jaw clenching. "Shouldn't Hazel get to decide who she really wants to be with? If he hadn't interrupted us, I'm sure she would have agreed to have me take care of her."

I grabbed him by the arms, making sure to dig my fingers into his skin cause I wanted it to hurt. Maybe the pain would jolt him back to reality.

"Stop being so delusional Raphael. Hazel doesn't see you like that, and she probably never will," I said, then shook him for good measure, "So please, just let whatever you feel die, okay? I do not want you to end up in a body bag."

His head tilted, his eyes searching my face as a hint of fear crossed his face. "Why do you say it like that. Has he killed anyone"

I let out a sigh and patted his arms. "What do you think?"I asked, arching a brow.

His eyes widened. "Did he kill Liam... Julian, too, was shot in the head, wasn't he?"

I let go of him sharply, my gaze darting around to see if we were alone. "What? Where did you get that from? You can't just blurt that out anywhere, are you trying to get us into trouble?"

He shrugged. "No, but I'm just saying, if he punched me so hard just for being near Hazel, I bet getting rid of her ex-boyfriend and her crazy-ass brother would be a piece of cake..." He said then let out a sigh. "I don't care that Julian is dead though. After what he did to you and Hazel, I'm glad he's gone. I know that makes me sound like a bad person but he was a real douchebag"

I rubbed at my arms, my gaze dropping to the floor. He was right. Julian was crazy. He would have done more harm than good if he had been left alive.

No one had proof that Riven had done it, though, just like it was with Liam, but I'm sure people suspected foul play in both deaths since they happened within a short space of time, and both men were connected to Hazel.

I stepped around Raphael, walked up to my car, and yanked the door open. "Enough of all that. Let's go. You can come to visit Hazel tomorrow, but when you do, please keep your distance. Don't try to provoke Riven. He's been through a lot and deserves a break"

He walked toward me and then slammed the door closed. "I don't plan to do that," he said, and I stared at him, a scoff of disbelief escaping my lungs.

"Are you trying to get yourself killed"

"Hazel didn't look like she wanted to be with him. You heard the way she called my name, right? She was trying to get me to leave because she wanted to protect me..."

I snorted, leaning close and holding his gaze. "I've been with Hazel for so long Raphael. She loves that guy and nothing is going to change that, especially not you, so please, fucking snap out of it"

"Let's see how it goes then" he stated, his gaze determined. "I'll take care of her, I'll be there for her, show her how good I can be to her if she agrees to let me be by her side then we'll see who she chooses in the end."

I opened my mouth to speak and he placed a finger to my lips, shushing me.

"Didn't you say someone asked you to meet up today? A friend you met online... Someone you clicked with, and that might just be your knight in shining armor. Instead of worrying so much about me and Hazel, how about you focus on your own love life, huh?" he said, drew his hand back, and walked away.

I watched him go, my jaw literally on the floor.

What the hell was his problem? Was he really trying to get himself killed?

I let out a sigh, feeling exasperated. "Fine, do whatever the hell you want" I mumbled under my breath, then entered the car.

I sat in silence for a few minutes, the whole situation nagging at me. "Why are you so stubborn, Raphael? You're just going to get yourself into trouble" I groaned. "I'll have to beg Hazel to tell Riven to take it easy on him. Raphael is going to be the death of me, oh my goodness"

The sound of the phone vibrating caught my attention, and I glanced down at it, my mood lighting up as I saw that it was a message from the guy on the dating app who had asked me out.

‘Are you down for dinner tonight, or are you still busy taking care of your friend. I'd really love to see your beautiful face in person, Lena. Won't you spare me just a few hours?’

I'd initially rejected his invite because I was looking after Hazel, but now that she was feeling all better, could I go?. Besides, Raphael just said I should give him a chance... Something about focusing on my own love life.

I stared at his pictures, admiring just how hot he looked. Even the scar on his face looked pretty.

"It's already late though," I muttered to myself. "Maybe another time when I'm not so drained," I said and let out a sigh, then quickly typed a reply asking us to meet up another day.

His reply came fast, and I smiled as I read it. He was really so understanding and perfect.

I clutched the phone to my chest and rested my head on the headrest. "Get well soon, Hazel... the only way I'll be able to move on and pursue a love life of my own is when I know you are really out of danger and happy, so please, please, please, get better."