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Penulis: Quill Enchantress
last update Terakhir Diperbarui: 2025-01-15 23:23:57
28

Riley

Ethan was heavier than I expected, or maybe I was just exhausted. Either way, carrying his unconscious, drunken body up the stairs to my apartment wasn’t exactly how I thought the night would end. He had made a complete fool of himself in the bar, singing like a dying cat, twirling around like he was the lead in some Broadway disaster. And now, here he was—completely out cold in my arms.

I shifted his weight, fumbling with my keys as I finally reached my door. “Damn it, Ethan,” I muttered under my breath. “You really know how to make my life difficult.”

Kicking the door open, I stepped inside—

—and froze.

The air was wrong. The scent in my apartment was wrong.

My breath hitched as my instincts flared, every muscle in my body tightening. My place was a mess. The couch was overturned, my bookshelves emptied, and the papers from my desk were scattered across the floor like a hurricane had ripped through them. My lamp lay shattered near the doorway, tiny shards of glass glinting
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  • Bouquet Of Deception    29

    29RileyEthan groaned before he even opened his eyes. His face scrunched up, and his hand blindly reached for something, probably a pillow to bury his head under. Instead, he smacked the air uselessly before giving up with another groan.I smirked from my chair, arms crossed as I watched him slowly regain consciousness.“Morning, Sleeping Beauty.”He made a noise somewhere between a whimper and a groan. “Ugh. No. Too loud.” His voice was rough, raspy from the alcohol, and his words slurred with exhaustion.I leaned forward, resting my elbows on my knees. “You feeling like absolute garbage yet?”Ethan pried one eye open, glaring at me as if I were the cause of his misery. “Why does my skull feel like it got hit by a truck?”“Because you drank enough whiskey to kill a small horse,” I said dryly. “Then proceeded to make a complete fool of yourself at the bar before passing out in my arms. You are welcome, by the way.”He groaned, rubbing his face before abruptly freezing. His fingers clu

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-01-16

  • Bouquet Of Deception    30

    30EthanRiley was being stubborn. Again.“You’re staying here,” I said, crossing my arms as he stood in my doorway, shaking his head.“No, I’m not.” His jaw was set, his eyes sharp. “I appreciate the offer, but I’ll figure something out.”“Figure what out?” I scoffed. “Your place is a crime scene. What, you planning to sleep in the wreckage?”Riley sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. “I don’t want to impose.”I gave him a flat look. “You literally carried my drunk ass home last night. I think I owe you.”“That’s different.”“It’s really not.”He huffed, clearly losing patience. “Ethan, I don’t—”“You don’t what?” I interrupted. “Trust me? Think I can handle a roommate? Because I hate to break it to you, but you are not as low-maintenance as you think.”His lips twitched, but he quickly smothered the amusement. “I just don’t want to be in your way.”“You won’t be,” I said, softer this time. “Look, just stay until your apartment gets sorted. It makes sense. You’re safer here.”He hesi

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-01-16

  • Bouquet Of Deception    31

    31 Riley I didn’t sleep after that incident. Neither did Ethan, but he at least pretended to. I could hear him shifting under the blankets, the tension in his breathing giving him away. I lay still, staring at the ceiling, every muscle in my body tight. That sound in the hallway—it hadn’t been nothing. Someone had been there. Watching. Waiting. And I had a damn good idea who. By the time evening rolled around, I was done waiting for answers to come to us. If someone wanted to play games, I was going to beat them at it. Ethan was still half-asleep when I slipped out of the apartment, pulling on my jacket. I didn’t tell him where I was going—he’d only try to stop me. I needed to check my apartment again. Alone. The place was just as trashed as I’d left it. Papers still littered the floor, furniture overturned, the scent of dust and old whiskey lingering in the air. But as I stepped inside, something else hit me. A scent that didn’t belong. It was faint. Almost buried under every

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-01-16

  • Bouquet Of Deception    32

    32 Ethan I didn’t move at first. Didn’t breathe. Didn’t think. Because Riley was kissing me. Again. And just like the first time—just like at the wedding—I didn’t stop him. My brain barely had time to catch up before my body betrayed me, melting into the kiss like I’d been waiting for it. Maybe I had. His lips were firm, sure, like he already knew I wouldn’t pull away. Like he was daring me to push him off but knowing I wouldn’t. Because I never did. I wasn’t bold like him. I hesitated, second-guessed, let my thoughts get in the way of everything. But Riley? He just did what he wanted. Took what he wanted. And right now… He wanted me. The realization sent a shock through me, made my fingers curl into his hoodie, holding onto him as his hand slid to the back of my neck. He wasn’t letting me go. And hell, I wasn’t sure I wanted him to. But then— The microwave beeped. Loud. Obnoxious. Ruining everything. Riley pulled back first, but he didn’t go far. Just en

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-01-16

  • Bouquet Of Deception    33

    33 Ethan I stared at the door like it might explode. The knocking came again—louder this time, more insistent. Whoever it was, they weren’t leaving anytime soon. Riley let out a slow breath, tilting his head toward me. “You look nervous.” I scoffed, sitting up. “You’re the one who just got caught making out on my couch.” “Caught?” He smirked. “We don’t even know who it is yet. For all we know, it could be a salesman. Maybe I’ll get lucky and it’s a free vacation scam.” I rolled my eyes and pushed off the couch, straightening my hoodie. “Yeah, I doubt that.” Riley stretched, completely unbothered, then leaned against the wall with his arms crossed like he was about to watch a show. “Well? Aren’t you gonna answer it?” I shot him a look but didn’t argue. The knocking had turned into full-on pounding, and at this rate, the door might just come off its hinges. “Alright, alright, I’m coming!” I grumbled, making my way over. My fingers hesitated on the lock for a split second befo

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-01-16

  • Bouquet Of Deception    34

    34 Ava just smirked. “Oh yeah. This is gonna be fun.” Ava leaned forward, her eyes glinting with curiosity. “Come on, Riley. Spill. What exactly have you two been up to?” Riley smirked, glancing at me briefly before looking back at Ava. “Well, for starters, my apartment was destroyed.” Ava’s jaw dropped. “Wait, what?” I sighed, bracing myself. Here we go. “Yeah,” Riley said, running a hand through his hair. “Long story short, there was a pipe burst, which led to flooding, which led to my landlord realizing the whole place was falling apart. So, while they’re fixing it up, I’ve been crashing here.” Ava blinked rapidly, absorbing the information. Then, dramatically clutching her chest, she gasped, “Riley. Oh my god. You’re homeless?” I snorted. “He’s not homeless, Ava. He’s staying here.” “That’s what a homeless person does, Ethan,” she shot back, eyes still wide with shock. Then, turning to Riley, she asked, “Are you okay? Do you need anything? A blanket? A casserole?” Riley c

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-01-16

  • Bouquet Of Deception    35

    35 Riley Ethan was avoiding me. Not obviously—not in a way that anyone else would notice—but I knew. He was quieter than usual. Fidgety. Kept his eyes on the TV but wasn’t actually watching. His fingers tapped against his knee like his thoughts were running too fast, like he couldn’t settle. And most importantly? He wasn’t looking at me. Not really. Which was funny, considering how, just minutes ago, he’d been pulling me down on top of him like he wanted me to ruin him. I smirked at the thought, shifting on the couch, letting my arm drape over the back of it—casual, easy. Ethan didn’t move away, but he didn’t lean into it, either. Interesting. “You’re thinking too much again,” I murmured, voice low. He tensed, a flicker of something crossing his face. “Am not.” I chuckled. “Liar.” That got me a glare, but it was half-hearted at best. His lips parted like he wanted to say something else, but then he stopped himself, shaking his head and focusing back on the screen. Right. Th

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-01-16

  • Bouquet Of Deception    36

    36 Ethan pov I was still fucking breathless but holy shit that was amazing. I was so fucking glad we got past that first awkward kisses because this was something else and I could not fucking breathe. And neither could Riley. He was a mess. But a hot one. And also the mess was partially my fault. Which was an incredibly weird thought, but I was trying really hard not to think right now. Because, you know, brain still not working. I took a deep breath, trying to collect myself. Riley was lying next to me, his eyes closed, his chest rising and falling rapidly. I couldn't help but be a little shy. He opened his eyes with a seductive smile. "Hey." I grinned, unable to keep the happiness off my face. "Hi." He laughed and leaned forward, kissing me. I kissed him back, letting the taste of him fill me. "How was that?" he asked, his voice teasing. "Incredible," I breathed, meaning every word. "You were... wow." “it was just the beginning!” I blinked. What? Riley laughed.

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-03-04

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  • Bouquet Of Deception    117

    Chapter 76 Riley Speedy had never been quiet before. My wolf had always been restless—always pushing, always growling, always demanding to be heard. But ever since Ethan’s accident, he’d been worse. A constant storm in my chest, pacing, snarling, berating me for what I’d done. You hurt him, Speedy spat, every second of every day. You pushed him away. You let him get hurt. This is your fault. It was never-ending. No matter how much I tried to bury myself in work, no matter how hard I trained or how many distractions I shoved in my face, he was always there. Pounding against my skull. Reminding me. And the worst part? He wasn’t wrong. Ethan was in a hospital bed, fighting for his life, and I hadn’t even gone to see him. Because I was a coward. Because I couldn’t face the reality of what I’d done. Because I knew the second I saw him lying there—pale, motionless, barely breathing—I wouldn’t be able to hold myself together. But ignoring it didn’t change the truth. It on

  • Bouquet Of Deception    116

    Chapter 76 Riley Speedy had never been quiet before. My wolf had always been restless—always pushing, always growling, always demanding to be heard. But ever since Ethan’s accident, he’d been worse. A constant storm in my chest, pacing, snarling, berating me for what I’d done. You hurt him, Speedy spat, every second of every day. You pushed him away. You let him get hurt. This is your fault. It was never-ending. No matter how much I tried to bury myself in work, no matter how hard I trained or how many distractions I shoved in my face, he was always there. Pounding against my skull. Reminding me. And the worst part? He wasn’t wrong. Ethan was in a hospital bed, fighting for his life, and I hadn’t even gone to see him. Because I was a coward. Because I couldn’t face the reality of what I’d done. Because I knew the second I saw him lying there—pale, motionless, barely breathing—I wouldn’t be able to hold myself together. But ignoring it didn’t change the truth. It on

  • Bouquet Of Deception    115

    Chapter 76 Riley Speedy had never been quiet before. My wolf had always been restless—always pushing, always growling, always demanding to be heard. But ever since Ethan’s accident, he’d been worse. A constant storm in my chest, pacing, snarling, berating me for what I’d done. You hurt him, Speedy spat, every second of every day. You pushed him away. You let him get hurt. This is your fault. It was never-ending. No matter how much I tried to bury myself in work, no matter how hard I trained or how many distractions I shoved in my face, he was always there. Pounding against my skull. Reminding me. And the worst part? He wasn’t wrong. Ethan was in a hospital bed, fighting for his life, and I hadn’t even gone to see him. Because I was a coward. Because I couldn’t face the reality of what I’d done. Because I knew the second I saw him lying there—pale, motionless, barely breathing—I wouldn’t be able to hold myself together. But ignoring it didn’t change the truth. It on

  • Bouquet Of Deception    114

    Chapter 76 Riley Speedy had never been quiet before. My wolf had always been restless—always pushing, always growling, always demanding to be heard. But ever since Ethan’s accident, he’d been worse. A constant storm in my chest, pacing, snarling, berating me for what I’d done. You hurt him, Speedy spat, every second of every day. You pushed him away. You let him get hurt. This is your fault. It was never-ending. No matter how much I tried to bury myself in work, no matter how hard I trained or how many distractions I shoved in my face, he was always there. Pounding against my skull. Reminding me. And the worst part? He wasn’t wrong. Ethan was in a hospital bed, fighting for his life, and I hadn’t even gone to see him. Because I was a coward. Because I couldn’t face the reality of what I’d done. Because I knew the second I saw him lying there—pale, motionless, barely breathing—I wouldn’t be able to hold myself together. But ignoring it didn’t change the truth. It on

  • Bouquet Of Deception    113

    Chapter 76 Riley Speedy had never been quiet before. My wolf had always been restless—always pushing, always growling, always demanding to be heard. But ever since Ethan’s accident, he’d been worse. A constant storm in my chest, pacing, snarling, berating me for what I’d done. You hurt him, Speedy spat, every second of every day. You pushed him away. You let him get hurt. This is your fault. It was never-ending. No matter how much I tried to bury myself in work, no matter how hard I trained or how many distractions I shoved in my face, he was always there. Pounding against my skull. Reminding me. And the worst part? He wasn’t wrong. Ethan was in a hospital bed, fighting for his life, and I hadn’t even gone to see him. Because I was a coward. Because I couldn’t face the reality of what I’d done. Because I knew the second I saw him lying there—pale, motionless, barely breathing—I wouldn’t be able to hold myself together. But ignoring it didn’t change the truth. It on

  • Bouquet Of Deception    112

    Chapter 76 Riley Speedy had never been quiet before. My wolf had always been restless—always pushing, always growling, always demanding to be heard. But ever since Ethan’s accident, he’d been worse. A constant storm in my chest, pacing, snarling, berating me for what I’d done. You hurt him, Speedy spat, every second of every day. You pushed him away. You let him get hurt. This is your fault. It was never-ending. No matter how much I tried to bury myself in work, no matter how hard I trained or how many distractions I shoved in my face, he was always there. Pounding against my skull. Reminding me. And the worst part? He wasn’t wrong. Ethan was in a hospital bed, fighting for his life, and I hadn’t even gone to see him. Because I was a coward. Because I couldn’t face the reality of what I’d done. Because I knew the second I saw him lying there—pale, motionless, barely breathing—I wouldn’t be able to hold myself together. But ignoring it didn’t change the truth. It on

  • Bouquet Of Deception    111

    Chapter 76 Riley Speedy had never been quiet before. My wolf had always been restless—always pushing, always growling, always demanding to be heard. But ever since Ethan’s accident, he’d been worse. A constant storm in my chest, pacing, snarling, berating me for what I’d done. You hurt him, Speedy spat, every second of every day. You pushed him away. You let him get hurt. This is your fault. It was never-ending. No matter how much I tried to bury myself in work, no matter how hard I trained or how many distractions I shoved in my face, he was always there. Pounding against my skull. Reminding me. And the worst part? He wasn’t wrong. Ethan was in a hospital bed, fighting for his life, and I hadn’t even gone to see him. Because I was a coward. Because I couldn’t face the reality of what I’d done. Because I knew the second I saw him lying there—pale, motionless, barely breathing—I wouldn’t be able to hold myself together. But ignoring it didn’t change the truth. It on

  • Bouquet Of Deception    110

    Chapter 76 Riley Speedy had never been quiet before. My wolf had always been restless—always pushing, always growling, always demanding to be heard. But ever since Ethan’s accident, he’d been worse. A constant storm in my chest, pacing, snarling, berating me for what I’d done. You hurt him, Speedy spat, every second of every day. You pushed him away. You let him get hurt. This is your fault. It was never-ending. No matter how much I tried to bury myself in work, no matter how hard I trained or how many distractions I shoved in my face, he was always there. Pounding against my skull. Reminding me. And the worst part? He wasn’t wrong. Ethan was in a hospital bed, fighting for his life, and I hadn’t even gone to see him. Because I was a coward. Because I couldn’t face the reality of what I’d done. Because I knew the second I saw him lying there—pale, motionless, barely breathing—I wouldn’t be able to hold myself together. But ignoring it didn’t change the truth. It on

  • Bouquet Of Deception    109

    Chapter 76 Riley Speedy had never been quiet before. My wolf had always been restless—always pushing, always growling, always demanding to be heard. But ever since Ethan’s accident, he’d been worse. A constant storm in my chest, pacing, snarling, berating me for what I’d done. You hurt him, Speedy spat, every second of every day. You pushed him away. You let him get hurt. This is your fault. It was never-ending. No matter how much I tried to bury myself in work, no matter how hard I trained or how many distractions I shoved in my face, he was always there. Pounding against my skull. Reminding me. And the worst part? He wasn’t wrong. Ethan was in a hospital bed, fighting for his life, and I hadn’t even gone to see him. Because I was a coward. Because I couldn’t face the reality of what I’d done. Because I knew the second I saw him lying there—pale, motionless, barely breathing—I wouldn’t be able to hold myself together. But ignoring it didn’t change the truth. It on

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