RAINE’S POV I had to pull myself together, even when my chest felt as though it was breaking in two and my heart was stuck somewhere in my throat. I forced myself to breathe. One breath in. One breath out. Crying wasn’t going to fix anything, like Chloe had said, and I just needed to accept that. I pivoted gently to look at Chloe. My voice was hoarse as I spoke. “I need your phone.” Tyler stepped forward. “That’s not a good idea.” I shook my head weakly. “I just need to make a call.”He glanced at Chloe, and then shook his head again, more insistently this time. “I need to contact Jamie,” I told them, keeping my voice steady. “I need to find out what he’s doing to shift the narrative. Cyril doesn’t belong there. He doesn’t.” “I’m sure Jamie’s already on it,” Chloe said quickly, stepping in.“That’s not the point.” I drew a shaky breath, pressing a hand to my chest. “I need to hear something directly from him. It’s the only thing that’ll keep me sane. Please… just let me speak to
Raine’s point of viewI’d just pulled my shirt over my head, still breathless from the high of Cyril’s pounding. My fingers were smoothing down the hem when the door to the balcony creaked open. Cyril stepped in, his steps hesitant, his gaze intense. My heart jumped straight into my throat. There was something different about him. “Is everything okay?” I asked. Just then the roar overhead caught my attention. “What’s that?”He approached me then and kissed my forehead. “I’ll be back soon.” My throat constricted. That was most likely his jet I’d heard before. I thought he’d stay with me, at least until I settled in. “Are you going somewhere?” He pulled away without saying a word. Before I could blink, he was out the door and when I tried to follow him, he picked up the pace. “Cyril!” I called out, trying to catch up with him but he didn’t respond, a sick feeling settled in my chest. Something was definitely wrong, or he’d have given me an answer to placate me at least. I followe
CYRIL’S POVRaine clung to me as she rode through the aftershocks of her climax. She didn’t want to let go and truth be told, I didn’t want that either.At least not yet. Her breath hitched as I leaned over her, brushing my fingers over her cheek. My dick was still hard, and pulsating, hungry for more. I wasn’t sure she was ready for another round, she looked pale and the last thing I wanted was to tire her out even more.I hadn’t been able to finish, but I gave her what she needed. That was all that mattered. I fisted my cock was about to push it back into my trousers when her thighs cinched around my waist, refusing to let me pull away. “Raine,” I said, surprised by how taut her grip was. “Stay,” she whispered. Her voice cracked a little, and my heart damn near followed suit.My head lowered to kiss her again, my lips brushing against hers. “I want more of you,” she begged in-between the kiss.“Are you sure?” I questioned and she nodded. Just as I leaned in, ready to slam into h
RAINE’S POVI moaned against Cyril’s lips as the kiss intensified. His grip on me loosened. Even with my pep talk, he was still being careful, taking me slow. However, I didn’t want it slow.“I want you in me, Cyril,” I breathed. “Please.” Cyril pulled away, his eyes fixed on me with an intensity that made my stomach flutter. I hadn’t realized how much I’d missed the way he looked at me, with passion. “I really want you, Cyril,” I murmured this time. Those words felt less compared to the longing that I felt within. My heart raced as he reached out, his fingers brushing against my jawline. His touch was soft, gentle; like he was afraid he’d hurt me. Despite his tender touch I still shivered, the sensation sending a jolt down my spine.I’ve missed this, his hands on me. He leaned in, his lips capturing mine in yet another kiss. Instinctively I reached up to grip his shoulders, my fingers digging into the fabric of his shirt. ‘God, this felt so good!’ Those thoughts spilled in my mi
CYRIL’S POV“I…” she hesitated, unsure. “I… I had to set the house on fire…” Raine repeated the words.I could feel my pulse racing in my head, each throb felt like it was ringing in my ears. My anger was back two times, and I took a step back, throwing my hands in the air in frustration.“Jesus fucking Christ Raine!” I exclaimed. “You could’ve died.” She flinched, and I watched as the realization dawned on her the full gravity of what she'd done. Raine’s lips parted. “I…I knew Talon was going to release the video. I was scared, Cyril. I figured if I ran… if I just left… he’d have nothing to lose. But if I stayed… if he thought I was in danger, maybe he’d come back.” I stared at her in disbelief. “You were counting on that bastard to come back for you?” She nodded weakly. “I know it sounds crazy but I felt it’ll also help with your search for me. I thought… changing locations might give you a chance to find me. It was risky but…” “You gambled with your life.” I cut her off, my h
RAINE’S POVI stood rooted to the spot, my eyes on Cyril, my heart thudding like it wanted to pull out my chest. He approached me slowly and as I searched his darkened gaze, I couldn’t tell if he was mad at me or just disappointed. I didn’t even know what I’d done. “I think it’s best if we talk about this now—privately.” He spoke, pausing a few steps away from me. I straightened just a bit, my spine snapped into place like armor sliding into position. What was this tension? I tore my gaze away from him then, eyes shifting to Chloe, then to Tyler.“Raine,” Cyril said again, gentler this time. When I turned back to him, his hand was stretched out. His now tender gaze dissolved the anger I felt within. Stepping forward, I reached out and took his hand. He guided me upstairs with a steady grip, one hand resting on my back. His touch was warm, like I might shatter if he pushed too hard.The silence was almost unbearable as we walked through the hallway. I kept sneaking glances at him,