CH002: The Craziest Offer

[ SYDNEY ]

“And how exactly do you plan to help me?” I ask, watching him close the distance between us step by step.

Raven stops so close that I have to tilt my head back to look at him. He’s so tall my neck aches.

The cool scent of his lemon cologne mixed with cigar smoke wraps around me like a claim, making my heart race.

As strange as it is that this man barely knows me yet is already offering solutions, I can’t stop myself from wanting to hear it.

I need to know what kind of help he’s talking about, and what ‘price’ it will come with.

“From what I heard,” he says, his voice low and calm, “what you need right now is real connections.”

He stares down at me, those bright amber eyes dark and intense. A faint smirk plays on his lips, barely there, but impossible to ignore.

“And I don’t mean ordinary connections,” he continues. “I mean the kind of power that can control an entire hospital board and silence the family trying to destroy you.”

My thoughts race. How sure can I trust this information with him?

He’s Ellis’s friend. His boss. What if he tells my brother everything? The last thing I want is my family finding out how badly I’ve fucked up.

An idea immediately forms in my head.

What if he only heard part of the call? Maybe I can still lie, twist the story, make him think he misunderstood.

Ready to execute my plan, I force a thin smile.

“You must have misunderstood what you heard…”

“Sensory overload,” he cuts in softly, taking a long drag from his cigarette. “You freeze in the operating room. Nearly killed a patient. Your license is suspended, and now the family wants to sue. Am I wrong?”

I frown, an eerie feeling crawling down my spine. Even though he might have overheard me, there’s no way he caught every single detail. So, how did he know about all these?

“How did you—” I start, but he cuts me off.

“Like I said,” he replies calmly, “I can fix your entire situation… if you’re interested.”

I don’t answer. I just stare at his darkly handsome face, trying to understand why a man I met barely an hour ago is offering to solve problems bigger than both of us.

“Do you want to go to jail, Sydney?” He asks bluntly.

The question knocks me hard on the inside. My stomach clenches hard as fresh anxiety floods through me.

Raven doesn’t break eye contact.

“Because that’s exactly where the victim’s family is trying to send you.”

Slowly, he lifts his hand and brushes a loose strand of hair from my face. The touch is surprisingly gentle, but it still sends electricity racing across my skin.

We’re standing so close now that I can feel the heat of his body and his warm breath fanning across my face. He smells like mint and smoke; a dangerous, intoxicating mix.

“Not only will you lose your career for good,” he continues, “but you’ll be publicly humiliated. Your name will be dragged through the mud. And with how obsessed families are with success these days, you might even become a disappointment to your own people.”

“Are you wishing me bad, Raven?” I ask, folding my arms over my chest as hot anger burns through me.

I hate how clearly he’s laying out my nightmare. I hate that he’s right.

“Not at all, sweetheart.” That faint smirk curls his lips again.

His fingers trail slowly down to my jaw, stopping at my chin as he tilts my face up.

“I’m just making it very clear how bad your situation is… and why you need my help as soon as possible.”

For a moment, I simply glare up at him. I want to slap his hand away, but something stops me.

Instead, I swallow my pride and ask, “So what’s your solution?”

“Marriage.” He says simply.

I stare at him in disbelief. A short, ridiculous laugh escapes me. Maybe I misheard him?

Before I can what he means, he clarifies:

“You need to marry one of these two options: either into a family of immense wealth and connections, or directly to someone who has it.”

I blink rapidly, searching his face for any ounce of amusement, but he’s not smiling.

Wait, is he being for real?

“You’re fucking serious?” I ask.

Raven nods once, calm as ever.

Another laugh bubbles out of me before dying fast.

“First of all, that’s the stupidest solution I’ve ever heard. And secondly, where the hell am I supposed to find someone with that kind of wealth and power? My family isn’t exactly elite.”

“You don’t have to search.” He says.

I raise an eyebrow. “Sorry?”

“Let’s get married.”

I freeze at once, staring at him as if he’s lost his mind. His expression stays completely serious.

“I have the money and connections you need to make this case disappear,” he continues, voice steady and confident. “Once you carry my last name and I’m recognized as your husband, you’ll have access to almost anything. You’ll get your residency back. Isn’t that what you want, sweetheart?”

“Don’t you fucking call me that again,” I snap, pointing at him. Anger and humiliation burn through my chest. “You meet me for the first time and suddenly you think you can decide my entire future? Marriage? Who the hell told you that’s what I need in my life?”

“You misunderstand me, Sydney…”

“No, I understand perfectly,” I cut in harshly. “I blame myself for even listening to your stupid offer. You’re no different from your brother. You’re just a freak who preys on vulnerable women.”

I step even closer until our bodies nearly touch, glaring up at him with fire in my eyes.

“Get close to me again, and I swear to God, you’ll fucking regret it.”

Raven doesn’t respond. He just curls his lips into a dark smirk that makes me want to slap that handsome face of his.

Managing my emotions, I brush past him, exiting the rooftop, and storming down the hallway.

What a fucking weirdo.

I don’t make it far before a strong hand grabs my waist from behind and slams me firmly against the wall. Broad, hard body cages me in, pinning my hands above my head before I can even react.

Panic flares through me for a split second, until I see his face.

Raven.

“Take my advice, hun,” he murmurs, voice low and rough. “Don’t be stubborn. You need me. We can make this marriage on your terms. Your rules.”

“Let go of me.” I hiss, struggling against his hold, but he doesn’t budge.

Instead, the struggle causes my body to rub harder against his solid chest and abs. A spark ignites low in my belly and a blush creeps up my cheeks. 

Shit. Shit. Shit.

“Why’d you stop?” he whispers, his breath hot against my ear. His amber eyes gleam with dark amusement. “I was enjoying that.”

My face flames hotter.

“If Ellis catches you like this, you’re dead.” I growl through clenched teeth.

“Sydney?” A third voice cuts through the hallway and we both turn our heads instantly. 

Hunter.

He’s standing there, brows furrowed as he takes in the sight of Raven’s body pressed against mine.

“Hi, little brother.” Raven calls, that dark dangerous gleam still in place.

I yank my arms free and shove Raven hard. He steps back slowly, still amused.

“See you around… wifey.” He winks at me, then turns and walks down the hall. He pauses beside Hunter, gives him a look full of subtle amusement, and continues on his way.

I stare after him, heart pounding. Wifey? What kind of sick freak is he? And to think Ellis idolizes him!

“Are you okay, Syd?” Hunter asks, concern clear on his face.

I nod quickly, smoothing down my bob with shaky hands and forcing a fake smile. “Y-yeah. I’m fine.”

I just need to get the hell out of here before I die of humiliation.

I start walking again, but Hunter stops me with a gentle hand on my arm.

“I know I shouldn’t get involved,” he says quietly, “but as Raven’s brother and someone who knows him better than anyone, I feel like I should warn you. Please, stay away from him.”

I turn to face him fully. He holds my gaze, serious now.

“He’s not like normal people, Syd. Ever since we were kids, Raven has had a condition.” He pauses. “He doesn’t feel things the way we do. Emotions don’t register for him.”

He holds my gaze even steadier as I try to register his words.

“In other words…” he adds. “Raven’s a psychopath.”