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Shadows of the Past
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2024-11-20 19:35:16
Osarumwense Osakue I need y'all's support. So please show me some love ๐ฅบโค๏ธโจ๐
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Under His Command ย ย ย Colliding Worlds
Jaxon's POVThe vibrant lights of the amusement park blurred into a mixture of chaos around me. Childrenโs laughter mixed with the distant hum of rides, while the sweet aroma of cotton candy and popcorn clung to the air. Yet, none of it reached me. I actually wished I was extremely far away from here instead pf having to go through the agony of watching people have fun.โJaxon,โ Alexis said, nudging me with her elbow. โYou look like someone dragged you here against your will. Try smiling for once.โ I raised an eyebrow as I stared at her."You did actually" I replied. "You dragged me out here even when I told you I had no desire, whatsoever, to be in this hellhole." "Don't sound like that. You make it seem like you're depressed or going through something" She said, a concerned look on her face.I cast her a sidelong glance, the corners of my lips twitching slightly. โIโm fine, Alexis.โ โYou call that fine?โ she retorted, narrowing her emerald-green eyes at me. โYouโve got your
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๋ฐ์ดํธ : 2024-11-20Under His Command ย ย ย Forced Proximity
Riley's POV I couldnโt believe my luckโor lack of it. The day had been going so well until Eric had dragged me into this ridiculous situation. What were the odds that Ericโs old college buddy would be Jaxon's friend? Worse, what were the odds that weโd all have to spend the rest of the day together? This made me hate every minute I spent in this place just trying to calm myself and pretend like everything I good.I glanced over at Jaxon, who walked a few paces ahead with Alexis. Even when he wasnโt trying, his presence was commanding. The amusement parkโs colorful lights and playful chaos seemed to dim in comparison to his dark aura. He wasnโt even trying to enjoy himself. If anything, he looked like heโd rather be anywhere else. Same, Jaxon. Same.โIsnโt this great?โ Ericโs voice snapped me out of my thoughts. He was smiling, his expression genuinely excited. "Isn't what great?" I asked, absentmindedly and I felt bad when I saw his smile falter just a bit."Isn't it great
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๋ฐ์ดํธ : 2024-11-20Under His Command ย ย ย The Unexpected
Jaxon's POV Alexisโs laughter echoed in my ears as the roller coaster roared to life in the distance. I clenched my fists, willing myself not to explode. She always managed to test my patience with her antics, but today she was especially insufferable. Pairing me with Riley? That was no accident. Sheโd done it purely to amuse herself. Act your age for once, Alexis.โSomething funny?โ Riley asked, his voice tight with irritation as we remained seated and the ride went on.โNothing,โ I replied sharply, glancing toward Alexis and Eric. I could see them. They were chatting animatedly, as though their decision to stick me with Riley had been the most natural thing in the world. I didn't like this ride and I prayed for it to stop so I can get off and go home to spend the rest of the day alone, or more preferably, making love with some stranger on the app.Riley shifted beside me, clearly uncomfortable. I hated the way he always seemed on edge around me. It was as if he expected me
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๋ฐ์ดํธ : 2024-11-20Under His Command ย ย ย Drawing the Line
Riley's POV Jaxonโs stunned silence didnโt last long. The look on his face was a mixture of disbelief and controlled anger, his jaw tightening as he fought to keep his composure. I couldnโt deny the satisfaction I felt from watching him squirm, but that didnโt stop my heart from pounding. โI said I want out,โ I repeated, forcing myself to meet his piercing gaze. His lips curled into a smirk, but there was no humor behind it. โYou can say it as many times as you want, Riley, but it doesnโt make it possible.โ I frowned, crossing my arms. โWhat do you mean itโs not possible? Iโm not bound to you, Jaxon. This whole... whatever this is, itโs over. Iโm done.โ โYou donโt get to decide that,โ he said, his voice low and cutting. โYouโre in this because I allow you to be. And youโll stay in it because I say so.โ Anger flared in me. โAllow me? Are you serious right now? You donโt own me, Jaxon. I can do whatever the hell I want.โ His eyes narrowed, his stance shifting as if prep
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๋ฐ์ดํธ : 2024-11-21Under His Command ย ย ย Closing Doors, Opening Others
Riley's POV The silence in the car was deafening. Eric kept his eyes on the road, his hands gripping the wheel a little tighter than usual. The tension between us felt like a physical barrier, and I hated it. But what else could I do? I had been honest with himโbrutally, perhaps, but truthful all the same. Still, guilt gnawed at me. Eric didnโt deserve to feel like this, and I didnโt want to ruin our friendship. I cleared my throat, breaking the silence. โEricโฆโ He didnโt look at me, but his grip on the wheel loosened slightly. โYeah?โ โIโm sorry if what I said earlier upset you,โ I began, choosing my words carefully. โI didnโt mean to hurt you, but I felt like I had to be honest. I value our friendship too much to lie to you.โ Eric finally glanced at me, a small, sad smile tugging at the corners of his lips. โI know, Riley. I get it. And Iโm not mad. Disappointed? Maybe. But not mad.โ I let out a breath I hadnโt realized I was holding. โGood. I donโt want us to be
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๋ฐ์ดํธ : 2024-11-21Under His Command ย ย ย A Night like no other
Riley's POV I wasnโt sure if it was the whiskey or the rush of doing something completely out of character, but as I stared at Steven, I felt a thrill unlike anything Iโd ever experienced. Was I really doing this? Steven leaned casually against the wall, his eyes glinting with amusement as he caught me sneaking a glance at him. โNervous?โ he asked, his tone teasing but gentle. I shrugged, playing it cool. โJustโฆ new to this kind of thing.โ He chuckled, the sound warm and rich. โRelax, Riley. Weโre just two people enjoying each otherโs company. No pressure.โ His reassurance calmed me a little, but I couldnโt deny the flutter of anticipation coursing through me.Steven set his wallet and keys on the dresser before turning to me with an easy grin. โOnly the best for my company tonight.โ I rolled my eyes, but a small smile tugged at my lips. โSmooth.โ He laughed and picked up the phone on the nightstand. โWhat do you drink? Iโll have room service bring us something.โ
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๋ฐ์ดํธ : 2024-11-21Under His Command ย ย ย A Calm before the Storm
Riley's POV The sun was shining brighter, or at least it seemed that way when I stared at it.As I walked into the office building, a bounce in my step and a smile plastered across my face, I couldnโt remember the last time I felt this light. It would have probably been in a while because that was the only reason to explain why I felt this happy.I have been to a lot of hookups and one nightstands but being with Steven last night was as if I was in a whole new dimension.I just couldn't stop asking myself how I got to have this beaming smile plastered on my face when just yesterday I felt frustrated.Was it the thrill of last night with Steven? The taste of freedom after breaking my agreement with Jaxon? Maybe it was both. Either way, it felt like the universe had decided to throw me a bone for once, and I was all too happy to accept it. โMorning, Riley!โ โGood morning!โ I greeted every co-worker who passed me, something I didnโt usually do unless it was absolutely necessary.
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๋ฐ์ดํธ : 2024-11-21Under His Command ย ย ย Checkmate
Jaxon's POV I leaned back in my chair, the picture of calm control, even as Riley sat across from me, visibly tense and glaring at Steven with a mixture of confusion and betrayal. His jaw tightened, his fingers curled into fists in his lap, and his lips were pressed into a hard line. For a moment, I simply observed him, letting the silence stretch. I could feel the weight of his unease in the room, a tension that made the air almost stop. Finally, I broke the silence, leaning forward with a faint smirk. โYou know, Riley,โ I said, my tone smooth, deliberate. โThereโs something you need to understand about meโsomething most people figure out the hard way.โ Rileyโs gaze snapped to me, his anger barely contained. โWhat are you talking about?โ I clasped my hands together and rested them on the desk, my eyes never leaving his. โNobody crosses me and wins. Nobody. Because Iโm not just a player in the gameโI own the game. I am the game master.โ He flinched, his brow furrowing, b
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๋ฐ์ดํธ : 2024-11-22
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Under His Command ย ย ย A Night of Passion and Promise
Riley's POV The car came to a smooth halt in front of the restaurant, its glowing elegance an extravagant display of glass and lights. The sheer elegance of the building was enough to make anyone feel out of place, but I was used to this nowโJaxonโs world of wealth and sophistication had become familiar territory. Before I could reach for the door handle, it swung open, revealing one of Jaxonโs bodyguards standing tall and imposing. His movements were precise, almost rehearsed, as he stepped aside to let me out. โThank you,โ I said politely, stepping onto the almost busy driveway. โPlease let the driver know to stay ready. I wonโt be too long.โ The bodyguard nodded respectfully, his deep voice steady. โUnderstood, Mr. Matthews" he said.I adjusted my jacket, smoothing down the runples and took a moment to take in the sight of the restaurant. The evening air was delicious, the faint scent of sweet and expensive perfume being carried through the breeze. A valet hurried past,
Under His Command ย ย ย Awakening to Love
Jaxon's POV The first thing I became aware of was a soft, persistent voice pulling me from the suffocating depths of unconsciousness. It wasnโt sharp or startling, but it was thereโgentle and warm, like a light tug at the edges of my mind. โJaxonโฆ Come on, Jaxon. Itโs time to wake up now.โ Alexis. Iโd recognize her voice anywhere, even in this hazy void. She was the only one that could annoy me to wake up.I tried to respond, to open my eyes, but my body felt like it was filled with something heavy.My limbs were tight, my chest tight, and even my eyelids refused to cooperate. Still, her voice didnโt falter. โYouโre stronger than this,โ she said, her tone firm but encouraging. โRiley needs you, Jaxon. We all do. So, wake up already!โ That nameโRiley. It sparked something in me, like a fire lighting in full force.Slowly, painfully, I willed my eyelids to move. The room around me came into focus, and the first thing I saw was Alexisโs face hovering above mine, her eyes wide
Under His Command ย ย ย Unshakable Love
Riley's POVThe quiet of my apartment was a welcome change after the constant hum of the hospital. I didn't have to deal with the relentless beeping of the machines connected to Jaxon and I have to admit, I felt relived that I didn't have to listen to it, even if for just a few moments.It honestly wasn't easy living without Jaxon and I couldn't believe I had become so close to him, so much that I couldn't imagine how my life would have been if we never met.I guess that's what happens with someone takes a bullet for you.I set my bag down and pulled out my phone, intending to check the time, but a text notification caught my eye. It was from Chloe. "Hey, Riley. Howโs Jaxon doing?" She asked and I could feel her concern just from reading her short message.I sighed, my fingers hovering over the keyboard before I finally typed out a response. "Heโs still in the coma. The doctors donโt know when or if heโll wake up" I replied, almost feeling like these words have become some kind of
Under His Command ย ย ย The Wait
Riley's POVThe steady hum of the machines filled the hospital room, a cruel reminder of Jaxon's fragile state. I sat beside his bed, my fingers holding his hand tightly, as if my touch could somehow bring him back to me. I couldn't deny it, I was actually hoping something like that would happen and finally end this nightmare once and for all.His face was pale, almost as pale as the clean hospital sheets, and the rhythmic beeping of the monitor was the only sign that life still flowed within him. It had been weeksโweeks since heโd taken that bullet meant for me, weeks since heโd fallen into this coma, and weeks since my entire world had come to revolve around this quiet, suffocating room. I sighed, brushing a stray strand of hair from his forehead. โJaxon,โ I whispered, my voice barely audible over the machines. โYou have to wake up. Please. I donโt know how much longer I can do this without you.โ There was no response, just the rise and fall of his chest, fixed and unchangin
Under His Command ย ย ย Hold On To Me
Riley's POV The moment Jaxon hit the floor, my entire world shattered. I pleaded with him not to go into the light but as I knelt beside him, I could feel his life draining slowly.โJaxon please don't leave me!โ I screamed, holding his head and trying to get him to stay awake. His shirt was soaked with blood, the red stain spreading fast across his chest. My hands trembled as I pressed down on the wound, desperate to stop the bleeding. His eyes fluttered open for a moment, glazed with pain, and he gave me the faintest smile. โRileyโฆโ โDonโt you dare,โ I said, my voice breaking. โDonโt you dare leave me, Jaxon. Stay with me.โ His breath hitched, shallow and ragged, as blood trickled from the corner of his mouth. I pressed harder on the wound, my hands slick with his blood. The warm, sticky sensation made my stomach churn, but I couldnโt afford to think about that now. Arthur stood a few feet away, his face pale and eyes wide with disbelief. He stared at Jaxon as though u
Under His Command ย ย ย Shots Fired
Jaxon's POV The world seemed to tilt on its axis the moment my father pulled the gun from his jacket. Since when did my father carry a gun? This was entirely new to me and I tried my best to process fast what exactly I was stsriiat: the barrel of a loaded gun.Growing up, I have always looked at my father as a man of power, control, and manipulation. He didnโt need weaponsโhis words alone had the sharpness of blades. But there he was, holding a gun, his face twisted in fury, and the cold metal glinting under the dim light. โDrop the gun, Dad,โ I said, my voice calm despite the storm of emotions raging inside me. โThis isnโt you. This isnโt how we do things.โ His grip tightened around the gun, his knuckles white. โDonโt lecture me, Jaxon. You have no idea what Iโm capable of.โ Rileyโs voice trembled behind me. โArthur, pleaseโฆ put the gun down. You donโt need to do this.โ Arthurโs eyes darted to Riley, his hatred so palpable it felt like a physical force in the room. โY
Under His Command ย ย ย Tipping Point
Riley's POV The air in the room was suffocating, thick with tension and the undeniable scent of danger. My chest tightened as I glanced around, the four guards surrounding us like wolves circling their prey. My hands trembled, and my legs felt like they might give out at any moment. I had faced enough trials in one day and I was already too tired to even continue another confrontation.I instinctively grabbed hold of the back of Jaxon's shirt as I leaned in closer to him, feeling the intimidating stares from the bodyguards that surrounded us with their huge, muscular bodies."Don't worry, Riley. I've got you. I'll keep you safe" I heard Jaxon say despite the huge amount of tension he was under.I looked at Jaxon as he remained standing in front of me, his broad shoulders squared and his head held high. His body was a solid wall of defiance and determination, shielding me from the menacing gazes of the guards. Although I could feel his intention to protect me, I could tell our s
Under His Command ย ย ย Infiltration
Jaxon's POV The cold night air felt sharp against my skin as I parked my car far from the house and stepped into the shadows. I kept my eyes on the road ahead to make sure I was a safe distance from where Riley was being held by my father.I checked my phone once again to make sure the tracker signaling Riley was still up ahead was still working despite being a considerably distance from town.I sent Chloe a text, updating her of where I've gotten and told her to be on standby because I had a feeling I might need her.I couldn't tell just how this rescue operation might go and I didn't want to take the risk of putting Riley's life in more danger than it already was.The safe house stood in the distance, surrounded by tall trees and an eerie silence that settled heavily in the atmosphere that almost made me shudder.I took quiet steps as I surveyed the environment to look for a good entry point where I was sure I won't be seen or detected by my father's goons.Thanks to all the James
Under His Command ย ย ย A Dinner of Negotiations
Riley's POV I laid on the bed, staring at the ceiling, my fingers brushing against the worn fabric of the blanket beneath me. My mind churned as I tried to piece together where I was and why Arthur Steele would have a place like this. Arthur didnโt seem like the type to hide away in secret locations. He was a man who dominated every room he entered, a master manipulator who controlled people and situations with ruthless efficiency. So why have a place like this? And more importantly, why bring me here? I rubbed my temples, the silence of the room amplifying the questions in my head. My thoughts spiraled, shifting to Jaxon. Was he looking for me? Did he know where I was? The idea that he might be out there, searching for me, gave me a small sliver of hope. My train of thought was interrupted by the abrupt sound of the door unlocking. I sat up, heart pounding, as one of Arthurโs bodyguards entered the room. He was the taller of the two, the one with the annoyed face.He thre
