Eve's POV: I sat in the room, feeling trapped like a caged animal. I paced back and forth, frustration gnawing at me. Every attempt I made to escape was thwarted by my vigilant guards, dragging me back to the confinements of the room. Ryan's phone remained stubbornly silent, my numerous angry messages hanging in the air, unanswered. My rage surged within me, pushing me to the brink. I was so furious that at times I wondered if I should trash my room to teach him a lesson. Then I gave up, I remembered how he looked at me when he explained that he was genuinely worried about me. I believed him, from our years together I learned that his eyes never lie. What bothered me was when he said the words "mine". Sometimes even I believed him and was horrified. A twisted masochistic side of me just wanted to give in to it. I wanted to hear it for the rest of my life. I wanted him to say it over and over, I wanted to be able to put the past behind me. I shake my head, it's unthinkable, horr
Ryan's POV:Eve was perched on the edge of the doorway, a clear internal struggle playing across her features. I couldn't help but question whether she would reconsider her decision. My proclamation about failing the competition was more a bluff than anything. I'd never want to be the cause of her downfall.The twinge in my chest, stemming from her abrupt exit after I confess my feelngs , still stung. Did she not love me? While I understood her hesitations given my past mistakes, I had hoped she still harbored some sentiment for me."You're free to leave if you want," I said, attempting to keep my tone measured.She slams the door shut with a hint of anger and strides toward me, her expression fierce."Alright, I'm staying," she retorted. "But just so you know, you're acting like a real asshole.""I'm painfully aware," I muttered, locking eyes with her. My own inner conflict mirrored the intensity of her gaze."Then why do you do it?""I honestly don't know, Eve. Maybe because it feel
Ryan's POV:I returned to the room, a subtle sense of relief washing over me when I saw that Eve hadn't seized the opportunity to escape. There was still a palpable tension between us, but I hoped that the conversation we'd had earlier had at least opened a door for communication."Guess you decided to stick around," I quipped, attempting to infuse a touch of humor into the moment.Eve's eyes met mine briefly before she looked away, a faint smile tugging at the corner of her lips. "Looks like it."The small exchange felt like progress, a tiny step forward in this complex dance we were engaged in. As I closed the distance between us, I couldn't help the urge to wrap my arms around her in a hug. She stiffened at first, her body tense, but she didn't pull away. Maybe she was starting to soften towards me, even if just a little."I want to make a deal with you," I said, my tone serious as I released her from the embrace.She raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued yet wary. "A deal?"I nodd
Eve's POV:I sat in the bathroom, the water flowing over me, and my mind was a mess. Why did Ryan have this effect on me? Every time I saw him, it was like a storm inside me.I knew what he had done, the pain he had caused, but there was this strange pull whenever he was near. The clash of past hurt and present reality left me torn, unsure of what to do.One moment I wanted to confront him, let out all my anger, and the next, I felt this strange connection that was almost irresistible. It frustrated me to no end – how could I be so mad at him and yet also drawn to him?My anger wasn't just directed at him anymore; it was aimed at myself. How could I even consider the idea of a future with someone who hurt me so deeply? How could I think about letting down my guard for a man who shattered my trust?But as I thought, I realized that Ryan wasn't the same person anymore. The weight of being an Alpha had changed him, shaped him into something different. He wasn't the boy I used to know, an
Raven’s POV:My attention was fixed on my phone as it continued to ring, each passing second amplifying the tension in the room. Amy stood by my side as she nervously chewed on her lip. Ryan didn't pick up the phone."Damn it," I muttered under my breath, my annoyance mingling with Amy's sigh of exasperation. "What do we do now?" Amy's voice wavered.Just then, a beep from Amy's phone pierced the air, and we both froze. A spark of hope flickered in her eyes as she checked the notification."It’s Eve!"Amy exclaimed."Put her on speaker," I instructed, and without hesitation, Amy activated the speaker phone function, allowing us both to hear what Eve had to say."Eve? Oh my god, Eve, is that you?"The tension in the room ratcheted up another notch as Eve's voice finally reached our ears, a lifeline amidst the uncertainty."Amy," says Eve.Both of us sighed in unison, our relief palpable."I'm safe. I'm with Ryan," she added, and my heart seemed to stutter for a moment. The room grew st
Eve’s POV:Ryan suddenly rises from his seat, his energy crackling with impatience."We've hashed out the details. Let's not waste these seven days cooped up in this room," he declares.I raise an eyebrow. "Weren't you planning on taking me out to dinner?"He laughs. "Love, that doesn't mean I can't take you out in the afternoon, I want every second of you."I smirk. "With me." I corrected him."I know what I said," he says, winking at me.Damn him and his charm. With a playful roll of my eyes, I take his outstretched hand, allowing him to lead me wherever he has in mind.We step out in front of the hotel, and there it is – a sleek speedboat, waiting for us."Did I mention how much I adore Venice?" I muse, my excitement was uncontainable."Just wait and see what I've planned."As we settle into the boat, I press my face against the window like an excited child. Venice is a dream, its beauty beyond words. I want to soak in every sight, every sound, and etch them into my memory forever.
Eve’s POV:As I arrived at the agreed meeting place, a surge of nerves washed over me. Stepping off the boat, my heart still pounding, I heard the boatman calling after me. Panic hit me as I realized I had no money to pay him. I turned to face him, trying to come up with a solution."Madam, you haven't paid your bill," he said sternly."Put them on my account," I replied, my voice wobbling a little."That's not how we work here. This is not America for you, pay now.""Enough, mate, we'll figure something out. I don't have any money on me right now," I say."Pay or I'll call the police," the boatman threatened, grabbing my arm."What do you think you're doing? Let me go now!" I shouted, my frustration boiling over. "I already explained...""Let her go now," Ryan's voice growled, and both the boatman and I turned in surprise.Great, just great. Could this situation get any worse? I watched as Ryan paid the boatman and gave him a dismissive wave. He then took my arm, pulling me away from
Eve’s POV:As we disembarked from the gondola and stepped onto solid ground, the enchantment of Venice continued to weave its magic around us. We wandered through the labyrinthine streets, drawn to each other in a way that felt both familiar and foreign.Eventually, we stumbled upon a cozy Italian restaurant tucked away in a quiet corner. It exuded an intimate ambiance that seemed to invite us in, promising an evening of shared moments and whispered conversations. As we settled at our table, I reached for the menu, intending to ask the waiter for another one in English. But before I could say anything, Ryan's hand covered mine gently, his touch sending a jolt of electricity through me.I looked up at him, and his gaze held a warmth that spoke volumes. With a smile, he took the menu from my hand, and without needing any words, he ordered for me in fluent Italian. His choices were perfect, a testament to how well he still knew me."You still remember my preferences?" I asked, genuine su