Love Me in the Dark

RIVER

Three years ago...

He's even more stunning. The tall, dark-haired in a tux was standing across the hall, conversing with the other invites before he looked around and caught me gawking. Heat rushed in a wave from my chest to my neck. My cheeks were burning. My heart was pounding as I watched him freeze, turned to stone before an older man caught his attention. I sighed in relief despite my heart still hammered in my chest. That was three hours ago.

Damn. My feet were throbbing. Thanks to my expertise in online purchasing. I would have enjoyed a soak in a bathtub with my cheap Pinot noir, but my HR diploma came in handy. Journey loved her job at the Cullen Art Catering, so I decided to take her place for tonight.

The venue that featured a 70-foot ceiling with a gigantic column balcony was just majestic. I was assigned in the cocktail area with my partner Colleen, a little bit chatty, keeping me entertained with the gossips of people she recognized.

"He doesn't look pleased with the party, " Colleen sang.

The fundraising gala was doing great, aside from the fact that it was more tedious than I thought, but this event was to raise money for a cause, and I had to suck this up for a few more hours.

"And you call this a party? I mean, yeah, it is because there's a live auction, but no one seemed to appreciate the musical performance." I'd been watching these people and only one man who managed to top my boredom-him.

"Forget about live music. Just take a look at the eye candy over there." She was looking over my shoulder.

"Who is exactly the eye candy you are talking about?" I pretended to search for the eye candy even though I thought I may have an idea.

"Don't look, " she rushed, pretending to inspect the table. "He's looking at you."

"Who's looking at me?" With wide eyes, I looked at Colleen.

"Not now, " she whispered through greeted teeth.

"And you missed to mention him to me, why?"

Her hazel eyes widened into circles. "You don't know him?"

I squinted slightly. "Should I?"

"If a man could knock you up by a stare alone, damn, you are nine months pregnant, River, " she casually said.

"I honestly don't know anyone, " I admitted. "And besides, my only interest is saving Journey's job. So I'll stick with it."

"Ugh. You're no fun. But he's hot, isn't he?" She pushed the topic, which Journey warned me about her. We stepped back when the refill had arrived.

Yeah, like the hottest flame. "He's okay, I guess." I tried my best not to talk too much. We were briefed to avoid chitchatting, but here we were. We couldn't just help it.

Colleen threw me a where-the-freaking-part-of-this-universe-you-come-from look. "Are you crazy? You should have seen his brother, " she whispered and straightened her back. "Poor Journey. She's been looking forward to this event."

"There's always a next time. I need a five-minute break. I'll be right back." I wanted this to be over. I couldn't wait to throw myself onto the couch and raise my feet.

Even a server needed to look decent. I entered the employer break room, and luckily, it was empty. I sat on the counter and kicked my shoes off. My heels were killing me. I closed my eyes and wiggled my toes.

A moment later, the break room door cracked open, my eyes flew open. Before I could compose myself, my spine stiffened like a stone. Oh, my god. It's him. And he was holding his blistering gaze at me as if he was trying to talk to me telepathically.

"Not enjoying yourself." He had a deep and husky voice. And just wow, no introduction? I guessed he thought he didn't need one. Direct to the point. Is he the type of person who doesn't like foreplay and choose the wall over the bed instead?

I gulped, stared at him in astonishment as I slid my butt down. When I straightened my spine and fixed my uniform, I realized what he was doing-he was talking to me as he stepped closer. He seemed to suck the air in the room, taking my breath away as I met his fascinating searing dark eyes. Sweet Jesus, he's so damn gorgeous.

Thankfully, I managed to detach my tongue from the roof of the mouth. "Sorry. Is this supposed to be-?" Did I enter the wrong room? I looked around then back to him.

As he was closing the distance between us with his hands in his pockets, I was still rooted in place. He was tall with broad shoulders, at least, a foot taller than me in high heels. His tux was molded to his frame, showing his bulging biceps and sturdy thighs.

"I think you're in the right room." Something in his voice that crawled shivers up my spine, in a good way, and made me feel hot at the same time.

"And I supposed you're not?" I raised a brow a little.

He studied me for a ferocious focus for a moment before he shrugged.

"Don't tell me that event behind this wall is not your crowd." I motioned to his perfect well-tailored outfit that cost a fortune.

His lips curved at the corner, then pressed them into a thin line as if trying to hide his smile. His dimples showed through his five o'clock shadow. He was almost perfect, except for his dark thick hair touching the collar of his starched white crisp shirt, but he couldn't be any less perfect in my eyes. This man radiated power, oozed confidence, and had a full load of testosterone.

"And I can tell that this isn't your thing." How did he know? He stopped merely a foot away from me, eyes glittering with humor. He filled up the room like a force of nature, and I could hardly catch my breath. His pine and woodsy cologne quickly intoxicated me, and I also smelled alcohol in his breath.

"Bingo. I have to replace a friend who's sick at home." I didn't know why I even bothered explaining to a stranger. Maybe I didn't want to look stupid in front of a hot as hell of a male specimen, or maybe, I was only making a decent conversation.

"My brother backed out an hour before the event." Colleen was right, he had a brother.

I nodded in understanding. "Well, how unlucky we are-" I stopped when he stood still for a moment and stared at me. Really stared at me, making me almost quiver. What's wrong with this guy? Why did this man have the ability to invade me and make me all hot and race my heartbeat?

I wished I could read what was in his mind right now. I gulped. "Aren't you supposed to do something, like pretend to fix your bow, lit a smoke, or dial your girlfriend and tell her that you're dying in boredom?" Gah! Just shut up, River. I looked down at my feet, feeling utterly embarrassed.

"Couldn't say I was unlucky. Maybe things really happen for a reason. If I didn't show up tonight, I wouldn't have met the most beautiful woman in the room."

"What?" I froze. I had to think twice that he wasn't referring to me. Of course, why would I think it was me? "I guess so. I've seen a lot of beautiful women tonight." So, no girlfriend then.

Crap. I sounded stupid. I met his gaze, and he was staring at me again, seeming to zero into my eyes for a few moments as if to memorize my face, which I could tell that nothing special about me. Does he paint for a living or something? Then he dropped his gaze on my mouth. Every nerve in my body jumped.

"You have the most beautiful blue eyes I've ever seen." He must be drunk, or this must be his pickup line.

I blinked at his words. He was just probably bored and wanted to waste his time with someone, and that poor someone was me for a moment, in this freaking break room. Great.

I was sure I looked like a mess. My exhaustion weighed on me. My penny brown hair was falling out of its ponytail, and god, there was nothing special with the color of my Prussian eyes. Nevertheless, my knees weakened, and my eyes widened into circles. Stupid River, get a grip.

"You're not bad yourself." God, please, kill me now. In my head, I could see myself facepalming. Did I just say that? But okay, this man was hot, like a blue flame. His dark eyes were hypnotic, and he had the cerise red full lips I'd ever seen, not to mention his strong jawline to add to his perfection. And if he only made a move, I was definitely willing to let him bang me in this room. I would hate myself later. Tomorrow would be the new day anyway.

With his nose flaring, he muttered a curse under his breath as he was still staring at my mouth. He then trailed a finger on my cheek. It was a simple touch, yet I felt a jolt as if I accidentally jabbed my finger into a socket.

When I looked at his slightly parted lips, in an instant, my blood was molten lava in my veins. Oh, boy. Am I really doing this?

I hadn't had fun in a long time, and I couldn't remember the last time I had the best orgasm or wild sex in a powder room or any room for that matter.

Before I could contemplate further, he crushed his mouth to mine, his hand at the back of my neck. I gasped in surprise, taking that advantage to thrust his tongue deep. He completely invaded me, and I had no power to resist. He tasted of wine and mint, and it was strangely good. So good that I couldn't push him away and slap him hard.

Instead, I kissed him back, tangling my tongue with his. Our lips slid each other as if they'd done this a thousand times. I entwined my fingers in his dark hair, and it felt like silk against my fingers. I dug my fingernails into his scalp, pulling him closer as if I couldn't get enough of him.

A low growl vibrated from his throat into our mouths, fueling the heat between my legs. We kissed like we'd missed each other for a long time of bottled-up desire and longing between us crackling up into the fire. This kiss was not the first normal kiss-this was hard, yearning, and raw with pure desire.

He pressed his hard body against mine, and my back hit the marble counter. My god, he wanted me. I could feel his rigid erection pressed against my lower belly, and I also wanted him that my nipples ached, tightened, and hardened, causing an intensified heat to pulse in my core.

"God, I want you so bad. I want to fuck you so hard right here right now, " he said roughly into our mouths as he reached towards my breast. I flexed forward, seeking to ease the ache between my thighs and my sensitive nipples. I shivered and sighed as if he just read my mind-he cupped and pinched my hardened buds against the fabric. Oh, yes!

I felt how wildly my heart pounded, and it wasn't the only one, I also felt his big, hard, hungrily digging cock twitching on my lower abdomen. And it felt incredible.

I held my moan as he nibbled and nipped my bottom lip, and I imagined his mouth sucking my breast. Dear God, I wanted his mouth and tongue in there, everywhere, all over my body. I could feel the pool of desire soaking my panties. All I knew was I wanted him. At this moment, I didn't even care that I didn't know his name.

Then his hand slid south, trailing his fingers between my thighs. I inhaled in a huge gust, shuddering. I wanted him to fuck me now until I couldn't walk. Except, this wasn't me. This isn't me.

"Stop." I pushed him. My voice sounded like I wanted to dash out of the door, but my body screamed something else-please, don't stop!

He froze as if he'd turned to stone. His face paled as if someone just slapped him, but his dark eyes pinning into mine were still on fire, and they were shooting flames at me. "Excuse me?"

"I'm not the kind of woman you could just throw compliments and spread legs for you." God, what was I thinking? My hormones had taken control of my brain.

He stared at me, seemingly offended, and I could clearly see now that he was sober, but still drunk with lust. Then deliberately, his freeze started thawing while I was beyond turned on. But now something chilly filled between us. We were merely an inch apart, but the distance seemed like miles away.

He said nothing as he stepped back.

KREW

Present day...

My heart jumped wildly.

My phone kept ringing. Whoever the fuck was calling me at this hour, this better be a matter of life and death.

I was in the middle of dreaming of a beautiful brunette. Now, the hot as fuck big blue eyes angel had vanished into the abyss. Groaning, I blindly grabbed my phone from the nightstand. And my clock showed only four in the fucking morning.

I answered and pressed the phone against my ear with a groan, "Krystyn, I-" I wanted to curse her badly, but my parents taught me good manners. "I hate you right now. Can it wait until six?"

"I missed you too." Her angelic voice sounded energetic at this time. She worked hard, but knowing that she was not an early riser, my stomach formed a knot.

"What is it, Krys?" I was already sitting on the bed, rubbing my eye, and trying to gather my thoughts.

"I need a favor, and please, don't hate me."

Thank fuck, it was only a favor. The last time I received a call at this time. Shit. Memory lane was not always fun to visit. "How could I, sis? As long as no murder involved."

"Thank you. I love you. You know that, right?" I imagined her checking her painted fingernails, thinking about what color she planned changing into next.

"Wait." I raised my finger as if she was here in front of me and blinked my heavy eyelids. "What kind of favor?"

"I need a guest room in your house."

Now I was fully awake. I laughed out loud. "What happened to the mansion and your damn penthouse, Krystyn? Are you broke that you can't afford to rent a hotel room?"

"That's the thing. That room is not for me." I could even feel her grinning sheepishly at me or maybe biting her nail.

I groaned. Why did I feel that I was not going to like this favor? I was a private person. Despite my family owned a billion-dollar company, I chose to work in the board room than to stand beside my big brother-the CEO of the Selik Enterprises.

"Then no. I don't entertain and welcome strangers at my house, you know that. Get him or her a suit in the hotel. Put the bill in my name."

"Please? When was the last time I asked a favor from you?"

I rolled my eyes. "Last week. Have you forgotten what you did to your date? You ghosted him."

"That was different. And he was a douche."

"Krystyn." Now I was annoyed.

"Fine. I'll call Kai." Of course, she would, and Kai would still call me because I was a good brother and never said no to my sister.

"God, I want to dye your hair right now." I drew a deep breath, releasing it through my nose.

"Not my hair, Stasi. Are you gonna help me or not?"

Was she giving me a choice? "Fine. Whatever." I scratched my head in irritation.

"Great. I know I can count on you."

"Who is this person, anyway? Why do you have to let him stay in my fu- house, Krystyn? What kind of trouble you two have gotten into?"

"I'm not in trouble, big bear. Jeez. She's a friend of mine."

"She? A friend? Then why should I help her? Shouldn't it suppose to be you offering her a place to stay? What's her deal?"

"Nothing you can't handle. And she's hot, by the way."

"I'm not asking you if she's hot. And I'm not looking for someone to warm my bed."

"You need to loosen up, blow off some steam, and blow someone's brain."

"Jesus, can you be a little more serious?"

"This is what Kai and I are talking about. That place has changed you."

"Forget about me for a while. Are you sure you can trust your friend that she won't sell my story to the media?"

"My god, Krew. The world doesn't revolve around you. always revolve around you. She needs a place where the last thing someone will look for her. The only place I could think of is in the lion's den. Isn't it the purpose of your place, brother?" She was right. My house was completely off the grid, but something didn't add up.

"What the hell are you talking about?"

"Thank you, Krew. Love love. Bye."

***

An hour later, I had no choice but to pick up my sister's so-called friend from the airport. She didn't even give me the name and said her friend knew me already. Of course, it was not a surprise. Her friends knew us, but why did she have to keep it a surprise? And it made me anxious.

I texted Krystyn as soon as I arrived at the airport, and the domestic flight just arrived. Knowing that I was in the middle of nowhere, there was only one flight departed from New York this afternoon.

Fifteen minutes later, still no sign of her friend. I started to think that Krystyn was pranking me. I was pissed when she did not reply to my message. If she wasn't my sister, she should consider this her last favor.

I entered the small airport lounge and looked around for a familiar face, but it was almost empty except for the staff. "What the fuck?"

I checked my phone and dialed Krystyn. It went to her voicemail. "Damn it." I knew she intended to turn it off, knowing that I would blow a fuse when I met this mysterious woman. Besides, I knew all her friends from old to new-being Selik's closed friends came at a price, and that involved background checking. Her friend had no exemption.

I huffed and walked outside, shaking my head in annoyance. My anger started boiling up. My sister played me out. What was this secrecy all about anyway?

When I reached my car, I jerked slightly to the soft and low voice behind me. That voice seemed familiar, yet it sounded strange as if I had not heard it for a long time. I wasn't sure why.

I turned and held back a gasp upon seeing the most beautiful woman I'd ever laid eyes on, and only a meter away from me. Her eyes the color of the hottest flame-prussian. Fuck me now.

I stopped my eyes from widening into circles as soon as I recognized the woman standing in front of me. How could I ever forget her?

She stepped forward at a calculated pace. "Hello, Krew."

Outrageous. How fucking convenient? I cursed silently. She was not Krystyn's friend. No fucking way. Not in a million light-years. But she was here in all her gorgeousness.

No wonder my sister would never tell me about her friend because there was no way I would allow this to happen even if the hell turned to arctic and thawed. I would never welcome her into my house. When did they become a friend? Yesterday? Last night? Just fucking great.

I huffed mockingly. "What do I owe this pleasure?" I ignored the fact that I was here to pick her up. Could I just pretend that she was not the reason why I was here? Im-fucking-possible!

"I believe your sister has informed you about my arrival?"

I arched a brow. "What are you doing in this awful place?"

She only answered me with a shrug. Her penny brown hair was tousled, but it didn't make her any less beautiful. Her gorgeous eyes showed a lot of unsettled emotions, but the most dominant ones were sadness and terrified. She's indeed in trouble. How big? I had no clue.

"Look. I got to go. I'm sure you can find yourself a hotel in town. I don't have time to deal with you and my sister's devious plans." I walked to my car and opened the door.

"Krew, please?" she called urgently. Wow! Was she really the woman I once knew? There was no way River fucking Rouge would ask for my help or beg for something. I could still remember what she did to me in my own building. What changed, though? Why did she come to my sister for help when she loathed me and my family for years?

I whirled around and realized she had nothing but the white dress on her body. I met her perturbed gaze, and it immediately made my heart sad.

The moment I said yes to my sister, I knew there was no backing out, and I was a man of my word. The fact that she was my sister's friend-wait a sec, are they really friends? I was still finding it hard to believe. But if Krys would be in trouble, I knew River would do the same as I was about to do right now.

Profoundly disturbed with this whole scenario, I rounded to the passenger seat and opened the door for her. "Help yourself."

I climbed to the driver's seat and fastened my seat belt. She joined me and did the same. The space between us suddenly turned small and congesting. I ignored a shiver that swept over me when her cologne permeated in the car-something like jasmine, blackberry, flowers extract drizzled with chocolate. I liked a woman who smelled good-not strong, not too sweet, just enough that made me want to run my nose against her skin. Fuck. Where did that come from? This is really a very bad and disturbing idea to have her in my house.

Back to the issue at hand, I had a lot of questions spinning in my head, but I had no plan on asking her. She would fill me up if she felt like it. Besides, if she killed someone, my sister would not get me into whatever mess River had than what she already did before.

The real deal was, why Krystyn was willing to help her even though she knew I was River's mortal enemy?

The silence stretched between us as I drove through the long road towards my house. My sister was right, my place was the last thing someone would look for her. And by the look on River's face, she was definitely running from something or someone. Heart trouble maybe? Why would I care? I didn't want to go down that road again.

"I know you still hate me, and I was probably the last person you were expecting to show up."

Hate was just a burden that I didn't have to carry with me. "Yeah, imagine my profound disappointment, but you did not travel all the way here to swap memories, didn't you?" I scoffed. "And you're right with the latter."

"I'm sorry for asking Krys a favor, " she just apologized. This is really getting interesting.

"I couldn't say no to her even if it isn't you Krys' helping."

"I promise I won't be in your way. I will stay at the farther end of your house, and you won't even know that I am there until I figure things out." Is she kidding me? She could pretend, but I couldn't.

"Really, like what?" I stole a glance at her, and it was a terrible mistake. She might be a mess right now, but she was still the most beautiful thing in my eyes. "And how would you exactly do that?"

"I won't stay long." Her voice shook. There was a fine line between pleasure and pain, and it would please me to see her just at the other corner of my house, but it pained me even more that I had to suck it up that she thought I could just ignore her.

"Of course, you won't and can't. I used to stay alone in one place, and I would love to keep it that way. My privacy matters a lot to me." I was an ass, but we better clear things up than me fake-liking her. "You better fix your problems, whatever it is. I can't be involved with you and your mess. The last thing I want is a battalion of stupid nosy people sneaking into my property."

"You didn't even ask why I am here."

"I believe you would tell me if you feel like sharing your issue. Besides, I don't think it would pique my interest even a little." That was a total asshole-esque, and I just lied. I was beyond curious, and I needed to know to be able to help her. How did I miss a crucial information like this? "I hope you're not trying to get away with murder by flying over here to hide."

"Close."

I parked the car in front of the house in a halt. My eyes narrowing to slits. "What's that supposed to mean?"

"Someone was stalking me for months, but the police said, I don't have evidence to file a case or get a restraining order against my stalker."

I swallowed the overflowing rage not to shout at her. "How does running away stop him from stalking you? Until when do you think you can run and hide from him?"

"I wasn't thinking straight when I asked Krys for help, but she was the first person that I knew who could help me. Now I realize what a huge mistake I made. I shouldn't have come here." She broke the gaze and wiped her tears. As much as I would like to piss her off, I hated to see women cry.

"Too late for that, don't you think? And who is your stalker, River?"

Instead of answering me, she shook to cry in her seat. Conversation killer.

"Forget that I asked."

RIVER

Krystyn was right about this place-it was a getaway that no one would get any idea of finding me. Or maybe I had no reason to complain because of the big bear frowning next to me, the same man that I almost ruined years ago, but I wasn't sure with his silence if it was a yes or he was still debating whether to help me or turned around, drove the car back to the airport, and say goodbye.

The million-dollar acreage home was luxurious, contemplating with lush greenery surrounding us. No wonder Krew preferred this place over his penthouse in New York.

I stayed quiet as we walked into the humongous entryway. The white grand piano at the corner and the living room at the far end. I followed him as he climbed up the brown striped carpeted c-shaped staircase that added to the interior while I was admiring his firm ass. As he walked like his majesty the King, head held up, with effortless confidence, he hadn't said anything aside from showing me one of the rooms where I would probably going to spend days in or worse, it would last weeks.

Krew was dead serious when he mentioned his privacy. From what I heard, he hated the spotlight, and he seemed recluse in contrast to their brother, Kai who loved attention and power.

The Selik wasn't born rich. Koby Selik was a self-made billionaire when his children were still young. When he died, Kai took his place as the CEO, and Krew chose to work behind the desk as one of the members of the board.

Right now, I had to be grateful to him for giving me a roof as my temporary haven.

Then I realized that there was really something wrong with me. I couldn't help but admired his dark chocolate eyes that darkened into almost obsidian black when he stared at me, his dark hair that I knew was soft, his perfectly straight nose, full red lips, and he had shoulders broader than years ago.

I was lost in the thought of how perfect he was until he called me to get my attention, or more likely, growled my name, but still, I found it sexier on his tongue. God, I needed to get rid of this obtuse obsession over him.

"River, " he called me again. His voice crawled shivers up my spine, his gaze razored sharp as he pinned it to me. The more he did that, the more my heartbeat picked up, and I couldn't break my dark thought out of it.

I swallowed. "Yeah?"

"Do you need anything else?"

You. My skin tingled. He definitely caught me gawking at him. So what? I was single. It wasn't that he still wanted me, or he was into me. He was drunk when he kissed me, and we almost had sex in that break room. I really had wished he was into me though, but in our latest encounter, he already made a point that he resented me. What was I expecting? Humility from Krew Selik? Okay, that was a little bit tad dramatic, but I should behave now that my last relationship had ended up bringing me here.

I felt degraded-abased when he sent his lawyer with a cheque and NDA. And I was stupid at that time. It hurt me with the idea that he thought everyone had a price tag. So I went to the Selik Tower and tore the NDA and cheque in front of the receptionist when he did not want to see me. At that time, he and his brother had an interview with the business magazine. Kai was always in the headline in any news channel even on the trashy gossip sites and social media. And I nearly ruined my life in the end. Of course, who would give a damn about a nobody over the Selik?

My humiliation did not end there. My face was flaming when a strange look crossed his face. He growled something that he only could hear and understand. He was probably disgusted.

"I need something to change from this." I looked down at my crumpled dress I wore at Journey's engagement party.

"I think my sister has something she left in the other room. I hope you don't mind wearing used clothes."

"That would be great. Thank you." For the first time since he picked me up from the airport, I managed to smile.

"You must be hungry. Meet me down in fifteen when you changed to something comfortable." His gaze drilled into mine before he retreated as if I just burned him.

This wasn't the time to be smitten by a grumpy big bear. I wished I could call Krystyn and tell her to pick me up that I changed my mind, but I left everything behind, even my phone. She advised me not to call anyone until she and Krew arranged something out for me. For the first time in my life, I had no plan other than to keep myself safe.

Once I changed into jeans and a shirt, I made my way downstairs. I found Krew on a phone call outside the house. He must be talking to his sister, then he lowered his voice and turned around as soon as he noticed my presence. The flame in his eyes was evident, and so was the huge restraint on his face. By the look of it, it didn't sound good-he about to curse the hell out of me, or far worse, threw me into the middle of the woods and left me there.

I had no idea what was happening right now. I wanted to know what was in his head as he pinned me with a laser glare with his jaw getting harder each second ticked by.

"Was that Krys?"

"Have you been eavesdropping?" he snapped.

"No." I gulped. "I was thinking of calling your sister and tell her that I'm okay."

"Done."

"Thank you."

He strolled his gaze at me, making me self-conscious. I wasn't wearing anything pretty. I didn't have any traces of makeup on my face, and I felt I was naked and vulnerable through his stare in blistering silence for a few moments.

"Let's go. I'm already late, " finally, he talked, or rather ordered a sharp command as I released a shuddering breath.

"Where are we going?" I followed his quick pace. My eyes widened to see a bike parked in front of the gate. "Is that yours?"

"Haven't ridden a bike before, princess?" I could feel him rolling his eyes. "Why did I even ask?" he muttered through gritted teeth.

Because bike terrified me, dumbass. "That's not nice. I'm homeless right now, you know. I don't have anything. I could be with the human trafficker at this moment on the way to Mexico if Krys did not help me." Great! I just told him how terrified and desperate I was. I bit my lip to stop trembling, but it was too late, and I just wiped my tears in front of him. "I think I just stay in the room for today." If you can't treat me right or pretend to be kind, I'd rather be left alone.