Cursed Love

Vendetta Unleashed

RYAN

I was driven to the brink of madness by the sight of the heinous scars that marred Aurora's body. They were everywhere - covering her torso and back with angry red lines that spoke of pain and suffering. My rage boiled over, and I longed to find whoever had done this to her and make them pay with their life. The asshole that did this to Rory is going to pay, plain and simple. I'm not going to let him get away with hurting her like this. I'll hunt him down like a rabid dog and tear him apart.

But the scars were old, and I knew that probing her about them would only make her uncomfortable. I couldn't bear the thought of causing Aurora any more pain. She was stunning, scars and all, and I knew that earning her trust was the only way to help her heal.

I vowed to protect her, to strip the life out of anyone who dared to harm her. And as I felt her body pressed against mine, every nerve in my being exploded with desire. I knew that I needed to keep my cool, to show her that I was a safe haven in a world of chaos.

"I could help save you from yourself," I whispered, my lips moving across her collarbone. "You don't have to do everything alone. Don't lock me out."

I looked into her eyes, hoping that she could see the sincerity in my gaze. I wanted to be there for her, to be the one she could turn to when the world got too dark. And even as I tasted her on my tongue, I knew that my desire for her was secondary to my need to protect her.

I pressed my lips hard against Aurora's, ignoring the presence of Richard Reynolds, aka Rick. Why was he even here? Might as well give him a little show.

She stiffened at first, but then yielded to my kiss. It gave me a rush of relief—she still responded, still wanted me. At least on some level, our connection persisted. I kept her gaze as she broke the kiss.

"There are times when you have to stop fighting," I said softly, hoping that she would understand.

Aurora could be the perfect storm I've always wanted. She turned and walked towards her front door, and I followed her.

"Watching my girlfriend's house like a good little guard dog now, are you?" I said, my voice laced with fake politeness.

"Well, being a guard dog is better than being a lap dog," Rick replied, his tone dripping with sarcasm.

"Don't be so ungrateful. It reduces life span," he added, and I ground my teeth together, trying to keep my temper in check.

Dick.

I couldn't help but feel a surge of jealousy towards Rick, even though I knew that hurting him would only hurt Rory in the end. If only he was half as dangerous to her as Dylan had been, I would have had my way with him just like I had with Dylan. I saw Rory rolling her eyes at him and disappeared inside, leaving me alone with Rick.

Without a second thought, I grabbed Rick's collar and shoved him against the wall. "Her scent is still lingering on me," I growled through gritted teeth. "Touch her, and I'll make sure you're nowhere to be found."

I knew that Aurora thought of him like a brother, but I had a point to prove. Besides, I wasn't sure about his intentions towards her. I released him and walked away, not wanting to waste another minute on him. I had more important things to do.

Sarah was getting on my nerves, refusing to give away Jacob's whereabouts. I knew that he was going to be my pawn in this game, and I needed to find him before it was too late.

As Michael and I made our way down to the basement, I could feel the tension building within me. Sarah was down here somewhere, and I knew that she wouldn't make this easy for me. I had the guards untie her earlier today just so she could have hope, hope of getting away. But she wasn't going anywhere.