Vixen - a dark romance story

Chapter 28

Ray Valentino

Ray stood in the middle of the empty training center, focused. Clad in workout gear, her dark curls were tied up in a loose bun at the top of her head.

She was practicing her knife skills, throwing the blades at the targets taped to the walls. Each throw hit the center, the thunk of metal echoing through the room. She had fallen into a rhythm, her body moving with fluid grace as she sent the blades flying. Every movement, every flick of her wrist, came from years of practice and muscle memory. She didn't need to think about it, it just came naturally to her. The weight of the knives in her hand felt comforting, like an extension of her own body.

Moving towards the shooting range, she unleashed a barrage of rounds at a target, her aim unwaveringly accurate. She had to stay sharp and at the top of her game. She couldn't afford to let her guard down, not now, not when they were so close to dismantling The Syndicate.
She continued to fire, reloading and taking aim with each shot finding its mark. Engrossed in her task, a sudden chill ran down her spine, breaking her concentration.

Chan.

Ray sensed his presence behind her before she even heard him speak, and she felt her body tense involuntarily. She didn't want to turn around, didn't want to face him, but she knew she couldn't ignore him forever.

With a guarded expression, she stole a glance over her shoulder, finding him leaning against the wall, observing her every move.

For a while, he remained silent, and she couldn't help but wonder about his thoughts and intentions. Eventually, he spoke in a low, deliberate tone.

"You've been avoiding me."

She didn't respond, her attention solely directed at the target as she continued to fire. He pushed off the wall and stepped closer, closing the distance between them.

"Ray," his voice softer now, but still firm. "Look at me."

So near was he that she could sense his breath against her neck; however, she refused to budge. A sigh escaped his lips, and in an instant, he was pressed against her. Ray froze, her breath hitching as he reached around and wrapped his hand around hers, his fingers gently prying the weapon from her grasp.

"Enough," he murmured in her ear. The warmth radiating from him and the solidness of his chest against her back stirred an unwelcome response within her, and she despised how her body betrayed her in that moment.

Chan placed the gun into her holster before turning her to face him. Despite her attempts to avoid eye contact, he grasped her chin and forced her to meet his gaze, his eyes boring into hers.

"Why are you avoiding me?"

"Guess why."

He narrowed his eyes, frustrated by her lack of communication. His arms came up to rest on either side of her, caging her in between him and the small table behind her. "Don't play games with me," he growled.

"You and I both know why you're avoiding me," he continued, his voice gaining a deeper edge. "But I want to hear you say it, Ray."

"I'm avoiding you because I made a mistake by sleeping with you."

Chan's eyes widened slightly at her admission, clearly not expecting her to be so blunt. A flicker of surprise crossed his face, but quickly faded, replaced by a steely expression.

"You regret it?"

"I do."

His jaw clenched at her response, his eyes darkening, and she could tell that her confession was affecting him, that it stirred up anger and caused a pain that he was trying to hide. There was a brief silence as he processed her words.

"Why?" His gaze delved into hers, seeking an explanation, hunting for a response she wasn't certain she could provide. "Why do you regret it?"

Ray drawled, "I regret it. What do you expect me to do? Run in your arms again after one night? Forgive you after an orgasm ?"

"Is that what you think I want ?" he paused. "For you to forgive me so easily and just fall back into bed with me?"

"Because that's not what I want, Ray," he sighed, "I don't want a quick fix, a meaningless night spent together. I want more than that. I want something real. I want..." He trailed off, his voice hoarse.

He leaned his forehead against hers, his eyes closed, as if trying to compose himself. He was trying to regain control, trying to keep his cool, but she could see the effort it was taking.

"I want you, Ray. I want more than just a quick fix. I don't care if it's messy, I don't care if it's complicated, I just want you back."

He opened his eyes, and their gazes met, "Please, Ray. Just give me a chance to make things right. Give me a chance to prove myself to you. I know I messed up, but I need you. I need you more than anything. Come back to me, love."