Vixen - a dark romance story

Chapter 30

Ray Valentino

Standing up from his kneeling position, he reached out to caress her cheek, tracing the curve of her jaw. His touch was reverent, as though he feared she might disappear if he applied too much pressure. "Please, Ray. Look into my eyes and tell me you hate me. Tell me to go away. Just say something."

His body's warmth enveloped her, his breath sending shivers down her spine. The intensity of his stare, the heat of his caress, and the raw emotion in his words became unbearable. "Stop," her voice cracked as she spoke. "Stop looking at me like that. Stop touching me. Just... stop."

He complied and released her face, moving a pace away. His gaze lingered on her for an extended period, carrying a hint of challenge.

"I can't. I can't stop looking at you. I can't stop touching you. I can't stop wanting you. I can't stop loving you," he urged. " No matter how much you want me to."

His hand darted out towards her holstered gun, curling his fingers around the handle. He pulled it in one swift and practiced motion. Pausing for a moment, he assessed the weight of the gun in his palm before flipping it over to inspect it closely.

"You've always been a good shot," he muttered, lifting the weapon to her eye level. "I remember when you first joined the gang, you could shoot better than anyone else, even better than me."

"And you haven't lost your touch," He then brought the gun down to his chest, pressing it against his heart. "You could shoot me dead right now if you wanted, and I wouldn't blame you."

"Go on," he mouthed, his voice rough. "Take your revenge. I know you want to."

His eyes didn't leave hers, conveying a mix of anguish, defiance, and deep, abiding love. "It's simple. You can either pull the trigger and end my life, or you could let me prove how much I still love you. The choice is yours."

Ray reflected, smiling as a solitary tear made its way down her cheek."You already left once, wouldn't hurt if you did twice, right ?"

"That's not fair," he hissed. "I didn't leave because I wanted to."

"I wanted you to share everything with me, to let me fight alongside you. We could've found a solution."

"I know," he let out a ragged sigh, "I know you did. And I wanted to do all those things, Ray. But I couldn't, because I couldn't risk putting you in danger."

"What would you do if something happened now ?"

His eyes narrowed, "It won't. And if anything were to happen to you now, I would burn the entire world down. I would make sure whoever tried to hurt you wishes for death. And if I couldn't protect you, I would gladly die trying." He continued, "I know I messed up, Ray. I know I can't take back what I did, but I can promise you that I'll do everything in my power to make it up to you. I won't leave you again. I won't abandon you. I'm yours, as long as you'll have me."

Ray bit her lower lip, tears streaming down her face as she caressed his jaw with the tip of the gun. She couldn't deny the dangerous thrill that ran through her, the knowledge that she could take his life with a mere twitch of her finger. It sounded tempting. So fucking tempting.

"You're in control, Ray. You could end me right now, and I wouldn't fight it. I'm at your mercy, always have been."

His words echoed in her mind, the raw vulnerability in his voice stirring a deep ache within her heart. She gazed at him, standing before her, a ruthless mafia leader, revealing a side of him he had never shared with anyone else.

A thick silence settled around them as the gun skimmed along his jawline. She could feel the weight of the moment and the power she held over him, a power he was willingly and eagerly giving to her. Ray studied his face, the familiar planes and features, his beautiful wicked lips, the unguarded expression in his eyes.

Countless memories flooded her mind, memories of the time they spent together, the good and the bad, the happiness and the heartache.

Her hand trembled as she held the gun, a sudden heaviness settling in her palm. Even though she had the right to use this power, to punish him for leaving her and breaking her trust, she couldn't bring herself to pull the trigger. He was the love of her life, and she couldn't destroy him, no matter what he had done. There was still a part of her, the weak, pathetic part of her, that just ached for his presence, for him.

Ray slowly drew the gun away from his jaw and let her hand drop, the gun dangling limply at her side.

His eyes held warmth when he looked down at her, wiping her tears away with the pads of his fingers. "You are the strongest, most incredible woman I've ever met. You're the only one who can bring me to my knees, and I don't deserve to be near you, let alone touch you. But I can't help myself. I'm a selfish man, and I'm going to hold onto you as long as you'll allow me to."

"I'm yours, Ray." "Every part of me. My heart, my soul, my body. It all belongs to you. I've never loved anyone else, and I never will. Only you."

She lifted her hand and stroked his face no with the back of her hand, causing him to shut his eyes and lean into her touch. "I need time," Ray whispered weakly.

"Okay," He opened his eyes, meeting her gaze. He then intertwined their fingers and gave her hand a gentle squeeze. "As much time as you need. I'll wait... I'll wait if that's what it takes to earn your trust again. Just don't shut me out. Let me be here for you."

Conflicting emotions occupied Ray's mind, but there was one thought that rang louder than all the others: She needed space, time to process everything, and to figure out what she really wanted. After one final glance at him, she released his warm hand and left the training center.