Trinstan's POV

"What's up Hunter?" I hear someone from behind. Motherfucker.

"Hey, Simon," I said greeting the nastiest asshole of the neighborhood. I didn't want him to find me. At least not now. I still didn't manage to gather the money I owe him.

"So, are you gonna pay me pretty boy?" he asked as he put the cigarette to his mouth and clicked his lighter on. He eyed me with the deadliest glare and blew off the smoke.

"I have been more than generous with you Hunter. giving you time after your mother's death," he said and my fists curled up into balls on their own at the mention of my mother. "I am running out of patience here."

"I am working on it, Cruise. I dropped out in my last year of high school so getting a job ain't that easy. Give me some more time please." I said.

He observed me as took another drag. his mouth curled up into an evil smirk as he advanced towards me.

"Say what Hunter, I have an amazing job for you," he said. I raised an eyebrow. Simon Cruise offering me a job?

"I'm not killing anybody," I said. He laughed and shook his head.

"Jesus relax man. It is far easier than that."

"You just have to work your pretty boy charm. Befriend a certain girl then break her heart at my expense," he said air quoting the word befriend.

"Are you high bro? The fuck are you even talking about." I said frowning.

"I'm not kidding. This chick is a fucking bitch. She brainwashed my girlfriend into leaving. Yeah, I fucked that Val chick in the party but she means nothing just a quick fuck but Lenny was my girl. My girl. No one takes what's mine." he said.

If she was your girl why did you cheat on her? I wanted to say but I didn't. "Whatever man. I'm not doing that. I don't wanna get involved in this shit." I said.

"You are refusing me, Hunter," he said. His eyes blazed with anger. "You don't cross with me, Hunter. I'm here giving you a golden opportunity of clearing off the whole debt. Who do you think you are refusing it?" he said shoving me. Simon was way shorter and weaker than I was but I let him have his moment because I owe him a shit ton of bucks.

"The entire debt?"

"Oh yes. Just work your magic around Miss Pride and Prejudice. She is gonna be a challenge being all high and mighty but you are what these high school girls desire. With a sprinkle of your charm, she will be wrapped around your finger, and then I will destroy it in front of her entire school. Girls at this age care a lot about these kinds of stuff."

This is bizarre. I hated myself for even considering his offer. The task was easy and I would instantly have this burden off of my shoulders. Hell, I can even get out of this town.

"Well, well speak of the devil," he said motioning behind me. I turned around and the breath was knocked out of my lungs. Estrella! What has she got to do with Simon?

"Remember pretty boy I'm giving you a great deal. I have guys on standby who can do this task very easily," he said and my blood boiled. Heck no! The guys involved with Simon are pieces of shit. I can't let them get near her.

"I'll do it," I said cursing under my breath.

Simon smirked. "Fuck yeah you will. Riley West, prepare to be destroyed."

Riley's POV

My battle with the nightmares wasn't changing at all. I had very little sleep every night and I grew tired too easily. I tried to combat that with coffee but for how long. On top of that, I now practice self-defense. Did you know Ryland knew kickboxing? I didn't either and imagine my surprise when comes along to be a part of my new daily routine of combat. I was now more tired by the end of the day but thankfully I didn't have to cook or clean. Perks of being adopted by a rich family they have a staff to do literally everything. Ryland and Leslie had worked pretty hard for these facilities. They spoil the twins and me to death but also, they remind the twins to always be grateful for everything in life. I had spent most of my life in an orphanage and I knew the value of such amenities more than anyone.

The holidays were over and I was back to work. I carried the big box which was Ethan's Christmas present with David and Trinstan by my side carrying a few boxes of homemade chocolate chip cookies that I baked for my office members.

"Hey girl!" Ethan said as he hugged me tightly.

"Ethan. I have missed you." I said.

"Good morning to the gentlemen," he said to the men.

"A little somebody you brought presents and cookies."

"That I did."

"Oh my god, RiRi. These are like early morning foodgasms," he said popping a cookie in his mouth.

"Don't eat 'em all Ethan. Leave some for the staff." I said as I ringed Ella, to take away and distribute the cookies.

"Wipe off the grease and open your present," I said.

"Oh yes," he said. He unwrapped the gift wrap, opened the box, and gasped.

"No, you did not," he said. I smiled sheepishly said, "Surprise?"

To say Ethan was shocked would be an understatement. I kind of expected his reaction because I knew he wanted this for so long. The box also had some more knicks and knacks but the main attraction that rendered him speechless was the wine glasses I gave him. I had the company engrave Ethan and Darik's name on them.

"Something to spice up your date nights," I said.

"I love them." he squeaked. "Darik will go crazy. Damn this is so bougie." he said extending the letter 'e'. I laughed as he hugged me and thanked me.

"Your turn," he said handing me a box and another one was waiting on my desk. I opened the one he handed me and it was a big water flask.

"This is so you stay hydrated. I will fill it up with water every day and I expect it to be finished by the end of the day. You know water, right? The clear liquid goes by the name H2O, an important life resource." I punched his arm and he laughed.

I rolled my eyes and asked him, "What's in the big one?"

"See for yourself," he said grinning. I gasped as soon as I opened it. It was a big white faux fur coat. The material was so soft under my hands. It screamed style and comfy at the same time.

"Oh my gosh. Ethan. I love it." I said jumping with joy. He bowed dramatically.

After opening presents and catching up Ethan and I got back to work. Havenly Homes was now reaching out to more customers and we had many client meetings lined up. I was happily exhausted to see my dream project come to life. It was probably before lunchtime when Lenny came by the office with her designs of furniture for our clients. She was spooked seeing the men standing there watching like a hawk. She even cast a dirty look at Tristan before turning to us but he remained impassive and professional.

"Hey babe," she said.

"Hey. You got my present."

"Yes! I'm so excited girl. Three hours of people nourishing my skin body and soul. Yes mama." she said closing her eyes thinking about the spa coupon I got her.

"Enjoy," I said giggling.

"Wait till you get my present," she said with a wink. We discussed the possible designs and added more customizations. We were about to go for lunch Ethan come into the office.

"Riley, Mr. Velazquez is here." he said doing a fanning motion and mouthing 'so hot'.

"Ughh not him," said Lenny.

And then in all his glory entered Rafael Velazquez. Flashing his teeth with a charming smile he said, "Hello, Angels." I smiled and nodded at him while Lenny just rolled her eyes at him. My bodyguards leaped to their feet to stop him from entering but Ethan quickly reassured them that Rafael was checked by security downstairs. They went back to their positions but still eyed him with caution.

I had known Rafael through Ryland. He is a lawyer and runs his father's law firm. Over the years he has been a really good friend but for some reason, Lenny hated the curly-haired sun-kissed Latino that was every girl's dream. Well, not mine but it's just that girls worship the floor he walks on.

"How are you, Rafael?" I asked sitting down.

"Just a little sweaty because of your hotness. Eres muy caliente, Bebe," he said winking at me. Lenny snorts and I bite my cheek to hold back my smile.

"Disgusting right? Imagine my cousin Rodrigo saying that in his new movie 'The Passions of Tino el Caido." he said gagging. "I mean dude chill with the cheese." he shook his head as we laughed.

"Yeah right. And you don't use these lines to get chicks. Who are you kidding, Velázquez?" said Melanie.

"At least I get the girls, Parks. I don't see a beau in your life. Trouble in paradise." he said.

Uh....oh.

"Anyways senorita. I'm doing much well in your presence. So, what is with all the security?" he asked.

"It's just my dad," I said waving dismissively.

"A bit too paranoid won't you think?"

"Dude would you tell us why you hauled up to your annoying ass over here?" said Lenny. Rafael rolled his eyes.

"Len, be nice," I said.

"Oh, believe me, I am," she said.

"I came here to visit a friend and take her to lunch to invite her to the upcoming fundraiser of the firm," he said.

"Oh no no. Riley is having lunch with me," she said.

"Guys relax. We can all have lunch together."

Both of them were about to protest but I interrupt them. "Behave children. I am ordering Italian and Ethan, you two and I will have lunch here. Oh, gentlemen please join us." I said to my bodyguards. Ever since they have started going everywhere with me I do not like dining out with people staring at my table all the time. They smiled politely and nodded.

We had lunch and Rafael told us more about the fundraiser. He asked me to extend the invitation to my family.

"So, I will be writing you for one Parks as you won't be bringing anyone?"

"I cannot bring someone if you be so stringy with your invitations Velazquez," she said.

"Oh, marvelous who's innocent soul did you damn?" he asked.

"None of your business," she said. I raised a questionable eyebrow at her and her expression said I'll tell you later.

"Thank you for the invitation. I hope to meet some new people and expand my venture."

"Oh, you will meet tons don't worry. I'll introduce them to you myself," he said.

I flashed him a grateful smile. A knock sounded on the door. Ella came inside with a bouquet.

"I'm sorry Miss West. I wouldn't have brought this but it has a note with your name on it." she said.

"We have to check this before you touch it, ma'am," said Trinstan. Ma'am? Focus Riley! I nodded. We moved over for close inspection.

"Yikes the flowers are dead," said Ethan.

"Who the fuck sends over dead flowers?" asked Rafael.

With my heart thumping in my chest, I moved over. "Can I see the note now?"

"Miss West ..." Dave began.

"Just give it to me," I said taking it.

In a cavern, in a canyon
Excavating for a mine 

Oh my darling, oh my darling 

Oh my darling, Clementine 

You are lost and gone forever
Dreadful sorry, Clementine

Well except that I'm not sorry...........

"Oh my god," I whispered and collapsed on the chair with my entire body shaking. He is coming. 

A/N: Hi my beautiful friends. Here you go Chapter 4. Let me know your thoughts on the chapter.

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