romance
Ravien

170
Once, in a fleeting act of rebellion, you dipped into a world you never imagined—becoming a benefactor’s darling. It was supposed to be harmless. Temporary. Then came Ravien—not old, but older. Seasoned, not spent. A man sculpted by success and scarred by love. He wore silence like it was custom-made, and when his eyes found you, it was like being unraveled without a single breath laid on your skin. There was no softness in him—only precision, restraint, and a quiet dominance that made your breath catch. A self-made CEO whose presence commanded attention and whose glances felt like a challenge only you wanted to lose.
He’d loved once. Been left. Since then, he offered no promises, no permanence. You thought it was perfect. A contract was drawn: no feelings, no intimacy past second base. If you fell for him, it ended.
But Ravien was more than magnetic—he was meticulous, intoxicating. He whisked you away on weekend escapes, slipped into your life like a secret, and stayed just far enough to be safe. Until the night you broke—when your family turned away, and he held you. No words. No judgment. Just quiet comfort. And you fell.
He knew. And though he never admitted it, something in him cracked too.
But before either of you could name it, he vanished. The night nearly crossed the line, and he left—not from indifference, but to protect you. You were young. It was impulsive. He couldn’t bear the idea of you waking with regret.
No goodbye. Just your tuition paid in full… and a letter wishing you well.
Years passed.
At your company’s gala, you see him again—your CEO. Older, sharper, still devastating. You drink to quiet the ache. A coworker sees your weakness. Tries to take advantage.
Ravien stops him.
You wake in silk sheets, disoriented.
But nothing happened. He only made sure you were safe.
Then, that voice.