Page 11 of She will Always be Mine

Chapter Four

RIAAN

Control is the only thing I thrive on.

It gives me a sense of purpose and made me who I am today. So, when someone attempts to steal it from me, I obliterate them. If anyone dares to come in the way of what I want, whether family or friends, they become my enemy.

You push me and I won’t just push back—I’lldestroy.

Until now, I kept a tight leash on my need to dominate, only setting it free when necessary.

However, the second Nyra stepped into my life, it ran wild and animalistic.

She brought out the beast in me and I let her rule it with her heart, her body, and her soul. It fed on her closeness, her happiness, and her beautiful submission.

Then out of nowhere, she decided to rip herself away from me and now it can’t be contained.

It’s roaring and hungry for her.

Standing at the head of the table, I stare down at her, waiting to see what she’ll do, but we both know, she’ll obey. If she doesn’t, it will raise questions that she desperately wants to avoid and cannot afford to answer.

Beside her, my aunt becomes still and throws daggers at me with her annoyed gaze. I have to hold back the snarl fighting to come to the surface as I maintain an easy grin on my face, mostly for my parents’ sake.

Nyra’s sudden decision to end our relationship is something I saw coming, which is why it left me wounded and mostly angry at myself. It was in the way she was behaving the past week, throwing little signs and hints, like her reluctance to meet, texting me less and less, and making false excuses.

Instead of demanding answers, I waited and watched her slowly pull away.

Instead of running after her, I gave her space.

Deep in my gut, I know something pushed Nyra into making this choice.

Or was itsomeone?

It’s very obvious that she’s spilling lies, which isn’t shocking, but the desolation and hint of terror on her face, is what I’m unable to forget. It’s stuck in my head like a clot. Even the timing was all fucked up.

It almost felt like a setup, a trap, but I can’t tell who is behind it.

Who would have the motivation to do it?

The more I think, the more I regret not trusting my instincts. I should have just made Nyra stay with me while I chased away her fears.

My mistake was letting her have the control, hoping she’ll fight for us, because it was the last thing she needed.

Nyra is strong, but also fragile and naïve. She’s fiercely protective of those she loves and sometimes that very strength becomes her weakness.

If her mom hadn’t seen us last night, I would have kidnapped Nyra and had the truth pulled out of her by now.

I could still do it, but the damage and hurt it will cause her is the only thing stopping me. In the end, I want her mother’s blessing for when I make Nyra mine again. Because it’s what she would want and I don’t have the power to deny her anything.

“Nyra,” I say again as she remains mute, staring at me with wide eyes.

I see the struggle on her face while she’s stuck between a rock and a hard place. If she follows me, she risks upsetting her mother. If she doesn’t… well, it’s not up to her. Because one way or another, she’s coming with me.Alone.

She did the talking last night, signing her choice.

Now it’s my turn.

“Riaan,” says my mom. “Let her at least finish her breakfast first.”

---