••THE RIVER'S MANSION••
"Mom?!" Samantha called nervously as she hurried after Mrs Rivers, who was about to climb the stairs.
"What is it again, Samantha?" Mrs Rivers answered tiredly, rubbing her forehead. She had a slight headache.
"Here. This is the exact gown you wanted to get from the shopping mall." Mrs. Rivers said with a distant look as she handed the bag to her.
"I'm sorry mom... " Taking the bag, Samantha apologized sadly.
"How many times have I told you to stop going about, causing troubles? If your dad hears about this, I'm certain that you'll be punished! " Mrs Rivers snapped angrily.
Samantha lowered her gaze, swallowing nervously.
"You made me feel so small and embarrassed in front of Vladimir! If I hadn't been there, who knows what he might have done to you for lying to his face!" Mrs Rivers snapped. But when she saw Samantha's tears, her anger softened and she sighed.
"Come here" Mrs Rivers said, pulling her into a hug as she patted her back.
"I'm sorry mom, I didn't know that it would result to this... I'm so sorry... " Samantha sobbed.
"Why didn't you tell me you were the one who started the fight first? I would've made sure someone tampered with the CCTV footage," Mrs Rivers said calmly.
"I had someone tamper with it... I– I don't know how Vladimir found out," Samantha whispered, her voice trembling with sadness.
"Just forget about what happened today but next time be careful" Mrs Rivers warned, disengaging the hug.
"But mom... Won't you still deal with that bitch? She insulted you!" Samantha pointed out annoyed.
"Leave her be. As long as she's working at Vladimir's company, I can't lay a finger on her," Mrs Rivers said, her voice icy.
"That doesn't mean we can't lay a hand on her outside the company. We just need to find out where she lives so we can teach her a lesson. Vladimir only defended her because she's his employee but I'm sure she doesn't mean anything special to him " Samantha suggested eagerly.
"You're right, I'll have someone find out where she stays. I'll make sure to silence that mouth of hers for daring to speak such nonsense to me. Lowly thing!" Mrs Rivers hissed through clenched teeth. She bade Samantha goodnight, and went upstairs.
Plopping down on the couch, Samantha wiped her tears as her lips curved into a wide smile.
To get what she wants, she knows the right card to play. After all her mom loves her dearly and would do anything to make her happy.
"Hey you?! " Samantha barked at one of the maids, making her flinch. She took fearful strides to where Samantha sat. The maids feared Samantha because of her harsh, repulsive behavior and wouldn't like to get on her bad side.
"Trash this" Samantha said rudely, handling the bag which Mrs Rivers had given her earlier to the maid.
Too bad she don't want the gown anymore, right now she want to teach that bitch a lesson for making her look like a fool in front of Vladimir.
"But— But this is the gown–
"I said trash it you deaf and lowly thing!!" Samantha fired, cutting the maid off angrily, a thought crossed her mind which made her smile.
Seeing her scary smile, the maid felt fear gripped her. Picking up the bag, she quickly scrambled off.
Samantha smiled staring into space.
Hazel Morgan, just wait and see!
******
••AT NIGHT••
"Welcome darling, how was your first day at work?" Riley asked sweetly, arranging the delicious dishes on the table.
"Awful" Hazel muttered under her breathe, massaging her throbbing head. Camille had made her work overtime, giving her so much paperwork to sort out.
"Really? Sorry about that" Riley said sadly. Picking the sadness in Riley's tone, Hazel forced out a smile. Strolling towards the dinning table, she drew out a seat and sat down.
"It's okay, I'll get use to it" Hazel said softly.
"If you're not comfortable with it maybe I can help you search for another job..?" Riley said, drawing out a seat, she sat down.
"Don't worry, I actually love it there. The employees are pretty friendly except for one lady who feels like I'm stealing her spot" Hazel mumbled, a slight frown on her face.
"Awwn my baby's already stealing the spotlight" Riley retorted with a sarcastic chuckle. " " Don't hesitate to show them how smart you are and also, show that bitch what you've gat! If she's feeling you're there to steal her spot then she should just quit!" Riley added with a slight giggle.
Hazel laughed.
"She gave me so much paperwork to sort out while leaving the rest of the employees alone! It felt like she just wanted me to quit immediately!" Hazel whined.
Riley stared curiously at Hazel then frowned.
"That's cheating! If she does something like that again don't hesitate to report her to the CEO!" Riley snapped angrily.
Hazel nodded slowly.
Of course, she wouldn't dare report to the CEO, not when she's already gotten on his bad side.
"And oh, thanks so much for the gift. I love the gown" Riley said happily making Hazel smile.
"You're welcome" Hazel mumbled with a smile.
"Mrs Quinn called and said you can resume school tomorrow. You don't have to worry about your new job, I've already changed your course load to part time. You'll only have classes on Saturdays." Riley stated seriously making Hazel to shriek as she stood up.
"Oh my God I'm so happy!!! " Hazel screamed excitedly as she did a happy dance.
"Go to school, mind your business, avoid parties and read your books!" Riley said with a strict tone.
"Of course I'll do as you said but you don't expect me to mind my business, what about my friends?" Hazel asked.
"Your friends love parties, you shouldn't follow them everywhere like a clown, there are times to say yes and no" Riley said seriously.
Hazel nodded with a smile.
"Understood! I'll be in my room now!" Hazel said excitedly and left.
*****
After freshening up, Hazel wore her nightwear and dived into her bed as she giggled.
"At least I won't have to see Chris's face anymore," Hazel mumbled.
She couldn't deny the fear gnawing at her, the dread that one day he might force himself on her, or worse.... hurt her.
Deep in thought, she didn't realize when sleep overtook her.
****
"You came again"
Hazel flinched at the sound of that voice— cold and dangerous, sending shivers down her spine.
She spun around and froze. Vladimir Vaelmont stood by the window, shirtless, his black suit pants hanging loosely as the dim light traced the hard lines of his body.
She gasped when he finally turned to face her. His red eyes gleamed in the dark, sweeping over from head to toe, lingering on her face before sliding down her body.
She felt her body heat up instantly.
Just like last time, she saw how his gaze darken. Eyes locked on her, he began to close the distance with long, deliberate strides. Hazel willed her feet to retreat, but some unseen force held her rooted to the spot.
Grabbing her waist, he pulled her into his arms as he buried his face on her neck, inhaling her sweet—rosy scent.
He kissed and sucked on her neck hard making her to gasp.
Hazel clutched the sides of her nightwear tight, feeling her core clenched as she felt a pool of heat down there.
"Mine," He hummed softly, his breath rough and uneven.
His large palm slid down her back, tracing slow, deliberate circles against her skin.
"Tell me you're mine," He whispered huskily, his mouth travelling lower as he trailed warm kisses along her flesh.
Noticing his action, Hazel felt her breath hitched, a slight moan escaping her lips.
When she remained silent, Hazel felt him pause as he pulled back, his dark unwavering gaze locked on her face.
"Tell me." He demanded huskily, his voice low and cold.
Hazel felt her heart skip. Swallowing nervously, she shut her eyes when she felt his big cold palm on her cheek.
"I'm—I'm yours... " Hazel whispered softly.
A startled gasp broke from her lips as he nuzzled his face into her neck, planting feather like kisses that drifted lower. With a slow deliberate tug, her nightwear slipped from her arms and settled at her waist as the cold air hit her exposed skin.
His fangs slid into view and he lowered his head, sinking them deep into the soft curve of her chest....