Chapter 299

“I accepted it,” she said quickly. “I’m ready to get married. I won’t fight it anymore. Just… please don’t ruin John.” His eyes darkened instantly. “He’s just my friend,” she rushed on, fear slipping into her voice. “Nothing more. Please.” The change in him was immediate. His handsome face hardened, every line sharp and cold. The warmth she had glimpsed earlier vanished, replaced by something stern and unreadable. He didn’t like this. Not at all. His grip on her jaw tightened suddenly, enough to make her wince. Pain flashed through her face, sharp and brief. “Jabco,” she gasped, trying to turn away. But how could she fight his strength? She tried to pull back, but his hold didn’t loosen. Her heart raced, fear finally pushing past confusion and desire. Anger burned in his eyes, fierce and contained. It was like watching fire trapped behind glass. You couldn’t feel the heat yet, but you knew it was there. Then, slowly, he released his grip. Riyana sucked in a breath, her skin still achin