My Psycho Billionaire

Raven Has Found His Prey

"My daughter isn’t some object you can just point at and claim as your own," Father’s voice rang out clearly as he refused Rovano’s request.

I stared at him in disbelief. We’d only just met and he wanted me? Give me a break! He’s a madman.

Meeting a stranger was terrifying; it wasn’t like what I’d seen in the films. Was this why I wasn’t allowed to leave this mansion?

I didn’t look at Rovano at all; I walked away from him to the table where my mother was already sitting. The event was about to begin, and Father was going to introduce me to all his business guests.

Rovano was watching me; I could see it clearly from where I was standing. His dark eyes were fixed on me, not letting me out of his sight for a moment.

After I’d been introduced and the event moved on to the banquet, I decided to leave the hall. It felt boring being there; it turned out that people from outside the mansion weren’t all that interesting to me.

In fact, it’s Rovano who’s been on my mind all this time. That man has been keeping me within his line of sight so he can watch me at all times.

Luckily, it seems I’ve managed to shake him off now.

I walked towards the back garden, where I usually go to be alone. At least here, perhaps I’ll be free from Rovano’s gaze.

Just as I breathed a sigh of relief, I sensed someone standing right behind me.

My throat felt dry; I swallowed hard, the atmosphere around me felt oppressive.

Slowly I turned around; there stood a tall figure wearing a white shirt with the top two buttons undone, and a black tuxedo draped casually over his broad shoulders.

His muscular hands were tucked into his trouser pockets; any girl would surely be captivated by such a handsome man striking such a cool pose.

But I was absolutely terrified when I saw him.

Cold sweat trickled down my temples and my hands suddenly trembled; I hadn’t even realised my whole body was shaking so violently.

Tap, Tap, Tap.

It’s Rovano—that man followed me all the way to the back garden! What on earth!

Rovano walked slowly; with every step he took, my heart seemed to beat faster.

Now he was getting closer; just one step away from me, he towered over me as I stood there. In any case, I had to get out of here quickly if I wanted any peace.

Rovano stood tall, looking slightly relaxed; he stared at me with his piercing eyes, not forgetting the smirk clearly etched on his handsome face.

Slowly I tilted my head back to look at Rovano, who was now slightly bending down to look at my face. The difference in our heights made me feel even more intimidated by him.

Rovano suddenly brought his face close to mine, his eyes locked on mine.

Damn, I could barely breathe and barely managed to steady my trembling body, taking a step back because I felt cornered.

This man really won’t let me go.

Our foreheads were almost touching and I lost the nerve to speak. Are all men like this? Scary, unfriendly, and often intimidating?

"Do you know... Raven?" Rovano asked in a low voice, almost a whisper.

We were so close that I could only look away; I could even feel his breath on my face.

Bloody hell! I needed space to breathe freely, but this man was too close; I couldn’t move a muscle.

“Valerie,” he called my name.

“H-huh?” I stammered.

“Raven,” Rovano repeated; he gave a fleeting smile, which felt more like a sly grin.

I blinked repeatedly, frightened and confused by what Rovano was doing right now. That handsome man was cornering me.

“R-raven?” My voice finally came out, though very faintly, "A black bird of prey?"

A sly grin reappeared on Rovano’s thin lips, “That’s right.”

Rovano gave me a little space; he stepped back slightly, but that gave me a chance to breathe a little easier.

“Ravens usually choose their prey,” Rovano whispered again, “to survive.”

His right hand rose and his fingers gently stroked my left cheek; my eyes widened in surprise.

His touch felt soothing; was this man teasing me through his touch? I swallowed hard once more, Rovano’s gaze now locked onto me.

That piercing stare penetrated my green eyes, so deeply it felt like a pressure that was hard to interpret.

“And that raven has found his prey.”