Jake P.O.V.

I swallowed another mouthful of lobster risotto as my mother droned on about money and business to a pile of old stiff-necked business owners. What joy.

I distractedly twirled my spoon and my mind drifted to Ri.

I felt really bad about what I said, I really did. But when I saw her over at Max's house, a strange anger had taken over me and I lashed out at Ri. I couldn't really believe I had kicked her out of my car on the side of the highway. That was a really good boyfriend move.

I had already sent out ten butlers to search for her and pick her up. I had plans all ready to give her a tub of Ben and Jerry's ice-cream and the movie Titanic. Then I would kiss her and tell her how sorry I was and she would kiss me back and all would be forgiven.

A beep sounded softly in the small microphone Bluetooth device I had in my ear. I clicked it and listened,

"We cannot find her sir. I suggest we call a more specialized force."

I growled in irritation. Where the hell could she have gone?

"Do it."

I clicked it off and turned to my mother, placing my napkin on my seat as I stood up. I gave a slight bow to our guests and made myself sound apologetic,

"I am terribly sorry, but a serious personal matter has risen that I have to tend to, so I will be excusing myself now. Have a good day."

I rushed out of the room before my annoying mother could stop me, my mind only focused on my beloved Ri.

~~~~~~~~

"WHAT DO YOU MEAN SHE WAS ABDUCTED?!"

The agent in front of me barely flinched to his credit. He replied briskly,

"We found tire tracks and foot prints that showed someone exited the car and someone joined in getting back in. Do you have any suspects, sir?"

It hit me like a flash. I growled,

"Norman Stiller..."

The agent looked surprised,

"You mean the heir of the famous Stiller company?"

I nodded and ran to my car, launching myself inside and speeding down the road to Norman's house.

Norman's maid, May, opened the door with a big hearty grin.

"Mr. Collins! What brings you here, son?"

Normally, I wasn't rude but at the moment I was so scared and angry I brushed past her and yelled,

"NORMAN! COME FACE ME LIKE A MAN YOU COWARD!"

I heard the paddle of feet and Norman appeared from around the corner of his balcony in a bathrobe. He perched his glasses on his nose and glared at me,

"What the hell's your problem, Collins?!"

I shook my fist at him,

"It's Ri! Give her back!"

Norman ran up to me and snapped,

"What the hell are you talking about I don't have her! I dropped her off at her house!"

I didn't hesitate to punch him in the gut as hard as I could,

"Don't fucking lie to me! Why would you be a nice guy?!"

Norman gasped,

"I felt guilty ok?! I realized I had been acting like a spoiled brat and I tried to fix things! Honest! I picked her up off the highway and drove her to her house!"

I froze. He looked genuine and worried,

"You did check her apartment right?"

He took her to her old apartment? No human being should have to spend three seconds in there, nonetheless a whole night!

I growled and turned at ran back to my car, ignoring May and Norman staring after me.

~~~~~~~

I pulled up in the parking lot by her apartment and felt chills run up my spine. This was where Ri was abused. The whole place had an eerie feel to it.

I jumped out of my car and frowned when I saw three identical black sports cars parked in front her door. I ignored the bad feeling I had my chest and ran into the apartment, throwing the door open. Then I froze.

Ri was bound to a chair and gagged. Three tattooed men were surrounding her and smirking at her. But what really stopped my heart was who I saw by her.

His eyes were still the same, still dark and unfeeling.

They locked onto mine and a small smile tugged at his thin lips before Ajax kissed the only girl I had ever loved, looking me in the eye tauntingly the whole time.

My heart burned with pain and the most unbelievable rage I had ever felt washed over me. He pulled away from her and smiled at me, opening his arms for a hug,

"My dear cousin Jake, what a surprise! Come give your Cousin Ajax a big ol' hug!"

I was so angry my throat closed up and before I could think, I was running towards him, aiming to punch him the face. The only thing I wanted was to get him away from Ri; to protect her.

Ajax grinned and snapped his fingers. Instantly, the tattooed men surrounded me and threw me down on the floor, tying my hands behind me back. I yelled and struggled,

"YOU BASTARD WHAT ARE YOU DOING TO HER?!"

Ajax pouted mockingly as he turned Ri's chair around so she could look at me. Her eyes locked onto mine, shiny with tears and terror.

"I would never hurt her Jake don't worry. I've told you this once already haven't I?"

Ri's eyebrows furrowed in confusion and I felt myself echo her state. What was Ajax talking about?

He laughed and hugged Ri from behind around the chair,

"She's my little precious, have you forgotten all the times we all spent together Jake? I haven't."

My eyes widened as old memories poured in like a released dam. Ajax grinned when he saw the realization in my eyes,

"Ah so you remember."

He walked over to me and crouched in front of me,

"You doing better, little cuz? I was worried about you, ya know, leaving LA so suddenly."

Plucking at my pride, I spat in his face, making him take a startled step back. Anger bloomed in his eyes even though he smiled his greasy creepy smile,

"Still spunky huh? That's cool, that's the way I like you; however, I have a bone to pick with you."

He crouched in front of me again, clucking his tongue and shaking his head,

"Ya know, I was always envious of the fact you were born with a silver spoon shoved up your ass. I got the gang leader daddy and you got the rich happy household. Yet you never realized it."

His grin dropped and his lips twitched into a sneer,

"That could have been me ya know, getting everything I ever wanted, the money, the cars,"

He paused and looked at Ri before finishing,

"the women. But no, I had to work for everything, even just a place to stay. But hey man, look at me now! I run the largest gang in the United States! I control your fate!"

He tapped his chin, pretending to look thoughtful,

"See, I could have you killed by my man Tom right here, right now. Or I could make you watch as I make the pure little innocent cutie here scream, in more ways than one, THEN kill you. Which one do you think, hm?"

My eyes widened along with Ri's. He was crazy! He was clinically insane!

The amused playful look on Ajax's face suddenly fell and he jerked his thumb towards the door.

"Get him outta here."

He grinned before raising a punch, then letting it fall.

The last thing I saw was the scared crying face of Ri, who I loved, who I would give everything to see smiling and happy again. I wanted to take this fear away.

But the strength quickly left my body, making everything go black.

~~~~~~~