Page 104 of Running Winter

"Go to bed, Raven."

Leigh’s voice was strained, and I could tell he was struggling.

"Only if you come with me," I purred, holding out my hand.

There's a moment between us, where I wasn’t sure if he was going to fuck me or kill me. But he rose to his feet, dragging a blanket from the sofa around my shoulders.

"Stop using yourself as a weapon. Save yourself."

Leigh walked past me, heading towards my room as he carried my dress in one hand.

I followed him, my mind a whirlwind of emotions.

No man ever dared touch me because of my father. Oh, and my grandfather, my cousin, my uncle, and of course, my brother.

But I wanted someone to.

The ache I had inside of me never went away, no matter how many times I stroked myself into a frenzy. There's only so much porn and imagination one could endure while craving the real thing.

Dropping the blanket to the floor, I peeled my panties off and kicked my shoes to the side.

It was pointless trying to seduce anyone—including Leigh. He'd made it clear he saw me as a kid—a desperate one at that.

I stepped under the water of the shower, allowing it to burn my skin at its highest heat. The pain took away my anger at being treated like a prisoner and deprived of human affection and touch.

What man would ever stand up to my family?

Jared would stand up to Rafe, but not for me, only because he hated him.

Before I knew it, hot tears were spilling down my cheeks, and I let out a cry of frustration.

It didn't make any difference that I had everything I could want materially—I wanted a man.

I don’t need one—I want one.

But not just any. I wanted a man that could handle my family—and me.

"Raven?"

The glass door of the shower slid open, and I turned to see Leigh gazing at me with concern.

"What's wrong?"

He didn't even glance down at me, despite me standing naked in a shower.

"Why don't you want me?" I whispered as his gaze softened. "Do you see me as a kid?"

My lip quivered, and he shook his head.

"Is that what this is? The fact that one guy that isn't falling at your pretty little feet is making you cry?"

"Maybe," I shrugged, gazing at him as though seeing him for the first time. "Maybe I'm just frustrated with everything. I should be happy. But I'm not."

I turned away from him, aware I'd told him something I'd never told anyone.

I feel trapped in my life.

"Come on, Princess. It can't be that hard; being loved and adored so much your daddy pays a man to guard your body and your life."

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