Page 125 of Running Winter

"You miss the sex," Heather whispered, trying to push me away. "You're a fuck—"

"Don't say that," I commanded, "I miss you. Ever since I saw you, I knew."

"Knew what?" Heather frowned, her eyes searching mine.

It was now or never.

"That you were meant to be mine."

"Bullshit, I'm not anyone’s. Least of all yours," Heather huffed, but her body deceived her.

Her hands moved slowly up towards my neck as her breath hitched in her throat.

"No, you are. You're mine. And if you want me, I'm yours," I whispered, lowering my mouth to hers, her sweet breath sending me insane with desire. "Not one girl compares to you. Trust me. I’ve looked."

Heather was silent, her eyes filled with fear and desire.

"No, Rafe, what we had was just sex," she said, her voice shaking. "You're not capable of monogamy; you’re nineteen—"

I kissed her then, and I heard her friends cheer from the side of us.

She resisted for what felt like seconds, but then she kissed me back. Her nails grazed the back of my neck, and her body pressed against mine.

I lost track of time, and none of our friends were anywhere in sight when we finally pulled apart.

"So you forgive me?" I asked, kissing her again as she groaned.

"Why me, Rafe? You could have anyone," Heather murmured, and I glanced down to see her hand on my arm.

"So could you."

"I could never trust you.” Heather sighed, wrapping her arms around my neck.

"Trust is earned, like respect." I shrugged, dipping my head down to kiss her. "I'll earn it. But I mean it, Heather, I want you. All of you. Come home with me."

"Seriously? I knew it was the sex!" Heather teased, and I smirked.

"Well, yeah, that and the fact I've had no sleep, and I'd quite like to wake up with you tomorrow."

"Why have you had no sleep?" Heather demanded with disgust, and I shook my head.

"Because of my shitty neighbors, up fucking all night."

"Well," Heather breathed seductively, pressing herself closer to me. "Maybe we can pay them back tonight?"

It was home time.

DIVORCE

R A V E N

Something had changed within me.

It was almost as though something had been jarred loose, and it was consuming me.

The darkness that seeped through my veins felt entirely natural, and I couldn't help but want to exercise more of it.

The killing of Hetty Simmonds had made the news, of course, and earned me a wide berth by all that knew I was responsible.

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