Page 48 of Running Winter

“Why’d you wanna go?” I asked, leaning forward on the table to gaze at her.

“Because I just saw your cousin balls deep in that Herrod girl,” Rayna confessed, rolling her eyes. I raised my eyebrows, shaking my head as I let out a low whistle.

“What the fuck? Where?” I groaned as she shuddered.

“The girl’s restrooms. I was just paralyzed. I couldn’t move.” She laughed as I studied her.

If she liked Rafe, surely she would be immensely pissed off by now.

Or was that why she wanted to leave?

Could that be why he didn’t want to say goodbye to her?

“He was like a machine,” Rayna added as I shook my head, glancing at my cousin, who was now talking to another girl.

What the fuck is wrong with him?

“Did it bother you?” I bluntly asked as Rayna looked up at me.

“Chase, I wouldn’t want to see anyone fucking like dogs in the restrooms, and I still need a piss.”

I couldn’t help but laugh then, and she grinned, leading the way out. I followed her, sending a glance back at Rafe, who was watching us leave. He lifted his drink to me, and I smiled before following Rayna out of the club.

It was chilly outside, and I instantly swung my arm around Rayna’s shoulders in an attempt to keep her warm. To my surprise, she leaned against me, and we joined the small line of people waiting for cabs.

“You think he’s better than you, don’t you?” Rayna said, looking up at me thoughtfully.

“Rafe? He’s my boy, Ray. I don’t think either of us is better than the other.” I shrugged.

“He is gorgeous and funny,” Rayna admitted, and I felt my stomach clench with dread.

Is this it?

Was she going to confess how hurt she was after seeing him having sex with Heather?

“Oh, and talented. He did an amazing sketch of me on Sunday. I really wanted it, but I didn’t want to boost his already huge ego any further than it already is.”

What?

“He sketched you?” I said, not trusting my voice to be any higher than a whisper. “That’s…intimate.”

Rayna shrugged before looking back at me. She wrapped her arms around my waist when I heard my name being called from behind us, from the direction of the club.

“Going home already?”

It was Nina, and she was already smashed.

Not my problem.

I ignored her, turning back to Rayna, who was watching Nina from over my arm.

“But that doesn’t make him any better than you,” Rayna continued, smiling at me widely. “I don’t have just anyone as my best friend, you know. Do you know I’m pickier about my best friend than I ever would be a boyfriend?”

“Aren’t I the lucky one?” I muttered as she laced her fingers through mine.

“I don’t know why you are so pissed. I think you’re fucking amazing.”

I looked down at her, sighing as I considered my next move.

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