Page 70 of Running Winter

"Of course I know that. The question is, why? Who the fuck is he?" Chase snapped, surprising me.

I'd expected him to attack me for even suggesting as much to him, especially after they'd declared their love for one another barely twenty-four hours ago.

"Someone bad." I mused, avoiding the glare directed at me. "Otherwise, why lie? To you and her parents."

"Who does Rayna follow on Instagram that’s bad?" Chase snorted, nodding at me. "Other than you."

"Fuck knows, but now I'm intrigued. What makes you so sure she ain't off getting fucked six ways from Sunday, dude?"

"Because I know her. She isn't like that."

There was no getting through to him, so I dragged my phone out of my jeans pocket, messaging Elise on Instagram.

I didn't follow her, and we didn't have any mutual friends. Luckily she was simple enough to use her full name as her handle, so she wasn't hard to find.

"What're you doing?" Chase demanded.

"Asking Elise where she is." I shrugged.

"Elise doesn't know."

"Chase, if Elise doesn't know where she is, that doesn't mean she doesn't know who she is with."

Rafe:

Hey, Elise. I know it's a little random, but Chase is getting worried about Rayna. I'm trying to hold him back from calling the cops—but I need to know what you know. Pronto.

Elise

Why would I tell you?

"Bitch," I muttered with irritation. "She knows something."

Rafe:

Because you give a shit about your friend?

Elise:

I don't know his name.

Ah, fuck.

I was livid.

I clicked on Rayna's profile to send her a message.

Rafe:

This is not fucking cool, Rayna. Chase flew back from LA for you—and you are shacked up with some guy? Put Chase out of his misery, and stop being a bitch.

"Well?"

Chase looked like he was a coiled spring, ready to launch himself appropriately when told any news. His eyes were wide and bloodshot, worry all over his face. If this was love, you could keep it.

"She’s with a guy, Chase."

His eyes clouded with anger, his jaw set.

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