Page 75 of Running Winter

"One of the women that worked there gave me a number. She told me to call it and say you were looking for a missing twin. Some people do this shit on purpose as experiments," Rayna spat out as I frowned.

"Like scientific research type thing?"

"Nature versus nurture. Are twins really alike?" Rayna snapped bitterly.

We were silent then, and I waited for her to speak again.

"Well, the scientists in question asked a bunch of questions about me how I was doing at school if I'd been in trouble with the law—blah blah, blah. They said they would speak with my twin and give them my details. It was up to them to make contact with me then."

"Why didn't you tell me, Ray?" I asked as she closed her eyes.

"Because I had a feeling you and I wouldn't ever happen. I honestly didn't think you would speak to me again, let alone…"

Rayna indicated between us with her finger before throwing her hands up helplessly.

"Us. I know," I said, knowing it was not the time or the place to be discussing logistics between us.

"So anyway, you flew to LA. I was sad, but you know...It was supposed to be two nights. Then I got a phone call from Leigh. We talked for a short while, and I arranged to meet him the next day. The day you called me."

"Right, but why leave? Why not tell someone where you went? I was so fucking worried.”

I finally let out my anger and she nodded glumly.

"Because I felt like I'd just got you back. Then I had all of this happening, and you were just getting ready for this amazing adventure in California…" her voice trailed off and her lower lip trembled. "I knew if I told you, you'd come back. I wanted you to enjoy it, not come back here for me and my problems."

"But by ignoring my calls, I came back anyway,” I pointed out, exhaling with annoyance. "Don't make decisions for me, Rayna, and don't ever fucking make them for us. You tell me everything. Otherwise, we're fucked."

Rayna nodded, turning towards me. Her eyes shone with tears, and my anger moved from her direction to that of the system that fucked her over.

"I'm sor—" she began before I cut her off by tugging her into my arms with such force she lifted off the bench and onto my lap.

I kissed her hungrily, unable to get enough of her.

Her hand slipped around my neck, her nails caressing the sensitive skin as my tongue explored her mouth. My hands gripped her waist, holding her in place. She broke away first, her fingers caressing my chin as she did.

"If you're with me, you won't get the Fallon fairytale, you know," she whispered sadly. "I'm anything but a princess waiting for my knight in shining armor."

She moved my hair out of my face, and I shook my head.

"Then you can be my damsel in distress. I've got you, Ray."

"Chase, you don't have to; it’s complicated and sad."

"Shut the fuck up and kiss me," I demanded as she finally smiled.

"Okay."

MOM KNOWS BEST

R A F E

I was lounging on the sofa, idly watching a game, when Chase and Rayna arrived.

Mom made a face at me as she announced their arrival, and I rolled my eyes. Mom still believed Rayna was meant to be mine—so far from the truth, it was unreal.

Rayna looked like she had been through hell, and Chase looked like he had gone with her. The look in his eyes told me it wasn't yet over, and I knew that was why they were here.

"Afternoon," I greeted them, flicking the television off. "I have to say, Rayna, I had quite the catch in Cali before we left early to come and find you."

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