Page 81 of Running Winter

"I'll leave it to you to discuss then." I grinned, directing Rayna towards the door. She looked at me with surprise, but then she realized. She needed to go home.

"I'll come with you. You need to tell your Mom and Dad," I sighed, kissing her lips softly.

It was only when I looked up did I see three pairs of eyes staring at me knowingly.

She's the one.

PART TWO

RAVEN

My brother had a final game, and this time even Dad made it.

It was your typical high school shit show—tons of cheerleading starlets beaming their perfect Hollywood smiles, while the football team jogged out to a roar of applause.

I was bored, mainly because I had zero interest in football. My interests were varied, but usually, I preferred things that were off-limits.

I couldn't help it—I was an old soul in a young body.

I loved partying, but there were only so many high school parties I could take. My brother or cousin went to all the best ones, so I had to be careful and avoid those. But guys my age were so…dull. Of course, girls usually went out with guys older than them, but even that didn't change things.

I want a man.

"Raven, your brother is in,” Dad barked, forcing me to pay attention.

"Dad, you know I hate football."

"But you love your brother, so at least pretend to pay attention," Dad replied, his eyes narrowing when Rafe got into an argument with the opposing quarterback.

Oh, now this is interesting.

Two guys shoving one another with helmets and shoulder pads just made me giggle.

I mean, come on.

No one was going to get hurt, were they?

"Fucks sake, Rafe," Dad muttered as Mom peered at the field with annoyance.

"Who is that boy? Why is he fighting Rafe?" she demanded as Chase leaned forward.

"It's Jared."

"Oh, him again. What is the problem with these two? It's just a game." Mom shrugged, her glossy hair shimmering under the late afternoon sun.

I was glad I'd stuck to my original outfit choice of cut-off denim shorts and a white tank top, but even so, beads of sweat trickled down my back.

"I need a drink," I announced, standing up and pushing past Dad, who glanced at me irritably.

"The game is over in twenty minutes. Your brother will probably be escorted off by then anyway," Dad scoffed, folding his arms in exasperation.

"Do you want one, Daddy?" I asked sweetly, making sure to widen my eyes innocently.

I m a daddy's girl and proud of it.

If he knew the thoughts I had about some of his guards—well. He would kill me and them, I was sure.

"I'll get Manny to get you one." Dad offered, but I shook my head at the man sweating beside Dad.

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