Page 98 of Running Winter

He stormed past me, going back into the house for the car keys.

Manny followed him out, his eyes bulging when he saw me.

"Miss Raven, you look great and all, but if your father—"

"My father isn't here. Have a good night, Manny.”

I smiled crisply before following Leigh to the car.

Manny paled slightly, and I tried to hide my smile. Manny would have a heart attack now, but I didn't care; I was going to a party with my friend and of course, my bodyguard.

The drive there was silent as I swept through my social media feed, giving Leigh directions as I did.

"We need to establish some rules, Raven.” Leigh drummed his fingers on the steering wheel, glancing left and right before he turned onto another road.

"Rules? What is this, prison?" I scowled, looking up from my phone.

"You'd think it was fucking kindergarten," Leigh muttered, sending me another irritated glance. His jaw clenched again, and I gazed at him a little longer than I should have.

Nanna's words rang in my ears, and I pushed them away. Even if he was handsome, he was a brute.

"Don't go anywhere without telling me. If you feel at all uncomfortable, tell me, and we will leave immediately."

"Yes, Sir.” I examined my nails, already bored of the conversation.

"Raven, I'm just looking out for you. Don't be a bitch," Leigh sighed, rubbing his hand over his head repeatedly. "Is this the place?"

I checked my phone and confirmed with a nod of my head that we had arrived. I ignored his comments and got out of the car so fast he cursed as he parked.

"Raven!"

I stopped, turning back towards him with irritation.

Leigh strode up to me, his hands resting on my shoulders.

For a brief second, I was lost in his eyes, which seemed to soften as he gazed at me.

"Please, doll. Do what you want, but let me keep you safe."

I rolled my eyes as I shook his hands off, nodding dejectedly.

"Fine, Kevin Costner, but I'm going to have fun. So I suggest you try to do the same."

Leigh grinned a little, and before he could see that I was smiling too, I turned on my heel and strode towards the large house that awaited us.

Leigh looked surprised at the calm that greeted us and shook his head at the offer of champagne as we walked in.

The floor was polished to such a high standard; my heels clicked against it as I walked.

High school students were having a blast everywhere around us, and the music vibrated beneath my feet.

There was a group of kids playing poker, and I had no doubt that it was the strip version when I saw the pool filled with girls screeching as they made a feeble attempt to cover their modesty.

"Raven! Ooh, hello, beautiful. Who is this?"

I stiffened at the Jael’s voice, and instinctively turned to see Leigh's reaction.

Jael looked sensational in a long black dress with slits up the thighs, her makeup expertly applied to enhance her beauty. She gazed at Leigh with wide chocolate brown eyes while nudging me hard in the ribs.

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