My ears are ringing and my eyes are glazed over as I try and come to terms with the fact that someone just tried to kidnap me? Kill me? This stuff only happens in my romance books, not in real life.
Simon nods his head and places the call. My tears have slowed somewhat, but as soon as Simon hands me the phone, I lose it again. Hearing James’s concerned tone and that he’s on his way, feels like I’ve been wrapped in a warm blanket. I’m sitting on the cold ground, my knees tucked into my chest as I try and fail to hold it together.
He keeps talking to me in a soothing voice, variations of “It’s okay, pretty girl, I’m on my way,” and “It’s gonna be okay. You’re safe now.”
I hear the screech of tires and a car door slam before someone’s grabbing me and hauling me into their chest. I’m just about to freak out when I get a hint of smoky leather, and I instantly relax into his hold.
He’s here.
I start sobbing into his shirt, clutching at him like my life depends on it. He rubs my back with one hand, while the other strokes my hair.
“Shhh, pretty girl, I’m here,” he says, his voice breaking ever so slightly. “You’re safe now.”
And for the first time since I walked out to empty the trash, I believe him.
Chapter Twenty-Five
JAMES
Ihold Raven as close to my chest as I can get her without smothering her. Knowing that she’s safe, my body relaxes slightly, but the silent rage still simmers beneath the surface at the fact that someone would try and hurt her.
Driving through the streets to get to her, I was filled with dread. Had she been assaulted?Raped? I can honestly say I’ve never been so scared as I was when I got the call.
That leads to its own question—why do I care so much? I’ve always cared about her as an uncle does for his niece, but when did that start changing to a man caring about his woman? She’s not even mine.
But you want her to be, a voice whispers in the back of my head. I shut it down immediately, concentrating my energy on the woman in my arms.
Raven draws away, rubbing at her face and wiping her nose on her T-shirt. Her face is red and puffy, and her green eyes brighter than I’ve ever seen them. I gently rub away her tears with my thumb beforecupping her cheek in my hand. She leans into my touch, and my heart swells.
“Let’s get you out of here,” I say gently, pushing up off the floor, Raven still in my arms. No way am I letting her go yet.
“The police are on their way,” a voice, whom I’m assuming to be Simon, says.
I turn around and glance at him before putting my hand out. “Thank you. I don’t know how I can ever repay you, but if there’s anything I can do, let me know.”
Taking my hand in his, he gives a firm shake before saying, “No thanks necessary, I’m just glad I was in the right place at the right time.”
Nodding my head, I hug Raven closer and begin walking to my car. “We don’t need the police,” I call over my shoulder. “I’ll deal with it from here.”
Simon goes to protest, but I ignore him. I don’t know what’s going on, but I’ll get to the bottom of it without involving the cops.
I haven’t had the best of luck with them in the past. Not only was I overlooked as a kid with multiple broken bones and bruises, but they were so deep in my father’s pocket, I wouldn’t trust them not to be corrupt fuckers who wouldn’t give a shit. Nah, I’ll do this how I’ve always done everything—by myself.
Guiding Raven into the passenger seat, I gently close the door and walk around to the driver’s side. She’s gazing out of the window, tears tracking down her pale face as I settle in and start the engine. The radio plays quietly in the background, but neither of us speaks. I want to reach out and comfort her, but I don’t want to cause her any more distress. After the argument we had and then this, she must be ready to run for the hills, and I wouldn’t blame her.
We arrive at my house in less than fifteen minutes, the electric gates opening automatically as I drive up. I park in the garage and usherRaven inside, sitting her on the sofa before pouring us both a glass of whiskey. I hand the glass to her, and she silently takes it from me, staring off into the distance.
I stand watching her, waiting. When she doesn’t make a move, I gently say, “Drink, pretty girl.”
Raven does as I ask and takes a sip before downing it in one. I would usually raise an eyebrow at her throwing back a hundred-year-old glass of Glenfiddich, but I think tonight’s called for it.
Walking back to the bar, I pour another, smaller glass and hand it to her. This time, thankfully, she just holds it in her hands, looking down at it.
Not wanting to crowd her, I sit opposite her, my own glass of whiskey in my hand as I ask, “What happened, Raven. I’m going out of my mind here.”
“M-me to-too.” She peers up at me from beneath her lashes, her green eyes filled with tears as her breath quickens. “I-I—” She stops, the sobs coming harder as she tries to force the words out. I rush over to her, pulling her into my chest. “H-he—Did?—”
“Ssh, pretty girl. It’s okay. Take a moment. Breathe. Can you do that for me?”
