Page 127 of Running Winter

"You did some digging, did ya?"

His voice was dangerously quiet, and I swallowed, knowing I was skating on thin ice.

"You wouldn't tell me," I shot back, leaning back in my father's chair. "I want to know everything about the man I'm sharing a bed with—"

"For fucks sake, Raven! Is that all I am to you? A walking cock?"

Leigh’s eyes blazed, and I hated how it excited me.

I loved him even more when he was angry.

He slid the folder over to him, flipping through the contents as I sat quietly.

The pain on his face made me cry, and he stared up at me with disappointment and sadness. His eyes hardened, and I took a deep breath.

"No, you aren't," I whispered, my eyes burning into his. "You're not just the man I fuck. You’re the man I'm in love with."

His face changed then, and he let out a surprised laugh.

"Up until your little investigation, what did you even know about me, Raven?" Leigh asked, his knuckles gripping the chair tightly.

His tight black shirt clung to his muscles, and the chain he wore around his neck dangled between us as he leaned forwards.

"It doesn't make a difference what I knew then!" I argued, my eyes narrowing.

"Of course it does. Because now you want to save the broken boy," he said bitterly. "Why, Raven? Just have me as your toy for a few more days. Daddy will be back soon, and this will all be over."

I went to respond when I heard the sound of my father's shoes in the hallway behind him.

"Daddy is back." Came the voice of my father as Leigh closed his eyes.

I sat up, peering around Leigh to see my father's bright green eyes burning into mine. His jaw was clenched, his skin deeply tanned.

I then saw my mother's head appear at his shoulder, her face relaxed and happy.

"Great, the house hasn't burned down," she cheerfully said as Dad moved his gaze to Leigh.

"Not yet, anyway," he growled.

Mom frowned, clearly confused.

"Did I miss something?"

Leigh stood up then, turning towards my Dad, who was surprisingly calm.

I stood up too, but Dad pointed back at the chair, indicating for me to remain seated.

"I think Leigh and Raven have been playing together, my darling," Dad purred, not taking his eyes away from Leigh. "Isn’t that right, Leigh?"

"Lucas, I can explain—" Leigh began as Dad lifted his eyebrows in response.

"Oh, good. Because I have a few questions if you would be so kind as to answer them."

"Dad, I need to say something," I declared, standing up and walking to stand beside Leigh.

Both my parents gazed at me, my mother slightly pale despite her Caribbean tan.

Dad looked like he was going to murder us all, so I cut to the point.

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