Page 64 of Obsessions of the Heart

When I finally looked back up, I laughed and nodded, pretending I hadn’t noticed anything was off, but I kept that a little tidbit in my brain to examine later. She climbed into bed, apologizing again for being rude, and when I waved her off, she gave me a small knowing smile, laid down, and said good night.

With the lights off and the subtle pounding of the party going on down the hallway, my mind couldn’t shut off. Who the fuck are the people that I’ve surrounded myself with?

When I woke up, Cin was already gone. She left a message saying she had an appointment with a professor, but did she really? I hated that I was questioning everything and everyone. My bones got weak from just thinking about living my life like this again.

Glancing at my phone, I saw that it was a little over thirty minutes from when I was to meet up with Ravi. Flutters flourished in my stomach at the thought of seeing him, and I realized I didn't know how to act now.

Before, when we were just friends, there were boundaries not to be crossed, but now I had no idea. Were we friends with benefits? Star-crossed lovers? College buddies? Boyfriend, boyfriend, boyfriend, and girlfriend? Was there even a word for that kind of relationship?

I didn't want to be the first one to bring it up. Not only was that embarrassing, but if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it, right?

Shoving all of that to the side, I got ready. A pair of skinny jeans with an off-the-shoulder crop top with a distressed set of kissing lips across the front. Putting my hair up in a messy bun and slipping on the new black Vans Ravi had purchased behind my back, I was ready for the day.

Since I didn't have class, I picked up the new olive green crossbody and put my wallet, keys, and phone in it.

It was a beautiful day to be out, sunny with clouds and a light breeze that filled my lungs with natural fall smells. Making my way to the coffee shop, I went in and looked around. When I didn't see Ravi, I got in line to order.

The line went quickly since the cashier seemed to know what he was doing, moving people along in a professional and efficient manner. When I stepped up, he blinked a few times before his smile got wider. “Welcome to the Bean Machine. Have you been here before?”

I shook my head, and he licked his lips as his eyes went up and down. “Oh, don’t worry. I’ll make sure to take very good care of you. Do you know what you want?”

“Sugar. Lots of sugar with my coffee.” He laughed at my answer, but I just shrugged. It was the truest answer I could give.

“Okay. I got it. How about the white chocolate mocha? It's got all the sugar and the caffeine kick you need to wake up.”

Eyes going soft, I almost purred, “That sounds perfect.”

He pressed a few keys and I paid for it, moving down the pick-up line while checking my message from Ravi. He hadn’t responded to my question of whether he wanted anything.

“Layrin? White chocolate mocha?”

I pushed my way forward to where the cashier was standing, holding my drink with a smile on his face. Weird.

“That's me.” I grabbed it, about to turn away, but the cup wouldn't move. I looked down and saw his hand still on it.

“I was wondering if I could get your number. You’re gorge—” The next thing out of his mouth was a cry full of pain.

“What the fuck are you thinking of doing, coffee boy?” Ravi’s voice was low, darkness spilling from his mouth and his eyes pouring out pure venom. His hand was circled around the barista’s wrist, squeezing it in a death grip.

He leaned forward, getting in his scrunched up, agony-filled face. “Filth like you will never touch the sun. Don’t covet what isn’t yours.” His faint acidic tone was low enough to only be heard by the three of us, its malice causing chills to run down my spine. Ravi’s thumb pressed down, and a crack sounded before he let the barista go. The barista clutched at his hand, tears in his eyes.

Like a switch was flicked, Ravi turned to me with a smile and handed me the cup. “I think this is yours, my love.” His arm gently went around my shoulders as he turned me away, and we walked out. “I think it's best if I take you and the sugar bomb outside with me.”

All eyes were on him, filled with fear. It was a weird feeling to see everyone so afraid of my sweet and funny Ravi. My eyes flicked to his face. Gone were the shadows and menacing presence. Only a smile and a pep to his step remained. He opened the door, winking at me before he led me out.

I guessed everyone had something they hid, but for some strange reason, I wasn't scared of him. Wasn't truly scared of any of them now that they were starting to show me this commanding, fearsome side. It was more of a curiosity. While I did trust them not to hurt me, I wanted to be let inside, to join the exclusive club that the triplets and Cin seemed to be a part of, where there were no mysteries or secrets left to reveal.

“Take me to the house.” The words spilled out before I thought about them, but I wanted to talk to all of them, be with all of them.

Ravi paused, turning to me with a parted mouth and wide eyes, but he quickly covered his surprise with a smile that could rival the sun's power. “You got it. Let me go get the car.” He pulled out his keys and bowed to me. “Your chariot will be here momentarily, my lady.”

Rolling my eyes, I couldn’t help the intoxicating thrill that shot through me. They all did this to me in one way or another by making me feel cherished, special… loved.

Staring into my cup, I basked in the feelings I had never truly felt before. I was so preoccupied, I didn't pay attention to my surroundings. I didn't hear the screeching of tires or the gasps of the people behind me. I didn't notice, until the last second when I looked up, expecting Ravi, that a revved-up black sedan was barreling its way straight for me.

Chapter 22

My fists clenched and unclenched as I tried to calm my body down. To have known what her lips felt like, her lustful noises, the softness of the skin between her thighs, then to have to watch another man covet what was ours? Yep, this was way worse than obsessing over her from afar.

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