Page 48 of Dark Bonds

“Okay.”

I disconnected the call and collapsed on my bed, crying until I could barely even breathe. The doorbell rang and I practically ran to the door to let Jason in. He swept me into his arms and just held me as I sobbed against his neck. I was vaguely aware of him closing the door and carrying me through to the living room. He waited patiently for me to calm down enough to talk.

“You know how Raven went into Chase and Seb’s room?”

“Yup and then they lost her.”

“Yes, they did. She called me just before I called you, angrier than I’ve ever heard her before. She wants nothing to do with me after what I did and I can’t say as I blame her.”

“No, don’t even go there. Sure, she’s angry but do you really think you did anything wrong?”

“Of course! I dragged her to the club, knowing it was a huge risk.”

“That may be, but you were right. If she didn’t have an interest in it, nothing in the world could have made her follow the guys into their room. It sounds more like she’s panicking because she didn’t know she had it in her and she can’t process it. You just happen to be the only person she can lash out at. Give her time and I’m sure she’ll come around.”

“Do you really think so?”

“I absolutely do. You two have been friends forever and I think she’s going to realize that it’s unreasonable to hold you to blame for this.”

“I hope you’re right. I don’t know how I’ll ever forgive myself otherwise.”

“Come on, baby girl, it’s late. Why don’t we go to bed?”

I nodded, suddenly exhausted, and headed to my room with Jason hot on my heels. I crawled into bed while he stripped off his clothes. He climbed in behind me and pulled me close, his hand tracing circles on my hip.

For the next several days, I didn’t leave my house. Hell, I didn’t even get dressed. Jason and Sasha both tried to coax me out, but I think they both realized after a couple of days that I just needed to work through it on my own. About a week after I’d taken her to Inhibition, I was surprised when my phone pinged with a message from Raven. I opened it, my stomach turning over with nerves, and hoped for the best as I read her message.

Raven: Hey, Leah, are you around?

Leah: Hey, girl, I’ve been worried. Are you still pissed at me?

Raven: No, I wanted to apologize. I overreacted the other night.

Leah: Not really, I sprung the club on you, basically tossing you into the deep end without your floaties.

Raven: LOL. A lot has happened in the last few days. Want to grab a coffee?

Leah: I can’t tonight, but could we meet for brunch tomorrow at the café near your place?

Raven: Hot date tonight? Would 10:30 give you enough time for a catnap after a wild night of sex?

Leah: LOL. That works, do you want me to swing by your place and get you?

Raven: Umm, I’m not there right now. I’ll meet you at the café.

Leah: I feel like there’s a story there, but you can tell me in the morning.

Raven: Okay, I’ll see you there!

I read her message. It was like a weight had been lifted off my shoulders. I called Jason and Sasha to let them know I was okay and that I would be meeting with Raven the next morning. The relief in their voices was obvious and I felt bad that I’d worried them as I had. I wasn’t even surprised when they showed up on my doorstep with takeout and a bottle of wine. It wasn’t what I’d planned for the evening, but they knew I needed this more than anything else. I enjoyed the evening but was eager for the morning to come.

* * *

Chase pulled into the parking lot of the café just as I was getting out of my car. He leaned over, wrapped his hand around Raven’s neck, and pulled her head back gently to kiss her. I walked towards her car, happy to see her with him. She jumped a little when I knocked on the window, flashing her a huge grin. She rolled her eyes, knowing exactly how things were going to end up with me. She gave Chase a quick peck on the lips and climbed out.

“Do you need me to pick you up?”

“No,” I said, “I’ll drop her off. I’ve got my mom’s car for the weekend.”

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