Page 53 of Into the Light

“Come with me,” I said with urgency, our connection palpable, the moonlight casting enchanting shadows on her face. I looked up at the stars, and it felt as if some of them were twinkling down at me.

Good one, brother.In some alternate universe, this was Ash’s permission, all the assurance I needed to take Ember there.

“Where are we going?”

“A place that is special to me,” I said as I handed her a sleek, blacked-out helmet, its matte finish seen faintly in the night. Without hesitation, she mounted the bike, her arms wrapping around me, her body fitting perfectly against mine. It surprised me how much I loved holding her close, the possessiveness bubbling within me, a fire I couldn’t contain. I pulled out of the driveway without a second glance at the house because I had everything I could ever want right here.

Chapter eighteen

I didn’t know what came over me, but when I heard Rain, an inexplicable urge surged within me. I longed to stride up to him and assure him everything was all right. Forgiving him tugged at me, but I also yearned for him to display a bit of humility. There was something unmistakable between us—something substantial and distinct from what I’d experienced before. It felt steady and grounded, lacking the usual whirlwind of emotions. Our connection was built on mutual respect.

If I had to describe it to someone, I’d say my love with Ash had been immediate and passionate. I loved Ash wholeheartedly, but what I had with Rain was growing. It felt like we were constructing a foundation, as though we were nurturing the roots of a flourishing tree. I wanted to explore where these roots would lead us, to witness the beautiful blossoms they might bear. Assuring that our connection wasn’t merely a result of the trauma we’d both endured was crucial. I longed to delve deeper into each other’s lives, to uncover our shared interests and differences before I could fully commit.

However, as I entered the room and saw Rain standing up to Mr. Ortiz, I realized he was venturing into forbidden territory. You never spoke disrespectfully to the boss. Yet, in that moment, my curiosity for him deepened. I hungered to unravel the intricate layers of our emotions.

I closed my eyes, my head resting on Rain’s back as he guided me through the woods. Partially because I was terrified of this stupid motorcycle, but also because it felt . . . secure.

As I drifted off into a nice lull, we pulled up to a little portion of the woods where an ATV was parked behind a large tree trunk.

Rain pulled the bike behind the tree before helping me off.

“Wait . . . you got me into this death trap but now you’re saying I have to go into that one?” I pointed to the ATV, and Rain only chuckled.

“Come on, mi pareja. I will even let you drive.” He tossed me the keys, and I caught them midair.

“How will I know what or where I’m driving to?” I asked.

“I’ll guide you.” He answered simply, which only piqued my curiosity more.

Fuck it. Tis the season for change, I may as well give this thing a try. I mounted the ATV, and Rain helped turn it on for me. He got on behind me and leaned so his chest was pressed tightly against my back.

Languidly, he placed his fingers atop mine and rested his head against the shell of my ear.

“Drive,” he demanded, and the way he spoke the word slowly, yet with a hint of a command to it, sent a shiver through my entire body. I swallowed, and I swore the cold air permeated into my lungs as I peeled out of the small clearing and drove forward.

I wouldn’t lie, this was much harder than it initially looked, because I had to dodge massive pine trees, and the deeper we got, the closer together we became.

“You are doing so good, mi pareja.” Rain praised as his hands did most of the work, navigating us through the forest.

“We are close now,” he whispered, and sure enough, a small light illuminated the porch of the world’s tiniest little cabin.

“Lift up on the brake, let go of the accelerator so we can slow down,” Rain instructed.

I did, and we came to a halt. It was far darker and cooler in this part of the forest, but the nervousness I felt through my body wasn’t just because we were in the forest.

“What is this place?” I asked, my breath catching in my throat.

“My hunting cabin,” he replied, and suddenly, everything fell into place. This was the spot where Ash was supposed to spend the night during last year’s bonfire.

“This is yours?” I asked, and he confirmed it with a nod.

“I bought it when I was a freshman, using some money my . . . dad had given me.” He paused briefly, and I sensed a deeper story there. “I needed a getaway from the Den, so I, along with a few guys, pretended it was a hideout for everyone. We even installed a septic tank in the back for plumbing and running water. And here it is.”

I gazed around in wonder. The cabin exuded a charming and rustic aura amid the towering pines. It was a humble abode, yet the fact Rain had constructed it himself made it even more endearing.

“It’s incredible,” I murmured, my admiration evident as I approached the front door.

Rain walked in front of me and unlocked the door.

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