Page 45 of Never Gonna Lie
RAVEN
Anxiety pools in my chest as I say goodbye to Sarah, and I’m left alone for the evening shift. I never used to worry about being on my own until someone tried to kill me. The breathing techniques my therapist suggested and my wrist band have been used more than once a day since it happened.
You’re safe. There’s no threat.
Well, that’s kind of a lie, but it’s the only way to keep myself from spiraling too deeply.
Leo, my new security guard, has been great, though, I don’t even know he’s there half the time. He’s just this quiet presence that takes the edge off of my fears. It helps that he’s freaking gorgeous—buff, shaved head, tattoos on his arms—his husband’s a lucky guy. We’ve gotten to know each other pretty well over the last month, and I’ll be sad to see him go when he inevitably moves on to his next client.
“Raven?”
My name being called pulls me back and I glance up to find Leo with a worried expression on his face.
“I’m good.” I smile softly. “Just lost in thought.”
He nods his head and goes back to his seat by the window, opening his book.
“It’s a waste of a good book if you don’t actually read it, Leo,” I call out, gesturing toward his book.
“Who said I wasn’t?” he says as he places the book on his lap, quirking an eyebrow.
Seeing as there’s no one in the shop, I walk over and sit with him. A smirk tugs at my lips as I reply, “What’s it about then?”
“It’s a fantasy book.”
“I got that from the cover,” I laugh. “But if you're reading it, what’s it about?”
“Magic, fae, a badass FMC, and a swoon-worthy MMC that makes my husband’s dirty mouth seem tame.”
My ears perk up. My biggest love is reading, so when someone engages with me the way Leo is, I’m in my element.
“Okay, fine,” I huff, pretending I’m put out when in reality I’m desperate to get my hands on it. “You’ve twisted my arm. I need this book and I need it now.” I put my hand out, wiggling my fingers at him.
“The Diamond Palaceby T.M. Kirk,” he says as he places the book in front of me.
I snatch the book up and start the first chapter, uncaring that I’m supposed to be working. “Hooooly shi?—”
He chuckles as he interrupts me, “Good, right?”
“Hmm,” I mumble, completely unaware of what he just said, too engrossed in the book.
The ringing of the bell shifts my focus, and I begrudgingly hand the book back to Leo. Walking toward the counter, I serve the customer, making a note to download the book later tonight so I can finish it.
Pushing the door open, I turn and wave to Leo before closing the door and dropping the keys on the sideboard. I take my shoes off, planning on heading straight to my room for a shower—the sweat and grime from the day always makes me feel disgustingly gross after—but noises from the kitchen stop me in my tracks.
My feet move of their own accord toward the sound. The closer I get, the more my chest tightens with jealousy. I can hear the tinkling of a woman’s laughter, and all the fears of being under James’s roof echo through me. His responding laughter doesn’t help either.
Slowly opening the door, I’m met with a stunning brunette—beautiful eyes, long legs, and a body I would kill for. My insecurities hit me hard, and I swallow back the self-doubt.
The woman looks over at the door opening and gives me a kind smile. “Hi,” she says as she rushes to greet me. “I’m Rebecca.” She places her hand out, and I awkwardly take it.
“Raven,” I reply, feeling uncomfortable now that I’ve interrupted their date.
Rebecca’s smile grows wider at my name. “Oh, I’ve heard so much about you.”
My brows furrow. “You have?” I glance over at James, who’s watching me. “Should I be worried?”
She chuckles as she walks back to the counter where James is standing. “Not at all.”
