Page 89 of Never Gonna Lie
I huff out a laugh. “Never could keep anything from you, could I?”
“Nope. I know you better than anyone, J.” He smirks. “Just let me be there when you break the news to Drew… he’s gonna lose his shit.” Theo grins and sits back in his chair.
“Yeah, he probably is, but just as long as he treats Raven the same, he can be as mad at me as he wants.” I look at Raven, taking her in. Even in a hospital bed, wires coming out of her, her skin more pale than usual, I know I’d do anything for her. “She’s all that matters,” I mumble quietly.
Theo huffs, and I catch him rolling his eyes. “Two down, only Noah to go.”
“Huh? Who’s two down? What’s Noah got to do with it?” I ask, curiosity piqued and desperate for something to take my mind off my girl lying there.
“Caleb. Fucker went and fell in love, didn’t he?” he scoffs.
“What? No way!” I whisper-yell. “When did that happen?”
“I’ll let him tell you that story, but let’s just say he’s been a naughty boy,” he chuckles.
“Aren’t we all at some point?” I smirk, my eyes softening as they land on Raven. “I fell in love with one of my best friend’s daughters, can’t get more scandalous than that.”
Theo grins and wiggles his eyebrows. “Oh, I beg to differ.”
“Jesus.”
“Yup.”
Movement catches my eye, and I turn my head. Raven’s eyes start fluttering, and my heart leaps with hope.
Chapter Sixty
RAVEN
The quiet mutterings and incessant beeping wake me from my peaceful sleep. I hear two familiar voices but still can’t place the beeping sound. The smell comes next, the overpowering scent of bleach and disinfectant that makes my nose twitch. A hand is in mine, stroking gently, and I already know who it is from the subtle sparks I get from his touch.
I’m safe. There’s no threat.
I repeat the mantra over and over, focusing on my breathing.
I’m not locked away. I’m not being sold. I’m safe. There’s no threat.
Trying to open my eyes is hard. They feel heavy, like something’s weighing them down. It takes a few tries, but eventually the bright light of day and a pair of blue eyes meet my gaze.
I’m safe. There’s no threat.
A sob works its way up my throat as I squeeze James’s hand. I bite my lip to hold back the tsunami of tears threatening to spill over.
A chair creaks next to me, but I don’t leave James’s gaze.
I’m safe. There’s no threat.
“I’ll leave you to it,” Theo whispers gently. “Glad to see you’re okay, Raven.”
I wait until I hear the click of the door closing before I let myself crumble, gut-wrenching sobs force their way out as I think of what could’ve been. James launches himself at me, picking me up gently and placing me on his lap. I curl into his chest and expel all of the fear and anger I’ve been holding onto.
James holds me until my sobs subside, stroking my back and kissing my hair. He holds me close, not letting his grip loosen for even a second.
I’m safe. There’s no threat.
“I’m sorry,” I sniffle. “I got your T-shirt wet.”
He grasps my chin gently, tugging my face to look at him. “Fuck the T-shirt, Raven. How are you feeling?” His eyes dart between mine.
