Page 52 of Quarantined
“It was incredible and eye-opening. Dad helps a lot of people. It was really moving, and he was really attentive throughout the visit.”
I don’t respond. I love Uncle John. I do. But he has failed his daughter. In the last four years, he has shown no interest in his daughter’s well-being. I would hate for her to get her hopes up after one visit.
As if she can read my apprehension, Raven says, “And when I got back to Paris, he still kept in touch regularly. He has been great lately."
I nod but stay quiet. I don’t have the heart to tell her that Uncle John probably called her frequently because she was near Theressa. He still has a weird obsession with his ex-wife.
Ironic, because I have a weird obsession with his daughter. This is why it angers me that Uncle John can make his only daughter feel so unwanted.
Raven grabs another forkful of pancakes. Suddenly thoughts of Uncle John disappear as I stare at her perfect mouth, unable to tear my eyes away. As if she can sense my change in direction, Raven pushes her plate away and stands up. “I am gonna go back to sleep. I am still jet-lagged. Can I help you clean up later?”
“Don’t worry about it. I can clean up. Go, rest.”
I stare behind Raven. She is still a flight risk and clearly uncomfortable talking about what’s going on between us. She needs more time to process.
As for myself, I don’t want to process anything. I can’t think rationally. I am just shaking with my need for her. After last night, I don’t know what’s right and wrong anymore.
Well, I do. But I am not sure if it will stop me.
The rest of the day passes in a blur for me. I meet with Asher, Jaci, Alexa, and Brandon, to discuss our next investor meetings. I wrap up and come home by five pm.
The door to Raven's room is still closed shut. It seems like Raven has stayed locked in her room all day. I whip up some dinner and wait as long as I can to knock on her door. I gave her space all day long—breathing room, time to think about it. I’ve been patient, especially after what I went through this summer. I can’t stay away anymore. We can at least have dinner together.
“Rave!” I knock on her door, as I push it open.
“Yea?” Raven is at her desk. It looks like she was fumbling with her phone. She is not in bed, but she does not look lucid and ready to take on the day either. She is wearing sleeping shorts and a casual tank top.
“I made dinner. Have you eaten anything since breakfast?”
“No. I didn’t realize it got so late.”
“Have you been in bed all day?” I wave towards her bed, wondering why I didn’t stay in bed with her.
Raven looks at me for a long while. “I tried. I couldn’t sleep. I have been trying to get in touch with dad, but the calls are not connecting.”
I don’t say anything, even though I want to. In this scenario it’s best to stay quiet.
My eyes stay fixed on her, as Raven walks towards the charging dock, presumably to charge her phone. Even the gentle sway of her hip and the way she walks is captivating. I can’t stop watching her. I can’t stop wanting to be near her. To smell her. Cover her with my own smell.
I move without direction. She turns. We find each other locked in a staring contest.
Raven doesn't say anything, gives nothing away with her expression. I gently brush the hair out of her face, my fingers lingering in her hair as I play with it. Once more, all my thoughts have evaporated.
Before she can react, I pull her towards me and seal my mouth over hers. She is faster to reciprocate this time, tongue swirling with mine.
After another few minutes of rough kissing, I pull away. We are both panting hard. This was not my plan. Not by far. I wanted to talk to her tonight. But an uncontrollable, insatiable hunger has taken over. A hunger only she can feed.
I have waited years for her. Now that I have had her, I can’t stop. I start to kiss her frantically, with one hand cupping her chin and the other on her waist. I greedily explore her mouth and moan as her tongue readily strokes me back.
I dip my head to lick her jaw, trailing down to her neck. Running a thumb down her bare arm, I feel her goosebumps all over. This is it; this is everything.
I slowly drop my hand between us and slip my fingers inside her shorts. My hands caress her. I play with the edge of her panties, without actually slipping my fingers in. I proceed slowly to allow her to stop me.
Raven is looking at me, wide-eyed. I wait for an indication, as my fingers linger on the edge of her panties, ready to feel her bare pussy. I rub her one more time and hear Raven moan out softly, as she throws her head back.
That’s all I needed. I slip my fingers in and find her clit.
“Ahhhh...” Raven moans again, this time much louder than before. Her back is arched; her hands pressed to my shoulders. She is already dripping wet for me.
