Page 300 of Midnights
“Thanks, Mike. This has been really nice.” And I mean that. Business aside, it’s been surprisingly nice. “I’ll let you know once I figure out my schedule.”
He motions for me to stay seated as he adjusts the cuff of his suit. “Always a pleasure, Raven. I look forward to hearing from you.”
And just like that, he turns and walks out of the restaurant.
I sip the last of my drink, making sure he has enough time to leave so I don’t run into him outside. My fingers drum lightly against the glass as I let my thoughts settle.
The meeting went well, and I think Steven will like him. The deal is nearly finalized, and my part is done. Ishouldfeel good about this, but it feels like I'm forgetting something.
I shake it off as I push out of the booth and head outside. The late afternoon sun is still warm against my skin as I scan the lot for my ride, expecting to see the same driver who dropped me off. But the car isn’t there.
My brows knit together as I step forward, scanning the parking lot, but I don't see him anywhere. With every step, my body feels heavier, like something's sitting on me, tightening around my chest.
What the hell?
A wave of dizziness crashes over me, and the edges of my vision start flickering. I blink hard, trying to steady myself, but the ground tilts beneath me, and my legs start to wobble, refusing to hold my weight.
No, no, no.
The asphalt shifts and my knees give out.
A shadow moves in the corner of my eye and I try to turn, but darkness rushes in before I can.
My mind is sluggish, but I can feel the haze lifting in slow, uneven waves. My body feels heavy, and my limbs feel useless, like they don’t belong to me. There’s something soft under me. A couch maybe?Where am I?
This can't be good.
I’ve seen enough horror movies to know this isn't how I plan to go out.Not today.
Something moves to my right, and my muscles tense. Or at least they try to. Mike steps in front of me and his expression is careful but not panicked. So I guess that's good news…
“Raven.” His voice is slightly hurried. “Thank God, you’re awake.”
I push myself up on my elbows, but the second I do, the world tilts and my stomach lurches
“What the fuck…” I mutter, blinking hard. Forcing myself to focus on not passing out.
He rushes toward me, holding out his hands like he's about to catch me. “Easy. You passed out in the parking lot. I was finishing a call when I saw you go down and figured it was faster to bring you here than wait for an ambulance. I called a doctor, and he should be here soon.”
I stare at him, letting his words sink in. There’s a calmness in his tone, but it’s doing nothing for my nerves. Passed out? I remember the parking lot, then nothing. I guess if he was lying, he’d be twitchy and defensive, so I let myself relax a little.
I shift again, testing my strength, but my body protests. I feel sluggish and uncooperative, but when I try to feel for my magic, I can't really feel it like I usually can. There’s something—weak, but it's there.
That’s good at least.
I force my shoulders to relax, trying not to look like I’m mentally calculating every possible exit. I know I’m not in any shape to move yet, and I need to at least try to understand what the hell is going on, but still.
Mike watches me with a carefully balanced expression and my only saving grace is that he looks concerned, but so much that it's tipping me into panic. Nothing about his body language suggests a threat. If he wanted to hurt me, he had plenty of chances.
And yet, my instincts haven’t stopped screaming since I woke up.
I force a slow, easy breath, schooling my features into something softer, keeping my tone even. “I'm glad you were there to help.”
His posture remains steady, but his shoulders ease, just a fraction.
“Can I, by chance, get a glass of water?”
His smile is reassuring. “Of course. I’ll be right back.”
