The Broken Raven - A Paradox Of Two Worlds Series Book 1

Chapter 44 - Clay

Finally, she is with me at home, where she belongs. My sanctuary is now her haven of tranquillity. Anything I do is for this girl. She moans, and I feel my body tingle. I want to prove to her that my love for her is genuine because of how she makes me feel. I'll be the sun in her spring and the fire in her winter. I have no idea what to do when she is close by; I feel foolish and behave like a schoolboy. She won't need to look elsewhere because all she will ever need is in my heart, which she now owns.

"Clay!" She moans.

"Come, baby," I tell her. We release simultaneously, and both fall to the pillows; her chest rises as she breathes.

Damn, she's beautiful. "I love you," I say, kissing her hair.

"I love you," She kisses my mouth and sucks my bottom lip.

"Raven," I moan, "don't do that, or we will never leave this room."

"Why not ?" She pouts.

Knock knock

"Piss off!" I shout. "That's why." Looking at her, she starts laughing.

"We're coming. Just give us a second!" She yells, taking my shirt, slipping it on, and putting her hair up. I sit on the edge of my bed, and she joins me. "Are you okay?" She questions me, searching my face for answers.

"You altered my universe with only one kiss; I never thought I would ever feel like this. Until our lips touched, I believed that my life was complete and that I was whole. You're an angel who saved me when I didn't think I needed saving, Ray; you make me whole." I stroke her cheeks "You're more valuable than any gem or pearl. I'd go to any lengths for you." A tear escapes her and runs down her cheek. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to make you cry."

"It's okay; it's happy tears." She kisses me softly and says, "I love you, Clay." I pull her onto my lap and kiss her once more, saying, "I love you."

⁂

We descend the stairs, and as we do, Brie turns on the music, takes Raven, and starts dancing. To a One Direction song, they both dance crazily. Even though I don't particularly enjoy this music, I'll put up with it as long as she is smiling. I scoff as Brie plays the song again. Raven begins to laugh. As Logan and I sit there, we observe these two as they become engrossed in the music. We can't stop laughing. They behave as though they are ten years old. However, that beautiful smile makes all of the torture music worthwhile. When the next song starts, Raven grabs my hand.

"No," I say, shaking my head. She pouts, and I feel defeated. I get behind her and let her take control; memories of the lake come flooding into my mind. I hold her close, and we're back in our little bubble. I forget everything around us.

"I'm starving," Brie says. "Same," Raven says, raising her arm.

"Pizza?" Logan asks. We all nod. I walk into the kitchen, and Logan follows. I throw him a baggie.

"How much longer is Sloane going to keep doing this?" Logan asks between gulps.

"Until she has me to herself or Raven's dead, either way, she wants her prize to be me." I look out the kitchen window.

"So, how are we going to keep her safe?"

"I don't know." I genuinely don't.

"Here." Logan hands me a shot. "You need it." I swallow the drink and hurl the glass against the wall as my rage grows as I consider everything she has gone through in the last few days. I turn to see the two girls looking directly at me.

Shit!

I walk into the living room and slump down on the couch. Raven follows and sits next to me. "It's okay," she says.

"No, none of this is okay. This isn't going to fucking stop until she wins." I cover my face. She hugs me and holds me tight. I don't want her to let go.

"Pizza!" Brie says, she brings out the plates, and Logan sets the pizza on the table. I'm still frustrated, and they can all tell.

"How about you boys go up and get ready for bed? You're both exhausted. Raven and I can clean up, then follow." Brie encourages us; we both nod and head to our rooms. I lay in my bed; I need to keep her safe. She's my life. I close my eyes and try to relax, but my mind is racing with thoughts of how I can protect her from the dangers of this world. It's not just physical threats that worry me, but emotional ones as well. As I lay there, I think back to the times when I couldn't protect her, and the guilt washes over me. I make a mental note to be more vigilant in the future and to never let my guard down. But as much as I want to shield her from everything, I know that I can't control it all. All I can do is love her fiercely and hope that it's enough to protect her from the dangers of the world.