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

Chapter 17 - Raven

I recline my head and rest it against the door. The mere thought of his hands encircling my waist causes me to shut my eyes and quiver. I tossed aside all of my rules for him. Never had I been so close to reaching this level of intimacy with another person.

I'm falling for my mistake.

As I'm lying in bed, I consider how everything will turn out. One of us is bound to get hurt sometime, but who? Me? I desire him. I require him. Every time he touches me, I feel a sense of serenity and security. The Lord knows I need a miracle because I'm ready to be his girl at this time.

Stop Raven! He is just a pawn; I'm the queen. This is just a game.

No, it's just for fun. We can be each other's toys, but I don't believe we can be friends since that would be too intimate. If we become close, I can see him leave. I can't take any more suffering. My phone rings, jolting me out of my thoughts.

Hey, are you still up? The text reads

Hey, Zack, what's up?

Coffee tomorrow before class?

Sure, I'll meet you at the café. I tell him

Cool, see you tomorrow.

I decide that a cold shower will help me feel better. The water splashes in my face as I enter. Coolness soothes my heart. Every time I hear his voice, I quake. I'm not sure what has changed me, but I need and desire him. I feel whole when I'm with him. As soon as I get out of the shower, I notice my phone's light flickering.

TEXT FROM NIGHTMARE,

Please think of what we spoke of tonight.- The text reads.

The feeling sinks in, and my heart aches. I lay in bed and stare at the ceiling. I roll over and close my eyes. Clay's scent lingers on my pillow, and I smile. I need to stop thinking about him. I need to put my attention somewhere else—on someone else. Like I told Clay, I don't mind us being casual, but I need to keep myself distant before I fall for my nightmare.

⁂

The following day, I roll out of bed. I quickly shower, hop out, and get ready. I leave before Brie spots me and head to the café. As I walk in, I spot Clay with his friends and his little lap dog. I silently laugh and smile. I walk up to Zack, feeling Clay's eyes on me. I lean in, kiss Zack on the cheek, and thank him for the coffee. We sit and chat for a while until Zack starts to chuckle.

"Someone's got his eyes on you." He continues laughing.

I look and see the intensity in Clay's eyes. His fist is in a ball, like he is about to hit someone. "Maybe he thinks I'll do some kind of trick."

We sit and talk for a while before class, but I can feel Clay's eyes on me. I turn to face him again and see the intensity within his eyes. "He has kept his eyes on you the whole time," Zack says.

"Whatever, let's get out of here." We both stand up and start walking towards the door when my phone buzzes. I pull it out and read the name of my screen.

TEXT FROM NIGHTMARE

Without reading the messages, I put my phone away and turn to face the womaniser. His face is covered with anger, and I think I can see steam coming from his ears much like in the cartoons that kids watch. I can't help but have the impression that I'm winning our romantic dispute. He'll give in before I do. I wink and smile. I circle around and leave the café.

⁂

The day passes quickly. As I leave the building, I discover Clay there, surrounded by numerous schoolgirls who are complimenting his looks and physical fitness. I find myself giggling. I see him looking at me as I pass, shake my head, smile, and move on. When someone kisses my cheek from behind, I look to my right and realise it's Clay.

"Seriously?"

"What? You ignored my message. I had to find some way to catch your attention." He declares. I take out my phone and read the text he sent earlier today to make him happy.

Can I buy you a drink tonight? The text reads. I look up at him and laugh,

"Sorry, buddy, I'm busy. Guess it's just you and your hand tonight or one of those many girls drooling over you."

"Why would I want to do that when I have you?" He questions me.

"Clay, whatever you think is happening between us is not happening."

"I don't know what you're talking about." He says with cockiness as a playful smile dances on his face, "I thought we were just having fun." He grins, "Guess someone is losing." He turns and walks away.

Jerk, he played me in my own game.

I stand there, feeling angry and foolish. I take a deep breath and start walking in the opposite direction, determined to leave Clay and his games behind me.