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

Chapter 20 - Raven

I yawn while turning over in bed. I had stayed out late the previous night, so I'm worn out. Clay's lips still have a taste for mine. He is a magnificent creature. My face starts to flush as I consider how his tongue parts our mouths. People conversing and music playing in the living area startles me out of my thoughts. I get up and take out my phone, checking the time- it's past ten. I'm going to kill Brie. I try to block out the noise by pulling the covers up over my head. But then I hear Clay's voice when I close my eyes.

You've got to be kidding me.

I stumble out of bed, throwing my hair up in a messy bun. I head to the bathroom and quickly brush my teeth. I need coffee if I have to deal with them today. I walk out of my room and head to the kitchen.

"Good morning, princess," Brie giggles.

"Morning, Ray." Logan follows.

"Well, if it isn't sleeping beauty herself, finally awake." My nightmare teases me with his sexy accent. I look over at him and give him a death stare, which causes him to laugh and show his perfect smile.

Does this man not sleep?

I don't bother to respond to any of them. Brie did this on purpose so that I would get up. I grab a mug and pour some coffee, taking it back into my room. I open the doors to my balcony and take in the fresh air. As I stand there, I can't help but think of Clay. I enjoy having fun with him, but part of me wants more. Do I love him? No, do I like him? Yes. I've never felt this way before with anyone. My dad's words echo in the back of my mind.

I'm raising her not to need anyone.

Why then do I think I need Clay? As though he completes me. I've never been so open to acting physically with someone as I am with him. I'm deep in thought since I didn't hear him approaching from behind.

"What are you thinking about?" The words were spoken as if he cares.

I face him now and notice him in a different light. Instead of the dark, stormy eyes he once had, his eyes are now a strange shade of grey with a hint of green. They shine brighter than before. His jet-black hair is untidy and blows across the balcony in the gentle breeze. When the sun shines, golden sparkles catch the light. I have trouble finding the right words while my heart races. I drop my cup and put my lips on his before I can stop myself. As his hand cups my face, and his other arm wraps around me.

What am I doing? I pull away, my cheeks flushed and my heart still racing.

"Clay, we need to talk." We take a seat on my bed and sit there in silence until I muster up the courage to speak.

"I'm pulling out of this game. You can have all the bragging rights, but I can't do this anymore".

He looks at me with intense eyes, as if he didn't want us to stop our little tirade. "What are you talking about?"

"You outplayed me. You win, happy?" I put my hands on my face.

"Why?" I am at a loss for words as I stare at him. To avoid letting him know that I'm falling for him, I'd rather die. I therefore lie.

"I'm bored." I stand up and move toward my door. I won't behave emotionally like he did last night. Even though I am aware that what he said was untrue, it still made my heart race, and I don't want to hurt myself. I feel a chill run up my spine as he envelops me with his arm. He makes me face him while he looks into my eyes. Again, the tempest rages inside of them. Like his emotions change their hue.

"Are you sure?" His hand under my chin. Searching my face for an answer, I don't want to give. I stand there silently.

"You fell for me, didn't you?" He smiles, and his dimples emerge on his gorgeous face.