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Ivan gave me a playful shove toward the hall. “Off you go, little cousin. Let us know if she makes you cry. We’ll be waiting with ice cream and romcoms.“

Very funny,” I called back and made the painful walk down the hall and up the stairs to her room.

I lifted my hand and knocked twice.

No answer.

Not that I was shocked, she wanted to be alone which was the last thing that was good for her. Nothing about Raven shocked me anyway, right down to her not answering the door.

“I’m coming in,” I announced and shoved the door open; at least she wasn’t stupid enough to lock it, knowing that any one of the people here would just break it down in a heartbeat. It was worthless and annoying.

The lights were off.

The room was still and smelled like sadness.

I was used to the smell of her rich and fresh perfume, instead it was almost like I could smell the salt in the air from her tears.

I hated it probably as much as she hated me in that moment for interrupting her darkness.

Clothes were discarded on the floor, her black dress, a pair of black nylons, and then there she was, sitting on the floor next to them, hair a mess in nothing but a black bra and matching panties.

The only light she had was coming from the screen of her phone. I didn’t have to guess to know it was probably a picture of him or them together. Unhealthy.

“Staring at him won’t bring him back or make him feel better.” It was harsh but she needed to face reality and if pissing her off on a constant basis pulled her out of grief, I’d gladly do it.

I wish someone had done it for me years ago.

She didn’t put her phone away. “I’m not coming out.”

And here we go. "Yes. You are.”

"Make me, tall man with too many muscles. You know steroids make your dick shrink, right?”

"My dick thanks you for your concern, it’s just fine, though.” I checked my watch. “Nine seconds before I toss you over my shoulder. I highly doubt you want everyone to see your naked ass.”

She shrugged. “They’ve seen worse. You’ve seen worse.”

For a fleeting moment I looked at her, really looked, and then I proceeded to grit my teeth and think about my vows.

Refusing to touch anyone until a penance was paid in blood.

No matter how pretty.

Broken plus broken doesn’t equal whole.

"Nine.” I crossed my arms. “Eight.”

She wasn’t going to budge, and I was already tired of my own voice and tired of her.

“Seven.” I leaned down and got in her face.

She met my gaze and narrowed her pretty brown eyes. “Counting backwards while sober still a challenge for your brain cells?”

"Six.” I leaned in.

She didn’t flinch.

“Fine.” I grabbed her body and pulled her to her feet and tossed her over my shoulder. She hit me in the back with her fists.