Page 31 of Claimed

“It was so real,” I whisper into his neck.

“I got you, Raven. Igotyou.”

“I know.” I pull back and stare into his eyes. “You’re a good man, Gage. Don’t let anyone tell you any different.”

I leave him there and head to the bathroom. When I return, he’s sitting on the bed, studying the picture I drew. He curls his arm around my shoulder, pulling me into his side as I sit next to him.

“Why were you watching me sleep?”

“Your nightmare. You were screaming, fighting...wouldn’t wake up. E had to give you something to calm you down.”

“How long were you watching me? Did you even get any sleep?”

“Some.” He kisses my forehead and moves to the closet. “Don’t worry about me.”

Easier said than done. How can I not worry? He hasn’t been sleeping much already, and now I’m fighting him in my sleep.Great. I notice he’s pulling out all black clothes again, so I know he’s heading out on another mission.

“What happened last night?” I ask him.

He gives me that look of his that’s supposed to tell me he can’t say anything, but I’m not having it today. “This isn’t club business. This is about me, so you can tell me.Whathappened last night?”

He sighs and shakes his head in resignation. “Fine, but the only thing I’m telling you is that we found the guy responsible for the drug that was used on you.”

“And?”

“And he won’t be a problem for anyone anymore.”

Good. It’s good, right? I mean, at least we’re getting somewhere now. Plus, he’s saved countless other women who would have gone through what I did. Now, I need to know what the next step is.

“And today?”

“Today, I’m heading to Atlanta. I’ll be gone all day, so maybe you should call Chrissy. She misses you.”

“I miss her, too, but why are you going to Atlanta?”

“Following a lead.” He grabs the black duffel bag again and it makes me curious as to exactly what is in it. “I’ll tell you about it tomorrow.”

“Take me with you.”

“What? No, I’m not taking you with me.”

“Why not?”

“Because,” he says. “I need you here where I know you’re safe. What we’re doing is dangerous. It’s no place for you.”

“But –”

“No ‘buts’,” he states with finality. “You’re staying here.”

“Fine.” I roll my eyes and reach for the phone he bought me. This is the first time I’m even looking at it. I turn it on and within seconds, notifications start coming in. I go to the contacts and see he’s programmed in a few numbers – Chrissy, Ellen, himself, Laurelyn, Nita, Ron, and Toni. I send a text to Chrissy asking her to come over, and another to Toni saying I’ll call later.

“You good?”

“Yeah,” I answer as I read Chrissy’s reply. “Chrissy’s on her way.”

He crouches in front of me and takes my hand, his expression worrisome. “Raven, I think it’s time to give the therapist a call. You need to talk to someone who can help you work through your emotions.”

“Okay.” I nod.