Page 59 of Forbidden

I roll out of bed and practically float to the bathroom. I can’t remember the last time I felt this good. It’s certainly the first time since I moved here. I hook up my phone to some speakers and put my music on shuffle. By mid-day, I’ve danced my way through breakfast, cleaning the house, and doing all my laundry. The best part of it all – no Lonnie. She hasn’t stumbled in yet. Whatever Gage did last night, it sure kept her busy. Since I’m feeling so inspired today, I grab my sketchbook and pencil and head out to the porch. I prop my feet up on the railing and set lead to paper. Not even thinking, I let my hand slide over the surface. I lose myself completely, stopping only when I realize that someone’s walking up the driveway. Christopher.

“Hey, baby.”

“Hi.”

He leans down to kiss me and I turn my head so he gets my cheek. He gives me a confused frown but sits next to me without a word. This is stupid. I feel so guilty. The weird part is I don’t feel guilty for what I’ve done. Chris is my boyfriend, yet I feel like I’m cheating on Gage.

“You drew that?”

I look down at the page.Holy shit.It’s a reaper. Not just any reaper but the one on Gage’s car. I didn’t even realize what I was doing. I swallow hard.

“Yeah. You like it?”

“I didn’t know you could draw like that.”

“Well, there’s a lot you don’t know about me, Mr. Contreras.”

“I can see that. Why’d you draw that?”

“I don’t know. Saw it somewhere, I guess.”

“Somewhere?” I know that tone. The accusations are about to come. “Where?”

“On a car, I think.”

“The Dealer’s car.”

“Chris –”

“¿Están templando?”

“No, I’m not fucking him!”

The same question Gage asked. Men can be the biggest cheaters, but let them eventhinkthey’ve been cheated on and they completely lose their shit.

“What do you expect me to think?”

“I expect you to trust me.” I can’t believe I just said that. There’s been no sex but what I’ve done with Gage so far has totally violated Chris’ trust.

“How can I when he’s acting like he owns you?”

“Nobody owns me.”

“Raven –”

“Mira, I’ve been having a pretty good day. If you’re just going to spoil it by arguing, then you should leave.”

“So now I’m ruining your day. What? Am I interrupting your fantasies about the Dealer?”

“You should go before you say something you’llreallyregret.”

“Like what –”

“¡Vete!Just leave!”

I didn’t mean to shout, but other than the fact that he was hitting close to home, I don’t want to end things with him on a bad note. I should just get this over with and stop dragging it out.

“Chris, I’m sorry. You’re a great guy but –”