Page 92 of Mine

I love winding her up.

“You’ll get fined. Then you’ll lose your license.”

“I’ll still drive.”

She squealed in exasperation. “You’re impossible. What if you are in an accident?”

I rubbed her thigh softly. “Just calm down, Raven. Enjoy the post-sex bliss that is making you glow right now.”

She smiled then, and I contemplated pulling over again.

God, she is fucking amazing.

Part Two: Chapter Three

GRETCHEN

I woke suddenly, sitting bolt upright in bed.

Instantly his arms were around me, his voice soothing me. The nightmares were rarer than they were before, but when they came, they were terrifying. I grabbed the glass of water beside my bed and gulped, as though it would wash away the memories.

“I’m so sorry, baby,” he mumbled from behind me, as I turned to gaze at him. His blond hair shimmered in the moonlight that stole in through the window, sadness written all over his face.

“Angel, you saved us. I just sometimes can’t get his face out of my mind,” I shuddered as I climbed back into bed beside him, feeling safe as he kissed the top of my head.

“I’d do it again, in a heartbeat. I will always protect you, mio amore.”

“I love you.” I slipped into a restless sleep as he held me tightly, whispering that he loved me back.

When I woke the next morning, I found the bed empty. I reached across the bed; the empty sheet cold now that he wasn’t there. I grabbed my phone to see a text from him.

CAL:

Morning beautiful. Had some stuff to do today, sorry I left you. You’re fucking stunning. Wear a trash bag to school today. I love you.

I grinned as I swung my legs out of bed, showering quickly. I threw on my skinny jeans and one of Cal’s many t-shirts he’d left here, closing my eyes as his scent washed over me. Feeling closer to him, I slicked on some lip gloss and mascara and grabbed my backpack.

It didn’t take long to get to class, meaning I had time to grab a coffee on the way.

“Hey, weren’t you in my psychology lecture last week?” A deep voice asked, as I turned to see Professor Creed gazing at me with his chocolate brown eyes.

I beamed as I nodded enthusiastically. “Yes! I was, it was amazing. I feel like I learned so much from you,” I gushed, aware I was gibbering.

He raised his eyebrows in amusement as I heard the barista asking for my order in an irritated tone.

I quickly ordered my usual, asking for extra shots of the sugar-free caramel syrup.

I smiled shyly as Professor Creed placed a blueberry muffin on the side, before ordering his espresso to go. I snuck a glance at him, aware he was very attractive for an older man. He wore a white shirt with the sleeves rolled up, grey suspenders attached to his trousers. Thick reading glasses framed his dark brown eyes, his jet-black hair slicked back. He smiled as he paid, before he caught my eye.

“What are you wanting to do when you graduate?” he asked, his eyes alight with intrigue.

“I want to be a therapist,” I answered firmly, having known all my life what I wanted to be.

He nodded with approval as he spoke. “Really? What is it about therapy that attracts you?”

“I think it’s the fact that I could be the only person that someone may see that day. That by simply listening to them will ease their pain somewhat. I could make a difference to their life.”

“With that view, you’ll make a fantastic therapist. Never give up.”