Stone Crest: Rise of a Raven

24. Chapter 24

Chapter twenty-four

Raven

“ R aven!”

My name is called, and I barely resist the eye roll. Gemma smiles widely in a silver sequined dress as she waves me over. I’d rather wear pink for a solid week than join her, but instead, I slip through the crowd to approach a drop dead gorgeous Locke. And Sasha.

Steeling my spine and making sure my expression shows Locke I have zero fucks to give about his date, I walk over. Twenty-four hours ago, he was asking me to wait for him.

“Raven, would you mind getting a picture of us three?” Gemma tugs Locke over, and Sasha snuggles right up to his opposite side.

My hands clench my camera, but to avoid showing my true feelings, I smile. “Of course.”

With a quick tap of my finger, I’ve captured the picture, in which Locke refuses to smile. His eyes are fixated on me. I can feel them, but I don’t dare meet them.

Sasha stays glued to his side, a coy grin on her face. “Raven, do you have an escort for the evening? Or are you just volunteering?”

Her boney hand lands on his tie, smoothing it over, causing an uncensored anger to fester inside of me. The way she strokes him almost seems like she’s purposely doing it. Trying to force a reaction. Wait? Does she know?

My eyes shift over her shoulder to Declan, who I vaguely remember meeting in Locke’s kitchen. He’s tall, but leaner than Locke. Where Locke is rugged and rough, Declan looks sophisticated with a clean shaved face and styled brown hair. He’s striding towards us with purpose. Before he approaches, he shoots me a wink. “I’m escorting Raven tonight.” He comes to a stop, slinging an arm over my shoulder.

Sasha looks surprised, and her hand drops from Locke’s chest. Locke on the other hand, looks like he’s about to bust a blood vessel.

Gemma reaches for my arm. “Well looks like you’ll be having a fantastic twenty first birthday.”

Locke’s jaw tenses and he glares at Declan. Damn it, Gemma.

Declan only chuckles, clearly not taking Locke’s reaction seriously. “Let’s get the birthday girl a drink.”

“Take a break.” Gemma squeezes. “Have a drink then do a few more rounds.”

I nod, letting Declan steer me away from the group.

“Breathe,” he mutters. “You look like you are about to strangle Sasha.”

“I am,” I mutter back just as we reach the bar.

“He’s not interested.” Declan taps the bar to gain the bartender's attention. “Bourbon. Two.”

“Yeah, I get it. I’m the forbidden fruit. I’m a liability. Of course he’s not interested.”

He leans his arms on the bar. “I meant her. He’s not interested in her.”

“I’m not threatened by her,” I admit.

Because I’m not. I don’t feel like he wants her. I feel like she’s touching what’s …. mine.

“You shouldn’t be. The way he looks at you….” He shakes his head. “I’ve known him a long time, Raven. He’s never looked at anyone the way he looks at you.” The bourbon is placed in front of him, and he hesitates. “But don’t fuck with him. If you want him, be all in. If not, don’t torment him. He’s been through enough.”

With that he hands me a glass and clinks it against mine. I follow his movement, dumping the alcohol into my mouth. There’s no mistaking the presence at my back once the liquor is sliding down my throat. Declan’s eyes lift to a spot over my head and he smirks.

“Don’t worry. I’ll run interference.” Then he winks at me again. “Happy birthday.”