Page 12 of Erotic Behavior (Observant Behaviors)

“I understand, sir.”

“Good night, Pamela.”

“Goodnight, sir.”

She left, and I glanced back over at the security feed.Raven was standing in her room staring out the bedroom door just as she was when I had looked away.The only difference was this time she appeared to be wiping away tears from her eyes.The sight of it made my heart hurt.Compassion for the woman I hoped to spend the rest of my life with ran through me at an alarming rate.I wanted to go to her, pull her into my arms and tell her everything would be okay, but I couldn’t.For someone like Raven, it was going to be a long time before things were okay.

I forced myself to pull up some documents I was supposed to review by the morning and made my way through them.I wanted to give Raven some time for everything to set in before I called for her.My concentration was shot, and it was taking me twice as long as it should, but I finished, then sent a quick text off to Ashlee, checking on things at the house.With my mother passed out and William asleep, I hoped it would be okay, but I was still worried.Memories of the woman waking up in the middle of the night and terrorizing everyone in the house felt like salt in a fresh wound.Anytime I had to see her like I did tonight, or go to help William and Ashlee, things felt more real.I moved through my everyday life, trying my best to forget the shit she put me through, but some part of me would never forget.Especially with William and Ashlee so close to it all.

Beckett: Hey I just wanted to check on you.

Ashlee: All good here.Did you meet your girl yet?

Beckett: She just got here.

Ashlee: And?

Beckett: And I haven’t met her yet.I’m going to check on her now.

Ashlee: Be nice.

Beckett: I’m always nice.

Ashlee: No, you are always an ass.You are only nice to me and William.Be that kind of nice with her.She has to be terrified.

I didn’t bother responding.Ashlee was right about one thing, Raven was probably scared out of her mind.I stood up and turned the ringer off on my phone, and slipped it into the pocket of my dress pants.With my mother as drunk as she was when she passed out, it would be too risky to leave it behind.I went to the sitting room and called down to the kitchen.After I had asked for them to prepare some food and have someone bring Raven to me, I poured myself a drink and stood looking out on the city.I always loved the lights at night.Something about them calmed the chaos inside of me.Tonight, that feeling of chaos was worse than ever and my normal means of dealing with it wasn’t an option.

Going forward, Raven would be my only partner.She would be the one who helped me calm the storm and soothe the flame that burned inside me.Not women from the club, or the women who came to charity events with me.As much as Raven’s life was changing, mine was too.The second I decided she would be my wife, I knew everything was about to be turned upside down.Some people, like my sister, loved the idea of me settling down.Others, like Pamela, weren’t as supportive.I would need to keep a close eye on her.She was damn good at her job, but the skills she applied to that work could also tear apart a woman like Raven, and that is one thing I wouldn’t stand for.

Just as the thought crossed my mind, my phone vibrated and I looked down.

Pamela: The offer still stands.If you need company tonight, just call.I will be up late just in case.

Yeah, Pamela was definitely someone I’d need to keep a close eye on.

The Kiss

Beckett

Whenthedoorstothe study opened, I expected someone bringing in food.What I found standing at the door was one of the most beautiful women I had ever laid eyes on.She was still in the dress from the auction house and her hair was pulled back, revealing her lightly tanned skin and dark brown eyes.My gaze ran down her body and I couldn’t help but smile when I saw her bare toes peeking out from under the long gown.

“I umm… I’m not a huge fan of heels and I didn’t get a chance to change.I was… preoccupied.”

My eyes met hers and I tried to convey that everything would be okay as I spoke to her.“I’m Beckett Haynes.You must be Raven.”

“Yes, I’m sorry.I should have introduced myself,” she said, taking a step forward and reaching out her hand.

A handshake felt so formal, but if it was what made her comfortable in that moment, I’d oblige.I took her hand in mine and a heat I had never felt before ran through me.I looked from our clasped hands up to Raven.Her lips had parted and her eyes went wide.She felt it too.I pulled my hand back against my better judgment and gestured for her to take a seat.

“So, no high heels.”

“Huh?”

“You said you don’t like wearing heels, right?”

“Right, but it doesn’t mean I won’t.If you want me to, then of course I will.It’s just… it’s just been a long day, that’s all.”

I went to the bar and reached for a bottle of scotch to refill my glass.“Do you drink?”