Ride Hard (Raven Riders 1)

“Well, you know that isn’t gonna fly, my dear.” Cora scooted closer. “Spill.”

Heat crept into Haven’s cheeks as she searched for the words.

“Oh, good stuff,” Cora said, laughter in her voice.

“I splashed him,” Haven said, remembering the look of surprise he’d worn, and how he’d chased her. Caught her. “Next thing I knew, he tackled me onto the beach, and then . . . we were kissing and he was touching me with his hands and, uh, his mouth.” God, her cheeks were on actual fire. At least, that’s how they felt.

Cora gasped. “He went down on you? Aw, lucky you. Did you like it? Was he good?”

Haven opened her mouth to answer, and burst out crying. Yes, she liked it. Yes, it was good. And, yes, she wasn’t thrilled about leaving the Ravens because she didn’t want to leave Dare. And it felt like someone was ripping out her heart.

“Oh, sweetie,” Cora said, embracing her.

It took Haven the better part of a half hour to rein in her emotions and finish recounting her afternoon with Dare—right through the conversation in his office.

“I didn’t mean for it to happen,” she said, scrubbing the last of the wetness from her face, “but I like him. And I like it here. And now we have to leave.”

“Maybe you should just tell him that,” Cora said, giving her a small, sad smile.

“It wouldn’t matter,” Haven said. “Dare said the Ravens decided this was what they wanted to do—they think it’s what’s best for us, and the reward puts everyone here in danger, too. How could I stay here if it meant my father might hurt the people trying to help us? All because I have a crush on a man who has no problem sending me away?” She shook her head.

“I think it’s more than a crush,” Cora said in a quiet voice. “Don’t you?”

Haven wasn’t exactly sure what she felt. All she knew was that her chest ached and her stomach hurt and everything inside her rebelled at the thought of leaving. “It doesn’t really matter though, does it? Because he wants me to go. And I have to go.” Closing her eyes, she took a deep breath. She didn’t want to talk about herself anymore. “I’m just sorry that you’re caught up in all this, too.”

“Don’t be crazy, Haven. I’m here because I want to be. And I wouldn’t be anywhere else.”

Haven forced her eyelids open and looked at her friend—and saw nothing but sincerity on her pretty face. “I am glad you’re here.”

“Of course you are,” Cora said. “Because I’m awesome.”

Chuckling, Haven nodded. “You are.”

“You know what? Don’t worry, okay?” Cora clasped her hand. “Whatever happens, we’ll be together. Let’s trust that for now.”

“Yeah,” Haven said, working at a smile.

“I have an idea.” Cora swung her legs off the bed. “I’m going to go downstairs and whip us up some dinner and snacks, and then you and I are going to get crumbs all in the bed and watch movies until we fall asleep.”

Exactly the kind of thing Cora used to do back in Georgia to cheer Haven up and distract her from the rest of her life. And it proved how well Cora knew her. Because Haven felt too shaky inside to go downstairs and be among a big group of people, and, truth be told, she felt bad for not once thinking about the kind of trouble she might be bringing to the Ravens’ door. “Sounds great,” Haven said. “I’ll look for some movies.”

Fifteen minutes later, Cora knocked on the door, and then came into the room followed by Phoenix.

“Hey, Haven,” he said with a small smile. He was carrying a big tray loaded down with food and drinks.

“Hi,” she said, chuckling. “Cora has you doing her heavy lifting, I see.”

Grinning, he nodded. “I’m sure I’ll get a favor back in return some time.” He settled the tray on the nightstand next to Haven.

“Don’t hold your breath,” Cora said, more than a little amusement painting her expression. “Here’s your tip. Don’t eat the yellow snow.”

Phoenix folded his hands over his heart like he was wounded. “Aw, why ya gotta do me like that?” Haven watched the two of them as they exchanged banter, and it became clear as the back and forth escalated that it was more than that. They were flirting. And Haven could totally see why. Phoenix was funny and outgoing and overflowing with confidence, a lot like Cora. “Fine, fine,” he finally said as he backed toward the door. “I’ll go nurse my wounded ego elsewhere.”

“Thank you, Phoenix,” Cora said in a singsong voice.

For a moment, Phoenix hung at the door, and then he looked at Haven. “For what it’s worth, I’m really sorry everything has to go down like this. You all fit in great around here. I wish you could stay.”