Toby’s POV I walk in to this building on the rich side of downtown. Ryan drove us here in his limousine, which I really enjoyed. It was completely different than the horse carriages that we have at home. We were able to walk right in as it’s Ryan’s fathers club. The way things are so different here, than home, I do feel a little backwards. I’m not going to admit that though. The music is loud and booming. It takes a minute before my ears get used to the loudness. The smell is a lot harder to control. It smells of alcohol, sex, and strong perfumes. I stop to allow myself to get used to the smell. I take deep breaths, and try not to gag, while Ryan pats me on the back. “I’m sorry. I forget how overwhelming this can be. Come, I’ll take you to the private lounge. It’ll be better. Once you get used to it, though, try to enjoy yourself a little.” He says, attempting to hide a smile. I’m too busy trying not to lose dinner so I just nod instead. Mason, on the other hand, takes off towards
Rae’s POVThe sun is bright, and beautiful, today. The wind gently blowing keeps me cool as I walk towards the palace. Chris has asked me to join him for the afternoon and I am a bundle of nerves. It’s been a few weeks since I have heard from Toby and I feel lonely without him. Even though Chris has made an effort to come and see me everyday, it still feels like I am missing something.I haven’t been to the palace, yet, though. What if he changes his mind? I don’t know if I can handle being treated the way that he had in the past. Maybe I shouldn’t give him another shot? What if he decides that I’m not worth it, again? I shake my head to get rid of the negative thoughts and take a deep breath. He looked sincere so why am I doubting it now?Finally arriving at the palace, the guard gives me a smile and escorts me through the doors. I glance back to thank him but he’s already standing in his defense pose. I sigh. I’ve known these guards for most of my life because my father always came
Chris POV I didn’t want to leave her. I really didn’t. I think that was the best time that I have had in a really long time. It feels so good to have my friendship back. She looked like she was glowing because she was so happy. Preston is right, though. I really need to get a hold of this situation with Rachael. I hated lying to Rae. Well, I wasn’t really lying. She isn’t my girlfriend. I just left out the fact that she is pregnant. I have been thinking about this the last two weeks. Is the baby even mine? It could be. I did slip up that one time, right before we came back, so I can’t just ignore the fact that I might have an illegitimate heir. How am I supposed to tell Rae, though? I will. I need to. At least that is what I keep telling myself. I walk silently beside Preston. He doesn’t say a thing. I can’t tell if he is mad at me, or not. I swear I used protection with his sister. If it is indeed mine, it is purely by accident. I’m not truly ready to be a father. I still haven’t f
Rae’s POVThese last few months have blown by pretty quick. Things with Chris seem to be back to normal, if not more, than before he left. I look forward to waking up every day now. I get finished with my chores around the same time that he is finished with his daily tasks, or so he says. I couldn’t be happier. So, why do I feel hollow sometimes?Toby and I still communicate. While it makes me smile that he thinks of me, it makes me sad that I can’t see his gorgeous face. Erin and I have gotten closer as well. I can tell that she still has a thing for Chris but she does her best to hide it. Emma, however, seems to have grown away from me. That breaks my heart. She even has herself new friends. Where did my friendship go wrong with her? It’s not like I took Toby away from her or anything.Erin tells me not to worry about it. Mama says that sometimes friends just grow apart. It doesn’t ease the pain, though. I’m currently watching her laugh with her new friends. She glances over at me a
Toby’s POV“Knock, knock. I have another letter for you.” Ryan says as he busts through my room.“Oh, who from this time?” I ask, feigning lack of interest.Of course he doesn’t buy it, and just laughs. “Oh, I don’t know. Maybe I should read it myself. It looks a little fancy. Like maybe it’s from a girl.” He smirks. “Oh, yes. It’s definitely from a girl. I’ll tell you if I see something interesting.”I jump up to grab the letter and he takes off laughing. Mason walks in on us and laughs at us, telling us that we look like a couple of girls before he takes off to check his own mail. I finally get my hands on the letter and Ryan just laughs.“Wow. If I didn’t know any better, I would say that you have found your mate.” I freeze but I don’t respond. He must’ve caught on. “Oh, she is your mate!” He fist bumps my shoulder. “Why didn’t you say anything? All those nights at the club, not wanting to dance with the girls. It all makes sense now.” He plops down on the bed beside me. “So, why d
Rae’s POVIt’s my birthday, tomorrow. I turn the big eighteen! I’m so excited. I don’t know what everyone has planned. It’s all hush, hush. Chris and I plan on meeting at our spot, though. He wants to sit under the stars tonight, until my birthday. It’s so romantic.Our relationship has been really good. He is everything that I ever hoped that he would be. Erin is irritatingly mad at me. She keeps acting as though I am cheating on her brother. I keep telling her that her brother and I aren’t dating. I don’t understand why she’s so frustrated.At first, I thought that it was because she is in love with Chris. She assures me that, that, isn’t the issue. So, I can’t figure it out. Chris tells me not to let it bother me. I try not to but I’ve already lost Em. I don’t want to lose another.I jump as I feel a set of arms wrap around my waist. “Hey, baby, what are you thinking about?”I lean back into his arms. “Nothing important, babe.” I twist around, in his arms, so I can see his face. I
Rae’s POV Katy and I make it back to our house in time for dinner. The house smells heavenly as I step through the door. It seems that Mama wanted to make my favorite meal; chicken alfredo with broccoli florets. I nearly forget about Katy as I, all but, drag her in through the house. “Look who I brought with me, Mama!” I sing out. Mama comes running out of the kitchen! “Oh! Katy! I’m so glad that you’re here! Talon will be home soon!” She says, as she rushes in. Mama grabs a hold of my face and peppers me with kisses. I giggle as I push her away gently. “Happy eighteenth, darling. Well, early anyway. I know it’s not until tomorrow but I won’t be here.” “Thanks, Mom!” Talon rushes in through the door and grabs Katy around the waist, lifting her off her feet. “Oh, I have missed you so much!” After kissing her with so much fervor, that I had to turn away, he puts her down and wraps me up in a hug. “Happy Birthday, little sister!” He looks at Mama. “Early. I’m leaving with Mama in the
Rae’s POV I can’t seem to keep the happy smile off of my face. I turn 18 in less than an hour. I carefully make my way to mine and Chris’ spot. I wonder if he made it before me. I spent more time at home that I suspected. I can’t wait to see what crazy idea, of food, that he decided to bring this time. I wonder if I am even going to be able to eat it at all. I stop for a second as I feel weird for a moment. A slight dizziness has me leaning against a tree. I take a few deep breaths before I slowly release it. What was that? I shake my head and continue to my walk, a little slower than I was. If I’m getting sick, maybe we shouldn’t stay out here all night. I hear commotion, a short distance from the lake, and come to a stop. Something doesn’t feel right. I hide behind a tree to take in my surroundings. I don’t know why I have a sudden fear. My whole body begins to shake, with nerves, and I look through the trees. What I see has me thinking that I should just turn around. Sir Alrich