“Yes, and track all her credit cards,” I demand, entering my office. I lower myself into my chair, barely speaking to Sam. He knows what to do. I hold out my arm.

“Cocktail, or just B12?”

“Both.” I lean my head back, trying not to see her, but as soon as I close my eyes, she’s there, her puffy lips forming a smile, almost taking my breath away.

The small prick in my vein, and the cool liquid filling my system will calm me, fix all this irrational thinking.

I breathe in and out as the cobwebs fade, and I open my eyes.

She’s gone.

It’s what I wanted, right? And as twisted as Rachel is, she’s right. My cock will forget her.

And all will be calm and right. Work, friends, Rachel, I’ll go back to how it was before I saw her face, before I tasted her and my life orbited out of control.

It’s over, I made sure of that. So why do I feel like everything in my life before her was surviving, not living?

Chapter Twenty-Seven

RAVEN

Costa del Sol, Spain

“Raven? Earth to Raven?”

When I blink, Cher comes into focus.

“What?” I sit up straighter in my seat. “Sorry, I’m tired.” I recross my legs and try looking interested, but the truth is I’m living in paradise with my best friend and Brody, and I don’t think I could be more miserable.

“Oh, honey, it will get better, I promise it will. It’s only been a couple weeks, right, Brody?” She reaches for my hand, her giant straw hat almost smacking me in the face. Brody mumbles something while he reads on his phone.

“Did we pay? Let’s get a bottle of something and take a nap on the beach.” I lean back, avoiding the hat. Cher turns to look at a couple of men who whistle as they pass. “God, men are pigs.” I roll my eyes, and Brody glances up. “I mean, besides you, of course.”

“No. This can’t happen. I refuse to watch you become a bitter bitch. It. Will. Not. Happen. We’re going out tonight to a club.” Cher slaps the table.

Brody and I groan. “I’m not going to a club,” I snap.

“Oh, yes, you are. Both of you.” She points a finger at me, her nail perfectly manicured.

“Stop pointing.” I slap her hand away.

“God, you two are literally no fun. Brody?” She turns to him.

He smirks, still looking down at his phone.

“You, Mr. Man, are not nursing a broken heart. You’re going with me tonight.” Cher leans forward, and I can’t help but smile as Brody holds up his hand to block the killer hat.

“Christ, Cher, really? Control your hat.” He frowns, his eyes darting to mine.