Page 68 of Shattered By the Currents

“So explain it to me. Make this make sense. Why is he here? Why did you leave him? Why do I get the sense he’s the biggest piece of shit I’ve ever laid eyes on?”

“I can’t tell you.”

“Why not?” Fuck, he wanted to scream the words.

“Because if he finds out I sharedanything, it could ruin us both!”

“How would he find out?”

“I don’t know, he justcould. I can’t take the risk.” She shook her head. “You don’t get it because you have nothing to lose here.”

“Bullshit.”

“Excuse me?”

“I haveyouto lose.”

She pulled back. “You’re saying if I don’t tell you, it’s over?”

“I’m saying that I can’t be in a relationship with someone who won’t share such big parts of themselves with me. I can’t have secrets.”

Raven swallowed, her face so unreadable he had no idea what she was thinking. “Then maybe that’s it for us.”

Acid coated his throat. “You’d rather protect your secrets than us?”

For a second, devastation cut across her face. Then she blinked, arms wrapping around her waist as she stepped back. “You should go.”

The words were like a physical blow. “Raven?—”

“Now, Connor.”

He wasn’t getting anywhere with her. Not here. Not like this. “Okay. But this conversation isn’t over. And if that ex comes back, you tell me. You call me. I’ll be there.”

She didn’t agree. She didn’t give him anything.

He stormed out. He was pissed. So fucking angry his hands were damn near shaking.

She wasn’t going to be honest with him. Not now. Possibly not ever.

When he reached his truck outside of Bloom, he didn’t leave. Instead, he sat behind the wheel and watched the community center. He wasn’t sure how long he’d stay. Just knew that he couldn’t leave yet. Not after that asshole had just been there.

He lifted his phone and hit Ethan’s name.

Ethan answered on the first ring. “Hey. You know I can see you in your truck, right? Come into Bloom.”

No part of him felt like socializing right now. “I need a favor.”

“Anything.”

“I’m ready for that check on Xander Stevens.”

16

Raven climbed into her car. She’d spent hours with her parents, and only left because visiting hours were over.

God, today was a mess. But at least, for the moment, they were safe. She’d spoken to Briar. She hadn’t told the other woman the details but had let her know she was concerned for her parents’ safety. She’d mentioned an ex, giving a name and description so they knew exactly who to look out for.

Briar had assured her the place had security. That there were locks and alarms. For now, Raven just had to accept that.