Raven
I opened my eyes to a pounding headache. My skull felt like someone was hammering inside it. Groaning, I dragged myself out of bed and stumbled toward the bathroom. After brushing my teeth and easing my bladder, I splashed some water on my face, hoping it would bring me back to life. It didn't.
"Fuck," I muttered, pressing my fingers to my temples. I shouldn't have drunk so much.
When I touched my lips, I froze. They felt swollen, almost bruised. My stomach dropped. Did I...kiss Dan?
I shook my head quickly. No. That couldn't be. Or could it? We were drunk. Maybe-
"Whatever," I whispered to myself, brushing the thought away.
Dragging myself downstairs, I entered the sitting room. The place looked like a war zone-empty bottles everywhere, the smell of alcohol still clinging to the air. Dan was passed out on the floor. Alex and Sophie were tangled together on the sofa bed, limbs sprawled out like they were glued to each other.
Rolling my eyes, I stepped into the kitchen and collapsed onto a stool. My head throbbed harder. Honey water. That would help.
I forced myself up, opening the cabinet, but the honey was too high. I stood on my tiptoes, stretching my arm, but couldn't reach. Suddenly, a hand slid past mine, grabbing it with ease.
He was standing right behind me-too close. His body brushed against my back, and I froze when I felt the hard press of his morning wood against me. He lingered a second too long before stepping back.
I turned slowly, my voice awkward. "Uh...good morning."
Dan nodded, handing me the jar. "Thought you wanted this."
I blinked, trying to act normal. "Yeah. Thanks. I didn't realize you were awake. I checked a while ago-you were out cold."
He shrugged, his voice rough with sleep. "Head's killing me. Hard to stay asleep like this."
"Same," I muttered, pouring hot water into two cups. I added honey and a squeeze of lemon, then slid one to him.
"Thanks," he said, giving me a small smile.
Trying to fill the silence, I asked, "So...do you like Alex?" My gaze drifted toward the sofa, where Alex's head was buried against Sophie's shoulder. A laugh tugged at my lips.
But when I looked back, Dan wasn't smiling at Alex. He was staring at me. At my mouth.
Heat crawled up my neck. My chest tightened, panic sparking. I knew he liked me, but I wasn't ready for him to be so...obvious about it.
I cleared my throat, fumbling. "You didn't answer."
Dan smirked slightly. "Yeah, I like him. He's fun. And anyone who's your friend...is my friend too."
That intense gaze didn't leave me. The tension in the air made it hard to breathe. My lips tingled, and I couldn't stop wondering-did we kiss last night?
I shoved the thought away. "How about you help me in the kitchen? Let's make some hangover soup."
His grin softened. "Anything for you, princess."
I forced a smile, trying not to overthink it as we worked side by side, chopping, stirring, talking about nothing and everything. Then, as casually as possible, Dan asked, "So...can I take you on a second date?"
My knife froze mid-chop. My heart sank. He was a great guy-sweet, kind-but I didn't want to lead him on. He deserved someone who could love him back fully. Someone who wasn't drowning in secrets or torn in dangerous directions.
Before I could answer, Alex wandered into the kitchen, rubbing his temples. "Ugh, my head. Feels like death."
I shot him an unimpressed look.
He caught it, then smirked. "Wait...am I interrupting something?" His grin turned wicked. "Don't tell me you two snuck off and hooked up last night. Because I didn't see you with him after we all passed out, and-oh my God-did you finally get the D?"
"Alex!" My cheeks flushed hot as fire. "We didn't do anything! And we won't."
The words came out harsher than I intended, and I caught the flash of hurt in Dan's eyes before he masked it. My chest tightened with guilt.
I turned back to Alex. "Besides, I thought you were the one who dragged me to my room last night."
He frowned. "Uh...nope. Wasn't me."
My brows furrowed, confusion knotting in my stomach. If it wasn't Alex...and Dan was out cold...then who-
"Anyway," I said quickly, brushing it off, "we're making hangover soup. You want some?"
"Obviously," Alex grinned, sliding onto a stool.
Moments later Sophie stumbled in, still half-asleep, and I hugged her good morning before serving everyone bowls of soup.
We ended up back in the living room, the four of us sitting in comfortable silence, sipping soup from warm bowls. But my mind wasn't calm. Not at all.
My lips still burned, swollen. And if it wasn't Dan or Alex who kissed me last night...
Then who was it?
It was already noon before I realized how much time had slipped by. Dan said he had something to take care of, so I walked him outside.
"Will I see you at work tomorrow?" he asked as we reached the curb.
"Yup. Don't want them breathing down my neck," I teased.
He chuckled. "They won't. You've grown on them." His smile softened, and I thought I heard him mutter under his breath, the same way you've grown on me.
I pretended I hadn't heard. My heart wasn't ready for that weight.
When his cab pulled up, Dan leaned in, and for a split second I thought he was going to kiss me. Instead, he gently tucked a loose strand of hair behind my ear, his eyes holding mine.
"Goodbye, Raven," he said quietly before slipping into the car.
I stood frozen for a moment before turning back toward the house, unlocking the front door. The moment I stepped in, I caught Alex and Sophie whispering to each other. They stiffened when they saw me, nervous smiles tugging at their lips.
"What's wrong?" I asked, eyeing them suspiciously.
Alex looked at Sophie, then back at me. His hand found hers before he dropped the bomb. "We...uh...want to tell you something. Sophie's pregnant."
I froze, my brain lagging before the words sank in. "Wait-what? Really? Oh my God! Why didn't you tell me sooner?" I squealed, rushing to hug them. "I'm going to be an auntie! I can already see a mini Alex running into my arms!"
Laughing, I smacked Alex on the head. "Idiot! Why would you let her drink if she's pregnant? I'll kill you!"
I pounced on him playfully, wrestling him to the floor while Sophie doubled over in laughter, making no attempt to stop us. By the time we stopped, all three of us were sprawled on the carpet, breathless.
"How far along?" I asked, turning to Sophie.
"Three months," she said, her smile radiant as her hand slid protectively over her belly.
Alex's grin mirrored hers.
I smiled too, happiness swelling in my chest for them. Still, a small ache lingered in me, the faint sting of being the third wheel. But that didn't matter. They were happy, and that was enough for me.
"I'm going to shower before we go celebratory shopping," I announced, standing.
In my room, I began to straighten my bed. But when I lifted the duvet, I froze.
There was a letter.
And beside it-a black rose. The same as before. Along with a small packet of hangover pills.
My stomach dropped. My throat closed. Every muscle in my body locked with the urge to scream, but I held it back. I couldn't risk Sophie hearing, not in her condition.
With trembling hands, I texted Alex. Come upstairs. Now.
Seconds later, he barged into my room, eyes wide. "What happened, Rav-" His voice broke off when he saw my face, pale and stricken.
I pointed to the bed.
He strode forward, lifted the duvet, and saw the rose and the folded note. His jaw tightened as he unfolded the paper.
The handwriting was jagged. Taunting.
> Little Storm,
You have such bad taste in men. That stupid guy Dan, and Alex too. You'd better stay away from them if you don't want them to disappear.
Little Storm,
And by the way-you were so wasted last night. Don't do that again with those pieces of shit guys.
Alex's hands shook with rage as he read aloud. His jaw clenched, eyes darkening with fury.
"Raven..." My voice cracked. "We can't stay here. He got inside. I have to tell Dan-"
"No." Alex cut me off sharply, stepping closer and gripping my shoulders. His voice was low, filled with steel. "We're going to the police. Today. He was in your house, Raven. That explains why you don't remember how you got to your room. That sick bastard was here."
His eyes burned with fury, and for the first time, panic fully gripped me. The black rose wasn't just a warning anymore.
It was a promise.