Free Raven by Ashley Suzanne

now they’re gone. No more demons, baby. When you’re done, put that shirt back on and meet me back on the sofa. I’ll get us something to eat and we’ll watch something funny.”
    More tears form in the corne rs of my eyes. Trying to blink them away, I stare deeply into Garrett’s blue eyes and see nothing but unconditional love—something I thought I had with my mom until it was gone. I know Elaine loves me, but I don’t think it’s unconditional. Garrett never fails to surprise me.
    “I love you so much, Garrett. I’m so blessed to have you.”
    “Baby, this isn’t even love. It’s so much more. The feelings I have for you go far beyond what most people will ever experience in their lives. When God created us, he cut us from the same mold, always a part of one another. I’m never going to let you feel that kind of pain again if I can help it.”
    With one more kiss that almost leads to Garrett climbing in the shower with me, he leaves so I can handle my business. Washing quickly, not bothering with my hair, I’m out of the shower, dried and dressed in ten minutes flat. I don’t want to spend one more second away from him. He’s leaving in just a couple days and I want to make the most of the time we have left.
    Once he’s done with the service, or at least when I’m eighteen, life will be so much better. Sometimes, you have to go through the worst to get to the best.
    I’m ready.

Chapter 8
    “So what really happened with Valerie?” Garrett asks, taking the last slice of pizza. We’re halfway through Super Troopers , and unlike my handsome boyfriend, I can’t laugh my ass off and eat at the same time.
    “You want the truth or a part of the truth?”
    “The whole truth, so help you God.”
    Turning to face him¸ I snatch away the half slice he has in his hand and take an exaggerated bite. Washing it down with the rest of my soda, I debate how much I should say. Well, shit. I can’t lie to him, especially after everything he’s done for me tonight.
    “I not so kindly told her that if she didn’t stop rubbing all over my boyfriend like a cat in heat, I was going to break her arm. I might have also told her that I’ve beaten a grown man and I’d have no problem with a tramp like her.”
    Laughter fills my ears as Garrett throws his head back, not hiding how hilarious he finds the entire situation. It’s contagious, because the next thing I know, I’m joining him in his giggle fit, offering a few snorts along the way. We both try to stop laughing, but every time we look at each other, it starts back up again. Neither one of us can speak until there are happy tears running down both of our cheeks.
    “Did you really say that to her?” he asks, trying to catch his breath and gripping his stomach.
    “I sure as shit did. Nobody comes between me and my man,” I say, imitating the most annoying person to be on that show, Big Brother , in the history of … ever.
    “Oh, okay, Rachel,” he responds. Suddenly , a memory of us hanging out at his parents’ house in the basement watching every episode of that season pops in my mind. However, just hearing her name has me shuddering. I mean, really, could any one person be more annoying? Maybe Valerie. I’m sure Val could give Rachel a run for her money in the “if you speak one more time, I’m going to jab a knitting needle in my own ear drum” department.
    “I’m serious, though. She was all over you all day and I tried to be nice at first, kindly asking her to back the fuck off, but she wanted to act tough. Someone had to put that bitch in her place.” I shrug, not wanting to give Valerie any more of our time together.
    Leaning into his side, Garrett drapes his arm around my shoulder, resting his hand extremely close to my breast that’s only covered by the thin material of the shirt. Tossing around in my head if I want to make a move on him tonight, or wait until the night before he leaves, my decision is taken from me when he angles my head