"Did you hurt him?" Brie asked over the little hum of music coming from the stereo inside of the car. Such a question was seen coming way before Brie had even sat down inside of the car and because of it, Raye had some time to think of what she was going to say to the girl. She knew that Brienna hated the mentions of violence or her being violent but in her world, it was always necessary whether she liked it or not.
Raye would just try sometimes not to cite any of it but it never always worked out.
With her hands gripping the steering wheel tightly, Raye took a few seconds glance over her way, seeing her questioning eyes made her feel a pang of guilt over what had transpired but that guilt quickly dissipated once she took into consideration the seriousness of the matter and how Cassie, whom they had just taken to her boyfriend's place was nearly a victim to it.
"I wasn't the one to do it. Luca got some of the fellas to take care of him. I was only there to question him a little, "
"So he's dead now?"
"I don't think so,"
"Okay,"
"What did you and Craig talk about?" She questioned.
"We didn't exactly speak much," Brienna started to say, shifting in her seat a little. "Craig and I were never that interactive but I told him that I knew what's going on and how appalled I was,"
"How did he react?"
"I saw the little life that he had leave his body. He seemed really remorseful which I expected but still, I'm so angry babe,"
"I understand,"
"Why would he ever get himself caught up in this knowing that it could possibly put our family in danger too?"
Raye didn't respond at first, instead, she pulled into the parking lot of a cafe, turning the engine off she turned her attention to the girl sitting with a scowl. It was late in the afternoon and because of that, she was able to make out her face but with the beautiful gleam of the setting sun lighting up her features. Reaching out she cupped her right cheek, softly brushing her thumb against Brie's tender skin.
"That's something no one but Craig would be able to answer, but I know why someone would contemplate living such a life. Money, prestige, excitement," she listed. "It may be hard for you to grasp but some people actually want to live a life like that because it excites them, while others were dragged into it unwillingly."
"Did you ever get to talk to him about how he got caught up? I know a conversation between you two would flow more easily than it would between him and I,"
"I did and Craig led me to believe that he followed the wrong group of friends and found himself in deep water. It could all just be lies but I feel like he's not the type to lie about that."
"So he didn't intentionally get involved?"
"Apparently not,"
Sighing, Brienna looked away from Raye only to have her put her tilt her head back that way.
"It's going to be alright," she said, and Brie gave a fraction of a smile, but then that smile widened as she stared into Raye's soft eyes.
"I just love that pretty smile," Raye whispered and she smirked seeing Brie blush. Although she'd complimented her many, many times about a variety of things her reaction always remained the same. Brie was always genuinely delighted of the adulation and the praise, and she never ceased to return the compliments. Leaning over to place a kiss to her ample lips, Raye nibbled eliciting a moan from Brie. She pulled away to admire her long enough to make her blush.
"What?"
"I'm admiring what's mine," Raye said so intensely Brie was taken aback by the passion emanating from both her sultry voice and beautiful slender face.
"If you keep that up I don't think we'll make it inside."
"I wouldn't mind,"
"Okay, let's go." Brie started to leave the vehicle and inside Raye chuckled, following behind the girl whose rear she couldn't help but admire as she swayed into the entrance of the cafe.
* * *
"I'm telling you, I don't get it." Mia slams her palm down onto the table causing the contents on top to vibrate and shift a little, drawing Brienna's eyes to her as she did and it was over the rim of her mug of hot cocoa.
"Look Mia, the thing between you and Ava would only work out the way you want it too if you two discussed it."
"We have, I've told her I wanted us to try a bit more but she's still with that asshole Keith."
"Why are you even worked up over it anyway, I thought this was supposed to be just a fling?"
"It was. Being with Ava like that made me realise how much we actually have in common and how severe that crush I had for her was. Then the affair started and it's wild." She whined, throwing her head down on the table.
"I know how you feel, " Brie reached over and started rubbing her arm.
"You do?" Mia asked. She had risen up to reveal her face to which her lips were pouty and her dark brows were creased. Brienna couldn't help but laugh, which made her irritated.
"I thought you were supposed to be understanding and supportive not laugh at me."
"I'm sorry but it's funny. Who would've known that you and Ava would be this and you'd be here confiding in me about the affair? Your infatuation with her is cute, "
"I don't want to hear that hoe, just tell me how to work through it, you're a professional after all since you've only ever dated women. How hard can it be to show her that I really like her and this is not just me exploring my sexuality only to never date women again?"
"Honestly, there isn't much you could do. I'd suggest just being yourself and let things fall into place themselves. Ava should be able to recognize that you're the one who actually cares about her eventually."
Mia sighed, then picked up the mug before her and took a sip. Her cocoa may have been spiked with a little something that was strong and because of it, she enjoyed it all the more.
"How're things between you and Raye?"
"Good, " Brie started to say, swallowing her drink. "Things aren't always perfect but it's good."
For a moment she thought about the situation with her brother which now involved most of them and frowned. Quickly, she fixed her face. She didn't want to give Mia a reason to question her any further.
"That's good. I can't wait for you guys to get married, " she responded causing Brie to giggle.
"What is it with everyone and wanting us to get married?"
"Because we can see that you two were made for each other. Look at what you've been through and you both came out stronger than ever in the end. That's not some shit that should be taken lightly, y'all were made for each other."
"I guess, "
They were meant for each other Brienna thought, thinking about her and Raye. It made her contemplate more and more about everyone's idea of marriage. She wanted marriage. She wanted kids, and to live somewhere quiet with Raye where they could both do the things they dreamt of. Maybe she should pop the question she further thought and started blushing at the idea of proposing to Raye. She would want it to be sweet and well planned. She'd also want to do it before Raye did, beating her to the chase would be fun.
Spending the rest of her night talking with Mia, Brienna couldn't help but think about Raye and proposing. She knew it was going to happen but when the right time would be was the ultimate question but she knew it was going to come to her eventually and she couldn't help but be excited.
Around nine, Mia decided to leave and they were saying their goodbyes when Raye came busting through the door, surprised to see Mia.
"Heyy, " she grinned and went over to give her a tight squeeze.
"We talked about you, " Mia stated bravely, wiggling her brows and it subsequently made Raye laugh.
"I bet you did."
"Oh before I go, I just wanna know if you guys are going to make it to the party Trish's friend is keeping this weekend?"
"Yeah, we'll be there."
"Goodie!" Mia grinned, both her dimples showed. "I can't wait to get hammered, I swear, " Raye managed to get a whiff of vodka coming from her as she walked by and she turned to Brie who simply shrugged.
"I'm sure you plan on getting wasted and I think you should, " she replied and Brie smacked her on the arm for encouraging her. Mia chuckled and reached over to hug Brie before waving them both as she started to go through the door.
"Be safe okay and let me know when you get home, "
"I will, byee."
Once she was gone Raye chuckled, "Did she come to rant about Ava?"
"Oh my gosh, yes. They both like each other a lot but I don't know why they aren't being serious about it."
"Maybe because Ava is still with her boyfriend, she probably feels bad to just leave him," Raye spoke, taking off her boots and tossing them beside the door.
"What makes you think that?"
"Some people actually have a conscience baby, " she replied cupping Brie's face and giving her a quick kiss.
"Right, so why have the affair then?"
"Sometimes that's hard to resist, "
"Oh is it?" She arched a brow and Raye chuckled.
"For some people it is."
"Okay." Brie watched as her girlfriend started taking the rest of her clothes off and she couldn't break her gaze away which inevitably locked with Rayes and she gave a tiny smile, which was enough to stir intense feeling inside of her.