#Chapter 28: Hopes and Dreams

Raven I found a tree stump near the edge of the forest and plopped down on it, my burning hand clenched into a fist in my lap. Neil’s words still stung, like a knife twisting in my belly. One night of pleasure. Was that really all I was worth to these men? Like a single-use item, to be had and discarded once they were finished with me? Gritting my teeth, I shut my eyes against the sudden onslaught of tears that threatened to come. Uninvited, memories of a day three years ago flooded back into my mind… … The afterparty was already in full swing by the time I stepped inside. Music thudded against the exposed brick walls of the converted warehouse, industrial chandeliers overhead casting everything in a golden glow. “There she is!” a familiar voice called out to me, causing me to turn. “The star of the night!” I couldn’t help but grin at the sight of the famous designer, Marcus, pushing his way toward me. He threw his arms around me and hugged me