California's salty air, sandy beaches, and rolling lush green hills were only a short flight away from New York. Unlike the previous flight however, Raine wasn't afraid. And how could she be, when her mind was filled with so many thoughts that were bombarding in her head like fireworks on Forth of July.
Home. That's where Raine was finally going.
The place that she grew up in, the place that homed all of her precious memories with her parents. It had aways been special for her. But it was tainted. Tainted with the harsh memories that haunted her dreams. Tainted with the voices of people who caused her pain.
It was funny how something filled with so much love, could be changed into something filled with so much pain.
A place known as a beachy paradise, had so easy turned into a barren desert.
"You ok?" Xavier asked, putting his arm around her back as he pressed his lips to the side of her forehead.
As soon at her foot touched the runway of the San Francisco International Airport, Raine was left speechless. The cool wind swept through her wavy hair, making it flow past her shoulders. The bright blue sky scattered with fluffy clouds stole her breath. The green rolling hills in the distance dotted with houses caught her attention. But most importantly, the salty air, that glided atop the choppy turquoise ocean, was all it took to take all of Raine's pains away and put a smile on her face.
"Yeah." She breathed out, satisfying Xavier's concern who had been trying hard during the duration of the flight to make her smile.
"Mr. Thorn, Raine the car is ready to take you to the hotel." Jordon stated. "You'll be staying in San Francisco this night, as it is too late for you to travel to Raine's childhood house. Tomorrow, your driver, along with security will escort you to your desired locations."
"You aren't coming with us?" Raine asked immediately in confusion.
"No." Xavier answered for Jordon.
"I do apologize Raine, I will not be able to make it with you and Mr. Thorn in your ventures to your house." Jordon stated. "It is imperative that I head over to Sacramento to dive at little deeper into Malin Hadleigh's background as well as that of his father."
"Also, I do not find it safe for you to be anywhere near Malin's whereabouts." Xavier inputted.
"Mr. Thorn is correct. Although we weren't able to trace his location, nor flight details of him entering or leaving New York, it is safe to say that Malin would go to a safe location. And what location is safer then the house of one's father who happens to be California's biggest lawyers."
"Ok." Raine mumbled. "So it's me and you." Raine looked up to Xavier. "Just us, going h-home."
"Yes." Xavier said, squeezing her hand. "We can look for any evidence at your house while Jordon gathers up whatever he can find... Is that ok with you?"
"Yeah." Raine nodded. "Just... Just take care, Jordon."
"I will, Raine." He smiled. "Do not worry about me. As soon as my personal investigation is done, I shall reunite with you once more."
"That sounds great." Xavier said, shaking Jordon's hand in approval.
"Thank you Mr. Thorn. If you'd like anything more, do contact me and I can make any arrangements that you, or Raine, prefer." He said. "During my absence, Nick here, will be at your service."
* * *
The drive from the airport to the hotel took a good thirty minutes, and by the time they had stopped in front of the luxurious skyscraper with the Thorn Inc logo imprinted on it, the sun had began to descend.
"Crown of the Bay." Raine whispered as their car pulled up to a stunning hotel that stretched up into the air. "By, Thorn Inc." She continued, reading the large sign above the glass doors, adorned in gold lettering and a fancy font.
"Ah, yes." Xavier smiled, getting out of the car and holding a hand out for Raine. "It's one of our older properties. My father was the one who purchased it, in fact. A true gem to our company."
"It looks stunning." Raine smile, mesmerized by the grand entrance that was decorated in glorious artifacts and gold accents throughout. The walls were a rich cream color, complimented with marble tiles that stretched across the floor, embellished with golden mosaics.
"Mr. Thorn, honor to have you here." The receptionist welcomed with a bright smile. "Your presidential suite has been prepared as well as reservations for dinner."
"Thank you, Stella." Xavier nodded, taking the keys out of her hand before leading Raine to the top floor of the glorious building.
Xavier pushed the door open, gesturing Raine to step inside the suite as he followed behind.
Just like the rest of the hotel, the presidential suite was simply breathtaking. The room was styled in a European theme with a modern twist.
Xavier smiled as he saw Raine head straight for the windows, tugging the satin curtains out of the way so she could let herself drown in the beauty of the city.
The buildings stretched on throughout the landscape, their hotel being the tallest out of all of them, and in the back, Raine could see the deep blue ocean that she had craved for years. Her hands touched the cool glass as she watched the cars go by on the busy streets, a smile etching her face.
"I'm happy you're happy." Xavier whispered in her ears as he stood behind her, his chest supporting her back as she leaned back into him.
His hands traveled to her waist, causing shivers to go down her spine. Gently, he turned her around, pinning her between the glass and his body as he leaned into to kiss her forehead.
"Xavier..." Raine whispered, so faintly that it would have missed Xavier's ears had he not been gazing at her pink, petal-like lips.
"Go on a date with me tonight?" He asked, his sapphire blue eyes searching her's for approval.
A blush coated her cheeks as she turned her eyes away from his intense stare, nodding shyly.
"Perfect." Xavier whispered once more, pressing his lips onto her blushed cheeks as he landed a soft kiss onto them, before taking a couple of steps back.
Raine shook her head playfully, walking away from the windows and browsing around the small living room that was decorated in beautiful arrangements of white lilies.
"Nice place you got here." Raine teased, looking back at Xavier who was, as always, staring intently at her.
"It's even nicer with you here." He said. "But how about we save these talks for tonight? I want to make sure you're well rested and comfortable."
"I can do without the rest." Raine pouted. "But I can really use a warm shower."
Xavier grinned at her as he guided her to one of the many rooms in his presidential suite.
"That's your room." He said, looking around the space to make sure everything was flawless for her. "If you need anything, just call out my name. I'm right next door."
"Sounds good!" Raine smiled, waving Xavier a goodbye before she headed towards the bathroom.
* * *
"And you look absolutely, breathtaking." Xavier complimented as soon as he saw Raine walk into the restaurant, wearing a simple red dress that hugged her body in all the right places. Her hair was still wet, but looked gorgeous with the way she had worn it to the side, her fair skin shining and her lips painted in a hue of red.
While Raine was getting ready for their little date, Xavier had rushed to get a couple of things on his agenda done so that he'd be able to enjoy his time with his date. And due to that, they had agreed to meet up at the restaurant that was located on the bottom floor of that hotel.
"Thank you." Raine blushed. "You cleaned up quiet well, yourself." She praised, eyeing Xavier's white dress shirt, paired with a black tie.
Taking her hand into his own, he brought it up to his lips, gently kissing them before helping her take a seat.
"This place is beautiful." Raine smiled, looking up at the crystal chandeliers that were hanging atop every table.
"You're beautiful." Xavier professed.
"Xavier..." Raine shook her head, her cheeks flushing.
"What?" He asked, raising his hands in surrender. "I'm only saying the truth."
Raine giggled, taking a sip of water as the waiter approached their table.
"Welcome Mr. Thorn, Miss. Woods." The waiter greeted. "What shall I start you off with, for tonight?"
* * *
Dinner had been an absolute blast. Like in everything, Xavier had amazing taste in food, having the chef prepare some of the most finest dishes Raine had ever tried.
However, due to the closeness that was growing between the couple with the help of the occasional dates and Xavier's sweet kisses, he couldn't overlook the fact that something was off.
Her eyes shined brightly at him as the finished dinner, but Xavier could see more then just happiness in her eyes. There was something more. A shard of pain, a hint of worry. Although they were subtle, they were still present. And for Xavier, he couldn't accept that.
He wanted her to be happy. And he wouldn't accept anything less then 100% happiness in her beautiful brown orbs.
"So..." Xavier began, his eyes focused on Raine's fingers that were playing with the utensils. "You seem distracted."
"It's nothing." She waved off.
"It's something." He pressed. "What's bothering you, Raine?"
"N-nothing." Raine lied, her eyes unable to meet his.
"Please." Xavier whispered, pleading but never forcing her.
Raine looking up into his eyes, seeing the hundred shades of blues swirling together, captivating her. She couldn't hold back, not when he was looking at her like that.
"I'm sorry, Xavier." She said, letting out a breath. "I really am."
"Sorry about what?" He worriedly asked, reaching across the table for her hand.
"This...It's all just..." She shut her eyes tightly, holding back the tears. "It's all just a lot to take in right now and I feel like I'm drowning."
"No." Xavier shook his head.
"And that worst part is..." Raine whispered, opening her eyes. "I'm bringing you down with me."
"You're doing no such thing." Xavier stated. "Raine, you don't bring me down."
"Really?" Raine chuckled sadly. "Xavier, you left your company and all your work behind to come on this trip. Why?"
"I want to help you, Raine."
"I'll end up ruining you." She uttered, her sorrow-filled eyes looking at Xavier painfully.
"No you won't." Xavier declared, his voice booming with certainty. "You don't bring me down Raine, you lift me up." He reached over, gently wiping off the single tear that had fallen from her eyes. "Ever since I've met you, everything's changed. I'm... I'm happy when I'm with you and when you're not there, everything's back to normal. I want to be happy, Raine. And I want to be with you. And if being with you comes with all of this Malin shit, then I'm willing to deal with that too."
"But youâ"
"Raine, stop." Xavier interrupted. "Nothing is going to keep me away from you. Nothing. So instead of fighting me, can't we just enjoy this moment?"
"I'm sorry." Raine muttered. "You're right. I should be thanking you for everything you've done for me, but here I am arguing."
"I didn't ask for a sorry, nor do I want to hear a thank you." Xavier said getting out of his seat and going around the table, kneeling in front of Raine. "Now please turn that frown upside down." He said, using his fingers to lift up her cheeks, making her smile. "That smile of yours, it's what makes my world go around."
Raine laughed, her eyes shining with complete happiness, just that way Xavier liked them.
"You're such a..." She began, stopping to search for the perfect work.
"Hot, sexy, good looking guy? Yeah, I know." Xavier smirked.
"I was gunna say a cheesy clown, but sure." Raine winked.
"Cheesy?!" Xavier asked, his jaw dropping. "Did you just call me cheesy?!"
* * *
"So what's the first thing we're going to do?" Raine asked Xavier as the both of them walked down to the lobby of the hotel, waiting for their car arrived.
Last night's date had been amazing but the fun and games were over. They were back in action, stronger and more determined then ever. Ready to find all of the answers that they had come all the way to California, to seek.
"Well, to find the true end to this story, I'd say it would be smart to go to where it all began." Xavier replied.
"My house." Raine whispered.
"Yes." Xavier nodded. "You're house, neighbors, the people of the city you lived in. All of these can help us get to the root of whatever really happened with your parents. For that, we need to get you home. Your real home."
"Pebble Beach. I used to live in Pebble Beach."
"You're right." He agreed. "Jordon was able to find your house address. Although it's no longer vacant, we can still go there and check it out. If that's ok with you of course." He added.
"Of course." Raine said. "My Aunt sold all of our belongings."
"I am aware." Xavier grimly nodded.
"Ok then. Let's go."
And with that being said, Xavier and Raine began their trip to Pebble Beach. The drive wasn't short, but it was undoubtedly beautiful, their car driving on the edge of the coast as they watched the blue ocean sparkling in the sunlight.
After a couple of hours, they had made it. As soon as the car shifted to park, Raine's heart began pounding against her ribcage. She was finally home.
"This is stunning." Xavier said, helping Raine out of the car. They had parked on the sandy road, just by the small beach. The water was choppy, and the waves high; just the way Raine remembered them to be.
"Isn't it? I can't believe I spent years of my life away from this. Away from home." She said, taking a deep breath of the salty air, letting it fill her lungs.
"After all of this is over, I'll bring you back here, Raine." Xavier turned towards her, cupping her face in the warmth of his hands. "You'll never have to be afraid. You'll never have to hide. You'll never have to run."
"I'm so tired from running, Xavier." She said, leaning further into Xavier's touch. "It's like I've wasted my life running instead of actually living."
"As long as I'm with you, you'll never have to run again." Xavier said, his eyes beaming with truth. "And I'm never leaving your side." He uttered, in a voice so confident, it sent chills through Raine's body.
Raine nodded as Xavier released his hold, turning away from the vast sea and towards the house that was standing tall and proud along the shore.
"This is it." He said, turning towards Raine as he awaited her response.
"It's just the same as it was." She said after a moment of silence. And she was right. Nothing had changed. The house was just as she remembered it. From the tall peaking roof, to the giant glass windows, to the stone pillars that held the place up; everything was the same.
It didn't take long for her feet to carry her to where her heart desired. Raine began advancing towards the gate, pushing the lever back so that it would open. Xavier followed her cautiously, letting his guards to wait outside, securing the perimeter.
"It's a beautiful house, Raine." Xavier said, standing besides her as she looked up at the house it awe.
"It is." She whispered. "Oh look! That's my room! Xavier that's my room!" She exclaimed, yanking Xavier's hand as she rushed up the walkway that led towards the entrance of the house.
"See that balcony?!" She pointed towards the top. "I used to spend all day up there! Counting the waves and looking out for dolphins! Mom would always sit there working on her computer stuff while I pretended we were in a pirate ship!" She explained. "And when Dad finished his work, he'd join me too! We'd play for hours and then he scoop me into his arms and we'd race each other to the beach. Dad would always let Mom win." Raine said looking up into Xavier's eyes. "He loved her so much."
"I'm sureâ" Xavier began, only to be interrupted by a foreign voice.
"Excuse me? Is there anything I can help you with?"
Xavier and Raine turned around, finding the front door to the house open, and a man walking down the steps towards the duo.
"Hello." Xavier said, buttoning up his suit as he took steps forward to greet the gentleman, with Raine to his side. "I'm Xavier Thorn."
"Xavier Thorn..." The man pondered. "Aren't you the..."
"I'm the CEO of Thorn Inc." Xavier answered.
"Ah yes..." That man nodded, recognizing Xavier.
"And this here is Raine Woods." Xavier introduced, looking down at Raine.
"Nice to meet you Ms. Woods, Mr. Thorn. I'm Dan Striker." He introduced himself. "What can I help you out with?"
"Mr. Striker, pleasure to meet you." Xavier responded. "I'm actually here for some personal reasons. There was a case I was looking into and... It's about this house, actually."
"What about this house?"
"This house is an integral part of this particular case. I was wondering if you'd be able to help Raine and I find out some information."
"I'm sorry Mr. Thorn, with all due respect, I don't want to get myself involved in somethingâ"
"Please Mr. Striker." Raine interrupted, pleading. "I need to know what happened to my parents. Please help me find the truth."
Xavier rubbed her back, pressing his lips to the side of her head in attempts to calm her down.
"Mr. Striker, this is a very important case, it would be vital if you'd help us out." Xavier asked once more.
The man eyed Raine's eyes, ones that held sorrow and desperation. He couldn't refuse to that, eventually causing him to give in.
"Alright." Dan nodded. "What can I help you out with?"
"I really appreciate this." Xavier thankfully said. "We were interested in knowing who, how, and when you purchased this house."
"It's a beauty, isn't it?" Dan asked looking back at his house in admiration. "I had my eyes on this property for about 20 years. Unfortunately, the seller declined all offers. It wasn't until about 10 years ago that I came across the news that this house was on sale. I bought it right away."
"For 1.1 million dollars, correct?" Raine asked.
"1.1 million dollars?!" Dan laughed. "Ms. Woods, you do realize that this is Pebble Beach we're talking about, right? I bought this baby for 7.2 million dollars."
"What?!" Raine stood shocked. "My Aunt told me the house was sold for 1.1 million and that all the money had gone into the debts that my parents had."
"Your Aunt?" Dan asked in confusion. "I'm sorry, I'm lost. Who exactly are you?"
"Raine Woods." She announced. "Daughter of Eden and Abby Woods."
"Eden...Abby..." He mumbled. "Wait a minute. Your...your parents were the owners of this house before me?"
"Yeah." Raine said. "They passed away in a plane crash and soon after, my Aunt sold all of my parents' belongings to pay off some debts that my parents apparently had."
"Your Aunt... Irida May?" Dan confirmed.
"Yeah!"
"Well, Ms. Woods, I don't know what to say. I do give my condolence to you. I heard about Eden and Abby soon after I purchased the house."
"So you purchased this property from Irida May, for 7.2 million dollars?" Xavier clarified.
"Yes." Dan nodded. "I have all of the paperwork if you'd like proof."
"That won't be necessary." Xavier shook his head.
"If you don't mind me asking," Dan began. "What is the reasoning for the sudden questioning? I mean, I've been living here for almost 10 years now and I've never had anyone approach me."
"It's just a routineâ" Xavier began, but Raine tugged on his hand, telling him to discontinue whatever lie he was planning on feeding.
"My mom and dad were killed in the flight crash and I was taken away. I never got the closure that I was seeking. I guess I was always afraid of what I would find. But I have questions, and although the people who could've answered those questions are no longer alive, I think that this house..." Raine looking up. "...my home, could provide me with the answers that I need."
"Ms. Woods, I understand your position and again, I am extremely sorry for your loss." Dan sympathetically said. "I don't know if I'd be of much help, but if you need any more answers, that's my card." He said holding out a small business card. "Give me a call at any time or drop by."
"Thank you." Raine said. "Thanks for everything Mr. Striker."
"Not a problem." He said. "Now if you don't mind, I have to go pick up my wife from the airport."
* * *
"What's wrong?" Xavier asked.
After Dan Striker left the house, Raine and Xavier had walked along the beach for a couple of minutes before heading to a nearby coffee shop.
Raine had been quiet the entire time. Her mind was busy with a million thoughts. From the memories that she had in that house, to the moments that she spent with her parents, to her time at her Aunt's house, to the time she ran away. Everything was building up on her. There were so many gaps in the things she knew and she wanted answers. She demanded them. But her questions weren't easy, not everyone could answer them.
"I'm lost." Raine said. "I'm just so lost."
"I know this is tough, Raine." Xavier said, reaching his hand over the table and placing it on top of Raine's. "But you can't let it get to you. You need to stay strong."
"My Auntâ"
"Irida May." Xavier interrupted.
"Irida May, she's Mom's younger sister."
"Clearly not a good one." Xavier remarked. "She told you the house was sold for 1.1 million?"
"Yeah." Raine nodded. "It was a while ago but I remember! She said she sold it to repay the debt that Mom and Dad had, along with the rings she stole, and all of their stuff too."
"And you told me they didn't have debt."
"I'm positive they didn't have any." Raine sternly said. "Just think about it Xavier, they had such high positions in a top company. How the heck could they be in debt?!"
"So one thing's clear. Irida lied about the price your house was sold for." Xavier informed.
"As well as the debt." Raine added.
"She was after the money. Just like she took your trust fund money, she also stole the money she received when she sold the house. And the money from the diamond ring that belonged to your mother." Xavier said, staring at the way Raine brought her father's ring to her lips, kissing it.
"It's 7.2 million dollars Xavier! 7.2 million!" Raine said in frustration. "After all of that, taking all of that money, why did she still hate me?"
Tears started pouring out of Raine's eyes, each drop full of pain and sorrow. It broke Xavier's heart. He could bare to see the world burning in flames but he simply couldn't see Raine in tears. She was so precious. Like a delicate little rose.
His Rose.
And he wouldn't let her suffer. He wouldn't let her hurt. He wouldn't let tears come into her eyes. He couldn't.
"Baby..." He breathed out, getting out of his chair and going to Raine's side. He pulled her into his embrace, rubbing her back as she sobbed into his chest. "It's gunna be alright. I'm gunna fix this."
"What's next?" Raine asked after the tears had stopped flowing. She was still clutching onto Xavier's chest as he held her tightly against himself.
"A women by the name of Irida May had the audacity to hurt my little Rose." Xavier said, looking straight ahead. "It's time she pays the price of messing with Xavier Thorn's girl."
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A/N: Hey Guys!! I am so happy seeing Forever Raine in the top hundred of so many of the tags! Thanks for all of the support! Let's work harder and get Forever Raine to the top ranks please! Continue to show your support through votes and comments! I love hearing from each and every one of you!
Question of the Day: San Francisco or Los Angeles???
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Breathe