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Chapter Six
RAVEN
I groan when Vinn pulls into the carpark of one of his restaurants. “I just want to go home.”
“You’re gonna hear me out, Raven.”
I follow him inside as he breezes past everyone without saying a word, which I find rude, so I smile politely at his staff, muttering apologies. “I’ll have two steaks brought up to my office. I have a business meeting that may take some time, and I do not want disturbing no matter what!” he shouts to no one in particular.
The nearest chef nods. “Of course, Mr. Romano.”
“Actually,” I say, staring at the nervous-looking chef, “I’ll just take a salad.” He glances at Vinn as if to get permission for my decision, and I groan out loud in frustration, pushing past Vinn and heading for the office. I hear Vinn confirm my order. “And this is exactly why we would never work,” I say the second we’re alone in the office. “I can’t even order my own fucking lunch.”
“You’re overreacting. You just did.”
“With your permission,” I point out.
“Corvo—”
“Raven.”
“Same bloody thing,” he hisses impatiently. “Take the apartment.”
“No!” I shout. “I don’t want to talk about this again, Vinn. I’m tired.” I pause to catch my breath, and it’s shaky, like I’m about to cry. I blink a few times to chase the tears away. “Just let me get over you.”
He takes my hand and tugs me towards him. “I don’t want you to.” He runs a hand down my face, rubbing his thumb along my jaw. “We have something. You know we do.”
I smile sadly. “It isn’t real.”
He places a kiss on my nose, and I close my eyes. “It’s real, Corvo.” I hold my breath, feeling his lips close. I open my eyes slightly, and he’s watching for my reaction as his lips gently press against mine. It’s the first time he’s ever kissed me. Even just brushing my lips sends sparks flying around my body. As his hands cup my face and his lips press a little harder, he sweeps his tongue into my mouth and it’s all it takes to turn this sweet, gentle first kiss into a hunger I haven’t felt in such a long time.
I allow him to lift me onto his desk, not breaking the kiss. He unbuckles his belt, and I unfasten my shirt. It’s never felt this real before, this intense. His eyes are dark, his wandering hands desperate to touch every part of me, and I’m crying out for him to take me right now on his desk. But a knock on the door, followed by it opening, has Vinn pulling away fast. It’s almost like he sensed Sofia there, or maybe he heard the protests of the waitress. Either way, we all stand quiet for a few seconds, Vinn’s heavy breathing filling the silence, while Sofia takes in the scene before her.
The waitress mutters an apology and begins to say how she tried to stop her, but Vinn flicks his hand at her like she’s an annoying puppy, and she scuttles away. “I can see you’re busy,” says Sofia stiffly. I lower my head, feeling like shit. “I’ll leave you to it.” She spins and rushes out, and Vinn looks at me with guilt before rushing after her. A second later, the chef appears, holding two domed dishes. He frowns in confusion, and I give him a watery smile.
“Mr. Romano has been called away urgently. We won’t be needing lunch. Thank you.”
I fasten my shirt and pull out my mobile. I try calling Chains, but there’s no answer. I could call any of the guys, Riggs would send someone to get me, but I can’t face them right now, so I dial the only person I know who will come no question and make me see sense.
Mac answers after the second ring. “Where are you?” is the first thing he asks, and it makes my tears spill over and fall down my cheeks. I reel off the address to the restaurant. “I’m just around the corner. I’ll be there in two minutes.”
Heading outside, I spot Vinn and Sofia in a heated discussion. I keep my eyes fixed to the ground and sigh with relief when I hear the rumble of Mac’s motorcycle. As I climb on, I glance towards Vinn, who’s got his eyes fixed on me. He looks torn as we ride away, but he’s made his choice, and now, I’ve seen it for myself. His loyalties are with Sofia.
Mac stops outside a building I recognise as newly built apartments and we get off. I didn’t want to tag on to another job, but I can’t complain, seeing as he did me a favour. I follow him into the building, and he uses a key card to let us into the lift. Stopping on the second floor, he uses the key card again to open one of the apartment doors. Inside is basic, and it screams single man with the dark grey couch, small coffee table, and large television.
“I thought you might want to get your head straight before we go back to the club. I kind of made Chains aware you’re upset, and he might make a fuss.”
I wander through the living room to the kitchen. Again, it’s basic with just a microwave, fridge, and kettle. “Is this your place?” I ask. Some of the guys at the club have places they can go to if they need some time out. It can be full on, living with all those people and their crazy kids running around the place.
“It’s not mine. Brick gave me the key for you to come and chill out.” I smile. The guys all care about me in their own ways and it cheers me up a little. “Vinn doesn’t know about it either,” he adds with a wink.
“He won’t be coming to look for me. He made his feelings perfectly clear.”
“Was that Sofia I spotted with him outside the restaurant?”
I nod and my cheeks colour with shame. “She walked in on us.”
“Fuck.”
