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Chapter Eighteen
RAVEN
I slip out of my heels and rub one of my feet. Leia was right—coming to the party was a great idea. I haven’t thought of Mac for at least three minutes. I smile to myself and press the champagne bottle to my lips, taking a swig. I hate this stuff, so I screw my face up but take another drink regardless.
Vinn sits beside me and takes my foot, placing it in his lap and rubbing it. I groan aloud, unashamed by the fact I’m enjoying this so much. He grins, shaking his head. “Are you having a good night?”
“Yes.” I swig another mouthful and hold the bottle up as if this explains my good time.
“Glad you came?”
“Where’s Sofia?”
“She’ll be here later. She’s at a family meal first.” The wedding is just three weeks away now, after Sofia delayed it. I haven’t spoken to Vinn about it at all, and apart from making the odd phone call to check up on things, I’ve had little to do with it. “Have you heard from Mac?” he asks, taking my other foot and rubbing it.
I shake my head. I’ve picked up my phone to call him a dozen times but talked myself out of it. In a moment of weakness, after he first left, I texted him to see how he was, but he didn’t reply. That was enough to tell me all I needed to know. I refuse to be like Ruby, calling constantly only to be ignored.
“I’m not hitting on you,” says Vinn warily, and I narrow my eyes. “Promise,” he adds. “I just wanted to let you know that the apartment I bought is still empty. If you need a place to get away, you’re more than welcome to stay there.”
“Why have you kept it?”
He smiles sadly. “Heartbreak is a funny emotion.” Placing my foot on the floor, he stands gracefully. He produces a key from his pocket and stares at it for a few seconds. A look of conflict passes over his face before he reaches down and takes my hand. He presses the key into my palm, looking me in the eye.
I glance down. The address is on the key tag, and it’s not far from the office. I love being at the club, I really do, but lately, I feel like it would be nice to get away. Maybe I’ll go check it out tomorrow.
* * *
I stumble as I feel my way along the wall. Maybe the whole bottle of champagne was a little too much. Giggling to myself, I carefully climb the three steps that lead to the brightly lit apartment complex. I pull the key tag closer to my face, frowning at the small writing. The cab dropped me right outside and promised this was the right place. There’s a man sitting behind a large concierge desk, and he smiles as I enter. “How can I help?”
I dangle the key Vinn gave me, and the man nods, standing. He presses for the lift and guides me inside. “Maybe I should help you to your apartment,” he adds, laughing.
We get out on the top floor, where there’s one door opposite the lift. He leans me against the wall and takes the key, unlocking the door and helping me inside.
I stare wide-eyed at the large open-plan apartment. It’s amazing. Nothing like what I expected. “Whoa, this place is fucking huge,” I gasp, and the man laughs again.
He points to a white keypad on the wall. “If you need anything, dial number nine and I’ll try to help.” He leaves, closing the door behind him.
I wander around in awe. The decor is classy and exactly the sort of thing I’d pictured Vinn to have in his own place. It’s nice, completely out of my league, and so quiet. After years at the club, this place is tranquil and exactly what I need right now. There’s a door leading to the bedroom, which is also big with an en-suite bathroom.
I flop on the king-size bed and kick off my shoes. Taking my mobile from my bag, I snap a picture of myself smiling. I send it to Vinn with a text to say I like the apartment.
My finger hovers over Mac’s name. Maybe I should call to see how he is. It’s almost two in the morning, so he’ll probably be asleep anyway. I chew on my lip, contemplating what to do when Vinn texts back with a smiley emoji. It makes me jump and I almost drop the phone. When I catch it, I press ‘call’ by accident.
“Fuck,” I whisper, sitting up. I let it ring a couple of times and I’m about to cancel when he answers.
“Raven?” His growly voice sends a shiver down my spine.
“How are you?” I mutter.
“It’s two in the morning. Why are you awake? Is everything okay?”
“I’ve been to Gia’s birthday party.”
He falls silent for a minute. “Did you have a good night?”
“Yeah. How are you?”
“Where are you now? It’s quiet.”
