Total pages in book: 64
Estimated words: 60018 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 300(@200wpm)___ 240(@250wpm)___ 200(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 60018 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 300(@200wpm)___ 240(@250wpm)___ 200(@300wpm)
If Caleb could get information from their mother about Lance’s whereabouts and plans post-release, that would help.
“Thank you, big brother.” She managed a smile but knew Caleb didn’t buy her forced cheer.
“I love you, Raven. If you need anything, day or night, call me. I’ll get someone to watch Owen and I’ll be there immediately.”
Standing, she wrapped her arms around him and gave him a hug. “Love you too. You’re a good man, Caleb. Your ex-wife was a fool to let my two favorite boys go.”
He chuckled but didn’t reply. He rose to his feet. “Are you going to be okay?”
She drew in a deep breath. “Yes. Don’t worry about me.”
He shot her an exasperated, are-you-kidding look, just as Remy strode over, joining them. God, the man was sexy. It didn’t matter if he wore a tuxedo as he had Saturday night or a pair of black jeans and a button-down shirt open at his throat, the man oozed magnetic charm.
“Leaving already?” he asked Caleb.
Her brother nodded. “I have to get back to the office.”
Remy looked from Caleb to Raven, his eyes narrowing on her face. “Is everything okay?”
She nodded. “Why wouldn’t it be?”
Caleb leaned over and hugged her again. “Tell him everything. I need to know there’s someone here looking out for you,” he whispered in her ear before rising to his full height once more.
He said goodbye to Remy and told Raven to call him later, then he strode out of the bar.
Once they were alone, Remy stared at her, his amber eyes crinkled in concern. “Want to talk about it?” he asked.
She swallowed hard. “Not really… but I should.”
Because not only had her brother made a valid point, but she owed Remy, the owner of this business, the truth since once Lance was free, Raven would be a walking target. If after he heard her story he wanted her to leave and not put their business or customers at risk, she would understand. Not that she had any idea where she’d go.
“My office?” he asked, tipping his head in that direction.
“Not here and not right now.” She needed the day to process the news of Lance’s imminent release. And to figure out how to spill her hardest secrets she’d always kept hidden.
“Dinner tonight? My place?” he asked. “It’ll be more private.”
She pulled in a breath, ignoring the fact that under any other circumstances going to Remy’s apartment would definitely lead to more than just talking. Not tonight.
“Yes, that sounds good.”
He smiled that sexy grin she always fought to resist. “We’ll head over together around seven? Pamela is working the late shift,” he said of the assistant manager.
“Okay.” And now it was time for her to do her job. The one thing in her life that until now, had been solid and secure.
Chapter Five
Remy watched Raven work the rest of the night, aware she had something extremely troubling on her mind. He’d seen her nearly crumble against her brother, his heart squeezing at her obvious pain.
The night dragged on and when he realized he was doing nothing but staring at Raven, he holed up in his office, going through the last case he and Zach had handled. A runaway teen they’d managed to rescue from her sleazy high school teacher, reunite her with her family, and send the SOB to jail where he belonged. They kept meticulous notes should the case go to trial and since Remy had taken lead on this investigation, it was his job to wrap it up. It also kept his mind off Raven and the fact that if he’d dug into her background, he’d be one step ahead of whatever the issue might be.
But then he’d lose her trust. So he worked. Until his watch reminded him to stand and walk around. As he circled the office, he glanced at the time.
Now, he could focus on Raven.
* * *
Raven reluctantly let Remy pull her away from work. She had no desire to talk about her brother or his imminent release from prison but she understood the necessity.
They grabbed an Uber to his apartment, located farther downtown in Chelsea. He was silent on the ride over and she appreciated the time to think and figure out how to explain her past.
As they exited the vehicle and walked to the entrance of the building, a doorman greeted Remy by name. Inside was a stunning lobby, complete with a large sitting area and a concierge desk with an attendant behind it.
Remy placed his hand on her back as they strode through the marble lobby to an elevator set away from the main bank. His touch burned through her lightweight work shirt but she couldn’t bring herself to step away. He pressed PH and she wasn’t surprised he probably owned the top floor or that the elevator opened directly into his apartment.