She picked up her cell phone as it started to ring.
It was Abriana.
Shit.
The other times her friend had called, her cell phone had been elsewhere. This was different from missing a call. This was blatant ignoring. She couldn’t do that.
Clicking the green button, she pressed her cell phone to her ear. “Hi, Abriana,” she said.
“Raven, oh, my God, I’ve been worried about you. You don’t return any of my calls and texts. This is not fair and you know it. You know how I worry about you.”
“I know how you worry, and you don’t need to because I’m fine,” Raven said. “I don’t always have my phone on me, and when I see your calls, it’s late, and I don’t want to wake you.”
“Raven, I don’t think this is funny,” Abriana said.
“I’m not laughing.”
“You missed Bella’s party.”
“I know and I appreciated all the pictures. I loved them all.”
“What are you doing?” Abriana asked.
“It’s club business.”
“I know you’re with Carlos Santiago.”
She should have known Ugly Beast would spill the beans. “Yeah, okay, fine. I’m with Carlos. It’s business, so don’t worry. I’ll be back home before you know it.”
“I’ve seen the way he looks at you,” Abriana said.
“Don’t worry about it. I can handle a guy who is giving me the eye. You should know that. I can handle anything.”
She heard Abriana sigh. “Raven, please be careful.”
“You honestly don’t have to worry.”
“It’s not that. I came from them, remember? I know what they’re like, and it’s not good. It’s never good.”
Raven heard the concern in her friend’s voice, and she did wish to console her. “Abriana, don’t worry. I’m protecting Carlos, and I’ll be back before you know it. You might even get sick of me when I return.”
“That’s not possible, Raven. I love you and I miss you.” Abriana sighed. “I don’t understand why Smokey would ask you to go with Carlos. If he wanted to protect him, shouldn’t he have called for a lockdown? Had him stay here in Fort Clover?”
Raven couldn’t believe she hadn’t thought about that. “Carlos needs to stay here for business.” Smokey always had a reason for doing everything, and she had made it a habit to not question him. He knew what he was doing.
“But if it’s so important, why only send one? Not that you’re a problem or anything, Raven. I know you can handle yourself, but this is Carlos Santiago. Why didn’t he give you the option of backup?” Abriana asked.
She heard the suspicion in the other woman’s tone, and if she admitted it to herself, she had to think about it. Why would Smokey send her alone? Yes, she played the role of Santiago’s fiancée, but that also put her at risk. They never did anything this risky without backup. She refused to believe Smokey wanted her dead or gone. He’d just come out and tell her. That was what she believed. She trusted Smokey.
“Raven, are you there?”
“Er, yeah, I’m here. Look, don’t worry about it.” She heard the door to the apartment opening. “I’ve got to go. I’ll talk to you soon.”
“Ava’s been trying to reach you,” Abriana said. “Can I give her your number?”
Raven wanted to tell her no, but then that would cause more trouble and she had vowed to never hurt Ava again, in any way. “Yes, sure. If she wants this number. Tell her that I am working for Smokey right now, so I might not be able to answer.”
“Will do. Take care, Raven.”
She hung up the phone as Carlos entered the main dining room, carrying two bags. She didn’t want to admit how good they smelled, but they did smell amazing. Her mouth watered, and she didn’t realize how hungry she was.
“Morning, sleepyhead,” he said, coming toward her.
Carlos surprised her as he pressed a kiss to her lips. It seemed so … personal.
“You left before I got the chance to come with you.”
“I went to get you breakfast. I had hoped you’d still be in bed.”
Ever since she’d started sharing a bed with Carlos, her ability to sleep had been much improved. She actually slept throughout the night, which she hadn’t done for a long time. There were no nightmares of failure either.
“I’m here to protect you, Carlos. If you had gotten hit while I wasn’t there, it would have been my ass. Smokey wouldn’t take too kindly to me fucking up.”
“You didn’t fuck up,” he said. “I wanted to do something nice for you.” He placed the bags on the table and then cupped her face. “And the proper way to show appreciation is to say … thank you.”
She couldn’t help but smile. “You’re not going to charm me.”
“I think I already have.” He pressed another kiss to her lips, and Raven didn’t like how much she enjoyed it.
Carlos started to open the bags, and the mouthwatering scents drove her crazy.