The sadness in her eyes, that had changed just a little.
“You do know this is called stalking,” Raven said.
“I want to take you out to dinner.”
“I’ll pass.”
“Is this what you’re going to do for the next eighteen years?” Carlos asked.
Harlow winced. “Do you want me to … er, drive you? My brother is picking me up because my car’s in the shop.”
“I’ll take it from here,” Carlos said.
“I’m not asking you.” Harlow folded her arms.
“So you’re going to ignore me for the next eighteen years while our son or daughter grows up?” he asked.
Raven turned toward him, and the rage he saw simmering inside her took his breath away. “Yes, because I want to do that, Carlos. I want it to be this way. This was not a choice I made. Why was that? Oh, yes, you and Smokey decided to make it for me. Did you ever consider what I wanted? What I’d like out of life? If I even wanted kids?”
“You told me you wanted kids,” he said. “You said when you met the right guy that you’d consider it.”
“And you assumed that you were the right guy. You didn’t even think to ask me if I wanted to have kids with you?”
No. He hadn’t.
He’d just wanted Raven all to himself, and he hadn’t thought about the consequences.
“Look, I’m sorry, okay? If I could take it back … you know what, no, I wouldn’t take it back. You’re carrying my baby, and if you like it or not, I’m going to take you to dinner. You’re pregnant, Raven. You’re looking way too thin.” He reached out for Raven’s arm, and this time, Harlow got close.
“I suggest you take your hands off her.”
“Or what?”
“Or I kick you in the balls and call my brother. Go ahead, try me.”
“You want to get the club involved?”
“I’ll go to dinner,” Raven said. She turned to Harlow. “It’s okay.”
“You don’t have to go to dinner with this psycho.”
“It’s fine. We’re going to have a baby. I’m going to have to deal with it at some point.” Raven stepped toward him. “Where do you want to go?”
He didn’t say but took her hand. She stayed stiff within his grasp, which did piss him off.
Opening the passenger door, he waited for her to climb inside, and as she did, he quickly rounded the vehicle.
Carlos glanced over at Harlow, who simply gave him a look while she pointed at her eyes and then at his. A warning.
He waved at her, climbed behind the wheel, and started the engine. After pulling out of his parking space, he made the short journey to his home in quick time.
“Why are we here?” Raven asked as he pulled up the driveway.
“I’ve got dinner ready,” he said. After releasing his seatbelt, he climbed out of the car. He’d hoped to get to Raven’s side, but she’d already stepped out of the car and was looking up at his home.
“Harlow knows where I am.”
“You’re safe with me, Raven. You will always be safe with me.” He placed a hand at the base of her back and walked with her to his front door.
She didn’t put up any fight as he flicked the lock and opened the door.
The chef should have already left by now. Everything was on time. The heavenly scents of onions and garlic filled the air.
“You expected me to say yes?” Raven asked.
“I’d hoped you’d listen to reason.” He locked the door, and they walked toward the dining room. The table was set perfectly. Exactly as he asked. A couple of candles were lit. Two plates. There were wine glasses, but resting on a bucket of ice were some bottles of water.
Carlos moved to her chair and held it out.
“This is not a date,” she said. “This is for us to talk about … our baby’s future.”
He’d take whatever he could get.
Raven sat down, and he eased her chair beneath the table before sitting opposite her.
“Can I interest you in some water?” he asked, but he’d already opened the lid and was pouring her a glass.
“Did you organize a chef?” she asked.
“Yes.”
“Makes sense.”
“I wanted to wow you, Raven, not poison you.” He poured himself a glass of water and took a sip.
“You wanted me here, so talk.”
“We need to come to some arrangement. I know I fucked up, and I regret what I did, but Raven, you’re pregnant with my child.” He wanted her to see reason.
“So? Don’t men like you have pregnant mistresses all the time?”
“You’re not a mistress.”
“What do you want from me?” she asked.
“For you to be my wife.”
Raven choked on her water. She quickly covered her mouth and used a napkin to dab at her lips. “You’re insane.”
“Look, Smokey and I, we both fucked up. I don’t know how to make things right with the two of you, but I need us to be right. My life was in danger. That wasn’t a lie. Nor was the way I felt about you, Raven. All of that was real.”