Page 46 of Perfect Sin
“No,” I snap, then force myself to speak more evenly. “We need to make a statement to Arthur. This is us offering our help.”
“That is a pleasant turn. I’ve got a fundraiser this weekend. I can make sure there’s plenty of press. How would you like to show off your pretty bride?”
Raven squeezes my hand, and I realize it isn’t to offer me comfort, but to calm herself. “Maybe I want to show off my handsome husband.”
Her irritation makes Damien laugh, which further pisses her off. “Even better. Lucien, you better keep on your toes, maybe my empire would be better served under a queen than a king.”
“She’s certainly not someone I’d like to piss off,” Lucien says and winks at Raven.
“Of course not, she’s a Blackthorne. I’ll fly the three of you out on Friday. The benefit is that night. We’ll be seen having brunch on Saturday and you’ll be back in California by Sunday.”
I look at Ford and Shane. They both pick up what I’m thinking and nod. “Could we bring our friends?”
“Ford Shaw, Theodore O’Brian, Shane McKinnick?” he asks, more aware of who we spend our time with than I’m comfortable.
“Yes,” I say through clenched teeth.
“I assume they’re with you now? Are we going to have a problem, Ted?”
“Nah,” Ted joins the conversation. “I wouldn’t get all bent out of shape over a scratch.”
“Good. I liked your father. I’d hate to have problems with his son.”
“I just want to make sure my friends get the lives they deserve,” Ted responds. The tension is clear in his posture, but otherwise he’s locked down.
“Will you be wanting your girlfriends to join you? Jennifer Danvers and Amber Travis, right?” When we all fall silent again, he releases another laugh. “Yes, I know a lot about all of you, but I’m not your enemy. Let’s keep it that way, hmm?”
Lucien clenches his fists. “Please add them to the list. I’m sure the press will see how easily we are mingling outside of your circle, and it’ll make it more clear that you aren’t forcing Sin and Raven to be together.”
“Excellent idea, son. I’ll make the arrangements and have you put up in Eden Suites. Stylists will be present to make sure you have appropriate attire for the event, so don’t worry about that. This was a good talk.” He hangs up without another word, his point made. He’s got eyes on us.
“Sonofabitch!” Shane shouts. “Is Jen in danger? She just got out of the hospital.”
“I’d like to tell you she’s not, but we all are. I’m sorry we brought all of you into this,” I tell him.
Ford puts his hand on Shane’s shoulder. “We’ve got to figure out how he’s watching us. And we will, but for right now, let’s end this shittastic day.”
Lucien helps Ted to his feet. “Back to bed with you,” he orders.
Ted laughs. “I like it when you’re bossy.”
The two of them slowly amble down the hallway.
“I guess I’ll be the odd man out. Even Lucien has dates,” Ford says as he rises to his feet.
“Don’t worry, there’s always a few bored socialites hanging around,” I tell him.
“Fantastic. I’ll make sure to keep an eye out for Muffy,” he grumbles.
Shane and Ford head out and lock the door using the key they were given. Finally alone, I turn to Raven. I reach my hand out to her as I rise. Instead of pulling her to her feet, I lift her into my arms. She wraps her legs around me, and I walk us back into our room.
Gently, I set her down on our bed. I hesitate before I kiss her. It’s only a fraction of a moment to rein in my baser instincts. She pulls away from me and shoves me onto my back before throwing her leg over and straddling me. It goes against every instinct to let her take control.
Raven places her hand in the center of my chest and holds me down. “I’m going to get really pissed off if you start treating me differently. There’s not a damn thing different about me than it was yesterday. The only thing that’s changed is that now you know.”
“I don’t understand why you let me tie you up and dominate you the way I have. Just laying here like this is too much for me,” I admit.
Raven drops her head for a moment, temporarily hiding her face behind the dark curtain of her hair. “I don’t know. It isn’t the same with you. I feel safe, cherished, wanted. Nothing we do reminds me of him. Maybe it’s because I know you’d stop if I asked, or because even when you take control, I feel like I have all the power.”