The first course arrives. A delicate arrangement of seafood and vegetables that looks too pretty to eat. The conversation shifts to lighter topics as we work our way through it, then a pasta course that has Raven moaning in a way that makes me want to clear the table and fuck her right there.
“So, Raven,” Rafe says, refilling her wineglass as the main course is served. “Has my cousin groveled properly for the Tony incident yet? Because if not, I’d be happy to offer some suggestions. I’m thinking public humiliation, maybe some expensive jewelry…”
I shoot him a glare, but Raven’s laugh cuts through the tension.
“He’s made it up to me,” she says with a wicked smile that makes my blood heat. “And I plan on forgiving him fully on our twenty-seventh anniversary.”
This causes everyone to roar with laughter. The wine flows freely as we move through the courses. Raven, to my surprise and pride, holds her own in every conversation.
She parries Remus’s subtle interrogations, matches Rafe’s quick wit, and somehow draws Piper into the conversation. Usually, she speaks only when spoken to. But not with Raven present.
We’ve just finished the last course before dessert when Raven looks at Enzo and smirks wickedly. Fuck, this can’t be good.
“You know, Lorenzo,” she says, swirling wine in her glass with a casualness that doesn’t match her tone. “I’ve been thinking about something. You’re the reason Rafe and Matteo have seen Piper blow you and have an orgasm, and I’m not happy about that.”
The table goes silent. Piper freezes, her face draining of color as her gaze drops to her plate. Enzo’s expression doesn’t change, but I feel the temperature in the room drop ten degrees.
“Excuse me?” His voice is soft, lethal.
“No, that’s my entire point,” Raven volleys. “When you did that fucked-up interview with my best friend, you had Matteo watch. Now I have to live knowing that my Firestarter has seen my BFF like that. That’s not fair.”
Piper makes a strangled sound. “Lee—”
“What?” Raven shrugs, but there’s nothing casual about the set of her jaw. “I’m just making conversation.”
Rafe chokes on his wine, coughing to hide what sounds suspiciously like laughter. Remus’s eyebrow arches so high it nearly disappears into his hairline, his gaze flicking between Enzo and me with new interest.
I can’t help the proud smirk that tugs at my lips. My cousin’s stillness is more threatening than any movement could be, his eyes gone flat and cold as he stares at Raven.
“You should be careful about the conversations you start,” he says quietly. “Some have consequences you might not anticipate.”
“I’m not afraid of consequences,” Raven replies, meeting his gaze. “But Iamprotective of what’smine.Just like you.”
The understanding that passes between them is almost tangible—a mutual recognition of the possessive instinct that drives us all. Enzo’s mouth quirks, just slightly, and I realize with some surprise that he might actually approve of her.
Before he can respond, my phone buzzes. I check it, scanning the message with growing tension.
“Gia’s out of surgery and awake,” I announce, sliding the phone back into my pocket. “She’s asking for me.”
The mood shifts instantly, playful banter replaced by the reality of our situation. Remus straightens, all business now. “Go,” he says simply.
Chapter 36
Matteo
We’re barely out the door before Raven’s fingers slip into mine, her pace matching mine as we head for the car. I can feel her watching me, reading me.
“You’re tense,” she says once we’re buckled in, her voice softer than the razor-edged banter from earlier. “More than usual.”
I pull through the gates, jaw locked so tightly it aches. “Gia being awake means answers,” I say, staring straight ahead. “But it also means questions I don’t like.”
Raven studies me, her thumb brushing the back of my hand. “Like what?”
That’s the million-dollar fucking question, isn’t it? None of this feels right. It’s… it doesn’t make any fucking sense. I’ve seenboth Kayla and Vito fight. Getting the jump on one of them would be impressive. Both of them together… an impossibility.
Yet… it’s Gia that survives. The one without training.
“It just doesn’t add up,” I reply. “Do you remember what Gia whispered to you?”
