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)
“I can’t imagine it’s easy for you,” Aiden said. “I know after Mom died, the thought of letting any woman I care about put herself in danger is scary as fuck.”
Grateful that his brother understood, Remy nodded. “That’s always on my mind.”
“But Raven will have you, Garrett, and any one of us you need around to protect her,” Dex said.
The others murmured in assent.
And that’s why he loved his siblings. They might be a large family but they were also a tight unit. “As much as I appreciate that, you all have jobs to do.”
“Speak for yourself,” Aiden said. “I’m on leave.”
“And I’m retired.” Dex grinned. He rose and walked over to the bar. “Does anyone want a refill? There’s another bottle of Dirty Dare Scotch when this runs out.”
Remy kept his friend’s family liquor stocked at home. In addition to owning the bars and the PI business with Remy, Zach had a stake in Dirty Dare Spirits, a company his brother, Asher, started and had his siblings invest in. The success rivaled Casamigos and other celebrity-owned brands. From what Zach said, Asher had been offered plenty of money to sell but so far, the company remained in the family’s hands.
Dex filled everyone’s glass and the evening turned into joking and ribbing like they’d always done growing up.
Remy left them talking and rose, walking over to the huge window he often caught Raven staring out of, taking in the city.
“You okay?” Dex asked, joining him. Because they were the same age and had been friends even before Dex’s parents died and he came to live with the Sterlings, he and Dex shared a tight bond. Remy wasn’t surprised he was the one who’d come to check on him.
Remy shrugged. “Unsure.”
“Understandable.” Dex put a hand on his shoulder. “Try to relax. I have faith everything will work out.”
Remy attempted to feel the same way but the knots in his stomach had him on edge. “I think I’m going to head over to Fallon’s.”
“And interrupt girls’ night?”
Remy grinned. “I don’t think Raven will mind.”
Dex rolled his eyes. “And you talk shit about my ego?”
“I can’t wait to see the woman who knocks you off your feet.”
“Not happening,” Dex insisted. “There might have been someone… once. But it wasn’t meant to be.”
That came as a surprise and Remy narrowed his eyes. “Who? Because I’d remember if you ever mentioned someone.”
“You probably would have, if I ever gave you her name.” Dex finished his drink. “Come on. I’ll help you kick the others out and you can get going.”
Remy didn’t care if they stayed to hang out but when he and Dex announced they were leaving, everyone else said they’d go home too. So Remy headed to pick up Raven from his sister’s and hoped she wasn’t too drunk to talk when they got home.
* * *
Fallon’s apartment was as eclectic as the woman who owned it, decorated with bright colors and fun prints on the walls. Instead of a penthouse like Remy, Fallon lived in a loft in Tribeca.
When Fallon had invited Raven to hang out, she told Raven to bring a friend. Raven had no doubt either Remy had told his sister that she was a loner or Fallon had figured it out for herself. The woman wasn’t just pretty and smart, she was intuitive, too.
“I love the art on the walls,” Stevie said, pointing to a colorful print behind the plush white sofa where they were sitting on. A little girl was skipping rope and the only color was a bright burst of hot pink in a bow on her head.
Fallon beamed, her eyes glittering like golden gemstones, reminding her of her brother’s gorgeous iris coloring. “Thank you. I created that one myself.”
Raven raised an eyebrow. “What do you do for a living? Or is it a hobby?” she asked.
Fallon shook her head. “I do silk screen pop art prints and I own a gallery nearby.”
“Oh, wow! I’d love to come see it sometime,” Stevie said. “You’re so talented!” She picked up her glass of cranberry juice and vodka and took a sip.
When they’d arrived and Fallon offered them drinks, all three wound up with the same choice. Then she led them to the white sofa. Raven and Stevie hesitated, not wanting to go near the no doubt expensive sofa and spill the berry-colored drink by mistake. Fallon had waved them off and informed them the couch was from Wayfair and even if it had been expensive, she wouldn’t care. It was meant to be enjoyed.
Raven was still nervous and tended to drink often to make sure there wasn’t much at the top of the glass. She’d wondered if she’d end up plastered by the time the night ended but soon after arriving, she’d realized Fallon just wanted to get to know her and she was touched that Remy’s sister had made the effort.