His bared teeth held the predatory smile of one who knew he had his prey cornered. Claro, lets do it this way. Ill make a psychic prediction. If Im wrong, feel free to throw that glass of vintage champagne in my face.
Id never make a scene like that, especially not at your nephews christening.
The reminder of where they were made him stiffen slightly but it didnt stop him moving closer until his broad shoulders and streamlined body blocked out the rest of the party. Breath catching, Raven could see nothing but him, smell nothing but the heady, spicy scent that clung to his skin and seemed to weave around her every time she came within touching distance.
As if he knew his effect on her, his smile widened. No one will see my humiliation if I get it wrong.
Afraid of what hed uncover, she started to shake her head, but Rafael was already speaking.
Youve been hurt by a man, someone you really wanted to depend on, someone you wanted to be there for you. He waited, his eyes moving to the fingers clenched around her glass. When she didnt move he leaned in closer. Since that relationship ended, youve decided to take the tired all men are bastards route. Youd like nothing more than to find yourself a nice, safe man, someone who understands you. His gaze moved to her face, his incisive stare probing so deep Raven wanted to take a step back. With sheer strength of will, she stood her ground. You hate yourself for being attracted to me but, deep inside, you enjoy our little skirmishes because the challenge of sparring with me makes your heart beat just that little bit faster. His gaze traced her hopefully impassive face down to her throat.
For a blind moment, Raven wished shed worn her hair down because even she could feel the wild tattoo of her pulse surging underneath the skin at her throat.
She tried to speak but the accuracy of his prediction had frozen her tongue.
Since my face is still dry, Ill take it Psychic Rafa is accurate on all accounts?
His arrogance finally loosened her tongue. Dont flatter yourself. I told you when you started playing these games that I wouldnt participate. I know youre challenged by any woman who doesnt fall for your charms, but not everyone subscribes to the OMG-Rafael de Cervantes-makes-my-knickers-wet Fan Club.
Rafaels smile was blinding, but it held a speculation that made her hackles rise. Piqueña, since theres only one way to test that youre not a member, I now have something to look forward to. And just like that, my days suddenly seem brighter.
Heat punched its way through her pelvis but, before Raven could answer, a deep throat cleared behind them.
Marco de Cervantes was as tall as his brother and just as visually stunning to look at but he wore his good looks with a smouldering grace where Rafael wholeheartedly embraced his irreverent playboy status.
Marco nodded to Raven, and glanced at his brother.
I need to talk to you. You dont mind if I borrow him for five minutes, do you, Raven?
Relief spiked, headier than the champagne shed barely drunk. Not at all. We werent discussing anything important.
Rafaels eyes narrowed at the thin insult, his icy blue eyes promising retribution just before they cleared into their usual deceptively indolent look.
Lifting her glass in a mocking salute, she walked away, piercingly aware that he tracked her every step. Out of his intoxicating, domineering sphere, she heaved in a breath of pure relief and pasted a smile on her face as Sasha beckoned her.
* * *
Rafael turned to his brother, mild irritation prickling his skin. Whats on your mind? He discarded his champagne and wished he had something stronger.
You need another hobby besides trying to rile your physiotherapist.
His irritation grew as Raven disappeared from sight, pulled towards a group of guests by Sasha. Whats it to you? And why the hell does everyone feel the need to poke their nose into my business?
Marco shrugged away the question. Consider the matter dropped. The old mans been asking for you. Grey eyes bored sharply into his. I think its time.
Every bone in his body turned excruciatingly rigid. Thats for me to decide, surely? And if he didnt feel he was ready to ask for forgiveness, who was anybody to decide otherwise?
Theres been enough hurt all around, Rafa. Its time to move things forward.
He spiked tense fingers through his hair. You wouldnt be trying to save me again by any chance, would you, brother?
An impatient look passed through Marcos eyes. From the look of things, you dont need saving. Besides, I cut the apron strings when I realised you were driving me so nuts that I was in danger of strangling you with them.
Rafael beckoned the waiter over and exchanged his untouched champagne for a crystal tumbler of Patrón. In that case, were copacetic. Was there anything else?
Marcos gaze stayed on him for several seconds before he nodded. You sent for the papers for the X1 All-Star event coming up?
Rafael downed the drink, welcoming the warmth that coursed through his chest. Unless Im mistaken, Im still the CEO of X1 Premier Management. The events start in three weeks. You delegated some of the events organisation but its time for me to take the reins again.
His brothers gaze probed, worry lurking within. Are you sure you dont want to sit this one out?
Im sure. Dont second-guess me, mi hermano. I understand that my racing career may be in question He stopped as a chill surged through his veins, obliterating the warmth of moments before. Although he didnt remember his accident, hed seen pictures of the wreckage in vivid detail. He was very much aware that lucky to be alive didnt begin to describe his condition. The racing side of my career may be up for debate, he repeated, beating back the wave of desolation that swelled up inside his chest, but my brain still functions perfectly. As for my body... He looked over as a flash of orange caught his eye. The resulting kick gave him a surge of satisfaction. My body will be in top condition before very long.
Marco nodded. Im happy to hear it. According to Raven, youre on the road to complete recovery.
Really? Rafael made a mental note to have a short, precise conversation with his physio about sharing confidential information.
...Dios, are you listening to me? Never mind, I think itll be safer for me not to know which part of your anatomy youre thinking with right at this moment. Bueno, Ill be in touch later in the week to discuss other business.
No need to wait till next week. I can tell you now that Im back. I own fifty per cent of our business, after all. No reason why you should continue to shoulder my responsibilities. Come to think of it, you should take a vacation with your family, let me handle things for a while. He glanced over to where Sasha stood chatting to Raven. As if sensing their attention, both women turned towards them. Marcos face dissolved in a look so cheesy, Rafael barely stopped himself from making retching noises.
Are you sure? Marco asked without taking his eyes off his wife. Sashas been on my back about taking some time off. It would be great to take the yacht to the island for a bit. They joint owned a three-mile island paradise in the Bahamas, a place neither of them had visited in a very long time.