Daisy seemed to float through the crowd and Levi followed, nodding and saying hello.
Usually Carrie is my date for these things. Its nice because I can use it being a school night or something like that to leave early. But there are definite plusses to you being my date instead.
She paused as he grabbed a glass of champagne for each of them. Yes? And those would be?
Well, when I get bored and start to daydream I can imagine all the things Im going to do to you later. Also, I can laugh inside and be smug every time one of these men looks at you and has to stop themselves from drooling. Oh, and I like to imagine your mental dialogue. Im guessing its priceless.
Off balance, she laughed. Youre trouble.
I am. I didnt get kicked out of as many schools as Levi did but I had my share of trouble.
And yet you went to college and law school and now you drive a sleek black car with heated leather seats.
It was his turn to laugh. I know. Its pretty awesome.
He nodded at a passerby. Thats my brother Mals mother-in-law. Want to meet her?
Do I?
He shook his head. You really dont.
She clinked her glass to his. All right then. No.
Thats her, by the way. Gwen, Mals wife.
She was beautiful on her husbands arm. Mal was certainly Jonah and Levis brother. A younger version, yes, but he had the same masculine features. Handsome. He wore his tuxedo perfectly. As perfect as the champagne-toned cocktail number his wife wore. Gwen clearly knew how to look pretty. Her hair was done well and her makeup jobmost likely a professional had done itwas exactly right for the evening and her outfit.
Her ring was so huge Raven could see it from where they stood.
And then she noted Gwens expression when she caught sight of Daisy. Her eyes narrowed and her lip curled. She really, really didnt like Gwen Warner. Not one tiny bit.
They moved through the crowd, Jonah introducing her here and there.
And then there was Liesl.
Ah, Jonah, there you are. The Warner matriarch paused to kiss her sons cheek and then turned to Raven. Youre Raven. She held a hand out and Raven took it, shaking, hoping she wasnt too soft or too rough or wrong in any way. She wanted to be perfect for Jonah.
I am.
Im Liesl Warner, Jonahs mother. The older woman gave her the once-over. Jonah moved closer to Raven, putting an arm around her waist.
Raven Smith.
I know Smith is a common name, but I cant tell you the last time I actually met someone with that name.
I took it on when I emancipated myself from the state. I was seventeen and had been bounced around from home to home for so long I didnt really belong to anyone or anything and had no affinity with the people whose biological stock I carried. I figured Smith was generic enough so I took it on. I belong to myself.
Liesl drew herself back, narrowing her gaze for a moment.
I apologize. I meant no offense. And it was genuine; though she had when she said it, she was sorry at that moment and that was what counted. God knew Raven said things all the time that offended people.
Raven nodded. Im probably the one who should apologize.
Jonah squeezed her to his side. No, you arent. Its fine now. Were moving on and changing the topic.
Liesl actually smiled at Raven and then her son. Indeed. Jonah tells me youre an artist.
Raven laughed. Well, Im not like Daisy. I do tattoos.
Shed half expected Liesl to frown, but she didnt. Instead she nodded. Daisy is one of a kind, I agree. As for art in general? One of the pieces on sale this evening is made of spit and gum. Art comes in many forms. Jonah says youre doing one on his whole back and that it takes several sessions, each taking many hours. He wouldnt show me what youve done so far, but he assures me youre quite talented.
I wasnt going to remove my shirt in the middle of the restaurant, no. But yes, shes very good.
He says you have a wait list.
Raven looked toward him quickly, so surprised by this entire exchange. I do, yes. My boss is the draw, but I have a decent client base. People like my work. Its good because I like doing it and it pays my mortgage.
Making a living with your art is a good thing. Liesl turned to her son. You should figure out how we can put Raven to work for the next auction. If Levi can convince Daisy to donate her art, Im sure you can be equally persuasive.
Mother
What auction is this for?
Created Families. We raise money and awareness for adoption and foster care support.
Jonah made a cute, frustrated sound.
Quit that, Jonah. The woman has a history in the system. Why shouldnt she want to help?
Have you ever stopped to . . . He clamped his lips closed. Well talk about this later.
If youll both excuse me. I need the ladies room. Then you can talk about me while Im gone. Ill give you about ten minutes.
She stepped out of his grasp and he started to speak. She placed her finger over those talented lips. Shh. Ill be back.
Jonah turned to his mother. Did you ever stop to think her experiences in the system might have been terrible?
I assume it was, given the way she spoke about how she changed her name. And my, the girl has some spunk. Put me right in my place. His mother was impressed, Jonah could see it, and frankly, he was too.
She did, and dont think we wont talk about how rude you were later on. For now, why push for this auction stuff?
Just because the woman had a rough time doesnt mean she wouldnt want to make it better for others. Im sure shes not an idiot and understands it wasnt the system who harmed her, but some of those in it.
You should have discussed it with me privately. I dont want her hurt. You need to understand that. She means something to me. Being with me doesnt mean you have carte blanche to play with her like a cat with a bug.
His mother reached out to squeeze his arm. Darling, shes no bug. Your Raven can handle herself quite ably.
This isnt a game. She shouldnt have to handle herself.
You really do have feelings for her. I cant recall if you were ever this protective of Charlotte.
Probably one of the many mistakes I made that led to the end of my marriage. But Im trying not to make mistakes with her. Im in love with her. She deserves respect and kindness. I wont have anything else.
His mother raised a brow his way. Youre introducing her to a world shes a novice in. Shell have to earn that respect. And I suggest you let her. Shell draw blood a few times and that will be that.
Im not interested in this social engineering discussion. If anyone fucks with her, I will end them.
His mothers delighted laughter surprised him into silence for several long moments.
What?
All I can say is that its about time. You were a late bloomer for other things so I suppose its only right you were to love as well. Love is exactly what youre feeling. Do you know, once when I was twenty, one of your fathers ex-girlfriendswell no, her motherspoke to me rather harshly. And your father took her aside and whatever he said worked because no one ever messed with me again. But I had to stay hard. And she will too. Being with a Warner comes with responsibilities. Thats reality. Shell have to scorch her own earth and again, I think you need to let her to a certain extent.
Every time I think I have you figured out, you surprise me.
Its one of the mysteries of motherhood, darling. Now, you can make yourself useful and get me a glass of champagne.
Still amused by the interchange between Jonah and his mother, Raven made her way across the room toward the ladies room.
Daisy joined her. Well, youre not bleeding.
Raven must have looked confused because Daisy explained. I take it this was your first time meeting Liesl?
Ah. Yes. Shes all right. She and Jonah are having a discussion. Just imagine air quotes around it. But really, shes fine. She pushed, I pushed back.
Everyone is afraid of her. And for good reason, shes pretty scary. But she respects other strong people. As long as theyre not a threat to her family anyway. I bet she thinks youre fabulous.
Shes got a lot to lose. Raven shrugged. I get it.
If she thought you were a threat to it, youd be bleeding. Trust me.
Raven paused to reapply her lipstick and check her hair, and thats when she made Gwen Warners acquaintance.
Raven turned to find the other woman standing there, a sneer on her lips, hands at her waist.
Didnt your mother ever tell you your face would freeze if you did that?
Surprise skittered over the other womans features.
I see Jonah has picked up on Levis bad habits. Youre nearly as bad as that whore Levi is shacked up with.
I take it youre Gwen. Who I am is of no concern to you.
Not really, no.
She turned back to the mirror and Gwen stomped up and grabbed her arm.
Daisy came out of the stall. Whoa! Get your hands off her.
Youre about to make a very bad mistake. Raven leaned in, her nose nearly touching Gwens. You can let go, or I can make you.
Daisy pushed Gwen back and Gwen sputtered some incoherent rage.
You listen here, youre trash!
Raven stalked to her again. You need to get the fuck out of my face. Im beginning to wonder just why youre so concerned about the love lives of your husbands brothers. Are you pissy because you wanted a different Warner?
I ask myself that same question all the time. Daisys voice was laced with a hostility Raven had never heard her use.
Look at yourself. Then tell me youre worthy of the Warner name.
Raven turned and looked at herself in the mirrors, pausing to blot her lipstick and touch her hair up. Im pretty fabulous. Daisy over there looks like a magazine ad.
You have tattoos!
Raven laughed, her anger sliding away. I totally do. I give them to other people too. Now you want to tell me what your real issue is? Because Im really bored with this.
You two are not right for this family.
First of all, I dont really care what you think Im right or not right for. I dont give a shit about you one way or the other, so your opinions on anything really are totally meaningless. Secondly, this seems like a plot from a movie. Jonah isnt next in line to be king. If he wants to date a tattoo artist, whats it to you? You got your Warner and your ring. Be satisfied with that.
Jonah is the oldest. Hes going to take over when his father dies. He needs a suitable wife. As the only wife in this generation
Raven looked to Daisy and tipped her chin toward the door. Does she always yap like this? Im hungry and Jonah promised sushi after the benefit.
Daisy grinned as she washed her hands. Sadly, she does.
Raven went to the door and opened it before looking back over her shoulder at Gwen. Bored now. Lets just leave it at thisif you touch me again, Im going to punch you so hard you lose a tooth or two. Trash like me doesnt take kindly to being manhandled by dried-up bitter bitches who wished theyd been able to fuck their way higher up the societal food chain.
Holy shit. Daisy breathed it out as they headed back to where Jonah was now standing with Levi. If you made semen, Id totally have your babies.
Raven snorted. Um. Thanks, I guess. Has she done this before?
She went off on me once in the middle of a restaurant. And shes made comments under her breath. But shes never touched me. I thought for sure she was going to end up with a black eye.
Its been a very long time since Ive had to solve a problem with a fist. She nearly broke that fast. I imagine Liesls probationary like of me is going to dissolve away now. That was pretty tacky of me.
Of you? Are you kidding me? You did nothing but defend yourself.
Levi sidled up to Daisy. Whats got you bouncing around like a bee in a jar?
Nothing. Raven tried to stop it, not wanting the scene, but both men were far too smart for that.
It was Gwen, Daisy finally said, throwing an apologetic look Ravens way. She flipped out in the bathroom. She grabbed Ravens arm and yelled in her face.
Jonahs features darkened and a slice of emotion nearly cut her in half. That was defense, protection.
Do I need to call an ambulance? Levi tried to make light, but he wore a similarly dark look.
Its fine. She made her point. I made mine.
It is most assuredly not fine, Raven. This bitch has done enough damage as it is. What did she say?
Daisy told it and Raven made a mental note to go over a little thing called discretion with her friend.
This is going to make a scene. Raven linked her arm with Jonahs. You promised sushi. I had to deal with your mother and your sister-in-law. I deserve ice cream as well.
Across the room Gwen burst from the womens room and Raven blew out a breath. From the look on her face, things were only going to get worse.
Jonah stalked over, his arm around Ravens waist. Levi did much of the same with Daisy.
She dug her heels in. I said no.
He paused. Why? Damn it, Raven, I cant allow this sort of behavior. Its bad enough that shes said what she has in the past to Daisy. But she grabbed you. She had no fucking right to touch you. It is not acceptable.
She leaned in close. I appreciate that more than I can even say. But Im begging you not to make a scene. Please.
He stopped, emotion filling his eyes. He turned to face her fully, kissing her right there in front of God and everyone. I dont want you to feel like this is how its going to be. Being with me, I mean. She cant get away with this.
Can you please just deal with it any time and any place not here? People are looking. I dont like it.
Levi had turned a few feet away, watching. Daisy was talking to him, brushing a hand down the front of his lapel.
But on the other side of the room Gwen was giving Mal an earful.
If we stay, Im going to have to deal with it. Shes over there with Mal right now.
He wanted to go punch his brother in the face for having such bad taste. He wanted to slap Gwen hard enough to leave a mark. But he saw the misery on Ravens face and it cut him deep. The pain in her whispered plea had wrapped around his heart.
Come on, I have some sushi and ice cream to procure. Levi, why dont you and Daisy come along?
Because you know this needs dealing with.
I do. But not here. We can go see him tomorrow.
Levi looked to Raven and then back to Daisy. This shit has gone on long enough.
It has. I agree.
This is a benefit. Its not about your family. Jonah heard the anxiety in Ravens voice.
Levi huffed a sigh and turned Daisy toward the doors. I need a drink with that sushi.
Theyd made it to the drive of the hotel, waiting for their car when Mal came out, Gwen at his heels. Raven gathered herself up to her full height and Jonah held her close. Im going to handle this, all right?
Is that your way of telling me not to punch your sister-in-law?
He grinned a moment and then turned back to Mal. Be careful now. Theres not a full ballroom here to protect you and your wife.
Your fucking date attacked my wife.
Raven snorted. Is that what she told you? She looked at Gwen, who had the good grace to keep her gaze averted.
Why should I believe the likes of you?
Jonah stepped forward, bumping his brother with his chest. You best watch what you say, Mal. Think real carefully about what comes out of that mouth of yours next. And think about what a lying bitch youre married to before you go tossing accusations around.
Daisy spoke, breaking the tension. We were in the ladies room when Gwen came in. Before Raven said a single thing she started in. She called me a whore. She insulted Raven, repeatedly. It was Raven who tried to end it by leaving. It was Gwen who grabbed Raven. It was Gwen. Its always Gwen, Mal. I wish that wasnt true, but you know it is.
Youre lying. You just want me out of the way. Gwens voice carried a mean edge.
For what? Out of whose way? You speak like youre important in any sense. Levi stood next to Jonah, both men keeping Raven and Daisy behind them.
This is really stupid. Raven touched Jonahs arm. Are you really going to get into a fistfight with your brother over some stupid shit his wife said and did?
If my brother doesnt apologize for the likes of her comment right now, hes going to find out the answer to that.
My god, Gwen, are you really going to let your husband get punched for your lies? Do you care so little about this family you profess to respect so much? What if the papers get wind of this?
Gwen sighed at Ravens words, touching Mals arm. Its not worth it.
He turned to her. Did it happen like you said or not?
Why would I lie?
Thats a good question. This is my family. My brothers and the women theyre with. I need to know the truth.
She was out of line in the bathroom.
Mal scrubbed hands over his face. Jesus, Gwen. What do you think youre doing? He turned back to Jonah. I apologize for what I said. It was ugly.
If your wife comes near Raven ever again, or speaks to her in that manner, theres going to be a reckoning. Do you understand, Malachi?
Same goes with Daisy. Gwen has done enough damage.
I understand. Mal turned and walked away, Gwen hurrying in his wake.
12
Theyd gone out to sushi and it actually hadnt been bad. Levi was growing on her and it was impossible not to like Daisy.
She knew Jonah had been holding back all he wanted to say for hours, so it wasnt a surprise that when the car pulled up in front of her building he paused, his hand on her arm. Can I come in?
I dont know. Its late.
I dont have to be up early. Do you?
I . . . I really dont want to talk about it anymore. I just want to go to sleep.
He tipped her chin to look into her face. Baby, I want to talk. Alone. Lots of stuff happened tonight. Please?
She blew out a breath and nodded. The driver opened the door and Jonah got out first to give her a hand.
She was so tired. Emotionally and physically. She just wanted to pull the covers up over her head and sleep for twelve hours.
He put an arm around her, taking her keys and opening her door when they got to her floor.
I need to change.
No, you dont. Youre perfect just the way you are.
She found the energy to roll her eyes as she slid her shoes off and put them into the box before putting the box on a shelf.
Youre very organized.
She sighed heavily.
About tonight . . .
She unzipped the dress at the side and took it off, careful not to rip it before she got it on the hanger.
Damn, its hard to talk when you look so good.
She pulled on her pajamas and he followed her into the bathroom where she undid her hair and took her makeup off.
I love to watch you do this stuff. Get made up, take your makeup off, put lotion on. I dont know what about it appeals so much, but its like a secret woman code. Its so beautiful.
Raven had rules. She had rules and she kept people back. But he disarmed all her defenses. He made her break her own rules, and there she was after an evening where she just spilled her fucking truth all over the place.
Worse? It felt . . . all right. Shed probably be sick in the morning. Probably have bad dreams all night. But at the same time her burden was lighter. He hadnt walked away. God, hed defended her, all bared teeth and furrowed brow. No one ever had. Not like that.
He stepped up and brushed her hair aside enough to drop a kiss on her shoulder, and tenderness filled her to the point where her eyes swam with unshed tears and she had to close her eyes against them, and against the way he looked standing there.
Im sorry. First my mother and then Gwen and my brother. Christ. Im so embarrassed.
She shook her head, pulling herself back together. Your mother was fine. As for Gwen, I had it handled.
I want to say something and I dont want you to take this the wrong way.
She met his gaze in the mirror, trying to stave off disappointment and panic. But she didnt see the hey-it-was-nice-but-its-over face.
Still, she braced herself as she moved back into the main room to settle on her bed.
Its not okay with me for anyone to grab you the way Gwen did. The way she spoke to you was bad enough. But to physically get into your business? No. Im not having it.
Oh, well, that was better than breaking up with her. She relaxed a little.
I didnt either. I. Handled. It.
You wouldnt have had to if not for me.
Which is why I told you I wasnt benefit material.
Fuck that! He pulled his tux jacket off, having long ago gotten rid of the bow tie. Shed have been lying to herself to deny how much she enjoyed how worked up he was getting. As it happened, he was pretty hot when he got agitated. And it was in defense of her.
Look, youre with me. This stuff, dinners and benefits and that jazz, comes with the territory. There is no way Im going to tolerate any sort of disrespect toward you. Period. Gwen is out of her fucking mind. Jesus. First of all, shes lucky you showed restraint. Youre a good four inches taller and Id put money on you ten times out of ten.
She smiled at him. You really do give good flattery. Anyway, shes probably the type to cry at the sight of a bug. She doesnt matter. She touched me and that was when we had the problem.
Im never sure how youre going to react to anything I say. He took his shirt off and she sent him a raised brow. What? Dont you want me to be comfortable?
I told you I was feral when we first met. Youre the one who keeps poking around.
She kept replaying the part about how she was with him and how he wasnt going to tolerate any disrespect of her. Over and over, like a shiny treasure.
But she wasnt some society babe. She nearly got into a fistfight in the ladies room.
I can see the look on your face. You stop with this feral crap. Youre not the one who caused a scene in a bathroom at a charity benefit.
Well, lets be real here, Jonah. Its not like I tried to heal her with the love from my heart when she came in and started getting crazy. I poked her. Plus, I said that stuff to your mother.
He took her face in his hands. She needed it. And I did too. When you reveal stuff like that it breaks my heart. Even as I am so amazed by you and your strength.
Dont build me up into something I am not. I shouldnt have popped off. Shes your mother.
He snorted. She was being rude and you slapped her with it. Its good. She respects that. I know thats sort of psycho. I cant make excuses for her. Shes very protective and sometimes it turns her into a total bitch. But you held your own.
Look, Im no stranger to how women relate to each other. It was just a lot in one night.
Im worried about Mal. I have been for some time. This situation between Gwen and Daisy has been simmering for nearly two years. She had avoided Levi because she knew hed skin her alive if she did another thing. I dont know what finally pushed her into action. But thank you for defending Daisy. You didnt have to.
Of course I did. Also, she insulted me too. I hate to point out the really totally obvious but how has it escaped your notice that shes unnaturally obsessed with who Levi is fucking? And you now? Did you? Or did Levi, you know?
The horrified disgust on his face answered before he said a word. No. Good god. Shes been with Mal for several years. I was with Charlotte when they first got together. Levi with Kelsey. Neither of us would have done that to our wives or to Mal for that matter.
All Im saying is that shes really interested in something thats really just not her biz. And so why? It is my belief, given the little Ive seen, that shes got a hard-on for Levi. And because you and Levi are close, now that Im around, she just sees it all as one bad thing.
Im thoroughly creeped out now.
She laughed, pushing him to his back. You dont find her the least bit attractive?
Fuck no. Shes not my type. Is she yours?
No. I never went for dainty women. Or helpless women. Or helpless men either. Shes got a barely leashed sanity thing, not cute. But shes married to your brother.
I saw his face tonight. He looked really sad. I dont know how this will shake out for him, or for them. Back to my mother for a second.
God, why? Its like you keep throwing cold water on me.
The whole auction thing. Im sorry.
Its fine. Its what people do when they get involved with a charity. She shrugged. Its a good thing. I dont mind helping out.
But you dont seem to have a lot of positive memories of your experience in foster care.
She sucked in a breath. Look, I really dont do vulnerable well. Ive said a lot today, more than I have in a really, really long time. Im raw. Horrified, she heard the tears in her voice and tried to turn away, but he was there.
Shh. He gathered her close, even when she tried to push him back. Let me. If not for you, for me then.
She let herself believe the lie that it was for him instead of her. Let herself go still, burying her face in his neck, breathing him in, holding on tight.
Will you let me sleep over? So I can hold you?
She tried to get free and once he knew she really wanted it, he let her go and she got some distance.
Im not . . . comfortable with it.
Why? Youve shown me the most intimate parts of yourself. Do you think Id care about morning breath?
She rolled her eyes. Dont.
Do you think Id hurt you?
If hed asked in a different tone, one absent a thread of hurt, that curiosity that was really about her and wanting to know her, she might have resisted. But she was too tired to hold the words back.
He saw it break over her. The moment she decided to tell him. And he braced himself.
I dont sleep over. I dont couch surf. I dont let anyone sleep with me. I dont sleep with anyone in the room with me. Not ever. There are times I might sleep at someones house, but I barricade the door from the inside. I have these mini alarms that go off if someone opens the door when Im asleep.
He sat up, needing to be near her, but he could see in her body language that he needed to give her some space.
When youre asleep youre vulnerable. People can do stuff. And you dont know until its happening.
Sick, he clenched his hands into fists.
So I had enough of that. When I left . . . when I came out to L.A., I made myself many promises. That was one. I dont think youd hurt me. She started to cry and it seemed to startle her as much as it did him. I dont. But I dont know if I can do it. I dont know. Im not normal, Jonah. Im jagged and fucked up and I dont know if this is going to work between us because you have a normal life and you have people who love you and you can sleep in the same room with someone and not have nightmares about being raped.
He was up, moving to her before he knew it. He pulled her into his arms and they both went to the floor. He rocked her, her tears on his skin, her entire body trembling as he stroked a hand over her hair and made wordless sounds to comfort what couldnt ever be comforted.