The laughter that ripped from his throat felt surprisingly great. Hed had nothing to laugh about for far longer than he cared to remember. Several heads turned to watch him but he didnt care. He was more intrigued by the blush that spread over Ravens face. He leaned in close. Do you think the angels are about to strike me down? Will you save me if they do? he asked sotto voce.
No, Rafael. I think, based on your debauched past and irreverent present, all the saints will agree by now youre beyond redemption. No one can save you.
Despite his bitter self-condemnation moments ago, hearing the words repeated so starkly caused Rafaels chest to tighten. All traces of mirth were stripped from his soul as he recalled similar words, uttered by the same voice, this same woman eight months ago. And then, as now, he felt the black chasm of despair yawn before him, growing ever-wider, sucking at his empty soul until only darkness remained. Because knowingly or unknowingly, shed struck a very large, very raw nerve.
Then tell me, Raven, if Im beyond redemption, what the hell are you doing here?
CHAPTER TWO
IM NOT HERE to save you, if thats what you think.
The words hovered like heat striations in Ravens brain an hour later as she stood on the large sun-baked terrace of Marco and Sashas home. This time the rich surroundings of the architecturally stunning Casa León failed to awe her as they usually did.
Im not here to save you...
She snorted. What a load of bull. That was exactly why shed begged Marco to let her visit Rafael in hospital once hed woken from his coma all those months ago. It was why shed flown to León from London five weeks ago, after months of trying to contact Rafael and being stonily ignored by him; and why shed begged him to let her treat him when she found out what an appalling job his carers were doingnot because they were incompetent, but because Rafael didnt seem inclined in any way to want to get better, and theyd been too intimidated to go against his wishes. It was most definitely why she continued to suffer his inappropriate, irreverent taunts.
She wanted to make things right...wanted to take back every single word shed said to him eight months ago, right before hed climbed into the cockpit of his car and crashed it into a solid concrete wall minutes later.
Because it wasnt Rafaels fault that she hadnt been able to curb her stupid, crazy delusional feelings until it was almost too late. It wasnt his fault that, despite all signs that he was nothing but a carbon copy of her heartless playboy father, she hadnt been able to stop herself from lusting after him
No, scratch that. Not a carbon copy. Rafael was no ones copy. He was a breed in his own right. With a smile that could slice a womans heart wide open, make a woman swoon with bliss even as she knew her heart was being slowly crushed. He possessed more charm in his little finger than most wannabe playboys, including her father, held in their entire bodies.
But shed seen first-hand the devastation that charm could cause. Swarthy Spanish Lothario or a middle-aged English playboy, she knew the effect would be the same.
Her mother was broken, continued to suffer because of the very lethal thrall Ravens father held over her.
And although she knew after five weeks in his company that Rafaels attitude would never manifest in sexual malice, he was in no way less dangerous to her peace of mind. Truth be told, the more she suffered his blatant sexual taunts, the more certain she was that she wanted to see beneath his outwardly glossy façade.
With every atom of her being, Raven wished shed known this on his unfortunate race day. But, tormented by her mothers suffering, her control when it came to Rafael had slipped badly. Instead of walking away with dignified indifference, shed lashed out. Unforgivably
So deep in thought. Dare I think those thoughts are about me? Warm air from warmer lips washed over her right lobe.
Why would you think that? she asked, sucking in a deep, sustaining breath before she faced the man who seemed to have set up residence in her thoughts.
Because Ive studied you enough to recognise your frowns. Two lines mean youre unhappy because Im not listening to you drone on about how many squats or abdominal crunches you expect me to perform. Three lines mean your thoughts are of a personal nature, mostly likely youre in turmoil about our last conversation before my accident. He held out a glass of champagne, his blue eyes thankfully no longer charged with the frosty fury theyd held at the chapel. Youre wearing a three-line frown now.
She took the proffered drink and glanced away, unable quite to meet his gaze. You think Im that easy to read?
The fact that youre not denying what I say tells me everything I need to know. Your guilt is eating you alive. Admit it, he said conversationally, before taking a sip of his drink. And it kills you even more that I cant remember the accident itself but can remember every single word you said to me only minutes before it happened, doesnt it?
Her insides twisted with regret. I...Rafael...Im sorry...
As I told you in Barcelona, Im sorry wont quite cut it. I need a lot more from you than mere words, mi corazon.
Her heart flipped and dived into her stomach. And I told you, I wont debase myself like a cheap paddock bunny just to prove how sorry I am for what I said.
Even though you meant every single word?
Look, I know I shouldnt have
You meant them then, and you still believe them now. So we shall continue as we are. I push, you push back; we both drown in sexual tension. Well see who breaks first.
Her fingers tightened around the cold glass. Is this all really a game to you? The man in turmoil shed glimpsed at the chapel seemed very distant now. But shed seen him, knew there was something else going on beneath all the sexual gloss.
Of course it is. How else do you expect me to pass the time?
Your racing career may be stalled for the moment but, for a man of your wealth and power, there are a thousand ways you can find fulfilment.
A dull look entered his eyes but disappeared a split second later. Fulfilment...how New Age. Next youll be recommending I practise Transcendental Meditation to get in touch with my chakra.
Meditation isnt such a bad thing. I could teach you...
His mocking laugh stopped her in her tracks. Will we braid each others hair too? Maybe share a joint or two while were at it?
She tried to hide her irritation and cocked her head. You know something? I have no idea what all those girls see in you. Youre cocky, arrogant and dismissive of things you know nothing about.
I dont waste my time learning things that hold no interest for me. Women hold my interest so I make it a point to study them. And I know plenty about women like you.
She stiffened. What do you mean, women like me?
You take pleasure in hiding behind affront, you take everything so personally and pretend to get all twisted up by the slightest hint of a challenge. Its obvious youve had a...traumatic experience in the past
Thats like a psychic predicting someones been hurt in the past. By virtue of sheer coincidence and indisputable reality, half of relationships end badly, so it stands to reason that most people have had traumatic experiences. If youre thinking of taking up clairvoyance, youll need to do better than that.
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.