Page 41 of Volatile Vice

But I have to be stronger. Raven needs her strength for other things. So I need to stay away from her. This is on me. On my shoulders, and I can’t let her down.

I draw in a deep breath, rise, and walk back to the office building owned by my grandfather’s coffee import company.

This is my life now.

It’s become volatile. So volatile. I’ve killed a man, and now my future bride is being harmed by her father and she has reached out to me for help.

And they know about Raven.

They know about my Achilles’ heel.

Which is why I have to stay far away from her.

13

RAVEN

Iallow myself five minutes to cry. I freaking bawl my eyes out to the point where seven tissues are now soggy clumps on the bed in one of my parents’ guestrooms.

But I gulp back the last tear.

On my burner phone, I call Savannah.

“Hello?”

“Hey, Savannah. It’s Raven.”

“Ray, are you okay? Is Falcon still over there?”

“Last I checked, yeah. I think they’re about done here.”

“Okay. But are you sureyou’reall right? You sound kind of…congested.”

“I’m fine. But I need a favor.”

“Of course. Anything.”

“I need the address of your parents’ house in Austin.”

“Why?”

“I need to see Vinnie, Savannah. I need to see your brother.”

“Oh my God, is he all right?”

“Yes, he’s fine. I just spoke to him.” I wipe my eyes, sniff a few times. “But Savannah…”

“What, Raven? What’s going on?”

“Falcon will tell you anyway when he gets home. I’m in love with Vinnie, Savannah. I’ve fallen in love with your brother.”

She doesn’t say anything for what seems like an eternity.

Until finally I speak. “Savannah? You there?”

“I’m here,” she squeaks. “So many emotions are going through me right now. I’m thrilled for you and Vinnie, of course. But…”

“Believe me, I know all the buts. He’s already told me that being with him will put me in danger.”