Page 49 of Protected By the Billionaire Ex-SEAL

“No?”

“What we had…it was good, Aimee, but it’s done. I want us to just be friends now.”

I glance toward the kitchen to see if Raven is coming back out, but no such luck. She’s left me on my own. I do what I always do before going into battle, stand up straight and face it head on.

By the time I look back, Aimee’s face has morphed into disbelief and anger. She scoffs. “What? You think you’re too good for me? Small town Aimee?”

“What? No, Aimee,” I say, confused. “That’s not it.”

But she isn’t done. “Or maybe you’re sleeping with someone else? Carrie? You’re such a manwhore, Christian. Always juggling women.”

I’m shocked at her viciousness. Is this what she thinks of me? That I jump from bed to bed? It’s been a long time since I’ve been that stupid, arrogant kid.

Taking a step forward, I try to be earnest. “Aimee, no. If I’ve given you the impression that?—”

“Oh, save it.” She’s still angry, but I can see the hurt of rejection forming in her eyes. “I’m sure you and your next girl will be laughing at this in bed soon enough.”

“That’s enough, Aimee,” comes Raven’s cold voice from the kitchen doorway. I didn’t even hear her come in.

And by the way Aimee’s eyes widen, it’s clear she forgot Raven was even here.

“Raven,” she starts.

“No, it’s time for me to talk now. You do not get to walk into someone’s house and talk to them that way. Pretending to be their friend before stomping all over them because your pride got bruised.”

Aimee opens her mouth to speak, but Raven isn’t done. “Christian is busy protecting me, which is his job. And even if he wasn’t, he’s allowed to say no. He’s not just a piece of ass you can jump any time you feel like. He never made you any promises. You don’t get to viciously attack him if he doesn’t cooperate. It’s cruel, especially when you know he’s the type of guy who will never retaliate.”

Aimee’s mouth drops open. “But he did?—”

“No, he didn’t. Should we ask him now?” Raven turns to me as if she’s actually going to ask me.

To be honest, I’m speechless. But not at Aimee’s blatantly obvious behavior. I’m in complete awe at Raven. I’m not sure I’ve ever seen anyone so neatly put in their place.

The look on Aimee’s face tells me that she knows she’s just been cornered. Raven doesn’t even glare at her, just tilts her head in question.

After a stretch of silence, Raven softens a bit. “Aimee, the pie was really good. We do appreciate you bringing it over and I think you’re a fantastic baker.”

Aimee swallows, not sure how to react. But eventually, she softens a bit, too. Muttering a brief “thanks,” she walks to the door and lets herself out. Raven stares at the door, then at me.

“I don’t think you could’ve handled that any worse if you’d tried,” she observes then turns and walks to the kitchen.

Gaping, I follow her. “How was I supposed to handle it?” I demand. “I wasn’t expecting her to…”

“Call you a manwhore?”

I blow out a breath.

“Yeah, that.” I lean against the counter while Raven starts cleaning up in there. “That was…”

“Interesting?”

“Painful.” I frown. “She’s right, you know. I was a playboy and slept around.”

Raven drops the towel she was using to dry some dishes and walks up to me, putting her hands on my chest. “No one should be shamed for casual sex. Especially not by one of the people they were having it with.“

I covered her hands with mine, looking into those amber eyes.

“You defended me back there.”

---