Page 90 of Volatile Vice

“Yet here you are eating turkey.”

I laugh lightly. “Because I’m used to grass-fed beef. The other stuff tastes like shit to me.”

He shrugs. “Maybe I’ll try your beef then.”

“You really should. You might change your tune.” I take a bite of my turkey sandwich.

Here I am talking to my beefy bodyguard about grass-fed beef. The bodyguard who’s been hired because an assassin might be sent to take me out at any moment. All while my—should I call him my boyfriend?—is navigating both his mother’s medical emergency and his family’s mafia dealings. Oh, and I’m still in recovery from a deadly disease, and my brother is a recent parolee.

My life has become surreal.

It’s been surreal for the past couple of years. For a while, I was convinced it was over.

And now that it’s not? I have to rely on this piece of white meat-fed beef across from me to keep me safe.

What is wrong with this world?

We engage in a little small talk here and there, but for the most part we eat in silence.

I’ve found that Jared is fine with silence, which is great, because so am I.

He has a job to do. To protect me.

He doesn’t have to talk to me.

And I’m okay with that.

Once we’re done, we start walking back toward the elevator.

The elevator opens and?—

“Vinnie!”

Vinnie stands there, still looking rumpled but luscious.

He blinks a few times, rubs his eyes. “Raven.”

I run into the elevator and squeeze him around his waist. “You’re not leaving, are you?”

He draws in a slow breath. “I have some business to attend to.”

“Is your mother okay?”

“She’s still asleep, but Falcon and Savannah are staying with her.” He gently wriggles out of my grasp, his eyes darkening. “Plus my grandfather is still up there.”

“Where are you going?”

He doesn’t look at me. “I told you. Business. And no, you can’t come along.” He walks out of the elevator, not looking back. “Goodbye, Raven.”

My heart shatters. He still wants nothing to do with me. I realize that it’s out of concern for my safety. I’m not an idiot. But the animal part of my brain is still sad that I can’t be with him, snuggle up in bed with him, enjoy a normal life together.

I take a step out of the elevator. I guess there’s no reason to stay now. I’m here for Vinnie, and if he’s not here…

I whip my hand into the elevator as the doors begin to close. I get back inside, and Jared follows me.

I’m not sure why I’m doing this, but my gut is telling me to stay in this hospital.

“Why are we still here, Raven?” Jared asks, giving voice to my thoughts. “Vinnie has left, and he’s the only reason you were?—”

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