Page 32 of Born Sinner
If it was, Santi would be here with you while I called the shots,I think, silently finishing his bold presumption for myself.
I know he’s loyal to my brother, but there has always been an unspoken, underlying rivalry between them. RJ is a year older, and after a childhood filled with death and loss, he's much more streetwise. Whereas Santi boasts birthright and stealth, RJ operates on survival and brawn.
They’re a dormant volcano just waiting for the right storm. Carrera men crave power not servitude. I worry what will happen when they inevitably clash.
Speaking of volcanoes…
“Shouldn’t you be on a date of your own?” I ask with a conspiratorial smile.
“What the fuck is that supposed to mean?”
Heaving out an exasperated sigh, I slump against the wall. “Don’t try and play innocent with me, RJ. I’m better at it than you.” I should probably drop it in order to avoid waving any more red flags, but I don’t. “You know exactly what, or should I saywhoI'm talking about. Long, curly, brown hair? Legs like a ballerina? Tits the size of—”
He clamps his hand over my mouth. “That’s enough.”
I smile against his palm, remembering his obsession with his phone the other night and knowing who was most likely on the other line.The same woman I’ve been seeing him in dark corners with for weeks now.
“Who is she?” I mumble into his palm.
“Nobody.”
I cock an eyebrow, my words still muffled as I counter, “Didn’t look likenobodyto me.”
He presses harder, flattening my lips. “You know nothing, Lola. You got me?”
In response, I stare down at the hand still smooshing my face and wait.
Letting out a rough growl, he draws back and shoves it in his pocket.
“Yeah,” I tell him, elated to not be the only one in this family with secrets. “I got you. What Santi doesn’t know won’t hurt him.You gotme?”
RJ grunts out a reluctant affirmation.
“Good.” I nod. “Now that that’s settled, how about you head back to Newark?”
“And do what?”
“Tell my brother I left my date early and am now safe and sound andalonein my apartment.”
It’s his turn to cock an eyebrow. “And you think he’s gonna buy that bullshit?”
“If you’re the one shoveling it? Yes.”
I can all but hear the scales tipping back and forth in his head. It’s a gamble—one that requires a lot of trust and faith. Two unfamiliar words when it comes to Carrera men.
Finally, RJ exhales on a harsh breath. “You’ll go straight home after this?”
Right.Despite what he wants me to think he’s agreeing to, we both know he’ll be following me home anyway. The man is secretive, not suicidal.
Just like a few nights ago at the club, I give him a mock salute. “Scout’s honor.”
He shakes his head. “You’re trouble, Carrera.”
“Takes one to know one, Harcourt.”
Raking one hand over the top of his closely cropped dark hair, he ruffles mine with the other. “One of these days, you’re gonna go looking for it in the wrong place, and instead of causing trouble, you’re gonna fall neck deep in the middle of it.”
“Duly noted,” I say, giving him a small smile. I have no interest in pressing my luck, so with a quick pat to his chest, I speed walk back to the table.
