Alison hesitates. Then stands. Her movements are stiff, but she doesn’t argue again. She grabs her bag and walks out without a word.
The second she’s gone, I turn to Sofia, unable to stop the smile pulling at my lips. “What the hell was that?”
Sofia leans back like nothing just happened. “She’s a slag,” she says simply. “Probably already offered Ray a discount for a date.” I huff out a laugh. “She’s nasty. You don’t want her around him.”
“He’s not my property, Sofia,” I say, shaking my head. “She can do whatever she likes with him.”
Sofia waves a dismissive hand just as Ray returns, placing her coffee in front of her. I glance towards the window and spot the biker again, leaning casually but watching closely.
“Don’t you ever get sick of that?” I ask, nodding towards him.
Sofia follows my gaze, barely reacting. “I hardly notice anymore,” she says. “And if it means I’m safe . . .” She trails off, shrugging.
“Actually, it’s something we need to think about,” Ray adds, his tone shifting slightly. “Keeping you and my child safe, is my priority.”
I look at him. “Safe from who?”
“Enemies,” he replies simply. “Everyone has them.”
I scoff. “I don’t.”
“I do.” Anika’s name is hanging unspoken between us, so I nod. “What happened to Alison?” he asks after a moment.
Sofia doesn’t miss a beat. “She wasn’t right for the job. Didn’t understand Wynter’s vision.” I raise a brow but say nothing. “I know someone better,” Sofia adds, already sipping her coffee. “I’ll send you the details.”
She takes a quick gulp, then checks the time. “Shit, I need to go. I left my mum in charge of Mario. She’s probably feeding him chocolate as we speak.” She stands quickly, already grabbing her bag. “I’ll see you at lunch,” she calls, heading off before either of us can respond.
The space feels quieter without her. I glance down at my hands, then smile faintly.
“My mum used to sneak me chocolate,” I say softly, “when my dad wasn’t looking. He was strict about that kind of thing.” Ray looks at me. “It was our little secret,” I admit.
Lunch starts easily enough.
Ray had the casino chef prepare steak and salad, and it’s laid out perfectly across the table just as Vinn and Sofia arrive with their son.
I hover beside Ray in the kitchen, lining up glasses while he pours drinks.
“Maybe I should take cooking lessons,” I say lightly, keeping my tone casual. “It would be nice to cook for my son or daughter.”
He doesn’t look at me. “Why learn,” he replies, “when I have a chef who can do it for you?”
I give a small shrug, reaching for the sparkling water. “I can’t exactly take your chef with me when I move out.”
His hand stills for a fraction of a second, it’s barely noticeable, but I see it, though he says nothing. Instead, he just picks up the glasses and walks back into the dining area.
“You’re looking well, Wynter,” Vinn says politely as I take my seat.
I scoff, cutting into my steak. “We both know that’s not true.”
“Are you kidding?” Sofia cuts in. “Pregnancy completely suits you. I looked like a whale,” she adds. “You’ve got the cutest bump.”
“I feel huge,” I mutter.
Ray places the glass of water in front of me and wine for everyone else.
“You look perfect,” he says and I feel myself blush.
Sofia slides a business card across the table. “This is the designer we used.”