Victorious Vice (Bellamy Brothers #6)

17. Raven

17

RAVEN

I gulp back the sadness that attempts to overtake me.

Vinnie is back.

And he’s with a woman.

Not just any woman, but a young and beautiful woman with flowing black hair and big dark eyes. Her skin is a shade darker than mine, and her lips are full and ruby red.

And her dress…

Black. Black velvet and slimming. Showing off an amazing body. Not to mention her ass.

My heart sinks. Has he truly forgotten me so quickly?

I gulp.

Hawk walks toward me. “Ray? You need to hold it together.”

“Who is that with him?” I demand.

“I don’t know, sis. And it doesn’t matter.” He wraps his arm around my shoulders, giving them a squeeze, but I see in his eyes that he finds Vinnie’s companion quite attractive. “Tonight is your night. Tonight is the night you’ve worked your ass off for. And you look beautiful.”

I let my hand wander up to my short hair. I hate the fact that I’m envious of her long, gorgeous locks.

Was I seriously just thinking I might keep my hair short?

No, I want my long flowing hair back. I want my long thick eyelashes back.

I want my long and lean body back.

I’m still too thin. I haven’t regained all of my muscle mass. That will take a while.

But the woman with Vinnie? Her body is perfection. Perfect hourglass.

He never loved me.

He was lying.

As much as I adore Savannah, her brother turned out to be just another jerk.

Not that she would know. He was gone for seventeen years. Savannah was only ten when he left for Europe. She may remember him as a loving older brother, but he’s no longer that person.

How did this happen?

“Don’t let it get to you,” Hawk says again. “Emily’s about to make an announcement that we need to get to our tables for dinner. After dinner, you’re going to have to make your speech. Are you up for it?”

I steel my resolve. I stand straight.

Push my shoulders back.

The superhero pose.

I had to imagine myself in that pose when I was in the hospital, but it’s something my mother taught Robbie and me when we were little girls. That we could be Wonder Woman if we wanted to. All we needed was confidence, and the first step was to look confident.

I take that pose now, and then I take Hawk’s arm and walk to our table at the front of the ballroom. I catch him taking a few extra glances at the woman on Vinnie’s arm, but I decide not to say anything. I’d rather not think of her right now.

Falcon and Savannah, Robin, Emily, Mom and Dad, Hawk and I, and Eagle are seated here.

My skin is tingling with nerves. With anger. The meal, chosen by my sister off of Lorraine’s menu, is elegant. We begin with Texas Gulf crab cake garnished with avocado and mango salsa, and then on to roasted poblano corn soup with smoked paprika oil. Good old Texas staples and some of my favorites. Too bad they all taste like cardboard on my tongue.

The main course is seared filet mignon—with beef from Bellamy Ranch, of course—with chipotle bearnaise sauce and herb-infused butter served with garlic mashed potatoes and grilled asparagus spears.

I converse with my tablemates, answering their questions in a haze as I force the tender steak down. Again, normally a favorite of mine, but I can’t enjoy it. I do my best to keep a happy face on.

The waitstaff clears the dinner plates, and dessert is laid out—tres leches cake with a bourbon caramel sauce. Once coffee and after-dinner drinks are served, my father wipes his lips with his napkin.

“You ready, sweetheart?” he says to me.

I glance around, looking for Vinnie. His table is near the back. I didn’t even know he was on the guest list. Hell, I didn’t even know he was back in the country.

“Give me a moment,” I say, rising. “I need to…gather my thoughts.”

“Of course.”

People begin talking again, visiting the silent auction tables. I make my rounds, breathing deeply, shaking hands and forcing smiles.

Until I see Vinnie walking toward me.

Alone.