11. Chapter 11 - Ravi
Chapter 11
“ A re you ready for today?”
I twirled around in the bar chair to face my stick-up-his-ass brother and laughed before my true feelings bubbled to the surface, melting my humor away. “I’ve been ready for this day since the moment we left her in that orphanage. I want our girl back, and no Ricci is going to take her from me.”
“Us. From us .” His narrowed eyes spoke of my murder, but I smiled, hanging my head over the back of the chair to turn his frown upside down.
“Of course. That goes without saying. It's always been us. Even when I say ‘me,’ it really means ‘us.’”
His deep inhale had my skin jumping with glee. I knew he was pissed that he didn’t have the personality to handle the first-contact part of the plan. I was the one that was needed, the one who could sweep her off her feet with my smile and charm.
“Just get it done.” Rion walked away, but not before I caught his hand clenching.
With those words, it was like he released his hold on the taut rubber band keeping me in my chair. I flung myself toward the stairs and up to my room to get ready.
As soon as I opened my door and entered my room, it felt like ants were crawling all over my skin. I tried to ignore the barren walls, the bed that didn't have all my normal accessories, and the floor that didn't have my custom-printed persian rug.
Just ignore it, Rav. We need to get ready and make sure she sees us all shiny and new and impressive. We’re going to see our gorgeous and beautiful Rin. Nothing else matters.
Yanking open my drawers, I pulled out a pair of snug jeans and a thin, loose scoop neck. A retro hooded overcoat with suit buttons that made me look like I just got off the runway finished off the outfit. It wasn't like she would know the brands off the top of her head, but she would be stunned all the same.
I shucked my pants off and looked up, checking myself out to compare. My chest was much larger than Elio’s, my arms defined and muscular. I wanted this body to remind her that I was very much a man, not the boy who’d left all those years ago. Weak and frail, not strong enough to stand up for what I desperately wanted. Fingering my chin, I turned my face, making sure I looked good from any angle. I wanted her to fall in love with me the second her eyes landed on me.
No. I ran my hands down my chest as a familiar feeling flooded my veins, causing my breathing to become erratic. I didn't just want her love; I wanted her eyes to never leave mine. I wanted her by my side until we crossed into the everlasting world together.
I wanted more than forever.
My fingers twitched as short, shallow breaths fell from my mouth. I needed my stuff. I needed to feel surrounded by her, so this overwhelming obsession couldn’t take me over. Running for my closet, I threw the doors open. The first thing to fall out was my life-sized cut-out of her, looking just as she had the night she’d gone out with her stupid dead friend.
I fingered her hips, pretending the smooth plastic was the slinky blue fabric that hugged her curves like a second skin. Yes. I needed to indulge one last time.
The warm calm that came over me when I looked at my closet was unnatural, I knew that, but that didn't mean it wasn't real for me.
I could stare into her eyes for hours, days, and I needed to get that out of my system before she was here, able to detect my desire for her. It would be too much for her, as well as too much for me to have her so close while being unable to feel every inch of her skin. So, yes, I was going to give myself a few moments of indulgence before I shut the closet doors again, not wanting my room to be the place that would make her uncomfortable.
Setting a three-minute timer on my phone, I stepped into my closet and bathed myself in my Rin.
After my private moment, I dressed myself and sailed down the stairs, ready to win back our girl.
“Looks like he’s taking her to Fruits of Nature,” Rion said as he clicked away on his tablet, probably hacking into any nearby surveillance cameras to pick up their exact location. “He’s too close to her for comfort. I’m glad we’re intervening today.”
My muscles tightened as I grabbed the car keys. “And why are they spending so much time together?”
Rion huffed, “Looks like he was placed in her English class.”
“And Cinzia is with her in Art History, not to mention being her roommate. The fucking Riccis' are everywhere around her!” Throwing up my arms might not be necessary, but it did make me feel good. The hounds were far too close to our Rin. “Why can’t we just kill them all, again?”
Rion looked away from the tablet. “You know why. Even if they’re our fiercest rivals, they’re also the right hand family. They’re powerful, and Maria Ricci is the current head. We need to play this by the book and steal her away like normal.”
Shaking my head, I reminded him, “But it's not normal. We never show interest in women. They’ll know she’s special to us.”
Rion took a few steps, getting right in my face so he could stare me down. “Not if you act like it's a competition, like having her was just to get to them. You have to make them believe it.”
A whisper spilled from my lips. “And what do I do if she believes it?”
Rion exhaled, slumping against the back of the couch. “We’ll tell her what we can, when we can.” His brows pinched before they cleared up thanks to whatever idea was brewing behind those eyes. “In fact, you can bring her here. We’ll be able to tell her more as long as she’s not within the Riccis’ reach.”
My breath hitched, and my mind circled on one thought. She’s going to be here, in our house. Twinkling butterflies traveled throughout my body, causing my mind to go haywire and my dick to feel all the tingles.
She was going to sit on this couch. She was going to walk on these floors and breathe the same air as me. My whole body seized as I envisioned all the things she would touch. They would need to be preserved and kept in pristine condition. Her natural scent would be trapped in these walls. Is there a way to keep the air from escaping? Or capture and recycle it throughout the house for all eternity?
My head jerked forward, pain radiating from the back, and I swung around to find Roux. “You're spiraling. Stop daydreaming and get the job done.” He held out the keys to the Bentley, and I snatched them out of his hands.
It was annoying that he was right, but he was. We were so close I could taste it, but I needed to bring her home at all costs.
Roux tried to hand me a rope, but I scoffed and pushed it away. “That might be how you get the ladies, but I don’t need that. She’ll get in the car willingly. In fact, I’m going to make her leave Elio right in front of his face.”
Every once in a while, we acted like the identical triplets we were, and in this moment, we circled around each other, all sporting the same evil smile.
Pulling up to the restaurant, I took a breath and thought about how I was going to do this. Should I interrupt their lunch? Should I pay the waiter to spill something on Elio, so I could convince her to leave with me before he got back? Did I go in and request a table next to them, feigning ignorance? What to do, what to do.
I should probably do some recon first. That way, I could see which option would work best. If memory served me, this restaurant had a side entrance near their overflow parking area. Instead of parking in front with a valet, I parked in the back where all the workers parked. Nodding to a few of the line cooks on a smoke break, I made my way around the side and entered the small white door.
I was right; there was no one on this side of the restaurant. I was trying to decide if I wanted to go around the front or the back when my gray-eyed goddess surged forward, grabbing a menu from one of the tables. I was stunned in my tracks.
Light seemed to radiate from her being, taking over the room with her dazzling glow, and my breath hitched. I almost forgot what I was doing here. Instead, I basked in her ruby brown locks. They were illuminated by the natural light, tricking the eye into thinking she was a redhead when it was really just the sparkling ruby strands that ran so prevalently through her chestnut hair. The skirt she was in showed off those creamy golden legs that called for men to fall on their knees before her.
I couldn't help myself. All those carefully crafted moves and words I’d practiced on the way here flew out of my head, causing my mouth to work on its own like a vigilante.
“Rin, is that you?” My voice broke at the end, and I cursed myself out in my head. This was the moment to be suave and charming, not to act like a ten-year-old boy with his first love.
I actively worked hard to not take a step back at the force of her soft and stunning gray eyes focused on me. It felt like an arrow had shot me in the heart. Shock and awe splashed across her face until her eyes scanned me.
Basking in her examination was exhilarating, intoxicating, and it made my hands shake with nerves. What if I wasn't her ideal type? What if she found that she didn't like the length of my hair, or she thought my clothes were stupid? I’d almost blurted out that I could change any of that for her when I caught a flash of lust in her gaze as she bit her lip.
Wait, wait, wait… Did the world just fall into ruin? Did the sun explode, leaving us seconds away from death? Did Rin just look at me like she wanted to touch me?
All of my wildest dreams were running through my head, making it hard to think of anything else. I should take her out to a secluded private beach, buy her the biggest ring possible, and ask her to marry me. Then we could settle down in front of the fireplace and make love from sun-up to sundown, only taking breaks when she needed to hydrate. I never wanted her health to decline in my presence. Then we would—
“Ravi? Is that you?”
Everything came crashing down around me, and I realized that while I’d been dreaming, obsessing about, and coveting her for the years we had been apart, she was just trying to survive. She needed time to get to the level of affection and devotion I held for her. I took a breath to calm myself and smiled brightly.
“Yeah, it's me.” Taking a step closer, I smelled her soft notes of musk and wild rose, resisting the urge to grab her and take a big, long whiff at her neck. “How have you been, Rin? What's been going on in your life? I want to know everything.”
She took a step closer, reaching out like she didn't trust her eyes alone… until a cranky Irish voice sounded behind her. One hand dropped to her side while the other fingered a triangle pendant on her necklace. My teeth clenched so hard I thought they would break.
That asshole just ruined our reunion.
“Sweets? Where did you—” Elio stepped around the corner and stopped once his eyes met mine. They narrowed immediately, then he stomped his way toward us. “Is this guy bothering you, Layrin?”
Layrin? Was he using her first name to imply he knew her better than me? I almost laughed at how much he didn't know about her. Did he know that she preferred her chocolate melted? Did he know that she appreciated a fluffy pillow more than a thick blanket? Did he know that she used to dress like a boy in her early youth to avoid getting noticed by others? No. I was not threatened by this asshole. He knew nothing.
Rin’s eyes bounced between us, and I knew she was going to start to feel bad. Partnered with what I was about to say too, I knew I needed to signal to her. Taking a gamble, I relied on a signal we had used as kids. When her eyes bounced back to mine, I faked a sneeze and rubbed my nose with two fingers. Please, Rin. Please remember what that meant.
Her eyes flicked to my signaling hand before they traveled to mine in confusion. I took a step closer to Rin, putting my arm around hers, and smirked at Elio’s ire at my sudden closeness. “Bother? No, I was captivated by this exquisite and charming woman. She took my breath away the moment our eyes collided, and as soon as I learned her name, I realized that this was the woman the dean had assigned me to mentor.”
“Bullshit.” Elio stepped forward, vibrating with fury, and my smile widened. I’d never seen Elio this rattled, and it was quite amusing.
I turned toward Rin’s openmouthed confusion, giving her one of my charming smiles and winks before I stepped closer to him and lowered my voice. “Facts. The dean wanted me to keep an eye on the woman who’s causing the Riccis so much… trouble.” I pretended to brush off lint from his shoulders before I leaned in closer. “It's just a precaution. Nothing bad will happen to the girl as long as you play your part and I play mine.”
“Ambros.” The tone of his voice spoke volumes to the warning he was laying out for me, so I nodded. It wasn't me that needed the warning, but his own family, though I didn't say that. He would learn that lesson in due time.
Turning away from him, I walked up to Rin and bowed. “I sincerely ask for your forgiveness for being late in my duties as I’ve just gotten back today.” Looking up at her through my lashes, I begged, “It will take a few meetings since I do have a lot to go over with you. Do you have a moment of time for this late mentor?”
Rin stared at me, eyes roaming my face to find the truth to my words. Before Elio could counter my move, I added, “Unless you’re on a date? I wouldn't want to interrupt your personal time for scholarly duties.”
Her eyes cleared before she answered, “No. I’m not on a date, but I… I am working on a project right now.”
Elio opened his mouth, but I rushed out, “I assume this project is due very soon?”
She slowly shook her head, lips pressed together in thought. “No. It's not due until the end of the semester.” She straightened her shoulders when she faced Elio. “Can we reschedule this for Thursday?”
Elio’s face hardened as he glared at me, but she stepped up to him, putting her hand on his chest to get his attention. I knew this was her move to defuse the situation, but the ugly black monster inside of me wanted to rage, wanted to rip her hand away from him and carve out the spot she’d placed her hand. He didn't deserve her touch.
“I’m sorry, Elio. I think I need to get this all figured out for school, but I’m not forgetting that we’re partners on this project. Is it okay for us to meet on Thursday? I promise I’ll have this sorted out by then.” She was smiling sweetly at him, and his ire was melting by the second, drawn into those gray orbs that made you want to fall in and get lost on purpose.
Smiling at her like nothing was bothering him, he tucked a strand of her hair behind her ear. “Of course, sweets. I don’t want you to get in trouble with the dean.” He winked at her. “Plus, I know Ambros. He’s in Alpha Sigma Xi with me. He’ll be the perfect gentleman and get this all taken care of soon.”
She smiled at him before turning to me. “Just hold on for a second while I get my bag.” I nodded, keeping that easy smile on my face even though the space between Elio and me was ratcheting up with tension.
Once she was out of eyesight, Elio jumped. He grabbed me by the collar, slammed my back into the table, and growled in my face. “What the fuck do you think you’re doing, Ambros? If a single strand of hair on her head is harmed, I'm going to gouge out your eyeballs, prince or no prince.”
Circling my hands around his wrists, I twisted and pressed on his pressure points, forcing him to let go before throwing him to the side. Standing up, I let my face morph into the cruel, cocky side of myself and dusted my clothes off. “If you think this is about her, then I know why Luca is the leader while Milo is on assignment.”
Elio scrambled to get up, fuming at my words, and smug satisfaction settled over me. “Oh, I know this is about us , but it's a warning all the same.” He tilted his head up like he was listening to someone, and I lifted a brow. “This warning isn’t just about me either. If Cinzia finds out that you caused her distress, she will be on a warpath, and no matter how tech-savvy and smart you are, you won’t be able to survive Cin when her sights are only on you.”
“Are you trying to say that your cousin is in love with me? I mean, I’m flattered, but she’s not my type. Sorry.”
He opened his mouth to spit out an acidic retort, but Rin came back around. “Read— Are you guys okay?” We turned to her, putting on our charm at the same time.
“Of course, Miss Smith.”
“No issues, sweets.”
She eyed us like she didn't believe it, so I quickly stepped forward, circling her shoulders with a squeeze. “Well, we best be off. Need to go over a lot for your future. Later, Ricci.”
Rin waved to Elio, saying that she would see him in class tomorrow, and he replied that he wouldn't miss it for the world. Having had enough of all this nonsense, I rushed her out the door, feeling his eyes following us until we turned the corner. Halfway to my car, I almost convinced myself to go back in there to kill him, but Rion’s voice popped into my head, telling me that would put Rin in even more danger, and I knew I could never do that.
One thing was for sure, I was going to make it my mission to prove to them that Rin wasn’t and never will be theirs. She would eventually have an A after her name, not an R.