“What the hell, Carmen?” Lyla demanded.

“Hey, girl, what’s up?”

“What’s up?” Lyla repeated in a dangerous tone. “What’s up is you haven’t been answering my calls for three days. What’s up is Gavin told me you took out the leader of a biker gang, and Angel got shot. What’s up is you’re now a target. What the hell?”

“Yeah, I’m over it,” she said as she navigated the freeway and stroked the quivering pit bull on her passenger seat. “I wouldn’t say I’m a target, technically. Angel did the head shot, and besides, I have two guards. Don’t worry about me.”

“Carmen.” Lyla sounded as if she were trying to stay calm. “I need you to be safe.”

“I am!” she insisted as she blared her horn and flipped the bird at an old woman who shouldn’t be on the freeway. “I found a place!”

“You did?”

“Yes. My shit that was in storage is being delivered today, and I got a dog.”

“You got a dog,” Lyla repeated flatly.

“Yeah, she’s shaking like a leaf, though. They were gonna put her down, but it isn’t her fault that she’s had a shit life. I’m going to make her a princess.”

“Okay … where’s your new place?”

“The Gillian Estates.”

“Never heard of it.”

“Yes, it’s pretty new, and it’s on the other side of town from you, but you gotta see this house. It’s perfect for me.”

“Well, I’m happy for you.” Lyla sounded much more relaxed. “You’re getting settled in. That’s good.”

“Yes. How are you?”

“Worried sick about you, bitch.”

Carmen laughed. “I’m fine.”

She woke up with a ton of energy. No tears this morning. No hard, cold weight in her gut. Three orgasms worked wonders on her state of mind. Despite the fact it was Sunday, she started making calls. At times like these, she liked being rich because it produced results. She called the dog shelter to tell them she would be picking up the pit, a call to a moving company to go to the storage facility to pack up her shit, a call to a couple of personal assistants who were in her employ years ago who would help, and her relator to tell her to see if another house was available in this area.

Marcus was true to his word. This morning, a duffel of her clothes was on the front step. She blew a kiss to Mickey as she hauled it in and got ready for the day. Her first stop was the dog shelter. It seemed the poor pit was worse today than she was yesterday. When they tried to move the dog, she peed herself. Carmen volunteered to bathe the dog and murmured sweet nothings to her as she ran her hands over the terrified dog, but nothing soothed her. When Frederick picked up the dog to put her on the passenger seat of the Aston, the dog let out a heart-wrenching cry that ripped at her heart. She tried to reassure the pit that she was safe now. Whatever happened in the past was done, and there was only good in her future, but of course, the pit ignored her. She decided to call her Honey because her life would be sweet from now on. She and Mickey did a quick run into Petco for doggy supplies while Frederick kept an eye on Honey, and now they were on their way back to the house. Hopefully, they’d beat the movers there so she could direct everyone.

“When Gavin heard Angel got shot, he was furious,” Lyla said quietly.

“I bet.” Another cousin of his trying to claim his crown, getting gunned down within a matter of days.

“You were there? You saw it happen?”

The ball of sunshine in her chest began to dim. “Yes.”

“Three times in the chest,” Lyla said and paused. “You okay?”

Thanks to Marv, Mom, Maddie, and Marcus … “Yes.”

“I’m glad. Gavin’s been going to work, which is good. I need some breathing room.”

“You’re doing okay?” she asked belatedly.

“I have my moments, but Nora yanks me out of it pretty quick. She’s getting more active every day, and Blade’s training me again, so I’ve been keeping busy.”

“Good. What about your mom?”

“Same. Still doesn’t want to see me, still recovering. I decided to wait until she’s ready to be released instead of hanging around the hospital, making Gavin crazy.”

“Good idea. I’ll come over soon, or you can visit me once I get settled.”

“Okay, good. I love you.”

“I love you too.”

“Stay out of trouble, for fuck’s sake,” Lyla snapped before she hung up.

Carmen pulled into Marcus’s driveway and saw that the movers were already there, as were her assistants. Frederick carried Honey to the backyard so she wouldn’t bolt as they got busy. There were five twenty-six-foot moving trucks with items from her past life. She wouldn’t be able to keep everything, but she was due for a purge.

The men opened the back of the trucks. She climbed in, surveyed the clutter, and took a moment to get her bearings before she got to work. She locked her emotions up tight, examining the items objectively while blocking out the memories that came with them. She started pointing out what she wanted and in which rooms. Her assistants made sure the movers put the items in the right place, and chaos ensued.

By the time everyone cleared out, she lay exhausted but extremely satisfied on her red velvet couch. Marcus’s house had been transformed in the span of a few hours. They still had a lot of work to do, but the large pieces of furniture had been put in place, and it was much more livable and welcoming. She pulled paintings, statues, and accents to give the house personality. Everyone would return tomorrow to continue the transformation.

Her phone rang. It was within reaching distance, so she answered. “Hello?”

“Angel likes you!” Luci sang.

Carmen’s eyes popped open. “What?”

“I’ve never heard him talk about a woman like this ever. OMG.” Luci sounded like she was jumping around. “Where ya been, chick? I’ve been calling you for days.”

She sat up. “I’ve been busy. What are you talking about?”

“Angel told me you killed the leader of some motorcycle gang. That was badass. I wish I could’ve seen it. He also told me you tried to protect him when he got shot.” She sucked her teeth. “Gavin wasn’t kidding when he said these motherfuckers are out of line. Angel’s going to make Sin City his bitch. I’m glad Gavin called him in. They’re gonna find out real quick what makes us crime lords of New York.”

She got to her feet and checked on Honey who was in the same spot she’d been in for the past three hours. She lay on the ground beside her doggy bed in a ball. Her food and water untouched. As Carmen approached, she tensed. Carmen sat on the floor just inside the kitchen, giving Honey her space but also letting her grow accustomed to her presence.

“So?” Luci prompted.

“So what?”

“Angel likes you.”

“Because I killed someone?”

“Because you’re the ride or die chick. Girls have always come easy to Angel. You can see why. He’s pretty and has the carefree, bad boy vibe that we both know is a sham. Angel’s a dark one, but that’s part of his appeal, right?”

“Angel’s suicidal.”

Luci giggled. “I know, right?”

Carmen couldn’t hold back a smile. Luci was obviously damn proud of her brother. If she had a brother, she would be the same. The more badass he was, the better.

“It’s hard to come across a woman who has balls and heart, you know?” Luci asked.

“Wait, what are we talking about?”

“You. Brass balls, guns, badass motherfucker, my brother and you …?”

“There is no Angel and me.”

“Why not? You think he’s hot, right?”

“Yes, but—”

“And he’s badass!”

She bit her lip to hold back her laughter. Honey’s eyes flicked to her, but when she saw her watching, Honey immediately looked away. “He’s definitely a badass with a chip on his shoulder.”

“Don’t we all? Only someone who got everything they want in life wouldn’t have a chip on their shoulder.”

The chip on the Romans’ shoulders was their parents’ death. Angel hadn’t explained it, and it wasn’t something you brought up so she agreed. “True.”

“Angel needs a woman.”

“Excuse me?”

“Well, he needs a good woman, you know?”

“And you think that’s me,” she said dubiously.

“He likes you.”

“That’s nice, but I’m not about to get mixed up with another crime lord.”

“Why not?”

She sighed and tipped her head back against the wall. “Angel got shot three times in the chest.”

“So?”

“That’s exactly how my husband died. Three to the chest.”

A pause and then a very quiet, “Oh.”

“It was my nightmare come to life right in front of me.” She could still hear the sound Angel made as he got hit, and the image of the men coming to finish him off, just as they’d done to Vinny. The surge of helpless rage threatened to sweep away her newfound satisfaction with her progress today. “I can’t do it twice.”

“But Angel’s a beast.”

“I can’t take the chance.”

“This fucking sucks,” Luci whined. “I already designed a Roman tattoo for you.”

“What?”

“We all have eagle tattoos. It’s tradition. I was getting one ready for you.”

Holy shit. “Uh, thanks, but I’m good.”

Luci blew a raspberry. “Fine. No new sister-in-law. You know, I’ve been waiting for one of my brothers to get with someone, but they’re taking their sweet time.”

“I’m sure it’ll happen soon,” she said consolingly as she inched toward Honey. She grabbed a handful of food out of the bowl and put it near her. Honey turned her face away. If she didn’t eat by tomorrow, she’d have to take her to the vet. Fuck.

“You don’t understand! I’m like Rapunzel stuck in this brimstone. It’s not fair! When are you gonna come visit?”

“I actually just moved into a place.”

Luci moaned. “No! I was going to tell you there’s another brimstone for sale three down from mine. It would have been perfect!”

Carmen chuckled as she padded down the hallway to the master bedroom and ran the water in the luxurious tub. Thanks to her amazing assistants, all her toiletries were unpacked, and a basket of salts and oils sat on the ledge of the tub. She put in a generous amount of eucalyptus oil while Luci tried to sell her on living in New York.

“I’ll just have to convince you when you visit. Angel told me you and I would get along swell, not that I needed his input. I already knew we’re sisters from other misters. Other than killing that guy and buying a house, what else have you been up to? Banged anyone new lately?”

“I adopted a dog. I just brought her home, and she’s scared stiff. It’ll take time for her to unwind, and as for banging, I’m still doing Gavin’s COO, Marcus.”

“Oh, the hottie with the nice eyes? Yeah, I’d hit that. You guys are dating?”

“Friends with benefits.” She put the phone on the ledge and stepped into the tub. She moaned as she submerged her aching body.

“That good, huh? Damn, Angel needs to step up his game.”

“No Angel,” she snapped.

“But you’re not super committed to Mr. COO. You haven’t even tried Angel yet, so there’s still hope.”

“There’s no hope.”

“Yes, there is.”

She rolled her eyes. “Whatever you say, Luci.”

“Ah, I like hearing that. My brothers never say that to me, those assholes. Anyway, I’ll check in later. Keep me posted on your shenanigans. I need to live vicariously through you.”

“Sounds good. Bye, chick.”

She took a deep breath and sank chin deep in the warm, scented water that turned her bones to mush and made her skin tingle. Bubble baths were the unspoken cure for many things. Some woman had to make a living off cure-all bubble baths for overworked, overstressed women. She’d have to look into that and buy stock in bath bombs or oils or whatever.

Her phone rang again. She scrunched up her nose and peered at the screen before she reached for it. “Hey.”

“Hey, baby,” Marcus said.

Her toes curled. “I’m taking a bubble bath.”

“Send me a picture.”

“Why don’t you visit and see me in person?”

“I would, but there are some issues in the casino tonight. I’m taking a break.”

“What happened?”

“Someone tried to rob the cage cashier, and now, I’m all tied up in paperwork and cops.”

“Did they get away?”

“No. He was shot in the leg by a guard. He didn’t reach the doors.”

“Nice.”

He chuckled. “I’m glad you’re impressed.”

She held the phone up and made sure to shoo away the bubbles to expose her body as she took a selfie. “Poor baby.”

“What about you? You moved in yet?”

She glanced around the bathroom, which bore no resemblance to what she walked into yesterday. An iron mermaid stood near the tub with seafoam-colored towels draped over one arm. Her assistants organized all her shit across the length of the vanity. Her jewels winked at her and begged to be shown off. Marcus’s meager belongings took up one corner while she dominated.

“You wouldn’t recognize the place,” she said.

“Really?”

She could tell from his voice he didn’t believe her. She took a variety of selfies before she settled on one and sent. “I brought home Honey.”

“Honey? Who the hell is that?”

She blinked. “My new dog. Her name’s Honey.”

“Oh, the pit bull.”

“Who’d you think I was talking about?”

“Knowing you, it could be anyone.”

She raised her brows. “I’m not going to bring any guys here.”

“Good.”

She grinned. “Jealous, Marcus?”

“I’ve got my shot, and I’m gonna hold it as long as I can.” A pause and then he said hoarsely, “You shouldn’t have done that.”

“Done what?”

“Seriously? You can’t send me pictures like that.”

“You told me to.”

“God, I can see everything. Fuck. I’ll come home when I can.”

She did a long, fake yawn. “Promises, promises.”

“I gotta go. I’ll talk to you soon.”

She grinned as she tossed the phone on the ledge and sank back into the water. “You gotta keep up, Fletcher.”

She soaked until the water turned cold and then reluctantly hauled herself out. She wrapped herself in a silk robe and checked on Honey. The food on the floor and in the bowl was gone, and there was a pool of water under her mouth to show she drank water. Carmen clapped her hands together excitedly and instantly regretted it when Honey went rigid.

“Fuck, Honey, I’m sorry. Mommy’s just so happy. You’re such a good girl.” She slowly approached, but Honey’s wide, terrified eyes stopped her in her tracks. She pressed her hands against her aching chest. “It’s going to get better. I promise. You’re safe here.”

She cracked open the sliding door, so Honey could go outside and padded toward the velvet sofa and mound of pillows. She flopped on the couch and turned on the TV. She put on Psych, which Maddie had gotten her addicted to and settled down with a contented sigh.

* * *

An earsplitting howl jerked her out of sound sleep. She lurched upright as a light flipped on to reveal Marcus coming through the door that led into the garage. She looked around wildly for the source of the noise and saw Honey on her feet, emitting that awful sound.

“It’s okay, Honey,” she said as she rushed toward her. “He’s a friend.”

Honey stopped immediately and backed into a corner. Carmen stopped a few feet away with her hands out, unsure what to do.

“You were protecting Mommy. You’re such a good girl. Thank you,” she said.

Honey curled into a ball and tucked her face away. She turned to find Marcus surveying the living room in silence. He touched the head of a gold and white elephant near the front door before he examined an oil painting of a woman covered in flower petals of every color.

“You weren’t kidding when you said you decorated,” he said.

She rubbed her eyes. “I told you. What time is it?”

“Just after three.”

She dropped her hand. “In the morning? Oh my gosh. What are you doing here?”

He came up the steps and glanced at the marble top dining table, which had a cheery arrangement on it before he focused on her. She realized her robe had come undone. She was too tired to care about her nudity. He took a step toward her, then stopped when Honey let out a warning growl. When he looked at the dog, she immediately averted her face.

“She okay?”

“Yes. She’s just on edge.” That was an understatement, but she wasn’t going to lose hope.

Marcus went to the fridge and pulled out a slice of turkey and went on his haunches near the dog. Honey sniffed the air but didn’t turn her head in his direction.

“You’re fine,” he said and dropped the turkey near her nose. “I’m one of the good guys.”

Carmen’s heart warmed. She smiled as he rose and came toward her. He picked her up, and she wrapped her arms and legs around him and dropped her head on his shoulder.

“You are a good guy.”

He tucked his face into her neck. “You smell good.”

“Eucalyptus,” she mumbled sleepily.

He settled her on the bed. She closed her eyes and floated. She heard him flip on the bathroom light. She turned her head and watched as he disappeared inside. He wouldn’t mind the seashell chandelier she put up, would he? Maybe the mermaid was a bit much, but a tub like that deserved an ocean theme. Marcus reappeared and then went into the closet. She came up on her elbows and waited for the explosion. He had a tiny section of the closet since he didn’t have much clothes here. Her assistants unpacked her new wardrobe, and she was thinking of having a carpenter come in to see if he could do something to create more room.

“What are you looking for?” she called.

Marcus came out of the closet. “You did all of this in one day?” he asked as he began to strip.

“I had help. I told you I would move in,” she grouched and turned on her side. “If you don’t like it, you can sell the house to me. By the end of this week, you won’t even recognize this place. I can’t believe you’ve had this house for two years and never—”

Marcus flipped her on her back and crouched over her. He cupped one side of her face before he kissed her deep. He rested his body over hers and tilted his head to the side as he made love to her mouth with his tongue stroking hers. She ran her hand through his hair. His muffled groan made her nipples tighten. His hand caressed her cheek, slid over her neck, and then rested on her breast. He massaged gently, which made her nails dig into his shoulders. He detached his mouth from hers and kissed the curve of her jaw and then her neck.

“Never,” he muttered.

“Never what?” she asked distractedly as he sucked on her pulse.

“Never settled anywhere in my life.”

She shifted restlessly beneath him. “What are you talking about?”

“Never unpacked.” He licked her pulse and then kissed it before he moved lower. “Never bought furniture. Never decorated anywhere I lived.”

She clutched his hair as he sucked on her breast. “Why?”

“Never stayed anywhere long enough.”

“What about when you when you lived with your parents?”

“I never had parents.”

Her eyes opened. “What? What do you mean you didn’t have parents?”

“Went into the system at six. Never stayed anywhere long.”

“You were a foster kid?”

“Yes.”

She shook her head. “That’s not possible.”

“Why isn’t it possible?” he asked as he pressed gentle kisses over her face.

She was having a hard time concentrating when he was drowning her in affection he claimed to never have experienced, judging from his background. “Because you’re Marcus Fletcher.” He knew how to dress, how to talk. He was intelligent and business savvy and didn’t have a mean bone in his body. What the fuck? The man she knew had no correlation to the story of his childhood he was painting.

“Someone gave me that name. I didn’t have one before that.” He raised his head and looked down at her. “The house looks great.”

“Marcus,” she began and didn’t know what else to say.

“Bought this house to start my new life, to make it my first home, but I didn’t know how.” He kissed her still lips. “You did more in one day than I’ve done in years. Thank you.”

She swallowed hard. “You can have it all.”

“What?”

“Don’t sell it to me. Keep it … and all the stuff.”

“Even the elephant and mermaid statue?” he teased.

“Everything.”

He ran his hand down her body. “Why would you do that? The painting in the living room must be worth thousands.”

“Fifteen thousand.”

“Why give it to me?”

“Because everyone deserves a home.”

He stared down at her for a long moment before he pressed his forehead to hers. “There she is.”

“Who?”

“The woman Vinny raved about.” She stiffened, and he cupped her face. “I wanted you before I met you.”

She stared into his eyes and had the sensation of falling.

“I wanted to meet the woman behind his projects, the woman in the photos all over his office. And now you’re here.” He stroked a hand down her body. “I never had access to beautiful things until recently.” He licked her skin. “And it tastes amazing.”

He slid down her body and paused at her belly button to lave it with his tongue. He looked up the length of her body, eyes glittering shards in the dim light.

“You never gave me an opening.” He stroked her belly. “You weren’t ready. Now that you’re awake, now that you see me, I’m gonna take advantage.” He spread her thighs and surveyed her body. “A lot.”

He went down on her. She hissed through her teeth as his tongue went deep. She lifted her legs and planted her feet on the bed so she could lift her hips up to his mouth. He was damn good. She was moaning and thrashing within minutes. He didn’t let up until she erupted beneath him, her limbs going rigid as pleasure rocketed through her. Marcus slid into her as she orgasmed and rode her rough. The sound of slapping skin filled the room. She raked her nails down his back.

“Fuck, Carmen,” he panted.

“Harder.”

He obeyed, doing her so hard she knew she would be feeling the effects tomorrow. His face was carved in animal ecstasy as he fucked her. No teasing or laughing this time. He gripped her hair and yanked her head back as he pounded into her. She took what he offered and reveled in his possession as he planted himself deep and came. He panted in her ear as he collapsed on top of her. His hand loosened in her hair and then began to stroke.

“Too rough?”

“Just right,” she husked.

“I don’t know what you’re bringing out in me.”

She nuzzled his face. “I like it. Whatever you need, Marcus.”

He didn’t respond, and she sensed he wasn’t happy about what happened. She stroked his face.

“We all need an outlet. Let me be yours. You won’t break me.”

“I’ve never been like this with a woman,” he said finally.

“You’ve been with pussies, that’s why.”

He laughed and rolled, putting her on top. “So what are you?”

“A badass motherfucker.”

He grinned. “Yes, you are.”

She settled over him. “I’m going to ruin you for all other women.”

“I can’t wait.”

“Corrupt you,” she said around a yawn.

“Already done.”

“I’m gonna make you get hard every time I say Daddy.” She paused and then shook her head. “Wait, I can’t call you Daddy. That’s Blade’s name.”

Marcus stiffened beneath her. “What?”

She raised her head, which felt as if it weighed fifty pounds to investigate his incredulous expression. “It’s a nickname.”

“Why?”

“Because he doesn’t want to be one.” Marcus relaxed, and she tucked her face under his chin. “You’re getting possessive.”

“We’re nowhere near done.”

“And when we are?”

He wrapped his arms around her. “Then we’ll still be friends.”

“How can you be sure?”

“Because we understand one another. Neither of us is looking for a relationship and both of us need this.”

She couldn’t argue that point.

“We’ll cross that bridge when we come to it, and we’ll make it through.”

“Promise?”

“Yes. Now, go to sleep.”

She didn’t need telling twice.