“Here you go.” He passes me my cup and sits beside me with his feet up on the coffee table like I’m doing.
Ramon’s apartment is large and spacious with two huge sofas in the living area along with two reclining chairs that are so comfortable. I’ve fallen asleep on them more times than I care to admit.
I can feel Ramon staring at me from the corner of my eye, but I’m not sure I’m ready to discuss Sebastian so I start a conversation that I know is going to make him freak, but at least it will change the subject. “I think I’m being followed.”
“What the fuck!” He quickly shoots up to his feet and slams his drink down hard on the coffee table, sloshing the contents all over, which he ignores turning fully towards me instead. “You think you’re being followed? And you just decided to tell me now? Carla, what the hell is wrong with you? After what that bastard did to you. Fuck! You should know better than to not mention this. Fucking hell.” Ramon starts pacing back and forth in front of the window.
“Please sit with me,” I ask, tears running down my face.
“Fuck, Carla. God, don’t do that.”
Sitting back down, he pulls me into his arms and settles back into the sofa. “Why didn’t you tell me sooner? And don’t think I haven’t realized you changed the subject.”
I chuckle into his chest. “I’m not too sure really. Over the past couple of days, I’ve had the feeling I’m being watched and ended up looking around me to see if I can spot anyone, but I haven’t. I might just be imagining it.”
“Do you really think it’s all in your head? Seriously?” he asks stroking my hair, which is lying freely down my back.
“Not really.”
I knew Gary would find me eventually and I guess I should be surprised that he hasn’t found me sooner. Gary can be terrifying and doesn’t mind using his fists as my body can attest to, but the thought that Ramon or one of his brothers could be in the line of fire frightens me.
“I need to inform security for the building so he doesn’t get inside and you do not go anywhere unless someone is with you. You got me?”
My silence probably speaks volumes. I’ve never been any good at doing as I’m told. In fact, I have a really bad habit of doing the opposite.
“Carla, I’m serious. I need to talk to my brothers and tell them what’s going on and see if they can help out when I have to be on site.”
Inwardly I groan. “I don’t want anyone to get hurt because of me. What if he gets to Lily? We can’t involve anyone else. Please Ramon,” I beg trying to give him my ‘can’t refuse me anything’ eyes.
“That is not going to work this time. Have you forgotten what that bastard did to you last time and what he threatened when you ran?”
He releases me, sitting up with his elbows resting on his knees while running his hands through his hair. “We need help Carla. I can’t be with you twenty-four-seven. I promise to only tell Sebastian, Lucien and Ruben okay. I’ll keep Michael out of it and hopefully that will keep Lily away from it all…Shit, Sebastian isn’t going to take this lightly,” he says, looking at me.
“I know.”
“Lucien rang me while I was on the way up to tell me to bring you over to the folks’ ranch for dinner so I’ll get them alone and tell them what’s going on… I’m also going to tell them that we’re just friends.”
I start to shake my head, but Ramon cuts off anything I’m going to say. “He’s my brother Carla and I’ve never seen him like this before. I can’t let him continue to think you’re mine. I admit it was fun at first seeing him want someone he thought he couldn’t have, but I can’t continue… Shit, my mom’s going to be pissed.”
“I can’t go,” I whisper, which brings his eyes back around to mine. “Everyone is going to be angry with me; Sebastian for not telling him the truth about us, your mom because every time she looks at us she has weddings and babies on her mind. Oh my god, Ramon. Please don’t force me to go,” I finish on a childish whine, burying my face into my hands.
Ramon starts rubbing my back. “Look, the only person Sebastian is going to be pissed at is me. In fact, my whole family is likely to be pissed with me okay. I also don’t want to leave you here alone even though the security is one of the best in the city.”
He’s wavering, I can hear it in his voice and now he’s sitting considering all the pros and cons of me staying here.
“You really don’t want to go?” he asks, rubbing his neck.
“I know I’ll have to face everyone, but today I really want to stay here. I’m going to read for a while to try and take my mind off everything then I’ll shower and maybe read some more.” I smile at him and take hold of his hand. “I’ll be okay. I feel safe here and I’m not sure I can handle Sebastian if he gets angry with me. Not today.”
Ramon sighs before leaning in and kissing me on my cheek. “Okay. I’ll let security know on the way out not to let anyone other than my brothers up to the apartment from now on unless they check with me first.”