Page 17 of Running Winter

The silence that followed her statement was painful, and my uncle sent Rafe a dark look.

“Rayna, what about you?”

“I’m quite into art,” Rayna admitted as Rafe turned his attention to her. “I’d love to study it at the college level, then hopefully own a gallery one day.”

“I’m not the best at drawing,” Kendra announced, holding her empty glass out to a man who was waiting on us. “I’m glad I don’t take Art.”

“Art is more than just drawing.” Rayna chuckled. “It’s an expression of emotion, culture, and history. You can learn so much from art.”

“I do like painting my nails, if that counts.” Kendra laughed.

I felt obliged to laugh with her; I felt so much pity for the girl, whereas Uncle Lucas looked like he was going to knock Rafe off his chair.

“You don’t have to have ambition,” Aunt Alice countered, her eyes fixed on her husband’s. “You can’t help who you fall in love with. Look at me. I married a successful, rich businessman. I’m a kept woman.”

“Yes, but you are also fierce and intelligent. You oversee many areas of my business, and I couldn’t be without you. Ever,” Uncle Lucas said quietly.

The five of us exchanged awkward looks, and Aunt Alice winked.

“Also beautiful, right, Lucas?”

“The most beautiful woman in the world. Sorry ladies.”

Rayna gazed into her glass, and I wondered what she was thinking about. Then, to my surprise, she spoke.

“Not at all, I agree. Mrs. Deacon is stunning,” she sent a genuine smile to my aunt, who smiles graciously. “I also agree that you can’t help who you fall in love with. Even if you have nothing in common.”

“Exactly,” Rafe said, smiling widely. “But if you do have something in common, even just one tiny thing that you agree on, that can make all the difference.”

Rayna looked up at Rafe then, and I frowned, not liking the look in her eyes one bit.

“Like?”

“The foundations of your beliefs, for example. If you both want children or a happy home, or you want to travel the world. Together, you can achieve that.”

“I’d love to travel the world with you, Rafe,” Kendra interrupted sweetly, and I bit my lip to prevent the laughter threatening to pour from my mouth. “Imagine how cute our babies would be.”

My uncle choked on his whiskey, and Rafe cringed beside me.

“Or going into business together. I guess you’re right. You can’t help who you fall in love with,” said Raven, eyeing Rafe meaningfully.

“Love is a strong word,” muttered Rafe as my uncle leaned forward.

“I know a better one. Protection.”

I couldn’t contain my laughter, and Raven joined in, much to the bewilderment of Kendra.

“You mean like a bodyguard?” Kendra asked, and Raven snorted.

“Yeah, for your dick.”

“Raven!” Uncle Lucas snapped, despite the smile on his lips.

“That was too easy!” Raven protested, and Rayna and I grinned at one another.

The rest of the dinner was filled with the usual chatter, and I knew then that Rafe would never touch Kendra again.

“Uh, Rayna, can I just ask you something?” Rafe asked as we left the dinner table. Rayna nodded, and Rafe looked at me pointedly. “Alone?”

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