Raw (6 page)

That left his third and best option. Satisfied with a course of action, he took the regular elevator to the lobby, then descended the stairs the rest of the way to the basement. Then he removed the small camera from his pocket and listened.

At first he didn't hear a thing except for the strange pops and creaks of water in pipes, the air-conditioning units, and other noises echoing in the big basement. Those sounds served to hide his footsteps as he moved deeper into the bowels of the building.

He was glad for the backup pistol strapped to his ankle, the one he couldn't wear when he was with Anna outside work, for obvious reasons. But he wouldn't blow his cover by drawing it unless he had no other option.

Then, beyond the regular noises, the faint sound of murmuring voices reached him. Keeping cover behind some crates, he moved as close as he dared, making sure he could get shots of Hernandez and Keene speaking with a man Gray recognized all too well.

Manuel “Manny” Delacruz. Brother to Gray's most elusive nemesis, casino and hotel mogul Joaquin Delacruz. The Delacruz brothers had been under suspicion for years of various criminal activities—drug running, prostitution, and gambling infractions, for starters. Joaquin in particular was ruthless, letting nothing and nobody stand in the way of what he desired. The bastard had mocked Gray at every turn.

“When is the wedding?” Manny asked.

Wedding?
Frowning, Gray snapped some photos of the meeting.

“Sunday afternoon,” Keene answered. “We'll have both catering vans ready to go at ten.”

Hernandez chuckled. “One for the real event, one for the buyer.”

“Good,” Manny said, pleased, and jerked a thumb at some heavy wooden crates behind him. “Get those empanadas ready to roll, right?” They all shared a laugh at his lame attempt at humor.

The realization hit Gray like a bolt of lightning—they were using the restaurant's new catering service to transport the blow and disguising it as pastries. Why the hell didn't he catch on sooner? It made perfect sense. He only wished he had a recorder with him, but the pics and his testimony would have to do. Now he could alert Simon, and his partner could set up the sting.

Their next exchange sharpened his focus again.

“What about Joaquin?” Hernandez asked, and their humor died.

“What about him?” Manny's voice was cool.

“He still doesn't know about this, does he?”

“No, and he won't,” Manny snapped. “Not unless you want your tongue removed from your head. My big brother's misguided attempts to go legit are going to get us killed, and I'm not going to allow that. Got it?”

“Sure, Manny,” Keene stammered.

Their leader pinned the other man with his onyx gaze. “And keep your boss lady and her chef in the dark if you want to continue breathing. They're both too sharp for their own good.”

“No way will we say a word.”

With that statement, Gray was sure Anna was innocent, as was Ethan. Manny's statement wasn't definitive proof, but it went a long way toward easing his mind in regard to the beautiful restaurateur. He also figured Keene had just signed his and Hernandez's death warrants by acting like a stuttering fool—unless they wound up getting busted first.

Gray was about to turn when his shoe connected with something small and round, perhaps a screw. The tinkling of metal skittering across the concrete floor, echoing through the basement, caused his heart to lurch into his throat. All three of the men froze, then scattered to begin searching the area. When none of them headed in his direction, he hurried back to the stairwell as fast as he could without making more noise.

Inside, he removed his shoes, cradled them to prevent the clattering sound, and took off up the stairs in his socked feet. In the lobby, he put his shoes on again and took the elevator back to the restaurant, then pushed into the restroom. Since that's where he'd said he was going, he wanted to be seen leaving from there, if he was spotted at all.

A glance at his watch showed he was pushing his time. Anna would be waiting for him, and he still hadn't finished cleaning his station. Heaving a deep sigh, he pushed open the restroom door to leave again—and came face-to-face with Keene. Who, he noted, was not sweating and had obviously taken the elevator back up also. Thank God their search of the basement had delayed them in getting back up here.

“Hey, man. Miss Claire said she's been looking for you,” Keene said, eyeballing him suspiciously. “Where've you been?”

“In here.” Smiling sheepishly, which he didn't have to fake, he waved in the direction of the toilets. “I'm kind of sick, so don't get too close.” His flushed face would give credence to the lie.

The other man grimaced in disgust and took a step back. “Oh. Well, see ya.”

“Yeah.”
See ya in prison, fucktard.

As he watched Keene walk away, the narrowness of his escape settled into his bones. He'd fucked up and alerted them that there was a possible witness. With any luck they would be satisfied at finding no one and wouldn't alter their plans to move the coke on Sunday.

Moving fast, he plugged a port from the camera into his iPhone. Then he sent Simon the pictures he'd taken, along with another message.

Pay dirt. Manny D heading this one. J doesn't know.

Simon:
No shit?! Can't believe that.

Me 2. M said J's going legit. WTF? Blow being moved from basement of building on Sunday. Disguised as catering.

Simon:
Shoulda fucking thought it.

Yeah. Call you later with deets.

No sooner had Gray returned the camera, cord, and phone to his pocket than he heard a sweet voice call out, “There you are.”

Anna was coming toward him, obviously ready to go. Her purse was slung over one shoulder, and she appeared concerned. “Where have you been?”

“Men's room. Sorry I disappeared.”

“Oh. Are you all right?”

“Yes, I'm fine. Ready?”

“When you are.”

He hadn't finished his station, but screw it. He had tomorrow off, so Ethan could fire him for all he cared. By Sunday, with any luck, Gray wouldn't be darkening the door of the kitchen ever again.

Gray felt stupid walking home in his whites, but he hadn't brought clothes to change this time. When they arrived back at their apartments, he turned to Anna. “Come to my place for a bit? I want to get out of the monkey suit.”

A hungry light entered her gorgeous brown eyes. “Not as much as I want you out of it.”

They wasted no time shedding their clothes. Right there in his foyer he pressed her back to the closed door and attacked her mouth. Groaning in pleasure, she gave back as good as she got. Aggressive. Exciting. No other woman did it for him like she did.

“God, you turn me on.”

“Fuck me, Gray. Make me forget my own name.”

He couldn't speak for her, but he certainly forgot his. Especially when he lifted her and she wrapped her legs around his waist. When he sank his cock deep and buried himself to the hilt.

He fucked her against the door, every stroke like sinking into heaven. Too soon, his balls drew up tight and the familiar tingling began at the base of his spine. He was helpless to resist the explosion of his release as he continued to thrust through it. And only when the warmth oozed along his cock did he realize his mistake.

He hadn't worn a condom.

“Jesus Christ,” he croaked. “Anna.”

“Mmm?” She kissed his neck.

“I didn't use protection. I'm so sorry.” Shame engulfed him as she froze, drew back, and stared into his eyes.

“I—I didn't think of it, either.” She swallowed hard. “You're clean, right?”

“Yes! I'm totally healthy. You?”

“Yes. I have papers to prove it.”

“Me too. But I trust you.” That was true, he realized. In every respect.

Too bad he had to finish his investigation.

“I trust you, too,” Anna said quietly.

You shouldn't, about some things.
But he couldn't confess. Not yet. Taking her in his arms, he carried her to his bed. Snuggled her against his chest, his heart brimming with his love for her. “Comfortable?” he asked as he settled her with her head resting on his shoulder.

“Very. You make a good pillow.”

He loved her warmth against his side. She felt so right there, he never wanted her to leave. “I aim to please.”

“That you do.” She toyed with the light sprinkling of his chest hair, gave him a kiss above his nipple. “Thank you for everything these past few days. I don't remember when I've had so much fun with someone I care about. And Sterling is such a doll, I can't imagine what I ever did without him.”

“He's a cutie,” he said with a smile, thinking about the kitten. And her ecstatic reaction to the ball of fluff. “I'm glad you like him.”

“I adore him. I'm kind of crazy about the man who gave him to me, too.”

“Same here,” he said quietly. “I'm crazy about his owner.”

“Oh! I should get home.” Her voice was worried. “He's been alone too long, the poor baby.”

“Why don't I go get him, bring him here for tonight? Then you can stay here all warm and cozy.”

“And naked.”

“That, too.”

“Okay, if it's not too much trouble.”

“Not at all. I'll just need your key.”

She yawned. “In my purse, side pocket.”

That had almost been too easy. She trusted him with the key to her place, to go in alone. A guilty woman would never have offered him or anyone unrestricted access to her home. More proof of what he already knew, but he had to follow the case to the conclusion.

Please, let us survive what's to come.

4

Anna's mother arrived Friday, a force of nature all on her own.

Refusing Anna's offer to pick her up at the airport, she'd hailed a cab. Anna let her mother in and was immediately wrapped in a strong hug.

“I've missed you, baby! Let me look at you!” Pulling back, she studied her daughter critically. “Have you lost weight, Anna Marie? Are you eating?”

She couldn't help but laugh. “I own a five-star restaurant. Of course I'm eating. But I have to watch it or I'd be as big as a house.”

“Hmph. More meat on the bones is always healthier, my grandmother always said.”

“That's not what you told me before, when you were always on me about my figure.”

“When you were
twelve
, honey. I don't think I harped more than any other parent does at a preteen who snacks too much.”

Her mother was right. “Well, your lectures paid off. I'll be sure to eat plenty of good things tonight. Here, let me put your suitcase in the guest room.”

Taking the handle, she rolled the luggage down the hall and put it in the room across from her own. When she returned, her mother was running her hand over the sofa, the tables. Anna expected her to make a critical remark to join the one about the lack of pounds on her frame.

“Your place is beautiful,” Margaret said thoughtfully. Then she smiled. “Care to show me the rest?”

Pleased, she gave her mother a short tour. “It's not that big, but it's a prime location. I was lucky to find a place so close to the restaurant.”

“I'll bet.” For the next few minutes, Margaret oohed and aahed
over the furnishings, the layout, and Anna's small touches. She met Sterling as well and was instantly charmed by the small ball of fuzz. When they were done, Anna led them to the living room, where they sat on the sofa to catch up before Gray came to get them for dinner.

“So, tell me more about this man of yours,” her mother insisted. “He must be special if he's taking
both
of us out.”

“He is special.” She couldn't keep the enthusiasm out of her voice. “I really like him, Mom. He makes me feel things I haven't felt in a long time.”

“Love?”

The word caused a shiver, and not in a bad way. “Maybe. It's soon, but who knows? He's exciting, and so sexy.”

“Does he treat you right?”

“Yes, he does. And he walks me home every night after work.” At her mother's curious look, she added, “He's one of my prep chefs.”

Surprise morphed on the other woman's face, then she hooted with laughter. “Hot damn! He's exciting, sexy, and you're the boss of him, so to speak. The best of both worlds.”

“True, but he's no pushover. Wait until you meet him.”

“I'll do that.”

“What about you? Dating anyone?”

Her mother was still a pretty lady. Though she was smaller in stature than Anna, it was from her that Anna had inherited her brunet hair, brown eyes, and general facial features. She wore her hair shorter than her daughter, cropped at the collar and feathered in a flattering style around her face.

Her mother flushed. “Nobody special. I've been to dinner a couple of times with a man from church, but it's not serious.”

Anna gaped at her. “Which is why you're blushing like a teenager? Spill it!”

After a few undecided seconds, she relented. “His name is Bruce, and he's three years older than me. A widower with two grown children and three grandkids. He's a retired high school principal.”

Her mother's soft tone, her mannerisms, said more than words possibly could. “If he makes you happy, go for it. I'm happy for you.”

“Thanks, baby. I am rather fond of him,” she admitted. “And I lied—he is sort of special.”

They spent the next few minutes reminiscing, until a knock on the door interrupted their talk. “That must be Gray.”

Hurrying to the door, she opened it to find Gray dressed to kill in a tailored black suit that set off his gold-streaked brown hair. He was holding two bouquets of flowers—one sporting white buds, one with red. The red ones he handed to Anna, and gave her a searing kiss. Right in front of her mother. Who, Anna noted when she was released, had risen from her seat and was staring at Gray.

“Hello,” he said warmly, crossing to her. “I'm Grayson James, or just Gray. Anna's told me so much about you.”

Taking Margaret's hand, he kissed it in an old-fashioned gesture, then handed her the white roses. Anna swore that her mother nearly swooned.

“Thank you for the flowers,” she said, beaming. “Anna, do you have a couple of vases for these?”

“Of course.” Walking up to Gray, she kissed him again. “Thank you from me, too.”

The heat in his eyes said she could thank him later—after Mom was tucked in bed.

Margaret monopolized Gray's attention while Anna put the flowers in water and set them on the dining table. In fact, the older woman was flirting shamelessly, while grilling the poor man like a drill sergeant. To his credit, Gray answered her multitude of questions easily, not appearing bothered in the least. It was a relief to see them getting along so well.

After talking a bit more, her mother freshened up and changed for dinner. Then they headed down to the street, where Gray had ordered them a cab. He insisted there was no way he was making Margaret walk five blocks when she was dressed so beautifully.

Pleased, her mother leaned over at the first moment Anna's lover's attention was elsewhere and whispered, “He's a keeper.”

She couldn't agree more.

Dinner was a lush affair, her staff pulling out all the stops to make sure they all received the royal treatment, though Gray's presence did garner some envious glances. She had reserved their best table and ordered a rare bottle of wine, and they dined on the most delicious meals Ethan had ever created. He'd outdone himself.

A couple of times Anna saw Gray's attention stray as he looked toward the kitchen, but she figured he was thinking of work, probably relieved to be free of Ethan for the night, and soon forgot about it.

“This is wonderful,” her mother enthused, waving her fork at the sea bass on her plate. “What is in this delicious sauce?”

Anna started to answer, but looked to her lover instead. “Gray can answer that even better than I can, since he's working side by side with Ethan. Does he use white wine or just cream and butter?”

She couldn't be certain in the dim lighting, but she could've sworn his face paled. He blinked at her for a couple of seconds before answering.

“Cream and butter.”

“Really?” Her mother frowned at her plate. “I thought I tasted a hint of white wine. And is that a hint of oregano?”

“Oh, there's a touch of both, I'm sure.” He stood. “Will you excuse me, ladies? I need to hit the facility.”

“How odd,” Margaret remarked as he strode away. “Why did he seem so nervous?”

“I'm not sure.” A strange disquiet settled over her, but she managed to shake it off. She was so caught up in the fun of the evening and talking with her mother, she wasn't sure how long Gray had been gone when he returned.

“You seem quite fond of my daughter,” Margaret said bluntly after they'd eaten.

Gray's gaze dropped to his plate, and a small smile graced his lips. “Anna is a wonderful woman, and I'm so thankful she came into my life.”

Margaret nodded and fell quiet.

All in all, the evening was a success. They wound down over dessert and coffee, and finally her mother started to wilt.

“I'm so sorry. I'm afraid packing, traveling, and the fantastic meal have caught up with me.” She smiled at her daughter. “But I want to say you've done well for yourself, baby. I'm proud of you.”

Margaret meant what she said, always. Nothing her mother had ever told her meant as much as those words did at that exact moment. Finally, her mother
got
it. She'd seen Anna's world and appreciated it. Even though this orbit wasn't her own, wasn't the safe nine-to-five career path she would've chosen, she was proud of Anna.

It was with a profound sense of satisfaction that Anna got into the cab with Gray and her mother to return home. Anna let her mother inside, then said, “I'll just be a minute.” She shut the door again and walked Gray to his apartment. At his door, Gray kissed her.

“Come over, after she's asleep?”

“I will,” she said, grinning. “But just for a while.”

“See you later,” he whispered.

Anna went back and kicked off her shoes, eyeing her mother. She was surprised to see the other woman hadn't gone to bed yet.

“So, what do you think about Gray? Do you like him?”

“He's a very handsome man,” Margaret said, smiling. “Very polite and charming.” But her eyes were troubled, setting off alarm bells in Anna's head. Since when did her mother
ever
hesitate to say exactly what she thought?

“What is it?”

The older woman shook her head. “I don't know, sweetie. It's just a feeling.”

“What kind of feeling? Come on, you've never held back in my entire life, so don't start now,” she said in exasperation.

“It's just . . .” Uncharacteristically, she seemed to measure her words before she spoke. “I like a man who'll look me in the eye. And he did that all evening, except for one part of the conversation.”

Anna frowned. “Which part?”

Margaret hesitated. “When he said how wonderful you are and how glad he is that you came into his life. He didn't look me in the eye once. In fact, he was talking to his plate.”

“You think he was lying? That he doesn't think I'm wonderful and isn't glad to have met me?” A surge of irritation crept into her tone.

“No, that's not what I'm saying.” Her mother blew out a deep breath. “And that's not all that bothered me.”

Anna crossed her arms over her chest. It was a defensive posture, but she couldn't help it. She had finally found a man she adored, was falling for, and it was typical, vintage Margaret to find fault. “What else?”

“Didn't you notice how he kept looking around the restaurant, watching everyone around us like a hawk?”

She blinked. “No, I didn't notice.” But now that she thought about it . . .

“And then there was the question you asked about the sauce on my fish. He didn't seem to know how to answer the question.”

“He's a prep chef,” she said in his defense. “He isn't the one who makes the sauce.”
But he should still know,
an inner voice argued.

“Like I said, it's just a feeling. But I've been around the block a few times, and my intuition is telling me that man is hiding something, Anna.” Moving to her daughter, she took her face in her hands. “You're my child, my baby. As much as I annoy you sometimes, it's my job to look out for you. Always has been, always will be, until I draw my last breath. I know you'll do what you want, but I'm asking you to be careful. Okay?”

Like magic, her irritation evaporated. Love for her mom surged in her chest and she hugged the other woman close, seeking the comfort only a mother can give. “I will. I promise.”

Margaret Claire was a smart woman. But she had to be wrong about Gray.

***

Gray had barely changed into sweats when Simon called his cell. “Hey, what's up?”

“Anna's mother made you, partner.”

“What?” Fear gripped his heart. “What did she say?”

“The old lady just told Anna that you're hiding something. She caught you surveying the restaurant, says you didn't look her in the eye or some shit. And she caught that you didn't know how to make some kind of sauce that was on her food, and that made her suspicious. No telling what else she homed in on. The woman is sharp.”

“And now Anna is compromised. Fuck!”

“That's right. So if you're going to take a look at her laptop and search her files at work, you gotta do it by tomorrow night. The sting is set for Sunday.”

They were out of time.

“All right. I'm taking Anna and her mother out tomorrow night. After we get back, I'll make up an excuse as to why she can't come to my place afterward, then get into her office after closing.”

“Sounds good. Be careful.”

“Always.”

Hanging up, Gray pounded his fist on the table. He wasn't ready for Anna to learn the truth just yet.

And probably kick him to the curb.

***

The next day, around ten in the morning, the phone rang and Anna went to answer. Spotting Gray's number, she smiled as she thought about their tryst after her mother had gone to bed. She'd felt like a naughty teenager sneaking across the hall and meeting her lover for a midnight rendezvous that had nearly melted his sheets.

“Hey, sexy,” she said. “Ready for the musical?”

Gray had gotten the three of them tickets to see the matinee of
Wicked
at the Gershwin Theatre on 51st Street. It was a generous gesture that had further charmed her mother, despite her concerns.

“You bet, sweetheart. I'll be over soon, and then we'll find a place to eat before the show.”

Gray hailed a cab and took them to lunch, making much over the fact that he had two beautiful women on his arm, much to her mother's delight. Then they went to the show and had a great time. Anna had seen
Wicked
before, but Gray and her mother hadn't, and it was always fun to watch it with people who hadn't been. Anna always found herself wishing she'd been the writer to come up with the brilliant premise for the show—what if the Wicked Witch was simply misunderstood? A victim of misplaced hatred and circumstance?

Margaret was enthralled and didn't take her eyes off the stage the entire time, and Gray seemed to enjoy it, too. When the cast came out for their bow, the older woman stood and applauded furiously.