TOTAL ECLIPSE: The Evolution (Sin City Heat Series Book 7)

by S. K. Hardy

  As if her thoughts had summoned his attention, Hawk turned his head at that very moment and spotted her staring at him. Even from across the room the physical attraction between them was painfully evident. Raven didn’t want to acknowledge it, but the connection was damn near electrifying.

  She lowered her fork and placed her hands in her lap to hide their violent trembling. When everyone else kept walking by, Hawk slowed down and stopped at her table. Deliberately ignoring Wesley, his eyes crawled over her face in a soft caress, visually outlining her striking features.

  “Hello, Raven.”

  Raven’s pulse accelerated. His voice poured over her like a smooth, aged cognac. Raven inhaled deeply, held the breath for a moment, then slowly released it. Once she did, she felt a little bit more settled. She refused to fall under Hawk Pattel’s spell the way she had last time she saw him at her sister’s house. Her face burned with embarrassment when she remembered how close she’d come to letting him kiss her. Even now, she cringed whenever she thought about what would’ve happened if Nikki hadn’t interrupted them when she did.

  “Everything okay?” he asked mockingly, drawing her attention back to him.

  By his amused tone, Raven knew he was aware of exactly where her thoughts had taken her. Lifting her chin in cheeky defiance, she forced herself to look him straight in the eye. “Of course, everything’s fine. Why wouldn’t it be?”

  Her teeth scraped together in irritation when his lips twisted in a disbelieving smirk. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw the rest of his family pause and wait for him. Great. Now they had an audience. Determined to ignore him, she picked up her fork and resumed eating, silently willing him to just go.

  “Enjoying your dinner?” he prodded.

  Suppressing an irritated sigh, Raven peered up at him, hating the fact that he towered over her so. “Yes. Or at least I was. If you’ll excuse me?”

  Her stomach muscles clenched in tight knots when he grinned and rubbed his chin. Without looking at her plate, he purred seductively, “I bet it’s good. I might have to sample a taste soon. ”

  Of their own accord, Raven’s eyes dropped to his mouth. For some reason, the way his tongue peeked out to moisten his full, bottom lip fascinated the hell out of her. What was it about Hawk Pattel that intrigued her so? He was a very attractive man, that went without saying. However, it was more than that. She’d only been around him a few brief times, but those moments had been agonizingly intense. Hawk had a way of making her feel as if she were the only person in a room. And the way he uttered her name...

  Raven’s breathing turned shallow as her lungs struggled to draw in air. She had no idea how long the two of them stared at one another. Raven forgot that Wesley was even there until he threw his fork down on his plate. The clattering noise sounded thunderous to Raven’s ears, thankfully breaking the sensual spell Hawk had somehow cast and enfolded her in. Blinking rapidly, she looked around as if in a daze, surprised to find herself in the restaurant and not somewhere in the throes of having hot, sweaty sex with Hawkins Pattel.

  Wesley stood and glared ominously at Hawk. “I don’t know who you are, but you either leave our table now–”

  “Or what?” Hawk interjected laughingly.

  However, when Wesley took a step towards him, Hawk’s amusement instantly disappeared. Raven shivered when she witnessed his warm, brown eyes turning as dangerously cold as some of the New York blizzards she’d had the unwelcome displeasure of experiencing.

  “Know what, you’re right,” he told Wesley. “You don’t know who I am. But I strongly, strongly suggest you find out before you take another step, my friend.”

  His words finally galvanized Raven into action. “Are you threatening him?”

  “Depends on whether he opens his mouth again.” Several seconds passed before Hawk released Wesley from his intimidating glare, and that was only because Lorenzo walked up beside him and placed a firm hand on his shoulder.

  Turning her attention to Isaac Pattel’s only son, Raven couldn’t help but note how his silver grey eyes stood out in a face that was breathtakingly handsome. She’d seen him on occasion at a few political events and charity functions. Although they hadn’t been formally introduced, she knew who he was just as she was sure he knew her.

  Raven was just getting ready to thank him for intervening when something made her pause. She stared at him until he lifted an inquiring brow. The gesture suddenly made everything crystal clear. She held her breath for a moment as her mind started connecting what had to be farfetched dots. Was it possible that…

  Her eyes flew to Darrell as she digested the ramifications of what she was thinking if it turned out to be true. Was Darrell Monroe a…Pattel? His resemblance to Lucas and Hawk was obvious now that she was paying attention, but Darrell and Lorenzo? The two of them could almost pass for…brothers!

  That would certainly explain why he was with them now. Raven’s brain mentally scanned the information the D.A.’s office had gathered about the Pattel family over the years. Other than Joseph’s estranged daughter, Leah, nothing about any other family member had ever been mentioned. Things instantly catapulted from mildly interesting to intriguingly strange.

  Hearing Lorenzo call her name, she blinked and brought her attention back to the situation at hand. Once she did, she found herself the object of Hawk’s hungry gaze. It had been dangerous to take her eyes off of him for even a moment. She had to make sure she didn’t make that mistake again.

  Realizing Lorenzo was speaking to her she forced herself to look away from Hawk. “I’m sorry, excuse me?”

  “I just said it’s good to see you, Raven. How are you?”

  “Oh, I’m…I’m fine. Thank you, Lorenzo.”

  “Good. We hope everything has been satisfactory tonight. Your meals tonight will be on the house. Enjoy the rest of your dinner.” He glanced at Hawk, seemingly sending him a silent message. “Ready?”

  Hawk’s eyes remained on Raven, boring into her until he was satisfied she felt the heat of his lust melting over every inch of her skin. “Yeah, I’m through here…for now.”

  But instead of going with his cousin, he ignored an indignant Wesley and leaned down close to whisper in her ear.

  “Just so you know, I’m a man who likes everything out in the open so that there are no problems or misunderstandings later.”

  Raven swallowed, lowering her lashes, determined to appear aloof and unaffected by his nearness as he continued.

  “I haven’t been able to get you out of my mind since I saw you at Angel’s house several weeks ago. I know you’ve thought about me too, but I don’t expect you to admit it.”

  His lips grazed her delicate earlobe as he spoke. Raven literally trembled in her chair. Warm butterflies danced the two step in her stomach before traveling down to do the same at the very hot, very wet spot between thighs.

  “I want you, Rae. Just so you know, I intend to have you…soon.” He started to straighten up, but then as if an afterthought struck, he leaned back down to add, “And, Rae? When I come for you, make sure you’re ready for me. ”

  Hawk was so close that Raven felt the minty fresh warmth of his breath fanning against her cheek. Apparently content for now with what he saw in her face, satisfaction and outright desire glowed brightly in his eyes.

  As if he hadn’t just threatened Wesley within an inch of his life just now, Hawk gave him a friendly slap on the shoulder. “As my cousin said, enjoy your dinner. It’s on the house.” Winking at Raven, he added, “Be talking to you soon, Rae.”

  “So what’s up with you and Angel’s sister-in-law?” Darrell asked Hawk after they were seated at their table. “You two got somethin’ goin’ on?”

  Hawk grinned, his eyes glued to their waitress’ ass as she leaned over and pointed out something on the menu to King. “Not yet. Let’s just say I’m working on it.”

  Darrell stared at him for a long time. “Let me guess.” His eyes went Lorenzo. “She’s an insurance policy too.
”

  “Something like that.” Hawk reached for a piece of bread from the breadbasket and tore a piece off before popping it in his mouth.

  “I’m sure you know how protective Angel is about his family.”

  “Whose idea do you think it was to get close to her?” Hawk answered smoothly with a grin.

  Darrell picked up the mug of ice-cold beer he’d ordered when they sat down. “Never mind. I don’t wanna know. I’m just gonna tell you the same thing I told Renzo. You feelin’ lil’ mama a little bit too much to say it’s all business. Don’t get caught up.”

  “Never happen,” Hawk scoffed in a dismissive tone. “I’ll leave the domesticated life to you and your friends in Vegas with those strong-minded women ya’ll got. That wife of Dominick’s…” Hawk whistled low and shook his head as he remembered meeting Keisha at Angel’s house.

  Darrell laughed. “That’s right, I forgot you met Keisha. But hey, I wouldn’t have it any other way. I love the fact that my wife is a strong woman. Keeps things interesting.”

  “How long have you been married, Darrell?” Lucas asked.

  “Six years.”

  “Happily?”

  “Very. We’ve had a few rough patches along the way, but what good marriage hasn’t? I’m not ashamed to say I love the hell outta my wife, and my son is my everything. My family is my everything.”

  “I heard that, man.” King’s head bobbed up and down as he raised his glass. “To family.”

  “Can’t argue that,” Hawk said, raising his glass with the others to join in the toast. “Family above all else.”

  CHAPTER 23

  “You sure you won’t stay another day?”

  Darrell zipped his bag and hoisted it up on his shoulder before answering Lorenzo. “Nah, I need to get home, man. Gotta make sure my wife and son are okay.”

  Lorenzo nodded as they walked into the living room. “I understand.”

  “Things are just too unsettled. Doesn’t feel right. This shit with Tina is unresolved, Jerra’s going back to work in a couple of days, and most importantly, we still haven’t had a chance to talk to my son to explain everything that’s goin’ on.” Darrell’s eyes were dark with worry. “D.J. is my main concern right now. Everything’s going to hit him all at once. On top of that, he’s going to be shuffled from one home to the other for a while. It’s like his family is breaking up all around him, and he’s not gonna understand why.”

  Lorenzo rested a hand on Darrell’s shoulder. “If nothing else, D.J. knows how much you and Jerra love him. Just take things one step at a time.”

  Darrell shook his head slowly. “I never wanted this for him, Lo. Never. I always wanted a stable home for him, something I never had growing up.”

  “This is just a blip on the screen; you’ll get through this and come out stronger because of it.”

  “I hope so.” Darrell blinked and took a deep breath before changing the subject. “Wish I could be here to introduce you and Gabby when she comes back from her trip. Seems like the conversation between the two of you went pretty good last night.”

  Gabby had called Darrell after he returned from dinner last night. After he told her what was going on, she’d been as upset as he’d expected but understandably worried about Tina. The two of them were very close. Darrell couldn’t fault Tina for being a good mother to his sister, but that didn’t mean he had to associate with her any longer. In order to live peacefully, there were just some people you couldn’t have in your life; for him, Tina was one of those people.

  After they’d talked for a while, Gabby had asked to speak to Lorenzo. The last thing Darrell remembered before he’d dozed off on the couch an hour later was Lorenzo laughing like he and Gabby were the best of friends.

  “She’s cool as hell,” Lorenzo grinned now.

  “Yeah, she is. What did she say to you about your family?”

  Lorenzo’s smile faded. “She was curious. A little shocked.”

  “She knew who the Pattels were as soon as I mentioned the name.”

  Lorenzo shrugged. “Living in New York, she’d have to be residing under a rock not to.” He hesitated before adding, “D., I know you’re still worried about her being associated with my family, but I meant what I said, I’ll make sure nothing touches her. No one will even know she and I are related if I can help it.”

  Darrell gave a short laugh. “You’ve gotten a taste of how Gabby feels about family. She may not go to the rooftops and shout it out, but she won’t deny you either if it ever comes to that.” He eyed Lorenzo with an intensity that was palpable. “I’m trusting you not to let anything happen to her.”

  “I won’t. You have my word.”

  They stared at each other for several more moments before Darrell reluctantly nodded. Even though they hadn’t been aware the other existed until a couple of days ago, there was a connection between the brothers that neither could deny. Darrell had felt it with the rest of the Pattels last night as well. Dinner had in no way been awkward or uncomfortable like he’d expected it to be. They’d easily touched on an array of subjects, some serious, some entertaining. It almost felt as if he’d known them his entire life.

  Isaac, however, was another story completely. Darrell didn’t know what to think about him, and he wasn’t going to stress about it. His concentration needed to be on his marriage and his family. It was best that Isaac’s role in his life be relegated to one similar to Tina’s. He didn’t have the time, room, or energy for either one of them.

  Darrell headed towards the elevator. “Well, the car’s waiting for me downstairs, so I guess I’d better get goin’.”

  “You sure you don’t want to take the plane? I could have the driver take you directly to the airstrip.”

  “Nah, I appreciate the offer, though. Commercial might be a pain sometimes, but it’s fine.”

  “Alright. Keep in touch. I’m here if you want to talk.”

  “Same here. Let me know how things work out with your ‘insurance policy’.” Darrell smirked, pushing the button to call the elevator up.

  Lorenzo stopped in his tracks. “What is that supposed to mean?”

  “Just sayin’.” Darrell stood with his back to Lorenzo to hide his wide grin.

  “I don’t know what you think is going on with me and her, but…” When Darrell snorted and stepped into the elevator a low growl unfurled from Lorenzo’s throat. He placed a hand against the steel frame to stop the doors from closing. “Okay, I do know what you think, but you’re wrong. This is just business. That’s it.”

  Darrell tossed a look of utter disbelief towards him. “Fine. Keep tellin’ yourself that.” He gestured for Lorenzo to move his hand, which he did reluctantly. Before the doors closed, Darrell taunted him with one last jab. “But it ain’t gon’ make it true. Talk to ya’ lata, bruh.”

  After an unexpected delay in Detroit, Darrell finally pulled up in front of his house around five that evening. Unfolding his tall frame out of the car, he glanced curiously at the snow white Mercedes parked in his driveway. It didn’t look familiar, but he guessed he’d find out whom it belonged to soon enough.

  Unlocking the front door, he walked inside and tossed his keys on the mahogany colored table in the foyer out of habit. Picking up the stack of mail, he flipped through it while ambling to the family room in search of Jerra. No one was there, but Darrell did a double take when he saw the controller to D.J.’s game sitting in the middle of the floor.

  Any other time, he would’ve found D.J.’s little butt and marched him back in the room to pick up the controller, accompanied by a lecture on the importance of taking care of his things and putting them in their proper place. However, seeing it lying there now meant his son was home. Darrell was too happy to think about chastising him for leaving it out.

  The weight that had been resting heavily on his chest since he left New York instantly lightened. Hurrying to the stairs, Darrell took them two at a time and went to his son’s room. He stood in the doorway with a smile
on his face for several seconds, observing his little mini-me in silence. D.J. was lying on his stomach in bed with his head on one hand, kicking his legs while watching TV.

  Sneaking up on him, Darrell started tickling his ribs to get his attention. “Uh huh, caught ya’ slippin’!” He laughed when D.J. jumped in surprise.

  “Daddy! You’re home!” D.J. stood up on the bed and threw himself into Darrell’s arms, hugging him around the neck.

  Darrell grinned as he squeezed him tightly. He closed his eyes and released a big sigh, enjoying the moment until D.J. started squirming in his arms. Kissing the top of his head, Darrell patted him on the back one last time before letting him down on the floor.

  “I missed you, buddy. How are you?”

  “Fine.” D.J. kept his arms around Darrell’s waist and hung his head back to look up at him. “Where’ve you been?”

  “I had to go out of town on business. Why? You weren’t here,” Darrell teased.

  “I came back today, though. You were gone and Gran’ma Tina was gone.” D.J.’s mouth turned down at the corners. “Mommy says she moved back home. Did she, Daddy?”

  Darrell sat down on the bed and pulled D.J. to him. “Yeah, she did, buddy. You knew your grandma was going to eventually move back to Philadelphia. Remember we talked about that?”

  “Yes, but she didn’t even say bye.” D.J. wiped his eyes with the heel of his hand, but as soon as he blinked a tear fell down one cheek.

  Darrell tried to curb his anger. This was exactly what he’d been hoping to prevent by trying not to let D.J. get too close to Tina. He’d wanted to avoid D.J. getting hurt, but looking at the sadness in his little boy’s eyes, he knew that’s exactly what happened.