"Of course. I'll be right back-bathroom."
On his way, he grabbed the waiter and paid the bill. The whole time, the same word repeated over and over in his head, leading him toward a mystery he intended to solve.
Justice.
chapter eleven
Stupid. She'd been so stupid to tell him about the tat.
He swung onto a dead-end road, driving past the main office for Pierce Brothers Construction, and kept going. Not only had he paid the dinner bill, he'd snatched a piece of personal information she had never shared before, except with her best friend, Izzy, and Aunt Penny.
Then why had she told him?
Because something deep inside had sprung open, wanting the connection. She was beginning to realize the danger of getting close to Dalton Pierce. She could handle his gorgeous looks and killer charm. She could fight his dimples, and his droolworthy, rock-hard body, and his wicked sense of humor. She could even deal with his intelligence and woodworking skill.
What really demolished her was his vulnerability and the way he had given her his own truth. Those peacock-blue eyes flared with such raw emotion, she ached to put her hand in his and comfort him.
"Our family house is right down the road from the office," he said.
Massive oak and maple trees lined the roadway, bending forth as if to greet them. Following the winding lane upward, they passed through elaborate gates and the house came into full view.
Raven gasped. She couldn't help it.
House her ass. This was a mansion.
She sucked at identifying architectural styles, but it didn't matter. Struck mute by the huge multitiered home, she took in the fat columns, the wraparound porch, and a mix of colored stone, terra-cotta, and blinding white paint. Arched windows and a massive carved door that would rival the White House's gave off a stuffy dignity that was softened by vivid green trees and bushes and neon yellow and pink flowers hugging the pathways and lining the porch. She caught a hint of turquoise water from the infinity pool. Thick woods circled the structure as if hiding it from the world. "How big is the property?"
"Twenty acres, give or take." He pulled up and cut the engine. "What do you think?"
Her eyes were still bugging out. Yeah. The Pierces were very, very rich. A tiny spark of resentment flamed within her. Not about the money. Raven didn't care that her father had been poor, because they'd lived big and been relatively happy. No, it was just that Diane hadn't wanted for anything, yet she'd pulled Raven's father into her crazy plans and ruined everything.
They got out of the car and she stared up at the house. "It's beautiful. Who lives here?"
"My brothers, me, and Morgan. She and Cal will be moving out once their house is built, but the place is so big, I rarely see Tristan. Want a tour?"
Yes. "No, thank you. Can you just show me the item you have for me?"
He studied her face, catching her stiff tone. She forced a polite smile and tried to avoid his gaze. Being here was more challenging than she'd thought. She felt as if she was betraying her father, or on enemy property. "Sure. It's in the shed down the path. A bit of a walk. We can go this way and-oh, no. Stay still. Just don't move."
Raven froze. "What's the matter?" she whispered. "You're freaking me out. A bug? I'm not afraid of bugs."
"Worse." His voice took on a hard, disciplined tone. "Stay. I mean it, guys. I said stay."
She swiveled her head slowly around and came face-to-face with two giant dogs.
They were covered in mud. Mottled brown, with perked up ears and chocolate eyes, they watched her and Dalton with a shaking excitement that told her they were about to launch. The tails began to wag furiously in rhythm. Damn, they were almost as tall as Dalton. Large canine teeth flashed in twin doggy smiles, and saliva dripped in small rivers to pool at their feet.
"Balin. Gandalf. Stay. Or I swear I'll put you back in military doggy school and this time I won't rescue you."
His firm tone only increased their shaking. She sensed the battle was already lost.
"I mean it! I am not joking around-stay right there-oh, shit!"
They leapt.
Dalton tried to protect her by stepping in front, but the dogs moved like a flash, flying through the air with abandon and knocking into them so hard they both staggered back. Laughter ripped from her throat as they licked her furiously, bumping hard against her legs and acting as if they were Chihuahuas rather than canine giants. Dalton tugged at their collars to drag them off, but she finally caught her breath and managed to stand straight. Oh, they were adorable, but playtime was over. Time to teach them to obey.
She whipped out the command. "Gandalf, Balin, down!"
Without hesitation, they slammed their asses to the ground. They managed to be still enough that she nodded and smiled. "Good doggies. Good boys," she crooned. "You just need some discipline, don't you?" One began to rise again, and she firmed her voice. "I said down."