“Why?” she demands.

I look over my shoulder, and for the first time in a long time, I hesitate. Which is insane—I just had this very conversation with myself.

“I’m too old for you, and I’m married to my job.” I lift up the lid to the pizza box and smell the pepperoni and jalapeños. Raven loves spicy food. If you’d asked me what kind of pizza Rachel likes, I wouldn’t have a clue.

“You have your whole life ahead of you. You’d tire of me.” I shut the box and grin at her.

“I think you’re wrong.” She walks toward me.

My eyes narrow and my nostrils flare at her mesmerizing scent; it complements the aroma of our dinner.

She’s dangerous, becoming my very own kryptonite. Cocking her head, she stops right in front of me. “And I think you know it.”

Our eyes lock. How has my fucking Lolita somehow gotten the better of this situation?

“I had a really good day today. That is, up until my bitch of a mom started calling. But she’s not here, and she can’t hurt me anymore. I’m free. I make my own decisions.” She turns and picks up the bottle of red I brought in with me and walks out of the room.

“Fuck me.” I stare after her. I’m a big enough man to give credit where credit is due, and she just dominated this conversation.

Lifting the pizza box, I follow her down the stairs to my backyard. The sun is starting her descent; reds, oranges, and pinks fill the sky. Los Angeles has her flaws, but her sunsets are not one of them.

“The night is gorgeous. I love it out here.” She smiles at me as I set the pizza down on the large table.

“Glasses and the wine opener are over there.” I motion with my head to the outdoor kitchen. “I need to talk to my head of security for a second.”

“Oh, right. I always forget about that.” She looks around at my numerous cameras.

“I told you, I’m an ass. I seem to make enemies,” I call over my shoulder and open the guest house door. Iain sits on the couch, holding up a hand as soon as I enter.

“I turned them off. Let me know when you’re done.” He stares at the TV, not looking at me, with a stupid grin on his face.

What the hell? I shut the door because if I’m not careful, I’m gonna start trying to defend myself. Screw that.

I turn and head toward her. Standing, she shimmies out of my robe, letting it fall onto the large lounge chair, a deep orange and purple sky behind her.

Danger.