Black Dahlia Read Online Free

sister’s family is here,” Mercedes countered.
    Devyn waved her off. “Please, there’s plenty of room.”
    “It’s okay. I’ll be all right getting home,” Mercedes said, as they made their way through the house. She gave one last look at the boys.
    “God, I can’t believe they’re a year already. Time flies,” she said, with a hint of nostalgia in her voice.
    “It sure does. I have toddlers already.”
    “Yeah, and I can’t believe that’s all you have with the way you and your husband go at it,” Mercedes teased. She saw the loving kisses Nikola constantly snuck throughout the afternoon. She even noticed there was about a thirty minute window, in which no one could find Nikola or Devyn. Mercedes knew the two had probably snuck off to get busy.
    “We don’t have more kids yet because I perfected my swallowing technique.” Mercedes choked on the water she was drinking as she laughed at Devyn’s statement.
    “You’re a trip. That husband of yours is rubbing off on you. I like it,” Mercedes laughed again.
    “Me too,” Devyn said, as she hugged Mercedes.
    “Leaving so soon?” Devyn and Mercedes turned to see Raul approach.
    “Yeah, I couldn’t convince her to stay the night,” Devyn answered.
    “Uh, yeah. I’ve got some things I need to do tomorrow.” Mercedes tightened her lips wondering why she felt the need to explain herself to him.
    “Let me walk you to your car.” Devyn’s eyebrow rose, but she remained silent, as Raul grabbed Mercedes around the waist before she could protest. 
    Mercedes felt a sensation of warmth through her dress, where Raul’s hand pressed into her lower back, as he opened the door, and Mercedes had to force herself not to lean into him.
    “This wasn’t necessary. I’m sure Yvette is wondering where you are,” Mercedes said, in an attempt to remind herself, and him, that he was there with another woman. Other than a small tick in his jaw, Raul continued walking towards her pine green Kia, without response. As they walked, Mercedes inhaled his masculine scent; she knew it was a mix of some type of expensive cologne and a scent that was all Raul Santiago.
    “This is it. Thank you,” she said, as they arrived at her car. When she felt his hand still pressing on the small of her back, she turned to look up at him.
    Raul nodded. “You’re welcome, Querida.”
    Mercedes didn’t know what the last word meant, but she remembered he’d repeated it over and over when they kissed outside his hotel room that night of the reception. She shivered just thinking of the way his lips felt as they moved over hers. She unconsciously stared at his lips and licked her own. She didn’t even notice until she saw Raul’s lips turn up into a smile.
    “See something you like?” he asked, in that wicked tone that shot straight to her core.
    “You wish,” she said defiantly, pulling her gaze off his lips and up to his eyes. And that was even worse because his eyes held a sinful look. He knew she wanted him.
    “I do,” he said, still smiling.
    Mercedes placed her hands on her hips. “I don’t think Yvette would appreciate you talking to me like this. And for that matter neither would Cindy. Or did you finally break up with her instead of just cheating on her?” Mercedes heard the anger in her own voice but didn’t care.
    However, Raul didn’t rise to the bait; instead telling her, “I already told you I don’t even know Cindy and I have not seen her since that night. As for Yvette, she’s just a friend.” Mercedes eyed him closely. For some reason she believed him about Cindy, and maybe even Yvette. She couldn’t blame the man for women coming on to him or being attracted to him. He was deliciously attractive, successful in his career, and very wealthy. She looked into his eyes and knew that if given the chance he could make her fall hard for him. She couldn’t allow that.
    “If you say so.  That’s none of my damn business,” she said, stepping back to