Carmen and Ronin had just finished their breakfast when Ronin's phone burst to life. He picked up on the second ring.
"Hm," he spoke gently, eyebrows furrowing as he focused on the voice on the other end of the line. "Does it match with the identity I provided?" He nodded. "Fine. Let her in."
He disconnected the call and stuffed the phone deep into his pocket.
"What's happening?" Carmen asked, hoping he would tell her what the whole conversation was about. For some reason, she could tell it wasn't related to work but to her.
"Oh, nothing," Ronin smiled handsomely, breaking out of his trance, and shook his head, pushing the chair back under the dining table. "Just someone's here to meet you."
Carmen raised an eyebrow, her curiosity piqued. "Someone to meet me? Who is it?"
He chuckled, enjoying the suspense as he closed the distance between them and wrapped his arms around her tiny waist. "Well, you'll find out soon enough." He gestured toward the entrance. "But before that person is here, why don't you give me something to keep me sated while they are here? After all," he nudged his nose up her cheek, teasing her. "We are not supposed to be open about this, aren't we?"
Heat rose to her face, her teeth sinking into her soft bottom lip. She tried to squirm away from him, but of course, he didn't let her. "Ronin. Let me go."
"Come on, don't be shy," he cooed, kissing her gently behind her ear. "Think of something quick before they catch us like this."
"Ronin," But Carmen wasn't about to crack under the pressure. With her hands on his chest, she tried to push him away. Gently, of course. "Let go. That person could be here any moment. The main door is already open."
Ronin couldn't help but chuckle, as he continued to hold her, his fingers tracing gentle circles on her back. "Nope. Not happening until you give in."
"You're such an idiot."
"Only for you."
Carmen held back her own laugh, and let out an exasperated sigh instead, unable to help the small smile that tugged at her lips. "You're impossible."
"That's why you like me so much," he said, looking more smug than he had the right to. She rolled her eyes. "I never said I like you." His lips curved into a playful grin. "But you will. Soon."
"Keep dreaming, Mr. Logan," she said to him before giving him a hard push and watching him stumble away, laughing.
"Fine. But only because—"
"CARMEN!" someone squealed, and the two of them turned to face the main door at the same time.
Molly stood at the doorway, her eyes wide with surprise and one hell of a relief. "OH MY GOD! It's really you. The jerk was right. You really came back."
The sight of Molly did something to Carmen. Seeing her best friend after such a long time, her chest practically exploded with joy.
They both rushed to each other, hugging the hell out.
Once the emotional exchange was over, the two of them finally realized they weren't alone.
Molly was the first one to let out a scoff, her eyes narrowing at a certain Logan. "What? Never seen two friends catching up? Why are you looking so glum all of a sudden?"
Ronin frowned. Was it true or was she just messing with him? Either way, he shrugged it off and took out his phone. "I'll be in the office if you need anything," he said to the two friends before turning to face Molly, his sharp eyes turning sharper. "She needs to rest, so don't tire her out." The way he uttered those words left Molly certain it wasn't a suggestion; the man was serious, and he meant business.
Assured that he made himself clear, he faced Carmen. "The doctor and his team will be here any moment. After the check-up, take this conversation upstairs. Don't exert yourself too much, okay? Give me a call if you need anything."
Carmen felt warmth spreading all over again, not having seen this caring side of the man before. She squeezed her hands, trying to release the nervousness that had suddenly gripped her tightly. She smiled shyly. "Sure. Sounds great. We'll do our best to keep it low."
Ronin nodded slowly, his eyes lingering on her for a moment longer, before he finally turned and strode up the stairs, disappearing into one of the rooms on the upper floor.
It was only after the two of them were alone, Molly whistled. "What the hell?" She frowned. "What happened to this grumpy pants? Did he snack on some conscience this morning? Where is all this concern coming from?"
Carmen chuckled nervously, heading back to the living space and plopping on the comfy couch. "You're thinking too much. Come on, sit with me. Tell me everything I missed during the last week."
Molly raised an eyebrow, easily seeing through her friend's attempt to change the topic but choosing to let it go for now. It was as if she needed more evidence to confirm her suspicion. With a nod and a sigh, she moved over to where Carmen was seated and dropped down next to her. "Ugh, don't ask. Such an exhausting week. Everyone was worried sick for you. Including me, of course. But seriously, where have you been? You didn't say anything on the phone, so the moment I got the text from Jasper that you were back, I dropped everything and came right away."
Carmen grinned. "Aw, you missed me?"
But Molly wasn't in the mood. "Of course, I missed you. Is that a joke? I was worried sick. You have no idea the kind of vivid imagination my brain forced on me. I was so mad at myself for being so pessimistic that if weren't for your call I would have ended up frying my brain in a pool of oil or something."
There was no way Carmen wasn't touched by the care. She let out a sigh, smiling softly. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean any of this to happen. It's just...everything was suddenly so out of control. I didn't get time to react or get in touch with anyone."
Overwhelmed by the return of her best friend and now able to see her and hear her voice, Molly couldn't help herself from throwing her arms around her. Tears sprung from her eyes. "Don't be sorry. I know you were in trouble. Jasper told me everything. I'm just so happy that you're okay now. You don't know how scared I was. I thought it was all my mistake—"
"How can you even hold yourself responsible for this?" Carmen chuckled teasingly, but not before pulling away and wiping her friend's tears. "It wasn't something either of us could have done anything about."
"I know. But I could have done a better job at being a friend. I could have told you more firmly how dangerous all of this was. But I didn't. I stupidly trusted your guts and went with it. But I have learned my lesson now. From now on, I'm not letting you put your life in danger for literally anyone."
Carmen sighed, appreciating Molly's concern but not wanting her to blame herself. It just made no sense. Nobody could have guessed what was going to happen and even though Ronin had already warned a thousand times how dangerous this approach was, it was all still so unpredictable and surreal.
"You've always been a great friend, Molly. None of this is your fault. I made my choices, and I can't expect you to control my life. Besides, I'm fine now. I mean, have you even looked at me? I'm here. Alive and in the flesh. Everything is okay now. So, stop worrying and blaming yourself."
Molly wiped away her tears and nodded. "Whatever. But I'm not letting you go off on some crazy adventures without me anymore. You're stuck with me now. Until all this is over, I'm attached to your hip whether you like it or not."
For some reason, the first thought that came to Carmen's mind was of Ronin and the kiss they shared last night. She shook her head. "You really don't have to do that."
"Oh, please!" But it seemed like Molly had already made up her mind. "You're not getting rid of me that easily. I have already run my plan through Ronin and Jasper, and they have no problem with it."
Carmen was much more than just confused. "Wait, what? What kind of plan?"
Molly sank onto the couch, hugging Carmen's side, not at all bothered that her words had just taken her poor friend off guard.
"Nothing too fancy," she mumbled, happy to have her friend back. "Just that the four of us will be staying here until Ronin and Jasper take care of everything. The two of them will get to the bottom of this attack on you while I'll be here to make sure you don't attract any more trouble. Isn't that great?"
Carmen couldn't disagree more.
Oh, well!
A/N: lol seems like they can't catch a break :P