Chapter 49

Later that night, Raina was getting ready for bed when Mateo entered the room. She held her night shirt up against her chest, but it didn't cover much. She felt shy around him. Awkward.

"I want you to hear this." Mateo didn't seem to notice her nudity. He sat down on the edge of the bed and held his phone out, tapping the speakerphone icon.

"Tell Raina what you told me earlier." Mateo's voice was grim and Raina's heart sped up in reaction. She sank down on the bed next to him, her near nakedness forgotten.

"Raina, how are you?" Raina was surprised to hear her stepfather's voice. She didn't converse with him often, but she liked him. He was a stern and serious man, but he made it clear that he would always have a soft spot for Raina.

"I'm doing okay, a little shaken up. How are you?"

"Perfectly fine. So is your mother, she's here with me."

Vee spoke next. "Raina, honey, I'm close by if you need me. I can be there in a few minutes. Say the word."