"Sorry that took so long," Roman's voice was smooth and steady behind me, though his arm tightened protectively around my waist. "Monica, lovely to see you." The transformation on Monica's face was almost fascinating to watch – how quickly the fury morphed into a society smile, though it didn't qui
Henderson's hand settled on my waist as we began to move to the music, and I couldn't help but notice the difference. Where Roman's touch always felt natural, like coming home, Henderson's felt calculated, each placement of his fingers seemingly designed to test boundaries. "You seem distracted ton
"No," I admitted quietly. "I couldn't tell you that. Because it wouldn't be true." Something flashed in his eyes – satisfaction, possession, and something deeper that made my breath catch. He pulled me closer, our bodies now moving as one to the music. "Good," he murmured near my ear. "Because watc
"What is your priority?" The words slipped out before I could stop them. His eyes met mine, and the intensity in them made my heart race. "Right now? You. Us. Amelia I don't know how to put to words what I really want to say…" he trailed off, seeming to search for the right words. "Pick one, anyon
Bertha's approach felt like watching an impending collision in slow motion. Each click of her heels against the marble floor echoed in my ears, matching the quickening rhythm of my heart. She moved with the confidence of someone who had never doubted their place in the world, someone who had always
What are we? I'd almost asked when I looked into those beautiful blue eyes and found they were filled with so many intense emotions that I couldn't breathe. “I don't want to lose you,” The vulnerability in his admission made my chest tight. “Me too," I whispered, barely audible over the music. S
Victoria's perfectly manicured nails dug into my cheek, not enough to break skin, but enough to make her threat clear. I refused to flinch, even as my heart hammered against my ribs. The cold stone of the railing pressed against my back, a stark reminder that I was cornered. "You're nothing but a g
What were the chances that he would even spare me a thought now that Bertha was there…did he truly mean all those words? "No, I... could we just get a drink instead?" Vincent hesitated. "Are you sure? What happened here-" "Please," I cut him off. "I just... I need a minute. There's a bar just o
SIX MONTHS LATER The annual Wellington Anniversary gala was in full swing, and we'd decided to host it in our home rather than the hotel it was in late year. The ballroom of our estate glittering with lights that illuminated the beauty of the hall’s interior, reflecting against the marble floors
Wolves. They were fucking wolves yet Roman acted like they simply dogs he'd raised. And in turn, they acted the same towards him. “Why wolves though?” I raised a questioning brow as I caressed Sage's soft fur and Juniper whining a few seconds after that. Roman shrugged, “Why not?” He replied w
"You should hate me," I whispered, my voice breaking. "After what I did, you should hate me." "I know," he agreed, the ghost of a smile touching his lips. "It would be so much easier if I did." A tear slipped down my cheek before I could stop it. Roman reached out, hesitated, then gently brushed i
"What happened?" he asked, his voice gentler than I deserved. I laughed bitterly. "Nothing dramatic. No great tragedy or betrayal. Just... emptiness. Day after day of emptiness. Making decisions that affect hundreds of people, never letting anyone close enough to see that I'm terrified of making th
I woke to unfamiliar shadows dancing across an unfamiliar ceiling. For a moment, panic seized me as I forgot where I was. Until it came rushing back and I found myself sinking deeper into the mattress Roman's bed was sinfully comfortable, the sheets soft against my skin. I stretched, my muscles p
The rain continued to lash against the windows, filling the silence between us. Outside, lightning flashed, illuminating Roman's face and his even darker expression. I wasn't getting through to him. And I didn't blame him. "Two years ago, you made it very clear that you didn't need me," he said
Roman chuckled, the rich sound sending heated shivers down my abdomen. His eyes crinkled at the corners, making him look more like the man I remembered. "So did you," he replied, nodding toward my pixie cut. I reached up self-consciously to touch the ends of my damp hair. "Maybe it should be called
Roman suddenly cleared his throat and dragged his gaze away. He ran a hand through his short blonde hair, sending droplets flying. "I'll get you something dry," he said, his voice rougher than before. He disappeared down a hallway without waiting for my response. Left alone, I took the opportunity
AMELIA My mouth opened, but no sound came out. Words, which had never failed me before, suddenly evaporated from my mind like morning dew under a harsh sun. I stood there, gun still stupidly hanging from my fingers, staring at the stranger-not-stranger before me. Roman Wellington. But not my Roman