All Chapters of FANGS AND ROSES: Chapter 161 - Chapter 170

Unmasking the Enemy Roman's POV I watched as Melissa and Scarlett settled into their seats, their postures rigid with tension and their faces were clear with indignation and barely concealed anger. The air in the room felt thick, charged with unspoken accusations and barely contained fury. I took a deep breath, steeling myself for what was sure to be a difficult conversation. Melissa was the first to break the silence. "Why are we the only ones summoned, Roman? We weren't the only ones at the full moon celebration." She asked, her voice dripping with disdain. I met her gaze steadily, refusing to be intimidated. "You're right, you weren't. But you are among the few who knew about Victor's imprisonment. That narrows down our list of suspects considerably." I informed them flatly. Scarlett's brow furrowed in mock confusion. "Victor? Who's even Victor?" She asked, trying not to know him. I couldn't help but scoff at her obvious attempt at deception. "Don't play dumb, Scarlet

A Moment of Relief on the Balcony Hayley's POV As I walked back silently to our room, my heart heavy with the weight of recent events. As I pushed open the door, I found Roman pacing near the window, his brow furrowed in thought. I couldn't bear the thought of Melissa being harmed, despite everything. "Roman," I called softly, my voice barely above a whisper. He turned, his eyes softening as they met mine. "Please, promise me you won't hurt Melissa. No matter how difficult she gets." I pleaded with him, walking closer to him. He crossed the room in a few long strides, taking my hands in his. He looked at me, and his eyes softened slightly. "Hayley, I know this is hard for you. But we need answers." He reassured me. I know how hard he can be. "I understand that," I insisted, squeezing his hand in mine. "But there has to be another way. Violence isn't the answer here." I cajoled him. He looked at me for a long moment. I can see his jaw clenching and unclenching as he

A Night of Worries and WarningsHayley's POVAfter I pleaded with Roman to go back inside, we walked back into the mansion. As we walked to our room, I could feel the tension radiating off him in waves. His hand gripped mine tightly, as if I might disappear if he let go."Did you call Victor, Ro?" I asked softly as we reached our bedroom. "Tell me everything. What did he say to upset you like this?" I asked warmly.Roman sank onto the bed, and ran a hand through his hair. "He gave us 24 hours, Hayley. 24 hours to release Melissa without a scratch, or else..." His voice trailed off, unable to finish the sentence.My heart clenched painfully in my chest. I sat beside him, wrapping my arms around his broad shoulders. "We'll figure this out, Roman. We always do." I comforted him, hopefully.He turned to me, his eyes searching mine. "I don't want him to hurt them even after we do as he says, Hayley. Victor can't be trusted. He's a beast." He warned, grimly.I forced a small smile. "We can

A Difficult ChoiceHayley's POV The weight of the world pressed down on my shoulders as we made our way to the dungeon. The weight of what we were about to do pressed down on me, making each step feel like I was wading through molasses. Roman's hand in mine was the only thing keeping me grounded, and his hand exuded warmth that was an opposite to the chill that had settled in my bones.Just as we were about to enter, the sound of hurried footsteps made us turn. Dad came rushing towards us, and his face was masked with worry and guilt."Kate, Roman," he panted, catching his breath. "Viola told me what happened. Your parents... I'm so sorry, Katherine." He sympathized with me.I nodded, and a hardness formed in my throat. "Thanks, Dad." I voiced.I nodded, unable to form words past the lump in my throat. The reality of my parents' situation hit me anew, and I felt my eyes prickling with unshed tears.Roman's grip on my hand tightened, and I glanced up to see his jaw clenching. "Lucien

Outsmarting the DevilHayley's POV The minutes ticked by like hours as we waited for Victor's response, and the silence became suffocating. All of us lost interest in eating or talking to each other as we were all lost in our different thoughts.Fear for my parent's safety made me uncomfortable with each passing second.Just as I was about to speak up, my phone suddenly rang, disturbing the forced quietness. I jolted and met Roman's gaze with my wide, fearful eyes.Without hesitation, he collected the phone from my trembling hand, and his jaw clenched in anger as mouthed. "It's him," to us, before answering the call. He placed the call on speaker, and we all listened to Victor's icy voice drifting through the line."The video of you releasing Melissa didn't quite satisfy me, Roman. After all she's still on your grounds, not out there where she belongs." Victor's chilling voice filled the room, and his words dripped with smugness.I watched as Roman's jaw clenched, the muscle twitch