Roman (The Clutch 1)

“It’s arts and crafts time right now if you’d like to come in and see what everyone is working on?”

“That would be lovely,” Fiona replies. Her interest gives me a chill, or butterflies I suppose. Whatever it is, it’s feelings, towards her, and they continue to grow with each moment I spend with her.

Mrs. Connolly leads us inside where the children are all sitting at easels, painting. “Everyone! Mr. Roman is here! Let’s say hello to him and his friend, Miss Fiona.”

As the class all say hello to us in unison, a huge smile forms on Fiona’s face, and she leans into me. This is the exact reaction I was hoping for. Perhaps the flowers and gifts were too far over the top, and I needed the reminder of our humanity outside of superficial tokens myself.

After we spend some time talking with Mrs. Connolly and getting a very enthusiastic tour from a few of the kids, I promise I’ll be back tomorrow for soccer practice, and we bid them farewell. Out on the front curb, as we wait for the ride I called, Fiona sighs quietly.

“What’s wrong?” I ask.

“Nothing at all. Thank you for bringing me here.” She smiles up at me.

“You’re welcome. They’re wonderful, aren’t they?” It feels good to share something special with her.

“How does the casino help your cause more than providing the donation you give currently?”

“Well, the idea is that the casino already funds public education as part of the Nevada tax laws, but as a private owner, I can also make a deal with the government to fund their home locally. Also, I’m planning to initiate a work-study program that will allow for the kids who haven’t found jobs and who are old enough to work, guaranteed employment at the casino. Any student who works at the casino will have their income matched directly with cash that goes into a college fund to support their higher education. This means that they continue to support the community, and round and round it goes. It will sustain itself long term by continuing to give back over and over.”

“That’s genius, Roman.” She smiles.

“It gets better. I’m sure you read this in my proposal, but another portion of the plan is to train and employ homeless in the city, and in return, I will use net profits from the casino to house them as well. In a similar halfway house environment, which will allow them to save the money they make so they can get on their own feet again.”

“So, you won’t be making any actual profit on the casino?” she asks.

“No. I don’t need money. I need to help people, Fiona. That’s what I’ve been trying to show you.”

“So you have,” she replies thoughtfully as our ride pulls up.

12

Fiona

Roman opens the door of the cab for me. His hand glides along the small of my back as I slide in. These subtle touches aren’t lost on me. I noticed he wasn’t in any hurry to let go of my hand when we arrived at the orphanage, nor has he stopped trying to touch me since. I should complain. I should be pissed because he hasn’t listened to a word I’ve said, but I’m not. I’m in complete awe by how much of a gentleman he is. Shan would never open the door for me, unless other high society folks were around, let alone touch me in the most sensual, yet common way possible. It’s like Roman knows women, and while he may be a vampire, something tells me his overall experience is minimal.

I glance at him, only to find him staring at me. The fact a vampire is watching me should creep me out, but it doesn’t. I match his gaze, waiting to see who will crack and smile first. I win when his pearly whites start to show through his parted lips. “I win,” I tell him, winking.

“I wasn’t aware we were in some sort of competition.”

“A stare off.”

Roman chuckles. “Surely, if I had known, I would’ve won.”

“Which is exactly why I didn’t say anything. Sometimes a woman needs to win.”

“And what did you win?” Roman moves closer. His hand is dangerously close to mine. It would be so easy to slide the few inches along the leather seat until my hand is touching his. Everything in me is screaming to pull away, to give him the cold shoulder, but I don’t. This time, I make a move. It’s bold and unlike me, but I felt something earlier when he was holding my hand. His colder than normal skin didn’t bother me as much as I thought it would.

“This,” I say as I slip my hand into his, interlocking our fingers together. Roman’s smile grows wider, and I find myself looking for his fangs, waiting for them to drop down and for him to attack me. The driver of this cab wouldn’t do anything, I’m sure, but deep down I know Roman isn’t going to hurt me.

“I like this,” he says, his eyes never leaving mine as he brings our conjoined hands to his lips. They linger there for a moment before he pulls away. The kiss sends shivers down my spine. Not because the man holding my hand to his mouth is a natural born killer, but because this is literally the most sensual act I have ever had bestowed upon me.

How can this be possible? I dated Shan off and on for years. Was he not sensual? Did he not care about me? I’m sure in his own way he did. We were good together, dubbed the up and coming power couple until I chose to pursue a life in California.

“I do too.” My voice is soft, and the words are out of my mouth before I realize what I’m saying. I expect Roman to grin like the Cheshire cat, but he doesn’t. He smiles softly and continues to hold our hands on his lap.

“I’m sorry about earlier, with the flowers. Had I known…”

“It’s fine. It’s one the reason I’ve stayed in Nevada for so long. The desert helps keep my allergies at bay. Everything is--”