I turn off the lights before pulling the blanket over me. Roman comes back a few minutes later, flipping the light back on. I peek out and see he’s carrying all kinds of snacks. The smell of popcorn fills the air, making my mouth water. I pray my stomach doesn’t growl. I hear him set everything down before his shadow falls over me.
He pushes my hair back out of my face. His thumb strokes my cheek gently. This man can be so confusing. I want to slap him and kiss him at the same time. Still, I do have this fear of ending up on his bad side. He’s so cold with everyone else.
I wouldn't call him cold tonight, but would it take much to slip to that place? Tonight he’s a burning inferno. I still don’t understand why he got so upset. Is it because I went to the library when we were supposed to have a date? Is he going to throw a temper tantrum like a child every time I don’t do something he wants? It’s a reminder that I was bought and paid for. He expects me to be obedient and do whatever he says.
I hear him move around before the lights all go off and he gets into bed. He reaches across, pulling me into him to wrap his arm around me. He buries his face in my hair. I don’t know how long we lie like that, but at some point, I must drift off.
When I open my eyes again, I can see the morning light starting to flood in under the bottom of the curtains. Roman is still wrapped around me. I slowly wiggle out of his hold before slipping off the bed quietly.
Roman reaches out for me but only finds a pillow. He pulls it to his chest. He’s so peaceful in his sleep. I don’t think he knows how much he shuts out the rest of the world. He only lets a few people get close. I was starting to think I was one of those people, but I’m not so sure anymore.
I head downstairs to the kitchen to make myself some coffee. George is already there making some for himself. He starts to make me one when he sees me, and I know there’s no stopping him.
“Thank you,” I say when he sits the mug down in front of me.
“Where is—”
“Fawn!” Roman’s shout cuts George off while answering his question. I roll my eyes and keep drinking my coffee. I hear him coming down the hallway sounding like a bull in a china shop. George’s eyes are wide. So this isn’t normal. It seems I’m the one that sparks this type of reaction from him.
“Out!” Roman shouts at George. I don’t even look his way. George does as Roman says. I wonder if I could make my escape with him.
Roman’s hands come down on the kitchen island, one on each side of me, caging me in. The heat of his body presses into my back.
“You left our bed,” he growls next to my ear. I hate how my nipples harden. I press my thighs together. How the hell is this turning me on? I should be running for the damn hills.
“Leave me alone.” I lift my coffee, taking another sip. He doesn't move. In fact, he doesn't do anything for a long moment. When I set my coffee back down on the counter, he suddenly spins my chair around to face him. His face is unreadable, but I stare him right in the eyes.
“I’ll never leave you alone. You’re my wife.”
“Right. ‘Cause I forgot.” I roll my eyes. “Fine, what should I be doing right now? I’m bought and paid for, correct? Would you like me to go back upstairs and lie down? Or is there something else you need? Perhaps you want me to bow down and kiss your feet?”
“What has gotten into you?” His eyes search my face. He looks as if he’s completely lost and doesn’t have a clue what to do.
“Can I finish my coffee and go check on Grams and Ace? Is this what you’ll require from now on, me asking permission for every move I make? Or do you want to shout at me some more?”
“I don’t shout at you.” He’s so close I can feel his warm breath against my skin. His eyes drop to my mouth. “You’re not bought and paid for.” I start to respond, but his mouth comes down onto mine.
I find myself kissing him back. As mad as I am at my husband, I still think I might be a little in love with him already.
15
ROMAN
She doesn't push me away, so I deepen the kiss. The woman is going to give me a fucking heart attack if she doesn't stop scaring the hell out of me. I need to see about a tracker for my own sanity.