Intense (Dark Hearts)

We drive in silence, and it’s killing me. I steal a glance when the light turns red, only to find him looking at me. “What?” I toss out bitchily.

“Nothing.” The light changes, and he goes without another word. I can’t tell if he’s tense because of me or just around women in general. I don’t know much about his past other than his dad said his mother ruined Roman’s relationship with women. He has a clear disdain for them.

I bet he’s a fuck-them-and-leave-them kind of guy. He seems so angry and intense that I bet he’s broken a lot of hearts even if he doesn’t mean it. I don’t care because I’m not going to fall for him. I repeat that lie to myself. For a month, I’ve had images of Roman in my head.

“We’re here,” I call out like it’s complete torture to be trapped in a car with him.

“Yeah. I know.” He turns off the car and steps out with his long legs in his suit. I waltz to the door.

“Amelia.” I turn around to see my date, Jake. “You’re home.” He gives me a wide smile that I wish came from my stepbrother. Jake’s a cute boy, but he’s still a boy in my eyes. We’re both going to school in New York, which is a super coincidence. I like him, but for some reason, I don’t have any interest in seeing him again.

“Yes. We got kicked out of the hospital. I’m sorry about tonight.”

“No, it’s cool. I’m just glad Mr. Edwards is okay.” He looks over to Roman, who is suddenly interested in our conversation and moves right next to me. Fuck, he’s practically standing in front of me. “Oh, hello, Mr. Edwards.”

Roman only nods. “No, she can’t go out tonight,” Roman says. I want to tell him that it’s none of his business and that Jake’s probably not even thinking that, but when I look at Jake, he’s actually disappointed.

“Goodnight, Amelia. Call me tomorrow. We can plan something for the weekend.”

“Sounds nice.”

“Amelia, inside,” Roman orders, gripping my hand and tugging. A jolt of electricity shoots through me, so I yank my hand free like I’m annoyed and not turned on. This is going to be a very long and intense visit.

“Goodnight, Jake.” I wave at him and then walk past my stepbrother, who is a walking example of intensity. The man needs to chill.

“What’s up your ass?” He does realize that I don’t have to listen to him, right? Hell, do I even realize it?

“Watch your mouth.” I walk up to the hallway mirror and stare at myself like the smartass I am. It’s a big mistake because he’s on me in a second. My back is pinned to the wall, his hands pressed against the off-white surface, bracing my head. “You’re a little brat who needs a good spanking and to stay away from little boys who only have one thing in mind.”

“What if I want that one thing? What are you going to do about it?”

“Don’t tempt me to show you, little girl.” He steps back.

“My mouth is fine, by the way. Or at least that’s what Jake says,” I lie. We’ve never even kissed. Why am I trying to get Roman worked up?

“If you’re trying to rile me up, it’s not going to work. I don’t like loose women or girls.” He winks and walks away.

“At least Jack knows how to speak to a woman,” I shout out, realizing my gaffe immediately.

“Can’t keep your boyfriends’ names straight?” Damn it. I’m getting more worked up than he is. This plan is quickly backfiring.

“Fuck off,” I yell, raising my chin up at him.

“Oh, I plan to. I’m going to take my grown-man cock and fuck off to thoughts of what that smart mouth is going to get you. Now, go to bed.” I only do what he says because I’m afraid I’ll ask to watch him stroke his cock. Damn, is he trying to push me away? Or not?

I try to dash up the stairs, but like a klutz, I fall up them. I bang my shin so hard that I’m doing my best to fight back tears. It’s going to leave a bruise. Groaning, I attempt to stand when I find Roman with his arms around my waist, lifting me up like I weigh nothing. His firm body presses hard against mine. We both stay still, absorbing the moment when I notice he’s stiff and huge. “Are you sure you’re an adult?” he attempts to tease, but his voice has thickened.

I roll my hips back and let him know that I know. “Adult enough to feel your cock against my ass,” I sass, turning my head to glare at him.

“Keep it up, and you’ll feel it on your tongue.”

“Thanks, but no thanks. I don’t fuck assholes or suck their large cocks.”