Page 97 of Roaming Holiday

Today, I saw things I never thought I would. I’ve been out of my element for months, but Wesley is the one decision I’ve always been sure of. I tighten my hold. “Yesterday, today, tomorrow. Adrenaline or not, it doesn’t matter—I’ll still want you.”

He sighs, touching my forehead with his. He squeezes my hip. “I’m trying to be a gentleman.”

The rejection stings, but I tamp down the feeling and step away. “Fine,” I quip, holding his gaze as I unbutton my shorts. “While you be a gentleman”—I slide them off before pulling my T-shirt over my head—“I’m taking a hot shower.”

I smirk at how hard he’s trying not to break eye contact. I move to turn on the shower, his heated gaze burning my skin. It only takes seconds for the water to warm up. After stripping my bra and underwear—a bit slower than necessary—I step into the walk-in shower. Sex aside, the water and steam ease my aching body. I release an involuntary sigh. Behind me, Wesley remains in the same spot I left him.

I peek around the corner and point to the wrapped bar of soap next to him. “Can you hand me that?”

“Uh—yeah.” He snaps into reality, unwrapping it before bringing it to me. He leans on the edge of the glass wall and watches as I scrub my skin. He bites his lip, gaze frozen. “I don’t know what I did to deserve such a perfect view like this.”

My stomach prickles. Wesley is the first man I feel comfortable being completely naked around. I’m not in a rush to divert his attention. Each part of my body, literally and figuratively, is seen, loved, and worshiped by Wesley.

I lean in as if to kiss him, pressing my breast against his arm. “No one’s asking you to be a gentleman.”

He captures my lips roughly, his tongue prodding and teeth nipping. I giggle as he struggles to get off his shoes and pants as quickly as possible.

“Wait!” With a hand on his shoulder, I stop him from entering. I wince, chiding myself for not thinking this through. “Your bandages. They shouldn’t get wet.”

“Fuck the bandages. I’ve waited too long for you.” He backs me against the wall, connecting our lips as the water sprays on us.

I pull from this kiss and lift a stern finger. “Don’t get my hair wet.”

48

WESLEY

Sleep won’t come to me tonight.

The gun I swiped from one of Arlo’s mercenaries sits on the nightstand with six bullets inside. I wanted to have it prepared in my hand all night, but Nina’s uncomfortable with a gun in the bed.

Rolled into a burrito, she sleeps soundly beside me. She twitches and whimpers, telling me she’s dreaming. When she cries, “Stop,” I know it’s a nightmare.

“Nina,” I whisper, a soft hand on her arm.

She flinches awake, rolling into my ready arms once she remembers where we are.

“Nightmare?”

She nods into my neck. “Do they ever stop?”

I smother an exasperated smile, pressing a kiss to her head. “If they do, you’ll be the first person I tell.”

I feel her sigh and snuggle closer. My body warms as she kisses my throat. It doesn’t take long for her to fall back asleep and for me to resume staring at the door. Even now, with the woman I love in my arms, the peace doesn’t feel permanent. I’m not convinced someone won’t bust into the room and try to take her from me.

No one attacks us on our route to meet Jack.

We don’t come across any of Arlo’s men—that we know of. I find no signs of being followed. He expected us to go to Adonis; it’s why he sent three of his people to take us out in the market. For some reason, Nina and I were unbothered the moment we stepped foot above ground.

Daria.

The name hits me fast and sharp. She pounced seconds after I spoke with Adonis. She must have overheard and snitched. I hate that I’m surprised; nothing but frigid steel lies under her skin.

She probably sold him information about what she overheard. Arlo likely wanted to see where we go, if it’s true. After that, she’ll have earned some of his trust. It’s not enough for her to be a snitch; everything is a game to her.

Nina’s family folds her into a sobbing hug the moment she steps out of the car. She gives me a knowing look over Maia’s shoulder as I walk inside with Jack.

“Who do you think told him?” Jack asks.

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