Page 66 of Resisting Royal

CHAPTER 33

BIANCA

I had just finished glamouring up Emma when we heard a disturbance at the front door. The fire, the explosion, the absence of our men had always been at the back of our mind as we waited for word, but giving Emma a makeover was a welcoming distraction from the worry.

“Do you think that’s them?” she asked with equal parts excitement and nerves.

I fluffed a curl on the back of her head. “God, I hope so.”

I pulled open the door and nearly crashed into Roman’s mom. She was wearing a fluffy white robe, and her hair was in curlers, relief etched on her face indicating she was more worried than she was letting on. “The boys are here.”

It was an announcement that lifted a weight in the air I hadn’t realized was suffocating me. To finally see Royal after what felt like a whole lifetime of wondering made my pulse quicken. I followed behind the ladies, letting them lead the way while I cowardly slinked back a few steps. I was nervous. Was that weird? To be nervous to see the man you are married to? Or maybe it was the sudden feelings of attachment that had my stomach balling up.

When we were all downstairs and turned the corner to the front door, the girls in front of me came to a sudden stop. Nearly running into them, I used Emma’s shoulder to steady myself before peering over her shoulder and swallowing hard.

“It’s not that bad,” Shaw offered with a shrug, his shabby soot-covered hair falling in front of his eyes. “No one died.”

“Thank the heavens for that!” Dot exclaimed before crowding the men.

All men, Royal included shied away from the woman, trying to avoid the slobbery thumb she had aimed at their faces. Roman, finally having had enough, pushed her back gently. “Mom, we are going to shower now. Put your thumb away.”

“I can’t help but see the boys you once were instead of the men that stand in front of me.” Her eyes were misting and big.

“Mom. Go to bed. We can handle ourselves. This isn’t the first time we’ve had a few cuts or scrapes.”

Her eyes fell to Shaw, knowing damn well he had a bit more than a scrape. She pointed her fingers and waved it in the three men’s faces. “Fine. But in the morning, we are going to talk about this.”

The boys all gave her a kiss on the cheek, then physically turned her around and nudged her in the direction she needed to go. From what I understood, she didn’t always stay in the main house, but today must have been an exception. Most likely left there to keep Emma and I company as the boys went out to do their thing. And boy, did they do their thing.

With Dot out of sight, all the men breathed a sigh of relief. Roman rubbed his face, “She’s getting worse in her old age.”

Emma zoomed in on them. “Ever thought that maybe you’re getting worse in yours and essentially giving that woman a heart attack daily?”

Shaw grinned, the boyish look making him seem years younger. “She has a strong stalk. Besides, a little worry is good for the woman.”

Emma blinked. “Don’t even get me started on you. Come here.”

“Yes, ma’am.” He looked down like he was ashamed, but I could see right through the act. The fact that she was reprimanding him and calling him to stand in front of her made him elated.

She grabbed his arm roughly, disregarding the bandage covering his forearm and examined it. “What happened?”

“It’s just a little burn, Emma.” He tried to pull away, but the timid girl suddenly grew in height and bravery.

“A little burn? Are you kidding me? You could have been killed.” She reached for Roman, noting little nicks on him as well. Placing her hands on his cheek, she continued. “Is whatever this dispute about worth this? Possible death? What is so important that you are willing to risk your life and that of everyone around you?”

Roman’s eyes closed at the touch, and I could visibly see the battle that plagued him inside. When his eyes opened, they focused only on Emma. “You. He wants you, Emma.”

She gasped, dropping her hands to cover her own mouth from the shock of his words. Shaw swallowed hard. “It doesn’t matter. He will never touch you.”

Her eyes filled with tears, and If it hadn’t been for Royal’s fingers intertwining with my own, I would have gone to her. Wrapped her in a hug and assured her that all would be okay. Royal leaned in and whispered, “Leave them. They will be fine,” before he tugged on my hand, pulling me toward the stairs.

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