Page 50 of Cold Heir

“It’s good to see you,” I admitted. No, I wasn’t sure I’d feel that way a few minutes from now, once our conversation commenced, but at the moment it was true.

“And you as well,” he answered. “Are the others here?”

Nodding, I directed him toward the study. As I followed, taking note of how formally he was dressed, I realized he was treating this more like a business transaction than a reunion—a fact that shifted my perspective right away.

This was not a social call.

The tension in the room was heavy when I closed the door behind me. Silas and I seemed to be of the same mind, that we ought to treat Roman as if nothing had transpired between us. The smile he wore as he approached Roman was nothing but kind, and from what I could tell, it was received in the same spirit.

Levi, on the other hand, was a different story.

There was barely eye contact exchanged between them. He hadn’t kept secret his feelings concerning Roman’s behavior. In his words, Roman had been recklessly selfish, especially considering that all our lives were on the line. It was for that reason, I preferred his silence over a reaction. Needless to say, I had no plans to make today about mending the fence between them. For now, it was safest to leave it broken.

“We’re happy to have you,” I began, “but I think we’re curious as to what this is about? Hopefully, you’ve decided to rejoin us, to finish what we started?”

The dim look within his eyes told me this wasn’t the case.

“Not exactly,” he sighed. “Actually, in the spirit of full disclosure, I should mention that my views on the blood bond haven’t changed. I’m still as against it today as I was from the start.”

Disappointment hit me hard and swiftly.

“Then what’s this about?” Silas interjected.

Roman took a seat opposite Levi on the couch, peering up to meet Silas’ gaze. “I’ve come to present you with undisputable evidence that what you all have agreed to engage in is a terrible idea, and it would be remiss of me not to bring you up to speed.”

He had the attention of everyone in the room.

“Well, to start, I’ll have to explain what my time away has taught me. And also … what Jon Carlisle has taught me.”

At those words, Levi leveled a dark glare on Roman. His nostrils flared in anger and I was mindful of there being a possibility I’d have to intervene.

“Of all the dicks you could have screwed us with, you chose Jon Carlisle,” Levi seethed.

Roman turned to him then, suddenly wearing a similar expression.

“Arguing will get us nowhere,” Silas quickly interjected. “Just … say what it is you came here to say, Roman.”

After a few tense seconds passed, Roman seemed to compose himself. “Yes, I’ve been in contact with Jon, but you may find that has worked out to your advantage.”

“How so?” Silas took the words right out of my mouth.

“Because my communication with him has opened my eyes,” Roman shared. “Even more so than they were before. For starters, I no longer believe you three are damned for this decision you’ve made. There’s a way out.”

Or so he thought. For Levi and I, at least, that ship had sailed. With our deep connection to Corina, allowing any measure of harm to befall her was completely out of the question. But that declaration wouldn’t have changed anything for us, even if our lives weren’t linked.

“If you three would decide here and now to stop this … charade,” he spoke with disgust, “I can help you, but you must accept that you can’t hold on to Corina, and your futures as monarchs in this dynasty. That simply will not work.”

“Oh, to hell with the titles!” Levi spat. “You of all people ought to know there are more important things in a man’s life than having a label before his name.”

I held my breath, imagining Silas had done the same. Although the reference to love and family had been loose, I was certain it hadn’t gone over Roman’s head. The tension in his jaw only confirmed that.

“Ok, so a title isn’t important to you,” Roman replied a little too calmly. “What about treason?” he asked. “What about being named among the biggest traitors this Dynasty has ever known?”

“Just tell us what this is about,” Silas repeated, not bothering to give Levi a chance to respond to Roman’s taunting.

“It’s about that woman you insist on keeping,” was Roman’s answer. “She’s brought nothing but trouble and heartache to our lives since she arrived. Not to mention, having her around is an insult to honorable, dignified Ianite women worldwide.”

With how loudly he spoke, I was grateful for having the forethought to get Corina out of the house before he arrived. He was honest, though; his outlookhadn’tchanged.

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