Page 81 of Tainted Ties

“It washorrible.” My voice cracked on the last word. “I tried to stop it from happening, but my father threatened me with the life of a loved one if I didn’t…” I pinched my lips together to stop the sob from tearing through. “Kill him,” I whispered, looking at Roman with regret. “And when I disappointed him by retching right after, I ran.”

“Right into my arms.”

I nodded. “I didn’t know who you were or whohewas to you, but then I stood there, watching as my own father outed me for something he’d forced me to do.”

The urge to touch him at this moment was powerful. I lifted my hand, cupping his cheek. “I’m so sorry, Roman.”

I didn’t expect him to forgive me, but I hoped he understood the position I had been in.

His only response was a kiss to the palm of my hand. “I want to take you somewhere.”

I laughed in shock at his sudden change of topic, wiping away the tears that clung to my cheeks. “What? Like a date?”

“If that’s what you want it to be then yes, a date.”

The seriousness of his expression made me falter.

Going on a date with Roman was so out of the ordinary, yet I couldn’t help but savor it. “Okay. A date.”

“Meet me in the foyer in thirty. Wear something casual.”

* * *

“Was the blindfold necessary?”

“Might as well get used to it,” Roman chuckled with dark amusement.

“I see you’re back to being crude.”

“I never stopped.” He kissed the back of my head while guiding me with firm hands on my waist.

We stopped walking after two minutes, a familiar smell wafting through the air.

“Take it off.”

Excitement buzzed to the surface of my skin as I peeled off the blindfold.

I stared in awe at the massive green field before me with a stable smacked dab in the center of it. “This is yours?”

“It’sours.Come on.” He grabbed my hand, pulling me along.

As we neared, I could hear the neighing of horses coming from inside. “Are we riding?” I squealed.

He shot me a sideways glance with a huge smile adorning his face, showcasing his perfect teeth. “When you said you loved horseback riding, I had one of my men drop these off.” I didn’t realize his free hand was behind his back until he pulled out a pair of black riding boots.

My chest caved in, my throat constricting from emotion. “I haven’t done this in years.”

“In that case, you’re definitely wearing a helmet.”

I laughed, rolling my eyes at his concern.

“Ciao,Don”

Roman turned and I peered behind him where a lanky man stood. “Charlie.” He nodded. “How’s the family?”

“You know how it is. Are you riding today?”

“I am.” Roman moved to the side, putting me in Charlie’s view. “With my wife, Aurora.”

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