Page 91 of Tainted Ties

Aurora

“No concussion, but it could’ve been worse, right? It’s not like fractured ribs and multiple wounds decorating not only your chest but your back is a big deal!”

The morning rays of sun slowly seeped in through the arched window, illuminating the room.

Dr. Aldo had left not too long ago, patching Roman’s wounds, then prescribing him medication, and scolding him to take it easy for the next few weeks.

“Stop giving me a headache and come here.”

My sigh was audible. I wasn’t finished yelling at him for telling me his current condition could’ve been worse, but I stopped my shuffling, drew the curtains closed, and climbed into bed next to him.

Flat on his back for comfort, he turned his head to look at me instead. “Come closer.”

I didn’t move. “No. You already inflicted more damage on your ribs when you kissed me.”

A lopsided grin adorned his face. “And I’d do it again,anima mia,” he admitted proudly.

If it weren’t for his current state, I might’ve kissed him again to knock some sense into him.

“Why do you call me that?” I asked. “Your soul?” At first, I had thought he used it maliciously, but it stuck with him even after our relationship grew out of hatred.

Roman’s face took on a solemn expression as he fixed his tender, dark eyes on me. “Because even in my sleep, it yearns for you.” He reached out and grabbed my hand, beckoning me to move closer. “You’ve not only stolen this heart that beats for you.” He placed my palm on his chest, allowing me to feel the thrum of his heartbeat. “But this soul that attached itself to you in that dark corridor all those years ago.” With a glint in his eye, he sighed in relief. “And I don’t ever want it back.”

Hot tears streamed down my face from the gravity of his words.

“Your tears hurt me more than the wounds on my back.”

I shook my head, bringing his hand to my lips, where I placed kisses against his knuckles. “The love I carry for you consumes me. These are happy tears.”

A pained expression marred his face. “You were all I thought of when I was attacked and how I needed to get back to you.”

My heart squeezed at his confession.“Roman.”

He shook his head, his eyes blurred with tears. “Then, when I got to you, all I could think about was how to avoid you. I didn’t want you to see me that way. Theblood.”

It hadn’t been easy. I had cried for ten minutes in the bathroom, for him, but mostly for myself.

This fear had burdened me for far too long and knowing he was attacked had terrified me more than the crimson color.

“I could have lost you,” I whispered. “And if that had happened, I would have cursed you for all eternity for dying too soon.”

He laughed at that, deep and hearty.

“I’m not joking.”

“I know, baby. That’s what makes it funny.” He yawned then, sleep weighing down on his eyes. “I forgot to ask you how your visit to the cemetery went.”

Forcing a pinched smile, I pushed back his tousled black hair. “We can talk about that in the morning. Right now, you need to sleep.”

The painkillers had kicked in because he nodded and closed his eyes.

I laid beside him, hearing his breathing turn even and heavy.

If someone had told me that I would fall in love with this beautiful bastard, I would have deemed them insane.

Now, every breath I took ached for him wholly.

There was a feeling in my gut that told me my father had everything to do with what happened to Roman tonight—a reminder of what was at stake if I didn’t follow through with his command.

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