Page 6 of Romeo

“Because it’s my name?” he states as if it’s obvious.

If it wasn’t before, it’s easy for my mind to run away with horrible thoughts now. A fake name to get through the door, chasing away my fiancé—no matter if I like him or not—and doting on me like I’m a princess makes me wonder about his intentions.

“Fake names and ill-advised meetings. What kind of game are you playing, exactly?” The only way to find out is by asking him straight.

“One I’m quickly realizing I shouldn’t be sharing with a stranger in a room full of the enemy.” His golden orbs sink to my cherry-red lips. Like my breasts, he can’t turn away from them, as if his next move is to lean over and kiss me.

I want him to. Hell, I want every damned thing he’s said so far. Get to know him over pillow talk. Allow him to ravish me and leave me a sputtering mess, too busy screaming his name to remember my own.

I’d even settle for a touch from his rough, scarred hands.

“Come now, it’s too late to second guess yourself.”

“Never have and never will,” he says. “Why do you think I’m here instead of bankrupting the owner of this place at the open bar? Only one way I’m getting a taste of you tonight is by putting in the work.”

My cheeks are starting to ache from all the smiles Romeo forces on my face. Coupled with the intense heat cooking my flesh, I’m sure the effects will be lasting.

“A taste, huh?” I want it to come out witty and charming, the same way Romeo speaks. It doesn’t. I sound nervous, with syllables of excitement strewn among it.

Who can blame me? This isn’t my first rodeo, but it is with someone like Romeo. The others have all been terrified of me. Too scared to take a real chance, lest they wish the might of William Mayfair’s unholy wrath to befall them.

That must be why I’m drawn to Romeo. He doesn’t care about what might happen as long as he gets some time with me.

“Everything I need right between your legs.” He swallows hard. “A feast of flesh mixed with water more intoxicating than the watered down on offer. I’m salivating just thinking about it.”

Romeo’s nonchalant in his vulgarity, yet every word seems precisely chosen to drive me crazy.

Which is why I need to get out of here. I’m already in for a long lecture about how much of a disappointment I am. If I waste any more time with this beast, who knows what horrid fate Father will have in store for me?

Or worse. Father isn’t the kind of man to take these transgressions lightly. Sneaking into the party is one thing, but outright disrespecting Father’s handpicked match for me is going to leave Romeo in a ditch with a bullet in his head.

“I should go.” It pains me to say it, and concern immediately floods Romeo’s face. Good. This might be the wake-up call we both need to live another day.

“Did I say something to upset you?” His voice hardens.

“The opposite. That’s the problem.”

I start to walk. As fun as it’s been, I’m too close to making a bad decision. It’s time to snap back to reality from whatever cloud Romeo got me floating on.

If not for my own safety, then for his.

5

ROMEO

I’m surprised at how easy it is to follow Jess. I’m more surprised at how watching her leave made my heart ache.

From the ballroom and along various hallways of this massive estate, neither she nor anyone else seems to care that I’m walking through it freely. It’s a nice change of pace from my usual hunts.

Two women emerge from a doorway not far in front of Jess. One’s patting down the front of her dress while the other tucks a travel mirror into her purse. With them heading back to the ballroom, it leads me to believe it’s a bathroom.

No wonder I haven’t caught anyone’s eye. We’re still in the public domain.

I storm forward to catch up to Jess before she passes the door. And even with my heightened speed, I barely make it in time.

“Not so fast, pretty little thing,” I whisper into her ear as I wrap my arm around her waist and pull her with me into thebathroom. She vibrates with a sharp shake of fear at my sudden interruption but calms just as quickly when she hears my voice.

“What do you think you’re doing?” She talks in a hushed whisper. I’m inclined to do the same.

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