Page 3 of Breakaway

“Duh, of course.” I look away from his taunting smile. “Teach me something in Russian,” I say, peering at him again.

“Like?”

“Teach me how to say thank you.”

“That’s easy.Spasibo?2,” Roman says nonchalantly. “Do you want me to say it slower?”

“Spasibo,” I repeat after him.

He continues to stare at me, not saying a single word. Suddenly Drake and Angie join us, glancing between Roman and me.

“You’re saying it all wrong,” he finally mutters, his eyebrows pinched together.

Rolling my eyes, I exhale and say as slowly as possible, “Spasibo.” I arch an eyebrow and cross my arms over my chest. “What’s wrong? I nailed it. Admit it.”

His eyes slide to Angie and Drake, and then he brings his gaze back to me. “That was better, but you definitely need more practice.”

My jaw unhinges, and my eyes are probably ready to pop out of their sockets. “You’re…” I point my finger at Roman. “A jerk. That was my first time trying to say anything in Russian — of course I need more practice.”

Without a single care in his voice, he takes his glass from the bar. “Saying ‘thank you’ in Belarusian would’ve been way harder, doll.”

“Doll?” I echo, snatching his drink and downing it in one go. “Buy yourself another one.”

I look at Angie, calculating in my head how to tell her about my slipup. Pulling her away from Drake and his insufferable teammate is my best shot. Without another thought, I jump off the barstool, wrap my hand around Angie’s wrist, and announce, “We’re dancing.”

Angie tries to argue, but I just pull her further into the crowd. Something about this guy makes me act stupid, and I need a break if I don’t want to end the night doing something more ridiculous. I’ve already made too many mistakes tonight.

“Nev, what’s wrong?” Angie asks, her deep green eyes staring at me warmly. I snake my hand around her waist, silently pushing her to start dancing. “Are you upset we left you with Roman?”

“No. Just…” I trail off, mulling over my next words. “He was teasing me, and I let it slip that you and Drake are fake dating.” Angie’s mouth forms a little O, and she blinks. “I’m so sorry.”

She sighs. “It’s fine. I’ll talk to Drake. This whole charade is getting out of hand anyway. I should’ve never asked him to pretend?—”

“Are you pretending?” I catch her off guard with my question and can’t help but smile when I notice a grin tugging at the corners of her mouth. “He’s a great guy, Angie.”

“I know.” Her eyes roam over my face. “What do you think about Roman?”

The smile drops from my lips immediately. “He’s okay. What should I think about him?”

“You’ve been acting kinda weird tonight, and I can’t really put my finger on it, but I think it might be because of him.”

“I’m with Travis,” I state matter-of-factly. Without waiting for her next words, I turn her around and press my chest to her back. “I’m happy.”

Dancing with Angie, I try to push every single thought out of my mind. But then I remember I’m supposed to go to Travis’s later, and suddenly, I feel like the biggest liar on Earth.

Heading toward the bar,I let my gaze roam over Roman. He sits with his back to me, and a visible tension in his shoulders catches my attention. His rigid posture is a significant differencefrom how he was with me, or even when we were all together. It’s as if he’s uncomfortable being here alone.

I swallow my nerves and slide my palms down the skirt of my dress, trying to straighten it. Once I’m right behind him, I tap him on the shoulder. For some reason, my fingers linger on his tee, feeling his tense muscles underneath it. Roman jerks in his seat, and his head swivels in my direction.

“Drake said you’d look after me.” I pull my hand away and climb onto the barstool beside him. “They left.”

He scans me from head to toe, the glint in his eyes turning dark. The tip of his tongue slips out of his mouth, and he slowly licks his lips. I watch him, enchanted, warmth unfurling in my lower abdomen.The excitement. The longing. The craziest need.I ball my fists on my lap, my nails digging into my skin. What is so fucking special about this guy? I’ve never felt like this before. It’s utterly wrong.

“Did you tell Angie about you blurting out her secret?” he asks, his voice deep and low. Even over the loud music, I hear him clearly. As if he’s whispering right into my ear.

“I did,” I confirm. “Did you mention it to Drake?”

“I did.” He nods, a smile lifting his lips. “I don’t think they will be fake dating much longer. Those two are in love; it’s clear to everyone around them. It’s time they recognize it too.”

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