Page 28 of Breakaway

“You’re a beautiful girl, Nevaeh, but I’m not interested in you romantically,” he states softly, taking a step back and putting more distance between us. “I’m not interested in anyone in that way right now, in all honesty. My life is total shit, and no one should be part of that.”

Sometimes all anyone needs is a shoulder to lean on…and I think that’s exactly what Roman is looking for. Even if he doesn’t want to admit it, his actions prove it with total clarity. My presence here in Vegas is the best evidence. If only he’d let me in, even as a friend…it could change so much.

Mustering a smile, I lock my hands in front of me. “Then I really think we should get an annulment. It’s only logical. No one needs to know—because I truly can’t even imagine telling Angie that I got married in Vegas. Or, even worse, Travis finding out about it. It would break his heart.”

Something flickers behind Roman’s eyes, his gaze becoming heavier as he stares at me. “Sure. We don’t want to break your ex’s heart.”

“That was mean,” I say, poking my finger in his chest. “Travis is a good guy; he doesn’t deserve that. I’ve already hurt him too much.”

“Whatever you say.” He turns to his left and bows his head. “Shall we?”

This time, I don’t dwell on what to do. Holding my head high, I start walking again, checking the directions from time to time and not letting Roman’s presence play with my head. As soon as we figure out how to fix the mess we created, we can go our separate ways. That’s exactly what I’m going to focus on.

“Look who’s here!Roman Pashkevich, the Thunders boy. I thought I might see you again.”

A man in a white suit with short black hair blocks our way the second Roman and I step into the chapel. The fake smile on his face makes me feel uneasy, and I shift, instinctively sliding closer to Roman. “Did you two wake up and realize what you did?”

I frown, eyeing this man suspiciously. I have no idea who he is, but the way he keeps staring at Roman creeps me out. “Sorry—” I start.

“Realize what?” Roman shushes me, not only with his words, but with his arm wrapping around my waist. He pulls me into him, splaying his palm over my belly. “That my girlfriend and I got married last night?”

The man’s smile drops, confusion coloring his features. My insides freeze, and my head is spinning. What is Roman playing at?

“I was sure you wouldn’t remember a thing with how wasted you two were. The image is engraved in my brain, because I couldn’t understand how you could be so reckless three weeks before preseason starts.” The man narrows his eyes, a taunting scowl marring his face. His gaze coasts over Roman and me, his disturbing dark brown eyes sending shivers down my spine. “I’m glad I was wrong about you.”

And yet, his posture and the look on his face says the opposite.

“Yeah, me too,” Roman says, his hot breath fanning over my neck. “We’re flying home tomorrow and just wanted to know when our marriage certificate would be ready.”

“Usually in ten days.”

“Awesome, then we’ll need to plan another trip.”What?“Thank you so much for your help…”

“Emmett,” the man says, extending his hand to Roman. After the shortest handshake, the man puts his hands in his pockets. “I was your witness, actually, since you didn’t have one.”

“Thank you,” I say on an exhale, deciding to play along. All my questions can wait till we leave this chapel.

“You’re very welcome.” Emmett’s eyes roam over my face and then linger on Roman’s palm on my belly. “Look after your husband, sweetie. Our Vegas team is a strong opponent; the Thunders will need to work hard if they want to win at least once.”

I nod, feeling Roman’s body tense. He’s not the calmest person in the world. I’ve seen it on the ice, and I’ve witnessed it myself. Making a scene here? With a douche who is already after him because he plays for his rival team? It’s so not worth it.

“Bye, Emmett. It was nice to meet you,” I say sweetly, tugging on Roman’s hand on my belly. Reluctantly, he steps back and lets me pull him out of the building.

Hand in hand, we stroll away from the chapel, heading back to our hotel. Silence grows heavier between us, and it slowly becomes hard for me to breathe. I have so many questions, but I don’t even know where to start.

“I think the Bellagio fountains are starting.” His quiet murmur draws my attention. Our eyes meet, and a little smile crosses his lips. “I wanted to go when it’s dark, but…I think it might be good to stop and look now. What do you think?”

“Okay.”

Making a little detour, we turn left, and sure enough, the fountains come into view. The music is loud, and I quickly recognize the BTS song as we stop at the railing. Though my brain refuses to focus on the astounding view or the catchymusic. All I can think about is Roman’s body blanketing me from behind as he puts his hands on the railing on either side of me.

“Ever since I watchedOcean’s Eleven, I’ve wanted to come here. To see this place with my own eyes. Feel the atmosphere.” Roman speaks softly behind me, and the back of my neck becomes warm. “Never in my life would I have imagined getting drunk and married along the way. It feels surreal.”

“Do you…do you not want an annulment?” I ask the question that’s been on the tip of my tongue since the moment we walked out of the chapel.

“It’s not about what I want.” He sighs, dejected. Slowly, I turn around and peer at Roman. “The man from the chapel is right, Nevaeh. Preseason starts in three weeks. The last thing I need is for it to start with news about me getting shitfaced in Vegas and getting married to someone I’m not even dating. No way Emmett will keep what he knows to himself if he somehow finds out we got an annulment. I can’t risk it…hockey is all I have.”

My heart drops, the ache in my chest growing stronger. He looks so miserable, and that tiny pause between his last words…What are you hiding, Roman?I swear, he’s like the most well-kept secret ever. One I want to discover.

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