Page 55 of Breakaway

“I told you it was complicated between Travis and me,” I whisper, the picture becoming clearer by the second. “And then all the flowers, and that text…”

“Yeah.”

“Travis and I broke up. I don’t see myself ever getting back together with him. For me, that relationship was over the second I got sick after seeing the ring he bought for me.” I give him a weak smile. “When I met with him two weeks ago, I made sure he knew where I stand. He hasn’t tried to see me once since then. There have been no flowers or texts. He’s keeping his distance, just like I asked him to.” I look down at Happy and then return my gaze to Roman. “I was lonely here, so when I saw Travis in the elevator, I asked him if I could take Happy for the weekend. He said yes.”

“I’m glad he let you take him,” Roman says, putting his glass on the table. “I’ve been thinking about getting a cat or a dog, but with my away games, it’s not possible.”

“Cooper always saves Angie from boredom when Drake is away.”

“I bet he does.” He tilts his head, scrutinizing me. “Did Angie show you my Stories? Or Drake?”

Embarrassment heats my cheeks and my neck. I rap my fingers on the table, silently scolding myself for my big mouth. With a sigh, I nod. “Angie. She didn’t want to, but…I was a little desperate.” I lower my gaze to my lap. “Or a lot.”

Roman doesn’t say anything. He stands up from the table, takes our empty plates, and goes to put them in the dishwasher. I wait, not knowing what to expect. Turning around, he leans against the kitchen counter, his arms crossed over his chest.

“I think I like this about you. Your possessive side,” he murmurs, lighting a fire within me with his words.

As slowly as possible, I stand up and strut toward him. My eyes devour every inch of him, from his legs to his handsome face. His hair is messy, and all I want is to run my fingers through it.

“Possessive me is jealous me. Do you like that too?”

He licks his bottom lip, unfolding his arms and winding his hands around my waist. My chest is up against his, and a puff of air leaves my mouth. Roman lowers his head, his eyes holding enough fire to burn us both.

“No. Jealousy isn’t something I want you to feel. Ever,” he whispers, making me breathless. He takes my chin between his thumb and index finger, tilting my face up to him. “Just like I’ll never get involved with someone taken, I’ll never pursue someone else if I’m in a relationship. Or if I like someone.” His lips press to mine, briefly, like the touch of a feather. Fleetingly. And still…it’s everything. “And I like you, Nevaeh. A lot.”

“I would’ve never guessed if you hadn’t kissed me that night,” I tell him, wrapping my arms around his torso.

His head lolls back, and he laughs heartily. “I’ve always liked you. Since the moment I first met you.”

“Really?” I lean back, searching his face with my eyebrows pinched together. It feels so surreal, I’m having trouble wrapping my head around it.

“You weren’t single, remember? I didn’t want you to know how I felt. I didn’t want anyone to know.”

“You’re so good at keeping secrets.” I stand on my tiptoes. The desire to feel his lips on mine again is clouding my judgment.

“Some secrets are worth keeping.” His lips hover over mine, and I can almost taste them. Soft and luscious. So fucking addictive I can’t even stand straight; my whole body is trembling. A shiver of anticipation rolls down my spine, and I run my tongue over my bottom lip.

“Nevaeh…”

He says my name like a warning. In a low growl, thick with his accent, because he’s not controlling himself.

“Kiss me,” I demand, sliding my hand under his tee and feeling his abs contract under my touch.

He smirks and presses his lips to my forehead instead. “Happy needs to go home, Malyshka. I won’t be able to stop if I kiss you now, and fucking you on my kitchen counter in front of your little dog isn’t going to happen.”

A loud gasp springs from my lips when he turns me around and my back crashes into his chest. His hot breath on my skin sends a jolt of electricity all over my body, one that nestles in my lower abdomen. So fucking hot.

“Even if the view would be absolutely fantastic,” he whispers in my ear. Then he pushes me to start moving toward the living room. My whole being is vibrating from our closeness.

And dammit if I don’t want him to do exactly that…spread me open on his kitchen counter and fuck me till I can’t walk.

I hope he will be up to it after we take Happy back.

Chapter 22

Not with Me

ROMAN

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