Page 57 of Shadows of Obsession

But with Roman? It's the same feeling I've had from the first moment with him. Danger and safety. Calm and adrenaline.

Roman gets in on the opposite side, and after I throw him a "good night" because I don't know what else to do, I squeeze my eyes shut, praying for sleep. Not even three seconds pass beforeI feel him literally pulling me with his arms to his chest and dropping a kiss on the crown of my head.

"It will be if you stay here all night," he whispers, and the last thing I remember is a sigh of exhaustion escaping me while my face is pressed against his heart.

Chapter 22

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Roman

My phone's been buzzing forever before I finally crack my eyes open. First thing I notice is her breath on my neck, then her leg wrapped around mine. I reach as carefully as I can for the phone, ready to throw it out the window if necessary, just to not wake Luna. Seeing Niko's name on the screen and realizing it's ten thirty, I close my eyes for a second before sneaking to the bathroom to answer, trying not to disturb the woman who achieved the impossible - keeping me asleep for six and a half hours.

A record.

"I hope this is important," I tell him, and my tone shows how annoyed I am by his call, though not surprised.

He's probably wondering why I'm not at the office yet.

"Good morning to you too," he answers, and I hear car horns in the background, indicating he hasn't reached the office either. "We need to discuss Devin, Roman. I have a meeting until lunch, but let's meet to discuss what we do next and maybe you'll explain to me what happened. Anton was quite stingy with the details," he tells me with a sigh.

He knows if I wanted to tell him I would have, but I've always appreciated Niko's persistence. He's not intimidated by me, probably because he knows why I became who I am.

"Fine, after lunch at the office," I tell him and end the call while bringing a hand to my head.

I feel the migraine starting to appear. I don't regret for a moment what happened to Luna's attacker, but that doesn't mean my actions won't generate problems, especially with Devin, who has tried for years to steal our position with the city's arms trafficking.

Although it's not our only occupation, it's a lucrative branch and we can't afford to lose it just on principle. Financially, we'd still have more than we need, but our position in Chicago would be weakened, and I can't allow that.

Not to mention Damien would have my head if I let the Irishman get his hands on our weapons.

Coming out of the bathroom, I find Luna perched on the edge of the bed, lost in her thoughts. I don't need my usual skill at reading people to know what's going through her mind - with her, it just comes naturally. Every thought shows clear as day. But seeing that regret on her face makes my muscles tighten.

Calm down. You don't want to spook her. I know the last twelve hours are a lot for someone like her to process.

"I'm sorry I woke you. My brother, Niko, needed me."

Her gaze aligns with mine and a shy smile appears on her face.

"Luna, what happened? Do you regret last night's discussion?"

I wish my own voice wouldn't show irritation at this possibility, but it's there, and I know she heard it too.

“No, it's not that... I just... I'm worried you'll regret this in the daylight now that you've had time to see what kind of mess I've dragged you into.” Her voice fades to barely a whisper at the end.

I can't help but laugh because her concern is adorable. I've done so many bad things in my life that torturing that pathetic piece of shit is actually a minor thing.

Something tightens in my chest at her concern for me.

When Kai looked at me accusingly about her injuries, she jumped to defend me.No one has ever defended me. This thought neverbothered me before, but the idea of having someone who feels the need to protect me causes a strange warmth in my chest and stomach.

“The only thing I regret is not having more time with that bastard. Don't worry about me, Luna. Last night? That's just another Tuesday in my world.”

I watch her carefully, trying to detect fear or terror on her face, but all I see is...relief.

"Okay, I'll go to the other bedroom to change. I have a meeting at eleven. Is it alright if I take the call from the kitchen? I promise I won't disturb Anuska," she tells me in one breath, as if the plan just came to her.

I approach her, offering a kiss on her cheek.

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