Page 82 of His Juliet

“That’s okay.” He stroked his hand down my hair. “As long as you’re willing to come with me.”

“Romeo, I really don’t think?—”

“No, Juliet. The security here is shit. I can’t protect you, even if I move in.” His fingers dug into my hips.

“Why would you move in here?”

He gave me a stern look. “I am not leaving you alone.” He glanced down at his phone, jaw ticking. “You’re stuck with me now. I tried to stay away so you wouldn’t be brought into my world, but I’m too fucking selfish and can’t let you go.”

“I don’t get why,” I whispered. “It’s not like those guys in the bakery were wrong. Nothing about us looks like we belong together.”

Romeo let out a sound that could only be described as a growl. His fingers gripped my chin as he forced me to look at him. “They were so wrong it’s not even funny. I’m the one who doesn’t deserve you, and I never want to hear you suggest otherwise.”

The intensity in his voice startled me. He tucked my hair behind my ear before leaning in to kiss my forehead, my nose, each cheek, finishing with a gentle kiss on my lips.

When was the last time anyone had wanted me like this? Had cared this much about my safety?

“Will you trust me, sweetheart? Enough to come with me?”

I was probably being stupid. None of this made sense, but the thought of sending Romeo away… I couldn’t do it.

“Please don’t break my heart,” I whispered.

“It’s safe with me.”

He held me close, and my eyes grew heavy with exhaustion.

“They just drove by again. We need to go now. Would it help if I got medication to knock you out so you’re not awake for the ride to my place?”

I jolted, my entire body stiffening as panic shot through me. Hazy memories ofhimtouching me, of waking up and not knowing where I was, flooded my mind. Nausea rose in me so strong and fast that I pushed out of Romeo’s arms. He clearly wasn’t expecting it and released me. I made it to the toilet just in time to vomit. There was a high-pitched ringing in my ears, and it took me a long time to realize Romeo was rubbing my back and talking to me.

“You’re okay. I’m here. I won’t let anything happen to you.”

“S-sorry,” I stuttered.

“You have nothing to apologize for.”

I heard the water running, and then he was kneeling beside me, gently wiping my face with a washcloth.

“Let me get you some water.”

He was back a minute later with a glass. I stood on shaky legs, my face burning with embarrassment as I swished out my mouth and quickly brushed my teeth. It had been a long time since I’d had such an extreme trauma reaction, but I was feeling fragile today.

Romeo wrapped his arms around my waist from behind, and I leaned back into him.

“I don’t want to be drugged.”

He hugged me closer. “I’m sorry for even suggesting it. I just want to make this easier for you.”

“The bakery was the first new place I’ve gone in two years and it didn’t turn out so good.” I wasn’t trying to make him feel bad, but his expression was one of pure guilt. “The only way I was able to do it was imagining you encouraging me,” I added. I wished I could take the words back as soon as I spoke them. They were too vulnerable, left me too exposed.

What could only be described as a smug smile spread across his face. “That’s right, because even your subconscious knows I’ll protect you.”

I looked down. “I’m scared.”

“I know, but we’ll get through it together. My soldiers are posted around the building right now, and Angelo will drive us back.”

“Who is Angelo?” My brain was latching on to inconsequential details because reality was too hard to face.

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