Page 87 of Worth the Trouble

“Yes and no,” I say. “My shows aren’t like this. It’squieter.”

Cassie laughs. “Rock ‘n roll.”

I can’t help but smile. Although Rome and I are both no stranger to fame in our own unique ways, his life is nothing like mine. While I’m surrounded by pretentious men in suits, Rome is currently surrounded by miniskirts, fishnets, and tops missing parts in the front and back that otherwise hold them together.

Some girl with jet black hair and an insanely curvy body presses up against his side and whispers something in his ear. Her fingers wrap around his arm, and I have to look away to avoid the sinking feeling I’ve been fighting against all night.

I’m not someone who gets jealous. Vaughn fucked his way through our social circle a couple of times when we were together. But the thought of Rome touching another woman the way he touches me draws out a foreign unease.

My reactions to all things Rome are deep—visceral.

How does he do it?

Daring to glance in his direction once more, another beautiful woman is sliding her hands over his chest. I tell myself the tightening in my own isn’t me being possessive. It’s just me being practical since I let him have sex with me without a condom. But the further down her fingers move, I know it’s a lie.

My lungs squeeze and the walls around me shrink.

I spin around and break my gaze on Rome. “It’s getting late.”

Cassie frowns, looking down at my half-finished drink, before glancing back at the band. “You okay?”

I force a smile and nod. “Of course. I had a lot of fun, but I’m tired.”

Lie.

“And I need to be up early.”

Another lie.

Not that it matters when the smoke in the bar fills my lungs and the people all around me make me claustrophobic.

“Okay, well, it was nice seeing you again.” She pulls me in for a hug. “We should definitely catch up before you leave Denver.”

I press my lips in a firm line and nod. She’s sweet and welcoming like Eloise, and if I was staying, I could see us being friends. But in reality, I’ve already got one foot out the door of this town.

“Are you gonna tell Rome?” she asks as I start to pull away.

“Tell Rome what?”

I jump at the sound of his voice coming from behind me. His hand slips around my waist so quickly, my body’s hauled against his. A small gesture with the power to immediately settle the chaos raging in my chest.

I look up and my eyes connect with his. Darkness so deep light is incapable of escape. He’s endless in a way that I could read every inch of him and still only scratch the surface.

His hand wraps around my jaw. “Tell me what?”

How is it one touch can set my entire body on fire? How is it one look and I belong to him?

“I was going to head home.” I swallow hard, not sure why that statement makes me so nervous when it didn’t a moment ago.

“Tired?” His eyebrows pinch, and I think he might actually be worried about me.

“It’s just… a lot.”

The eyes on this man are a lie detector. His touch black magic from the demons on his shoulders. Everything about him draws out my truths.

Rome scans my face, before he loosens his grip on my jaw. “Let’s go, then.”

“Rome.” My mouth falls open. “I’m fine, we can hang out later. Enjoy your show—your night.”

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