Page 102 of Burning Daylight
“Nothing, you just look…” I gesture to his arms.
He brings his hands up to inspect them before giving me a wolfish grin. “I was painting.”
“Graffiti?”
Nerves twist me into knots. I don’t want him to get in trouble, because what if he does and then something happens to him? What if he leaves?
The back of his head thunks against the tree. “Why do you say it like that?”
My frown deepens. “Like what?”
“Graffiti,” he repeats with a snobbish tone. “Like it’s a dirty word.”
“Okay, well, first of all, that’s a terrible impersonation. I sound nothing like that.”
He gives me a look.
“And secondly, I don’t think that. I just… It’s illegal, Roman. This isn’t Cali. Don’t you think you’re playing with fire?”
He lifts a shoulder. “I’m not the only one tagging here.”
“You’re the only one making a statement with your art.”
“Maybe you just haven’t been looking hard enough.”
“That’s not the point,” I argue.
“Then what is?”
“You know people will notice yours above the others,” I say, softening my tone. “Whether you want to admit there’s a difference or not.”
Roman blows out a breath, and palms the back of his neck. “Thatalmostsounded like a compliment.”
My chest warms. “I think you might be the most talented person I’ve ever met, but things aren’t as easy to get away with here, and I don’t want something to happen to you.”
He leans toward me, his eyes blazing. It’s uncomfortable being so naked beneath his gaze, but he’s pinned me in place, and I don’t think I could move even if I tried.
Slowly, he reaches out, his large hand cupping my cheek, his thumb brushing against my bottom lip ever so slightly.
I suck in a breath, anticipation rolling through me like soft waves, and I press myself into the warmth of his touch.
“You gonna turn me in, Little Rose?” he asks.
I shake my head. “You know I’ll keep your secrets.”
“Good.” Another brush of his thumb, only this time he lets it linger, applying the barest amount of pressure to my lip. “Thank you for caring, though.”
I laugh, but it comes out breathy. “Yeah, well, despite you being an insufferable flirt and one of the most annoying friends I’ve ever had, I kind of like you.”
“I kind of like you, too.” His body leans toward mine until his mouth is so close, I can feel his breath on my lips. “You’re my favorite secret, Juliette.”
His gaze is like liquid fire, searing me from the inside out.
My heartbeat pounds in my ears. “Why are you looking at me like that?”
“You’re just…” He swallows, his Adam’s apple bobbing, and then he licks his lips and drops his hand.
“Justwhat?”
