Page 27 of Touch Of Fate
“For what?” She tilts her head, raising her eyebrows.
“For…” So maybe I have issues.
“Uh-huh,” she hums. “I’m glad you have him. Maybe he will bring some energy back into your life.”
“Hey, I have energy.” I frown. “Fine, you’re right.” I take a big gulp of coffee. “I need more caffeine for this conversation.”
“I’m sure you do,” she says dryly.
“I never thought I would be able to hug you.” I cradle my cup. “I want to figure out how to do it without Rome connected.”
“I lost it,” she sighs. “I was embarrassed, but you know how hard it’s been on me.”
“I know. They understand. You don’t have to hold back your emotions,” I say.
“That’s hard on me too. I feel too much.”
“And I feel too little.”
“Bullshit,” she says.
“What?”
“You feel everything. I show it, and you suppress it.”
“You know me too well.” I’ve had no choice but to hide my feelings.
“We all have flaws.” She clanks her cup against mine. “Here’s to having a soul bond that complements you.” She grins.
“Little witch,” I hiss warningly, and she lifts a brow. “Fine. Here’s to my soul bond….” I lift my cup and take a drink. “Can the guys shower at your place?” I put my cup on the counter.
“Why? Don’t want your bond close? Naked?” She wiggles her eyebrows, and I feel my cheeks turning red.
“Who’s naked?” Rome asks as he comes through the door with Archer, and I widen my eyes at Lace.
“No one. Yet.” She rolls her lips. “I already showered. If you need to use mine, you can.”
“I’m going to go do that,” I mutter, backing away.
“Naked?” Rome asks, his eyes crinkling.
I want to climb him. “That is usually how I shower.” I gulp and turn around. Being naked in the same house as Rome is too tempting. “Lace, will you feed the birds? I won’t be long.” Hurrying to my room without it being obvious I’m escaping, I shut the door and press my head to the wood.
Damn. I want a repeat of this morning without interruption.
Why did I wear a dress? I spent way too long in the shower and choosing my outfit. My usual is jeans and flowy or long-sleeved shirts. Dresses show too much skin, and I worry about accidentally being touched. I do not wear dresses often, at least not anymore. When I was young, I had a variety of them. They made me feel pretty, and I suppose that’s how I wanted to feel this morning. I picked a red, flowy cotton sundress I bought on impulse. I don’t know why I’ve kept them. Perhaps I still had hope I could wear them again, and I wasn’t ready to give up the dream. It has thin straps and shows off my cleavage and my tattoos. Several chains and delicate necklaces draped down my skin. I paired it with black leather sandals and a long black knit sweater. My black hair flowed around me, and my makeup was dark.
Lace’s mouth dropped open when she saw me, but she wisely said nothing. Rome stared at me for what felt like five minutes before grabbing my hand and dragging me out to the car. He still hasn’t said anything, and we were almost to the store. Archer and Lace remained silent, probably sensing my uneasiness. I rub my hands down my thighs and pick at the fabric. Rome’s hand drops over mine, startling me, but his touch reassures me.
He parks the car, and I jerk open my door. I concentrate on Lace, waiting behind her as she unlocks the door. I take a step to follow her inside when Rome wraps his arm around my waist, pulling me back against his chest. I gasp as he brushes his cheek against mine before touching his lips to my ear. I watch the door close behind Lace and Archer.
“I had to get you out of the house as fast as possible,” he rasps. “I wanted to take you back to bed. You look delicious. I want to lick your tattoos.” He nips my earlobe, and my legs turn to jelly. “I’ll kill anyone who looks at you.”
“The customers have to look at me,” I whisper.
“I know the difference between interest and politeness.”
“No one is interested,” I say, but regret it. I hope Cameron doesn’t come in today.
