Page 40 of Touch Of Fate
“Sandy, that was Archer. This is Rome. You’ll be seeing them around. I’ve been dating Rome.” She lifts an eyebrow. “He’s been busy,” I mutter weakly, knowing what an odd excuse that is for his lack of presence. She only works a few hours a week, so it’s possible that she wasn’t around when Rome was here, so I’ll lean heavily on that excuse. We aren’t close, and I don’t know much about her life.
“Sounds great.” She moves toward us. Sandy is human, so we are careful with what we tell her and never use magic aroundher. She thinks Lace is a regular tattooist. “Are you leaving?” She sets her purse on the counter.
“Yes. Lace is in the back. She’s meeting us when she’s done. If you have any problems, give us a call.” I grab Rome's wrist, getting annoyed with Sandy’s inspection of him.
“I can’t imagine any issues within a couple of hours,” she says, watching me pull Rome to the door.
“We are always available, just in case,” I say, opening the door. “See you.”
“Sandy seems nice,” Rome drawls.
“Shut it,” I mutter, closing the door behind us.
“We’re going to be early,” he says.
“I don’t care,” I grit out.
“Jealous?” he whispers, pulling me close.
“Not at all,” I state firmly. This is going to get old. It seems I don’t like him around any females except family.
“I like it,” he says, guiding me to the car and opening the passenger-side door. I don’t reply, and he laughs as I drop into the seat.
“What’s funny?” Archer asks from the backseat.
“Nothing,” I snap, and he chuckles.
“Sandy was looking a bit flushed,” he says, and I glare over the seat.
“Don’t make me hurt you,” I threaten, and Rome sits in the driver’s seat. “I’ll freeze you so you can’t eat.” He presses his palm to his stomach.
“That would be cruel,” he pouts.
“Then be good.” I turn to face forward, and Rome grabs my hand. He slides off my gloves, dropping them beside me, and I shiver.
“My Mara,” he whispers and kisses my fingers. “Your reaction is tame compared to how mine was and will continue to be.” Hedrops our joined hands to his leg and starts the car. I glance in the back, and Archer tilts his head, knowing he is right.
Turning, I stare at our joined hands as he leaves the parking spot. I’ll never think about touching the same way again. I have feared it, yet wished for it. Rome does it casually, not knowing how it affects me. I’m surprised at how easily he moves and slides into my life as if it’s where he belongs. I think he does. Belong with me. I’ve let him guide me. I haven’t felt this safe since Mom was alive. I loved staying up late, talking to her, and learning from her. She was my guide. Her life was cut short, and mine stopped. I was going through the motions, taking care of Lace, keeping our power secret, and trying to survive the best we could. There were no more late nights, and Lace hasn’t felt the joy we once had. I feel guilty. Our world went on, but I didn’t do anything to help her laugh.
Gavin’s comment hit me hard. I don’t remember the last time I laughed carefree. Rome brought a lightness to our lives. I don’t think he realizes what he has done. It’s effortless. He holds my hand to his thigh, and I wonder if he knows what the act does to my body, my heart. Giving him the burdens I carry every day is tempting. He’s strong, and I know he would take them easily, but will he once he knows what I’ve done? We don’t know much about each other. Will my actions change the way he sees me?
Before we complete our bond, he needs to know everything. I get nauseous thinking about telling him. Helping to kill Jerry was easier than explaining my past. I haven’t thought much about taking the life of a man. I guess I don’t feel guilty about it. Maybe I should use my magic to dispense justice. First, I need to figure out how to control it. Depending on Rome to take the emotions is nice, but I don’t want to need him every second while out in the world. Although I love his touch, we can’t be glued to each other. My spells are developing different aspects, and I didn’t think that would be an effect the bond would have.
My mom explained what a bond was, and that they would complete your soul. She died before she could expand on how to deal with it. She didn’t think I was ready at that age. Fuck, I miss her. She would love Rome. I can imagine her rushing around the house, making sure everything was perfect before he came to meet her. There would be food and drinks. Magic would be discussed at length. Mom was gentle and loving. I wish Rome could meet her and feel her kind spirit.
“Mara.” I blink and look up. “We’re here.” I see the restaurant in front of us. “Are you alright?”
“Just thinking.” I unbuckle my seatbelt.
“Good things?” he asks. Archer is already on the sidewalk, staring at his phone.
“I wish you could have met my mom,” I whisper, looking at him.
“I do too.” He squeezes my hand. “Are you ready for this? I shouldn’t have rushed you. My family can push until they get their way. I guess I’m a bit that way, too.”
“I’m good. They want to spend time with us. I want to get to know them,” I say.
“If you want to leave, we can,” he insists.
