Page 68 of Prince of Darkness

“Are you going to give yours to him too?” He stares up at me with those big eyes. He looks so much like Roman. It makes me wonder what a little girl with his genes would look like.

“I suppose.”

“I’d love to have it,” Roman says, striding into the library where I have us set up at one of the giant tables. “I always know where to find you. If you’re not in the library, you’re in the rose garden.”

“Keeping track of me?”

“Always.” I still when he leans down and drops a kiss on the top of my head. “I’ll have them framed for my office.”

Roman is turning out so differently than I thought he would be. Sometimes he can be a little cold and short with the things he says, but ninety-nine percent of the time he’s sweet. At least that’s how it’s been for the last week. Every morning and night he still kisses me, but nothing more. It leaves my body on edge, wanting more.

All of this is really messing with my head. Everything he did for Grams without batting an eye has softened me towards him. The way he comforted me meant so much to me. We’ve fallen into a rhythm now. We even read Ace a book together the other night. It all feels so real. I can’t find a reason not to like him. I even noticed that he started making an effort to not work so much.

Except for today. He didn't come to lunch. I’d be lying to myself if I didn't admit I was disappointed. And I may have gotten a bit angry too. I shouldn’t have. It was silly. He’s wearing me down. In fact, if it weren't for the whole blackmail thing, I would probably have dated him if only he would have asked.

That’s a lie. I was too busy working nonstop. I was always trying to make ends meet. My father always makes it harder for me. He hasn't called to check on me once. I’m really seeing his true colors. So many things I overlooked over the years are now smacking me dead in my face. There is no denying what type of man he is after this arrangement.

If anything, Roman has made my life a hell of a lot easier. I miss a few of the kids at the daycare, but I don’t miss the diner or working at the dry cleaners. I haven't slept this well in years. Or eaten so much.

“I think it’s time for your lesson,” Roman reminds Ace.

“I’ve got this. You can go.” He leans over and kisses me on the cheek, warming my heart before he takes off. I know I’ve already fallen for Ace.

“Can I show you something?” Roman asks as he helps me clean up.

“Sure.” My stomach flutters when he steps close, raising his hand. I start to close my eyes, but he swipes my cheek.

“Paint.”

“Right.” I flush.

“Also this.” He kisses me. He groans into my mouth. The sound always turns me on. I feel sexy when he does it. His hard cock presses into my stomach as my whole body starts to fill with heat. When we break apart, I’m breathless and a little dazed. So much so I don’t protest when he takes my hand.

“Where are we going?” I ask when we go up the stairs but turn right. I’ve done some venturing around, but this place is massive. It’s no wonder why he has a house staff. There is a lot to take care of around here.

“It’s an idea I’ve been having. I finished it up today.”

“Is that why you missed lunch?” My tone comes off tart. I inwardly groan at myself.

“Miss me?” He smirks. I glare up at him. “You’ll see why shortly.” We turn another corner. “This part of the house was built to be the house staff's quarters. Some often lived on the property years ago. Only George lives here now, and he has a cabin a few acres over.”

“That explains why he’s always here.” I laugh.

“They’ve been sitting empty. This one is meant for a butler. They tend to run everything so they get a bigger space.” He opens the door. I wonder why he’s telling me all this. I step inside and look around.

“This place is nicer than anywhere I’ve ever lived.” It‘s basically an apartment that has been completely updated. There is even a patio.

“Not anymore.”

“Right.” Nothing will ever beat this place. Roman is going to ruin me.

“Do you think Rose would like it here?”

“What?” I say in shock.

“I know she’s on a handful of medications, so we’d have a nurse come once a day for a few hours.”

“Why are you doing all this? You already have me here.” I don’t understand. There is no need for him to go to these great lengths at this point. I can’t help but think there is an ulterior motive.

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