Page 94 of Heart of a Rebel

“Charming.” Adrian narrows his eyes at him.

I have no doubt he’s planning Rome’s demise in his head. All he needs is the doctors to unhook him from the hospital bed he’s chained to by wires.

“These…” Rome reaches out his hand with the flowers toward Adrian, turning to me at the last second. “Are for you, princess.”

Pink carnations and I can’t help but laugh at the randomness of it. But the fact that Rome showed up with flowers is surprisingly sweet.

“Sorry, didn’t bring you shit, brother.” Rome drops into the chair at the other side of the room and draws his hands up behind his head as he stretches his legs out. “I’ll let Eloise handle your get-well gifts.”

Rome winks at me, and I can’t help but roll my eyes.

“It’s for the best.” Adrian pats my hand, and I know he’s probably right.

“So, when are we breaking your giant ass out of here anyway.” Rome taps his feet together because it’s impossible for the guy to sit still.

“There will be no breaking out.” I walk over to the window and set the flower vase down before making my way back to Adrian. “So don’t get any ideas. You’re not going anywhere until the doctor gives you the okay.”

“Yes ma’am.” He grins, and the smile mixed with his words does wild things to the butterflies living in my chest.

“Save thefuck meeyes for once I’m gone,” Rome groans.

I turn and glare at him. “Not everything is about sex. Everyone isn’t like you.”

“First of all, you’re a shit liar and you were totally just thinking about sex.” Rome leans forward and dips his chin.

I hate when he’s right, and I hope the blush I feel crawling like ivy up my chest doesn’t reach my cheeks.

“Second…” Rome draws the word out. “Never mind, I don’t have a second. I like to fuck; I’d be an idiot to say otherwise.”

“Shocker.” I roll my eyes.

He shrugs one shoulder. “Not going to apologize for it.”

“Didn’t expect you to.”

“Not everyone is in it for more than sex.” He leans back.

“Namely you?”

“Namely me.” Rome smiles. “I’ll leave the sappy pussy-whipped shit for you two.”

I shake my head but drop the subject. I should have known better than to think that Rome spending a couple of nights alone in bed meant he was turning a corner. Everyone’s a little fucked up, but Rome’s scars go so much deeper than the rest of us. And even if he uses sex as a mask for refusing to deal with whatever haunts him, I know there are bigger reasons he never lets anyone close.

“Speaking of pussy-whipped bitches—”

“Hey.” I narrow my eyes at him. He knows I hate that word. “Watch it.”

“Sorry, princess.” Rome waves his hand out and pretends to bow from his seated position. “Speaking of pussy-whippedbeeoches…”

“Not any better.”

“Noted.” He ticks a finger in the air, but I can tell he doesn’t actually give a shit. “Where’s Noah and Sebastian?”

“Doc crew,” Adrian says, wincing when he moves funny. “They’re filming final interviews to piece in with tour footage. Don’t worry, you’ll get your turn.”

“Lovely,” Rome grunts.

He used to love interviews. Any chance to show off and make the world love him. It’s another thing that’s shifted in the past few months. Each interview he seems to get quieter in front of the camera. Either that or irritated, which usually leads to him facing off with Adrian about his attitude.

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