“Thought about that a lot, have you?” he asks, tilting his head with a carefree smile that seems to think he’s caught her.
You know nothing, Roman Hayes.
“Of killing you? Plenty of times,” she says through a murmur before pressing her lips together to keep from smiling.
He smiles, shifting closer. “Plenty, huh?”
She squints up at him, exhaling through her nose before turning away and stepping back. She clears her throat, crossing her arms over her chest as she watches him place her jacket delicately on the hook and takes in her surroundings. It’s all so … cozy. Where she expected black and white IKEA furniture, she finds natural oak, rounded bookshelves, and scenic paintings.
“Shit,” she murmurs to herself, but he seems to hear.
“What?” he asks, sounding slightly panicked as he moves to stand adjacent to her.
She blows out a breath. “It’s just not what I expected.”
“Thanks … I think.”
She nods, sliding her hands into her back pockets, looking around with raw curiosity. The entryway smells distinctly of citrus.
He cleaned for me,she thinks, and the thought makes her head swim and her chest gallop.
He turns to face her, scratching the back of his head.
“House tour?” he asks, moving farther into the kitchen. She trails behind, brushing her hand against the mirror in the hallway as she walks.
“Sure. Is it okay if I wash my hands first?” She halts in front of the kitchen sink. “I read more about her syndrome after you told me that day.”
“You … read up on it?”
She shrugs as she turns on the tap to the hottest setting, pumping soap into her hands.
“Why the tone of surprise?” she asks over her shoulder to meet his eyes. He leans against the opposite counter, scratching his chin as he watches her move around.
“Just … not the most riveting thing to read.”
“It wasn’t too bad. I learned a lot,” she says with a shrug.
“You like reading?”
She tilts her head, contemplating his question. “I like learning. I like the act of gaining new knowledge. It doesn’t matter the type. Reading, videos, hands-on. I’m a continuous learner.” She rubs her hands together, then shuts the tap off, taking the paper towel from his hand.
She doesn’t miss the way his eyes track over to the bruise darkening on her wrist.
“Jesus, are you okay?” He grabs her wrist, cradling it in his palm. He sweeps his thumb over the mark tenderly, sending shivers through her.
“Yeah, I’m fine.”
He gives her a hard stare. “Jahlani.”
“I’m fine,” she whispers, pulling her hand back. “Promise. Teryn and I went to a self-defense class.”
Clearing his throat, he steps back. “You should put some cream on that.”
“Sure,” she says, nodding. Waiting as his cheeks turn the shade of red she’s grown to crave. To watch for.
Roman moves down the hallway and she trails behind him, soaking in the wall of framed photographs of him and Lucy.
She lets out a soft laugh as they turn into a carpeted bedroom. “Cute.”
