Roman laughs again.
“Of course you would.”
He steps back into her personal space, invading her boundaries again, and Wren does her best not to move away.I’m fighting every second to keep myself contained, to not pour out of her body and show this man exactly what I think of him touching her. When he reaches for her, she stands still, not flinching even though I can feel her revulsion.
His hand touches her cheek, fingers trailing down her jawline, then down her neck. His touch makes her skin crawl, and I feel her disgust as my own, but also her control as she keeps her expression neutral. Roman’s hand continues down her side, sliding over her ribs, and his eyes roam blatantly over her breasts.
“I like them bigger,” he says with a lecherous grin, “but yours look perky, I won’t lie.”
I hate him. I hate everything about him, and I hate that Wren has to endure this, but I know this isn’t the moment to lose my temper and ruin everything. I can tell she’s handling it even if it’s killing me to stay still.
Roman suddenly grabs Wren by the waist, yanking her against him. His body presses flush against hers, and she feels his hard cock poking into her thigh.
This breaks her control. Her right hand shoots up and grabs Roman’s wrist, her thumb pressing hard into the pressure point on the inside while her other hand comes up to his elbow. She twists his arm away from her body using leverage, hyperextending his elbow joint just enough to force him to release her and step back.
Roman yelps in pain and surprise, clutching his twisted arm. His face transforms, all pretense of charm vanishing.
“What’s wrong with you, bitch?”
The entitled arrogance is replaced by pure anger. His green eyes flash with rage, face flushing red and jaw clenched. He takes a threatening step toward her with his hand raised like he might strike her.
The door slams against the wall, making both Wren and Roman turn. Garrett walks in quickly, and even though he seems tense, when he speaks, his voice is calm and polite.
“Is this a good idea?”
Roman whirls on Garrett, his rage redirecting.
“Don’t tell me what is or isn’t a good idea. I found her. I brought her here. She’s my prize, and I will use her however I see fit.”
“And choosing her was a brilliant idea. She’s a great chemist. I think your father will be pleased.” He pauses before adding, “Once he sees how strong her Crimson is, he will want her in one piece, however.”
Roman huffs and runs a hand through his hair. He shoots Wren a disgusted look, then sneers at Garrett.
“You’re overstepping, you know. You’re my father’s dog, nothing more. Don’t forget that.”
“Of course not. It was never my intention to displease you.”
Roman ignores him and starts walking around the laboratory, pretending to study the equipment. Both Wren and Garrett stand there awkwardly, waiting, neither moving. Roman takes his time, touching things, peering into beakers, clearly asserting dominance by making them wait.
Finally, he walks to the door.
“Pack up the Crimson in crates. Each should have a bow on top,” he shoots over his shoulder. “And tell the chemist bitch to wear something nice tomorrow. Attach a bow to her too, if you can. My father’s birthday gift has to be perfect.”
Wren and Garrett stand in silence for a moment. They exchange a long glance, and I can feel Wren buzzing inside, not with fear but with excitement and relief. She’s not even angry that Roman grabbed her, touched her, and called her a bitch. She’s already concluded Roman is a stain on his father’s boot, nothing more. If someone as low-ranking as Garrett can standup to Roman publicly – and clearly does so regularly based on their dynamic – then Roman has no real power in the family. She senses no one in the organization respects him, which means she doesn’t need to worry about him.
Garrett finally breaks the silence.
“You heard him. Wear something nice. I’ll send two guys to pack up the Crimson.”
“Will there be a bow for me?” Wren asks, attempting humor.
Garrett scoffs. “If the old man sees you wearing a bow on your head, he won’t take you seriously. Disregard what Roman said. He’s an idiot.”
The bluntness shocks Wren. She stares at Garrett with new eyes. He’s not a good guy by any means, but maybe he’s not completely horrible. I don’t like where her thoughts are going and that she’s warming up to him even slightly, but I stay quiet.
“Thank you for saving me,” Wren says.
Garrett laughs as he starts walking toward the door.
