I slam the door open hard enough that dust shakes from the hinges.
Romeo doesn’t flinch.
He’s leaned against an ancient marble column, arms folded, ankle crossed over the other like he’s lounging—not in a crypt, but in some fucking club. The torchlight cuts harsh lines across his face—smug, unafraid, hiding something he doesn’t want me to see.
“If you’re here to fight,” he says, voice bored, “go ahead. I’m bored.”
Heat flashes under my ribs.
“I’m not here to entertain you,” I mutter. I step inside and let the door slam behind me. The echo rings like a verdict.
Romeo pushes off the column, expression unreadable. “Could’ve fooled me. You dragged her through the rectory like you were covering up a crime. Then you storm down here like you’re ready to murder the next guy who breathes wrong.”
My jaw locks. “Watch your mouth.”
“Why?” He tilts his head. “Did I hit a nerve?”
He’s pushing on purpose. It’s working. Rage roars under my ribs—not because he’s wrong.
He’s too fucking close to the truth.
I step into his space. “Where the fuck were you?”
“In the alley,” he says simply.
“Watching?” My voice drops, darker. “Or following?”
Romeo’s lips twitch—not into a smile. Into something sharper. “You tell me.”
I’m on him before I think, closing the distance in a single stride. Heat spikes in the air, volatile and close to breaking.
“You don’t get to do that,” I growl. “You don’t get to watch her. Don’t get to judge me.”
Romeo arches a brow. “Oh? Because I saw you fucking her against a wall? Or because you’re dragging a hunted woman behind church doors like you think you can protect her?”
My breath punches out of me.
His tone softens—barely. “If you’re trying to keep her alive, San… you’re doing a shit job.”
I grab him by the shirt and slam him into the column. Stone thuds behind him.
Romeo still doesn’t fight back.
He looks right at me—eyes sharp, unblinking, too damn knowing.
“You’re spiraling,” he murmurs. “And dragging her with you.”
“Stay away from her,” I hiss.
Romeo’s jaw twitches. “Oh, I intend to.”
Then, quieter—cutting:
“But maybe you’re the one who should.”
Romeo’s voice drops. “Dad warned you about this.”
My blood turns to ice.
