And the most bone-chilling of all.
You owe me a life.
I lift my hands to my nose, biting back a sob as I take it all in. I’m so lost in my own head that I don’t register Roman atmy back until he wraps a hand around my throat and pulls me into his chest.
“I told you to wait, Rosalie. He could still be here.” He whispers before nodding to Kairo and Maddox to sweep the house. They both brandish guns as they begin checking every room, but I’m not focused on them.
All I can think of is how my father infiltrated the one place I’m supposed to be safe from him. Again.
“I’ve got you,” Roman says softly in my ear, holding me tightly against him. “We aren’t going to let him hurt you.”
A little of my fear melts away at his words, and I realize that I’m not even upset about my possessions. They’re tangible things that can be replaced, but a life isn’t.
“What if he’s still here?” My pulse revs at the prospect of Kairo or Maddox coming across him. I don’t want them to get hurt.
“We’ll take care of him, Siren,” Roman says. “We’re professionals.”
Kairo comes down the stairs first, sighing as he shoves his gun into the waistband of his jeans. “The second floor is clear.”
Maddox is next, trailing behind him. “So is the third floor.”
I finally relax, letting my head rest back against Roman’s shoulder before his hand tightens around my throat, and I gasp.
“You’re in so much fucking trouble, Rosalie. Don’t ever scare me like that again.” He growls in my ear.
I swallow as a siren wails outside. Roman releases me to speak with the cops, but I know my act of disobedience won’t go unpunished. I have no idea what he has in store for me, but it’s momentarily forgotten with the men in blue sweeping through my home. They take a statement from me, and Charlie comes over to help get in touch with my insurance company.
“It may be best to get away for a little while,” One of the cops suggests. “Give us some time to investigate, and take abreak.”
Charlie nods in agreement. “I have a vacation villa in Bora Bora.”
I narrow my eyes at her. “I’m not going to Bora Bora while my dad is on the loose.”
My best friend’s lips thin as her eyes shift to Roman, who stands at my back.
“She’ll go,” He says, his tone all authority. “We’ll make sure of it.”
I throw my hands up. “I’m not leaving!”
“Yes, you are,” Kairo stresses pointedly. “We’ll force you onto the plane if we have to.”
Charlie gives me a doting look, covering my hand with hers. “You need a break. Get away for a few days and let us handle this. Please, Rose.”
When she begs me like that, I can never say no to her. She’s always seen right through me, and she knows I need to get away from here. I don’t think I can sit through the investigation without breaking down. The stress is too much.
“Fine,” I sigh. “We’ll leave tomorrow morning.”
Charlie smiles. “Get lots of sun for me.”
The cops finish up what they’re doing, and my friend hands over the keys to her place before arranging a private jet to take us to her vacation villa. As everyone trickles from my home, I’m left alone with the beasts of my past. Most notably Roman, who looks like he’s on the verge of his own breaking point as he slams the front door closed.
I try to slip away, creeping towards the stairs without being noticed, but I’m foiled the moment Roman whips around.
He closes in on me, and I squeak as I try to dart up the stairs, but he reaches me before I can even break past the first step. He flings me over his shoulder, slapping a hand across my ass so hard it makes my teeth grit.
Kairo smirks, crossing his arms as he watches with amusement. “Good luck, Thorn!”
Maddox gives me a little wave, his Cheshire grin growing as I get further away.
