“Show me where I am in your stomach, Siren.” He commands.
I nod as one of my hands slides across my abdomen. I place it over my lower stomach lightly, only for him to place his hand over mine and ram into me. He applies pressure, making me see stars as I gasp for air.
“You’re taking me so well,” He rasps. “Does it feel good?”
My words rush from me, sounding more like a plea than an answer. “Yes, sir.”
I get two more marks through the night, unsure of how he’s still going as my skin shines with sweat, and I’m breathless from my orgasms. His hands are gentle on me as our scene draws to a close, and I feel like I could melt into the ground.
He opens the cage, helping me out before lifting me bridal-style into his arms. He peppers light kisses across my sweaty temple, a stark contrast to the rough way he was just handling me for hours.
“How are you feeling?” He asks softly into the darkness of his room.
I turn my face into his chest, soaking in the heat and scent of him. “A little sore.”
He hums deeply, sending the vibration through my cheek. “Do you want to take a bath?”
I crack a small smile. “That actually sounds great. Will you get in with me?”
“Of course.”
He sets me on the toilet’s closed lid as I watch him test the water. I get a good look at the ink crawling along his chiseled arms and back as he works to fill the large tub.
He really is handsome.
Some may consider him a bit brutish, but I’ve witnessed the softness of his hands and the fervent way he dotes on me. Who would have thought that below the surface, Roman Briggs is actually a tender, caring soul?
The thought makes me chuckle as he peers back behind himself at me with amusement. “What’s so funny?”
I tilt my head, pressing my fingertips to my lips. “You’re so gentle with me…”
He turns a little sheepish at my compliment. “Well, I like being gentle with you. I like taking care of you.”
My chest warms as he guides me into the tub. The water is welcoming, causing my tense muscles to relax as I watch Roman undress before he slides in behind me. The outside of his thighs bumps the tub’s walls, and I chuckle at the squeeze.
He lightly fists my hair, pulling my head back as he smiles. “You think this is funny?”
“I do,” I bite my lip before he captures my mouth in a slow, sensual kiss. It makes my toes curl as tingles zap down my spine.
When we pull away, he eases my back onto his chest before using a hand to rub the water over my abdomen. “How are you feeling after everything?”
I sigh, letting my eyes slide closed as he pampers me with soft touches. “I’m…confused. Why is he still targeting me after all these years? I’ve given him everything he’s asked for, but it isn’t enough.”
Roman hums. “If my hunch is correct, it’s because he’s jealous of your success.”
I look over my shoulder at him, frowning. “Jealous? Of what—”
Roman grabs my cheeks, giving me a stern stare. “Don’t do that. Don’t downplay the legacy you created, Rosalie. Look at it from his perspective. His daughter leaves him behind in the squalor he birthed, and where he failed to make himself into something more than a broken soul, his own child didfar better than he ever could have dreamed in less time. He’sjealousbecause he wants the recognition and the money without lifting a finger. He thinks you owe him something because he played a part in your upbringing.” His eyes bounce between mine, softening a fraction. “But the truth is,you don’t owe him a damn thing. Don’t give him the satisfaction of questioning your own skills and morals. You deserve everything you have, and you earned it without him. Never forget that.”
I’m rendered completely speechless by the conviction in his voice. When he speaks, it isn’t with light-hearted promises or a luster that dulls once the smoke clears. He speaks from his soul, full of passion and meaning.
To be seen by Roman, Maddox, and Kairo is to be cherished—cared for.
And I realize I’m falling a lot quicker than I originally thought.
“Thank you,” I whisper.
He cups my cheek gingerly. “Don’t thank me, Siren. Just promise me you won’t let him take your strength.”
