Roman stares at him and narrows his eyes at the glimmer we all see in John’s gaze. “Sub-Rosa isn’t going to do anything with that many people around. They won’t risk their parties. It’s the main way they distribute their drugs and products.”
I flinch. “They what? I didn’t know they were the ones that threw the parties.”
Bensen shakes his head. “Originally, they might have started them, but that was years ago. It’s become such a town ritual that they no longer host them.”
It’s disturbing to think about, but how many “traditions” have been started with ill will? Using civilian gatherings like nightclubs and church events or even parties like this to make trades without authorities picking up on it—something that should be fun and harmless is used to cover for an underworld so dark and gruesome.
“Okay, I’ll make sure he gets the message.” I wish I sounded more courageous, but this isn’t a game. Not after what I’ve already seen the Icarus Squad do and knowing Callum.
We finish eating with small talk and end the night with a movie. Roman has a few beers, and I enjoy the laughter and ease with which he speaks to his men.
I fall asleep in Roman’s lap halfway through the movie and only wake when the credits are rolling and Taylor’s obnoxious snores are the only sound that moves through the room.
Roman’s hand moves through my hair gently, and I decide to leave my eyes closed. Why ruin a moment like this?
“Are you sure, Syxx? I like her…but I don’t know if I trust her with this.” It’s John’s voice. My heart skips a beat.He doesn’t trust me?I didn’t think that would hurt coming from him, but it does.
Roman’s hand stills over my head. “I trust her, Bishop. That should be enough of a reason for you.”
My chest blooms with warmth, and I fight the smile that dares to spread at him sticking up for me.
John sighs, and I hear him shift to stand up. “All right, I hear you loud and clear, Lieutenant,” he says with the lift of his hands. “Come on, boys, we have training tomorrow. Get up.” He smacks Taylor’s head, and he grumbles awake.
They all sluggishly leave the living room.
My head is still in Roman’s lap when I look up at him. He’s staring down at me with an intensity that looks through me. I offer a small smile, lift my hand to his ?face, and brush the dark strands of hair that cover his forehead.
“What?” I ask with a soft chuckle.
He continues to look at me like he can’t tear his eyes away. “Nothing.” He dips his head down and slowly presses his lips to mine in an upside-down kiss.
My heart flutters, and I nearly lose my breath.
Roman pulls back up and smiles down at me. “Care to join me in bed?”
I lift a suggestive brow. “To sleep or…?”
Roman laughs as he cradles me in his arms and lifts me up with ease. “Guess we’ll find out when we get there, Squirt.”
I smile into the crux of his arm. He looks tired and like he has a lot on his mind, so I don’t expect him to pursue me in bed. To my delight, the moment our heads hit the pillows, he’s slippinghis hand beneath my shirt and burying his face in my neck and shoulder, making me giggle.
“I can’t get enough of you,” Roman murmurs as his lips coast over my ear. “Why do you let me in, Briar?” He sounds tormented by the thought as he kneads my breast softly.
My back arches into him, pushing my ass into his hard cock. He rolls me over as he shifts to lie on his back with me over him. His hold on me is firm, one arm wrapped around my lower back and the other hand threaded in the hair at the nape of my neck. He kisses me again and again, until I have to push myself up just to breathe.
“Why do you let me in?” I echo his question, our breaths heavy from our kisses.
He sets his hands around my back and stares at me thoughtfully, the lust slipping away from his eyes as he traces my features drunkenly. I study the scars on his face, yearning to kiss away all the pain he’s ever felt.
“Because you wouldn’t leave when I pushed you away,” he says with a wry smirk. I laugh and shake my head, trying to roll off him, but he follows the motion and our positions are reversed. His arms are braced on either side of my head. “Because you didn’t let a grumpy, broken thing like me keep you from seeing the real me.” His words are vulnerable, and his eyes reflect as much.
I stare into his gaze and slowly reach my hands up to his face and cup his cheeks affectionately. Tears brim in my eyes. “I let you in? because you crashed in headfirst.”
A wide grin spreads over his lips, and he starts laughing so hard that it makes me burst into it too.
We hold hands, side by side, and share our warm laughter until we can’t anymore.
“Go to sleep, Squirt. We’ve got a busy week.” Roman wraps me back up in his arms.
