Page 60 of From Rome, With Hate

Marcus nods before heading toward the front door to slip into his suit jacket.

“I’ll text you the details and let her know you’re on the way,” Rome announces.

“Yes, sir.”

“Drive carefully,” Rome responds to Marcus, but his eyes dart to me when he adds, “Please.”

I chuckle and shake my head, heat blooming in my cheeks.

Once the front door closes, and Marcus is gone, Rome is standing from his chair.

“Let’s go, Lark.”

“Go where?” I scowl.

We’re no longer speaking in only one-word responses, and every time Rome opens his mouth and his voice smooths over me, deep and silky like velvet, my resistance loosens. I’m already bending to his will. God, I’m pathetic.

I stand from my place on the floor, and Rome stalks closer until he’s standing only inches away, his body heat radiating off him.

“Get changed. We’re going out.”

“Out?” I plant my hands on my hips. “What makes you think I don’t have other plans?”

He snorts. “Plans, huh?”

“Yes.” I cross my arms beneath my chest. “I have a job, remember?”

“Okay.” He runs his hand over his chiseled jaw. “So, you have a client meeting scheduled?”

“No, not today.”

“Design proposals to draw up?”

“No.”

“One of your charity fundraisers to plan?”

I clench my jaw. “No.”

“Perfect.” He claps his hands together. I jump at the sound, wishing the clap was against my skin.

He grins wickedly. “Get changed into more comfortable clothes.”

“I’m not sure I want to go anywhere with you.”

His grin fades as he inhales a deep breath. “We’re going to practice.”

“Practice what ,exactly?”

He pauses before winking. My legs are shaking with need. I don’t think I’ve ever seen Rome wink. It’s unsettling, the way his mood is constantly shifting. One minute, I think he can’t stand me. The next, he’swinkingat me.

It’s strange, even for Rome Montgomery.

“You’ll see,” he replies.

I don’t move. It’s impossible to be in Rome’s presence alone. With Marcus here, it’s easier. He acts as a buffer. But now he’s gone, and it’s just the two of us.

Bad things happen when Rome and I are alone together.