‘I should not provoke him.’
‘You didn’t.’
Roman inclines his head.‘No, I did.I know I did.It is hard for me too.Not like how it is for them but seeing how it will be soon is difficult.’
‘You like her?’Lachlan asks despite himself, already knows the answer.Roman was blushing the whole time he painted Savannah’s toenails.
‘I do, yes.We spent much time together as children.Her mother would leave her with us for whole winters.’Roman smiles in a secret little way.‘They were my favourite kind.’He sighs, smile fading into seriousness.‘This is hard for us all.I do not need to make it worse.’
‘Can I ask, did you ever spend time with Jules as a kid?’
‘No, not really.We would only come for parties once or twice a year.’
‘And Savannah?’
‘Same, I think.Is why I feel bad,’ he adds, frowning to himself.‘Jules has less friends than either of us.This is his first time away from his home.Ana and I travel all the time.He’d never even been in the ocean.’Roman shakes his head.‘No more being a dick, I promise.’
‘Good lesson, well learnt,’ Lachlan says, pats him on the shoulder.‘Listen, will you do me a favour?’
‘Of course.’
‘I know it sounds stupid but just try to stay with Savannah for me?’
Roman nods seriously.‘I will.Oh, and Papa wants to speak to you today,’ he adds, turning away.‘Find him whenever you have a moment.’
‘Heard.’
Jules is dressed by the time Lachlan makes it back up to his room.Annoyingly, the balcony doors are wide open, letting a warm breeze fill the space with the gorgeous scent of salty sea air.
‘I told you to keep these closed.’
‘It’s broad daylight.’
‘I once decapitated a man under the midday sun with a butter knife,’ Lachlan fires off, irritated that he disobeyed.‘Danger doesn’t shy from light.’
‘That was vivid.’
Lachlan closes and locks the door, hesitating only a beat before he asks Jules, ‘Did you tell Roman about us?’
Jules shrugs.‘He already knew.Why?’
‘I need to know if you told him or if we’re being too obvious.’
‘Does it bother you that he knows?’
‘This has to be kept secret.’
‘Does it bother you thatheknows?’
Lachlan rolls his eyes.‘Fucking seriously?’
‘Answer the question, Bodyguard.’
‘I don’t want Roman Sorrenko.’
‘You like him.’
‘Yes.’
