So, off I went, pitifully jogging through the trees and toward the field at the back of the house, where two more guest cottages sat. I could just barely hear moans and screams in all directions. I even heard a cry for help.
But no one yelledred.
A body collided with mine, knocking the wind out of me. Strong arms wrapped around me as I let out a raspy cry of surprise.
I was thrown over a shoulder in the next beat, exposing my red ass for anyone to see.
“I’m never running again,” I mumbled, deflated as I fought to catch my breath.
Wes snorted.
I was so dizzy and disoriented, I didn’t notice Wes was wearing different pants and shoes until we were taking the steps up to the back porch.
Wait.
I flailed in my captor’s arms. The man who was carrying me wasnotWes.
41
NOVA
“Put her the fuck down!” Wes yelled in the distance.
I struggled, but the hands clutching my thighs only gripped me tighter.
“Roman,” I hissed.
“Are you wearing a collar?” Roman asked, his voice low and cold.
“Yes! And a red bracelet! So put medown!”
He ignored me, carrying me inside the house and into a nearby private dining room. Two attendants quickly departed at the snap of Roman’s fingers.
I was finally returned to solid ground. I swayed, my vision erupting in black splotches. The sound of a door slamming broke through the quiet, expansive house.
“Don’t fucking touch her!” Wes bellowed.
Roman had reached out a hand to steady me. At Wes’s command, he dropped it, and a wave of vertigo sent me to the floor in the next blink.
I watched from the hardwood as Wes glared at Roman before quickly crouching before me. I sat up on my stinging ass, balancing on a hand as I panted for air. Wes offered me his hand,but I shook my head. The room spun. It was best I stayed where I was for now.
Roman crossed his arms. “I thought it time we had a long overdue family meeting.”
Wes froze. Our eyes locked. A wave of nausea slammed into me, making it hard to break through the confusion and make sense of what was happening.
“What?” I asked.
Roman’s smile was vicious. “Don’t tell me he hasn’t told you.”
Wes didn’t move, his eyes panicked. “Let me help you into a chair, Nova,” he said, his usually controlled, dominant tone strained by simmering rage.
“I struggle to imagine how this never came up,” Roman continued. “Did you think buzzing your hair and covering yourself in tattoos like a degenerate criminal would be enough to erase who you are?” he asked Wes.
“Oh my God,” I groaned. “Just spit it out. What. Are. You. Talking. About.”
Roman’s lips turned down at my tone, eyes still glaring at the collar around my throat. “Do you want to be the one to tell her, brother?”
Brother.
