Page 71 of Roman

“Your point?”

“You seem to be missing out on so much life.”

I rolled my eyes. “Nonna was no doubt filling your head with her words.”

“She worries about you.”

“I’m aware of that.”

“She wants you to be happy.”

I crossed my arms, studying her, suddenly annoyed.

“I am perfectly content with my life. Should I remind you today was simply an act to let Nonna think we were a couple? We’re not, Effie, really. We have a relationship, but that is different. I am not looking to change my life. I am especially not looking to give up my hotels or businesses and settle down. I have zero desire for a wife or children.”

I saw the look of hurt that crossed her face. But she squared her shoulders.

“What are we exactly, Roman?”

“I am your protector. Your lover.”

“You forgot jailer.”

I laughed, the sound unamused. “Your jailer is keeping you safe. You have everything you need. Everything you ask for.”

“I didn’t ask for this.”

“Neither did I.”

She swallowed. “I thought you cared. You said⁠—”

My anger was beginning to grow. Her questions came too close to the ones I was asking myself. I pushed off the desk, cutting her off and grabbing my jacket, shrugging it on. “This is me caring, Effie. If I didn’t, you’d be dead by now. Or wishing you were. Try to show some gratitude. I asked you to pretend to be more today. You did a good job. We both did. Let’s end the acting now.”

“That’s all it was?”

“No,” I snapped. “I like to fuck you. You amuse me. I think you’re pretty. That isn’t acting. But a future together isn’t going to happen. It’s not in the cards, so get that thought out of your head.”

“I never⁠—”

I didn’t wait to hear the rest. I stormed out, unsure why I was so angry.

Why the devastated look on her face bothered me so much.

I refused to think about it.