Page 97 of Roman

I didn’t blame her for being cautious. Still, I wanted her to know I wasn’t against a child. “Babies are usually considered a miracle. A gift.”

She smiled. “That wasn’t what Marianne thought about me.”

“Forget about that woman. She will never come near you again. If she even tries—” I stopped speaking, my hands curling into involuntary fists.

“What would you do?” Effie asked, her eyes wide.

“Kill her.”

“Roman, you don’t⁠—”

I cut her off. “She will never so much as breathe the same air as you, Effie. Ever. What she did was unforgivable. Heinous. She deserves whatever fate has in store for her. I will not help her—ever. And nor will you.”

“You would kill her to protect me?”

“Yes. I would do whatever it took to protect you.”

I was surprised when she turned and flung her arms around my neck. She kissed me with a passion that stirred the constant embers that burned inside me when she was close. I yanked her tight, kissing her back.

“Thank you,” she whispered.

I dragged her onto my lap and made sure the privacy screen was in place. She moved over me, grinding on my erection. I dragged my mouth to her ear. “You have to be quiet, Little Tiger. Can you do that?”

She whimpered, and I covered her mouth, holding the sound down. I had a feeling we were about to get louder.

EFFIE

I sipped my coffee, running a hand through my hair. Roman had woken me before he left, telling me that Vi would be here at nine and to be ready. He didn’t say for what, and I knew better than to ask him. I showered and got ready after he left, pleased to see my bruises were almost gone now. The dark ones on my legs and stomach were yellowing and fading, the ones on my face and arms easily covered. Roman still scowled when he saw them and was infinitely tender when he kissed over them. Actions that gave me hope for our marriage. For us. I knew I was already partially in love with him. Despite his hot and cold, despite his violent side, he had claimed a part of me no one else ever had—or ever would. I worried over him, wanted to make his life better. Easier. I loved the look on his face when he would watch me. He had one facial expression when he left the suite—stoic. Stern. Intense. But when he was with me, he was funny, tender, intense in an altogether different way. And when he made love to me, fucked me, whatever he did to me, it was unbelievable. He never hurt me, even when he was rougher, but the orgasms were incredible. He was a giving, controlling lover. He was also an amazing teacher, showing me how to enjoy my body, enjoy his. His eyes darkened when I explored him. His grunts of pleasure, whispered words of praise, and constant dirty talk were all music to my ears. He made me feel desired. Sexy. Something I had never felt until he entered my life.

And despite how it was happening, or even the why, we were getting married. I echoed his whispered words of wanting Friday to come soon. I wanted to hear him call me his wife. To be Mrs. Effie Costas. To finally belong somewhere.

When I was growing up with Marianne, she always made me feel like an interloper, even in my own home. Our mother tried her best not to let it happen, but Marianne always needed the attention on herself, and it was easier to fade into the background and let her have the limelight, the first choice in everything. The big bedroom, the toy, the color of swimsuit Mom was purchasing for us. If I lingered too long over a pretty blouse or a pair of shoes, those were the ones she had to have. I learned early on in life not to let her know what I wanted. It was tiring.

With Roman, there was no competition. He hated her. I was number one. He promised me his fidelity, and I had no cause to doubt him.

When he informed me he would kill her if he found her, I should have been horrified. Begged for her life. Yet I remained silent. He was right. If she came near me again, it would only be to hurt. I was done trying. I would no longer protect her. After what she had done, she didn’t deserve it.

Vi knocked, and I let her in. She immediately grabbed my hand, effusive over the ring. “Aldo said it was spectacular, but wow!”

I smiled. “Overwhelming.”

She eyed me. “You don’t look like the blushing bride. Do I need to kick some mobster ass?”

I laughed, knowing if I said yes, she would spar with Roman without a problem. Tell him off without mincing words. But I shook my head. “Just all unexpected.”

She nodded, pouring a cup of coffee. “Love is grand.”

“Oh, he doesn’t love me. He is just protecting me.”

She looked amused. “Is that what he told you?”

“Yes.”

“Okay, then. I’ll have lots of fun proving him wrong.” She looked at me over the rim of her cup. “The sex is wild with him, isn’t it?”

I choked as I tried to swallow. “Pardon me?”

“Aldo is a tiger in the sack. Or against the wall. The sofa. Anywhere. The man knows how to use that huge cock of his. His fingers and tongue are a close second. I imagine Roman is equally as talented. He’s got that dirty-boy look under his polished exterior. Am I right?”

I felt myself blush. “I’m not sure I should be discussing that with you.”

She laughed. “You said all I need to know.”

There was a knock, and she grinned. “Ah, they’re here.”

“Who’s here?”

She opened the door, revealing Gerry wheeling a tall rack filled with covered garment bags. He smiled at me. “These were all I could get today. If none of them suit, more will arrive tomorrow.”

“For what?”

He grinned as he lifted a bag off the rack, unveiling a beautiful gown.

“Your wedding.”