24. Chapter 24
Chapter 24
L una
Late Sunday morning, I groaned awake, rolled over, and noticed Roman’s side of the bed was empty. I sat up, looking around. The air smelled faintly of sex and his cedar scent, but the house felt empty.
After cleaning up, I tugged on a loose sundress with a built-in shelf bra and walked out into the living room. I could hear someone in the kitchen and followed the noise.
Milo stood in the kitchen and held up his coffee cup when I walked in. “Good morning. Roman left early, but I made coffee cake and cut up some fruit if you’re hungry.”
The aroma of brewing coffee and warm vanilla made my stomach growl. “Thanks. Did Roman say where he was going?” I fingered the tracker at my neck.
“He’s meeting with one of the partners. That’s all I know.”
“I’m going over to the Palm Desert Oasis Mortuary for our monthly Sunday poker brunch. I assume you’re coming with me?”
“Where you go, I go.” He tilted his head. “Did Roman okay it?”
Irritation blossomed in my chest, and I squared off with Milo. “Roman doesn’t have to ‘okay’ where I go.”
He held up his hands. “I think we got off on the wrong foot.”
“Yes, I think we did. Because you keep putting yours in your mouth. I don’t need to explain my family to you, and Roman already has a damn tracker on me, so you can both go fuck yourselves. I’m leaving in ten minutes. If you’re coming, be ready.”
I turned and strode to my makeshift study, not ready to smell Roman’s scent or see his belongings mixed in with mine in the room we shared. My mind raced as I ran through the conversation with Milo. He’d been judgmental and then patronizing, but my emotions were all over the place, and I’d lost my temper.
When I returned to the living room, he was on the phone. “She’s right here. Do you want to talk with her?”
“Really? You called him?” I knew he was talking to Roman.
Milo handed me his phone. “I’ll be in the car when you’re ready with the coffee cake.”
He walked out to the garage, and I put his phone to my ear. “Hey.”
“Hey.” Roman waited for a few seconds. “Anything you want to talk about?”
“No.”
“Are you angry?”
“More like frustrated, annoyed, and irritated.”
He exhaled. “What happened?”
“He asked me if you gave me permission to go.”
“Ah.”
I stared down at my feet. “Yeah. Did he get the idea from you that I need to get approval every time I leave the house?”
“Maybe. I didn’t tell him you couldn’t leave without my permission, but he knows you’re wearing my tracker.”
My stomach tightened, and I walked over to the back windows to gaze out at his multimillion-dollar views of the Strip. It was overcast and a little smoggy today–the weather fit my mood perfectly. “Do you have any updates on the Stracks? How long do you think we’ll need to do this?”
He paused and his voice went low. “What do you mean by ‘this’?”
“You know, this . Me living at your house, us being married, me having to ask permission to go anywhere, and a judgmental bodyguard attached to my hip?”
“I don’t have any news, but we have some leads. And Luna?”
“Yes?”
“My patience and our truce are officially done. If you refer to our marriage in that tone again, I’ll take you over my knee and spank your sweet ass until you can’t sit for a week. Are we clear?”
“Roman?”
“Yes, Sweetness?”
“Are all your dress shoes expensive?”
He paused. “Yes. Why?”
“If you ever spank me without my permission, I’ll scratch a big penis on the right toe of every leather dress shoe you own. So every time you look down, it’ll remind you of what a prick you can be.”
Roman chuckled darkly. “ When I spank you, I’ll make sure you’re panting and begging me for it first, and your juices are dripping on my thighs while I deliver it.”
My insides clenched, and I cleared my throat. “Well then. If you can do that, I might not carve up your shoes.”
“Count on it. I need to keep you safe, but when the threat ends things will go back to normal, I promise.”
But what was “normal” for us? I laid my forehead against the window. “Okay, I’ll try to be patient with Milo. And you.”
“And I’ll try not to be too overbearing.”
My mouth tipped up in a wry smile. “I’ll be sure to remind you of that promise.”
“I would appreciate it because you make me lose my head sometimes. Enjoy your brunch. Drakos and I may swing by later if that’s alright.”
“You’re always welcome. Sylvie will be there, so I can’t vouch for Drakos.”
When I walked out to Milo’s SUV, climbed in, and handed him his phone back, I felt better. Roman didn’t seem to hate me anymore, and against all odds, we enjoyed each other. The sex with him was also… addicting. Damn it, the bastard had been right.
When Milo and I walked into the funeral home, Ezra came over and hugged me. It was the first time I’d seen him since the hospital, and I hated that pinched, worried look on his face.
He pulled me away from Milo and studied me carefully. “Are you alright? Sylvie said Roman drugged you and then married you.” His eyebrows furrowed and a dark scowl moved over his face. “Do you need us to take him out? We can make it look like an accident, just say the word.”
“No! No, thank you. I’m… warming to the idea.” Sometimes I forgot that for all his old-world charm and kindness, Ezra was a Spade, and the Spades’ idea of familial loyalty sometimes included breaking kneecaps and burying bodies together. I’d have to be careful not to complain about Roman around them.
He studied my face carefully, then broke into a smile. “Ah, I see now. You’re starting to like him, aren’t you? He can be arrogant and cynical, but I do think he’ll keep you safe, and as much as it pains me to admit, I respect the man.”
I stared at Ezra with my mouth open as the truth hit me. I did like Roman. When did this happen? Glancing around, I found Sylvie and Alexa setting up the tables and pointed at them. “I’ll go help set up. Love you.” I awkwardly kissed his cheek, and his eyes twinkled at my discomfort.
Turning to them, I held up Milo’s coffee cake. “We brought a baked good to contribute, and I think Misty and Sasha are coming again.”
Alexa grinned. “This is going to be a strange crowd today.”
Sylvie snickered as she laid out utensils and poker chips. “We’ve got geriatric folks from the neighborhood, the Spade cousins, and dancers from Euphoria.” She turned to Milo and shook her head. “And now Ms. Fowler and her bodyguard.”
My heart stuttered a little at the title. The ramifications of our marriage were just starting to sink in, and I didn’t know what to do with my chaotic feelings.
Scowling, I picked up a deck of playing cards and started shuffling. “It’s still Ms. Cross, thank you very much, and I’ve got another surprise for you. Roman and Drakos may be stopping by too.”
Sylvie turned to me, and her eyes narrowed. “Did you invite Drakos?” She sounded like I’d betrayed her.
“Hmm, kind of?” She growled, and I winced.
“If Fenn shows up, today could turn into a shitshow,” Alexa muttered.
She wasn’t wrong. Fennick Spade was a charming lunatic, and we loved each other like cantankerous siblings. But I also knew never to get on his bad side.
Sylvie smirked at Alexa. “You’re the best poker player I know, but I do enjoy watching Fenn give you a run for your money.” Sylvie glanced at me and zeroed in on the necklace around my throat. “Fuck me. It’s going to take a minute to get used to seeing you wearing an eternity collar.”
My head jerked. “What? What is that?”
She and Alexa glanced at each other and she pointed to my neck. “It’s basically a submissive collar.”
My hand flew up to the band. “No. This is just a necklace.”
Alexa shook her head. “I’m pretty sure she’s right, especially with the lock.”
“What does that mean?” My heart rate picked up, and I started hyperventilating a little. “How did I not realize it?”
She grabbed my hands and squeezed. “It’s alright, Luna. Maybe it is just for the tracker.”
Sylvie snorted. “Yeah, right. I don’t think it’s that innocent–this is Roman Fowler we’re talking about. But I have to admit, it looks pretty badass–like a cross between a collar and an expensive necklace from Tiffany’s.”
Alexa pursed her lips. “The man does have good taste.”
I sat in one of the folding chairs and held my head in my hands for a moment, realizing just how devious Roman had been. He’d scuttled my water law internship, manipulated my schedule, then drugged me and somehow talked me into marrying him–though the details of that night were fuzzy, and now he’d gotten a collar on me. He confused and infuriated me at turns and it was like working on an intricate, complicated puzzle but with a few vital pieces missing. Sylvie patted my shoulder, but she and Alexa gave me some space to brood.
Fenn and Kilian showed up as we started to eat. After greeting Ezra, Fenn walked over and put his arm around me, hugging me to his side a little too tight. I held my drink out so I wouldn’t spill.
“I hear you’ve been busy, Lou. Why the hell didn’t you call me? And what the fuck happened to your face?” There was a playful edge to his voice, but I could tell he was angry.
I took a sip of my drink. “Hello, Fenn. Thank you for the offer, but I’d rather not owe you my firstborn.” Fenn’s light blue eyes held a perpetual, half-smirk that varied in degrees of craziness depending on the situation.
He let go of me and patted my head, rattling my teeth a little. “You’re such a joker, and if I really wanted your firstborn, I’d marry you off to one of my lieutenants and take all your kids instead of just one.”
I patted his shoulder a little too hard. “And that’s why I didn’t call you.”
He grinned down at me, but his smile faded as he eyed the bruise again. “Instead, you married one of the coldest, most calculating assholes in Vegas, and he’s a fucking attorney to boot. No offense.”
“None taken.” He took potshots at attorneys every chance he got when he was around me.
“I try not to fuck with them, but if things go tits up, you call me. We’re family.”
I smiled genuinely this time. “I like him. He’s protective, and he can be… nice sometimes.”
Looking down at the collar and tracker around my neck, he shook his head. “With a father like yours, it explains why you think Roman Fowler can be nice . How’s he treating you?” Fenn was the only person I knew who referred to my psychotic father in such an open, matter-of-fact way. It was kind of a relief.
“He’s a manipulative asshole at times, but he doesn’t get annoyed with all my questions, and he assigned a bodyguard to me.”
Fenn smiled and kissed my cheek. “You might have just saved that fucker’s life. Your mind is beautiful, Lou, don’t let people tell you differently. I’ve got something for you.” He pulled what looked like a black flashlight out of his pocket and handed it to me. “It’s a flashlight taser. Be careful with it. Tasers are legal in Nevada, but this one might not be entirely legal.”
I took the thing and studied it. Fenn and Kilian’s presents were always unique and a little scary. “Thank you?”
“Such a smartass.”
A few minutes later, Samuel, Misty, and Sasha walked in with Samuel holding Misty’s hand. Misty had changed up her hair color a little and now sported white tips at the end of her red pigtails.
When she saw my jaw, her eyes widened. “The bruise on my face is almost gone, but yours is…” She didn’t finish.
I knew it was now an ugly, almost florescent greenish-yellow color, and the concealer hadn’t helped much. “Florescent green?”
She took my hand and squeezed. “I’m so sorry he came after you when you were only trying to help me. This is my fault.”
“No, it’s that asshole’s fault who thinks it’s okay to terrorize and beat up on women. I’d do it again.” Samuel nodded at me in silent thanks and put his arm around Misty. She patted his shoulder and snuggled into him. They were both good people, and I was glad they’d gotten together.
We talked and ate while Milo stood by the door, carefully observing every person who came and went. We started playing poker, and Sasha came over to sit beside me, sipping her mimosa out of a plastic champagne flute. Her violet hair matched her sparkly eyeshadow today.
“There’s a rumor you and Roman Fowler got married last week. Is it true?” Sasha was a straight shooter, and it didn’t surprise me she’d poked the elephant in the room.
I fingered my wedding band. “Yes. Xander performed the ceremony. I know it’s a little sudden, but we’ve been working together for a few months now…” I trailed off, unsure if I should try to sell the marriage or not. Roman and I hadn’t talked about it. We hadn’t talked about a lot of things.
Misty grinned happily. “Congratulations! That’s so wonderful.” She studied my face and her smile faded. “Right?”
Samuel took Misty’s hand and kissed it. “It’s smart, is what it is, he’ll keep her safe. Let’s go get some food.”
Sasha studied the large ring on my finger. “My ex-boyfriend is a jeweler, and I picked up a few things. That ring is worth a fuck-ton. And that emerald? It’s at least three karats, and it matches your eyes perfectly.” She took another sip. “I don’t think he’s just keeping you safe. Did Roman also give you that collar, and what’s that hanging next to the lock?”
I let out a long breath. “Yes, and it’s a tracking device in case the Stracks come after me again.”
She leaned forward and studied it. “Do you know what the collar means?”
“Kind of. Not really.” Turning to her, I drained half my mimosa. “Honestly? I don’t know what the hell is going on. He’s been cold then hot, cruel, and then kind. He dumped me as his intern last Saturday, kissed me on Tuesday, married me the next day, and we had sex–” I stopped talking abruptly.
Sasha’s eyes widened. She grabbed my hand and squeezed. “First, I have to know. How was it?”
My cheeks warmed so fast it felt like I had a second-degree sunburn. “So good,” I whispered.
Her eyes glazed over. “I fucking knew it. With some men, you can just tell.” She seemed to shake herself. “Look, my advice is from sad personal experience. You two need to communicate. Figure out what you want and what’s best for you, then tell him and make sure he listens.” She pointed to my neck. “And ask him exactly what that means.”
Setting my cards down, I blew out a breath. “I’m so confused. Sometimes I’m so flaming mad at him I want to rage, and the next minute he’s being thoughtful and sweet, and I want to crawl in his lap and wrap him around me.”
Roman and Drakos walked in as if I’d somehow conjured up the devil himself just by thinking of him. Roman met Milo at the door and stopped to talk to him while Drakos looked around, found Sylvie, and strode over to her.
When Roman made it to our table, he leaned over and kissed the side of my neck. “Hello, Sweetness. What’s the buy-in?”
Several hours and three mimosas later, we walked up to my apartment together. I felt fuzzy but content. The poker tournament had taken on a life of its own once Fenn and Roman won their tables and advanced to the next round. But Alexa had methodically and coldly beaten them both, been deemed this month’s funeral parlor poker champ, and gone home with over a thousand dollars. Good for her. I knew she could use the money way more than either of those two.
Drakos and Sylvie disappeared not long after Drakos arrived, and I noticed Ezra’s prized chess set sitting on the kitchen table. I’d have to ask her about that.
I wanted to grab a swimsuit and a few other things since half my belongings were still here. It felt strange being at the apartment but realizing I wasn’t living here at the moment.
Carl meowed loudly, wound himself around my legs, and then jumped up on the bed next to Roman to watch me pack.
“He sounds like a muscle car without a muffler.” Roman didn’t try to pet him this time.
“It’s part of his charm.”
I pulled a couple of bikinis out of my drawer, but Roman shook his head. “You don’t need those. I’ll just peel them off right after you put them on.”
A blush crawled up my neck, and I picked up a modest one-piece and put it in my bag while staring at him. Roman’s lip twitched, and he raised an eyebrow. I also opened my nightstand drawer and pulled out the lotion and lip balm I kept there, but Roman leaned over and looked inside before I could close it. He pulled out my small vibrator and nipple clamps before I could slam the drawer on his hand.
“Hey! Get out of there.”
“What are these?” he asked innocently as he held my little pink Cherry Box vibrator out of reach as I tried to grab it. Then he dangled the clamps.
“None of your business! Now give them here.” My face flushed hot as we wrestled.
When he kept teasing me, I pushed him back on the bed and crawled over his body. He chuckled and wrapped an arm around my waist, then rolled me underneath him, shoving his hips between my thighs.
My knit dress rode up, and he dropped my toys on the bed and slipped a hand underneath, running it up my leg. I stilled and my thighs fell open as he reached my panties. He’d just slid a finger across my damp slit when the front door opened.
“Anyone home?” Alexa called.
“Fuck,” Roman sighed as he pulled his hand out and rolled onto his back.
“We’re in my room,” I croaked out.
I pushed my dress back down and sat up seconds before Alexa came to the doorway. When she saw us, she smirked. “Sorry to interrupt. Sylvie has disappeared, but do you want to eat dinner with Ezra, Kilian, and me later?”
My knee-jerk reaction was to say yes, but I lived with Roman now.
I gazed at him. “Are you okay with having them over for dinner? We can grab something to grill on the way home.”
He searched my eyes and then shrugged. “Yes.”
Smiling, I turned to Alexa. “Do you guys want to come over, maybe around seven? You can eat with us, and I’ll try to track down Sylvie in the meantime.”
Alexa picked up Carl and absently stroked him. She had to talk a little louder to be heard over his purr. “Seven is perfect. That’ll give me a few hours to study and help Ezra unload a body that’s coming in.”
Roman shook his head. “You all have a strange familiarity with death, especially for being so young.”
Alexa shrugged. “We live in a mortuary and our best friend is a mortician. Besides, a good portion of my family is dead. Death is as normal as breathing or drinking. It’s part of the human experience.” Carl started wiggling, and Alexa set him down. “I wish we could do funerals here like they do in New Orleans. Mixed in with the grief and mourning, they make it a celebration with live music and dancing.”
I smiled. “And great food because–New Orleans. If you die before Sylvie and I do, we’ll make sure you get that.”
On the drive home, we grabbed some groceries for dinner and Roman looked around curiously. “When did grocery markets start putting coffee shops, banks, and dry cleaning into their stores?” he asked.
“It’s been so long I can't remember. Who does your grocery shopping, anyway? It’s obviously not you.”
Roman shrugged. “My housekeeper.”
I stared at him and shook my head. “It’s like we don’t even know each other.”
Roman took my hand and ran his lips across my fingertips. “We’ll have to change that then, won’t we?”
We sat in silence on the rest of the drive home, each lost in our own thoughts. I remembered my conversation with Sylvie at brunch and I turned to Roman, touching my neck. “Sylvie and Alexa say this band is really an eternity collar. Is that true?”
He gazed over at me, and his expression didn’t change. “Yes.”