Chapter 28 #2
“I mean…” I start, my words slow and tentative.
“It’s the image you created, so everyone stops focusing on who you’re related to.
” I place a hand on his chest, trying to show him I understand what his image means to him.
“I’m fine with it, Rome. So long as you’re mine and only mine, I don’t care about the rest. The same way you’d never tell me to stop racing, stop taunting everyone to get under their skin, or stop wearing shorts that kind of show my ass because it’s what I like.
I would never tell you what to do with your career.
I understand you have an image to maintain.
” He shakes his head, further confusing me, before he blurts out his next words.
“I don’t care about that image,” he says, his eyes fierce, locked on mine. I give him a knowing smile.
“I know, baby. But I also know there’s a reason you created it. I know you like having that barrier. It gives people something else to focus on, and—”
“What does it matter if it means I can’t let the whole world know you’re mine?” My chest warms with his words, but I also know he’s had a very trying, very emotional day.
“We have time to show the whole world that I’m yours. There’s no rush. We can announce it when you’re completely sure and ready. When things are easier.” When I can tell you the truth about everything, and I’ve solved this case, I don’t say.
“Is this a you thing?” he asks. “Do you want to hold off because you don’t want everyone to know?”
“No, Rome. Do you not remember me almost ripping Mel’s extensions out the other day?
” He smiles wide at the reminder. “We’re not waiting for anyone or anything.
We’re just us settling in. There’s no rush, right?
” He stares at me for long moments, as if gauging the validity of my statement, before giving me a knowing smirk and a nod.
“Yeah,” he says, pressing his lips to mine before rolling me off him and sitting up. “Anyway, I’m still hungry. Want to order a celebratory dessert?” he asks, swiping his phone off the counter. “I’ll get room service sent up so you don’t even have to put on any pants.
“Do they have chocolate cake?” I ask with a small smile. He leans over, pressing his lips to my forehead before sitting up and onto the edge of the bed beside me.
“Let me check. If not, I’ll order one from nearby.
” I contemplate arguing, but I know by now that if I do, it will only make Rome want to do it more—his determination to give me everything and anything I desire is unmatched.
He smiles wide at me, snuggled into his bed, before tapping on his phone a bit, checking the menu, and calling it in.
It’s almost thirty minutes later when the first text hits my phone.
I stare at the device from where it sits on the bedside table, confused since it’s late and no one really ever texts me.
Since Rome and I are cuddled up watching a movie, I leave it, but a minute later, another comes through. And another.
“Everything okay?” Rome asks, a small smile on his lips, increasing my confusion and my suspicion.
“I think so?” I say, removing myself from his hold, then swiping my phone. Rome sits up, settling himself against the headboard, looking alarmingly smug before I start to read the messages.
Demi
So you and playboy went public, huh?
I furrow my brows at my phone, but before I can respond, a new message comes in from my oldest brother.
Drew
You’re DATING the champ? This means I can get Indy tickets, right?
It doesn’t clear anything up, but when a text comes through the Mavens group chat, everything becomes crystal clear.
Josie
Oh my god, you look so hot, Lan.
This one is accompanied by a screenshot, making my heart pound as I zoom in, reading the image source and whatever isn’t cut off in the caption.
My eyes are wide and my pulse pounding as I tap out of the text app and into Instagram to confirm.
Rome still has that smug smile on his lips as I look at him, tapping until I’m on his account, staring open-mouthed at his newest post.
It’s a photo of me, standing in front of my truck, arms up in the air, my little trophy in one hand.
It’s not one of the professional shots taken by the circuit photographers or press, but one taken a bit off to the side and from a strange angle.
After a moment, I realize it must be one Rome took himself from the pit.
When I swipe over, there’s another picture of me smiling in his tee and shorts, a pizza on the mattress between us, blankets in a mess around me, taken barely two hours ago.
My hair is up in a messy bun, and I’m giving him a cheesy thumbs up, looking incredibly at ease.
@Romanempire: So fucking proud of my beautiful, kind, hilarious, badass girlfriend for clinching her first Monster Smash win. Now it’s time to celebrate.
“What did you just do?” I ask, looking at me skeptically, a mix of panic and awe filling me.
He grabs my phone and tosses it aside before crawling onto the bed, peppering kisses along my body as he does so. His hand slides up, under the tee I’m wearing, bunching it up at my stomach, his warm hand settling on my belly.
“Claimed you,” he states matter-of-factly, and my heart nearly explodes. “I wanted everyone to know once and for all just how off-limits you are, and for you to know just how serious I am about you. I don’t need time, Lana. I just need everyone to know you’re mine.”
“Rome, you didn’t have to—”
“Oh, I know. I wanted to.” I bite my lip, excitement and joy filling my chest, but I’m forcing myself to be realistic.
“Are you sure about this? You can still delete it, say it was a joke, say it was—”
“Don’t piss me off, Lana. This isn’t a joke, and we’re not a joke.” He pulls back for a moment, taking in my face. “Unless… Unless you’re not okay with this?” I shake my head fast because, despite the guilt of the lies between us, I want everyone to know Rome is mine.
“No, no… I am,” I say quickly, wanting to assure him. “I’m more than happy for everyone to know just how off-limits you are.” His eyes flare with heat, and I lick my lips. “I don’t know if you know this, but I can be a bit jealous.” He groans, pulling me into his lap.
“Mmm, yeah, I’ve noticed. I kind of love that about you, heartbreaker.
” My breath hitches as I feel his hard cock beneath me.
But before we can do anything more, there’s a knock at the door.
Rome groans, his head falling to my neck and nipping at the skin there.
“That’s your cake.” He picks me up and sets me on the bed, tugging his tee over my head as he does.
“Go lie down and play with yourself, get wet for me while I grab it.” My lips part on a sharp intake of breath, and he grins as there’s another knock at the door.
“Now, Lana. I want to eat out my girlfriend when I get back.” He doesn’t need to tell me again, and I scramble up the bed, settling into it before sliding my hand to my center.
His eyes close and lips tip with a blissful smile.
He turns then, leaving me to grab my dessert before he has his.
Whoever said you can’t have your cake and eat it too clearly never had a boyfriend like Rome DeLuca, who wanted to give them the world.