I tilted my head, skepticism coloring my tone. “You’re serious?”
Roman leaned in, his forehead almost touching mine, his breath still uneven as he searched my eyes.
“Dead serious.”
I tried to roll my eyes, to dismiss the weight of his words, but the intensity of his gaze held me captive.
“That’s not how this works, Roman,” I insisted, my voice steady despite the turmoil inside. “We’re not-“
“We’re not what?” His voice was sharper now, not loud but pointed enough to pin me in place. “We’re not something? We’re not allowed to be because we’re friends?”
I looked away, the heat of his gaze making it hard to think. But the fingers on my thigh flexed, a warning that kept me anchored.
“I’m saying this doesn’t have to mean-“
“It already means something,” he interrupted, his words firm and resolute. “Twice in the same week, we’ve crossed a line we can’t ignore. Do you think I can go back to pretending your body doesn’t keep me awake at night?”
My breath hitched at his admission, and I found myself at a loss for words. How could I respond when every part of me screamed to say yes to his offer?
Roman’s hand slid higher, his palm warm against my bare skin, a gentle yet possessive touch that sent my heart racing.
He pulled back just enough to lock eyes with me, and for once, there was no smirk, no calculated distance-just raw determination shining through.
“I’m saying I can’t stop thinking about your body. I can’t stop wanting it. And if anyone else touches you, I’ll put them through a wall. Especially Dean.”
His words sent my previously laid plans of seducing my brother-in-law for revenge straight into the trashcan. My heart kicked hard against my ribs, the realization hitting me like a tidal wave.
New Hope had certainly revealed a side of Roman I had never seen before-a side that was fiercely protective and undeniably possessive.
“You’re a little possessive, you know that?” I remarked, trying to lighten the mood despite the seriousness of the moment.
Roman’s lips curved into a knowing smile, but his gaze remained unwavering. “No, love. I’m a lot possessive. And now you know.”
My heart raced, a flurry of emotions swirling within me as I felt the heat rise to my cheeks, painting them a deep crimson.
Roman’s lips curled into a slight smirk, a flicker of amusement dancing in his eyes. “I’ve been with several women, Savannah,” he confessed, his voice a low murmur, unapologetic yet laced with an intensity that sent shivers down my spine. “But none of them have ever gotten under my skin like you have. You occupy my thoughts, and I’ll be damned if I share you with anyone else.”
His hand lifted, fingers brushing against the side of my neck-a touch that was both feather-light and possessive, sending a jolt of electricity through me.
I attempted to avert my gaze, feeling vulnerable under his scrutiny, but he held me captive with his stare.
“I’m telling you this because I mean it. I don’t want a rotation. I don’t want options. I want you. Anytime. Anywhere. Anyhow.” His voice was firm, laced with a determination that left no room for doubt.
“Don’t look away when I’m telling you this,” he insisted, his intensity wrapping around me like a warm blanket, both comforting and suffocating.
My breath caught in my throat, the weight of his words igniting a fire deep within me.
“And what if I say no?” I managed to ask, my voice barely above a whisper, trembling with uncertainty.
Roman’s thumb glided slowly along my jawline, his eyes narrowing just enough to convey a warning. “Then I’ll treat it like a hostile takeover. I won’t just walk away. I’ll negotiate. I’ll apply pressure. I’ll take every inch you give me, and I’ll find out why you said no in the first place.”
A predatory smile curled at the corner of his mouth, a look that was both enticing and dangerous. “But I’m betting you’ll say yes.” His confidence was lethal, a blade that cut through my defenses.
I swallowed hard, feeling the heat radiate from my cheeks, a mixture of embarrassment and exhilaration.
“Are you seriously using business jargon on me now?” I asked, incredulous.
“It’s the only language I know when I want something this badly.” He leaned in closer, his lips brushing against my ear, sending goosebumps racing across my skin. “And I want this body so much that I’m ready to outbid the world to keep it.”
“You’re quite intense,” I blurted out, unable to hide my surprise.
His gaze remained locked on mine, unwavering. “This is how I operate,” he continued, his voice steady, slipping back into his element. “In mergers, I move quickly. I eliminate competitors. I secure controlling interest. I protect my investment. I identify a target worth acquiring.”
A soft, incredulous laugh escaped my lips. “So, you’re calling me an investment?”
A dangerous curve graced his lips. “I’m calling you the only thing I’ve wanted badly enough to risk the friendship we’ve had for years. You think I do that lightly?”
My silence spoke volumes, and he seemed to understand the weight of my hesitation.
Roman’s free hand came up to cradle my jaw, tilting my face upwards until I could see nothing but him. My back pressed harder against the wall as his hand on my thigh slid fractionally higher-not quite enough to reignite what simmered beneath the surface, but enough to remind me of the power he held.
His voice dipped into something almost coaxing. “Say you’re mine, and I’ll ensure no one else touches you.”
“Say yes,” he murmured, his tone low and enticing, a promise of what was to come.
I shook my head slightly, my voice barely a whisper. “You can’t just… take me like I’m some business deal.”
“Can’t I?” His smirk returned, slow and dangerously confident. “This is my area of expertise, after all. Acquisitions. Once I see value, I don’t let it go. And Savannah…” He pressed a gentle kiss to the corner of my mouth. “…you’re the most valuable thing I’ve ever had my hands on.”
My knees threatened to buckle, and I loathed the fact that he could sense my weakness. His hand steadied me, his body closing the remaining distance between us.
The fight within me began to wane under the weight of his certainty. “Last chance,” he said softly, his voice a silky whisper. “Say yes, or I’ll start working on your weaknesses until you do. I’ll keep showing up. I’ll keep unraveling you until the very idea of being with anyone else feels like throwing yourself into bankruptcy.”
My lips parted in shock, a mix of disbelief and something I was reluctant to name swirling within me.
I swallowed hard, caught between my pride and the dangerous thrill curling low in my stomach.
“You really think you can negotiate me into this?” I asked, skepticism lacing my tone.
“I don’t negotiate when I know I’ll win.” His voice was firm, a finality in his words that left no room for doubt. He would keep coming until I broke.
“Fine,” I exhaled, throwing my hands up in surrender. “You win. I give up. There goes my finance vocabulary-half the terms you’ve used, I’ve never even heard before.”
New Book: Back Home to Marry Off Myself
Loredana’s father left the family for his mistress, leaving them to fend for themselves abroad. When life was at its toughest, her father showed up with “good news” after 8 years of absence: To marry off Loredana to a paralyzed son of the wealthy Mendelsohn family.