His smile radiated satisfaction, a gleam in his eyes that spoke of victory. “Is that a yes?”
I narrowed my eyes, a playful challenge igniting within me. “What’s in it for me? I mean, aside from your… well, you know, and the mind-blowing sex that curiously never seems to happen on a bed.” I added the last part quickly, feeling a rush of boldness. “What do I get out of this?”
He smirked, a glimmer of mischief in his gaze. “Anything you want. Name it. And it’s yours.”
My brows shot up in surprise. “Are you serious?”
“Try me,” he urged, a playful challenge in his tone.
A mischievous smile crept onto my lips as I decided to test the waters. “Okay… Let’s say I want a new car. Exactly like yours. You’ll get it for me?”
Not even a second passed before he replied, “Done.”
I gaped at him, astonished. “Just like that?”
His smirk turned smug, a look of triumph on his face. “Just say the word.”
**Roman**
As I kept my hand resting gently on Savannah’s back, we stealthily slipped away from our little secret rendezvous. The lingering scent of her perfume, a delicate whisper of jasmine and vanilla, trailed behind us, mingling with the cool evening air that brushed against my palm. However, with each step we took away from the comforting embrace of shadows, the weight of reality began to press in on us, reminding me of the world we were momentarily escaping.
Savannah was still animatedly talking, her voice light and teasing, like the tinkling of wind chimes in a gentle breeze. “You know, I always had this feeling that I’d strike gold before I turned thirty,” she said, her laughter bubbling up like a fountain. “I remember this one fortune teller I met years ago. She totally ripped me off for twenty bucks! But you know what? She told me I was destined for bigger things. And I believe her, Roman.” Her eyes sparkled with mischief as she danced on the tips of her toes, practically vibrating with excitement.
I chuckled softly, unable to contain my amusement. “You’re the only woman I know who can admit that without flinching. It’s refreshing.”
Savannah rolled her eyes playfully. “I despise pretense. It’s so juvenile. I’m not conceited, but if you’re offering me something, you better believe I’m going to seize it.” Her confidence was intoxicating, a siren’s call that drew me in deeper.
I had half-expected her to brush me off, to retreat like she had done before, erecting walls to keep me at bay. But she hadn’t. Instead, she had accepted my invitation with an ease that took me by surprise, turning the tables and demanding even more.
I can never quite predict you, Savannah. You are an enigma wrapped in wildness.
“I’m going to bleed you dry, Blackwood,” she teased, her laughter ringing out like music in the night.
As if that were even remotely possible.
“You’re welcome to try,” I replied, my tone light but my heart racing at the challenge.
“I can cause a lot of damage, you know,” she said, a playful glint in her eyes. “I could put a serious dent in that impressive bank account of yours.”
“I won’t stop you from trying,” I smiled back, amused by her audacity.
Suddenly, she halted, turning to face me with a serious expression. “How much are you worth, exactly? I’ve known you for years, and I’ve never seen you wear the same suit twice.” Her head tilted slightly, curiosity etched on her features.
I smirked, deftly sidestepping her probing question. “Let’s get moving, Sav. People are probably starting to wonder where you are.”
She scoffed lightly, “As if they’ve even noticed my absence. They’re probably busy patting Henry on the back right now.”
At the mention of his name, my fists instinctively clenched. The mere thought of him made my jaw tighten. A good beating would be too kind for someone like him. He deserved something far worse.
“I doubt that,” I said, my voice low, laced with tension.
*If you knew him like I do, you wouldn’t be so sure.*
“You can always talk to me,” I blurted out before I could rein myself in. I didn’t usually pry; it was a breach of etiquette in my world. But with Savannah, I found myself breaking my own rules time and again.
Her shoulders stiffened, and a shadow crossed her face. “No. You’d just see me the same way they do.”
“Why do you think that?” I pressed, genuinely perplexed.
“I just know it,” she replied, her voice barely above a whisper.
“Nothing is going to change how I treat you, Savannah,” I assured her, hoping to penetrate the wall she had built around herself.
Her gaze flickered up to meet mine, her eyes shimmering under the soft glow of the garden lights. “That’s what you think,” she said, a hint of doubt lacing her words.
“Savannah-“
“Let’s not ruin the moment,” she interjected, forcing a smile that didn’t quite reach her eyes.
I decided to let it go for now. I knew that one day she would confide in me, and when that moment arrived, I would ensure that whoever had caused her pain would deeply regret it.
As we approached the entrance, the sound of the orchestra swelled around us, enveloping us in a cocoon of music. Her grip on my hand tightened, as if she were reluctant to let go of the quietude we had found together.
Alyssa spotted us first, hurrying over with an urgent look on her face. “Where have you two been? I’ve been searching everywhere for you! I thought you’d left!”
Savannah chuckled softly, “We just stepped out for some fresh air. I needed a break, or I might have impaled Henry with a steak knife.”
Alyssa almost laughed, relief flooding her features. “He’s always been a complete arse. Come on-Mom’s been losing her mind looking for you!”
Just then, my phone vibrated in my pocket, breaking the moment. Savannah turned to me, her expression curious.
“Are you coming?”
“You go ahead,” I told her, my voice steady. “I’ll catch up in a minute. Just need to make a quick call.”
She nodded, her eyes lingering on me for a moment longer. “Don’t take too long.”
I pressed a brief kiss to her lips, savoring the warmth before Alyssa towed her back into the bustling chaos of the party.
Once they were gone, I pulled out my phone and dialed the number with purpose.
He picked up on the first ring, the faint sound of music mingling with his voice, a reminder of the world I was about to re-enter.
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.