Page 11 of Born Free

“That is my daughter,” Jon growls, ignoring my comment.

“Andthatis freaking weird,” Elena points out. “But whatever. Glad you two idiots have finally opened your eyes. Just, don’t either of you turn into psychos over each other, ‘k?”

“I’ll try my best,” I say with a roll of my eyes.

But I think on it for a second.

What would I do for Roman?

I might have only realized that there is something between us over the last twelve hours, but before that, he was the person I trusted most. I’ve literally died to save his life several times. Now that things are… evolving, what other lengths would I go to for him?

I’ve learned there is a line.

Sebastian crossed it.

Am I any better?

Is there a line for me?

“Any other shocking news anyone wants to get off their chests?” Jon asks.

“I have a date with Lily Roshan next Thursday,” Mason says, way too casual for the news he’s just shared.

“Fifty bucks,” Roman says.

“I might as well pay you now,” I say. “But you’re going to have to wait, I don’t have any cash on me.”

“Excuse me?” Mason asks, arching a brow.

“Nothing,” I say. “I’m really excited for you. Lily is seriously amazing.”

The smile that pulls on his lips tells me he thinks so, too.

“Let us know what time Orlando wants to meet tonight,” Elena says as she stands, pushing her chair back.

“I will,” Roman replies, and everyone gets to their feet, heading their separate ways.

CHAPTERTHREE

I’mglad for a busy day.

I end up covering in the emergency room for two hours. I deal with an allergic reaction to kiwis, a broken arm from a tumble down some icy stairs, stitches to a man’s back, supposedly from standing up beneath some stairs and getting a scratch, but I see the blood on his girlfriend’s shoes. And there is one man dragged in from the streets with alcohol poisoning.

And then it’s administrative work. It’s nice to finally not feel like I’m drowning. After the last four weeks of practice, things are finally starting to feel kind of normal. With the most incredible assistant in the world, Holly, things work like clockwork.

But I hear the words being whispered. The rumors. Many of our employees, vampires, were at the party and witnessed Orlando and the House show up. They heard him call Roman brother, they saw him try to hand Roman a crown.

The speculation on what it all means is varied, but all of it is close to the truth.

I get texts throughout the day from Roman, sent to all the council members through the private chat Mason sets up.

Orlando and the others have been at the hotel all morning.

Found one of the House members following me. Not giving him anything to see.

So far, no signs of anyone we haven’t been introduced to yet.

That’s good. The last thing we need is even more House members spying.

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