Page 38 of Born Free

I hold a hand up, cutting her off. “It’s not weird, and I’m being one hundred percent genuine when I say I’m happy for you two. To be honest, I think you guys are perfect for each other.”

She blushes harder. “I’m really happy to hear you say that. Because things went really, really well. I really like him, Juliet.”

“As you should,” I say, bumping my shoulder into hers. “Mason Godfrey is one of the best people on this planet.”

She lets out a relieved-sounding chuckle. “I’m so glad you’re okay with it. We are actually going out again tonight.”

“Go get him, girl,” I encourage as I walk down the hall to take care of what needs to be done.

Three hours ago, Roman and I left my apartment. He headed to the church to meet with his security team. It’s a whole new game with the Royals here. Security is more important now than ever. And I came here to work to make sure things hadn’t fallen apart while I was elsewhere occupied.

But I watch the clock with dreaded anticipation. Sundown is at 5:30, and Roman will be expected to meet with Orlando soon after.

No way in hell am I going to let him go there alone.

I don’t know what could happen. Santiago kidnapped me. Who isn’t to say that Orlando won’t try to kidnap Roman? Or manipulate him? Or what if Roman pisses Orlando off so much that he tries to kill him?

That sends a drop of cold fear down my spine.

I died for Roman once.

But can I do it again? Can I give my life for his more than once?

There are no clear rules in this game of gifts and curses.

Something sharp and tight wraps around my throat at the thought of Roman dying at Orlando’s hands, or anyone’s hands for that matter.

I’ve only just found my place in this universe, and it’s with him.

I’ll be damned if I let anything happen to him.

But what if I can only die for him once? What if that’s it?

I’m not willing to risk that.

So, I’m absolutely going with Roman to that meeting with Orlando.

With only five minutes until sundown, I hang my coat on the hook in my office and grab my bag. I pull my phone out and find a text from Roman.

I’ll meet you outside.

And when I walk through the doors, he’s there, hands tucked into his pockets, those blue eyes watching me every step I take toward him.

I hardly slow as I close the distance between us. My hands tangle into his hair, and I bring my forehead to his, staring wildly into his eyes. “This could get messy Roman. I’ve got this smart mouth, and if Orlando threatens you, I can’t make any promises that I won’t completely wreck the world.”

Roman’s hand comes to my cheek, his thumb brushing over my skin in a calming way. “I don’t expect anything less,” he says, and a tiny smile pulls on his lips. He tips them forward, meeting his to mine, the movement ridiculously comforting for how short-lived it is. “But let’s not burn down the world before we know if there’s any danger.”

I’m breathing just a little too hard, but I nod, looking out at the streets that surround us. “Let’s go find out.”

His hand slips into mine, holding it tight and sure, and we set out down the sidewalk together.

It still boggles my mind that people have this kind of money as I walk into the hotel where Orlando and his House members are staying. Even though I make plenty of money now, I know there are people in the world who make my yearly salary in a week, and they stay at exactly this kind of hotel.

Just how much money does the King supply the Houses with? He’s had thousands of years to accrue money. I’d imagine he’s gotten pretty damn good at it after that many years.

I hold my head high as I walk through the lobby, giving the slightest of nods to the desk attendant. Roman pushes the button for the penthouse, and we wait for the elevator. I try not to bounce on the balls of my feet as we wait, and it’s a long one since the building is massively tall.

Finally, we step inside and start rising through the building.

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