Page 42 of My Pucking Life

He definitely knew what he was doing. Allowing me time to unwind before I spend the next however long wound so tight; I don't know how I'll function, but I'll get through. We have to do this.

The dark witch still refuses to speak after all of the men's interrogation tactics that I do not want the details of. Willa also tried to help to no avail. I think she's being brought with us on our trip and brought in front of the witch council to see if they can help us find out what's going on and who they're working for...or with.

“Why must you always think so loudly?” Roman grumbles into my ear, effectively scaring the shit out of me.

I squeal and leap into the air. When I realize it's him, I laugh and swat at him. “How can someone so large sneak up on people without being heard?”

He throws his head back, freely laughing, and I'm taken aback by the beauty of him. Hearing him laugh and seeing him smile fills my tummy with butterflies, my body stops working, and I can't help but just stare at him.

When his attention returns to me, he notices the way my eyes are devouring him. “Come now.” He smiles. “You must finish packing. You've put it off long enough,” he finishes, kissing the top of my head and making his way into the bathroom.

And how exactly am I supposed to focus on packing when he is so good at distracting me?

He snorts from the bathroom, telling me that, once again, my thoughts made it to him through our bond.

When I've finally finished packing, filling all three pink hard case suitcases that Roman bought for me, I smile at the accomplishment, but my stomach churns with thoughts of our trip.

Chasing the worry away, I head back to the kitchen to be with everyone. We decided to have another family dinner since we'll be apart for so long. Just as I almost set myself onto the barstool to watch the way Miss Tilly flits around the kitchen, the doorbell chimes.

That should be Khaos. “I've got it!” I shout. Benny throws me an ornery smile, and we both bolt for the door for no reason other than to have fun. He's way faster than me, but I still beat him because he's a sweetheart and lets me win sometimes. I smile up at him as I reach for the door, letting Khaos in. “Hey, Squirt!”

I beam up at him. I didn't care much for the nickname at first, being sensitive over my size for no reason. Instead, I've decided to fully embrace it. “Hey, Draq!” I spout back, biting my lip to try not to laugh.

Benny and Khaos look at me like I have two heads as Roman joins us, still by the door.

“Draq?” they all three ask in unison, making me lose control of the laugh, and it spills past my lips.

“Well, you call me squirt because I'm little. So, I decided I'll call you Draq because you've got those dark vibes, and you're old as fuck.”

The space erupts into laughter, even Khaos'. He pulls me into his body once more, giving me a soft noogie and messing up my hair, but I can't be bothered to care.

Khaos keeps me tucked under his arm as we head back towards the kitchen, Roman taking his place on my other side.

Our big family dinner went much more smoothly this time. Even Eris didn't look totally miserable tonight. We talked and ate the most delicious spread of American-style Italian food. The stuffed manicotti was my favorite pasta, and I could easily eat my weight in those breadsticks. Olive Garden's got nothing on Miss Tilly.

With our bellies full, the chatter around the table slows, and my heart hurts that we all won't be together. For them, it'll only be a week. For us, it'll feel like three.

“I'm gonna miss you guys.” My voice cracks as I look around the room at our family.

Miss Tilly's eyes water with mine, and Runa smiles sadly.

Roman pulls me from my chair and onto his lap, wrapping his strong arms around me and making me feel so safe and loved.

“We'll miss you too, but you're going to have way more fun than you think,” Runa speaks up. “I've heard Sabbax is stunning. You might be on a mission for information, but don't forget to have a good time,” she finishes with a large encouraging smile.

“She is right about their realm being a sight to behold. You did pack all your camera gear, didn't you?” Andrei asks.

“I did.” I nod. “Roman made sure to add it to my packing list for me…Runa, would you mind texting and checking on Zoey while we're gone? I told her we wouldn't have reception where we are going, but I don't want her to be totally alone if she needs anything.”

“Of course. We already exchanged numbers.”

Nodding and thinking to myself to make sure I'm not forgetting anything, I try to remain calm and not show what I'm doing. Speaking through the pack link, focusing on only Roman and Dolos,Dolos, please really work with your brother while we're gone. Runa's heart hurts, and she's not going to sit around and wait forever.

He flinches slightly at my words, and Roman pats my thigh in approval when Dolos' words reach me,I have been, and I will find a way to get through to him. I feel like I've been making progress. Trust me, Runa isn't the only one hurting through this.

I break character, no longer caring about being inconspicuous, to smile softly at him and offer him a small nod.

“All right, enough of that,” Roman announces as he sets me on my feet to stand. Before I can even think, I'm picked up and heaved over his shoulder. “We should all get some rest. We have an early morning tomorrow,” he says calmly, like I'm not kicking and squealing at him to put me down. I can feel his humor skipping down our bond as he turns to leave the room.

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