Page 51 of Barristers & Bones

“Neither are you, and that’s saying something because you aren’t safe or friendly at all.”

Roman leaned down and got in my face. “Cameron likes floggers, handcuffs, and a little pain when he fucks. Maybe he just wants to do lunch, but I highly doubt it, and his preferences don’t seem to be your cup of tea.”

My eyes went wide and my breathing sped up. For once, I couldn’t get a snarky response out. He studied my face carefully. “Or is it?”

I swallowed. “Well, maybe not… all of that.”

He growled low in his throat, and I grew damp. Our conversation had gone off the rails fast, and I needed to get myself together. Turning my head to avoid his gaze, I noticed another woman approaching us, her eyes on Roman. I tried to turn away, but Roman slid his hand around my back and held me to his side.

The slender, dark-haired woman wore a well-cut black dress that was more subdued than Marla’s, but somehow more sensual. She wore a thick gold collar around her throat, and the man standing beside her eyed Roman with intense dislike.

“Good evening, Madison. Charles,” Roman greeted them. “This is Luna Cross.”

I noticed the woman couldn’t quite meet Roman’s eyes, and Charles grunted a hello. Then Madison focused on me. “Hello, I’m Madison Carlisle.” She seemed to expect me to know who she was.

Roman hadn’t given me any information about this couple. “I’m Luna Cross, Mr. Fowler’s law student intern and reticent partner for the evening. It’s nice to meet you.”

Her lips curled up in surprise. “Oh. So you’re not his next… companion.”

I cocked my head. “Truthfully, we can barely tolerate each other, and you’re the second woman to approach us who’s probably a former submissive. You can just tell me whatever it is you want to say.”

The woman’s face flushed and she snuck a peek at Roman, then she took my arm and pulled me out of earshot. “Has he asked you to sign a nondisclosure agreement yet?”

My head jerked back. “No, and I’d tell him to go screw himself if he did.”

She looked almost relieved and then despondent. The woman was beautiful and seemed sincere, but she was also a little broken.

Madison glanced over at the men staring at us. “Be careful with him. He’s mesmerizing and addictive, but also cold and closed off. Don’t think you’re special to him, no matter how mind-blowing the sex and submission are.”

I blinked. “Our relationship isn’t like that.”

She gazed at me, then turned to Roman. “From the way he stares at you, he wants it to be. Just… be careful.” She looked over her shoulder and stepped back. “It was nice to meet you, Luna.”

Roman took my hand and pulled me back toward him, away from Madison.

“It was nice to meet you too. Thank you for the salon recommendation.”

Madison smiled a little as Charles led her away. I turned to Roman and gently tugged at my hand. He let go but stepped closer, looking around as if assessing for other threats.

“Why are your former subs warning me about you? And why do you have them sign NDAs? Is it really necessary? I bet that’s an interesting legal document.”

He raised an eyebrow. “You couldn’t even wait for the night to be over before you start in with the interrogation.”

“I havesomany questions, but since I can’t ask Declan, you did this to yourself. How long do we have to stay?”

Roman shrugged. “I tend to give it an hour or two, and by that time I’m ready to punch someone. It’s been long enough, let’s go.”

As we headed toward the exit, I sighed inwardly when a short, barrel-chested, middle-aged man stepped in front of Roman. I just wanted to go home. The man’s custom-tailored suit did little to disguise the extra weight or his double chin that seemed to disappear into the collar of his shirt. Two hard-looking men stood a few feet behind him.

“Roman Fowler,” the man sneered. He had watery eyes and a bulbous nose. “Who’s your pretty little date?”

“Hello, Silas,” Roman greeted him with an icy smile. “This is Ms. Cross, as you’re well aware.”

He eyed my suit with something akin to amusement. “She’s a pretty thing even in ugly clothes, Fowler, I'll give you that. Does she like it rough? My boys are looking forward to accommodating her when you get tired of her holes.” My stomach tightened at his disgusting words.

“You and your ‘boys’ stay the fuck away from her if you value your balls, Strack. I hear Lionel is still in jail.”

So this was Lionel Strack’s father, Silas Strack. The man’s eyes turned cold. “He’ll be out soon. And then I’ll properly introduce him to Ms. Cross.” This man gave off serious serial killer vibes.

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