Page 77 of Barristers & Bones

“Roman?”

“Yes, Sweetness?”

“Are all your dress shoes expensive?”

He paused. “Yes. Why?”

“If you ever spank me without my permission, I’ll scratch a big penis on the right toe of every leather dress shoe you own. So every time you look down, it’ll remind you of what a prick you can be.”

Roman chuckled darkly. “WhenI spank you, I’ll make sure you’re panting and begging me for it first, and your juices are dripping on my thighs while I deliver it.”

My insides clenched, and I cleared my throat. “Well then. If you can do that, I might not carve up your shoes.”

“Count on it. I need to keep you safe, but when the threat ends things will go back to normal, I promise.”

But what was “normal” for us? I laid my forehead against the window. “Okay, I’ll try to be patient with Milo. And you.”

“And I’ll try not to be too overbearing.”

My mouth tipped up in a wry smile. “I’ll be sure to remind you of that promise.”

“I would appreciate it because you make me lose my head sometimes. Enjoy your brunch. Drakos and I may swing by later if that’s alright.”

“You’re always welcome. Sylvie will be there, so I can’t vouch for Drakos.”

When I walked out to Milo’s SUV, climbed in, and handed him his phone back, I felt better. Roman didn’t seem to hate me anymore, and against all odds, we enjoyed each other. The sex with him was also… addicting. Damn it, the bastard had been right.

When Milo and I walked into the funeral home, Ezra came over and hugged me. It was the first time I’d seen him since the hospital, and I hated that pinched, worried look on his face.

He pulled me away from Milo and studied me carefully. “Are you alright? Sylvie said Roman drugged you and thenmarriedyou.” His eyebrows furrowed and a dark scowl moved over his face. “Do you need us to take him out? We can make it look like an accident, just say the word.”

“No! No, thank you. I’m… warming to the idea.” Sometimes I forgot that for all his old-world charm and kindness, Ezra was a Spade, and the Spades’ idea of familial loyalty sometimes included breaking kneecaps and burying bodies together. I’d have to be careful not to complain about Roman around them.

He studied my face carefully, then broke into a smile. “Ah, I see now. You’re starting to like him, aren’t you? He can be arrogant and cynical, but I do think he’ll keep you safe, and as much as it pains me to admit, I respect the man.”

I stared at Ezra with my mouth open as the truth hit me. Ididlike Roman. When did this happen? Glancing around, I found Sylvie and Alexa setting up the tables and pointed at them. “I’ll go help set up. Love you.” I awkwardly kissed his cheek, and his eyes twinkled at my discomfort.

Turning to them, I held up Milo’s coffee cake. “We brought a baked good to contribute, and I think Misty and Sasha are coming again.”

Alexa grinned. “This is going to be a strange crowd today.”

Sylvie snickered as she laid out utensils and poker chips. “We’ve got geriatric folks from the neighborhood, the Spade cousins, and dancers from Euphoria.” She turned to Milo and shook her head. “And now Ms. Fowler and her bodyguard.”

My heart stuttered a little at the title. The ramifications of our marriage were just starting to sink in, and I didn’t know what to do with my chaotic feelings.

Scowling, I picked up a deck of playing cards and started shuffling. “It’s still Ms. Cross, thank you very much, and I’ve got another surprise for you. Roman and Drakos may be stopping by too.”

Sylvie turned to me, and her eyes narrowed. “Did you invite Drakos?” She sounded like I’d betrayed her.

“Hmm, kind of?” She growled, and I winced.

“If Fenn shows up, today could turn into a shitshow,” Alexa muttered.

She wasn’t wrong. Fennick Spade was a charming lunatic, and we loved each other like cantankerous siblings. But I also knew never to get on his bad side.

Sylvie smirked at Alexa. “You’re the best poker player I know, but I do enjoy watching Fenn give you a run for your money.” Sylvie glanced at me and zeroed in on the necklace around my throat. “Fuck me. It’s going to take a minute to get used to seeing you wearing an eternity collar.”

My head jerked. “What? What is that?”

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