Page 167 of Prey

It was like stepping into an alternate universe.

Roman gently tapped my chin with his finger. “You might want to stop looking like that.”

I quickly contorted my face to a neutral expression.

He shook his head and laughed at me, climbing out of the truck.

I watched as he walked around the front of the truck and came to my side, opening the door for me and helping me out.

I smiled my thanks before—almost as if he couldn’t help himself—he leaned down and placed a breathtaking kiss on my lips.

I wrapped my arms around his waist and held him close, not wanting him to pull back too soon.

I didn’t think there would ever be a time when I didn’t crave him.

A cough startled us apart, and I looked over to see Kai standing there, amusement in his eyes.

“This is a kid’s party, so how about we keep things PG, yeah?”

I pushed Roman away, my cheeks flaming as I made my way over to my friend.

He pulled me into his arms and hugged me tightly.

Back when I was in school, I would have never in a million years thought that Kai Madden would be my closest friend, but here we were.

Plus, I didn’t think he had many people close to him besides the guys from the club.

I was right in my original assessment of him—he was a lonely prince.

I wanted to take some of that loneliness away from him.

“How are you?” he asked, pulling away from me.

I smiled. “Good. I’m excited to meet your little brother.”

Kai grinned, tapping my nose affectionately. “And he’s excited to meet you.”

“Kai?” Roman asked from behind me.

“Yeah, old man?”

I giggled over the nickname.

“You want to let go of my girl before I kick your ass, kid?”

Kai laughed, but he let me go, shaking his head.

Roman pulled me right back into his arms.

I stood on my tiptoes and buried my face in his neck, breathing in his scent for a little reassurance before we made our way inside.

Inside the house was nothing as I had expected.

It was nothing like my childhood home. Not at all.

It was warm, chaotic, and happy.

A cute little boy was running around playing tag with his friend.

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