Page 14 of Roman

“That was always your favorite line.” Our eyes connect then, his palms holding my face upright so he can peer down at me. His deep blue eyes hold me hostage as he bends down only slightly to brush his lips across mine. It’s then, right at that moment that a high-pitched scream comes from Rhylee’s room.

14

Roman

I’m not sure who registers the scream first but it’s me who bursts through Rhylee’s door with one kick, ready to blow the head off of anyone who is in there with her. Only I can’t shoot a nightmare. Rhylee is drenched in sweat and clutching her pillow so tight in her arms I’m surprised it hasn’t combusted. “Rhy. Baby, wake up.” Pria is there by her side coaxing her out of the nightmare.

“Mom?”

“Yeah, it’s me. I’m here.” Our little girl lunges out of the bed and into her mother’s arms, sobbing right in her shoulder. Much like she did the night before. Damn it. She was putting up a good front. As much as I wanted to keep asking her if she was okay, I refrained from doing it. I knew it would only irritate her. I was glad Pria did the same. Now with her sobbing in Pria’s arms I’m not sure where things go from here. Will she always be plagued by her tormentors? I remember Brood saying a few things about Jordyn and how she had nightmares when she first came to the club. I don’t think she does anymore.

“Will you grab a glass of water for her please?” Pria asks, breaking into my thoughts. I nod and take off to the kitchen not knowing how to even begin to help my little girl. I fill up the glass and bring it back to the room. Pria takes it and helps Rhylee drink before having her lay back in bed. “I’m going to stay in here for a little while longer.”

I take that as my cue to leave and walk out of the room, leaving the door open when I do. The soft murmurs of Pria’s calming tone stay within earshot until my phone starts buzzing to life. I quickly check it and find Brood’s name flashing across the screen. “Pres.”

“I heard you got her.”

“Yeah. Sorry, I would have called sooner but, shit’s been a little crazy.” I glance back at the room I just walked out of and then take the few steps to go outside. The breeze hits me in the face when I open the door. It has been nothing but fucking windy here. At least the air is warm.

“No need to apologize. So, Steven came through?”

“Yeah. Weird motherfucker. Got to hand it to him, he knows his shit.” I leave out the part where he called the coast guard on the ship.

“When do you think you will be heading back?” he’s fishing. And as much as he might owe me for being up his ass about Jordyn when she first came to town, I don’t let him in on anything.

“Soon. Figured I would stay the night, then hop on a plane. Someone available to come grab me at the airport?” the closest airport to Rhino is over two hours away.

“Everyone is busy right now. Maybe wait a week. Listen Roman, I’ve got to get going. Jordyn needs me for something. Just sit tight I will tell you when someone will be able to pick you up.” With that Brood ends the call.

“Asshole,” I grumble and shove my phone back into my pocket. If he thinks he can force me to stay here he has another thing coming.

“She’s asleep.” Pria’s soft footsteps come up from behind me before her hand lands on my back. I can’t help the involuntary flinch her touch causes.

“Good. That’s good.” Rubbing at my eyes I drag my hands down my face. “She have anyone to talk to? Like a doctor or something?”

“A psychiatrist? No. But I think her seeing one isn’t such a bad idea. In fact, I will make some calls tomorrow.” Tomorrow, when I should be fucking leaving.

“Roman told me to stay put. In case someone comes back.” It’s only partly a lie.

“You said that…”

“I think he is just being overly cautious. He’s been getting that way in his old age.” Jesus, I sound like an idiot. “That spare room still up for grabs?”

Pria bites her lip then nods. “Yeah. You should have everything you need in there. Towels and stuff.” She drifts off looking out toward the beach. It’s dark out now but the lights from the street still give off enough glow to see the black waves in the distance. “Thank you. There is no other scenario that Rhylee comes home that doesn’t have you in it. She is back here because of you Roman.”

“Yeah well, I had help. You did the right thing coming to the club.” I know the both of us have a mountain of shit to dig through, right now just isn’t the time. “This is a nice place you got here Pria. Good life.” I pause and for a split second almost bring my hand up so I can touch her face. I hold myself back, knowing damn well she isn’t mine anymore. She isMike’s. And while Mike might be a spineless dick, he is her choice. A choice I pushed her toward. “I’ma get some sleep.” I sidestep her and go inside, closing the door behind me.

As I make my way to my room for the night movement catches my eye at Rhylee’s door. “Can’t sleep?”

“Not really.” She tucks a strand of dark hair behind her ear as her gaze drops down to the floor.

“I don’t know much about anything but I do know that your mother loves you a lot, enough to come to me for help. Hold on to that kid and you will start to sleep better.” I begin walking again when she speaks.

“She loves you too, you know.”

“I very much doubt that kid. Me and your mom didn’t quite leave things neutral between us. In fact, I was a complete assho… jerk to her.” Damn, I need to watch my mouth around her.

“If she didn’t, she would never have kept that picture of you. No one would do that. It’s a girl rule, after every breakup you are supposed to burn everything.” She states as if she has all the youthful knowledge.

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