Page 49 of Veiled Vows

Once inside my room, I close the door and lean against it.

Silence falls.

Roman wanted to take me to the hospital for my head, but other than an ache and a bruise, I’m fine. His injuries were much worse, but he walked them off like a paper cut.

Must be a man thing.

Still, it’s been a hell of a day.

I strip off my clothes one by one while running the hottest, soapiest bath I can, and my mind replays my parents’ argument while their current one drifts up through the floor. It seems they’re arguing about old wounds, with my mother mostly furious at my father for making choices that endanger the family. Money hungry, she calls him. It dies down when I turn on my music and increase the volume, then I step into the hot water and let the heat soak away every bit of dirt and grime from the accident.

Unfortunately, the ghost of Roman’s touches are washed away too.

But there will be more.

Roman Falzone is my mystery rescuer. What are the chances of that? For years, our families have been enemies; it was even his father who had me snatched, and Roman swept in like some kind of guardian angel and saved me.

Agreeing to marry him at that party to save our families is like fate. Somehow, I was getting exactly what I wanted without knowing it.

My eyes close and memories of the night before flood my mind. His soft kisses, his warm touch, the way his voice turns rougher after orgasm. Even his hand around my throat was apleasant surprise. My fingertips trace down my neck, replaying that sensation with a smile.

But as happy as I am to have him, his story is painful. His poor mother.

And all these years cozying up to the man that harmed her so deeply. Roman’s a stronger person than I could ever be. Is there a way I can help him?

The wedding for one. It’ll put the entire weight of my family behind him, which can only be a good thing when facing the rest of his family. Especially Alto. Roman assured me he would find proof, and I believe him. His hatred for his own family was evident in every word.

There’s still one glaring issue. The Yakuza.

While we’re in the middle of peace talks, they still acted on Alto’s word and tried to kill me.

Assholes.

Securing peace will be trickier than I thought, but we’ll need it before Roman can make a move against his father. With the Yakuza still in the Gatti family’s pocket, they have enough power to beannoying.

I’m still mulling over how to handle the Yakuza when my phone bursts to life. Leaning over the edge of the bath, my wet fingertips prove useless.

“Siri, answer.”

“Jasmine? Jasmine, are you there? Jasmine!”

“Catherine?” All warmth immediately leaves me. “I’m here, what’s wrong?”

“It’s Seth!” Her voice is thick with tears and she speaks in a hushed whisper. “He’s here!”

20

ROMAN

“When you asked me out on a date, this isn’t exactly what I had in mind.” Climbing out of my car, I close the door and smile warmly at Jasmine who stands in the parking spot across from me.

Both her hands brace back against the hood she’s leaning against, and her high heel booties cross over each other at the ankle. “Is that a complaint I hear?” Jasmine’s small smile grows into a sly smirk. “Is this too much suspense for anold man?”

“Ouch!” My hand touches my heart. “Forty-one isn’t that old.”

“Mm-hmm, sure. Well, let me know if it all gets too much for you.” She leans up as I approach, but I’m in front of her before she can stand.

With one hand cupping her hip, I lean into her and bring my lips close. “You speak as if I can’t keep up with you.”

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