Page 30 of Stick Fight

Was there some part of me that knew and overlooked what was going on behind my back, completely caught up in the glamour of the fashion world, the thrill of being a part of it, and the idea that someday I’d have my own designer line? Maybe I’m as much to blame for all this as he is.

As those thoughts go through my brain, Roman cocks his head. I force another smile that I don’t feel.

“Don’t come looking for me.”

“Gabrielle, here’s what we’ll do. I’ll tell everyone there was an emergency in your family and you had no choice but to leave immediately. I’ll reschedule the wedding.”

A headache begins in the back of my head. “Cass?—”

“I’m going to find you.” In the background, a door opens and slams shut, and that’s when I hear Luc’s booming voice. “My father has expectations,” Cass seethes, his tone much lower this time.

Ah yes, his father wants an heir sooner rather than later. How did I not see all this before? Why did it take chaos for me to have clarity? I’m not sure, I’m only glad that my eyes have been open (unfortunately, I can’t ever unsee what I’d walked into last night) and to be honest, it’s quite embarrassing.

I lift my lashes and find Roman still watching me. We’ve been open with each other, but this? God, I’d never want him to know how easy it was for them to take advantage of me, how fast Cass and Luc changed me into what they wanted, what suited their purposes.

I swallow the pain in my throat and stiffen my back, exuding confidence when my insides feel like they were just worked over with a cheese grater.

“Is that her?” Luc asks. “Let me talk to her.”

“There is nothing you can say or do,” I blurt out before Luc can take the phone. “It’s over, and I mean it. You and Todd have a nice life. I don’t want to see or hear from either of you again.” When he starts to curse, and Luc’s voice grows louder, I end the call, toss my phone onto the coffee table like it’s infected, and try to keep my legs from collapsing.

Dark eyes move over my face, a careful assessment when I square my shoulders. “When are we leaving?” I ask.

He pulls me to him. “You did good, Gabs. I know that wasn’t easy.”

I choke back a sob. “He said he’s going to look for me.”

He pulls back, his hands on my shoulders. “Did he threaten to hurt you?” Murder backlights his eyes, but this is my fight, not his. “Tell me where he is.”

I put my hand on his chest and his strong heart beats hard against my palm. “No, Roman. I don’t want you doing anything that could jeopardize your career.”

“I don’t care?—”

“No,” I repeat and it’s not true. He might be easygoing and fun, but his career is important to him. You don’t get to his level without hard work and sacrifice, and I won’t allow him to take risks because of my problems. “He wanted to know where I was.”

“You’re safe here.”

I nod, feeling safe locked away in Roman’s suite. “I don’t want to see him, but he seems determined to fix things.” I shake my head and stare at my dress. “The only thing that needs fixing is the dress.” I chuckle, but it’s lifeless. “Maybe it will be therapeutic.”

“Yeah, maybe,” he whispers, a pained look moving over his eyes. “I wish I could take you out of here right now, Gabs. But I have Easton’s wedding tonight.” My heart jumps, and the regret I have for keeping him here with me must be all over my face—I really am an easy read—because he says, “I’m not involved in too many activities. I have the guys’ lunch today. It’s for the wedding party. I’m not in it, but Rip and I planned to hit the Strip later, so he snagged me an invite. For the actual wedding tonight, I just basically have to show up and be my charming self.”

I grin, realizing that’s not too hard for him. But… “Did you have a date for it?”

“No.” He clears his throat and when he bites his bottom lip, looking somewhat sheepish and completely adorable, understanding hits.

“Oh, the bridesmaids. I can make myself scarce tonight.” The pool had some nice change rooms and I could always sneak in after hours again. It worked for me last night. For a little while, anyway. Honestly, how lucky was I that Roman was doing the same—for different reasons of course, but still.

He cups my face. “The only one I want in that bed tonight is you,” he says, and I search his face and find nothing but honesty and…heat.

“Oh.”

“Yeah, oh.” He steps into me, his body big and overwhelming and I slide my hands around his back. “I’d love to finish what we started.”

This time a laugh—a real genuine laugh—bubbles up inside of me. “Ah, you did finish.” I cock my head playfully. “Wait, you think that’s not true?” I rake my nails over his back. “Oh, it’s definitely true and last night you saw that ‘truth’…all over my face.”

His jaw drops open as he shakes his head in disbelief, but there’s laughter in his eyes. “I don’t remember you being such a smart ass.”

“I’m not usually. I think I just feel lighter somehow.”

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