Page 34 of Sacrificing Zoriah

“You are my sun, moon, and stars, mi amor. My world revolves around you and your happiness,” Roman says sweetly. “No matter what I do or how hard things get, I will always be there to take care of you. You will never want for anything.”

“I love you, Roman,” I say softly.

“I love you too, Zoriah,” he smiles before leaning into me to kiss me softly.

“Can I ask you something?” I ask as we stand. Ben wraps a towel around me before handing one to Roman.

“You can,” he says.

“Can I stay home today?” I ask. “I know you want me to stay with someone at all times, but I desperately just need to be alone. I love all of you, but you’re all getting on my fucking nerves. I am not used to always being around people, and it’s driving me up a fucking wall.”

“Why didn’t you come to us before?” he asks.

“I guess I was just trying to do what I was told,” I shrug.

“Baby, you can do as you’re told while still having an opinion and expressing what you need,” Roman tells me. “Also… Why do you want to do as you are told?”

“I… I don’t know,” I say honestly. “I think being told what to do gives me a sense of security. I cannot make bad decisions that get me hurt because you wouldn’t let me put myself in harm’s way. If I follow your lead and just let you guide me, I feel safer.”

“How far does that extend for you?” he asks.

“I’m not sure,” I shrug.

“How about this?” he says. “You stay here and take the day to think. When we get home, we can sit down and talk about what you want.”

“We?” I ask.

“You, me, and Ben.”

“Why Ben?” I ask.

“Because we are venturing into something that I think is very deserving of having a third party be involved,” he says honestly. “I don’t think you would be comfortable talking about it with your brother or dad here.”

“I trust you,” I say. “And Ben.”

“Aww. You trust me?” Ben asks as he wraps his arms around me and squeezes me in a hug. He presses my back against his chest, and I giggle.

“Yes,” I laugh. “I trust you.”

“How much?” Roman asks seriously.

“What do you mean?” I ask. I know what he means, but I want him to tell me directly.

“How far does that trust extend?” he asks.

“As far as you want it to extend,” I answer with a smile.

“Wrong answer,” Ben whispers in my ear, making my smile grow wicked.

“Do you understand what you are implying?” Roman asks.

“I do,” I say.

“Take the day to think about things. Do not leave this house for any reason. You stay inside and away from the windows. No office work. Just spend time relaxing. Read a book or watch television. Keep your phone with you and turned up at all times. I’ll text you throughout the day. If I can’t, Ben will. Okay?”

“Okay,” I smile. “Why not just have a group chat for the three of us?”

“We can do that,” Roman says. “Do you understand why I am setting these rules while we are gone?”

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