Page 89 of Downfall

My pussy throbs for a second. As if I want that. As if that would be the solution to everything. Christ, she gets one good hit and she’s like an addict, screaming for more.

I’m trembling. I can see it. My hands shaking just enough to give me away.

He’s going to be there. That’s the thought that keeps running through my head.

Roman is going to be there.

And I’m going to have to pretend that he is nothing. That last night didn’t happen. That none of it happened.

My stomach turns.

It’s another reminder of what he’s done.

That his past trespasses still haunt my life as if he’s a ghost possessing me, some sort of demon intent on dragging me the entire way down to hell.

Roman

The room is heaving. Around me all I can hear is the incessant noise of people talking. I let out a deep breath looking around. Surveying the place.

All of Verona’s elite are here. Every person of consequence dressed up to the nines, no dolled up. Diamonds and rubies seem to cover every woman and the mixture of a dozen different perfumes makes my head hurt.

Everyone smiles at me. It’s been a nonstop parade of women, of mothers, desperate to make friends, desperate for me to meet their daughters. I smile politely of course. Playing the perfect gentleman because I know I can’t afford to piss people off. As much as I hold the balls of the Governor in my hands I don’t want the general population to realise what I am.

A wolf.

Dressed in a fine suit, walking amongst the sheep.

My eyes meet Sofia’s. She’s uncomfortable but I know only I can tell it because she’s the perfect actress, almost as perfect as Rose in that regard. Otto’s arm is around her waist, his hand skimming lower when he thinks he can get away with it but she’s quick to reposition herself, quick to ensure he gets nothing more than what she’s willing to offer.

Ben isn’t here. He couldn’t trust himself not to react when he saw them and, though I’m less than impressed by his no show, I can’t blame him. I know first-hand it’s hard to stay calm when the woman you love is on the arm of another man.

Across the room Ignatio Capulet’s eyes are burning into me. Beside him, his wife is doing her best to distract his attention, but he hasn’t even blinked. Hasn’t looked away from me once. I smirk before I can stop myself and I’ll admit the urge to provoke him is growing stronger by the minute.

I cross the space, making for the prefilled champagne glasses despite the fact I’d rather have a whiskey. It’s intentional. Bringing myself this close to him and he takes the bait just like I knew he would.

My fingers curl around the stem. I take a sip and the fizz bubbles across my tongue like the perfect accompaniment to the steps of the man stalking towards me.

I raise an eyebrow infinitely aware that we’re being observed.

“You’ve got a lot of nerve.” He snarls.

“Have I?” I reply. “I assumed the champagne was for everyone.”

He prowls from side to side, trying to box me in, only I’m far bigger than him, far stronger than him too, so the effect is all but lost.

“Don’t be smart with me boy.”

I smirk more. “I’m not a boy Ignatio. You would do well to remember that.”

“No, you’re a murderer.” He says. “And everyone in this city knows it. No matter how fine a suit you put on, underneath it, we all know you’re scum.”

“I guess the question is how long will it be before everyone knows what you are Ignatio? Before everyone discovers exactly how dirty your hands really are.”

He narrows his eyes stepping right up into my space. His shoes practically toe to toe with mine. “I’m going to destroy you.”

I let out an amused exhale.

“I’m going to bring every last one of you down.” His eyes glance over at Sofia. To where she’s stood with Otto. “And don’t think he’ll be able to save her either. I’ll make sure your little whore of a sister is ruined too.”

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