Page 46 of Hate to Crave You
George heard it, too. He met Roman’s eyes levelly. “It would be hard to label her as a viper when I don’t know her. But she’s the enemy. And I bet you a thousand bucks you’ve already slept with her. Haven’t you?”
Roman felt his neck heat. He remained silent.
“Shit, man.” George turned away, lifting one hand to his eyes.
Alex, on the other hand, whooped and clapped a hand on Roman’s shoulder. “Hot damn, bro!”
Roman knocked the hand away. “Stop it, Alex. We’re not in high school.”
“Since when did we have to be high school to be happy your brother scored with somebody as hot as Julianna Castle?” Alex continued to grin.
“Keep talking about her like she’s just a piece of ass,” Roman advised. “See how long it takes for me to ram my fist down your throat.”
“See?” George said softly, drawing Roman’s attention back to him. “That’s the problem, and I bet you didn’t even notice therewasa problem. This isn’t just sex—and you know it. You’ve been distracted all afternoon and it’s because you’re thinking about her. You’re not justsleepingwith the enemy. You’re hung up on her. If Dad finds out about that? That’s the viper’s nest I’m talking about, Roman.”
Roman went to argue with George, but once he opened his mouth, he realized there was no argument there. There wasnothinghe could say to his brother that would be the truth and damned if he’d lie about it.
Shit, hewastangled up with the enemy.
And he didn’t think he was ready to beuntangled.
Fuck what his father thought.
Hell, he was still pissed off at his father anyway. Threatening to demote him—it wasn’t like he’d expected Julianna to trick him. Although damn, regardless of what his father thought, he had to respect the fact that both she and her father had been smart enough to plan for something in advance like they had.
“Let it go,” he finally said, meeting George’s eyes. “Just let it go. It doesn’t concern you.”
“The hell it doesn’t,” George replied. “You think I want Dad trying to groom me to take your place when he kicks you out of the family all because you couldn’t keep your hands off a Castle?”
“He wouldn’t do that,” Roman said, shaking his head. Although…part of him wondered.
Head clouded, he glanced around. “You know what? I think I’m done with pool for the day. I’m out of here.”
* * *
Roman didn’t quite makeit to the car before he gave into the urge to call her.
She answered on the second ring. “What happened to not a chance?”
“Be like that and I’ll just hang up,” he replied.
“And then you’ll call back.”
He would, too. He didn’t know how long it would take him, but he was going crazy not seeing her.
Instead of responding to that, he asked, “Think you can be discreet?”
“About…”
“Anything and everything, if need be.” He reached his car, but instead of climbing inside, he leaned against it, facing the house.
“I’m as discreet as I need to be.”
That was good enough. She’d understand the need for discretion. He allowed one more moment of internal debate, then said, “You think you can avoid mixing business with pleasure?”
“It’s my personal preference.”
This is stupid, Roman.
