Page 93 of Heat & Deceit
“You’re not as...keen to bicker.”
“Maybe not, but I can’t be the one to go on the dates.”
“Why?”
“Because I hate dates.”
“Oh.” I twist my mouth.
“Javier tried to be the first date once, but when the omega met Lycus, all bets were off.”
Jealousy slashes up my spine. Javier was interested in an omega? The one from his profile picture?
Clenching my jaw, I study the horizon and breathe through my irrational anger. “Does that make you mad?” I eventually ask.
“No. Lycus is like my brother. No omega will change that.”
“And if you’re single forever?”
“Then, we’re single.” Rome pushes away from the window. “Do you want to see some new pieces?”
And escape this line of conversation that has me asking more questions than I should? Absolutely.
“Sure.”
He leads me into a small room lined with shelves holding delicate bowls, cups, and vases. There are so many pieces, I don’t know where to look.
My eyes catch on a pretty black and purple bowl. The colors fade in and out of one another, like a swirling gradient. I glance at him to check to see if it’s okay to touch, and Rome nods, a tiny smile tugging at his lips.
“Wow,” I murmur. “It’s so light.” And the way it’s been shaped is nearly perfect. Honestly, I’m a little embarrassed now that I know how good he is.
“This one,” he says as he steps up behind me, extending an arm to reach around me. Lemon twines around my throat, choking me. I bite my cheek to keep from purring in approval. God, they all smell so good.
His back brushes against mine as he grasps the edge of another bowl. “Is my favorite.” He pulls the bowl down to my eye level, staying pressed against me while I try to inspect it without melting into a puddle on the floor. This one is dark blue with tiny white speckles painted over it, almost like the night sky filled with stars.
“It’s—” I clear my throat. “It’s really pretty too.”
“Pretty, yes, but the reason I like it is because of this right here.” His other arm reaches around me, effectively caging me in as he uses both hands to turn the piece and show me a fatal flaw. A long, webbed crack runs up one side, coated in shimmering silver paint. Instead of ruining the piece, it adds character, almost like someone decided to connect the stars to form their own constellation.
“What do you think? Still beautiful?” His chest rumbles as he speaks, face brushing against mine as he slowly curls around me to get a closer look. It’s impossible to remember to be mad with him pressed against me.
“Yes,” I breathe, barely a whisper, not daring to move, lest he leaves me.
He purrs in approval. “Imperfection is real,” he whispers. “There is no story in perfection.”
I’m far from perfect, is on the tip of my tongue, but I’m too scared to say anything, because if I do, and remind him how close he is, he’ll go. I don’t want him to go. I want him to stay.
“Can I ask you a question?” Rome’s fingers trace my wrists before slowly traveling up my arm. I shudder as he drags them back down.
“Okay,” I whisper.
“Are you an omega?” His giant fingers circle my wrist, shackling me in place, like he’s scared I’ll run.
I should.
That’s the second time he’s asked me. Pinching my eyes shut, I try to force myself to say no. I try to continue the lie, try to do everything I should to stay safe, but I can’t. Not with him this close. Not with the way his touch makes me want to submit fully, giving him everything I have. Not with the way the three of them make me feel. It’s stupid and foolish, and I’ll probably end up hurt, just like before, but I want to say yes.
You can’t.
