Roman
John Smith, my ass. Roman couldn’t stop the smirk that lifted the corner of his mouth, and he quickly lowered it before she could notice. Not knowing Madison’s mother, it was hard to tell if that was the truth or not but something didn’t seem right.
“So Miller is your mother’s last name?” It obviously wasn’t Smith.
“Yes,” she replied.
Her skin glowed under the gentle flicker of the candlelight. He’d tried to stay away. She was so different than anyone he’d ever pursued and maybe that was what lured him to her. No woman ever turned him down, and the vulnerable side of Madison drove him mad. He wanted her but it was more than that. He wanted to protect her, take care of her, and love her. Roman did everything he could to not think of her again. She deserved better than him. Madison needed peace and stability. One of those guys who left at night to hang with the guys, not because he had “business” to tend to or someone to kill.
Try as he may, he couldn’t stay away. She calmed him and intrigued him like no other. Since the first time he laid eyes on her, life had been torture.
The thought of someone else coming into her life sent his temper into a frenzy. Fighting it had become too much. He’d done the only thing he could think of; he made her come to him. It was devious and childish. However, it worked. He cursed himself for being a coward, but manipulation was a specialty of his. Making others do what he wanted was a game he’d learned at an early age. Now he felt like a heel for forcing her to have her show at Valentina’s club. He’d never considered how much stress it could put on her. With a bit of luck, he’d be able to make it up to her somehow and the meal was his first attempt.
“I hope you left room for dessert.” Roman slid back his chair and headed for the other room.
She groaned. “I don’t think I can eat another bite.”
Madison may have said she was full, but that didn’t stop her from picking her fork up after he placed a piece of chocolate cake in front of her. “You made this?” Her eyebrow lifted.
“I’m afraid I can’t take credit for this one. It’s from the coffee shop.” The first time he’d ever laid eyes on that luscious backside of hers, she’d been debating over a sinful looking chocolate layer cake at the Genoa Java Shop all those months ago. This was the same kind of cake.
“You remembered.” Her voice held surprise and appreciation.
Her smile made his efforts worthwhile. He only needed to think of a way to manipulate his way into a second date.
“After all this food, I’ll have to take two trips around the lake.”
“I think you look perfect just the way you are.”
“That’s because I’m covered in layers of sweaters.” She swiped her hand down the front of her but the comment didn’t deter her finishing the cake.
“Do you walk around the lake often?” It was a good twenty miles around, so people tended to just do short sections at a time. Even though the area in which he lived was far from the heavily traveled areas, it was the path that Madison usually took. He’d be lying if he said he didn’t take his morning coffee by the window hoping he might see her shapely, yet slender figure walking or jogging by early in the day. If he did spot her, it was the highlight of his week.
“I try to walk every day to clear my head and I run several times a week. When it’s not too cold, of course.”
“Of course.” Roman kept his gaze locked on her face, enjoying her savoring the cake. She did everything with such passion. He quickly shut down the thought about what other things she might do with such fervor.
“What about you?” Her brown eyes were even darker in the candlelight.
“I exercise here. Boxing, weight lifting, and martial arts.”
Madison slowed her chewing and put her fork down.
“Do those estate gates and walls keep people out?”
“That’s the reason most people have them for,” he teased.
She leaned closer and rested her elbow on the edge of the table. “What about the path out front? What’s to stop someone coming across the lawn?”
“Are you worried about me?” Hope sprang.
Slumping back in the chair, Madison folded her arms across her chest and shrugged. Maybe she did care.
“Don’t be. We know when to be extra careful,” he said, trying to calm her fears.
“But what about out there?” This time she pointed out the window.
“Cameras. Also motion sensors going both across the property from side to side and on the lawn. Small animals can sometimes set them off.” He’d finished his dessert and pushed the plate away. “Unfortunately, if it is snowing, raining, or the lawn care company is here we have to turn them off.” Roman leaned forward, locking eyes with her. “So does this mean that you at least care?”
“I never said I didn’t.” She sat back up.
“There are no guarantees in life, Madison. Anyone’s home can be broken into. The security measures taken here are necessary.” He waved his hand. “You are safer in my home than in yours. I know you don’t know what to think about me and my family, but if you ever need anything, anything at all, always know that you can come to me for help.”
Her gaze lowered and she shook her head. It was a start. He reached out to grasp her hand with his. She turned to look out the window. “Let’s go into the living room. How about watching a movie?”
“It’s getting late.” Madison wiggled in her seat. “I should go.” This business dinner had spun into something that was way too personal. He felt it and she obviously did too.
Despite her disagreement, Roman led her by the hand into the living room. A crackling fire burned in the fireplace.
“I think that I should go.” Flipping the television on, he passed her the remote, ignoring her request to leave. “Pick something.”
The phone in Roman’s pocket vibrated. He checked the screen. It was Arlo. Ignoring it, he sent a text saying he was not to be disturbed. After turning it off, he tossed it on the counter.
“I’ll be right back.”
“I really think—”
“Pick a show or movie and I’ll be right back.” It didn’t take long to put the leftovers in the fridge and the dishes in the dishwasher. He had staff that would do the rest in the morning. These simple tasks gave him a sweet sense of home. When you do something mundane for someone you care about, it gives a sense of satisfaction that is unlike anything in the world. Roman loved his house, but without a wife and children it was just that, a house. He wanted a home.
The bread he held slipped from his hand. Wife? He’d had thoughts of it before but now that Madison was in his home, it made it more real. The arranged marriage shit wasn’t going to happen. He wouldn’t let it. He would make his father understand. Madison was an outsider, but he’d make it work. She would be able to fit in with the rest of the family and be accepted by them. The bottle of wine beckoned and he didn’t bother to find a glass. The dessert wine was too sweet for his taste, but he swigged it anyway. If there’d been a brandy nearby, that would have been his first choice. Roman had a challenge in front of him. He knew what he wanted. He just needed to convince two other people—his father and Madison.
Roman turned off the lights. The combination of wine and spending more time with Madison had his blood pumping. In the living room, he scanned the area and stopped, his heart thumping. What the hell? He called her name and searched everywhere downstairs.
Cursing in two languages, Roman puffed out his cheeks and stormed back to the island in the kitchen. He grabbed his phone off the counter and punched in Arlo’s name.
Arlo picked up on the first ring.
“What the hell happened?” Roman paced the room and headed for his office. “Where is she?” he yelled at the top of his lungs and punched his black walnut desktop.
“I’m taking her home.” Arlo’s voice was low.
“What the fuck? I didn’t tell you to take her anywhere.”
He was whispering. “No, but she did. I was outside the front door. Madison came out and asked me to drive her home.”
Roman paced the room, stopped, and pinched his thumb and index finger on the bridge of his nose. The urge to order her back here was overwhelming, but she’d have no part of that. It would just piss her off. He’d have to be patient.
“I thought you knew.” Arlo was apologetic.
“No. I didn’t.” He hated being patient. “Get your ass back here as soon as possible.” He didn’t bother to wait for an answer and tossed the phone across the room. The next time Madison stepped foot in his house, she’d be spending the night in his bed.