Page 75 of Valentine’s Billionaire Auction

Simon picked up the story, his eyes glittering with mischief. “He nearly made it too. But then, out of nowhere, the coast guard pulls up. Apparently, swimming back to shore at night during the Grand Prix is not exactly legal.”

Everyone burst into laughter, and Chloe shook her head again. “They pulled him out of the water and onto their boat. Roman was so charismatic, even then. He ended up charming the officers with his broken French.”

“He managed to get off with just a warning.”

“We happened to be in London and he tried to climb the statue at Piccadilly Circus for a dare,” Simon continued. “The police weren’t quite as charmed that time.”

“Ended up spending the night in a cell,” Chloe added. “As you can imagine, there was copious amounts of alcohol involved that time as well.”

I was enthralled by these tales of Roman’s wilder days. This was a side of him I never saw—carefree, reckless, even daring. It made me see him in a different light.

They continued to tell stories about Roman’s drunken escapades when he was younger. They talked about how he once bought an entire bar a round of drinks after winning big in Vegas.

I glanced at him, still engrossed in the conversation, and tried to reconcile the version of Roman they described with the man I knew.

“Speaking of celebrations,” someone said, turning to me. “Do you have something planned for next week?”

I blinked. “Next week?”

“For his birthday, of course,” the woman said, her diamond earrings catching the light.

My stomach sank. His birthday? No one in the house had mentioned it. I pasted on a smile and nodded as if I’d known all along. “Of course. We’ve got it covered.”

Later, when the women suggested a bathroom trip, I hesitated. But before I could decline, they were already rising, taking me along like I was one of their own. That was one thing that was the same in my world. Women went to the bathroom in packs.

Roman glanced my way as the ladies led me away. I offered a small smile, letting him know everything was okay.

The restroom was nicer than my entire apartment. Marble counters, gold fixtures, and a lounge area with plush chairs and mirrors framed by soft lighting. There was an attendant standing discreetly at the door, ready to provide a fresh towel or whatever.

The women lined up at the vanities, expertly touching up their makeup. I sat down and opened my clutch, my drugstore lipstick suddenly feeling out of place among their designer brands.

I unscrewed the cap, hiding the label in my palm as I applied it. If they noticed, they didn’t say anything. They were too busy chatting about career updates, social dramas, and, surprisingly, Roman.

“He’s a hard one to figure out,” Sara said, examining her reflection. “I don’t know how you managed it. I tried once, and he shut me out faster than I could blink.”

“Same,” a girl named Barb added, smoothing her perfect hair. “There must be something special about you.” She winked at me, her tone light but sincere.

I swallowed, unsure if they were teasing me or not. My insecurities flared. These women were stunning—movie-star gorgeous with Botox and filler, flawless skin, and bodies that could make anyone feel inadequate.

“How did you manage to get that rock on your finger?” Chloe asked, lifting my hand to admire the ring. “It’s absolutely gorgeous.”

“You’re a lucky girl,” Barb chimed in. “We all know Roman can be a bit… what’s the word?”

“Abrasive?” Sara suggested.

“Exactly. Abrasive. But we also know he has a good heart. He just guards it fiercely. But not with you.” Barb smiled warmly. “You must have some sort of superpower. We’ve all been hoping someone like you would come along to remind him who he really is.”

Their kindness surprised me. I’d expected them to be dismissive, maybe even cruel. But instead, they seemed genuine, even hopeful. I felt bad for judging them before I ever met them.

“Thank you,” I said softly. “I’m not sure why it works, but it just… does.”

They nodded approvingly, and soon we headed back to the table.

Roman met me halfway. I could see the concern on his face. “You okay?”

I nodded. “I really like your friends. They’re nice.”

“You sound surprised.”