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“And my dad?”
“He hasn’t left your house in a few days, but I imagine he’s alright as well. I talked to one of the maids and according to her, he’s been taking his meals. Although he’s not talking much.”
She lets out a sigh. “Great. I broke my family.”
“You didn’t break your family,” I correct. “They’re hurting. It’s normal.”
She turns to look at me, eyes warm. “I did, though. My dad called me a disappointment, and my brother told me I was dead to him.”
I understand that she’s allowed a breakdown. Those aren’t things anyone wants to hear from their loved ones. Her dad and her brother mean the world to her, even if she doesn’t always show it.
“Roman, your nickname for me is literally trouble. You call me that because that’s exactly what I do. I ruin things.” She laughs bitterly. “You know I thought I changed? I spent the last year trying to make myself a better person. Because I was about to be a mom and I promised myself I’d be better in every way than the one I had. I know my faults. I know who I was before Cassie and I wanted to be better than that, but what if I’m just doomed to be this selfish, vapid bitch who pushes away the people she loves?”
“Hey, look at me,” I say, causing her to lift her head until she’s staring right into my eyes. “I don’t call you trouble because I think you ruin things. It’s just a stupid nickname, and in case you haven’t noticed, I also call youlupacchiotta.”
She smiles, “I’ve noticed. And you call me that because you saw a picture of me dressed up as a wolf for Halloween.”
“No,” I refute. She gives me a disbelieving look. “Okay, maybe partly, yes. But… you like Greek mythology, right?”
She nods.
“Well, in Greek myths, wolves are a symbol of ferocity and strength. I call you little wolf because in case you didn’t realize it, you’ve always been a force to reckon with. And you always will be. You’re strong, stronger than anyone actually gives you credit for. You never back down from any challenge—and trust me, I’d know, considering I’m the person that challenges you the most. Honestly, you amaze me sometimes. If you ask me, I don’t think you’ve ever needed to change. You’ve always been perfect just the way you are.”
By the time I’m done, Elena’s staring at me, her expression filled with awe.
“Damn, Roman. You actually do like me,” she says softly.
“Maybe a little too much,” I mutter. “Come here.”
She does so without hesitation, sitting up and scooting closer to me on the bed. I grab her wrist, my finger trailing down to her palm. She shivers when I brush against it and I smile.
I once thought that I’d always be doomed to a life spent wondering how it feels to truly be alive. I didn’t think I’d find any happiness. But I’ve come to realize that Cassie and Elena could be my happiness. They could be everything to me, if only I would let myself feel.
I stroke her cheek with my thumb. She’s staring at me, green eyes radiant against her skin. She’s so fucking beautiful. It really does hurt to look at her sometimes.
“Elena.” Her name falls from my lips like a prayer, a plea. Right before I wrap my arms around her neck and place my lips on hers.
As we kiss, I allow myself to freely think the thought that’s been brimming in my head since I was fifteen. Even when I didn’t realize it. Even when I was in denial.
Mine.
CHAPTER25
Elena
Roman’s lips crush against mine as he pulls me closer. The kiss is heated, passionate, and makes me grow wild with desire. My heart beats erratically in my chest as his hands tighten around me. Roman pulls me fully into his lap so I’m straddling him. He kisses me so deep I lose myself in it.
I’ve never felt this much with anyone in my life. It drove me crazy last year. After our moment in the car. I just kept wondering, why him? How could he possess the ability to elicit feelings so intense? I nip his bottom lip lightly and feel him smile against mine. He pulls away, his hand still resting against my cheek.
“We should probably talk about this,” he murmurs.
“Probably,” I agree against the racing of my heart.
“This might be a bad idea.”
“Haven’t you heard, Rome?” I ask, lacing my arms around his neck and pulling us even closer. “I excel at bad ideas.”
He lets out a soft curse as I play with the strands of his black hair. The intensity in his eyes knocks my breath away.
