Page 82 of From Rome, With Hate

“It doesn’t have a lock,” I state the obvious. “But that doesn’t mean you needed to sleep on the floor every night.”

“Yes, it does. My wife is sleeping in an unsecured room while there’s someone out there trying to kill her.”

“Us,” I say, ignoring the way I melt with every word that comes out of his mouth. “Killus.”

He smirks. “Right. They’d have to get through me before they’d get to you, though.”

I chuckle, a tiny pain returning to my chest. I hit the floor hard and massage the spot as Rome scoots closer.

“You always seem to be tripping,” He jokes, glancing at my chest. “Are you sure you’re all right?”

“I am always falling, aren’t I?” I laugh on a breath. “But, yeah, I’m good.”

I can tell by the expression on his face he doesn’t believe me. Why would he when all I’ve done is push him away at every turn?

“I promise I am this time,” I try to reassure him.

“What made you come out?”

“I thought I heard someone breaking in.”

“Was that your weapon?” He looks past my shoulder toward the stairs.

“Yep.” I nod. “A candlestick made of lead makes for a perfect weapon.”

“I’m sure.”

I inhale a deep breath, the pain subsiding in my chest. “I’m still sort of freaked out.” I admit.

He turns back to me wearing a full-on grin. “Do you want me to make sure your room is clear? I’ll even look under the bed for monsters.”

“You’re ridiculous.” I playfully slap him with the back of my hand.

He catches it and runs his fingers along mine. We lock eyes, and I don’t want him to leave. My defiance is crumbling. I wish I were stronger than this, but love and hate have made me weak.

“You can check my room if you want,” I whisper.

He stands, grabs the pistol, and holds his hand out for me before pulling me up. We step back into the bedroom, with Rome letting me go and raising his gun with an outstretched arm. I untangle the sheets before climbing back into bed while he searches the room in the dark. He peeks into the closet, flipping the dim light on before turning it off, then he moves tothe bed and falls to his knees. He gives me a smug grin before bending down and looking under it.

“Oh, my God, I thought you were kidding.” I groan, unable to wipe the grin from my face.

“Nope. Doesn’t hurt to conduct a thorough search.”

He looks hilarious on his knees in nothing but relaxed clothes, with his thick muscles and a million tattoos. There’s always been a hard and soft contradiction to Rome.

“All clear. No monsters.” He stands, planting his hands on his hips. He tosses his head to the side, toward the door. “I’ll be out there if you need anything.”

I follow his gaze and stare at the closed door. Even when I didn’t know it, I’ve been shutting Rome out. When he’s truly been there all along, protecting me.

I turn back to look up at him. “Don’t go back to sleeping on the floor. Stay with me.”

TWENTY-THREE

JULIANNA

I toss the sheet back and scoot over to give Rome enough room to climb into bed with me.

His throat bobs as he swallows, and without a word, he places the pistol on the nightstand and crawls into the bed.