Page 27 of Possessed By Roman

“Then don’t cancel.”

Roman looks at me. “Cora…”

I cut him off. “Roman, I’ve been stuck in this apartment all week. I’m going stir crazy.”

“Okay.”

I let out an excited squeal and kiss him, the brief contact warming me from the inside out. A few minutes later, I am in the bedroom getting dressed, and painstakingly choosing my outfit. If I’m going out for the first time in a week, I am absolutely not wasting the opportunity.

I pull on my flowing green skirt and pair it with an orange fitted crop top with thin straps, adding a few accessories before slipping on my shoes. The outfit is bright, comfortable, and completely different from Roman’s usual wardrobe, which mostly consists of black, gray, and more black.

“I’m ready,” I call out the minute I enter the living room.

***

4R Ink is a little quiet when we enter. I look around as Roman leads me inside, immediately noticing the mix of artwork and tasteful décor. Royal is standing near the reception area. He welcomes me with a hug and introduces me to every person available.

Beside him is Nadia, who I now know is River’s wife and their receptionist. And sitting nearby is Raiden. I can finally put a face to his name.

“Look who finally escaped,” Nadia says after the introduction.

I grin already liking her. “You have no idea how close I was to climbing out of Roman’s window.”

Roman looks down at me. “You live on the third floor.”

“Then I would have found a ladder.”

Royal glances between us. “Should we be worried?”

“Yes,” Roman says.

“No,” I say at the same time.

Raiden laughs. “Yeah, Roman looks like he’s having a great time.”

Roman gives him a look. “Fuck off.”

I blink. Then look at Roman. He points at me. “Don’t start.”

“I didn’t say anything.”

“You were thinking it.”

“I was.”

Nadia laughs. I can’t help joining her. This is a side of Roman I have only started seeing over the past week. When he is with the people he trusts, he is different. Still quiet but more relaxed. More willing to joke.

Nadia turns to me. “Well, until the men around here figure out how to do something useful, you can hang out with me.”

I smile. “That sounds like a much better plan.”

Minutes later, Roman’s client arrives. The next couple of hours pass faster than I expect. Nadia is easy to talk to, and I quickly understand why River fell for her. She is smart, straightforward, and unintentionally funny.

We talk about everything from school to Atlanta to the men of 4R Ink, and eventually, I find myself telling her stories about moving around with my father. When Roman’s client finally leaves, I head down the hall to see where Roman works.

Roman’s door is partially open when I reach it. I knock once before stepping inside. He is cleaning his station, his back turned toward me.

“So… this is where the magic happens,” I state.