Hired Love
Chapter 27

Olivia fell asleep soon after they alighted the Ferris Wheel. Roman wasn't surprised. He was pretty sure the weight of all the food she'd consumed had knocked her out.

He was also sure Stacy was avoiding him. Confused would be an understatement. It was just a simple question. Sure, a lot was happening with her, and Claire and her mom was sick but Roman didn't think it was enough to avoid him. He'd said something that pissed her off, then. What was it?

On the ride back home, she sat by his side, quiet as Benedict and Benjamin recapped their activities at the fair. He laughed when he felt he should but for most of it, he was quiet as well. He decided that he liked the twins. They couldn't have been more different, yet they were very similar. Benedict was more work-inclined though he was carefree, to say the least. Benjamin cared about family, his daughter. He was the serious one of the two.

Today had been one of the best days of his life and Roman didn't have much of those. It seemed like most of them had occurred since Stacy blew into his life with her exotic laughs and her endearing innocence, but he supposed it would be a bit too chimerical to say she was the reason.

With Olivia still cradled in his arms fast asleep, he alighted the car, holding it open for Stacy. He waited for her to come down before shutting the door in Matt's face. There was no way he was holding anything open for the son of a bitch. He could open his own damned door.

"Man, thank you for taking care of her," Benjamin said to him, holding out his hands to take the sleeping girl from him.

He handed her over, smiling as she mumbled some words. "No problem, man. It was a pleasure. That's a smart kid you have there."

Benjamin chuckled and Roman could see that he very much thought so too. "Way too smart, if you ask me."

They filed into the house one by one. Stacy walked straight to the stairs, and he followed her. What was her problem?

He refrained from saying anything until they were in the privacy of their room. She was going to tell him what had pissed her off, even if he had to force it out of her mouth.

The minute he closed the door behind him, he stared at her. "What's wrong, Stacy?"

She walked to the window, leaning on the windowsill. "What do you mean?"

If he didn't know better, he'd have thought she was actually surprised. "Don't play dumb with me. You know what I'm talking about."

She shrugged a bit too forcefully. "I really don't."

Okay, he thought. She wanted it the hard way then. He stalked towards her in fierce strides, keeping his gaze on her face. Grabbing her, he hoisted her upon his body, causing them to be eye to eye. "Something happened on the Ferris Wheel. You switched on me and I want to know why."

If you're loving the book, nel5s.com is where the adventure continues. Join us for the complete experience all for free. The next chapter is eagerly waiting for you!

She struggled in his hold. "Roman, put me down."

"Did I say something?"

"Roman

"

"Was it something I did?"

"For fuck's sake "

"Answer me!" He said, more forcefully than he intended. Shocked, Stacy stared at him with eyes as wide as saucers. Fuck. Somehow he felt he'd just made it worse. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to yell." She nodded, avoiding his eyes. "Put me down, please."

Reluctantly, he lowered her, taking a few steps back. Fuck. He ran a hand through his hair. Roman didn't remember the last time he'd been angry. He'd spend years working on his anger, working on culling the vile emotion. Stacy managed to bring out the demon in him. He felt anger when he thought of how much she'd cried because of her sister and he felt rage when he thought of Matt touching her, kissing her, or even holding her. He didn't want anyone but him to do that and he felt anger at himself for his selfishness. He wasn't capable of giving her love yet the thought of anyone but him touching Stacy made his teeth with rage.

"I'm sorry, Stacy." He murmured, going to sit on the edge of the bed. "I shouldn't have done that."

Footsteps echoed in the room and then the space next to him dipped.

"I guess I do owe you an explanation."

He waited, figuring it was better to not say anything.

"I think," She said, pausing. "I think maybe, just maybe..."

Roman kept his eyes on her, not saying a word. She trailed off, shaking her head then blowing a breath. "I think I like you, Roman."