Page 72 of Precious Legacy
I wasn’t really in the mood to come out tonight, but Savannah was right; those make the best nights. I don’t thinkI’ve laughed half as much as I have with these girls, and Savannah fits in so well with Gracie and Haven. I’ve sung to my heart’s content, danced until my feet sting. and as I collapse into the booth we commandeered from a bachelorette party earlier, I actually feel relaxed for the first time in forever.
Savannah drops into the seat next to me, sipping on her Piña Colada, her cheeks flushed from exertion. “You having a good time, babe?”
“Yeah,” I smile widely. “I am.”
“Erm… Lani?” Haven grimaces as she heads towards the booth. She has that look on her face, a worried one that has my insides churning. She glances over her shoulder, and that’s when I see them.
All three guys who were told to leave us alone tonight are standing on the balcony overlooking the dance floor. Roman’s eyes, as usual, are locked on me, his lips curling into a heart-stopping smile. Despite how fucking irresistible he looks in his suit, I’m pissed that I’m even looking at him.
“Uh oh,” Gracie teases as my heart hammers against my chest. “You’re in trouble.”
“Who are they?” Savannah gushes.
“You don’t?—”
I glare at Haven.
“My brother and his friends,” she finishes.
I silently thank her for not exposing us too much, but I’m still a nervous wreck when Roman points a finger at me, beckoning me to come to him. I glare back. Everything within me wants to defy him. Every single cell in my body wants to send him the middle finger because he knows he shouldn’t be here. But the last thing I want to do is make a scene right now, and from where I’m sitting, he has that devilish glint in his eye that tells me he will make me regret pushing him.
“Looks like we’re being summoned,” Savannah giggles, wasting no time in grabbing her bag and sliding out of the booth.
I give one last look at my friends, hoping they’ll show me some support, but they just shrug back. Clearly, they’re not going to help me here, though Gracie does offer me some words of encouragement.
“Maybe she won’t remember tonight?” she suggests as we make our way up the stairs to the balcony. “She’s had a lot to drink.”
“I hope you’re right,” I murmur.
As soon as we reach the balcony, I glare at my brother, but he’s far too comfortable in his seat to be perturbed by my silent threat. I never told them we were here, and I sure as shit made it clear to Roman not to bother us tonight.So why the fuck are they here?
Haven is the first to introduce Savannah to everyone. She does well to keep it brief, making sure not to divulge too much information about the guys we’re keeping company with. All the while, I look like a spare part, standing between the oversized couches everyone is getting comfortable on and wishing I could be anywhere but here.
“I like him,” Savannah swoons.
My brows crease together. “Who?”
“Alvaro,” she whispers, though it’s not as quiet as she thinks because my brother snorts a laugh.
“He’s gay,” I remark, grabbing the bottle of beer from his clutches and sinking it back. When it’s empty, I slam it on the table and stab him with a deathlike stare.
Savannah whines something inaudible, slipping into the seat next to my brother. “Why are all the good-looking guys gay or off-limits?”
Oh shit.My eyes blow wide and I gulp back the nerves that threaten to spill into panic.
“Who else is gay?” Varo asks hopefully, shifting in his seat.
There goes the panic. My heart feels like it’s about to explode in my chest. Sweat trickles down my spine and I’m certain it’s not from the dancing.
I messaged my brother earlier to say we needed to talk; I didn’t think it was appropriate to have Milo’s name spread across messages. But between then and now, I’ve been distracted, and he’s now looking at me like I have the worst kept secret.
Before I can respond, my body is yanked sideways and I’m falling into Roman’s lap. He runs his nose through my hair, inhaling roughly as his hands grip my hips in place, making zero effort to conceal the attraction between us.
“I think Presh can attest that I amcertainlynot gay.” His hold on me is possessive, suffocating me in a way that feels too safe.
I peer back at him, but his expression is unreadable.
“Presh,”Savannah repeats with a dreamy look in her eyes. “Cute! So this is the guy?”
