“I think I know why you're scared to visit her parents.” He chuckles and I hug him again. Only now I see Asher standing at the dorr. And I realize there is one big complication of my dad asking his mom to marry me. He really will be my stepbrother. That makes what’s between us even harder and more important that we make the right decision.
If I was to date him, if he were to be mine and we broke up. How would that be? It’s not like I can just stop calling him. I would see him for the holidays and stuff.Forever.And if it’s not a nice break up. Fuck.
I close my eyes and by the time I open them, he’s gone, and my phone is going off in my pocket. He must have called Hunter already.
I let out a deep breath. One thing at a time.
Let’s work out what Alessandro wants, then I will work out what I want with Asher. And how to tell my dad that I want to date my stepbrother too. Pretty sure Kate will not like that.
But they heart wants what the heart wants.
Only my heart is so greedy.
EIGHTEEN
MILA
Hunter wraps his arms around me as soon as I walk over to him at school. He pulls me in close. I miss not being able to see him… but now I’m not grounded anymore thanks to dad this morning.
My hairs up in a ponytail today, and he tugs it gently. Pulling my head back so he can kiss me. I smile up at him and his face grows serious.
“And good morning to you.” I poke his ribs. He lets go of my hair as I straighten.
“What do you think he wants?” he asks, getting straight to the point about Alessandro and the message. I had almost forgotten about that…almost.Fuck, that message can’t be ignored. I still need to respond. But this morning has been… interesting.
“Don't know but, I also don't want to know.” He runs his finger down my nose, and I relax under his touch.
I really don’t want to hear any bad news today. I want to think we are all safe for another day. Roman comes towards me from where he’s just parked his motorcycle. He has a blue denim jacket and a white tee with jean jeans on today.Holy, hell and heaven. That’s new and I think I need to tell my lady parts to stop drooling.
He stalks over and I feel like a statue, as I can't believe this Roman is the same guy from last week. This is the Roman I knew when we were kids. He is more confident, surer of himself. He grabs my hand and squeezes as a half-smile on his face. Afraid I will say something dumb while my hormones are still running wild I just blink at him.
I’m not the only one to notice Roman. A few girls turn their heads, but he doesn't notice them. He only has eyes for me. My heart races as he tips up my chin. Oh my God, he's going to kiss me in front of everyone. My mouth parts a little and I lick my lips in anticipation.
He brushes his thumb over my lower lip and smirks. Okay, I think I need to change my underwear. Hunter hasn't let go of me yet, and I no longer see the surrounding crowd. It's just the three of us.
Roman dips down and takes my mouth with his, and I grab the back of his neck and tug on his hair a little. He lets out a little grunt before pulling away. He runs his fingers down my arm and holds my hand.
Hunter clears his throat, and the world comes rushing back. I notice the crowd around us now. Some people have gathered nearby with their phones out. Are they taking photos of us kissing? Who does that?
I hadn’t been sure what would happen now that he doesn't have to worry about Amato Family, his father and where his next meal is coming from. Would he hold my hand still, or would he kiss me in the hallways in front of everyone? I guess I have my answer now. Or maybe the text from Alessandro sparked something in Roman, because he wasn’t like this yesterday.
“We need to hear him out. See what this is all about. I need to know if it's been taken care of.” Hunter says. I understand that, and I want to know that everything has been taken care of. But I'm just so scared that he's going to tell me that his dad has changed his mind, that they did nothing wrong, and they will be after us again.
“We need to talk to him.” Roman adds. Ugh… I knew I would be outvoted. I shake my head a little. I don’t want bad news. Not after Roman just kissed me in front of the entire school… it will be the entire school by the end of the day with all the phones that were out taking photos of us.
“It'll be all good. Maybe he loves your winning personality and wants to be part of your little harem.” Hunter teases. I slap him on the chest.
“I do not have a harem.” I narrow my eyes at him.
“Not yet, at least. Need more than two guys to make it a harem, but happy to help there and make it official.” Jace chuckles from behind Hunter. As he opens his arms to me and puckers his lips. I just shake my head.Good try.
“Oh my god, you shut up.” I roll my eyes, but I love this. The playful banter is back. We’re back. The awesome foursome. My best friends… but why do I feel like a piece is still missing?Asher…
“I’m just letting you know three’s company, fours a crowd.” Jace teases.
“With Asher, it feels like company. But with you, it feels like a crowd.”
Jace just stands there. His mouth drops open, then closes again. He doesn't have a comeback for that, and it makes me laugh. Hunter and Roman laugh too.
