Page 205 of Romeo

And I’d finally stopped pretending I didn’t want him just as much.

CHAPTER THIRTY-EIGHT

Romeo

The clubhouse was loud at three in the afternoon, filled with the usual mix of music, arguments, and the crack of pool balls from the other side of the room. I sat at a table near the back, phone in my hand, paying attention to exactly none of it.

Fiona had kissed me.

Technically, I’d kissed her after she told me to, but the distinction didn’t matter much when I could still remember the way she’d pulled me closer and followed my mouth every time I tried to slow down.

My phone buzzed.

Ma Belle: I’ve been thinking about something you said

I smiled.

Me: That can’t be good.

Ma Belle: You said once you started, you wouldn’t want to stop.

Me: I was right.

Ma Belle: You stopped

Me: I said I wouldn’t want to. I didn’t say I wouldn’t.

Ma Belle: I didn’t ask you to

My jaw tightened.

Me: I know.

Ma Belle: I could kiss you again

Me: You could.

Ma Belle: I could do more than kiss you

Christ, she was trying to kill me. I glanced up around the room; the few brothers that were here weren’t paying any attention to me—thank fuck.

Me: Baby.

Ma Belle: Is that a warning?

Me: It’s a plea for mercy.

Ma Belle: I don’t feel merciful

Me: No, you’re feeling brave now that there are several hundred miles between us.

Ma Belle: I’d say it to your face

Me: I know you would. That’s the problem.

Ma Belle: Why is that a problem?

Me: Because I’m trying very fucking hard to be good with you.