Leaving Roman

by Becca Jameson

  Right?

  Daven pushes to standing and starts wandering around the living room. He picks up some sort of trinket from the shelves next to the television and spins it around before setting it back down. I feel like he’s assessing the value of my belongings. I honestly have no idea what anything in this apartment might have cost. I didn’t buy any of it. I’ve never noticed that knickknack before.

  Suddenly, he spins around, his face lighting up, his hands clapping together. “Let’s order pizza and watch a movie. Reenact our childhood. Do something we would have done together if our parents hadn’t kept us apart.”

  I can’t help but return his smile and grab onto some of his excitement. Maybe I’ve been making too much out of his assessment of my life. He’s my brother. Surely, he doesn’t mean me any harm. Finally, I nod. “I like this idea.”

  Chapter 21

  Master Roman

  * * *

  I seriously can’t stand the radio silence another moment. I miss Lucy so much, and I’m worried about her interactions with her brother. The guy creeped me out yesterday, and I know she was meeting up with him this afternoon too.

  I’ve watched her phone. She went to the grocery store in the morning and remained in the apartment the rest of the day.

  It’s nine o’clock now. I have to hear her voice. I won’t be able to sleep until I’m sure she’s okay. I struggled enough with our separation when I thought she was alone in the apartment. Now that I know she’s had a guest, I’m even more on edge.

  I snag my phone and call her, holding my breath while it rings. I have no idea what I’ll do if she doesn’t answer. Lose my mind.

  My eyes close when I hear her voice, air slowly leaving my lungs. “Hey,” she breathes in a soft voice. She never speaks to me so flippantly. I can’t decide how to react. But I’m just so damn glad to hear her voice that I don’t comment. Besides, we’re on thin ice. I won’t risk angering her.

  “Hey,” I return in kind. “I just wanted to check on you. Did you see your brother today?”

  “Yes.” The word trails off. I’m sure it’s awkward for her to not address me as Sir.

  I can’t help but smile. I’m just so relieved she took my call that I don’t care how she addresses me right now. “How did that go?”

  “Fine.” Is she going to use one-word answers for everything? She sighs heavily. “He’s not staying here if that’s what you’re worried about. He has a motel or something.”

  She’s right. I’m happy to hear that. I don’t trust the guy. Something about him rubs me wrong. “That’s good. You hardly know him. It’s not safe to let a stranger stay with you.”

  “If you called to lecture me, stop right now. Let me remind you I’m a grown woman. I’m perfectly clear about my safety.”

  I wince and run a hand through my hair. The last thing I want is to argue or piss her off. What I want is to hear her voice for as long as she’ll let me talk to her. “I’m sorry, blossom. I didn’t mean to imply you can’t make good choices. I’m just… I worry about you. I’ve considered you my responsibility for a very long time. I can’t just erase that. It’s ingrained in me.” I’m flexing the fingers of my free hand as I speak, pacing the library.

  It’s too quiet in the house. There’s a cloud hanging over every room. My entire staff knows it. Everyone has been tiptoeing around. I’m sure they’re both sad and concerned about me.

  Her voice is even quieter when she speaks again. “I understand, Sir. And I appreciate your concern, but I’m fine. You have to let me work some things out in my mind.”

  My shoulders relax. “I know, blossom. I’m trying hard to give you space, but I miss you. My bed is empty without your sweet body in it.”

  “I miss you too, Sir. Give me some time. Please.”

  “Of course. Take all the time you need. I just… I just want you to know I’m here for you. I’m sorry if you found me unapproachable. I promise I will listen to whatever your concerns are. I want to negotiate with you.” It’s a huge step for me to verbalize these things. I’m used to being extremely strict with her. It’s what she needed and wanted. Apparently, she’s changed. I have to either get with the new plan or lose her.

  I can’t lose her.

  I’m also not sure I can get on board with whatever she has in mind. It scares the hell out of me. The thought of altering our dynamic is almost more than I can face, but I can face it. I will. I have no choice.

  “Thank you, Sir,” she murmurs.

  “I love you, Lucy. So much it hurts.”

  “I love you too, Sir.”

  Thank God. I’m not sure what I would have done if she hadn’t returned the sentiment. “Can we meet and talk? Soon?”

  “Soon. I’m not ready yet.”

  “Okay. Are you going to see your brother again?”

  “Yes. Tomorrow.”

  I don’t know why that bothers me, but it does. I don’t like the guy. I can’t and won’t tell Lucy this, but I’m worried. I don’t need to tell her. She knows. But I have to hold my tongue. “Please… Just, be careful.”

  She sighs. “I will. Stop worrying about Daven. He’s a little peculiar, but he’s my half brother. He’s not going to hurt me. He just wants to make a connection.”

  I rub my temple, fighting a headache. “Okay. Will you at least text me if you leave the apartment and when you come home so I’ll know you’re safe?”

  There is a long pause, and then she responds. “Yes. I can do that.”

  Good. Great. Lord, this is hard. I’ve never been so out of sorts. “Thank you, blossom. Call me anytime.”

  “Okay, Sir.”

  “Bye then.”

  “Bye.” She ends the call. I know the moment we’re disconnected. A piece of my heart rips out. I slump down onto the couch. I’m dying a slow death here. If something doesn’t change soon, I’m going to lose my mind.

  Chapter 22

  Lucy

  * * *

  I realize two days later that I’ve swapped moping around for getting to know my brother. It’s probably prolonging my weird separation from Master Roman, but it’s nice to focus on something entirely different for a while.

  I’m not really any closer to solving my dilemma than I was when I left Roman, but I think taking the time to get to know Daven is good for me. I can’t picture what our relationship might look like if he stays in town. Blending him with Master Roman is farfetched. But for now, I’m just taking things one day at a time.

  I’ve gotten more comfortable with Daven. He’s just a regular guy. He stopped hounding me about Master Roman. I think maybe he realizes Master Roman and I are having problems, and he feels badly about making an issue out of it. He didn’t mention my relationship at all yesterday.

  I’m not expecting him this early when he shows up at my door this morning. I look through the peephole and then open the door. I’m not dressed for the day yet. In fact, the only reason I’m remotely decent enough to open the door is because I’ve finally dug into the three-year-old box of clothes from my prior life and found some leggings and a beat-up sweatshirt.

  It took me five days away from Master Roman before I tore into the box. Partly out of desperation because I was running out of clothes. Partly because it was too chilly to patter around the apartment in the thin tiny nighties from my suitcase. And partly because I haven’t had the nerve yet to shop for anything new.

  I step back to let Daven in. “Did we say we were meeting this morning?”

  “Nope.” He grins. “I just thought I’d show up and see if you want to go someplace today. Maybe breakfast or a park or a movie or something?”

  I bite my lip, uncertainty warring inside. It’s one thing to get to know Daven inside my apartment. It’s another thing to go out in public. “I’m not sure about that, Daven. If you haven’t noticed, I’m not very social.”

  He rocks on his feet, his brow furrowing. “You don’t have to be social. Not with anyone but me anyway.” He bends his knees a bit to meet my gaze. �
��I’m starting to think you’re a hermit. You must have at least gone to classes for the last few years.”

  I nod. “Of course I did. I just didn’t talk to very many people.” The odd thing is that I’m only introverted in certain circumstances. I’m no longer nearly as shy when I’m with Master Roman or his friends. I did fine in my classes. I spoke to other students sometimes. It’s not really about me being introverted. It’s more about me keeping my private life close to my heart.

  “Well, you don’t have to speak to anyone today. Just get dressed and we’ll go out somewhere.” He nudges me with his shoulder, a gesture that makes me take a small step back. I shouldn’t react to his touch. He’s just being friendly. It’s not like he’s going to make a pass at me. We’re related.

  I swallow, pondering his suggestion. I really should leave the apartment. Maybe a change in scenery will help clear my head so I can think about my future. I’ve been putting off my problems. I know this.

  “Have you had breakfast?” Daven asks.

  “Not yet.”

  “Okay, you go get dressed, I’ll find us something to eat in your kitchen, and then we’ll go for a walk. You can at least wander the campus. I know you can because that’s what you were doing when I found you the first time.”

  I meet his gaze, considering his idea.

  He sighs. “Look,” he says in a softer tone. “I know you have issues. I figure you’re in a huge disagreement with your boyfriend based on the fact that you don’t want to talk about him, and I haven’t seen him since that first day. You don’t have to tell me about it, but maybe if you get outside for a bit, you’ll feel better. Maybe you could even call him later and try to work things out.” He lifts a brow.

  He’s right. It’s weird how much he understands without understanding anything at all. I am in a disagreement with Master Roman. It probably will help me to go for a walk. I can’t imagine it will give me sudden clarity, but it’s worth a try. “Okay.”

  He grins wider. “Great.” He points toward my bedroom. “Go. Get dressed. I’ll find cereal or something. You need to eat.”

  I spin around and head for my bedroom, shutting the door behind me. It only takes me a few minutes to put on jeans, a T-shirt, and my usual sweater. I emerge from the bedroom feeling better than I have in two days.

  And then I stop dead in my tracks.

  Daven’s back is to me, but my purse is on the kitchen table, the contents spread out. He spins around when he hears me. My wallet is in his hands. He glances down as if just now realizing he’s been caught. His face turns red.

  “What are you doing?” I ask, as if I can’t tell.

  He stiffens and rolls his eyes. “Look, I just needed some cash. I’m barely getting by. You’ve been too much of a prude to let me stay here, and you have a fucking rich boyfriend.” He tosses my wallet on the table. “How the hell do you have no more than twenty bucks in your purse?”

  I’m too stunned to move for several seconds. He’s mad at me because I don’t have enough money for him to steal? I don’t move or respond.

  Daven starts pacing. “Seriously, Lucy. I’m your brother. I could really use some help.” He stops moving to face me head on, standing taller. “I’m not buying the fact that you’re even looking for a job. You’re Roman Cortell’s fucking mistress. His woman.” He swings a hand around to encompass the entire apartment. “He’s paying for this place so he can keep you as his side piece, isn’t he?”

  I shake my head, feeling slightly dizzy.

  Daven rolls his eyes dramatically. “Oh, don’t even try to deny it. It’s so obvious it’s embarrassing. The guy probably put you through school, didn’t he? And now you just hang around here waiting for him to call. You don’t leave the apartment. You don’t have friends. You don’t have a job.” He leans forward. “I bet you’ve got a fat bank account though.”

  I do. Fatter than he can imagine. And I’m so nervous that I’d gladly give him the debit card if he would just leave my apartment.

  “How about we take a little walk to the ATM and you share some of your windfall with your dear old brother, huh? It’s not like you worked for it. You’re nothing but a piece of pussy. Considering the way you dress, I don’t even know why he keeps you around, but who am I to judge? Maybe the guy likes frumpy. Or maybe you’ve got a full drawer of sexy lingerie in there. If I weren’t related to you—”

  I throw my hands over my ears and shout. “Stop.”

  Daven chuckles manically. “Did I hit too close to home?”

  “No. You’re just an asshole.” I haven’t confronted anyone like this in forever. It feels good. Emboldened, I stomp forward, my attention on one particular item on the table. When I reach the spilled contents of my purse, I swipe them all forward and pick up my wallet, yanking out my debit card. “Is this what you want?” I force myself to laugh. “You’re going to be sorely disappointed, but take it.” I hold it out to him.

  He snatches it out of my hand. “Feeling guilty now, are you?”

  “Why the hell would I feel guilty?” I shout back.

  He laughs again. “You’re too sweet not to be embarrassed that someone found out you’re no better than a hooker. Do your neighbors know? Your classmates? I bet the dean would love to find out how you paid for your education with your legs spread open.”

  I slap him. I can’t stop myself. I’m so damn angry that I let myself trust this asshole. I don’t even care what the repercussions are. Besides, half of what he’s said is true, and that unnerves me.

  Daven steps back, rubbing his cheek, but he’s laughing harder. “Wow. You hit like a girl.” He grabs the twenty I had in my wallet off the table and holds up the card. “How about you tell me the pin number?”

  “And then what?” I shake my head. “Not a chance. You’ll have to take me with you.” I’m not stupid. If I give him the information he wants, he won’t need me anymore, and at this point I don’t know how far he might go to shut me up.

  He rolls his eyes again. “Fine. Let’s go.”

  I glance at the door, wondering how to stall him. I need more time. Just a few minutes. “I thought you wanted to have breakfast before we went for a walk,” I say, buying precious time.

  He glares at me. “Not hungry. Let’s go.”

  “Perhaps you could just take some things from the apartment. You were admiring the art. It’s all worth something. Maybe pack a bag of stuff. You can sell it.” I’m grasping at straws. I don’t actually know if anything in this apartment is worth a lot of money.

  He grits his teeth. “Lucy, stop fucking around. We’re leaving.” He grabs my arm and tugs me toward the door. When he yanks it open, my heart is beating rapidly.

  Thank God the cops are standing outside. One glance at me and they stiffen. One of them pulls a gun. I’ve never been so relieved.

  “What the fuck?” Daven drops my arm and takes a step back. “How did you…”

  I lift up the keyring I’m holding. Specifically, the special fob. Roman got it for me three years ago when I started college. One push of a button and the police are alerted to my distress and location. I thought it was overkill when he gave it to me, but now I could kiss him. I could get away with pushing a button. No way in hell could I have grabbed my phone and dialed the police.

  While the cops enter my apartment, I can’t stop the tears. I’m about to collapse from the stress of the last ten minutes. And that’s not all. Any second now, I’m going to have to face Roman. I know that fob is connected to his security detail too.

  He’s going to come running through the door, and he’s not going to be happy. I just hope he can project his anger at Daven instead of me. I don’t think I can take a lecture right now. I need my Master’s comfort not his ire.

  Chapter 23

  Master Roman

  * * *

  The drive to Lucy’s apartment is the longest of my life. I don’t know how I manage to get there without killing someone since I stop at no sign or light and go way over the speed limi
t.

  I take the stairs to her apartment two at a time, not breathing until I reach the door and find the cops cuffing Daven. Actually, that doesn’t help me catch my breath either. I glare at him, wanting to tear him into pieces for whatever he’s done to Lucy. Instead, my gaze jerks to the rest of the room, and I finally exhale when I see my sweet girl sitting on the couch, her arms wrapped around her knees which are drawn up to her chest.

  A female officer is squatting in front of her.

  I hesitate for a moment, thinking I should take a swing at Daven but then deciding I need to check on Lucy first. “Lucy? God, are you okay?”

  She lifts her gaze. Tears are streaking her face. Her bottom lip trembles. She lets out a little sob.

  I slide onto the couch next to her and pull her into my side, causing her to drop the grip she has on her shins.

  She tucks her head into my chest and fists my shirt in her fingers.

  My gaze shoots back to Daven. He’s mumbling about a misunderstanding and trying to shake free of the officer.

  The officer in front of Lucy meets my gaze and clears her throat. “She’s shook up, but I don’t think she’s injured.”

  I hold her tighter and glance at the officer. “What happened?” I ask the officer.

  Lucy tips her head back and answers for herself. “He wanted money.” Her voice is weak.

  I frown. I want to throttle Daven.

  Her eyes slide closed. “I didn’t have any, so he wanted me to take him to an ATM.”

  I draw in a slow breath, trying to control my anger. I can’t believe that asshole. I’m furious, mostly at myself. The guy rubbed me wrong the moment I met him. I should have listened to my instincts and insisted Lucy steer clear of him.

  Granted, there’s no way she would have listened to me. She was angry with me at the time, and she desperately wanted to make things work with Daven.