glides back up, circling over my racing pulse. I can taste his desire. I’m sure he can feel mine.
“I really want to kiss you,” he hoarsely confesses, his eyes focused on my mouth.
“I really want you to kiss me.”
A smirk tugs at his sinful mouth. I have to look away before I combust.
Reaching for the handle, I’m first to exit as I jump from the Jeep, thankful for the fresh air. Roman’s chuckles catch the breeze as he follows.
We walk toward the back staircase, my fingers itching to reach out and touch him, but I don’t. As we walk up the stairs, I’m surprised that Roman is a touch breathless beside me. Once we reach the top, he exhales.
Smoothing out my appearance, I’m hoping I can enter and not bump into anyone, as it’s obvious I’m still in yesterday’s clothes. Roman stands by the door, extending out his hand to allow me to go first. When I brush past him, I smother my moan. It’s probably wise we put some distance between us, because if anyone saw us now, we’d be caught red-handed.
As we walk the quiet halls, I focus on Roman’s sharp breathing, wondering if he’s just as anxious as I am.
“You really need to muzzle your thoughts.” I can’t help but giggle, as nothing slips past Roman.
That laugh carries down the hallway but dies in my throat when we turn the corner and bump straight into Tamara. “Roman?” She peers at our closeness. My blood turns cold.
“Where have you been?” she asks, crossing her arms over her chest.
“We just went for a walk.” It’s a pathetic excuse, but it’s all I can muster on such short notice.
“That must have been some walk, because I’ve been waiting for you to come back since yesterday afternoon.” She doesn’t address me. Only focusing on Roman.
Wringing my hands out behind me, I wish I could think on my feet and make up a plausible excuse. Roman’s shadow overlaps mine as he shuffles closer when he senses my anxiety.
To make matters worse, Zoe appears. “Lola? Where have you been? You weren’t in your room last night. I was worried.”
Tamara pales. She knows. “How could you?” When she finally makes eye contact with me, guilt overcomes me.
“That’s enough,” Roman snarls, his fierce warning silencing the room. We’ve drawn the attention of passersby.
“Roman…no.” Desperately latching on to his forearm, I shake my head. I can sense what he’s about to do. He can’t do this. I won’t allow it.
“Why?” Tamara questions, her confusion clear.
“Because…” I know he won’t tell her the truth. He’ll respect my wishes until the bitter end. But I won’t allow him to take the fall. He already has.
“Because he’s been administering me trial drugs,” I confess in a rushed breath. “Drugs I asked him to dispense and keep a secret. There’s a chance I could live, and Dr. Archibald has been my savior and strength when I’ve wanted to give up.”
Peering over Zoe’s shoulder, I notice June standing by the doorway. I have no idea when she arrived, but her disappointment can only mean one thing—she’s heard enough.
Tamara walks over to Roman, who has moved off to the side, not hiding her anger. I really need to talk to him, but I think it’s best if we do so in private.
When our eyes lock, a chill passes over me. Something’s different about him. Something has changed. He breaks contact, and something inside of me breaks as well.
Tamara stands before him, furiously whispering subdued words while he runs both palms down his face, exhaling. He listens, then nods and follows her out of the room, hands dug deep into his pockets. June is no longer visible.
I scurry down the hallway, never happier to see my door. Once inside my room, I decide to change and get ready for the day ahead.
My mind is going a million miles a minute however. What happens now? What did Tamara say to Roman, but more so, what will June say? I should have never asked him to lie for me. This is my fault, and I should be held accountable. He has every right to be mad at me.
What worries me more than my repercussions is the look Roman gave me before he left. He looked saddened, disappointed, but most of all, he looked defeated.
Once I slip on my sneakers, I’m out the door, on the hunt for Roman before volleyball starts.
I have no idea where he’ll be, so I try his office first. As his