Page 35 of Rogue Romeo
What is going on with you, idiot? She’soff-limits.
When I’d come back from meeting Liv and the boys to find her gyrating around the penthouse, I’d been too intent on watching her to give it any thought. But when I was cooking breakfast, alone with only my thoughts for company, I came to the realization that—to my detriment—I am very much attracted to my new housemate on a physical level. I mean, Iknewshe was attractive, but when I put forward my proposition, I didn’t quite think through what that could translate to between us further down the line.
And this is one relationship I can’t fuck up because sheneedsme. Probably more than I need her, if I’m honest with myself.
I could have easily gone back to Henry, tail between my legs, and come clean. He’d have been spitting mad, but nothing I haven’t seen before.
I’d been fully ready for Reyna to tell me to get lost when I propositioned her in Molly Malones. The fact that she’d answered yes instantly, her face lighting up with pure, uncomplicated happiness, had made my heart swell with longing.
I’d felt the most overwhelming need to take care of her. To protect her. To be her person.
Damn you, Grey’s Anatomy.
The elevator pings open, and out walks the Sun, beaming a smile that lights up my entire vision.
I’m fucking screwed.
* * *
“This is absolutely unnecessary, Alex. I don’t need a shopping spree.”
I slide from the back of my town car, holding my hand out to assist her, which she takes with a grateful smile.
“You deserve it, Rey. Indulge me. Please?”
Her inner struggle plays out clearly on her stunning features, hesitance warring with desire until I clasp her right hand in my left and tug her toward our first stop.
I can see the moment desire wins, and her face blooms with a dazzling smile that makes my chest feel tight.
“Bergdorf Goodman!”
I smile indulgently as I dust my thumb across the back of her smooth hand. She squeezes lightly, her strides lengthening as her smile grows impossibly wider.
Once we’re inside, my eyes land on the four stylists I had my assistant, Bailey, organize for the occasion. All four are upon us immediately.
“Welcome to Bergdorf Goodman, Mr. DeMarco. I’m Jessica, your primary stylist, and we are justthrilledto have you with us today.”
“Thank you, Jessica.” I flash her a smile before twisting my head around to Reyna, who is taking the store in with wide brown eyes. “My girlfriend, Miss Marquez, is your client today. I’m purely here to give my opinion if required.”
Holy shit! That word fell from your mouthwaytoo smoothly, DeMarco.
All four sets of eyes swing around to Rey, who regards the stylists hesitantly.
“Excellent.” Jessica recovers quickly, turning her full professional attention to Rey. “I have some wonderful pieces that I think will look simply divine on your figure.”
The stylists crowd around Reyna, moving her in the direction of a private fitting room, and I follow, stuffing my hands in my pants pockets with a self-congratulatory, shit-eating grin.
Once we are settled, flutes of champagne in hand, each stylist brings forth outfit after outfit, but for some reason, Reyna stays seated, only nodding now and then.
“Ladies, if you’ll excuse us for a moment.” My sentence is spoken softly but firmly.
The four stylists, the epitome of professionals, drop what they’re doing and file from the fitting area in the blink of an eye, leaving me to turn to Reyna.
“Is there nothing that you liked?”
She lifts her disbelieving eyes to mine. “Everything issobeautiful, Alex. It’s like a dream.”
“Do you want me to get them to just ring everything up without trying them on?”