From Best Friend To Fiancé (Savannah and Roman) novel Chapter 7

**TITLE: Dreams Folding Into Broken Time Velvet Shadows by Serene L. Arden**

**Chapter 7**

Dean let out a hearty laugh, the sound reverberating through the air like a playful challenge.

For a brief moment, I noticed Roman’s jaw tighten, a flicker of tension crossing his face, yet his voice remained as smooth and sweet as honey.

“Savannah’s a wonderful woman, sir. I feel like the lucky one here,” he declared, his eyes glinting with sincerity.

“If only that were true,” Dad grumbled, his tone dripping with skepticism. “Unfortunately, I’ve witnessed the devastation she leaves in her wake for almost thirty years. Convincing me otherwise is nearly impossible.”

My jaw tightened, the muscles straining as frustration coursed through me, a vein pulsing ominously at my temple.

“Savannah’s a wonderful woman, sir,” Roman reiterated, this time with a smile that barely concealed his simmering anger. “But don’t worry. I can handle a little fire.”

“Good luck with that. Hope you packed an extinguisher,” Dean shot back, a smirk playing at the corners of his lips.

In a moment of rebellion, I discreetly flipped him the bird, my heart racing with indignation.

“Ah, I take it you had a dozen of those and still ditched at the first sight of the smoke,” Roman replied, a teasing lilt in his voice.

Dean attempted to mimic Roman’s confident stance, and I couldn’t help but stifle a laugh. It was amusing, really, watching him try to assert himself.

“Yes, because only a wise man knows to run at the first whiff of smoke. The fool waits for the flames to engulf him,” Dean retorted, a self-satisfied grin spreading across his face.

A moment of silence hung in the air, thick with anticipation. It felt as if we were all collectively holding our breath, waiting for the next move. Alyssa paused mid-bite, her mimosa hovering in front of her, while Chloe’s gaze was glued to Roman, curiosity and concern mingling in her eyes. Mom looked like she was silently pleading for divine intervention to help us survive this day. Aunt Janice leaned in to whisper to Aunt Thelma, who was secretly filming the entire spectacle, her eyes wide with excitement.

Roman stepped forward, closing the distance between himself and Dean. The confusion on Roman’s face morphed into something akin to pity as he regarded Dean, their eyes locked in an unyielding stare.

“You’re not scary or tough. Not even remotely. You’re just a nervous little man seeking attention,” Roman stated flatly, as if he were unveiling the truth of Dean’s existence.

A gasp echoed through the room. It was likely Aunt Carol, her shock palpable.

Dad’s expression remained neutral, neither smiling nor frowning. He simply observed, his gaze keen and unyielding.

“Where’s our bedroom, Sav? My neck hurts from looking down at this guy,” Roman said, tilting his head toward Dean with a hint of mockery.

Alyssa nearly toppled off the arm of the couch, laughter bubbling out of her. “Oh my God, Savannah—where did you find him? Give me the deets!”

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