Wild Nights With My Brother’s Ex-Best Friend novel Chapter 19

NICOLE

I meet Roman several blocks away from Mason’s home.

As soon as I get in the car, his heavenly scent invades my nostrils. It’s such a clean, masculine scent. I’m completely addicted to it.

Without a word, he drives me to our destination, and the whole time, I wonder if this is finally it. Will this be the last time we’ll see each other? Roman’s quiet, which is unusual.

The drive isn’t that long. The rooftop restaurant sits like a crown atop a luxury hotel downtown, one I’ve heard of countless times before. It has glass walls, golden chandeliers, and the skyline view is to die for. I can’t tear my eyes away from it.

I’ve never been to a place like this before-and it’s unlikely I ever will.

“Oh my God,” I whisper when I look around once we’ve been seated. There are famous people around. Actors, singers, athletes, etc. People stop to greet Roman, barely glancing at me. He’s friendly and playful with everyone he comes across.

The waiter, a man whose name tag says Matthew, approaches our table and greets Roman warmly. “Glad to see you here. It’s been a while. Keeping busy?”

“A little bit.”

Matthew glances at me, then winks at Roman. “Another pretty one. No one can ever say you don’t have good taste.”

I have to admit that my smile falters a little after this comment-another pretty one. Roman doesn’t take his eyes off the guy. In fact, he gives him a look before saying, “Just do your job and serve the champagne, yeah?”

Matthew clears his throat and his face reddens. “Yeah, of course, man. Coming right up.”

Roman’s reaction to his comment is a hundred times worse than mine. I felt a little uncomfortable, but he’s funning. A chuckle escapes my lips and his eyes flicker to mine. “Why were you so aggressive? He’s clearly just poking fun at you, and it seems like something you both do. Plus, everyone knows you keep busy with women. Your love affairs are all over the tabloids, remember?”

I doubt he’d just say those words outright.

Roman leans closer to me and says, “That doesn’t matter. You’re not just another pretty girl to me, Nikki, and he should really mind his business.”

Once our orders are taken, we’re granted some privacy. The champagne is delicious-it’s perfectly sweet, fruity, and the bubbles dance on my tongue. Roman doesn’t take his eyes off me for a second. This dinner feels more like a date than a farewell, and that doesn’t sit well with me for obvious reasons.

This should be the last time.

“What are you thinking about?” Roman asks softly, jolting me out of my thoughts.

“Nothing important,” I lie.

“I don’t think I thanked you for accepting this invitation. It’s really nice to have you here. You’re really making me work for this, aren’t you?” When I don’t answer him, he adds, “I don’t mind it. I know the effort will be worth it.”

“Roman, you know as well as I do that I’m not playing games with you-whatever we have going on needs to stop.”

He leans closer to me, and I can tell by the devilish look in his eyes that what he’s about to say won’t be good. “We have a problem then, Nikki, because I have no intention of bringing this game of ours to an end.”

My heart sinks at his words. “You promised!”

“No, I didn’t.”

I sit back, demoralized, and he says, “Don’t ask me to give you up. I’ve never given up on anything in my life and I won’t start now.”

I search his eyes. The worst part? I can feel myself slipping deeper and deeper into this hole. The walls are closing in on me, and I’m starting to fear that there might not be an escape for me.

God, am I willing to betray my brother to live this lustful affair I have with Roman? What happens when the fire finally burns out and he tires of me? What will I have left if I gladly abandon my family for him? But why, then, does my heart make me feel like we belong together? Why does something tell me that what we have is stronger than just a physical attraction?

I’ve never been this terrified before in my life. I’m being confronted by this situation that could change my life forever.

If I choose Roman, my family relationship will fall apart. If I don’t, I’ll be betraying myself. I’ll never find a man like Roman. He knows me-deep down, he knows me perfectly well. For years, I loved him. Those feelings were suppressed after he disappeared from our lives, but that doesn’t change what he truly meant to be.

I eat, but have no appetite. His eyes are on me and though I try to ignore him, it’s impossible to do for too long. My heart squeezes in my chest every time my eyes land on his handsome face. And the way he’s looking at me…

Roman Hayes is the Devil.

Plain and simple.

Temptation is his greatest weapon.

Though we don’t exchange a single word, he’s communicating with his looks, and I see a need deep in his eyes. What does he see written all over my face? Can he tell I’m lying every time I tell him it’s over between us? That deep down, I’m hoping he’ll stay away so I won’t be tempted to fall right into his arms? He says that I’m in control and that the future of our relationship is in my hands-he’s wrong. I’m not the one who’s in charge here. He is. I’m completely helpless.

I sigh inwardly.

Dammit.