Wild Nights With My Brother's Ex-Best Friend novel Chapter 85

NICOLE

After we deal with immigration and secure a car to take us to a hotel Roman knows, I ask myself if I did the right thing, even though, naturally, it's way too late for me to turn back.

The port's bustling with life, and the excitement seeps into my bones. Once we're inside the taxi, I don't stop looking out the window. This is the first time I've ever been in a foreign land, and it's exciting, to say the least.

Roman places a hand on my thigh, squeezing my flesh. I turn my head to meet his gaze, and he says comfortingly, "We'll have fun. I promise."

"Remind me how you know this place again?"

"I've been here on business trips before. I know my way around."

"Business?" I arch a brow.

He grins. "My jealous girl."

We arrive at a boutique hotel, and it's called that way because it's smaller and more...comfortable, according to Roman. They get things done quickly, and always grant him whatever he asks.

It's absolutely stunning. We stop by the reception to check in, and then a porter helps us take our things up to our room while detailing the history of the hotel.

When we reach our room, Roman tips him and then we're alone.

God. Am I truly here?

"Thoughts so far?"

"Everything's amazing," I answer. "This is the nicest place I've ever been to."

I won't include the hotel I was at with Esmeralda because that memory is so damn tainted. I can't think about it without cringing so hard my neck hurts.

Roman closes the distance between us, reaching for me. He settles his hand on my lower back and tells me, "I want to show you the world, Nikki. After I get this situation sorted, the world will be ours. I promise you."

I have this urge to tell him not to make promises he can't keep, but I refrain from doing it. It's unnecessary at a time like this. If I'm here, it's because somewhere deep inside of me, I believe he's telling the truth.

Roman kisses me, sending warmth all the way to the end of my spine, where it pools and melts my core. Then, he says against my lips, "We should grab something to eat. Brunch?"

"Sounds great."

On the ride there, I stare out the window and take in all the pretty sights, but something's bothering me. Mason. As soon as his name pops into my mind, my heart sinks in my chest.

My brother. I've literally abandoned him with that vile woman. I should've been heading home immediately to tell him the truth and make sure she stays as far away from him as possible.

Instead, I'm here. Having fun.

With someone he hates, nonetheless.

I could call him. Now that we're on land, it'll be much easier. But I can't tell him something so horrible over the phone.

"What now?"

I turn my head and realize that Roman's looking directly at me. I shrug and say, "I'm just thinking about the whole thing with Haley. My brother...I know you don't care, but I just—"

He reaches for my hand and I fall silent because I don't know what to say anyway. "It's alright. We'll figure this out together when we get there, alright? You're not alone."

I don't know what else to say, so I just nod.

He adds with more energy, "Let's have some fun. All these problems will wait for our return to the city. He'll be fine. He's a big boy, isn't he?"

Roman says in a low voice, "Looking closely at my wife, are you?"

"No, of course not," he sputters. "Forgive me. Look, I have to run. It was nice seeing you."

This time, Roman stands up to shake his hand and what he tells him in a low voice doesn't escape my notice. "If you look her way again, I'll break your jaw, friend."

Malcolm's face goes white. "Relax, Roman. I'm sorry. I didn't mean anything by it."

Thankfully, he goes away, and I watch Roman closely as he sits down and tries to take my hand in his again. I swat his away.

"What's the matter with you?"

"What?" he asks, genuinely confused. "You're not the only jealous one in this relationship."

"I didn't like being confused for Carmen."

"I told him you were my wife. He just assumed you were her."

I stare at him, deeply upset even though I don't want to make a big deal about it. He then sighs and says, "I'm sorry. I had to. I don't want people talking. That fuck's connected to my group."

"You're sure he won't tell in any case?"

"If he does, I'll kill him," he says casually before pressing his lips to my cheek. "Don't worry. This will be over soon. "Let's go for a swim?"

Roman picks me up and carries me all the way to the beach, where we dive into the salty water and spend the next few minutes swimming and holding each other. I wrap my legs around his waist tightly and we share a heated kiss.

It's a lot of fun, and I forget all about Malcolm and everything else in no time.