Roman: Book 1 (17 page)

I tuck Heather into bed and quietly close the door. I make my way through the long hallways of house to my office where Andrew and Sebastian are waiting impatiently.  “Sir, we need to discuss a few things. Sebastian and I have become concerned. Neither of us was able to find enough information on her. Whatever information you found, we were never informed of, and that’s your business, we understand th—“

My right hand shoots up in the air, instantly ending Andrew’s rant.

“Heather Mackenzie’s father, Heath Mackenzie was the lead investigator who initiated an investigation of my connection to the disappearance of eleven women on the day Amanda Robbins’ jumped to her death with that goddamn letter in her fist.  The only reason I was never brought in for questioning is because of their lack of evidence being nothing but eleven grainy photos with vague messages written on the back hinting I am the one who is behind disappearance of the women. All Sebastian was able to gather from his connections in the SPD was that every picture was sent within the first week each girl went missing.”

After I pause allowing my words to sink in, I only continue to speak once I see the realization of my situation settle on both men’s stunned expressions.

“Heather is only in my life because she followed in her daddy’s footsteps. As you know she and I have had a tumultuous year both fighting each other as well as fighting our feelings for each other, all while attempting to learn where all of this will lead us in the end.  As of right now, all I can tell you is she and I will be married as soon as her injuries heal. Andrew, either you or Sebastian call my attorneys first thing tomorrow morning to set up a meeting. My will needs to be revised.”

My elbows thud against the desk as I rake my fingers through my hair angrily and fist the strands, holding my head up in my hands.

“Sir, I—You just aborted a mission because you found a bundle of roses who’s petals weren’t bruised, are you sure you’re thinking clearly enough to alter your will to include a woman who only interrupted your life to—“

“She’s pregnant.” I can’t even find the strength to look at him or Sebastian as I speak the words.

Both men’s silence is the exact response I expected from my proclamation.

After several minutes of stunned silence Andrew is the first to speak. “Shit. I don’t know what to say, much less how to respond, Roman. Congrats?”

I release a sigh before leaning back in my chair. “I don’t know. Congrats or bloody hell, what the fuck am I supposed to do now? I can’t very well kill off all three of my daughter’s uncles can I?”

Both men shake their head slightly and speak in unison. “No.”

“Precisely. Now you understand why it’s imperative we marry as soon as she’s healed.”

“May I…speak candidly, Mr. Payne?” I nod for Sebastian to continue. “Her brothers, will you allow them to be in attendance?”

“Shit.” My eyes close and pinch the bridge of my nose as I struggle to come up with an answer.

“Roman. If you are going to do this, really do this. Marry Heather, make her your wife, and actually be a father, you do realize this ‘captive’ game you’ve been playing cannot continue.” My eyes meet Andrew’s as his last words are spoken.

Fucking mother of Christ. I detest the abhorrent thoughts pulsing through my mind.

Heather is mine and mine alone, if I allow her brothers into our lives, into our sacred, fragile place, I’ll end up losing her.

Anxiety unlike anything I’ve felt before surges through my veins and fuels my anger even more.

“Why?” I ask, cutting my eyes to his across the desk between me and the two men.

“Sir, you’re building a family. In order for that to happen both your family and hers is necessary. Surely you realize this?” I glare at Sebastian as his words resonate through me, mind, body and soul. I don’t know how else this marriage can actually take place without her brothers being involved.

I know I can tell her it isn’t possible. But this tight wire I walk is quickly becoming a knifes edge. Since our first night in France, Heather has not only shut me out but she’s all but given up as well.

“Yes. Of course, I realize. Do you think I’m ignorant?!” I shout at Sebastian.

Dolores softly knocks on the open office door before walking in with a tray of tea. Her eyes never rise from the tray. After she pours me a cup of tea and adds a cube of sugar she sets both the tea and the silver teaspoon in front of me. She turns and slowly sits in the chair across from me and clears her throat before quietly speaking.

“Mr. Payne, if I may?”

I nod once while stirring my tea then take a sip.

“I’ve kept silent around Mac. Honestly I think the poor child thinks I’m mute. But that’s neither here nor there. Without knowing exactly where she stood where you’re concerned, loyal friend or foe, I decided it best I keep quiet. The silent ones leave the apprehensive people chatty. Who’s the mute going to say anything to? Mr. Payne, with all due respect I have been at your side as family, friend, and employee since you were knee tall to a grasshopper. For months I’ve begged you to allow her the simple requests I find her mourning for day after day. Give her the fresh air she seeks. Allow her to feel the rain on her face, the sun to bathe her skin until it feels tight and chill bumps race along the surface. And for the love of God, give her back her family. Has she not earned this by her actions and obvious loyalty, sir?”

My hand scrubs down my face before looking up at her, “I promised her freedom. Not once did I promise her an ounce of public freedom."

“Roman, the only thing I can honestly say, is she loves you. Sadly, if you don’t stifle the harsh oppression you enjoy ruling her life with, you will slowly kill not only her love for you, but the pure essence of her, the essence of which you directly feed from. Give her freedom. Give her her brothers. I know you don’t want to, but please, don’t let your pride extinguish your happiness, sir.”

When I wake the pain shredding through me I release a sob before my mind is able to compartmentalize and escape my pathetic reality.

Tears leak from the corner of my eyes and before I am able to control my emotions, I feel the bed dip and hear Roman’s calm voice, “There, there now. Here, open your mouth.” Without hesitation my lips separate and I’m fed two bitter pills. “Two Percocet. I have a glass of water,” He slides a straw between my lips, “Sip from the straw when you’re ready, mouse.”

I take two small sips and swallow the pills.

“I want you to stay in bed today. This evening I’ll have my dinner brought up with yours and we’ll dine in the sitting area.”

Without opening my eye I remain silent, hoping if I ignore him he’ll leave the room.

“I had Dolores whip us up some eggs over toast. I’ve been told it’s your favorite. Do you think once the medicine kicks in you’ll be able to sit up and eat a few bites?”

I remain silently still.

“You can’t really think I’ll allow this misbehavior you’re displaying to continue without punishment. When I ask you a question, it is your responsibility to answer.”

When my stomach growls, he chuckles. “Very well, I’ll take your body’s response as an answer just this once.”

The bed dips again and I feel his lips brush against my forehead before he stands, removing his weight from the mattress. I feel his hands tucking the blankets around me before I hear the chair to my left groan under his weight.

He sighs before speaking again.

“Tomorrow, if I think you’re strong enough, I would like to take you on a walk through the gardens. After we’re finished with our short walk, I’ll have you step into the pool house where you will change into a bathing suit of your choice and we’ll swim for a bit. I think some fresh air, sun, and water would do well for your healing.”

I am completely astounded by his words. Even after they’ve circled my mind several times, I’m still speechless.

Walk through the gardens? Swimming? I wasn’t even aware he owned a pool.

“However, if you don’t open that mouth of yours, we’ll do neither and you will remain in bed. Do you understand me, Heather?” His dark and eerily calm voice cuts through the room.

“Y-y-yes, thank you.” I whisper.

“Good. I’ve taken off this week and next in order to care for you. During these next two weeks I plan on reorienting you to how things work between us, as well as orienting you to a few new allowances I’ve decided you earned. You and I will also be going over wedding plans. We won’t be going out of the house, but instead I will arrange the planner to have the wedding people come to us. The baker, florist, wedding dress designer, etcetera. Once I am able to settle on which OBGYN specialist is the best to take care of you and the… you and the—“

“Baby. Our daughter. Either would suffice in referring to her. I refuse for you to use the term ‘fetus’ in order to detach the reality of who she is and how important she is to me.” I quietly, yet sternly inform him.

He coughs before saying, “Very well, you and the baby. Once I decide on a doctor who is good enough to care for you and the baby I will have them come here monthly until you’re closer to delivering.”

While we sit in total silence the ramifications of what he is allowing, the immensity of the changes he is willing make resonates through me and alights a brand of hope I never dreamed possible.

After a knock on the door sounds, Roman speaks, “Come in.”

I feel his hands slide beneath my arms before he pulls me up in bed and settles me with my back against my pillows. When I crack my right eye, I watch as he settles the tray Dolores brought into the room across my lap before he grabs his own plate from the cart and places it on the table he at some point moved from the sitting area to in front of his chair beside my bed.

Dolores quietly leaves us. Roman looks up smiling at me as he picks up his knife and fork. As he cuts into his eggs over toast he says, “Bon appetite.” before taking a bite of his breakfast.

I collect my wits to the best of my ability and parrot his words, “Bon appetite.” Then dig into my food like a starving woman barely pausing between bites.

After Roman and I finish eating we talk about different topics, most are ones we’ve never discussed before. The medicine’s side effects begin making my eye and extremities heavy and it isn’t long before drowsiness lulls my consciousness away.

Yesterday Roman brought me a lunch tray with a Japanese feast adorning it. Teppanyaki steak, fried rice, Miso soup and side sushi roll. Having never been a fan of sushi, it was left untouched, while everything else was devoured. Roman sat watching me eat, smiling lovingly at me from his chair.