From Frying Pan to Strange Fire

It was already night when they arrived at Camparo, and even later when they arrived at their hotel. Grace couldn’t contain her shock when she realized that they would be staying at the penthouse.

“Holy smokes, Jo, this is massive!” She exclaimed, looking and walking around the place.

Joan couldn’t respond because she was even more shocked than Grace. For a moment, she almost believed and accepted that she did misinterpret what Roman said to her. Because, why would he lavish such a huge amount of money to give her the vacation of a lifetime if all he wanted was for her to run away?

“Woah… come look at this view.” Grace’s voice broke her thoughts, bringing her back to the present.

Joan shook her head to rid herself of what just slipped into her mind, and she went to meet Grace. Standing before the floor to ceiling window, the view did not disappoint. It was a majestic view overlooking a picturesque scenery.

“Are you sure this guy doesn’t love you?” Grace suddenly asked, her eyes not moving away from the beauty she was beholding at that moment. Despite the fact that it was night, the many lights in the city made everything look magical.

“Love? Have you forgotten how I met him and what happened between us? How can he love someone who did that to him? This is just him showing off and throwing money around like rich people do to prove a point.” Joan concluded and Grace frowned.

“What do you mean? My dad is rich but he doesn’t throw money around unnecessarily. He only spoils his family and friends when needed. Not all rich people are like that.” Grace countered, offended.

“Your dad is an exception. Others are like that.” Joan uttered.Content bel0ngs to Nôvel(D)r/a/ma.Org.

“Stop generalizing. There are a whole lot you don’t know because they don’t show off.”

“Fine. This one called Roman is like that. He is only trying to show off.” Joan insisted and Grace let out a tired sigh.

“If you think so.” She resigned. “Let me check the other places.” Grace moved away from the window, leaving Joan to her conflicting thoughts.

Even though she stopped Grace from talking further about it, Joan couldnt stop her mind from thinking about the possibility of Roman liking her, even though she knew it was near zero.

She remembered the first day when he said it was love at first sight and that she was his soulmate. How was that even possible?

Unconsciously, she wrapped her arms around her stomach when a soft, cool breeze hit her skin from the window. As soon as she did that, she remembered the way Roman had wrapped his arms around her waist just before she got on the plane.

She still didn’t understand why he affected her so much especially when any part of his skin comes in contact with hers. The feeling was addictive and she always never wanted it to end. She always yearned for more even though she knew she shouldn’t.

Could it be that… No! She immediately stopped herself from indulging in that thought that was already poking it’s head. Instead, she made herself believe that it was because she had been starved of the touch and company of a man. Even if it was anything else, she refused to believe it.

***

“Boss,” Trevor called out to Roman while they were walking toward the company’s private garage. “Mrs. Elvin just called me. She wants a meeting with you.”

“Who’s that?” Roman asked as the name didn’t ring a bell.

“Madam’s mother. She said she needs to speak with you and it’s urgent.”

“What does she want to talk about?” Roman questioned, climbing into his car.

“I don’t know. But I think you should see her.” Trevor answered and Roman frowned at him.

“Why do you think so?”

“Well, she’s Madam’s mother and I hear they have a good relationship. I think it’s normal for her to want to speak with you considering the way everything happened. Also, I think Madam would appreciate it if you have a good relationship with her mother.” Trevor explained to the best of his knowledge, hoping Roman would not bring up another question.

“Arrange a meeting at home. I’ll see her in the morning.” Roman agreed, turning away from Trevor. But his words made Trevor put on a small frown.

“At home? What about the office? I think the office would be better.” Trevor suggested. However, Roman only shut his eyes.

“The office does not have my wife’s scent.” He simply said and Trevor gave up trying to change his mind. He climbed into the shotgun seat and they drove away from the company.

They reached the mansion and walked in, only to be greeted by Williams presence. His presence wouldn’t have bothered them if he wasn’t dressed like someone who just escaped the lion’s den. His shirt was torn in several places and the material, which was originally white was now officially brown with blood stains scattered everywhere on it.

“Alpha Williams,” Trevor gave a small bow with a frown on his face while Roman just eyed the guy with distaste before continuing his journey upstairs.

“We need to talk, Rome.” Williams uttered, following Roman.

“I’m guessing you have good news for me.” Roman said, not slowing his steps one bit.

“I have good, bad and worse news.” Williams revealed and Roman let out a sigh.

“At least dress up properly, Liam. You are lucky my wife isn’t here. If she was here, I would have locked you up in the dungeon until you find something decent to put on.”

“This is important, Rome.” Williams spoke in exasperation, wondering what has gotten into Roman. He was talking something serious and… Urrgh!

Roman didn’t respond anymore until he reached the floor where his and Joan’s room was located. Instead of moving to his room, he moved toward the other side and paused outside the door. A moment later, he opened it and stepped inside. “Don’t come in here.” He said to Williams before closing the door.

Left alone, he drew in a long breath, basking in the blissful feeling her scent was giving him. He needed this to calm his head because he knew whatever Liam was about to tell him would not go well with him.

His eyes traveled to the bed and even though Joan wasn’t physically there, his mind painted a beautiful picture of her lying there and smiling at him invitingly.

Williams waited for a while outside, leaning against the wall with his eyes closed. His brows remained tightly furrowed as he thought of how best to present what he wanted to say to Roman.

Some time later, his eyes flew open when Roman stepped out of the room and came to stand before him.

“Spill it.” Roman said.

“Good news, Jorell didn’t send the one that attacked your convoy three days ago. He had nothing to do with it. Bad news, Casper is still alive. He was behind the attack.” Williams paused to let Roman digest the news.

“Casper is not dead? Interesting.” Roman nodded, a thoughtful expression coming to settle on his face. “How did he survive?”

“I’m not sure. But he has been in coma and only woke up a few days ago. I think he remembered everything that’s why he came for you. Also, he is gathering an army of rogues.” Williams explained.

“I now have two people after my life. It’s getting interesting. That shouldn’t bother you, Liam. They can’t kill me. Even I have been trying for years and it didn’t work. So relax.” Roman smiled, patting Williams on the shoulder.

“You think so because I have only told you the good and the bad. You haven’t heard the worse one.” Liam revealed.