Chapter 47 You've Always Been Mine, Savannah The night air was cool, sharp, and smelled faintly of rain as I slipped away from the chaos of the rehearsal dinner. Laughter and clinking glasses dulled into nothing, replaced by the hush of the gardens and the slow throb of my pulse in my own ears. My hands trembled as I braced against the stone wall of the restaurant, bending forward to draw in a breath that didn’t want to come. I heard him before I saw him—the steady, unhurried rhythm of his steps—like he knew exactly where to find me. And he obviously did. My body instantly betrayed me, reacting to him. “Sav.” His voice slid over my skin, low and threaded with something dangerous. He stepped in close, his warmth brushing my back as his hand found me, palm firm but careful, steadying me. “You're not okay.” The area where his hand was resting, felt like it was on fire. My skin prickled with sudden heat. I nodded, but my voice escaped me. “I’m fine.”“You’re clearly not.” His gaze caught mine, holding me still. “Who was that guy?” “Henry. One of Dean’s lackeys.” My throat tightened. “I should kill him.” The words were so quiet they barely made the air between us move. Strangely, it didn't sound like a casual threat. “No need,” I murmured, though my pulse spiked. “He’s always been an asshole. Couldn't stand him back in college.” “He humiliated you. Being an asshole shouldn’t be enough excuse.” “Just let it go,” I whispered, my eyes skimming his mouth before I could stop myself. His jaw flexed. “Why do you let people walk all over you?” “Because…” My voice caught. “…it’s easier to stroke the heel when you’re down.” Something dark flickered in his eyes. He stepped closer, close enough that my back brushed his chest, close enough to feel the rise and fall of his breathing. “You're one unusual woman, Savannah.” He murmured, never taking his eyes off me. “And you're one overprotective fake fiancé.” I teased him, feeling my nipples strain against my bodice. And he saw it too. “You’re driving me insane,” he said, but his voice was a low growl now, the words trembling with something that wasn’t frustration. His hand lingered against my hip a heartbeat too long. I didn’t move. Couldn’t. The air between us turned heavy, charged—like a storm waiting to break. His thumb brushed my waist. I felt it like a spark, shooting straight to where I ached for him. I told myself to step back, to walk away before it went too far. But my body had its own betrayal planned. “You should go,” I whispered, though my fingers curled into the fabric of his jacket. He smirked. “Do you really want me to?” His breath was warm against my ear. I didn’t. Not out loud. But the way my lips parted, the way my knees weakened—he knew. Something in his eyes darkened—want, anger, both tangled together. “I've been wanting to do this all night,” he growled.I wasn't given a chance to pretend that I didn't know what he was talking about. Nor that I didn't want it too. And then his mouth was on mine. It wasn’t gentle. It was hot and fierce, a collision that stole the air from my lungs. His hands pinned mine above my head against the wall, the cold stone biting into my back. My body arched into his without thought, seeking the heat and the hardness pressed against me. Then he broke the kiss so fast I whined in protest. He caught my arm before I could go in for another kiss, his grip like steel and his gaze burning with something I couldn’t name. “Come with me,” he murmured. No request, just command. The restaurant blurred past as he led me through a side door, down a short, dim corridor that smelled faintly of spice and smoke. The murmur of voices faded, replaced by the thud of my own heartbeat. He didn’t stop until we reached the shadowed corner behind a stack of wine crates, where no one would think to look. Before I could breathe, he had me caged against the wall, his hands braced on either side of my head. The air between us turned fiery. His chest brushed mine, our breaths tangling, and every nerve in my body reached for him like it had been starving. “I want you, Savannah.” His voice came out rough and deep. My body hummed in anticipation and excitement because I also felt the same way. Ever since that night in the rain, I haven't stopped wanting him, needing him, craving him. And neither have I stopped hating myself for wanting him. But I never expected the next words to come flying out of his mouth. “The first time was supposed to get these thoughts out of my head. Instead, it ruined me. Now I want every inch of you, every damn day, until your body knows it belongs to me.” Our eyes collided. My throat ran dry. But my panties got wetter. Instantly. There was a deep hunger in his eyes. “Roman…” His hand came down on my jaw. “You have no idea what you’ve done to me. I’ve been replaying every sound you made, every way you came apart for me.” His grip tightened. “I’m not letting that go. I’m not letting you go. Fuck the friendship. I want you.” I let out a little gasp. His thumb rubbed across my lower lip. I wished I could control my mouth to force the words out but I opened and closed my mouth, no sounds escaped. I didn't even know how to reply to such a blunt confession. I just watched him through lust-hooded eyes. Even though warning signs were going off in my brain. Even though a defiant part of me was reminding me that we were about to screw up what was left of our friendship. “I don’t just want to fuck you—I want to keep you. You’re my favorite sin, and I’ll commit it again and again until you understand you’re mine.” His lips twitched a little. “You’ve always been mine, Savannah.” I tried to squeeze my thighs together but he wouldn't let me. He stepped in between my legs, settling in like only he had the right to. I stood there hypnotised. Just staring into those green orbs. “You think I could forget you after that night? I’ve been hard for you since. Every inch of you is mine, and I’m not done taking you—ever.” I would have slid to the ground if not for his weight holding me up against the wall. “Roman…. Is it really wise to?” I whispered, in between pants. His eyes scanned my face. “The first time wasn’t enough. I’m still starving for you. And until I’ve had you so many times you can’t remember your own name, I won’t stop.” I stepped forward, every part of me trembling with need. “There's nothing stopping you now.”