Chapter 65
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They were having dinner with Roman’s family at a very expensive restaurant. Blair was worried about being seen or photographed by the media. They hadn’t gone public yet.
Peters stood discreetly near their table, scanning the room with practiced ease. The other diners paid him no attention, but Blair noticed how his gaze lingered on each new arrival.
She smoothed her navy dress, hyperaware of Roman’s mother studying her from across the table. It was friendly–and Roman’s mother wasn’t sizing her up, thank God. She just wanted details.
“So, dear, have you thought about colors yet?” Eleanor leaned forward. She had already told Blair how happy she was that she and Roman were getting married so quickly.
Blair glanced at Roman, who was deep in conversation with his father about something work–related. “We’re keeping it simple. Small ceremony. But Roman is managing everything. I only need to find a dress.”
Roman’s mother looked at him in surprise. “Really? His marriage to Jessica–he didn’t do a thing.” Blair could see this pleased Eleanor no end, that her son was so invested.
“Mother,” Roman said, showing that even though he had been in conversation with his father, he was still listening in on their exchange. “Can we not discuss my first marriage with my soon–to–be wife?”
“I’m merely stating fact-”
“How’s the salmon here?” Blair cut in, opening her menu wider than necessary.
Roman’s father, James, cleared his throat. “Excellent. Though I recommend the sea bass.”
Blair caught the slight smile Roman gave her–grateful for the deflection. His hand found hers under the table, squeezing gently.
“Speaking of recommendations,” Eleanor started again, “I know the most wonderful wedding planner-”
“Mum.” Roman’s tone brooked no argument. “Blair and I will handle the arrangements. Well… me mostly. We’re getting married in less than two weeks. There’s no time for anything lavish. Plus, we don’t want it. We only need each other and our families.”
The waiter arrived, providing another welcome interruption. They ordered, and Blair sipped her water, wishing it were wine. But there was a very slight chance she could be pregnant. She hadn’t taken any tests, but Roman was very active in the bedroom.
“At least let me host the engagement party this weekend for our families and friends,” Eleanor persisted. “Something intimate. Just family and close friends.”
Roman opened his mouth to object, not seeing the point when they would be getting married the week after, but Blair touched his arm.
“That might be nice, actually. As long as it’s small.” Blair could see Roman’s mother wanted to be involved.
Eleanor practically beamed. “Of course, dear. I’ll keep it tasteful.”
“And vetted,” Roman added firmly. “Every guest–or this could end up larger than we want.”
His mother’s smilé dimmed slightly. “Roman, you take the fun out of everything-”
“Every guest,” he repeated. “No exceptions. There will need to be security.”
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16.1
Wed, 18
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Chapter 65
James set down his whiskey. “Your mother and I understand the situation, son. We’ll take all the necessary precautions.”
The tension eased somewhat as their food arrived. Blair cut into her fish, the conversation shifting to safer topics. But she noticed how Roman’s shoulders never fully relaxed, how his eyes regularly scanned the restaurant.
“Are you still thinking about buying the house in Blair’s hometown?” James asked between bites. “Good investment potential.”
That made Blair look at Roman. He had been keeping the details very close to his chest on this.
Roman nodded. “The location’s ideal. Easy commute to work.”
“I always said that area is so pretty.” Eleanor dabbed her lips with her napkin. “The prices have shot through the roof as more people want out of the city.”
“What house are you looking at again? I don’t think you said?” Blair wanted to know. She knew most of the homes in her hometown. Very few would meet Roman’s needs.
Roman’s hand found her knee under the tablecloth, squeezing gently. “It may not pan out. Let’s wait and see.”
Blair nodded, but she wasn’t sure why he wasn’t saying. She knew it wasn’t her family’s childhood home–because it wasn’t on the market. She and her sisters always kept watch. Sentimental reasons only. It wasn’t like they could afford to buy it.
She really liked Roman’s parents. They were easy to be around. By the time they stepped outside, Blair was so full she was ready for bed.
Peters brought the car around while Roman helped his mother with her coat.
“Drive safely,” James said, hugging Roman and kissing Blair’s cheek. “We’ll talk about the engagement party tomorrow. We don’t have a lot of time.”
They waved goodbye as Roman’s parents climbed into their waiting car. Blair exhaled slowly.
“That wasn’t so bad,” Roman murmured, helping her into the back seat.
“I love your parents. Makes me miss mine more.”
Roman kissed her. “I wish I could give them to you.”
Peters pulled away from the curb, merging into light traffic. Blair leaned against Roman’s shoulder, suddenly tired.
“Thank you.”
His expression softened in the passing streetlights. “I want to marry you. This isn’t just about Jessica. I need you to know that.”
Before Blair could say anything, Peters suddenly tensed. “Sir.”
Roman straightened immediately. “What is it?”
“Black SUV. Three cars back. It’s been following us since we left the restaurant.”
Blair’s heart rate spiked as Roman shifted to look out the rear window. His arm came around her protectively.
“Take the next right,” he ordered. “Let’s see if they follow.”
Peters turned sharply. The SUV mirrored their movement.
“Faster,” Roman said quietly. “But don’t make it obvious.”
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Chapter 65
They weaved through side streets, each turn confirmed by the pursuing vehicle. Blair’s hands clenched in her lap.
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“Call it in,” Roman told Peters. “Get Ethan heading our way.” He was angry with himself for not having Ethan follow ther tonight. But the last few days had been so quiet.
Peters was already reaching for his phone when the SUV suddenly accelerated, ramming their back bumper. Blair jerked forward, Roman’s arm the only thing keeping her in place.
“Hold on,” Peters warned, pressing the gas. But the SUV was faster. Heavier. It slammed into them again–harder.
(+28)
The third hit sent them spinning. Blair screamed as Roman threw himself over her, shielding her body with his own. Metal screamed against metal. Glass shattered.
Then everything went black.
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