Page 39 of Guarded King

A moment later, his family has crowded around. Even Roman’s mom appears at my side. “Thank you, dear,” she says, with a slightly wintery smile. “Very thoughtful.”

“You’re a lifesaver,” Violet gushes as she bends down for a cup.

My cheeks heat. “I’m sure it won’t be as nice as yours.”

“Don’t tell anyone, but I may stop by this place on occasion when I’m out and about,” she fake whispers to me, her blue eyes sparkling.

I laugh. “I’ll never tell.”

When she grins back, I’m hit by a sense of camaraderie. As if, were we to meet under different circumstances, we might even be friends.

When I glance back at Roman, he’s still watching me with that enigmatic expression. I hold his gaze, hoping I haven’t overstepped. But though he’s unsmiling, I don’t sense anger or annoyance radiating from him.

“Remind me to find a way to thank your very excellent assistant. Because I doubt you’ll remember to,” Tate says to Roman, bringing his coffee to his mouth.

Roman frowns, his dark brows drawing together. “I’m more than capable of thanking Chloe myself.”

The sound of my name sends a little jolt through me. Will I ever get used to hearing him say it? I clear my throat and go for unaffected. “I was more than happy to do it. The only thanks I need is hearing the good news that there’s a new happy, healthy baby in the world.”

“I’m sure even Roman can manage that.” Tate smirks at his brother who scowls back at him.

Call me sentimental, but I enjoy watching Roman interact with his brothers. Being an only child, I’ve never experienced that kind of relationship. Tate’s irreverent personality is theperfect contrast to his older brother’s serious demeanor. Though I think I’ve developed a thing for the dark, brooding type.

A part of me is dying to find out what lies beneath Roman’s impenetrable exterior. But now isn’t the time. Not wanting to overstay my welcome. I say my farewells and leave. It isn’t until I step out of the room that the long day catches up with me and exhaustion pulls at my shoulders.

Phillip once again opens the car door for me, and this time I give him my address and settle into the seat as he drives me home.

Half an hour later, after checking in on Dad, I’m tucked into bed and trying very hard not to think about Roman as I drift off.

The beep of my phone wakes me early the next morning. Groggily, I grope for it and open the message from an unknown number.

I have to blink at the screen a few times before I can make out the words. The text itself merely saysthank you, followed by a winky face emoji, which tells me it’s probably from Tate. I can’t help but smile as I read it. The photo below it, though, makes my heart trip over itself.

The image is of Roman, his dark head tipped down, his focus on the tiny bundle cradled in his arms. One finger is softly touching the baby’s pink cheek, and a small, almost tender smile curves his lips. It’s a completely unguarded moment. One I can’t tear my eyes away from.

I’ve had far too much going on in my life, and far too few relationships, to have spent any time thinking about babies. But there’s no questioning the way warmth blooms low in my stomach as I study the picture, radiating through me in waves.

Sinking back into my mattress, I press my phone to my chest, where my heart is bounding wildly. Not that I can blame it. It knows just as well as I do that I’m in trouble.

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

ROMAN

“You look exhausted.” The dark shadows under Cole’s eyes tell one story, but his smile tells a different one. “And really fucking happy.”

Laughing, he rubs his hand over his face. “You have no idea.”

He’s right. I don’t have the first clue how being up all night changing diapers could put that grin on his face.

It’s been just over a week since my niece was born, and Cole’s been on leave since. He and Delilah have decided against hiring a nanny, and I can’t blame them. My brothers and I were basically raised by nannies, and we all know firsthand that it’s not exactly conducive to fostering strong family dynamics. Although seeing how exhausted he looks now, I wonder if there’s a part of him that’s regretting that decision.

“She’s awake.” Delilah appears in the doorway of the living room in their penthouse. Dressed in a dark green robe, with her long dark hair tied up in a loose bun, she cradles the baby in her arms.

“I’ll take her.” Cole leaps out of his seat as if he hasn’t been deprived of sleep for a solid week.

With a sweet, tired smile, Delilah hands over the tiny bundle.

As she shuffles to the kitchen, Cole sits on the couch again, close enough for me to lean over to get a look at Lottie Grace’s face. Even I can admit she’s cute. Delilah and her mom are close, so it makes sense that they used her middle name, but I’m still a little surprised that they gave her our mom’s middle name as well.