Page 250 of Blackwood

Roman turns to him, voice like silk pulled tight. “I see Irina has filled your head with fury toward me. But don’t be so quick to judge what you don’t understand, Aleksandr.”

Lex’s shoulders go rigid. I reach for his hand instinctively. He softens. Roman sees it. The way Lex breathes easier at my touch. The way Cade leans in. The way we exist in an orbit around each other, gravity and chaos bound by love.

“It’s just Bella. And just call him Lex.”

Roman inclines his head. “Understood. My apologies.”

I let out a shaky breath. “I’m just… not ready to unload my whole therapy file at breakfast.”

He smiles, just slightly. “That’s fair. But when you are ready, I’ll be here.”

“Thanks.”

“Your performance at Regionals was inspiring, Bella. I have never been so proud of anything in my life.”

Something tight in my chest tugs loose. “Thank you. Would you like to come to a practice sometime? It might be fun. You could see a bunch of different routines.”

Lex grins, wicked. “You sure you want him watching you do a chair routine on me, baby?”

Cade groans. “Lex.”

“What?” Lex shrugs. “He wants to know our lives. That’s a big fucking part of it, babe.”

Roman chuckles, low and amused. “I do own a nightclub, Lex,” he says, the corners of his mouth curving. “Trust me, I’m well acquainted with chair routines.”

A faint smile tugs at his lips—part pride, part mischief. “And after watching your birthday performances at The Obsidian, I think I’ve already seen a few things I can’t unsee.”

He pauses, taking a sip of coffee before adding, “Still, I would be delighted to come to a practice. I’m headed to Rome soon forbusiness. I’ll be gone for awhile, but when I return…” he meets my eyes. “…I’d love to attend.”

“I’d like that,” I say softly.

“So, Lex, Cade. How do you plan on keeping my daughter safe now that this man has been inside of your home? Is there something I can do?”

Lex stiffens. “It’s being handled. We don’t need your help”

Roman raises an eyebrow. “It never hurts to have more protection. Bella, I can get you a bodyguard. I can get all of you a bodyguard, round the clock protection.”

“Not necessary,” Lex snaps. “I will keep her safe.”

“Of course,” Roman says, tone unreadable. “But sometimes the best security is layered. If you change your mind let me know.”

I squeeze Lex’s hand across the table. Cade rubs his hand on my thigh under the table. I feel like I’m splintering in three directions.

Roman rises, “Well, thank you for meeting with me, Bella. I really should be going. I’ve got a plane to catch. If you need anything at all, you call me.”

I nod.

The second he’s gone, I sag against the booth, head tilted back, eyes fluttering shut for just a second.

My phone buzzes. I grab it out of my bag, expecting to see a message from Knox or Ellie, maybe even Coach Javi. But instead, it’s from him.

@LucaWasHere

While Daddy flies and Wolves all bite,

I’ll slip beneath the ballroom light.

But masks won’t hide what’s mine by thread,