Page 107 of Dance of Defiance

I nod.

Yes, he should. Because if he stays here any longer, I can’t be held responsible for any damage I do to myself climbing out of this bed and fucking himin it.

“Before you go, you need to do something for me.”

His brows knit. “What's that?”

“Admit what you are.”

Roman frowns and starts to open his mouth to protest, but then he shuts up.

Because I kiss him.Hard.

He tenses at first, but when my tongue slides into his mouth and demands to play with his, he fucking comesalive. He groans into my lips, kissing me just as hungrily as I do him, and by the time we pull apart he’s panting, a look of pure need on face.

“I don’t give a shit what you call yourself,” I murmur into his lips. “Gay, bi, questioning,whatever. You can even tell yourself you’re straight, for all I care.”

He whimpers—fuckingwhimpers—when I grab his jaw and pull him close.

“But you know what you are, un-fucking-equivocally?”

Roman shivers, gasping quietly when I drag my thumb over his bottom lip and kiss it.

“Mine.”

19

VAL

“How’re you feeling?”

All things considered? I feel fuckingamazing.

Kir seriously did me a solid with the VIP treatment at the hospital. My room is huge and has a great view, the food is amazing, the bed adjusts five billion different ways, and I’ve got friends like Brooklyn, Naomi, and Evie stopping by to fawn over me and make sure I’m comfortable. Hell, even Madame Kuzmina called me this morning, saying she hopes I’m back on my feet soon.

Hell hath frozen over, apparently.

So, to answer Brooklyn’s question, I’m great. At least, I should be great. So why do I feel like something is missing?

And why do I already knowexactlyhow that correlates to the fact that Roman hasn’t been back since the night I was admitted, two nights ago?

Normally, I’d have been discharged the next morning. But with my history of memory loss, they’re keeping me under observation for an extra two nights.

Also, I get the impression Kir gives enough money to this place that when he asks them to make accommodations for someone, they roll out the red carpet and go to town.

“Fine,” I shrug as I smile at Brooklyn. “Really.”

“Well, I’m glad they’re keeping you one more night,” Evelina says, taking my hand and squeezing it gently.

“I mean…” I grin as I glance around the opulent room that I swear is bigger than my first apartment. “Can’t really complain.” I nod my chin at Brooklyn. “Please tell Kir thank you again. I seriously owe him.”

She shrugs, waving me off. “Nah, you don’t.”

“You'resurethere’s nothing I can do to pay him back?”

“Val, it’s fine.”

“Homemade cookies?”