Page 136 of The Throne Seeker

Accepting the feeling wasn’t going to leave on its own, she dared to peer back at him. Roman turned at the exact moment, coming face to face with each other.

He studied her like he was taking mental notes of something. In one effortless motion, his rough hand slid into hers, watching her expression to see if the gesture was welcome.

She gripped his large palm back, daring to scoot closer, hoping he wouldn’t be angry by her advance.

His simmering amber eyes boiled over. His hand let go of hers, going to her waist instead, drawing her close.

She returned the gesture, slithering her arms around his neck, entangling her body with his. She rested her head on what was becoming her favorite spot between his shoulder and neck.

Roman let out a loud, appreciative sigh, the sound mimicking what she felt on the inside.

For the first time that night, her body finally relaxed. She could have sworn she felt Roman stroking her hair, but she fell asleep so swiftly that she wasn’t certain if it was just her imagination.

CHAPTER 57

Roman woke Rose early the next morning. The sun was barely peeking out over the hills, leaving a dark-red sky to fill the dusty room with its soft hue.

“It’s time to go,” he whispered.

Rose desperately wanted to fall back asleep and let her body wake naturally, but the smell of smoke lingering kindly reminded her they were still in the tavern. In any case, if they left now, they’d be in the mountains by late afternoon, and at the manor by nightfall. The realization helped her wake up, untangling herself from the sheets, the cool air hitting her exposed skin.

She snuck a glance at Roman, who was already up, his back facing her, acting as though nothing had happened.

So she did the same.

Downstairs, the crowd was thin, with only a handful of men having breakfast. The morning scene was a stark contrast to the rowdy night crowd. Although she wished to forgo breakfast, Roman strutted up to the counter and picked up a muffin for each of them.

The tavern owner had the decency to look nervous as Roman approached.

“The room and breakfast are free,” Roman said in a threateningly low voice, refusing to pay him because of the incident last night. “And you’ll give me every penny that man paid you—and the others.”

Others?

Her mouth popped open in surprise.

The short man remained silent, scowling as if torn between compliance and defiance. After a moment, the tavern owner grunted and shuffled to the back, vanishing through the wooden door while muttering curses under his breath.

Not long after, he carried six large bags of coins back.

Six.

He pushed the money across the counter, not daring to get close, probably afraid Roman would make a grab for his arm. She almost thought he would; Roman’s hand was already on the hilt of his sword.

Instead, he nabbed the bags and marched out.

She gave the man a reprimanding glare of her own before she followed.

Roman saddled the horses while she filled their waters by the well. They were about to mount their horses when she asked, “How many?”

He slid her a quick side glance as he did up the straps of his saddle. “Too many. I didn’t wake you because I didn’t want to scare you. But don’t worry, they never came into the room.”

An involuntary shudder ran through her. “Thank you for shielding me.”

He yanked the strap of the saddle. “What have I said about thanking me?”

Rose shifted, wrapping her arms around herself as Roman’s face softened slightly, realizing how harsh he sounded.

“I’m sorry, it’s just—” He cut himself off. “It’s my own fault I made you stay here. I thought it’d be safer. Lesson learned—no more taverns for you.”