Page 126 of Uprising

“Koen.” Roman says getting to his feet, glancing at Ben like he’s making a point of telling him to shut up, to control himself.

“The Capulet bitch has been spotted.”

“What?”

I gasp it while Roman snarls. I’m on my feet now and for some reason I’m trembling.

“She’s still missing?” I say.

Roman nods. “For now.” He mutters before looking at Ben. “I want you on it.”

“Too late. My men are already hunting her down.” Koen says.

“I guess I’ll check on Sofia then.” Ben states.

And this man, this stranger narrows his eyes like he wants to tell him no.

“Take Lara with you.” Roman says. “It will cheer Sofia up.”

“You’re sure?” Ben asks glancing between us.

Roman nods before I can say anything. Before I can object.

Lara gets up, grabs his hand in her left and in her right, she’s got a doughnut that’s dripping jam down her wrist but she doesn’t seem to notice. “Is she awake Uncle Ben?” She asks. “Yesterday she was so sleepy.”

“So were you Sweetpea.” Roman murmurs.

Lara flashes him a grin before Ben leads him away.

And then it’s us, me, Roman, and this stranger just stood here.

“Who are you?” I ask.

He meets my gaze with eyes darker than Roman’s. “Your boyfriend didn’t tell you?”

“Tell me what?” I ask.

Roman steps between us just a little as if he’s protecting me almost. “This is Koen Diaz.”

My eyes widen, I take a step back and almost stumble over my own feet.

Koen Diaz? What the fuck are we doing interacting with a man like him? I look at Roman questioningly and I can feel my heart pumping in my chest, I can hear my breath suddenly so ragged.

“He’s been helping us Rose.” Roman says. “He’s the reason we’ve been able to take down Darius.”

“I don’t understand…” I begin.

“We gave your boyfriend and his mates bed and board. We gave your daughter shelter too. And your dog.”

I gulp looking from one man to the other. I don’t know why I’m reacting like this. Roman wouldn’t put me in danger. I know this. I know him. And yet I can feel my palms are so sweaty. I can feel my body’s fight or flight response kicking in.

“He won’t hurt you.” Roman says quietly. “No one is going to hurt you.”

“And Sofia?” I ask because clearly there’s some shit going on there.

Koen’s eyes react. I see it in his face. She means something to him.

“No one is hurting my sister.” Roman says and then he turns fixing Koen with a look that makes me jaw drop in shock. “Whatever the fuck is going on, you stay away from her until she’s well enough to make up her own mind.”