Roman

I didn't mean to kiss her—at least not with that much intensity. Not with the world around us fading away and the sheer desperation I felt to keep her close.

But the moment she had walked out in that red bikini, I’d lost all sense of professional restraint. I didn't care that Emily was giggling nearby. In that moment, the fake engagement felt more real than anything I’d ever experienced. My protective instincts were on fire; I wanted to shield her from every prying eye and claim our connection in front of the whole goddamn world.

All my promises to keep this "just business" went up in flames. There was nothing fake about that kiss. I wanted her. I still want her.

And the part that scares me most is the fact that I’m starting to want her in ways that could ruin everything. Best friends aren't supposed to have these kinds of vivid, heart-pounding thoughts about each other. I’ve spent too many nights imagining a future with Savannah that goes far beyond a temporary arrangement.

I barely registered the sting of cool air against my wet skin as I walked away from the pool. Emily's laughter echoed like background noise against the thrumming of my own heart. Every muscle in me was tense, my hands curled into fists as I tried to rein in the adrenaline coursing through my veins.

I forced myself to move toward our bedroom, but the click of a door ahead stopped me mid-step.

Chloe.

She stepped out into the corridor, clad in a silk robe, clutching her phone as if she’d just been caught doing something she shouldn't. Her smile was sharp, the kind that never quite reached her eyes.

"What are you doing here?" she asked, feigning surprise.

"Attending your wedding, blondie," I said flatly.

Her smile wavered. There was a flicker of guilt in her eyes—something she was hiding. Her posture shifted, her shoulders tensing as she looked at me with growing suspicion.

"Don't call me that," she hissed.

"Does it hit a nerve?" I cocked my head.

"Did Savannah bring you here just to ruin my big day?" Chloe stepped forward, her voice tight. "She’s always been so resentful."

"Watch it." My voice dropped, low and lethal. "One more word like that about her, and your fiancé will hear exactly why you’re so nervous about this wedding."

Her eyes flinched. She adjusted the engagement ring on her finger as if I’d already threatened to take it. "Does she know?" she whispered, her tone suddenly calculated.

"No," I said. "And I plan to keep it that way."

Chloe smiled, a slow, triumphant curve of her lips. "You’re in love with her. It’s written all over your face."

"And you’re a liar. As usual."

I shot her a glare and started to walk away, but she stepped in front of me, blocking my path. "You’re never in the mood for the truth, Roman... until it stares you in the face."

I stilled, my jaw tightening. "Whatever happened in the past was a mistake. It shouldn't have happened, and you know it."

She leaned in, her gaze flickering with a predatory light. "You say it was a mistake, but your reaction says otherwise. You can’t hide the tension between us."

I took a step closer, crowding her space. "Don't mistake my anger for interest, Chloe. You aren't that special. Whatever history we have? It’s buried. I’m here for Savannah now. She’s the one who matters."

She scoffed. "Funny, considering Savannah has no idea we’ve even met before."

I pressed my hand flat against the wall beside her head, caging her in. My voice dropped to a low, warning growl. "And she never will. You keep your mouth shut."

Chloe’s eyes flashed. She seemed to thrive on the confrontation, her breathing hitching as she looked up at me. "You weren't so noble back then, remember? You didn't care about rules when you were in my bed."

I grabbed her wrist—firmly, but not enough to hurt. "Touch me again, and I'll make sure Dean finds out exactly where you were three days before your engagement party."

The smug smile finally faltered.

"You wouldn't dare," she whispered. "Savannah isn't as perfect as you think she is. You’re blinded by this version of her you’ve created."

"Chloe, you're only interested in me because you're jealous of her," I added darkly. "And that makes you even more pathetic than I thought."

Her eyes blazed. "Careful, Roman. One word from me, and Savannah will never look at you the same way again."

I leaned in until our foreheads almost touched. "Then say it. And watch me dismantle everything you’ve worked for."

Silence followed. She swallowed hard. I let her wrist go.

"Ask her about Professor Kingston," she smirked, regaining some of her venom.

"Who the hell is that?"

"Savannah has all the secrets, Roman. Maybe you should ask your 'fiancée' about her past."

"Last warning, Chloe. Stay away from her."

I turned and walked away, my pulse racing. I should have felt better after standing my ground, but instead, a hollow feeling settled in my gut. I didn't trust Chloe, but her words had planted a seed of doubt I couldn't shake.

I turned back, intending to find Savannah, but as I stepped back outside, my blood ran cold.

Savannah was in the pool with Dean. He was leaning in far too close, his hand resting near her as he spoke to her in a low voice. Seeing him that close to her—seeing him touch her—I saw red.