Page 32

“Do tell,” Mateo sings.

“No disrespect.” I nod at him. “I’ll tell my bond before you.”

“I respect that,” he says.

I look at the door, sensing Rome before the knock comes.

“It’s Rome,” I say.

“Will you let him in?” Savy asks, pulling on her clothes. “I’m going to shower.” She points at Mateo. “Be good.”

He presses his palm to his chest. “Me?”

She glares at him and turns. “I won’t be long.”

I move toward the door. “Take your time, Wild One.”

She smiles at me before going into her room.

I open the door.

“Hope I’m not interrupting,” Rome smirks.

“Yeah, breakfast. Mateo cooked,” I drawl.

Stepping inside, he looks around. “Hey, man.” He moves toward the kitchen, and I follow.

“Hungry?” Mateo asks.

“I already ate, but thanks.” He leans against the counter. “Mara and Lace opened the store.”

“They sent you to check up on us,” I state, knowing they're curious.

“I volunteered.” He grins.

“Savy is fine. She talked to her sister,” I inform him.

“But?” he asks, narrowing his eyes.

“There may be a problem. Her sister is coming here,” I say, and take a bite of my food. Rome has been by my side for over a hundred years, so he can read me without thinking about it.

“A problem we can fix?”

“It depends on what my friends have gotten themselves into,” Mateo says.

I tune out their conversation as he explains everything to Rome. I force myself to eat, knowing I need the sustenance, but I hate the way my stomach cramps. Secrets are never good for any relationship, so I can’t hide my past. Telling her everything is a must, yet it’s been years since I’ve talked about it. Rome has known everything about me since I moved into their house as a child. I’m more worried about her reaction than dealing with Mateo’s friends or getting her sister here. I’m not afraid of many things, so I’m sure we can handle anything and anyone. Rome is powerful, even more than I am in certain aspects. Mara equals him. From what I've seen and sensed in Savy, others should be scared of her. It pisses me off to hear the way her parents treated her. She should have been loved and sheltered. I’m shocked at the woman she has become despite her rough upbringing. Her Granny must be a good influence and has shielded her from hurt.

“Archer.”

I blink and focus on Rome. “Yeah?”

“Are you going to stay here?” he asks.

“Why wouldn’t I?”

“What about your place?”

“It'll still be there. I want to show it to Savy. When her sister comes here, she'll have the option to stay there.” I push my plate away.