But I placed a hand on her back anyway, hating myselfs I whispered, “You have my word.”
She closed her eyes. “Thank you, Roman.”
I pressed a kiss to her hair, pretending I didn’t feel like ‘d just lied straight to her face.
83%
For the rest of the drive, she settled into a soft rhythm against my side. Her breathing steadied. Her fingers
loosened. At some point, she drifted off, leaving me alone with my thoughts.
Stupid. Stupid. Stupid.
Why would I promise her something I couldn’t guarantee? Why did I let her look me in the eyes and ask
for a future I wasn’t sure I could give?
My father was unpredictable. He was dangerous. A storm in human form. And I had just promised
Savannah that I’d defeat the storm by a deadline.
When the car finally rolled to a stop in front of the house, I stared at the building like it was a battlefield I was returning to. Savannah was still asleep, breathing softly, her face calm for the first time all day.
Reese appeared at my side the second I stepped out.
“Damn. What’s with the long face?” he asked, grabbing the luggage while I lifted Savannah gently into my
arms.
“Where’s Lizzie?” I muttered.
He snorted, “Doing what she always does.”
Right on cue, a bloodcurdling scream burst from the living room.
Christ.
I followed the sound, and sure enough, Lizzie was curled on the couch watching the kind of horror film
that probably should’ve been banned.
I cleared my throat.
1/3
12:49 Sat, Dec 27 D D G.
Chapter 385
83%
She jumped, saw me–and her entire face lit up. She stretched her arms like she wanted to squeeze me and
the remote at the same time.
“Welcome home!” she sang.
Then she noticed Savannah in my arms.
“Oh my God–what happened? Is Sav okay?”
“She’s fine. Just exhausted.”
Lizzie nodded, but her gaze kept darting to Reese. Quickly. Repeatedly. Not subtle at all.
God. These two. I do not want to know what went down I don’t have the mental strength for another
subplot today.
“Get some sleep, Lizzie,” I muttered, heading up the stairs. Reese followed silently.
Inside the bedroom, I gently placed Savannah on the bed. I slipped off her shoes, loosened her hair, and
tucked her under the duvet. She didn’t even stir.
When I turned, Reese was watching me with crossed arms.
“Well?” he asked.
I scrubbed a hand through my hair. “Sav broke down in the car. She’s done, Reese. Emotionally done. She made me promise everything will be over by the next appointment.”
He froze–then burst into laughter.
“You did not–Roman, tell me you didn’t-”
“I didn’t have a choice,” I snapped. “She’s pregnant. The stress isn’t good for her. I had to tell her
something.”
“Yeah,” Reese said, sobering, “but telling her something and promising her something are two very
different things.”
“I know.” I looked at her sleeping form. “But I’m not letting anything happen to her. Not Dad. Not her
stupid family. Not anything.”
Reese exhaled, leaning against the wall. “I hope you know it’s not going to end well when he finds out
2/3
12:49 Sat, Dec 27 D
Chapter 385
she’s pregnant.”
G
“I’ll protect her.” I said. And I meant every word. “That old fucker won’t touch a strand of hair on her
head.”
Reese watched me for a moment, then nodded slowly. “I hope you’re ready to stand on that.”
“I’ve been ready, Reese. History won’t repeat itself.”
After a quiet beat, I jerked my head. “Come with me. I need to show you something.”
He didn’t argue. We walked downstairs, through the side hallway, and out toward the garage.
Reese’s eyebrows shot up immediately. “Why the hell are there guards here?”
“They’re not for me,” I said, and headed straight to the bus parked by the side.
He frowned. “Then who-”
I slid the door open, and there they were. Two women sitting inside, bound and quiet.
“Reese,” I said, stepping back so he could see clearly. “Meet Chloe and Paula.”
His expression said everything. And mine told him the rest. This wasn’t going to be over anytime soon.
But one way or another, I’ll protect Savannah and our child. Even if it tore the world apart.
Comments
R Visitor
it’s got to be more to this book???
Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.

Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: From Best Friend To Fiancé (Savannah and Roman)