From Best Friend To Fiancé (Savannah and Roman) novel Chapter 80

**TITLE: Dreams Folding Into Broken Time**
**Chapter 51: She Was Wild**

**Roman**

As I kept my hand resting gently on Savannah’s back, we stealthily slipped away from our little secret rendezvous. The lingering scent of her perfume, a delicate whisper of jasmine and vanilla, trailed behind us, mingling with the cool evening air that brushed against my palm. However, with each step we took away from the comforting embrace of shadows, the weight of reality began to press in on us, reminding me of the world we were momentarily escaping.

Savannah was still animatedly talking, her voice light and teasing, like the tinkling of wind chimes in a gentle breeze. “You know, I always had this feeling that I’d strike gold before I turned thirty,” she said, her laughter bubbling up like a fountain. “I remember this one fortune teller I met years ago. She totally ripped me off for twenty bucks! But you know what? She told me I was destined for bigger things. And I believe her, Roman.” Her eyes sparkled with mischief as she danced on the tips of her toes, practically vibrating with excitement.

I chuckled softly, unable to contain my amusement. “You’re the only woman I know who can admit that without flinching. It’s refreshing.”

Savannah rolled her eyes playfully. “I despise pretense. It’s so juvenile. I’m not conceited, but if you’re offering me something, you better believe I’m going to seize it.” Her confidence was intoxicating, a siren’s call that drew me in deeper.

I had half-expected her to brush me off, to retreat like she had done before, erecting walls to keep me at bay. But she hadn’t. Instead, she had accepted my invitation with an ease that took me by surprise, turning the tables and demanding even more.

I can never quite predict you, Savannah. You are an enigma wrapped in wildness.

“I’m going to bleed you dry, Blackwood,” she teased, her laughter ringing out like music in the night.

As if that were even remotely possible.

“You’re welcome to try,” I replied, my tone light but my heart racing at the challenge.

“I can cause a lot of damage, you know,” she said, a playful glint in her eyes. “I could put a serious dent in that impressive bank account of yours.”

“I won’t stop you from trying,” I smiled back, amused by her audacity.

Suddenly, she halted, turning to face me with a serious expression. “How much are you worth, exactly? I’ve known you for years, and I’ve never seen you wear the same suit twice.” Her head tilted slightly, curiosity etched on her features.

I smirked, deftly sidestepping her probing question. “Let’s get moving, Sav. People are probably starting to wonder where you are.”

She scoffed lightly, “As if they’ve even noticed my absence. They’re probably busy patting Henry on the back right now.”

At the mention of his name, my fists instinctively clenched. The mere thought of him made my jaw tighten. A good beating would be too kind for someone like him. He deserved something far worse.

“I doubt that,” I said, my voice low, laced with tension.

*If you knew him like I do, you wouldn’t be so sure.*

“You can always talk to me,” I blurted out before I could rein myself in. I didn’t usually pry; it was a breach of etiquette in my world. But with Savannah, I found myself breaking my own rules time and again.

Alyssa almost laughed, relief flooding her features. “He’s always been a complete arse. Come on—Mom’s been losing her mind looking for you!”

Just then, my phone vibrated in my pocket, breaking the moment. Savannah turned to me, her expression curious.

“Are you coming?”

“You go ahead,” I told her, my voice steady. “I’ll catch up in a minute. Just need to make a quick call.”

She nodded, her eyes lingering on me for a moment longer. “Don’t take too long.”

I pressed a brief kiss to her lips, savoring the warmth before Alyssa towed her back into the bustling chaos of the party.

Once they were gone, I pulled out my phone and dialed the number with purpose.

He picked up on the first ring, the faint sound of music mingling with his voice, a reminder of the world I was about to re-enter.

“Meet me outside, left side, by the hedges,” I instructed, my tone leaving no room for discussion.