Wild Nights With My Brother’s Ex-Best Friend novel Chapter 118

NICOLE

Roman caresses my lower back with the pad of his thumb, tracing the dimples on the base of my spine absentmindedly.

I’ve just told him everything that happened in Ashvale, and he hasn’t said a single word in response. I’m waiting for his input patiently. Now that it’s over, I really don’t need to revisit anything that happened. It’s in the past.

I just really want to know what he thinks.

“This is the craziest shit I’ve heard all my life.”

A short laugh escapes me. “You’re exaggerating.”

“I swear to you that I’m not,” he claims, shifting so that we’re eye to eye. “I’m serious. I never would have imagined that this was what you were going to do there.”

“Do you think I was stupid for wanting to know who he was?”

Roman hesitates, then admits, “A little.”

I swat his chest, and he grabs my hand before pressing a few kisses along my knuckles. “I’m kidding. A bit. I wish you had told me about it. I would’ve tried to help you out.

Safely, at that.” He then stares intently into my eyes.” What about the man you saw being shot right in front of you?”I shudder. “I’m really just…trying not to think about it. I can t even imagine it.”

Roman shakes his head. “This is madness, baby.”

I shrug. “I know, and I’m definitely never going back to that place. It just felt like something I had to do.

Obviously, now I know that the trip wasn’t worth the trauma Mason and I got. I guess tomorrow, it’ll hit harder.

Right now, I’m too happy to be home.”

He presses a kiss to my clammy forehead. He continues holding me until my eyes are droopy with sleep. I shut my eyes, exhaustion making my tongue heavier, too. Even so, I manage to ask him, “And you? What have you been up to?

I’m pretty sure he doesn’t answer me. I drift off to sleep, determined to ask him all about it in the morning.

I wake up with the intention of getting a new phone. It’s the first thought that crosses my mind. I rub the sleep from my eyes and look around for Roman. There’s a note from him on the bedside table, saying that he had to run but that I’m free to do whatever I want for the day. We’ll have dinner later. Also, a driver is waiting for me downstairs.

Hell, I don’t even know what the time is.

I get dressed and splash some cold water on my face.

Then, I meet the driver and he greets me warmly before asking me where I want to go. I direct him to Mason’sapartment because I have to shower, get dressed, and go shopping for a new phone.

Fuck, I feel sorry for my savings account. There’ll be nothing left after this.

“Oh, I forgot to mention,” the driver says, turning to look at me. “Mr. Hayes has asked me to take you to an electronics store of your choosing. Whenever you’re ready, that is.”

A small smile tugs at the corners of my lips. Not bad. I’m definitely not in a position to deny his help. “Sure. I’ll head upstairs quickly and I’ll be back.”

“As you wish.”

The apartment is empty. Of course. Mason’s probably at work, and at the thought of him, I instantly feel and about last night. I didn’t want him to find out that Roman and I got back together so brusquely. I really wanted to take the time to tell him.

But he didn’t show any judgment. Mason…l genuinely appreciate my big brother. He’s unreal, and I wish I could do more for him than can now.

“THEN HOW’D HE FUCKING FIND US?”

“I DON’T KNOW!”

We’re both breathing harshly. I need to calm down but l don’t know how to. This is incredibly fucked up. Fucked. I have a sudden urge to cry.

Mason runs his fingers through his hair and tugs at the roots. “This is madness, Nicole. You do realize he probably had us followed? Who is that guy?”

“I don’t know, Mason. He’s clearly rich, considering what he does. I mean, if the women get fifteen thousand dollars, how much is he paying overall? I called him a prick and an asshole, I think. I was so angry. I told him I didn’t want anything to do with him. Believe me. I never even mentioned you.”

Mason leans against the wall. “Our lives just keep getting more messed up.”

“It’s my fault,” I admit. “We should’ve left when John told us to, and now we’re being stalked by a sicko.”

“It’s not your fault. I’m not trying to blame you for anything!”

I take several deep breaths. Mason groans in frustration. ” Maybe we can call the police.”

“Or maybe we call and try to find out what he wants,” I suggest. “What’s this invitation for? There müst be something he wants.”

Mason looks like he wants to argue with me, but I think he knows this is the only plan that makes sense. Maybe I just need to assert that I don’t want to know him, and that I don’t want anything from him. Then, he’ll leave me alone.

Crap. What a nightmare.