His fingers gripped mine as his eyes regarded me with uncertainty.

“Rome, what is it?” I pressed.

On a cough, he confessed, “I never knew before tonight what it felt like to be wanted… just me for me.”

His words hit me harder than a granite boulder to the chest, and I almost cried for him.

“What do you want me for, Mol? I’m tryin’ to work it out.”

I scooted closer and kissed his hand wrapped in mine. “I just want you.”

“That’s what I don’t get. Why would you want me for just me? No one ever has before. I’m pissed twenty-four-seven. I’m possessive and not good with attachments—where’s the attraction?”

“Then I’m the first, because I want you without anything in return. Why does any human want anyone? My body recognises you as something that’s good for me. My mind recognises you as someone who’s right for me, and my soul recognises you as someone who is meant for me.”

A bashful smile ghosted his lips and his tense shoulders relaxed. “We’re in f**kin’ deep, aren’t we, Shakespeare?” he said in hushed tone, his body radiating a peaceful happiness.

A feeling of contentment settled over us both.

“I think that’s an understatement.”

“C’mere.” He wrapped his arm around my shoulder, kissing me softly as the city lights dashed by.

* * *

Rome dropped me off at the front door of the sorority house and I darted up the stairs, glad it was quiet and the door to the TV room was firmly shut.

I took a long, hot shower and tipped my head back, letting the hard water pound at my hair and skin. I felt different. I couldn’t describe how. Just… changed on a molecular level. My hand drifted to my stomach as I remembered the feel of his hand within me, and I stifled a groan. He’d been so stern and strong, conducting the music of our movements, creating a symphony with our cries and moans. I’d never felt anything like it before.

I stepped out of the cubicle before my legs gave way at the memory. I dried, changing into a purple nightdress, and settled into bed.

Within minutes, the tapping began.

I threw my covers back and ran to the balcony, looking down. Romeo gave me a wide smile and scaled the trellis, almost jumping into my arms, appreciatively smirking at my choice of nightwear.

“I got back to the frat house and I immediately wondered what you were doin’. I decided to stop wonderin’ and just come find out.”

“You just want to stay again, don’t you? You planning on making this a regular thing?”

“Oh, you can count on that, baby. After today, I’m now entitled to certain privileges.”

“Really and what are they?”

“You’ll find out in due course, Shakespeare. Now move that fine ass, get into bed and into my arms.”

I moved into the room and coyly glanced over my shoulder. “I don’t remember Romeo being this pushy with Juliet!”

He arched his eyebrows meaningfully. “And look at how that worked out for them. My way is better—less death, more orgasms.”

I tried to feign shock, but I couldn’t help but laugh.

“You. Bed. Now.” He pointed as he rid himself of his clothes, leaving only his black boxer briefs hanging low on his toned body.

I was still chuckling following his instruction as he jumped behind me. I immediately swapped the giggle for low moans as his fingers ran straight underneath my nightdress and stroked against my core.

“Now about those privileges…”

11

I woke, stretching my hands above my head, flexing the kinks out of my tight back. I reached out beside me for Romeo. Nothing. He was gone. Out of habit, I made a grab for my glasses off my bedside table, forgetting they were no longer needed.

I sat up and frowned at Romeo’s absence—he never left me without a good-bye. The bed sheets were cold and messy from where he’d slept, but resting on the pillow was a note. I snatched it in my hands and began to read:

Had early morning practice.

Didn’t want to wake you—you looked so beautiful.

Your Romeo x

I buried my head in the pillow, smiling, when a knock sounded at my door. I opened it to Ally, who had her arms crossed, a “don’t mess with me” expression on her face, and an impressively raised eyebrow.

She barged past me, shutting the door, and sat down on the edge of my unmade bed. “So… wanna tell me why I saw Rome creepin’ off your balcony this mornin’?” Her voice was deceptively calm.

I walked towards her, fiddling with my hands, and when I reached the bed, I dropped down beside her, staring unseeing at my white walls. “He stayed the night with me.”

“I assumed so. So how long has this been goin’ on?”

“What? Staying the night or seeing each other?”

She shook her head in surprise. “Well, things have definitely progressed further than what I’d assumed. I guessed somethin’ was happening by the way he’s always starin’ at you and you’re always blushing back, and of course, the kisses. Is it serious?”

I nodded, chewing on my thumbnail in nerves.

“So are you officially together?”

“Yes.”

She smiled widely, brown eyes bright, and nudged my shoulder. “My cousin in an honest-to-God relationship! Never thought I’d ever see the day, but I’m so glad.” Ally tapped my knee, then tilted her head, regarding me. “Where’s your glasses, darlin’?”

I tucked my hair behind my ear. “I have contact lenses now.”

Her face lit up. “Rome’s doing? So Shelly can’t rip on you again?”

“Yeah.”

“Well, I never. Rome showin’ affection and compassion to a girl!” She laughed in disbelief.

I lowered my head in embarrassment. “He’s been very sweet to me.”

At my words, her eyes bugged out of their sockets. “My cousin and the word sweet don’t belong in the same sentence, but then, he’s been totally different with you since day one. It freaked me out at first, but now I love it! You’re good for him, girl.”

Ally stood and headed to the door, but just before she left, she turned to fix me with a serious expression. “Molls, you have to understand that Rome can be quite a complex guy. He’s had to put up with a lot from his folks over the years and it has hit him real hard. You need to give him time and forgive him if he gets too pushy. I see how he is around you, and I can tell that, to him, you’re different. I think if you both keep going with this relationship, you’re exactly the person who could break him altogether if things go wrong. Be patient with him, care for him, treasure him… He deserves it.”