Chapter 10 - THE HOUSE WITHOUT LOCKS
Roman invited Claire to his home three months later.
It was a restored townhouse near Lincoln Park.
Not the enormous mansion she'd expected.
The rooms were warm.
Filled with books.
Old photographs.
And furniture that looked comfortable enough to use.
Claire stood in the living room.
“This is surprisingly normal.”
Roman smiled.
“Should I apologize?”
She laughed.
“No.”
He showed her the kitchen.
The library.
A small courtyard garden.
Then they sat beside the fireplace.
Claire looked around.
“Where's the security room?”
Roman raised an eyebrow.
“What security room?”
“The one where you watch everyone on cameras.”
He laughed.
“Claire.”
She grinned.
“I'm kidding.”
Roman studied her.
Then said, “I don't want to live in a fortress.”
Claire looked at him.
“Why?”
He considered the question.
“Because I spent my childhood in one.”
His expression softened.
“My father had locks on every door.”
Claire swallowed.
Roman continued.
“Not to keep people out.”
He looked at her.
“To keep us in.”
For a long moment, she said nothing.
Then she reached for his hand.
Roman looked down.
She smiled.
“May I?”
He laughed softly.
“Yes.”
May you like
Their fingers intertwined.
And for the first time, Roman Vale felt that his home was truly becoming a home.
