Chapter 10 - THE BILLIONAIRE WHO LEARNED TO ASK
Roman and I began dating six months after the trial.
Slowly.
Carefully.
He asked before touching my hand.
Asked before kissing me.
Asked before making plans.
At first, it felt strange.
Then it felt safe.
One evening, we walked along the Chicago River.
The city lights shimmered on the water.
Roman looked at me.
"Tessa?"
I smiled.
"Yes?"
"Can I ask you something?"
I laughed.
"You just did."
He smiled.
"Do you ever think about that night at Hawthorne House?"
I looked at him.
"Every time I see you."
He winced.
"That's unfortunate."
I laughed.
Then I grew serious.
"You scared me."
Roman nodded.
"I know."
"But you listened when I told you to stop."
He looked at me.
"That should have been the minimum."
I smiled.
"Exactly."
He reached for my hand.
Paused.
May you like
I took his.
And for the first time, the gesture felt completely different from the one that started everything.
