Chapter 52: I'll Test It On You After

Roman Savannah was mid-conversation with an older woman when I re-entered. One glance told me something was wrong. Her spine was too straight. Shoulders locked. Nails digging crescents into her thigh like she needed pain to stay grounded. Or endure whatever the woman was saying. Without wasting a second, I marched forward. I slid an arm around her waist and kissed her shoulder from behind, ignoring every rule of etiquette. She didn’t turn, just melted into me, like my presence was the only thing keeping her from snapping. Her fingers gripped mine tight as she kept listening. “Oh my goodness, you two make such a beautiful couple!” the woman gushed, instantly losing her train of thought. “Thank you,” Savannah said politely, her hold on me tightening another notch, as if to anchor herself. “As I was saying, dear… It’s such a shame things didn’t work out between you and—” Savannah cut her off. “Thank you for your time, Mrs. Malcolm. Always lovely to see you. Please excuse us.” Her smile st