Chapter 7 - Serena Packs a Suitcase
When they returned home just before dawn, the suitcase remained open on Serena’s bed.
Roman noticed.
He did not mention it.
That almost made it worse.
Serena stood in the bedroom doorway while Roman checked every lock and window as though personally inspecting them could defeat a man who had watched their wedding six years ago.
Finally she said, “Stop.”
Roman turned.
“You need sleep.”
“So do you.”
“I’ll sleep later.”
“No, you’ll organize, control, call people, move pieces around until you convince yourself you’ve solved everything.”
His expression tightened.
“And what would you prefer?”
“I’d prefer my husband.”
Roman went very still.
Serena immediately wished she had not said it.
Not because it was untrue.
Because it sounded too vulnerable.
Roman crossed the room slowly.
“I’m here.”
“No. You’re managing.”
“I’m trying to keep you alive.”
“And I’m trying to decide whether there’s enough marriage left to save.”
That stopped him.
Serena looked toward the suitcase.
“I meant what I said.”
“I know.”
“I was going to leave.”
Roman did not ask her not to.
That hurt.
Then he said, “If you decide to leave, I won’t stop you.”
Serena looked at him sharply.
He continued.
“But not until Vale is contained.”
“There it is again.”
“No.”
Roman stepped closer.
“This time I’m not saying you can’t leave. I’m saying if you leave, I want security with you.”
“I don’t want six guards following me into a hotel.”
“Four.”
She stared.
Roman almost smiled.
Bad timing.
Very bad timing.
Serena folded her arms.
“Where exactly do you think I would go?”
“Your sister’s?”
“She has three children.”
“Then absolutely not.”
“Because they’d be in danger.”
“Yes.”
Serena sat on the edge of the bed.
The terrible reality settled over her.
Even leaving Roman had become complicated by Roman’s enemies.
“He did this.”
Roman frowned.
“Who?”
“Vale.”
“He threatened you.”
“No. He took my choice away.”
Roman sat across from her.
“He doesn’t get to do that.”
“He already did.”
“Only temporarily.”
Serena laughed bitterly.
“You sound like you’re discussing a delayed flight.”
“I don’t know how else to talk about fear.”
The honesty surprised her.
Roman looked down at his hands.
“My father considered fear an invitation.”
“To what?”
“Weakness.”
Serena softened slightly.
“So you learned never to show it.”
“Yes.”
“To anyone.”
“Yes.”
“Including me.”
Roman nodded.
Serena studied him.
For years she had interpreted Roman’s silence as emotional absence.
Now she wondered how much of it had been terror wearing a suit.
That did not erase the damage.
But it changed its shape.
“Tell me something you’re afraid of right now.”
Roman looked up.
“No strategy. No security language. Just tell me.”
A long silence followed.
Then Roman said, “I’m afraid you’ll die because of me.”
Serena’s throat tightened.
“And?”
“I’m afraid you’ll survive and still leave.”
She was not prepared for that.
Roman looked away.
“I don’t know which fear is more selfish.”
Serena whispered, “Roman.”
“And I’m afraid if you stay, I’ll keep doing this wrong because I don’t know how to be the kind of husband you needed.”
For once, Serena had no accusation ready.
The room became very quiet.
She reached toward him.
Roman watched her hand.
Serena noticed.
Then deliberately placed it over his.
He did not pull away.
“You start by not deciding for me,” she said.
Roman turned his hand beneath hers and slowly intertwined their fingers.
“Okay.”
“And you tell me the truth.”
“Okay.”
“And if I ask whether you’re afraid, you don’t answer with a security report.”
A faint smile.
“I’ll try.”
“Try harder.”
“Yes, ma’am.”
She nearly laughed.
Then his phone vibrated.
Serena groaned.
“If that thing rings one more time—”
Roman looked at the screen.
His humor vanished.
“What?”
He handed it to her.
A live video link.
The feed showed their front gate.
A man stood just beyond it.
Gray coat.
Dark hair.
Hands visible.
He looked directly into the security camera.
Then raised a white envelope.
Roman whispered, “Adrian.”
Serena’s fingers tightened around his hand.
For twenty years, Roman Duca had lived with the consequences of his father’s secrets.
Now the man carrying them was standing outside his home.
May you like
And he wanted to talk.
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