Chapter 26 : My Roman Chapter 26 : My Roman ( Scarletts POV ) The SUV glided smoothly through the chilled night alc , the atmosphere inside tense yet oddly familiar Roman had kept silent since we left the border , the hum of the engine filling the void between us . Every now and then , I glanced at him from the corner of my eye , unable to stop myself . His face was calm but brooding , his sharp jawline set in a way that brought back so many memories . He kept one arm resting on the door handle , his fingers tapping idly on the leather . The blue light from the dashboard illuminated his features , but his eyes never left the road ahead . Finally , I broke the silence . Where are we going ? My voice was steady , though Cora stirred restlessly beneath my skin . Roman didnt look at me , his voice low and deliberate . To your villa . A sharp jolt shot through me . My villa ? How do you Hunter , seated in the passengers seat , turned slightly to face me . The faintest smirk played on his lips as he cut in . We confirmed the address after you entered the Shadow Clans resource network yesterday . You didnt think wed overlook your movements , did d you ? | clenched my fists , tension building in my spine as I realized they had tracked me without my knowledge . Thorough , arent we ? I muttered , sarcasm dripping from my tone . Romans eyes flicked toward me briefly , their ice blue intensity making my breath catch . It wasnt hard . Three years might seem like a long time , Little Wolf , but your habits leave trails . The nickname stirred more emotions than I cared to admit , I forced myself to scoff lightly . Three years of seclusion isnt exactly leaving trails . Hunter chuckled , his voice layered with amusement . Seclusion ? Youve been impressive , Scarlett . No one expected youd build such independence . A center like yours ? That isnt common He tilted his head . Roman doesnt seem as impressed as the rest of us , though , does he ? I glanced toward Roman again , and my stomach twisted at the cold frustration simmering in his eyes . It wasnt anger at my success ; it was something deeper a dissatisfaction that stung more than accusations ever could . I shifted uneasily in my seat . Your silence says a lot . I muttered , crossing my arms . Roman let out a low chuckle , his voice tinged with disapproval . Youll want to save your defense for when were behind closed doors , Scarlett His words settled thickly in the air , silencing any retort I might have had . I finally looked away , focusing on the ever darkening road ahead Minutes later , the SUV slowed to a stop in front of my villa . The sight of my home brought a brief wave of comfort , but it evaporated the moment felt Romans piercing gaze on me . Quietly , he stepped out of the car , his towering frame cutting an imposing figure against the soft glow of the porch lights . Hunter was the first to approach the door , his stride purposeful . Before I could even retrieve my keys , he had already opened it , motioning for us to enter . Roman lingered behind me for a moment , his sharp eyes surveying the surroundings . This is close . Too close to Alexanders pack . His tone was dangerously neutral , but the weight of the accusation hit me like a hammer . I straightened my back and turned to face him head on . The location is strategic for my work . It has nothing to do with those idiots His lips twitched , a flicker of amusement breaking through his loy demeanor . Idiots ? I nodded firmly , refusing to back down . Thats what they are . Their politics , their games its all beneath me . This villa is mine , earned with my own work . The Shadow Organization contracts were my decision , my .. independence . I let the last word hang heavily in the air, hoping to hammer the point home . Roman said nothing at first , but the tension in his shoulders eased slightly . Interesting choice of words , he muttered under his breath, before stepping inside . Once we were settled , I busled myself in the kitchen . The familarity of preparing tea grounded me momentarily . My hands moved mechanically , picking out the finest moon blessed herbal leaves I reserved for important guests . The irony of the gesture wasnt lost on me .. As I reached into the cabinet , the faintest trace of Alexanders scent hit me . My movements froze , bile rising in my throat as the memory of his 1/3 trusion surped back . It wasnt just a scent it was a reminder of how close Id let him come to trespassing on everything I held sacred Whats wrong ? Roman asked quietly , his deep voice sending a chill down my spine . I turned slightly finding him standing unnervingly close . His eyes narrowed as he caught a whiff of the foreign Alphas smell . In an instant , his entire posture changed . Logans power radiating dangerously beneath his skin . Theres a scent of an intruder here , Roman said darkly , his tone vibrating with restrained anger . Whose ? Cursing inwardly , I grabbed the tea leaves quickly , trying to deflect . Its nothing important , I said calmly , pouring the hot water . The past is irrelevant Romans ice blue eyes locked onto mine , his voice soft but undeniably dangerous . Playing hostess to other Alphas , are we ? I shot him a sharp glare , clutching the teapot tightly . 1 wasnt playing hostess . Theres no one here now but you . His inspecting gaze moved across the room , lingering briefly on the marks on the couch and the faint traces of rearranged furniture . His expression darkened . Ignoring his tension , I handed him the tea , hoping to change the subject . Moon tea , I said simply . 11 should help you rest after your long trip . You said you havent slept in 36 hours . He took the tea but didnt immediately drink it . His eyes remained fixed on me , unnervingly perceptive . Scarlett , he said quietly , his voice like a slow building storm , how much have you been hiding ? I swallowed hard , forcing myself to meet his gaze . Enough to survive . A cold laugh escaped him , one that carried both amusement and anger . He finally sipped the tea , though his posture remained tense . Survive ? You call this survival ? Living this close to territory that disrespects you ? Associating with packs that cut you out of their schemes the second it suits them ? I clenched my jaw , my patience thinning . You think this is about them ? Lshot back . This is about me . Every choice Ive made has been for me , for what Ive built . And Im not about to apologize for it Roman leaned closer , his intense gaze making it impossible to look away . Youve built something impressive , Little Wolf , he admitted , his deep voice dropping into a lower , more dangerous register . But dont mistake this for independence when youre still entangled by their mess . 1 crossed my arms , glaring at him . I cut my ties . Thats more than you can say for yourself . Youre the one whos been playing king of shadows , judging from your operations . Roman only smirked , that infuriatingly confident tilt of his lips making my blood boil . Youll find my operations are very specific . Unlike the chaos youve allowed to fester here . I opened my mouth for a sharp retort but stopped when his expression softened not at with gentleness , but with something far heavier . Five minutes , he growled , his voice darkening to a command . Explain why you fled during the Thom Packs darkest hour . The weight of his words slammed into me , every muscle in my body tensing . My breath hitched , my chest tightening as decades of memories threatened to crush me . I didnt answer . Instead , I countered , my voice trembling slightly . What about the Morrison family ? Mornson family , my adoptive fathers beta and his daughter Lily , they were my nightmare . Romans reaction was immediate . A low , cold snort left him as he leaned back against the couch . The Morrison family ? he repeated , his tone sharp and mocking . Theyre gone . They dont exist anymore . I blinked , startled . What … what do you mean ? They aligned themselves with rogues , he said simply , his words biting . Traitors , Power hungry fools . Their ambition got them crushed , their power structure obliterated . A year ago , their legacy ended . I felt as though the air had been knocked out of my lungs . Romans sharp gaze softened ever so slightly as he watched the mix of emotions play over my face . You dont have to fear quietly . The Thom Pack doesnt tolerate betrayal . fear them anymore , he added Relief washed over me like a wave , but my gaze remained locked on Roman , his sheer presence overwhelming as he sat there , emanating power and control Chapter 26 : My Roman This was Roman My Roman And despite the tension between us , despite everything we hadnt resolved . I couldnt deny the safety his presence brought Title: Accidentally Pregnant, Forever Spoiled Author: CrushReel Genre: Romance, CEO, Sweet Romance, Modern, Romantic, Hidden Feelings, Mansion, Office, Glow-Up Status: ongoing In "Accidentally Pregnant Forever Spoiled" by CrushReel, Ella's journey unfolds amidst the complexities of family dynamics. Raised by her remarried mother and stepfather post-divorce, Ella grapples with a history marked by indifference and mistreatment. However, her life takes an unexpected turn when a twist of fate leaves her facing an unplanned pregnancy that intertwines her path with unforeseen consequences. Exploring themes of resilience and self-discovery, this tale delves into Ella's transformation from a past shrouded in shadows to a future illuminated by newfound strength and determination. Against the backdrop of a modern setting blending elements of romance and corporate intrigue, the narrative weaves together the threads of hidden emotions and personal growth. As Ella navigates the challenges of balancing her evolving circumstances with her own desires, readers are drawn into a captivating story that transcends traditional boundaries. What sets "Accidentally Pregnant Forever Spoiled" apart is its poignant portrayal of inner conflicts and external pressures in a world where love and ambition collide. Offering a fresh perspective on the complexities of relationships and identity, this novel invites readers to immerse themselves in a tale that resonates with authenticity and emotional depth. Discover Ella's journey for yourself; available to read online at CrushReel.