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Rohan had fallen. Hard. He liked to be in control. He had convinced himself he was always in control. He couldn’t possibly believe otherwise.
He had flirted with many other women before in the past. Never had a girlfriend, of course. It would be a distraction. But what was wrong with harmless flirting?
Only problem, Savannah was different. She was beautiful, cold, powerful. All he wanted was more of her. He enjoyed pushing her to be her best self. Rohan loved a woman who knew just how to put him in his place.
They had just finished their earlier challenge… and had shared a kiss moments before. They had already been met with the four Hawthorne brothers (and the heiress herself) and were now sitting under the stars, silent.
“Well, Savvy,” Rohan spoke, before getting cut off.
“That meant nothing. I said it before and I’ll say it again; You don’t get to make me feel this way.”
“Whatever you say,” He lifted his hands around his neck as he laid down, “Y’know, you look rather good in blue”
“Stop with this. Once this whole thing is over, this will be done. You know that?”
“Oh, I’m well aware, love.” he smirked, staring at her as he stayed laying down next to her. Her hair looked strangely beautiful chopped up like this, all due to his own hairdressing skills.
She rolled her eyes, “Stop giving me that look”
“What look?”
“You know what I mean”
“I always know what you mean, Savvy”
“You think you know me,” she said, ignoring the fact it was the truth, “you’re not as smart as you think.”
Rohan sat in that for a moment, before beginning to speak, “I could beg to differ”
“Then do it. Tell me. What makes you so convinced you know me, Rohan?”
“I know what it’s like to feel angry,” He spoke, “I know your ambition, your strategy, you.”
“I doubt it.”
“Doubt all you want, love”
She smiled, her first smile she’s shown him since that victory during their challenge.
“I see your hurt, Savvy. You don’t have many people you can count on, do you?”
Her shoulders stiffened. “That doesn’t matter to me. Why should I need those people?” she turned her head away from Rohan, looking up at the stars again.
“They’re just distractions, aren’t they?” Rohan questioned, already knowing her answer.
The stars looked beautiful. Rohan had always been fond of the night. Especially at the Mercy. Though, even while the stars were shining, Rohan's eyes were fixed on Savannah. He adored reading Savannah. Her expressions, body language, words. He drank all of that in. Analyzing her may have just been the best part of the challenge.
“Except when it comes to your sister.”
“My sister.”
Juliet.
Suddenly, Savannah felt Rohan’s hand slip into hers. It was out of character for him, but she could care less. His hands were surprisingly delicate, fitting in hers almost perfectly. She wasn’t used to this, especially not from a person such as Rohan. It didn’t feel like him, it didn’t feel like such a mystery. It felt kind, gentle, genuine.
Was this how Avery felt with that ticking time bomb of hers? She couldn’t even pinpoint the feeling. This was different than the kiss, more meaningful. She wondered if Rohan was even being genuine about this. Was he the type to play around like this? Probably.
Despite her usual nature, she didn’t fight it. She didn’t even try to stop it. She didn’t even fully trust Rohan. Yet, she had known him well enough to assume he wasn’t that cruel.
“I’m shocked.”
“About what?”
“You allowing me to do this.”
“Perhaps, British, I can do whatever I’d like.”
He chuckled.
Savannah utilized this moment to finally soak in Rohan's features. The way his smile was slightly crooked, his deep brown eyes, his slightly curly black hair. Many had considered him to be threatening, powerful, dangerous. But now, Savannah had learned the truth.
She had never believed in a love like this. One that could be forged in the short span of 24 hours. But she had never witnessed a love like this. A man who truly yearned for her, who fought to understand her, who considered her the most stunning woman in the world. Maybe, just maybe, he was the most stunning man in the world too.
She had finally understood what Avery saw in Jameson. How love as deep and yet so gentle could have an impact. She may have been dramatic. After all, they had met only a little over a day ago. But being stuck together for 24 hours straight had done something. Especially with a man like Rohan.
Only with a man like Rohan.