Defy The Alpha(s) novel Chapter 209

Chapter 209: Only Roman Was Left

For a moment, raw hurt flashed in Roman’s eyes as he asked her, "Are you that ashamed of me?"

Elsie stiffened. The question caught her off guard, as if she hadn’t realized the full extent of her words until now. Perhaps she had pushed too far. And that was warning enough for her to be careful.

Roman was the only one left. Out of all the Cardinal Alphas, he was the one who had never truly turned against her. The one who still followed her lead, respected her, and defended her. If she lost him too, she’d have nothing.

So, with perfectly measured grace, she softened.

"Of course not, Roman," Elsie said, her voice dipping into something gentler. "I’m only concerned about you making a fool of yourself in front of my parents. My people."

She touched his face, her fingers light, coaxing him. But the doubt in Roman’s eyes didn’t fade.

So she tried again.

"You’ve known me for years."Her voice dropped into something more intimate, weaving through the space between them. "I was the one who took care of you during your..." She hesitated, choosing her words carefully, "unexpected shifts."

Her grip on his face tightened slightly as she pushed on. "All those times your father would—"

But she didn’t get to finish because Roman’s sharp glare cut her off immediately, his eyes flashing a silent but absolute warning.

Elsie swallowed hard. Fine. She wouldn’t mention it.

Instead, she exhaled slowly, lowering her gaze as she murmured, "I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have said those things."

Then, she leaned closer, her forehead pressing lightly against his, her breath warm against his skin.

"You’re the only one I have left." Her voice wavered, tinged with something raw and desperate. "Don’t leave me like the others."

Roman closed his eyes for a brief second. The vulnerability in her words wrapped around him like a chain, pulling him in despite himself. She needed him. And just like that, he made up his mind.

"Don’t worry," he promised, his voice filled with quiet devotion. "I’m not like the others. I’m not leaving your side."

No matter how tempting Violet Purple might be. Roman didn’t say the last part out loud, but he knew it. Violet was nothing but trouble and distraction, he wouldn’t fall into her trap.

Then, as he stared into Elsie’s piercing blue eyes, and something in him shifted.

Roman couldn’t help himself. Slowly, he leaned in. His fingers moved up, brushing against her jaw with an almost reverent touch, his breath mingling with hers. He was close, so close to kissing her only for Elsie to turn away at the last minute. Roman’s lips landed on her cheek.

His jaw locked.

"Remember the rules," she reminded him smoothly, her voice cool and detached, as if he hadn’t just been a breath away from kissing her.

Roman pulled back slowly, his face twisting into something bitter.

"Yes. The fucking rules."