Roman's Holiday Novels & Stories

SOLANA The dining room was especially lively today. Laughter echoed off the walls, filling the space with joy. It was Roman's birthday, his first since the demon's curse had lifted, since the war had ended, since our world had finally begun to heal. I sat at his right, my hand resting on his thigh under the table, feeling the steady warmth of him. My belly was enormous now, nine months heavy with our child, but tonight I felt light. Roman was all smiles, his green eyes crinkling at the corners as he leaned back in his chair, looking every bit like the king he was. Happy and whole.

Roman turned toward me, his sunglasses shielding whatever emotions were in his eyes, but his raised brow was enough to convey his unspoken question. "Does all this make you uncomfortable?" I asked softly, motioning to the scene around us. He tilted his head slightly, considering. Couples were dancing carefree to a local band now, their laughter infectious. A group nearby was playing beach games, tossing beanbags and cheering each other on like life was one big holiday. It was lively, warm, and, honestly, a little chaotic—everything I loved. And probably everything Roman didn’t. He pulled off his sunglasses, revealing those icy blue eyes that always seemed to pierce through me. “Would you ask

Logan said making the old man too angry threw him a spoon but he caught it before the spoon could hit his handsome face. So you guys slept on the same bed, Rosalia asked inquisitively. “Yes!” Rome replied without raising his head. “You pervert!” Rosalia screamed. Let’s go Rome said grabbing Ophelia’s hand. “You are not staying for the new year!?” Old man Sinclair questioned. “I thought you weren't proud of us” Rome mocked with a sinister grin. “You bastard!” Old man Sinclair cursed. “Don't worry!” we will resume before then. Rome finalized before walking out.

“Scarlett, are you just in a bad mood today? You know how he is. He always says the opposite of what he means.” Raphael's brother Ron kept a straight face and spread his hands. “Thanksgiving is a family holiday. You can be upset, but don't joke about divorce.” I crossed my arms and gave a cold laugh. “Oh? So you know it's a family holiday. Then is Daphne family too?” Serena and Ron went stiff and said nothing. Bang! Raphael slammed his fist on the table and shot to his feet. “Scarlett, are you done? Daphne is my guest!”

“My house is not haunted. It just needs some attention.” She stuck out her tongue. "Attention from a priest." Owen chuckled. “Joking aside, Benny, it’s really great you bought this place.” Ben shot Caroline a smug look. “I’m sure the ghosts agree,” she shot back cheerfully. “They’ve probably been lonely.” She cackled as Ben swatted Owen with a paintbrush, smearing green across his chest. By the time they finished the room, all three of them were splattered with paint and exhausted.

I could feel Rome’s gaze lingering on the two of us, but I ignored it and stayed in my seat. “Your 26th birthday is coming soon,” Alpha Osiris said, pertaining to Rome. Rome sighed. “Do I still have to celebrate this year?” “Yes,” his father replied. “We still celebrate every year, just as I do mine. It’s a way of providing for the people and thanking the Moon Goddess for the gifts she has bestowed upon us.” “This year is going to be more special, though,” he added. It was still awkward as hell on this table, but I was hungry, so I poked a piece of fried eggplant and began eating.

Up in Chloe's room, she was glued to her phone screen, her face lit by the glow of whatever rom-com she had queued up. The door was open, so I walked in without knocking. She didn't notice. "What rom-com are we watching?" I asked, my voice steadier than I felt. She pointed at the screen, grinning. "When Christmas Gets Romantic!" My breath caught. Of course. A movie about falling for someone you shouldn't. About crossing lines you can't uncross. Just like me and Silas. Except I wasn't some innocent heroine stumbling into love. I was the girl getting finger-fucked in a wine cellar by her best friend's father—and going back for more.

He backed away, then turned and speed-walked out. Evelyn’s lips twitched despite herself. amused at their constant dynamic. It really was like watching a cheerful bunny working for a grumpy lion. Roman disappeared into the kitchen and returned with warm honey soup. He held it out to her. “For your throat,” he said. She glared at him, but drank it anyway. After a moment, she narrowed her eyes. "What were you and Leo preparing?" she asked after her throat felt better. Roman looked at her, amused. “We’re on vacation,” he said. “Are we meant to remain indoors the entire time? We could do that back at Rosewood Manor.”

The office scene brought the idea that Roman wanted to have a vacation with me. The last few days have been incredible and impulsive. We travelled to an island where the resort offered the best hospitality. Today, our last day, he rented a yacht to take us out to sea for the view. I planned to throw him a small party for his birthday which he thinks he has successfully hidden from me. We took pictures and drank a lot. Tanned our skin in the sun and had lunch before cuddling up for an afternoon nap.

Roman: Hey Angelica couldn't help but smile and blush. Angelica: Hey you Roman: I was thinking... You were bummed about passing up on that date... maybe I can make up for that? Angelica perked up, still smiling. Her brother was too good to her. Angelica: How? Roman: I asked to use dad's car. He said we just need to bring it back by midnight. So... wanna go out with me? Angelica: 😍 Yes! Roman: Ok. We leave in 30 minutes.