Roman's War

Copyright © 2021 by Karen Renee

ISBN: 978-1-957194-09-7

All rights reserved.

No portion of this book may be reproduced in any form without written permission from the publisher or author, except as permitted by U.S. copyright law.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are the products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, businesses, companies, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

Photographer: Golden Czermak/Furious Fotog

Model: Justin Michaels

Editor: Barbara J. Bailey

Contents

Playlist

Author’s Note

Let's Keep in Touch

1. For a Reason

2. Right to Know

3. You’ve ‘Fallen’

4. Stop the World

5. Wheelchair Antics

6. I’m Her Man

7. Sugar

8. Your Demise

9. Matrimony is Serious Business

10. Word You’re Looking for is ‘Congratulations.’

11. Not the Way It Matters

12. Not by a Long Shot

13. Get Some Ammo

14. The Best Woman I Know

15. Getting to Him

16. All-Fire Hurry

17. Hurricanes

18. Exquisite Torture

19. Give Him Anything

20. Ten Feet Taller

21. Forced My Hand

22. Pins and Needles

23. Our Girl

24. Worthy

25. A Thousand Deaths

26. More Manipulative

Epilogue

Cynic's Stance Sneak Peek

Acknowledgments

About Karen Renee

Other Books By Karen Renee

Connect with Karen Renee

Playlist

DIRTY LAUNDRY by Bitter:Sweet

YOUR FORGIVENESS by Rosi Golan

SABOTAGE by The Beastie Boys

MY HOUSE by Flo Rida

MONEY by Jesca Hoop

I WANT YOU TO BE MY LOVE by Over the Rhine

WHEN IT DON'T COME EASY by Patty Griffin

ALL I WANT IS YOU by U2

I JUST DON'T CARE THAT MUCH by Matt Maeson

WAITING FOR MY REAL LIFE TO BEGIN by Colin Hay

GOOD LUCK WITH YOUR DEMONS by Jamie Cullum

GOOD SHIT HAPPENS by Michael Franti and Spearhead

GOT WHAT WE WANTED by Rosi Golan

WORK OF ART by Jamie Cullum

Author’s Note

This book is intended for mature readers 18+. It contains a scene of sexual violence and situations which may trigger or upset some readers. Please do not read if you are uncomfortable with those types of scenes. Thank you.

Let's Keep in Touch

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Chapter 1

For a Reason

Trinity

Trinity, I said this last year, but I can’t stress it enough. Don’t. Do. This.

A red light forced me to stop and I watched the Harley roll into the parking lot of an apartment complex. My gut and my brain were at odds. I wanted to follow the rider into the lot, but my gut said to park street-side around the corner. In following someone, I knew hesitation equaled disaster.

Did you hear me? Olivia asked.

The light turned green, and I followed my gut, motoring my small Lexus sedan around the corner.

I heard you, Liv. Now, a year ago, and all the times in between. But, time’s running out and I’ve decided now is the time.

She sighed. "Why not tomorrow? I don’t have any plans, which means I can be your wing-woman. And confronting a man like him… you need a wing-woman."

She was probably right, but I needed to get this show on the road. If I don’t text you in two hours, send someone to the address I sent you.

Fine, but I don’t like this. I’m supposed to have your back, and I can’t do that from here.

I grinned. It’ll be fine. I’ve been following him off and on for over a year. Talk to you soon.

With my cell tucked into my back pocket, I hustled to the sidewalk leading to the apartments. For some reason, he’d parked well away from his unit. In the past three months, he hadn’t done that before.

I had walked four feet along the side of the building when an arm wrapped around my chest from behind, the hand gripping my shoulder. The attacker’s other hand went to my mouth to stifle my scream.

A rich voice I hadn’t heard in weeks filled my ear. Shut the fuck up, bitch. You’ve been following me, and I want to know why.

It had finally happened.

My luck had run out.

He released his hold on my chest, and his hand fell away from my mouth. Then, using more force than necessary, he whirled me around and shoved me against the wall. He put a large hand to my upper chest to hold me in place. As beautiful as brick buildings are, I never realized how gritty and coarse they were until my back was pressed against one.

He cut into my thoughts with his snarled question. Who the fuck are you?

My tongue stuck to the roof of my mouth. He’d met me at his mother’s apartment over a year ago, and he’d seen me there again a few weeks ago. I was at Marie’s place for a college football game, along with several of her other friends. She watched football like other older women watched soap operas. He had nodded at me when he dropped by, though he did that while glancing through me and five other women - most of them old enough to be my mother.

He gave me a shake. I don’t get violent with women, but you’re fucking with me. You don’t tell me who you are, you force me to—

Trinity Benoit. We’ve met.

His light brown eyes traveled up and down my face. The hell we have.

I didn’t know what the up-and-down movement of his eyes meant, but obviously I hadn’t made an impression.

When I nodded, I heard my hair rubbing against the bricks and grimaced. We have. At your mother’s about eighteen months ago. You saw me there a few weeks back. I’m her neighbor.

He dropped his hand from my body. As he crossed his arms over his chest, he stepped into my space like he thought I might run.

The coldness in his voice would make Jack Frost jealous. I’ve never met you. Why the fuck are you following me, Trinity?

This wasn’t going to plan. In all of my visions, I hadn’t expected Roman to get the drop on me.

He lowered his volume, but amped up the sinisterness of his tone. Why are you trailing me, bitch?

I need your help, I breathed.

His head reared back. I’d surprised him, but it didn’t clear the anger from his eyes. Those gorgeous, tawny eyes swept my face and my body. No fuckin’ way I can help you with a damn thing.

But—

He leaned toward me. Following me was a bad idea.

It wasn’t intentional.

His eyes narrowed. You take me for a fuckin’ idiot.

No, I—

Been following me for three goddamn weeks. Spotted your ass when I left Twisted Talons. You were a man, you’d be laid out, at a minimum, right now.

I need a husband, I blurted.

Definitely not going to plan.

He shook his head. I heard you wrong. Rich bitch like you needs a man, and what? You feel like slumming it with a biker?

That was insulting. To me and to him. I would never consider being with him as ‘slumming.’ For one thing, he turned women’s heads almost everywhere he went, and even though I didn’t know him very well, I knew he had more charisma in his little finger than ninety percent of the well-to-do men my mother wanted me to date.

No—

A malicious smile curled his lips. "Bitch, you don’t know who I am. I’ve been other women’s ‘get-out-of-jail-free’ card. I got no problems with a woman cheating on her man. How the fuck do you think I’ll treat my wife?"

I opened my mouth, but words wouldn’t form, because I didn’t know that about him. Then again, I had to consider my source. No way would he tell Marie that.

Satisfaction edged into his expression. Yeah. But, I’ll be clearer. I won’t give the first fuck about my wife.

He stepped back, and the arch of his eyebrow said we were done.

No, none of this had gone as planned. But it was time to lower my own boom.

You’ll give a fuck if she can put you in jail.

His eyes narrowed. What the hell are you talking about?

Four bodies turned up in a meth cookhouse fourteen months ago.

He shook his head. Your point?

You set that fire.

If Marie hadn’t mentioned it, I’d have missed the nervous tic of his lip. You’re full of shit, Trinity.

My lips tipped up. I’m not.

No proof, he muttered.

Video proof. It’ll be in the fire marshal’s inbox the moment you unbutton your jeans for another woman.

He barked a mirthless laugh. Not even married, and already you’re a fuckin’ nag.

I turned my head to the side, disappointment flooding my system. It’s not like that.

The fuck it isn’t, he clipped out.

I glared at him.

His chest heaved with a silent chuckle. Here’s a tip. You want a husband? Blackmail isn’t a good start.

It wasn’t supposed to be this way.

His head tilted, and his tone turned condescending. It wasn’t? Please, princess, tell me how it was supposed to be.

I was following you for a reason.

He nodded. To trap me and then blackmail me.

I exhaled, slow and silent. Last year, I was following you for a different reason. I never meant to catch you doing… what you did.

He ran a hand down his face, his thumb snagging his lower lip as he stared daggers at me. Then, This is bullshit. Stop fuckin’ following me.

My mouth dropped open.

He turned on his heel and sauntered toward his apartment.

When my feet finally moved, he was at his door. What about the video? I yelled.

Even from a distance, I saw his eyes glitter. "Send it, baby. But, with a name like Trinity, I doubt you’ve got the guts."

From my bed, I texted Olivia goodnight. I hadn’t shared with her about my confrontation with Roman, and I wasn’t going to, either. All of it was humiliating, but his parting words were horrible. I hated how he’d emphasized ‘baby’ with so much disdain.

Worst of all, though, he was right. I wouldn’t send the video, but it wasn’t because I didn’t have the guts.

If he only knew.

His mother had everything to do with it. She was keeping a secret from him, but he needed to know. She’d sworn me to secrecy, but time was running out – for her and for me.

He deserved to know… but then, that’s how I got into this crazy mess.

Chapter 2

Right to Know

Trinity

Fourteen months ago…

I stirred honey into my green tea, not meeting Marie’s eyes. When I’d moved into the apartment next door four months ago, she’d introduced herself and we’d become fast friends. She quickly became like a second mother to me. Not that my mom was bad, but Marie was much warmer and more down-to-earth. We had green tea at three every afternoon. We did morning coffee, too, but for some reason the afternoons were my favorite, and I sensed they were her favorite, too.

Like everyone, she had her own problems and I didn’t want to trouble her with my family issues.

She grabbed my hand. Tell me what has you so morose, Trinity.

I looked into her light-copper eyes. I saw Grandpa today. The hospice nurse said he has days to live. When I left, she said he probably wouldn’t be very lucid the next time I see him.

"Dios mio," she whispered, squeezing my hand.

I sighed. He’s the only one who gets me, you know. In the entire family.

I doubt that.

You sound almost like Grandpa. He said I scare them.

Marie grinned. What else did he say?

My eyes went to the side and back to her. He’s leaving me controlling shares in the company and a large sum of money.

Her eyes widened. You sound unhappy about that.

I smiled wanly. I’d rather he live and keep running the company—

She shook her head. "When it’s your time, it’s your time, querida."

With my lips pressed together, I nodded. Well, he has… conditions, before I get anything.

Oh?

I swallowed a sip of my tea. I have to get married within two years after his death.

She smiled. I wish you’d moved in sooner, Trinity. Your grandfather sounds like a man I’d like to meet.

Yeah, he’d have liked you, too.

So, you’re sad your grandfather is passing.

I nodded. Yes, but I suspect his wishes will be contested.

Her head tilted.

My marital status has no bearing on me running the family business. And my family knows that.

She nodded slowly.

Plus, I’m not done with my MBA yet. My cousin is going to glom onto that and the old-fashioned stipulation like a bad barnacle.

Marie’s cup clinked against the table. "He’s not old-fashioned. I may not know him, but I know people like your grandfather. He’s rooted in tradition and family. That’s wanting the best for you."

I conceded with a half-nod. "That may be true, but it has nothing to do with running the business."

She shook her head. No, but if I had the means to force my boy into settling down, I’d do it in a heartbeat. Would make me feel better during my dialysis appointments.

My jaw dropped. Marie, did you say, ‘dialysis appointments’?

No, she snapped. I said, ‘appointments.’

I grabbed her hand. Marie. I know what I heard.

Her lips set into a thin line, then she said, It’s just a few days a week.

I jerked with a silent chuckle. I’m sorry. That’s like saying it’s just a few months of pregnancy. Dialysis is a big deal, Marie. What have your doctors said? Can something be done?

She yanked her hand away, shaking her head. It isn’t a big deal.

I stared at her. We’d only known each other for a little over three months. I could see her not feeling comfortable telling me more. But something told me she was being secretive with everybody.

After a lengthy silence, I asked, Does Roman know?

Her wide eyes caught mine. No. And I want you to swear on your life, you won’t tell him.

I shook my head. I can’t do that. He’s your son.

No more tea.

My jaw dropped again, and I shook my head in disbelief. If you say so, but he has a right to know, Marie.

Her eyes hardened. "My boy has known enough heartbreak and strife. I will not add to that. The dialysis helps. As long as that continues, he doesn’t need to know."

With a deep breath, I considered my words carefully. She had a point, but I knew he would want to know. He loved his mother. He doted on her. If he found out in some other way, I couldn’t imagine the pain he’d feel. Plus, even if she didn’t want to be a burden to him, he might offer her a source of extra strength and hope.

He’d want to know, Marie.

Her eyes narrowed. You don’t know my son. Stop acting like you do.

Those words hurt, but I kept at her. "You’re right. I don’t know him. But even after just four months, I’d like to think I know you. And if he’s half as passionate as you, he’d be torn up that you kept this from him."

She put her coffee cup down with a thud. You need to go.

The look on her face was stone-cold. Her eyes were aimed at me, but she didn’t see me.

I shifted my jaw to keep my tears at bay. All right. I’m sorry. For what it’s worth, I’m willing to help you. It doesn’t have to be—

Go.

I stood. Her eyes didn’t follow me.

At her door, I called over my shoulder, Take care, Marie. You know where to find me.

Back in my apartment, I opened my laptop to take notes while I studied, but I couldn’t concentrate.

Conflict made me crazy. I avoided it at all costs, but instinctively I knew I had to dig in my heels on this. If it were me, I’d want someone to say something. I had to hunt Roman down, even if it would permanently ruin my friendship with Marie.

The lower right corner of my laptop showed the time as quarter to six.

I didn’t know where Roman lived, but I knew where the Riot MC clubhouse was, because Roman had told one of Marie’s friends, Pat, the address. Pat had lorded that over the other ladies’ heads. Later, I’d coaxed the address out of her by offering her the last chocolate-glazed donut hole.

If I was lucky, Roman would drop by the clubhouse tonight.

Thirty minutes later, I turned onto the street for the clubhouse. I smiled as I caught sight of the two-story brick building, but the smile faltered when I noticed a man standing at the gate. When he swung the gate open, I nearly thought it was for me, but a huge Toyota Tundra barreled out onto the road, coming toward me. The windows were down on the truck, and as I passed it, I saw Roman was driving.

Sonuvabitch!

I couldn’t swing a U-turn at the clubhouse proper, since that would tip everyone off. At a sedate speed, I drove to the nearest driveway, where I turned around. Even though someone might notice me speeding by, I couldn’t afford to lose Roman.

When I reached the stop sign, I didn’t see the truck.

I sighed. Since he’d been in a hurry, I headed toward Beach Boulevard.

Luck was on my side; I caught up with him five minutes later. Two cars separated us, and I knew that was for the best.

By seven o’clock, he’d parked the truck in front of a run-down, faded-green, shotgun style house. The neighborhood appeared to be hard-working blue collar, but some of the houses looked sketchy.

At a four-way stop sign, I debated parallel parking a few feet ahead, but scrapped the idea when I saw a man in a Riot MC cut saunter toward another vehicle parked street-side.

As I drove past, I realized Roman hadn’t left the truck.

I found a place to park my car around the block. My older-model Lexus stood out like a sore thumb in this area, but there wasn’t anything I could do about it.

With my phone in hand, I headed toward the house where I’d seen Roman in the truck. Only, the truck passed by and parked twenty yards away from my car. I stopped when a tall, burly, balding man hurried around the truck. He hadn’t noticed me.

Roman unfolded from the vehicle, hissing at the man. Tiny! Slow down!

I thought about calling his name, but I didn’t want the burly man to see me. Yet I couldn’t bring myself to leave. With a good thirty yards between us, I quietly followed them down the alley behind the house. The two of them were moving so quickly, I figured whatever Roman had to do wouldn’t take long. Then I could talk to him.

Over-grown bushes lined the fence, but they stopped at the property line and a tall streetlamp lit the back yard of the faded-green house. Roman put a foot into the short chain-link fence and vaulted over in a fluid motion. I heard traces of the burly man’s grumblings as he struggled to heave his bulk over as quickly.

My finger slipped on my cell, touching the camera icon and I heard the low beep indicating a video had started. I was going to turn it off, but remembered Olivia arguing that Roman couldn’t be as good-looking as I claimed. If watching him in action didn’t do him justice, nothing would.

The burly man went inside the house through the back door, but Roman edged along the outside. I moved forward to keep him in the shot. When the back door opened again, I stopped.

Not just because the other man had returned, but because I saw Roman flick a lighter at something.

Both men rushed back toward the truck and I had to hurry back to my car before they caught sight of me.

My mind raced.

The rumors were true. Roman set fires for the Riot MC.

I’d overheard that while in the laundry room at the apartment complex, but I didn’t think the woman knew what she was talking about.

Showed what I knew.

I passed the truck. When I was ten feet beyond it, I broke into a run.

My progress was halted just feet from my car. A skinny man walked out of an alley. The smell of marijuana filled the air and I noticed two other men were with him. The sun had set now, and the nearest streetlamp wasn’t working. Earlier, I hadn’t known the area where I parked was so poorly-lit.

I shifted to pass the men, but the skinny man moved with me.

Where you goin’ in such a hurry, bitch?

Though this area was darker, I could still make out his gaunt cheeks and narrow-set dark eyes. His nose was sharp and hooked.

I swallowed. Please. I just—

Out of nowhere, he backhanded me.

I staggered while screaming, and one of the other men caught me. He shoved a hand over my mouth to stifle my scream and forced my head back.

They all laughed, but the one who caught me kept hold of my bicep. She’s got a big mouth, Ink. Big enough for my dick—

I squirmed, balled my hand into a fist but the third man saw my motion and stopped me. He rounded me and yanked my arm behind me.

Stupid bitch doesn’t know how it works in this ’hood, Reece.

No, Cruz, Ink, the skinny man, said. She’ll suck my cock first. Bring her back here—

I couldn’t let these bastards move me to some other place. I stomped on the foot of the guy who held me from behind. He wrenched my arm so hard, I was lucky he didn’t break it.

Ink shook his head, then threw a punch at my eye. In some recess of my mind, I heard myself whimper.

They moved me a few feet into the alley. Ink shoved me to my knees. The sting of the concrete scraping my skin dominated my mind until I came face-to-face with Ink’s groin. The waistband of his underwear said ‘Nike’ all around the waist. He shoved the band down and his dick sprang free.

Lick it, he ordered.

I kept my mouth closed and willed myself not to smell this man, but his stench invaded my nose.

Suddenly, he yanked my head back by my hair and snarled, Open your fuckin’ mouth.

I kept my lips pressed together, but he tugged harder on my hair and I cried out. He took advantage and shoved his limp penis in my mouth.

Ink paused when a fourth man came out of the alley, a long stream of smoke trailing from his nostrils. He was stocky, with sandy-blond hair and pale-blue eyes. Like the others, his jeans hung extremely low, and he wore a flannel over a t-shirt. He also had a large gold chain around his neck. My attention focused on his words when he spoke. What the fuck, Ink? Thought we were here for Roman? Somebody needs to take that cocksucker down.

We’ll get to Roman, but first, it’s time to initiate—

You think he’s gonna hang around here for long? Fuck, no. There’s no time for getting blown. We gotta move.

Then all four of them tensed. Their eyes were aimed behind me.

I looked over my shoulder. Through the bushes, I could see one side of the house Roman had left was in flames.

Shit! That’s a cookhouse, ain’t it? Ink asked.

That thing’s gonna blow, the shorter man said.

Ink shoved his dick back in his pants and started down the alley, but from beside me, Reece called, Yo! We bringin’ this dumb bitch with us?

No fuckin’ time, Cruz said, and they all took off.

I stood and stumbled to my car. Once inside, I turned the key in the ignition with a trembling hand. That had been a very close call, and I didn’t want to press my luck any further.

The trembling hadn’t subsided even after I let myself into my apartment. It wasn’t until I saw myself in the bathroom mirror that shit really hit the fan. I could’ve been raped, and I couldn’t believe I’d been so stupid. That made me mad, at the assholes, and at myself, because in reality I hadn’t been stupid. Those assholes had no right to threaten me with forced fellatio… or worse.

I had no doubt it would’ve taken a turn for the worse.

Seeing myself with a swollen eye brought home how lucky I’d been.

All because I wanted to help Roman and Marie.

I slumped down against the door to the bathroom. In a strange way, I suspected I had helped Roman. Just, not the way I’d intended. If I hadn’t crossed paths with Ink and his crew, they’d likely have caught up with Roman. I had no doubt, though, that Roman would’ve dealt with them far better than I had.

My phone rang and I jerked, hard enough I banged my head against the door.

I blew out a breath and saw Olivia’s name on the display.

Hi, I said.

She hesitated. Okay, you sound awful. What’s wrong?

I’m fine, hon. Just tired and about to hit the sack.

You are lying. If you have a man there, you can just tell me.

I shook my head. No. Are you all right?

Now you’re deflecting. What’s wrong, Rin? Don’t make me drag my ass over there.

If Olivia and I had anything in common, it was how stubborn we could be. Don’t freak out, but I had a close call tonight.

You’re all right though? You’re not pulling the wool with me?

I’m fine.

Well, crazy drivers are—

They weren’t driving, Liv, I whispered.

Oh, shit. I’m on my way.

No, Liv. I’m fine. It was a close call, not an actual…

My best friend made a tsking sound. No, no. Nope. I don’t believe your white ass. We black women know when we’re being lied to.

Race has nothing to do with this, Liv.

"Now I know shit is real because you know I don’t mean anything about race."

I sighed. I have a black eye, and I don’t want you to see me like this. Really, that’s all it is.

Her tone turned indignant. Well, if that’s all it is, you won’t mind my company. And don’t hand me that ‘see me like this,’ bullshit. Trinity, I’ve seen you green in the gills at Mardi Gras, and lobster-red after too much time at Padre Island.

My lips tipped up and I couldn’t stop myself from muttering, Wouldn’t have been sunburned if you’d stuck around at the beach.

She chuckled. You sound a little better, so I know you’ll be even better still after I see to you personally.

I’ll see you soon.

In the morning, I