Roman stood by Blair’s bedside, watching as she spoke quietly with her sisters. She was still pale, exhaustion clear in the soft lines of her face, but there was a fire in her eyes that reassured him. She was strong, but even the strongest needed protection. And he would make damn sure she had it.

He needed to make some calls, so with one last glance at her, he squeezed her hand and murmured, “I’ll be back soon. I just need to make a few calls. Try to get some rest.”

Blair gave him a ...