Protective

Invitations

Lana

Once lunch was over, Rose and I exchanged numbers and went our separate ways. If I wasn't already happy to be here, I was excited to reunite with her.

She had been my closest friend and I vividly remember crying very dramatically when I found out she was leaving for Italy.

My last class was History which was easy for me. I had a well trained memory.

The only problem being that the person I permanently sat next to was none other than Roman himself, much to Yeremy's dislike.

Although he was only meant to protect me, not shadow me. I knew he understood then when I didn't even have to ask him to give me space during lunch.

So what was he so upset about? He probably just didn't like Roman.

"Is he your boyfriend?"

"No. Yeremy is my childhood friend from Russia," I said, continuing to write down my notes about the Greek Archaic Era.

It was becoming easier to say, easier to lie about. I didn't feel the need to lie to Rose because she knew about my life. She knew who my father was. Her father was a prominent player himself in the Cosa Nostra. It's how we got along so well, in a way. We understood one another.

"So you're single?" he smiled, taking my pen.

"Yes," I smiled, eyeing him carefully, "Single."

If he wanted my attention, he sure had it now.

"I would say that makes me a lucky guy, but I get the feeling I'm going to have competition for your heart," he sighed, "We've never had anyone as beautiful as you transfer in the middle of the year. The boys are lining up to talk to you."

"My heart?" I raised an eyebrow, "I get the feeling you're after something a little easier to catch."

He smirked at me, clearly he had underestimated me. Yet still, I wondered how much of my intelligence I should reveal to him. I did want him to continue to underestimate me.

"Not at all, I am a gentleman. I can't speak for anyone else," he shrugged, "Why don't you come to my party? You can bring your friend. He seems shy."

"Yeremy isn't shy," I shook my head, suddenly feeling the need to defend him, "He's just not much of a people person, but I'll be sure to extend the invite."

"So does that mean you're coming?"

"I don't know," I grabbed my pen back from him, "I just think you're horrible at courting."

"Horrible?" he feigned a wounded face.

"You gave me your number, as if I would actually chase you," I laughed, "You seem smart, Roman. You knew I wouldn't go for that. So what was the point?"

"Did you ever get to actually read that paper I gave you?"

"I didn't see a reason to," I admitted, "I was never going to text you."

"Well next time cover all your bases," he scolded playfully, "My number was on the paper, but there was also a small message."

"A message?" I asked curiously, "Don't you think we're a little old to be passing notes."

"Ouch," he frowned, "If I didn't know any better, Lana, I'd say you didn't like me."

"And what makes you think you know better?"

He leaned in and tucked some of my hair behind my ear, "Someone like you wouldn't waste your breath flirting with me if you weren't interested. You don't like to play games, do you?"