Roman didn’t scare her, not really. Okay, there were a few times he might have made her a little afraid, but at those times, he was angry with someone else, and he just told her to fuck off or to get out of his face.
They didn’t have the best communication, and what also didn’t help was that she hated confrontation. Rather than call him out on the crap he said, she left it.
Liam pulled her in for another hug, and she saweveryone’s disapproval. What kind of family was this?
“Mr. Smith, I heard you’d joined us,” Lucas Greco, Roman’s father, said.
She pulled away from her father in an attempt to create a little space. The two men shook hands, and Roman made that his cue to join them.
Alex stayed perfectly still, not saying anything.
Lucas glanced at her, and she saw the disapproval on his face. He hadn’t liked that she refused to be part of the virgin test. The man didn’t believe in trust. It was completely clear to see with the way he treated her.
As far as he was concerned, she was a hussy, or whatever word he used to describe her.
“It’s a nice gathering,” Liam said. “How could I turn down a personal invite from you. Roman?” He nodded at her husband.
She stared at her father, who looked at the distance between them. Alex wasn’t going to step closer to the man she couldn’t stand.
Silence descended upon the group. It was because of her.
“I think I would like some fresh air,” she said. “Lovely party.”
Without waiting for a word, she turned her back on them and stepped away, finding any excuse to be as far away from them as possible. She didn’t even care to step outside.
Instead, she found the stairwell in the main corridor and lowered herself, taking a deep breath.
She hated parties and functions like these. They sucked.
“Not one for the crowds?”
Alex looked up to see Antonio Testa, one of Roman’s best friends. She met him on their wedding day when he was Roman’s best man.
“No, I’m not.” She shrugged. “You?”
He chuckled. “I just needed a breather from all thosewomen.” He winked and then nodded at where she sat. “Do you want some company?”
“Sure.” She didn’t see a reason why not.
Antonio was a large man, and she had no choice but to move a little closer to the banister for him to be able to fit on.
“You look nice tonight.”
“Thanks.”
This was Roman’s best friend, not hers. She didn’t trust him, even though Antonio had never given her any reason not to trust him.
“I know that Roman can be a little difficult, but you’ve just got to give the guy a chance. He’s under a lot of pressure.”
She turned to him and then smiled.
Unless it was her father, she had no intention of talking to strangers about her marriage to Roman. Especially not a best friend.
“I don’t know if you’re needed in there…”
“Trying to get rid of me?” He nudged her shoulder.
Alex frowned, but rather than try to make a big deal out of what was happening, she forced a smile. “I don’t want to be held responsible for, you know, keeping you away from business. I know how important it is for you all.” Antonio had never been overly friendly with her, and she didn’t quite like that he was being so now.