Chapter 86
In Chapter 56 of “Dreams Folding Into Broken Time,” the protagonist, Savannah, wakes up in a panic, calling out for her sister Chloe. The sudden realization that she had fallen asleep while waiting for Chloe fills her with frustration and concern. As she gathers her thoughts, she notices Roman, who has been watching her sleep. His teasing demeanor and playful banter create a mix of tension and attraction between them, highlighting Savannah’s irritation with his nonchalance about her sister’s whereabouts.
Roman reveals that he spent the night watching Savannah as a form of petty revenge for her earlier rejection. Their conversation turns serious when he presents her with a phone belonging to Dean, which triggers a wave of dread in Savannah. The phone carries heavy implications, and as they discuss its significance, Savannah’s emotions shift from annoyance to panic and despair. The discovery that Dean has a video that could expose her vulnerabilities adds layers of tension to the scene.
As Savannah confronts the reality of the situation, tears begin to flow, and she struggles to process her emotions. Roman’s unwavering support and determination to protect her from Dean’s potential threats become evident. He assures her that he will do whatever it takes to ensure her safety, promising to find and destroy any other copies of the video Dean may possess. This moment strengthens the bond between Savannah and Roman, as he offers her both comfort and a sense of security amidst her turmoil.
Despite the shame and fear that the situation brings, Savannah feels a complicated mix of gratitude and vulnerability towards Roman. His declaration that he would do anything for her resonates deeply, creating a moment of intimacy that contrasts with the chaos surrounding them. As they navigate the implications of the phone and the threat it represents, Savannah is left grappling with her feelings and the weight of the choices ahead of her.
**Chapter 56: Anything For You p>
I jolted awake, breathless, with a single name echoing in my mind.
“Chloe! Shit p>
The sound of my own voice startled me, cracking like fragile glass as I shot upright in bed. My hands instinctively flew to my face, brushing away the dampness that clung to my skin. My heart raced, pounding against my ribs as if trying to escape.
The room was flooded with bright light, forcing me to squint against its intensity. It felt like I had been pulled from a dream into an unfamiliar reality.
“I’m jealous,” came a voice from my left, smooth and teasing.
I turned my head, my eyes landing on Roman, who lounged casually in a chair beside my bed. He was fully dressed, his damp hair plastered to his forehead in wild strands that hinted at a recent shower. His green eyes sparkled with mischief, a glint that sent a shiver down my spine.
“Shit! I’m so stupid,” I muttered, my hands flying to my hair, tugging at the strands in frustration. “I fell asleep waiting for Chloe to get back p>
Roman leaned back in his chair, crossing one leg over the other, a picture of relaxed amusement. He watched me with an intensity that made me feel like I was the only show in town.
He remained silent, a smirk playing on his lips, which only fueled my irritation.
I narrowed my eyes at him. “Why didn’t you wake me up, Roman? You were working all night, weren’t you p>
With a lazy shrug, he replied, “I was trying to get back at you p>
“For what exactly?” I asked, confusion mingling with annoyance.
“You didn’t let me get in your pants.” His tone was dry, but the wicked glint in his eyes made my jaw drop in disbelief. “Yes, so as petty as it sounds, I spent the night watching you sleep as my form of revenge p>
“Are you—are you serious right now?” My voice climbed an octave, disbelief constricting my throat.
His expression was unapologetic, eyes never leaving mine. “Did I stutter? I’m vindictive, Sav,” he replied, tilting his head slightly, as if daring me to challenge him further.
I groaned, a mix of exasperation and temptation swirling within me. I was half-tempted to throw a pillow at his smug face, or perhaps even imagine sticking a dagger in his chest. “Unbelievable,” I muttered, shaking my head.
In a flash, he moved—swift and effortless. The chair scraped against the floor, and suddenly, the mattress dipped as he slid onto the bed beside me, close enough that I could feel the warmth radiating from his damp skin. His voice softened, the teasing edge fading as he leaned closer.
“So we’re even now, love. Besides…” He searched my eyes, his gaze turning serious. “Your sister didn’t get back until a few hours ago. There was quite the commotion downstairs that confirmed my suspicion.” He tilted his head toward the door, as if to emphasize his point.
My heart raced. “What? Really p>
“Yeah,” he confirmed, his expression unreadable.
My pulse quickened, the implications of his words sinking in. “So where was she all night p>
He arched a brow, a hint of annoyance creeping into his voice. “How the fuck am I supposed to know, Sav p>
Before I could respond, he reached beneath his pillow, his hand lingering for a moment as his green eyes remained locked on mine. Then, with a deliberate motion, he pulled something out.
A phone. It felt oddly heavy in my hands as he placed it on my lap, as though it carried a weight far beyond its physical form.
I stared at it, a chill running down my spine. “What is this p>
“Turn it on, Savannah.” His voice had lost its playful tone, hardening into something serious, almost foreboding.
My palms grew slick with sweat. With a gulp, I picked it up, the device feeling heavier than it should. The screen flickered to life, revealing an old, scratched phone that looked hauntingly familiar.
I glanced up at him, my heart sinking. “Is this… yours p>
Roman’s jaw tightened, a shadow crossing his features. “It’s Dean’s p>
The air left my lungs in a rush, my stomach dropping as reality crashed down on me. My fingers flew to the video app, and there it was—waiting, taunting me.
“Dean, you bastard,” I whispered, my vision blurring with unshed tears.
I tapped play.
Roman’s gaze flickered to the phone and back to me, his jaw clenched, muscles in his forearm tightening as if he were physically restraining himself from snatching it away. I could see his nostrils flare, a vein ticking in his neck, the tension in the air palpable.
The screen lit up with movement. I caught a glimpse, just enough to send my body rigid, shame searing my skin. My throat constricted, panic rising. God, not in front of Roman. With trembling fingers, I slammed the screen dark before it could reveal any more.
Tears spilled hot and fast, the first one splattering against the glass in my hand. My voice trembled as I spoke, “L… I don’t know what to say p>
Roman didn’t look away. His gaze remained steady, unwavering as he absorbed my brokenness.
“How did you get this?” I managed to whisper, my heart pounding in my chest.
His eyes remained fixed on mine, unyielding. “I have my ways,” he replied, his tone clipped, jaw still iron-tight. “We came to a compromise p>
Dread crawled up my spine, a sense of foreboding settling in. My head snapped toward him. “Roman—what did he ask from you in exchange for this p>
He didn’t blink, his expression resolute. “That’s not important now p>
“It is to me.” I pressed, desperation leaking into my voice. “Don’t you dare brush this off p>
“What matters,” he interrupted, his voice like steel, “is that it’s out of his hands now p>
I swallowed hard, my chest heaving. “And if he has other copies p>
His eyes sharpened, a dangerous glint flashing through them. “Then I’ll find them. I’ll destroy them too. He claims this is the only one. But if he lied… if he has more, I’ll make him pay p>
The way he said it sent a shiver down my spine, a promise laced with violence.
I nodded, my grip on the phone trembling. “Thank you, Roman. Truly. Thank you p>
His expression softened, just enough to steal the breath from my lungs. “You don’t need to thank me, Savannah. I’d do anything for you p>
His words wrapped around me, warm and suffocating all at once. My heart swelled, betraying me, even as the shame from that cursed video clung to my skin like poison.
And still—Roman stayed. He didn’t look away. He bore my shame as though it were his own, and that made it both easier and infinitely harder to breathe.
“What do I do with this?” I asked slowly, raising the phone once more. My hands trembled under its weight, the reality of the situation pressing down on me.
“Whatever you wish to do with it.” He paused, his gaze sweeping over my form, assessing. “Do you have anything in mind p>
As the weight of the phone settled heavily in my lap, I felt a tumult of emotions crash over me—fear, shame, and an unexpected flicker of hope. Roman’s unwavering presence beside me was both a balm and a burden, his promise echoing in my mind: “I’d do anything for you.” In that moment, I realized that I was not alone in this battle. The shame that had threatened to consume me felt a little lighter, shared in the warmth of his gaze. I could see the resolve in him, a fierce determination to protect me from the shadows of my past. It was a strange comfort, knowing that someone was willing to fight for me, even amidst the chaos that Dean had unleashed.
With a deep breath, I faced the reality of the situation. It was time to reclaim my narrative, to confront the darkness that had seeped into my life. The phone, once a symbol of my humiliation, transformed into a tool for my empowerment. I could feel Roman’s support anchoring me, urging me to take control. As I contemplated my next move, I understood that the journey ahead would not be easy, but I was ready to face it head-on. With Roman by my side, I felt a flicker of strength igniting within me, a promise that I would rise from the ashes of my past, ready to forge a future unbound by the mistakes of others.
**What to Expect in Next Chapter p>
As the tension between Savannah and Roman thickens, the stage is set for a confrontation that could change everything. With the haunting specter of Dean looming over them, Savannah must navigate her emotions while grappling with the implications of the video and what it reveals about her past. Will she confront Dean, or will she rely on Roman’s promise to protect her? The stakes are high, and with Roman’s fierce determination to eliminate any remnants of Dean’s hold over her, Savannah must decide how much she is willing to trust him—and herself.
In the coming chapter, expect revelations that will peel back layers of both Savannah’s and Roman’s characters, exposing vulnerabilities and hidden motivations. The dynamics of their relationship will be tested as they face the fallout from Dean’s actions. Will Savannah find the strength to reclaim her narrative, or will the weight of shame continue to suffocate her? As secrets unravel and truths come to light, prepare for an emotional rollercoaster that will leave readers breathless. The choices Savannah makes could lead to liberation or further entanglement in a web of betrayal and desire, setting the stage for a gripping continuation of their intertwined fates.
Sara Lili
Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.