My Roman: Boys on the Hill, #1 An Enemies to Lovers College Romance, page 1
My Roman
Copyright © 2020 by Rose Croft. All rights reserved.
No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means, including information storage and retrieval systems, without written permission from the author, except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.
Resemblance to actual persons, things, living or dead, or events is entirely coincidental.
Cover Design: Bex Harper Designs
Formatter: Integrity Formatting
From the author of The Mendoza Family Series comes a new college/NA enemies-to-lovers romance. Welcome to Hillside U and meet the alpha boys who rule it.
𝐑𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐧
She’s both a liar and a thief.
But she’s in my world now
She can run, but she can’t hide
Hope she’s ready to play...
𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐨𝐝𝐨𝐫𝐚
Hillside University was supposed to be my fresh start.
Unfortunately, karma had other plans, the night I ran into Roman Martinez again.
Football star. Popular. Wealthy.
The boy who’d once captured my heart was now set out to make me his pawn.
Good luck with that.
He would learn that I wouldn’t bow so easily.
Once upon a time, I was living my fairy tale with my knight in shining armor.
Now I knew fairy tales were just pipe dreams cloaked in false hope and dipped in deception.
Prologue
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight
Chapter Nine
Chapter Ten
Chapter Eleven
Chapter Twelve
Chapter Thirteen
Chapter Fourteen
Chapter Fifteen
Chapter Sixteen
Chapter Seventeen
Chapter Eighteen
Chapter Nineteen
Chapter Twenty
Chapter Twenty-One
Chapter Twenty-Two
Chapter Twenty-Three
Chapter Twenty-Four
Chapter Twenty-Five
Chapter Twenty-Six
Chapter Twenty-Seven
Chapter Twenty-Eight
Chapter Twenty-Nine
Chapter Thirty
Chapter Thirty-One
Chapter Thirty-Two
Chapter Thirty-Three
Chapter Thirty-Four
Chapter Thirty-Five
Epilogue
Playlist
Acknowledgements
About the Author
Other Books by Rose Croft
Excerpt: Cabezon
To Rose’s Buds
The best team a girl could ask for.
Prologue
Three Years Ago
Roman Martinez—Age 18
It’s funny how the line between love and hate could disintegrate in a hot minute. In my lifetime, I’d never really felt either until recently. Never show emotion. Never give away your hand, son. Only fools and pathetic saps gave into feelings. Besides, words like “love” and “hate” were only stupid ideologies that poets and idiots needed to put a label on to justify weaknesses. That was the Robert Martinez school of thought, and my brother and I had his words ingrained in our head from an early age.
I threw back the remaining contents of my cognac. Well, my dad’s cognac (but whatever, semantics) and perched over my father’s wall-to-wall office windows staring at the two blond women, mother and daughter, walking outside. My eyes were drawn to the younger one. Even at a distance, I caught how the sunlight glinted off her long, light blond hair. I knew the locks felt like spun silk as it threaded through my fingers. I always loved to touch her hair or put a stray strand behind her ears.
Even now as she strode down the sidewalk, she held her head high with a suitcase in one hand and duffel bag strapped over her shoulder. After living here for almost eight years, she’d been kicked out of the kingdom. She came from nothing and unfortunately would end with nothing. Well, except for a paltry sum of money my father was forced to pay.
“She is quite beautiful, isn’t she?” my brother Antoni said in polite disinterest. He was sixteen and followed our father’s lead to a tee. He even had Robert’s mannerisms down to an art with his casual stance and arms crossed negligently across his chest. “I bet she was quite a fuck, too.”
I clenched the snifter in my hand tighter but said nothing. Depraved. You are depraved, and an embarrassment, Roman. You fell for the trap. Why can’t you be more like Antoni? My father’s words from a few days ago quenched my fury.
I could only blame myself, but I could blame her as well. She could’ve had it all. She could’ve been my queen. But not now.
“Tell me, hermano, how was she? Was her pussy as tight as I’d imagined?”
“Shut up.”
“Did she tell you how much she loved you before or after she stabbed you in the back?”
“Antoni,” I growled and soon pain lanced my palm and fingers, followed by the obnoxious sound of crystal shattering on Travertine tile.
“Careful.” My brother raised his eyebrows in mild interest as he pointed at the crushed glass nestled in my hand. Blood seeped from my skin, dripping on the floor. “You could get an infection.”
“Then it’s nothing less than I deserve, right?” Although a smarter man would’ve tried to stop the bleeding, I didn’t. Instead, I stood frozen in place, gazing outside as I watched the pretty little liar follow her mother into the back seat of a black sedan that would take them away permanently. Despite my newfound animosity, I still fought my so-called vulnerable emotions. I would kill those feelings. She ruined it all. However, along the way, she ruined me too.
Present
Theodora Daniels
It’s been said that one moment can change your life completely. I thought I’d already experienced that moment a few years ago. However, it seemed like fate was a raging, vengeful bitch that cloaked itself in the form of a six three dark-haired, brooding devil with no heart. Well, fuck me. If only I’d been warned. If only I could hit reset on the night I would see him again. If only I could forget him altogether. Before I get into all that, let me back up a bit.
I was eighteen and embarking on a new chapter in my life being the first week as a freshman on campus at Hillside University. It was a private school settled in the ragged beauty of the hill country in central Texas. Thus, the reason people called it the college on the hill. I’d been so excited for the day to finally come when I could move into my dorm room. That’s not to say I didn’t feel a case of nerves and a little self-conscious because I’d arrived here alone with all my clothes and sheets crammed in a plastic trash bag and a pillow nestled in the crook of my arm while I leaned against the door of my old, beat-up Corolla taking in the scenery. Students fluttered around me with moving boxes in their arms and their parents hovering around them as they trounced in and out of the residence hall.
Squaring my shoulders, I made my way to the open doors. Trudging through the packed hallway on the second floor, I passed by two girls gushing about rush week and the sororities they were considering. This was probably the fifth time I’d heard the mention of fraternities and sororities in the span of ten minutes making my way to my room. Rushing for a sorority would probably be a great idea considering I was somewhat of a shy person, but that was an extra expense I couldn’t afford. To be honest, I didn’t know if I was sorority material. Even if I were accepted into one, I would’ve stuck out like a sore thumb.
I stopped in front the open door to my left and saw a lanky girl with pale skin and red hair swept up in a bun setting something on a desk. She glanced over at me and grinned widely. “Are you Theodora?”
“Yes. Kenzie?”
“Uh-huh?” She nodded and squealed pulling me into the room. “Yes. This is your side of the room, and this is my side. I swear I’ve been here for like six hours. Can you believe it? Six hours trying to set up my room. And these are my parents.” She spoke a mile a minute and introduced her mother and father who both greeted me as I blushed in embarrassment feeling like an orphan without my mother here.
“Are your parents here too?” Kenzie’s mom asked glancing over my shoulder.
I shook my head setting my things aside. “My mother couldn’t make it. She just had back surgery and is still recovering.”
“Oh honey. Do you need help unloading your things from the car?”
“No, but thank you.” Luckily, she didn’t press. I also didn’t miss the glance of concern she threw her husband’s way. Kenzie’s family probably came from wealth. I shouldn’t make assumptions, but I noticed the two matching Louis Vuitton purses draped over the nearby chair. I’d been around enough rich people for several years to sense the aura and scent of the privileged like the back of my hand.
The truth was, you had to have money to go to a private university, and this was one of the most prestigious in the state. Or receive a scholarship, like I did. Even with a full ride that didn’t cover all the expenses I would encounter. My mother didn’t have any extra money to spare since she’d injured herself in a car wreck and had to have back surgery. Furthermore, she’d bee n out of work for almost the whole past year and draining her savings with all the medical expenses. I’d spent the past year picking up any work I could find to help out which wasn’t much in the scheme of things, but it was something at least.
“Let me help you set up,” Kenzie offered with a friendly smile and after spending the next hour getting to know them, I began to relax. With their help, I converted my space into a cozy, inviting area. I glanced over at Kenzie’s side. It looked like Chip and Joanna Gaines had stepped in to renovate. All that was missing were some fresh-baked cookies and shiplap paneling.
Soon after Kenzie’s parents said their tearful goodbye, my new roommate slid her arm through mine and said, “This is going to be the best year ever.” And so began a fun-filled beginning with a new friend.
As the weekend approached all was going great so far. Kenzie convinced me to go to a party at one of the fraternity houses. Since it was rush week, these places were like open houses where everyone could get in. That’s what Kenzie told me at least, and she seemed like an expert on social activities in college. She too was one of many pledging for a sorority.
“Let me do your hair and make up,” Kenzie said dabbing her lips as she glanced at her phone.
I eyed her with skepticism. “Why?” I’d donned a casual floral sundress with spaghetti straps and flip-flops. It was late August so I thought I looked summery and it was comfortable. Kenzie had just put the final touches on her makeup and was still sitting around in a tank and leggings.
“Come on, Theo. It will be fun. I promise you’ll like the end result.”
Obviously, she was not impressed with my current look. “Okay.” I shrugged. I wasn’t an expert on hair and make-up by any means. For that matter, I’d never had girlfriends who I’d hung out with or had sleepovers. I’d lived a very lame life in high school with the exception of my freshman year.
After thirty minutes of her making up my face and fixing my hair, I must say I was impressed.
“You’re gorgeous, Theo. You just need to own it.”
I tilted my head as she’d already rushed off to her closet.
“Here, wear this.” She held out a hunter green tube dress, laughing when I raised an eyebrow. “Trust me. You will look good in this.”
“Okay,” I conceded and went to the bathroom to change.
“You’re such a little prude,” she teased behind me as I closed the door. Try being humiliated in a girl’s locker room, I thought. That will damn near traumatize you and make you self-conscious.
The dress was very fitted, and I yanked down on the hem to mid-thigh, I’d never worn anything this nice before. I saw the eight-hundred-dollar price flash before me when she ripped the tag off and handed me the dress. She’d never even worn it. She had a closetful of clothing, while I’d scrimped and saved my money to buy the few dresses I had.
“Maybe I shouldn’t wear this,” I said as I stepped from the bathroom.
Kenzie had on a black mini dress that crossed over one shoulder and was strapping on heels. She glanced up and broke out into a Cheshire cat grin. “You look amazing, and yes, you are wearing it.”
“But—”
She stood up and took my hands in hers. “Look, Theo, you are wearing it. Tonight we’re going to work on getting you out of that shell.”
I tilted my head. “Are you playing the role of fairy godmother, and I’m Cinderella?” I joked, but I was kind of serious.
She must’ve picked up on my tone. “No Theo,” she said quietly. “Please. Don’t think that. I don’t ever want to overstep my boundaries. I’m not trying to be superficial and say that having a makeover and dressing up makes you a different person, nor does it define you. Your inner beauty is inside you, so I want you to have the confidence to show it. Okay? Own it.”
“Yeah.” I nodded. Funny that she could already sense so much about me. “Thanks.”
“Come here roomie.” She embraced me into a hug. When she pulled away she smiled ruefully. “But you will get a lot of attention tonight.”
Theodora
Fraternity row was only a few blocks off campus but since we were both in heels Kenzie ordered us a Lyft. She had a car, a cherry red BMW she’d received as a graduation present, but the street that stretched in front of frat house row was narrow and it would’ve been something short of a miracle to find a parking spot, unless you wanted to risk the chance of parking illegally and getting your car towed. I tried to give her cash, but she waved me off. “Don’t worry, it’s not that expensive. It’s not a long drive.”
When we made it to the Pi Kappa Alpha house, the party was in full swing if all the students hanging out front were any indication, and you could hear the loud thump of bass coming from inside.
Own it. I straightened my shoulders and made sure the hem of the dress was in place and my boobs were properly covered after sliding out of the back seat of our ride.
We passed through the crowd inside who were gathered in the living room cheering. Kenzie waved to some guy in a button-down shirt, untucked and some khaki shorts. I’d noticed several guys dressed similar to him, while girls wore dresses. Looked a little strange, as though we were a little over dressed for the club when it was only a frat party but whatever.
“Hey girl.” The guy leaned in and gave my friend a peck on the cheek.
“This is Theodora,” she told the clean-cut guy who held a bottle of Shiner Bock beer in his hand.
“Hey, I’m Justin. Let me get you something to drink. We have a full bar tonight. What would you like?”
“Vodka tonic with a twist of lime. Preferably Tito’s,” Kenzie replied like she was a seasoned mixologist. “Same,” I said when he looked at me.
“Got it.” He nodded his head. “Wait here, and I’ll be back.”
“He’s cute, right? I met him on campus earlier today at the bookstore. He plays football.”
I nodded. I guess if you liked a guy who wore khaki shorts and polo shirts.
“All right, everyone. Listen up,” a voice boomed over a microphone and the music stopped. Through the crowd, I saw another preppie looking guy with a button-down oxford and what a surprise…khakis standing in front of the stone fireplace with microphone in hand. “We have some local stars among us tonight. Future NFL ballers. Am I right?”
The crowded living room erupted in cheers. I didn’t know anything about Hillside’s football team. It was a smaller college and was known for its excellence in academics.
“These guys are going to put us on the map this year in football. We’re going to make it to the College Football Playoffs!” Cue another round of cheers.
“What is this? A party or a pep rally?” I asked Kenzie in jest.
She was clapping too and leaned down. “There are a lot of Falcon football players here tonight. Many of them are PIKE members. Justin’s in this fraternity too. He lives here.”
“Hey, where’s the rest of your entourage?” Preppy boy directed his attention to some tall dark-haired guy who stood out in the crowd. I could only see his wide shoulders and back.
“How the fuck would I know? I’m not their keeper.”
Preppy boy smiled and lifted the mic to his mouth like he was emceeing a boxing match. “Ladies and gentlemen. I present to you. Standing at six foot three, two-hundred and forty-five pounds. The godsend of your Hillside Falcons…Roman Martinez!” Whoops and hollers erupted all around, while my breath caught in my throat. He was here. Roman made his way to the front, and it was like I had a line of string in my spine that someone yanked tightly forcing me to stand at attention.
“Speech, speech, speech.” Arms were in the air as fists pumped back and forth in sync. This was the strangest spectacle I’d ever witnessed. I never thought I would ever cross paths again with Roman. Technically, I hadn’t, but if he saw me here. Who knew what would happen?
Roman took the mic and scanned the crowd, while I causally ducked my head shielding my face with my hand although I was fairly certain he couldn’t see me since the room was packed, and I was near the back of the crowd. Justin approached with our drinks. Kenzie grabbed hers, and I had no choice but to take mine too.
