Cold As Ice

11. Don't Let Go

Katniss POV

When it had finally been time to head out on the road with Roman I had been nervous. I had no idea what to expect or how his friends and peers would feel about me.

I was also aware that I would be meeting some of his family and I was keen from them to like me as much as his mom does.

Thankfully I had nothing to worry about, everyone was lovely, the twins were a riot and Roman and I had plenty of time alone thanks to his mom tagging along.

Today was the last day before he went back home and I was sad to see it come to end. I was so used to sleeping beside him now that I knew for sure I couldn't go back to sleeping alone.

I was watching Roman sleep as the early morning sun highlighted his features and the gentle breeze danced over his hair. He was nothing short of perfect and it some how still didn't feel real that he was mine.

"I know you are watching me babygirl" he mutters into his pillow without opening his eyes and I can't help but laugh "I hope it's a nice view and I'm not drooling"

"It's a beautiful view and a view I'm going to miss very much once we are back home" I sigh

"Why are you going somewhere when we get home?" He asks he eyes snapping open and filling with worry.

"I'm not going anywhere baby" I smile cupping his cheek "but we will be going back to separate rooms right?"

"Not a chance" he says pulling me close "I don't want you sleeping anywhere but beside me"

"Roman........there is something I want to tell you...........something important that I can't keep.yo myself anymore...........Roman I......"

"Daddy, Kat come on it's time to go" Joelle shouts through the door cutting me off

"Rain check?" He says kissing me softly

"Sure" I sigh. I can't help but feel a little disappointed I had been so ready to say it, to take that step and now I had to wait a little longer.

At the same time I smile as I remember how happy Joelle had been when Roman told her that I was going to be his girlfriend. She had smiled so brightly at us both.

By the time we go to the arena Joelle was super excited, Roman had promised her that she could have some time in the ring with him and twins and she made it clear she wanted to do her own entrance and everything.

As Jimmy waits in the ring Roman stands behind me with his arms wrapped around me. His music hits and Joelle starts down the ramp. I can hear Roman chuckling softly as she does her best impression of his entrance.

"I'm so proud to be her daddy" he says softly "she's the best thing to happen to me........until you" he says kissing my cheek.

"Roman........the thing I wanted to tell you........I........"

Just then there is a loud gasp and we both look towards the ramp to see that Joelle has fallen off the edge, luckily she was almost at the end of the ramp.

Roman rushes to her with me and the twins right behind. "You ok Jelly Bean" he says as he scoops her up.

"Daddy my arm hurts" she cries and he pulls her close

"It's alright daddy's got you" he says "let's get the doctor to have a look at it"

We head backstage straight to the doctors room. Roman never leaves Joelle's side a worried expression on his face. I go stand beside him and place a hand on his shoulder.

With his free arm he pulls me into his side and holds me close "what's the verdict Doc?" he asks

"Im fairly sure it's just a sprain but I'd take her for an xray just in case" he says.

Roman POV

By the time we got back to Pensecola I was ready to be home. The rest of our last day had been spent in the ER waiting for an xray and I know we were all exhausted.

Luckily the Doc was right it was just a sprain and Joelle was a lot happier once she got over the shock of falling. Opening the car door I find Joelle has fallen asleep. I lift her out gently and then turn to pass her to my mom.

"You ok to put her to bed?" I ask

"Or course, besides your I noticed your lovely lady has been trying to tell yoi somrthing" she smiles "maybe it's time you let her"

As my mom heads inside I grab our bags and wrap an arm around Kat as we head inside.

"So what did you want to tell me babygirl" I ask putting our bags down and picking up a large brown envelope that was on the floor.

"Well.....I wanted to tell you that I..........."

Just like that Kat's voice disappeared, it was like I'd gone deaf and all I could see were the words on the papers in m hands. My hands start to shake as I continue reading and my heart starts to sink.

"Roman.......Roman.......did you hear me?.....Are you ok?" Kat asks bringing me back to reality

"Uh yeah.......it's Grace, Joelle's mother.......she's uh......she's going for custody" I say "she's accusing me of neglect"

"What? But that is absurd" she gasps "Anyone can see how much you love and care for her"

"Some how she's found out about the fall" I say "I wasn't watching her"

"It was a split second Roman" she says "it's going to be alright she won't win"

"I just.......I need to be alone" I say starting to walk away "I need to figure this all out"

"Let me help you, I want to help you" she says but I shrug her off "Roman please"

"I can't do this right now Kat" I say "I'm sorry"