Chapter 76 The Rose.
CHAPTER 76
The Rose.
SCARLETT
I am dragged back to reality by his words. This has to end. We’re not friends. We’re reluctant business partners. I don’t need his pity or empathy. We’re better off as enemies.
“I’m not telling you anything, Roman. I am not here to speak about my past. I am here to be your wife. I am sorry for your loss, and you can deduct a percentage from my salary if it makes you comfortable.” My voice is monotone and devoid of emotion.
He narrows my gaze at me, and fury fills his eyes, “Scarlett,” he curses.
I brace myself for his assault, but nothing comes.
“This isn’t over. I’ll find out every secret you’re hiding.” He promises, glaring at me, disgusted and disappointed.
I shrug, nonchalant, “Whatever makes you sleep at night, sugar.”
“Do not call me that.” He seethes.
I don’t get to respond because Adeline and Luca walk towards us. Luca looks at his wits' end, but his eyes flicker between Roman and me, obviously picking up the tension. He doesn’t like me, well, he doesn’t trust me. Just like me, he was raised to know when something is off, and he can smell all shades of that on me.
“Don’t you love Roses?” Adeline picks up a flower.
My heart drops to my feet.
Goosebumps break over my skin.
“Roses are beautiful. What do you think, Scarlett?” She holds the dangerous flower before me.
I force a smile, even as waves of terror flood my veins, “I agree.”
“Isn’t it strange that your name literally translates to Rose, in a way. Scarlett means red, and Roses are red, so in a way, we should call you Rose.” She articulates casually as if she doesn’t teeter on the cliff of my life. One push and everything will unravel.
The morning chill rips off my skin and settles against my bones. My teeth press together, and my jaw flexes.
“Rose is a pretty name.” Luca smiles, looking wistfully at his wife.
“Rosaline is better.” Roman scoffs, looking at me.
Warmth climbs through the heat ravaging me, and settles against my pounding heart. He shouldn’t look at me like that. He shouldn’t speak like that. He shouldn’t bait me. How odd that even in his confusion, he gravitates towards me. Some would call it the inception of something transcendent, but I find that unlikely. Women like me do not love. We are not loved either.
“What do you think, Scar, Rose or Rosaline?” Adeline lifts her chin.
I soften and ignore Roman’s penetrative gaze, “Rosaline.”
“How sweet.” She rolls her eyes, and Luca chuckles, “Do not be vexed, baby. They align, and that is a sweet thing.
“We are having a late breakfast in the city, at Milana’s favourite restaurant, The Rose, how fitting.” Adeline cocks her head, frowning for a second before it clears.
“We should get ready.” Roman grabs my hand, and I inhale sharply at the spark crawling down my spine.
He leads me through the beautiful garden. Arching trellises overhead are heavy with climbing roses, their petals blushing in shades of ivory, crimson, and deep wine. The air was thick with perfume, which would cling to the skin and fabric. I don’t know what game Adeline is playing. I don’t know what she wants, or if she even knows, but I’m not ready to acknowledge the fact that she might know something. Acknowledging it makes it very real.
I know I’m playing a very dangerous game.
We return to the guest house. Everyone is getting ready for the late breakfast. I am excited to get ready; however, as soon as we step into the bedroom, I realise I share a bedroom with Roman.
“We are short on time, so we have to make do.” He says sternly, stepping away from me.
“I’ll bath first.” I decide, aggravated.
I walk to the restroom, and try not to think of how he made himself cum here to the thoughts of me. I push away all thoughts of him, and wash away the rose from my skin, but it seems skin-deep. No matter how fast I run, my past always catches up, sinking its fingers into me, reminding me who I am, well, who I was.
“Come on, Scarlett!” Roman snaps from the bedroom.
I roll my eyes but step out.
He walks past me, holding his clothes, and orders, “Wear a red dress.”
I clench my jaw hard. He doesn’t get to tell me what to wear, but there’s no time to argue.
I shuffle through my closet impatiently, trying to find my short red dress, but for some reason, I don’t find it. Short on time, I chose a beautiful two-piece, which is a long red lacy skirt, and a halterneck top. It has a lot of cleavage, but I look beautiful in it. I look beautiful in everything. The outfit doesn’t clash with my hair.
Roman steps out from the bathroom, dressed, as I touch up my makeup.
His eyes darkens and he whispers, “I said a dress.”
“I couldn’t find my dress.” I shrug, grab my bag and walk out of the bedroom.
Damian and Elena are absent as we file into the car and drive to the restaurant. Eve still has a headache from last night. She’s a lightweight. The tension in the car is thick and stifling. I’d rather be anywhere but here. Milana knows everything about me. She knows who I am, who I used to be, and her restaurant choice is not a coincidence. She’s placing her cards on the table.
Roman places his hand on my lower back as he leads me into the grand but cute restaurant.
A memory flashes through me of my mom. She always wanted to own restaurants across Europe, but she never got to do it. I never had money trouble growing up, but she was always so careful with how she spent her money. I am weighed down by all the dreams she never got to live.
Milane, Alessandro, Chiara, Francesca, Adeline, Luca and Vincenzo are seated.
Roman helps me to my seat, and we place our order.
“You look beautiful, Scarlett. The colour looks beautiful on you.” Vincenzo winks at me.
My cheeks heat, and I smile, “Thank you. You don’t look bad, yourself.”
Roman is silent beside me, but he might as well be loud.
Abruptly, he places his hand on my inner thigh, and my breath hitches.
“Have you ever been to Mexico, Scarlett?” Milana asks me loudly.