Chapter 104 Old friends.
CHAPTER 104
Old friends.
SCARLETT – POINT OF VIEW
I step out of the bathroom with the towel wrapped around me. My hair is in a bonnet, and Roman is nowhere to be found.
“Rome?” I call, then see the balcony door ajar.
“Rome?” I call again, and he responds, “Yeah, babe. Give me a second.”
He walks in moments later, face in a mask I know too well, “Damian called. The union agreed to our terms. I have to meet with them and put some things in place before we leave. Is that alright with you?”
I nod and swallow dryly, “Of course. Are you … are you okay?”
He nods, avoiding my gaze, “Perfect. I’ll be out in a moment.” He kisses my cheeks, drops his phone, and steps into the bathroom.
I stand there for a moment, confused. We’ve been together long enough for me to pick up on his attitudes, and I know when something is off.
He seems pissed, but at what? Me? I’ve done nothing wrong.
That slanderous article doesn’t help at all. How tone deaf can they be? Putting our location in the media. Am I supposed to go around wearing a cap and hiding who I am? I need to speak to Vanessa Hart and teach her a lesson, but that’s just going to end up in the papers and support the idea of me being a fraud.
I need to do something about her. I really need to. I don’t mind the expose on us, but she needs to be professional.
While Roman is in his meeting, I can get something done.
I wear black jeans and a black turtleneck. Roman steps out as I pack my hair in a tight bun.
“Going somewhere?” He asks, dropping the towel again.
He’s so … unashamed.
My cheeks burn, and the heat spreads to my neck.
“You’re not supposed to flash me every morning, baby,” I murmur, and turn around.
My heart’s pounding in my throat. I can’t handle the sight of him when I can’t touch. How long are we going to deprive ourselves of what we need?
“Where are you going?” He asks, amused.
“I need to get some dresses. I saw a boutique not too far from here. I’ll be back soon.” I respond, wearing his dark blue cap. It goes perfectly with my outfit. Rather than kitten heels, I wear my sneakers. I’m ready.
“Take Rue and Russell with you. Share with me your location.” He doesn’t order. He says it calmly, but the edges of his words are laced with caution.
I hate what I’ve caused, but the fault isn’t all mine. Emiliano will pay.
I turn around, and he’s thankfully dressed. I kiss him softly, “I’ll do that. See you soon.”
“One hour.” He clarifies, and I nod.
I walk out of the suite and get in the elevator. Rue and Russell stick close to me. I don’t know where I’m going. I’m hoping that if I walk around, make myself seen, Vanessa Hart will find me, and we might have a much-needed conversation. She’s looking for a breakout story, and instead of doing it shadily, I can give her a real job.
My phone rings as we step out of the elevator.
I stiffen immediately.
Adeline.
My heart skips a beat.
I let it ring till it stops. She doesn’t call again, and instead, a text comes through: Vanessa Hart is twenty minutes from you. Scroll into the boutique and ignore her. She’ll come to you. PS: This doesn’t mean we’re friends. You’re a person of interest and need to be protected.
She attaches the address, and my hand trembles as I return the phone to my bag. Roman was right when he said we seemed to be old friends. We were forged from the same fire, and she knows my next move without even asking because it’s the same she’d do.
I make my way to the boutique and shop for some new jeans.
I see Vanessa Hart immediately when I step in, but I ignore her and focus. This is a game I intend to win. Rue and Russell are by my side, dutiful bodyguards. Rick should be here, but he’s with Eve. They’ll return soon, and I’ll be glad. Emiliano won’t be stupid enough to attack them. He wants me, and he’s biding his time.
I move to the men's shoes aisle, and smile when I see a Black Oxford Roman will love. I hand it to Russell and pick up a Mui Mui heel for me.
We walk past Vanessa, who looks up immediately. Her eyes widen when she sees me. She’s a classless bitch who tries to touch me.
Rue interferes immediately, standing between us.
“It’s alright,” I say, then look at Vanessa, “Do I know you, Ms?”
She falls over her words like a child, unable to bear the face of luxury, “I’m … V … Vanessa Hart.”
I pretend to think, then shake my head, “I’m sorry, I don’t know who you are.”
“I … I am a journalist, and … we … we write exposés on influential people like your boyfriend. I’ve been meaning to get in touch with you for … for an exclusive … story.” She blushes, unable to admit that she released two articles that tried to ruin my character.
My phone beeps, and I know it’s Roman. My one hour is almost up, and his paranoia is spiking.
“I really do not have enough time. Do you have a card or something? We can have this discussion at a later time.” I glance at my expensive wristwatch.
She nods, pulls out a badly done card, and offers me. I stare at it with profound disdain. She murmurs an apology and gives it to Rue, who obviously hates her guts.
I walk away, victorious. I pay for what we bought with just a swipe of my black card, and we return to the hotel.
Roman is waiting in the lobby. He isn’t alone. Damian, Caleb and Elena are there.
“I got you Oxford shoes. It’s beautiful.” I tell him, excited.
He pulls me to him and kisses my head.
“I don’t want to rain on your parade, but I got the Yatch party guestlist and Dante Ricci will be there,” Elena announces.
My heart drops, and my blood runs cold.