Chapter 106 Our dear Rose
CHAPTER 106
Our dear Rose.
ROMAN -- POINT OF VIEW
“Are you ever seasick?” I ask, helping her out of the car, with my hand on her lower back, “If you are, we might as well ditch this whole thing and go to a drive-thru.”
She chuckles, leaning into me, “I know you don’t want to be here, but trust me, it’s the best option right now. The media is coming for us, and for some reason, your businesses are taking suspicious hits. We need to show everyone that we are a united front. We have nothing to hide and everything to gain. We play our part to perfection.”
I scoff, “I have survived for over a decade without dancing to anybody’s tune. There will always be articles and attempts at espionage. It’s part of being a businessman, and I’m used to it already.’’
“Well,” she declares, “This time is different. You have me.”
I nod and hold her firmly. I do have her, and she makes all the difference
“Elena gave me a rundown of the guestlists, but I am a little nervous. Why don’t you introduce me to everyone?” She asks, linking our hands.
I nod, “You have nothing to be worried about. I’ll ease you in. You’ll be with me.”
“Hopefully, I am invisible to them.” She murmurs.
I scoff, “Not in that dress, baby. All eyes will be on you.”
She blushes as we step onto the Yacht. For a moment, everything seems suspended, and everyone turns to look at us. They’re not looking at me, though. They’re looking at her, and I cannot blame them. Who wouldn’t look at her? She’s exquisite.
Caleb, Elena and Damian should be here, but they are off putting out fires. I shouldn’t be here. There are a million other things I’d rather be doing, but I’m supposed to appeal to the media. As if on cue, a photographer steps into view and takes multiple pictures of us at once.
“Oh,” Scarlett murmurs, caught offguard.
I pull her closer to me and steer her away.
“Roman!” A young woman calls.
We look ahead. I sigh when I see her.
“Who’s she?” Scarlett asks, clinging to me as if she might get swept away in the sea of people.
“Carrie Rhodes. She runs a lot of membership clubs across the state.” I explain.
“Are you avoiding me, Roman, because it seems so.” She gushes dramatically.
I smile, “I have been busy, just as you have, too. Life comes at you fast. Have you met Scarlett?” I push her forward gently.
Carrrie looks at her and beams as if she has been handed her Christmas present.
“You are Scarlett Brooks.” She gasps, running her gaze over Scarlett.
“Scarlett Sterling.” I correct.
Carrie waves me off, “You’re not married yet, but you have been hiding her. Six months since you introduced her to society, and we’ve barely seen her alone, always glued to you.” She takes Scarlett’s hand and murmurs, “You are astonishingly beautiful. I hope you know that.”
Scarlett might as well be a tomato with the way she flushes.
“Thank you. Rome tells me all the time, but just as he’s stingy with me, he’s also stingy with his friends. I am excited hear all about you.” She is smooth and perfect.
“I don’t know if I’ll call us friends. He helped me about five years ago when I was in a tight spot,” Carrie whispers, and Scarlett looks at me.
“He has refused to be repaid for it, and I take whatever friendship he gives me. We were all worried about him, but you are here now. Your mere presence is more than respite. Now, come with me. You must meet the rest of the gang.” She grins and takes her from me.
“The gang?” Scarlett asks, glancing back at me.
“I’ll do the introduction.” Carrie pulls her away, but I’m not far behind.
She introduces her to old friends, business partners and investors. I don’t keep friends. I prefer to keep my circle small. Life has taught me valuable lessons, after all, but in this moment, while Scarlett shines, I can’t help but wonder, maybe not all friends are bad friends. Despite my cold demeanour, some like Carrie stick, and some fade.
I glance at the calm water, and the dark sky is splashed in colours.
My security team are all around, working overtime. They’ve had to bear the brunt of my paranoia. I’m not taking any chances. I have a scar to remind me any time I forget.
My phone beeps, and I pull it out, expecting to be made aware of Dante’s arrival.
Instead, it’s a message from Luca.
My new wife is hiding something, and your wife-to-be is at the centre of it all. I do not like this, Roman. We’ll be in New York the second the coast clears. We’re getting to the bottom of this. I refuse to let my marriage be shrouded in secrets.
I return my phone to my breast pocket and sigh. There are so many things to figure out.
A dark shadow fills the lower deck, and goosebumps break over my skin. Dante.
I turn around immediately and make sure Scarlett is where I can see her. Dante won’t try anything stupid, I know. He isn’t the one who gave me this scar, but he has given me so many scars. I had to make sacrifices because of myself. I refuse to compromise when it comes to Scarlett.
“Looks like the redhead has you on a leash.” He walks to me, smiling.
I do not respond, but my fingers dig into my palm. I shouldn’t let him rile me up, but I am ready to batter his face in.
“Does she know?” he leans in, voice thick with mischief, “Does she know why you chose her, or do you expect me to believe it was purely coincidental? Do you know why she chose you? Trust me, nothing is a coincidence when it comes to our dear Rose. She’s remarkable, and maybe we can share a woman again, like in the old days.”