\[Denali’s POV\]
I don’t speak as Rosco's words begin to race around in my mind. Be more selfish. How could I possibly? He wasn’t mine to do that with, but somewhere deep down, I found that I wanted to do just that. But as quickly as this thought appears, I push it away.
“It’s fine either way." I shrug, keeping myself composed. “Just keep your private matters private.”
Immediately I know that what I’ve said is wrong just by the look of disdain that crosses Rosco’s features, but before he can say anything, the car around us stops and the driver says something in Italian.
“Times up,” Rosco grumbles, handing the man some money. “Come along, princess.”
“Where?” I ask as he grabs my hand and pulls me out of the car after him. Where are we and what are we doing?”
Frowning, I take in the building in front of us with its name written in Italian, and when the smell of food reaches my nose, I understand that we are at a restaurant.
Looking down, I take in the simple dress shirt and pants that I’m wearing, then look back up at Rosco, who is watching me curiously.
“Worried you’re going to embarrass me?” He asks, chuckling. “Don’t worry, this isn’t that fancy, but I do have a business meeting, and since there isn’t enough time to take you back to the hotel, I figured I would bring you along.”
“Business meeting,” I squeak.
“Don’t worry,” he chuckles, beginning to lead me inside. “It won’t take long, and then we can do whatever you want.”
Unable to argue, I keep my gaze fixed on Rosco’s ack as he leads me toward a table where a man with salt and pepper hair and hooded eyes sits with the woman from the photos. I had to admit that she was a lot prettier in person, but her sharp gaze makes me feel less than, and I’m sure it is because even I know that I’m not a fit for someone like Rosco.
You’re good for him. Hamilton’s words flash in my mind, causing me to falter for a second and then shake off the inferiority that I’m feeling. Straightening my shoulders, I meet her gaze head-on.
“Rosco,” she whines when we reach, and Rosco helps me into a seat. “Why did you bring an outsider to our meeting?”
As she speaks, she gives me a pointed look, but I just continue to keep my gaze straight with a polite smile on my face.
If I wanted to play the part of the perfect wife for Rosco, I needed to get over my own issues. From the very start, it was my family that made me feel so low, and it had nothing to do with me.
This was my turning point. I already stood up to my father and took the first step in gaining control of my own life and future. This was just another hurdle that I needed to get over. As the wife of the future alpha of Crystal Fang and Torres Industries, this was the least I would need to do.
“She isn’t an outsider,” Rosco snaps, placing a hand on mine and giving it a squeeze so that comforting warmth starts to radiate through me. “She is my wife, and as such, she has every right to be here.”
For a moment, Nadia doesn’t speak as she takes me and Rosco in in disbelief, but when she finally composes herself, she just gives a smile.
“My apologies,” she purrs, leaning forward to get a better look at me. “I wouldn’t expect that the wife of such an important person in the world of business and wolves would care so little about her appearance.”
“Nadia,” Rosco warns, his voice dripping with ice. “Mind your words.”
“No,” I counter, giving him a smile. “She’s right. I do apologize for my current appearance, but it was somewhat of a spur-of-the moment thing that I’m here. You see?" I continue, leaning into Rosco while giving Nadia a look of triumph. “My husband missed me so much that he had me flown out here without warning, and I’ve just arrived.”
Fine, if she wanted to try to push my buttons, then she couldn’t blame me for pushing back.
At my words, a bark of laughter escapes Rosco before he gives me a look of approval.
“She’s right,” he chuckles, turning his attention back to Nadia, who I can only assume is her father. “It’s like that.”
“Right,” Nadia says slowly, attempting to compose herself once more. “I apologize for my rudeness. If you’ll excuse me, I need to use the ladies.”
No one speaks as she gets up from the table and heads toward the back of the restaurant. Only once she is out of sight does her father finally let out a sigh.
“I do apologize for my daughter's behavior,” he says, giving me an apologetic look. She has been spoiled since she was young, and she and Rosco used to be close.”
Used to be close. Past tense. Meaning that they weren’t close now. But did that mean that she wasn’t the only one with lingering feelings? I didn’t know, but I couldn’t stop my curiosity.
“I’ll answer whatever you ask when we get back to the hotel,” he says quietly, seeming to read my mind. “As for now, shall we discuss our cooperation? I don’t mean to rush, but I’m sure my wife is tired and would like to shower and nap before our dinner reservations this evening.”
“Of course,” Nadia’s father chuckles. “I won’t hold you up too long. I’ve already caused enough trouble for the two of you.”
Nodding in agreement, Rosco gets comfortable and motions for the man to begin. For the rest of their exchange, I zone in and out until Nadia returns. Her eyes are puffy, and her makeup is slightly smeared, but she works to remain composed and looking perfect. I had to admit that I felt for her. As someone who also had her heart ripped out by the one she thought was meant to be with her forever, I understood her pain.
A low rumble of a growl snaps me out of my head and makes me realize that I’m staring, but I keep my gaze locked on hers while wondering if Rosco finding his mate was what ended their love story.
“Denali,” gasping, I tear my gaze away and fix it on Rosco to find that he’s getting up. “We’re finished here,” he continues, reaching out a hand and waiting for me to take it. “Let’s go.”
Remaining silent, I give Nadia one last look to find that there is promise in her eyes. I was sure that this wouldn’t be the end of her, and I needed to be on guard, but with Rosco, I felt safe and wouldn’t let myself worry too much.
"Alright." I smile, grabbing his hand and letting him pull me to my feet. “It was nice meeting the both of you.”
“Like wise,” Nadia’s father chuckles, while Nadia remains silent. “I’m sure we will see each other again soon.”
“Of course you will, Harold,” Rosco confirms. “As my wife, she will be present for most of our cooperation so that she can help with the decisions. This resort that we are opening is meant to be a present for her, so I want it to be up to her standards.”
At his words, my eyes grow wide as a bark of shock escapes Nadia.
“It was meant to be a surprise,” Rosco murmurs close to my ear. “But since you were present for some of the discussion, I thought now was the time to tell you.”
“For me?” I ask, still unable to believe what I’m hearing. “But why?”
“Because I owe you a wedding gift.”