\[Denali’s POV\]
I hang up the phone and look around the room, trying to see exactly what I should pack. Although I was slightly uneasy about Rosco’s sudden phone call and then his insisting that we go somewhere for a week, who was I to argue with his decision?
Sighing, I move toward the dresser and pull open the first drawer, which contains lacy bras and underwear in many different colors, all courtesy of Rosco. Since I didn’t have much when I moved in, he made sure to go crazy buying me things.
Letting a small smile play across my lips, I lift a red number that does nothing for covering things and begin to wonder what Rosco would think if he saw me in it and the matching thong, but before I can decide to change into it as a surprise, when the man himself showed, I spot the pocket watch that I brought with me.
“Mom,” I murmur, picking it up and holding it in my hand.
To this day, I wasn’t sure why she gifted it to me, but since it was the only thing I had of hers, I cherished it like it was the most precious diamond.
“I should bring this just in case.”
Turning around, I head to the closet, pull out my suitcase, and secure the watch in it. Once I’m sure it isn’t going anywhere and won’t get damaged, I begin to dig through some outfits, pulling the ones I like best. After my suitcase is fully packed, I head downstairs, where Rosco’s mother, Tonya, is standing.
“Oh, Denali, dear!” She calls when she spots me.
"Hello, Mrs. Torres." I smile, hoping that I don’t look like I’m trying to make an escape while her son is at work. “I was just…”
“I know,” Tonya sighs. “Hamilton has already informed me of Rosco’s decision. Such an impulsive boy.”
Nodding, I fight the urge to ask her if she knew the exact reason for this sudden choice, but before I can get the courage to do so, the doorbell rings, and a broad smile spreads across Tonya’s face.
“She’s here!” She announces, rushing forward and pulling the door open to reveal Nadia. She has a suitcase in hand and looks gorgeous in her designer clothes. And if I were to be completely honest with myself, I would say she looks like the lady of the house coming home. “Welcome, honey!” Tonya continues, grabbing Nadia and hugging her. “I hope your flight wasn’t too awful.”
“Not at all,” Nadia responds, hugging Tonya back. “I’m sorry for the sudden appearance; I just couldn’t stop my excitement over this project.”
Project? Was she referring to the project that is being completed in Italy? No. If that were the case, she wouldn’t come all the way here. So is there something else going on? Something that Rosco didn’t tell me.
As these questions begin to race around in my mind, understanding dawns, and I don’t know if I should be happy or upset about it. This was why Rosco wanted to take me somewhere for a week to get away from Nadia, but was it for me or him?
Of course, I would be uncomfortable knowing she was around, but wouldn’t see me and Rosco together help her get over her crush on him? Running away like this was almost like saying I didn’t want to be around you for various reasons.
No. I needed to stop the doubt. I chose to trust Rosco, and I would trust that he was doing this for us and not for his own selfish purposes.
“Come in,” Tonya says now, snapping me out of my head. “Don’t just stand out there.”
“Okay,” Nadia beams, stepping into the mansion, but when her eyes come to rest on me, her smile falters. “Oh, I’m sorry,” she says, feigning shock. “I didn’t see you there. Danielle, right?”
“Denali,” I correct. “It’s fine that you don’t remember since we didn’t see much of each other. It’s good to see you again. You look gorgeous.”
"Thanks!" she giggles. “I’m sorry to just show up out of the blue like this, but work, you know? I hope you don’t mind that I’m staying here. I know that the last time we saw each other, we had a misunderstanding about me and Rosco, but I assure you, there isn’t anything but friendship between us.”
“Not even that.”
Feeling a wave of relief rush through me, I turn and watch Rosco make his way toward us with a look of annoyance on his face.
“We’re nothing more than business acquaintances,” he continues, reaching out and wrapping an arm around me, and while I let out a gasp of shock over his sudden touch, he leans down and presses his lips to mine while his mother and Nadia watch. “Are you ready?” He asks now, pulling away.
“Yeah,” I respond, trying to ignore the flush that is beginning to burn my cheeks. “I’m all packed.”
“Packed?” Nadia squeaks, clearly just noticing my suitcase. “Are you going somewhere?”
“Something like that,” Rosco responds coldly. “Enjoy your stay, and remember that Charlie will be helping you with your venture.”
“R-right,” she manages, forcing a smile. “I’ll see you later then.”
“Sure.”
With that, Rosco grabs my suitcase and begins to move while holding me close him. When we reach his car, I get inside while he carefully places my things in the backseat, and once he finishes, he climbs into the driver's seat and speeds off.
“There’s nothing between us,” he says when we pull onto the highway. “I know I’ve said it before, but I just wanted to reiterate.”
“I trust you,” I say honestly.
For a moment, Rosco doesn’t speak as he processes my words, but when a long breath of relief escapes him, his hand reaches out and clasps my thigh, then gives a squeeze.
“I’m glad,” he says, shooting me a smile. “I know that it is hard to believe given Nadia’s constant showing up, but of all people, I want you to believe there is nothing between us.”
“I do,” I confirm. “But while we are on the topic of Nadia, could you tell me exactly what went down between you?”
I knew if Rosco and I wanted to continue down the path we were going, then everything needed to be laid out, and that included his past with Nadia and my past with Alexander, though mine was certainly nowhere near as interesting as his.
“You really want to know?” He asks slowly. “Even if it may upset you?”
“I do,” I respond quietly. “I want to know everything about you, and that includes your past. Plus, you know about my history with Alexander, but I don’t know about any of your past relationships.”
“Because they don’t exist,” Rosco chuckles. “Well, nothing emotional.”
Flinching, I try to ignore the sudden flare of jealousy I feel knowing that he did the same things he does to me to other women.
“See, you’re already upset.”
“I’m not,” I counter. “Just a little jealousy, but I’ll live.”
“You’re jealous?” He asks, pulling onto a long drive.
In the distance, I can see the ocean, and as we drive further down the path, the scent of salt air invades my senses. Was he taking me to the beach? Didn’t we get enough of that in Italy?
“This,” I gasp, forgetting our previous completely as a large beach house with a wraparound porch and large bay windows appears in front of us. “This is where we’re staying."
“That’s right,” Rosco confirms, parking the car. “But before we go inside, you need to answer my question, princess.”
“Question?” I repeat, continuing to take in the scene in front of me. “I don’t…AH!”
Before I can finish my sentence, I’m unbuckled and then pulled onto Rosco’s lap while he leans back in his seat. Giving a broad smile, he stares up at me while his hands rub my hips, and where we touch, I can feel him growing hard.
“Jealous,” he husks, beginning to run his hands up my shirt until they reach the bottom of my bra. “Did you just admit that you’re jealous over my past even when you’re the one who is fucking me now?”
“I….” I whimper, unable to ignore the sudden flare of desire rushing through me. “No, I…”
“You aren’t being honest, princess,” he chuckles, sliding his hands beneath my bra and pinching my nipples. “You’re being naughty, and naughty girls deserve to be punished.”