"Please do yourself a favor and don't act like your best friend. Fanny clearly loves Michel but is fighting it. You and Charles? Just squirm while you can and worry about that bullshit."Looking at the girl lying on the bed, Rosabella wondered if things were really that simple. She wanted to protest and told Kaylin that Kaylin was wrong.However, the more she thought about it, the more she understood on what basis she made this claim. Because Kaylin was right. If she just screwed up Charles then everything is very simple.Though, she couldn't shake off this constant question that kept creeping into her mind at the strangest of times.Is it just sex?---Meanwhile, Carlos and Charles were sitting in two separate chairs across from Michel, who was sitting in the familiar chair behind the desk in their office.They've locked the door to keep the conversation private for the moment, though the tension has spread across the roof."I know something's up with him. He's been acting weird for
As Charles stood by the open bar, allowing him to drink some Hennessy whiskey because he had skipped champagne earlier, he suddenly found himself face to face with Rosabella drinking her own drink. He couldn't help but sweep her down, unlike the elegant robed maids, she wore a tight black strapless dress that hugged her in place.When his eyes finally locked with hers, he could see her inviting gaze on him.Charles had become adept at reading her wordless wishes and desires and in that moment, he understood exactly what she wanted from him.However, he only finds he feels locked in place unable to do anything.So, swallowing, he forced himself to avert his face and finally managed to take his eyes off her.---Anger flows through Rosabella's system as she views Charles's response as indifference, making her feel unwanted.The past two weeks have drained her patience with him, but since he's acting like this now, she doesn't bother putting up a front anymore.Wanting to leave the venu
"That's fine. She's happy. That's great. But I'm different from her.""Now you want to talk about you? Okay, then let's talk about you."Charles' fingers sank into her arm again as he pulled her to an adjoining room just off the main reception hall."You want to live a normal life, don't you? Away from the horrible privilege you're used to? Or do we kill the scary bastards? But you know, Rosabella, I'd love to see you try. Go back to your life and date some normal guy. Because I can tell you right now what's going to happen..."He stepped closer, his face drooping toward hers as his voice dropped, its sudden bass making her instantly feel the dampness between her legs."You will get bored. Are you talking about your ordinary life?" He gasped as he took another inch closer to her, his chest now pressed against hers, causing her nipples to brush against the fabric of her dress as she felt his lips and hot breath in her ear.Oh my gosh, why does he have to smell so good?"Then tell me...
"Sorry? What do you think I am? An asshole in trouble?"Charles shook his head, keeping his cool while his attitude only seemed to fuel Rosabella more in her rage."No, definitely not. However, it makes you a liar.""Charles." She pushes his chest but fails to make him lose his footing. "How about you?""What about me?""You say I act tough? You act like you're completely emotionless. With your poker face always present and your monotonous advice. It's disgusting."Finally letting go of the cold posture, Charles let out a deep growl as he grabbed Rosabella's arm and held her in place, his face just inches away from hers.For a moment, the sexual tension was overshadowed by the rage he felt at her criticisms that she had so easily hurled at him."You want to act tough? Keep going. Do you want to lie and make people believe that nothing scares you? I won't stop you."He cupped the back of her neck, raising his head so she had to look at him."But when you're with me..." His breathing be
Handing her the deluxe glass, Rosabella took it and set it down without wasting time.She could feel the other girl's eyes on her, curiously scanning down but making no comment.And for that, Rosabella is grateful.---For the next two days, sleep did not want to come to her.No matter what she tries to do - tea, wine, waking up early, and exercising - at the end of the day when she has her head down, she just can't relax.Rosabella wondered if the lack of sex had anything to do with it, but as soon as the theory popped into her head, she refused to admit it and refuted it.The next night, as the digital clock struck 4 a.m., she heard a careful knock on the door.Standing up, she knew that no one else would show up so late to find her.Sure enough, when she opened the door, Charles stood in front of her in his usual dark suit and neutral face.For a moment, they just stared at each other, reverent in the other's presence before he let out a small breath and licked his lips."Let's go.
They seem lighter and easier, conversations less burdened by impending interruptions and other people's input.Sighing heavily, she heard a knock on the door, followed by a man shouting something she didn't quite understand.Standing up, she took a few steps toward the entrance. "Who is this?""Room service, ma'am. Did you order an appetizer?"Rosabella frowned, feeling confused.Did Charles order this while she was in the shower?Glancing in the direction of the bathroom, she briefly thought if she should go ask him, but since she could no longer hear the running water, she assumed he was probably getting dressed.Shrugging, Rosabella just walked over to let the waiting hotel staff in. The moment she unlocked the door, however, it was banged open, nearly knocking her back as three tall, powerful men entered the room.The wind was almost instantly knocked out of her lungs when she realized that the man in the middle was none other than Archibald himself, smirking at her as he strode d
Looking over, she witnessed Archibald just trying to smash Charles' body face down on the floor, raising his head by his hair as he pointed the gun to his neck.A shot rang through the room, the sound deafening to the remaining four survivors.For a moment, Charles wondered why he didn't feel the pain. He had been shot before, so he was used to the feeling.But before he can almost convince himself that he must die, he turns his head and sees Rosabella standing to her left, eyes wide, gun in hand as her mouth gapes open.She seemed to be frozen in place, too shocked to understand what she had just done.Turning his face to his right again, he saw Archibald lying beside him, eyes glancing over as the chest wound spewed blood, turning the carpet below and around him a deep red.Rosabella killed him.She killed Archibald.Charles noticed the man behind Rosabella get up and rush towards her.But as soon as he realized what had happened, and noticed he was there, still alive, with his eyes
Twisting Rosabella, he led her back to the bedroom, gently making her sit on the bed while Michel stood aside with his arms crossed.When she noticed him there, Rosabella immediately began to gasp. She couldn't quite form the words to explain why, but she was only afraid of what the presence of the Black Roses leader would mean.Charles had told her he had to involve Michel now.Though seeing the cold gaze of the man in front of her, she couldn't help but panic at what he was going to do.Will Michel punish her? Will he punish Charles?Worst of all, would he hand her over to the Phoenix family simply to avoid further bloodshed?She knew he didn't like her, and with her notorious murder reputation, she wasn't sure what to expect."For God's sake, Charles. Don't just stand there, get that woman a glass of wine." Michel hissed at Charles, who was standing beside her.It only took a few seconds for Charles to walk into the vicinity and hand her a glass of scotch highball.Rosabella tried
"What makes you think we're going to have sex here?"Eyes wide, Rosabella reached forward and patted his chest, earning a mischievous laugh from him."Damn it."He laughs again but rests his head on her leg in his hands again to continue sucking."Like I could stop now..."Looking at her, all mischievous eyes then disappeared."But before we do... I want you to do something for me."Rosabella licked her lips as she watched him run his tongue over her pedicure-red toes."What."Charles' fingers massaged her legs a little harder."Touch yourself, Rosabella." He whispered.Rosabella inhaled sharply at his words.This isn't the first time he's asked this of her because Charles loves foreplay as much as she does. However, each time he utters any wish, it just makes her that much more interested.Slowly, Rosabella reached under her skirt and pulled her legs apart further as she let her hands move up to her inner thighs.She could see that he was looking down, watching her fingers trace her
Shrugging, Charles drank his wine before answering. "I don't mind the handcuffs I put on you a few days ago, so I assume you won't mind the ball and the leash." He joked.The two spent the next few minutes watching Michel and Fanny cut the cake before they resumed their conversation."So what if we make a deal?" Charles hands her a plate of cake."Oh, no way.""Why?""Really, Charles? We're terrible at making deals. We were supposed to just screw around and now we're talking wedding plans. I don't follow their arrangement. I'll go the way we want."She stuck a cake fork between his lips."Oh my, you're right." He gaped in response.Rosabella nodded firmly. "I'm always right and getting...""And you get what you want." He gulped, quickly kissing her lips."You know you always get what you want. Except in bed. Because that's where I'm king." He frowned at her as if challenging her.However, Rosabella just shrugged coldly, eating some cake herself."I have no problem with that, Charles."
"It wasn't a diamond ring but when a member of the Black Roses proposed, his future wife wore his Black Roses ring. You've seen it on Audrey, Farrah, and Fanny."She looked up from the box and looked him in the eye."Propose?" Her voice was soothing immediately, her heart pounding in her chest.Charles gently stroked her cheek. "You hate big gestures, Rosabella. But you're getting a ring. It's non-negotiable."Speechless, Rosabella held out her hand as Charles took out the ring and stuffed the box into one of his pockets.He was about to slide it in when she stopped him."Wait..." She quickly withdrew her hand, seeing the confusion on his face."I need you to promise me one thing before we're officially engaged.""Star?" He looked at her with concern."There's really two things..." She licked her lips as she tried to find the right words.Charles stood in front of her, patiently waiting for her explanation."If we have kids, I want them to have the option to get out of this life if th
Looking around them quickly, she wanted to make sure no one heard their conversation before she leaned over and whispered in his ear."Let's go upstairs...""Rosabella," He chuckles."I'm the best man, you're the bridesmaid, how do you think we can work on such a disappearance?"She knew he was right, but Rosabella simply couldn't help her.Instead, she continued to whisper more in his ear. "I want you to show me how much you own me, Charles. How much you don't like another man's hand in mine..."Charles put both of their drinks down on a nearby table and immediately wrapped his arms around her waist to pull her into his body."Are you trying to kill me?"Rosabella giggled, feeling him fix his mouth on her pulse point that he began to suck lightly.Unable to resist her body's reaction, she arched into him, making him smirk against her skin. She smells flowers and her very own delicious scent."God... so you need a reminder, Rosabella? How to behave? Do I need to keep you up all night?
"Come here..." He pulled her forward, so he could bring her body closer to his.Rosabella let him kiss her, enjoying his warm lips gently brushing hers as he let out a satisfied moan.Taking a step back, she locked eyes with him as she knotted her fingers through his hair."Did I ever tell you that you're a good kisser?" She whispered low, seductive voice.Charles bit her lower lip lightly. "No, but I won't stop you..." He chuckled as he bent down to her again and kissed her again.He locked his lips deeper, letting his tongue gently touch hers as his fingers continued to pull her shape to mold into him.Panting and heart pounding, Rosabella parted again, her eyes sparkling in satisfaction."Uh, sure you're a good kisser." She giggled.---Four months later."Congratulations." Everyone joins in, sipping champagne as they stand, all gathered together in the downstairs living space that has been decorated in a T with elegant floral arrangements and lighting.They invited key businessmen
"I did, but it's because you surprised me with it. I didn't think I could have this choice again and suddenly I was offered something that I thought I wanted. I didn't even really think before I said yes."He nodded but said nothing.Charles was tired of making the first move, always chasing Rosabella.This time he wants to hear something from her.She sighed, her brown eyes tired."You think I'd leave anyway if you weren't shot? That's what everyone thinks, maybe even Fanny."He kept his face neutral."Isn't that the truth?""No, that's not true." She frowned at the window, her cheeks flushed with emotion."You know that moment we were in that hotel room, when Archibald was about to kill you, that I didn't want to lose you. I know that, but I still don't want to admit it to anyone. I was stupid and I'm the same wretched Rosabella as ever. And once I've agreed to your offer, I'm too proud to tell you that I don't even want my stupid freedom, I don't want to leave you, don't want my ol
Michel nodded. "You should do the same."Rushing out of the room, the nurse bowed to them, quickly taking the opportunity to disappear.Surprised at the rapid turn of events, Rosabella turned to look at the leader."And you can't start with that?"He shrugs slightly. "Not as much as I give you a chance. You flew off the handle there."Rosabella let out another growl. "That damn nurse did a half job and I don't have it. So if she makes a fuss, I want you to threaten that bitch to shut up and let me do the job or have to deal with it. face the barrel of your gun."He frowned at her. Even so, Michel knew better than to argue with her. Because for the first time, he understood how much she cared about his second-in-command.And as he watched her act that way, unable to control the process she held, Michel finds himself speechless, acknowledging the fact that she is somehow a good fit for his family.That woman was a lunatic - just like the rest.---A soft hand grasped his.Charles opened
Unable to form any kind of reaction, feeling completely frozen, Michel continued."You did enough damage. So you might have five minutes with him, but after that, we're done. Is that clear?"She did not answer."I ask you a question.""Are not.""Sorry?"Rosabella stood up and crossed her arms."You heard me. I stayed."Michel took a step forward and towered over her."You listen to me. This has turned sour enough already, so I hope you go so far that you won't find your way back. I'm his boss and if I say you're not good enough for him, that's what it is. Charles will do his duty to his family and move on.""You may be his boss, but I'm his woman so we'll take a look at that."The two stared at each other without blinking.Standing there, it all suddenly made sense to Rosabella.She feels freer than before. She has been fighting her feelings for so long and has suppressed herself for no good reason.Now that she had said all that needed to be said, she felt relieved.Perhaps all of t
Finally losing the battle to keep calm, Kaylin pushed Carlos who was on the way to go to Rosabella, slapping her in the face.Fanny screamed and ran over, grabbing Rosabella to pull her aside."How dare you?""You two need to shut up. Get out of our faces or you'll be next, Fanny."Knowing that emotions were running high and that grief for Bellamy and Kieran was most likely weighing heavily on female member Black Roses, Fanny dropped her shoulder and decided not to push it any further.No, she will wait for Michel to come home and, in the meantime, get to the bottom of her own question.Specifically, facts that everyone but her seemed to already know.---"Why don't you tell me? All this time you've led me to believe that you hate Charles when in fact there are clearly emotions involved." Fanny asked Rosabella gently as they were both in one of the smaller living rooms, waiting for someone to come and give them any news after that night's incident.Rosabella used her sleeve to wipe th