Checking the device, he cursed out loud, immediately replying to unanswered messages."Damn it. I've never slept so late.""You're exhausted."Michel sent a brief message to Charles and Carlos before getting out of bed and starting to move around the room quickly and fluently.He was only dressed in boxer clothes, but he quickly went to his closet to grab a new black suit, placing it on the bed as he went to the bathroom to shower.“I was thinking…” Fanny began, her voice making him pause in front of the bathroom door, turning curiously toward her."Uh?"Fanny licked her lips nervously. "Maybe some sleeping pills won't be so bad... you know... get it for me..." she said softly.Michel frowned at her statement and turned to stand by the bed she was sitting on, tilting his head to the side."Why? But why now? You're pretty adamant that you don't want anything."Fanny lowered her gaze from him and fumbled with the paper, her fingers pinching the document."You can't just expect me to sta
Dinner that night seemed quieter as the newcomers, Eddie, Kieran, Bellamy, and Mark were on a business trip and Vengo and Audrey were eating in their rooms.However, this was the first time Fanny had returned to the table even though she felt anything but moody in the presence of anyone.And on top of that, Kaylin somehow managed to take the exact seat across from her, giving her a clear picture of the woman who appeared to be Michel's old bedmate."Nice to have you back, Shortfoot." Andy smiled at her, who was lucky to be sitting right next to her, loading her plate with potatoes, steak, and salad.In response to the gesture, she couldn't help but notice that Carlos seemed to be grinning at her as well."Yes, man. It's time for you to come back and eat with us. Next time we can introduce you to new people.""Newbie?" She wondered."Yes, we've got four new members from the old Davies family," Kaylin explained to her, though Fanny tried not to acknowledge Kaylin as she averted her gaze
Vengo proudly handed the newborn baby to the leader of the Black Roses as Fanny sat on the edge of the king-size bed on which Audrey was lying.She had only been moved from the infirmary to their private room the night before after going into labor for eight hours and had time to recharge."A little girl..." Vengo couldn't help but smile from ear to ear, proudly watching Michel hold the baby in his sleeping arms."What is her name?""Omorose," Audrey replied.The four people in the room smiled softly before Vengo sat next to his wife by the bed, taking her hand in his."There's actually a reason we're asking you guys to come together."Michel looked up from the baby in his arms and glanced at Fanny before turning to Vengo and Audrey."What's up?"Audrey sat up wearily and chewed her lower lip in anticipation and anxiety."I have a special request." She said, finding Fanny as she looked at Fanny curiously."What's up?"Sharing a knowing look, Vengo and Audrey intertwine their fingers b
"Please do not...""But I need... I just have to, Fanny. I can't do this anymore..." He pulled her to his chest and wrapped his arms around her tightly, one hand he held behind her head. while his other hand was fixed tightly at her waist."I'm so sorry. For everything. For everything that happened. It was my fault. I failed to protect you...She cut him off with a kiss. Her lips were wet with her own tears, but Michel didn't care.He immediately returned her kiss as he hungrily moved his mouth against hers, desperately trying to pull her closer.They kiss over and over again, until Fanny pulls back just a few inches to look up at him, still in tears that he gently wipes away."You're so selfish..." She whimpered."I know. I'm sorry. But I can't help it. I know it's selfish, but I need you... even if you hate me... even then..."They kissed again, Fanny running her fingers through his messy hair to pull him deeper into her mouth."I don't hate you..." She mumbled softly, her lips brus
Farrah smiled and nodded eagerly."That's exactly what Andy and I wanted. We wanted a small and simple wedding ceremony.""How was your wedding with Vengo?" Fanny asked as she stirred the spoon in the tea, taking a small sip of the hot beverage.Audrey's eyes immediately lit up at the memory, her expression turning into a satisfied smile as she replied."Oh, it was beautiful. We had about two hundred guests and a five-tier wedding cake. Whatever I wanted, Vengo happily complied. My favorite was the floral decorations. The whole hall was decorated with flowers. covered with pink and white carnations." She recalled, followed by a dreamy sigh.In contrast, Rosabella grimaced at the description, swallowing the scones she had left in her mouth with a bitter look on her face."Your wedding is your best dream, Audrey." She spoke honestly as a chuckle escaped Farrah, sharing the same amused look with Fanny.The four women continued to talk for a few more minutes when the door swung open and K
"It's just..." She began, her voice a little broken, causing Michel to turn her around in his arms so that she was facing him, looking at her with tears in her eyes."I miss him, Michel..." She sobbed as the first tears escaped her eyes. "I miss my dad..."His face softened at her confession, he wrapped his arms around her tightly and let her shove her face into his chest as she cried, her hands gripping the fabric behind his jacket."Shh... it'll be fine, don't be sad..." He cupped her cheeks with both hands, lifting her face up so he could keep his eyes on her as he spoke his next words."He'll pay the price, Fanny..." He announced with determination."I will find him and I will make him pay for what he did to you and your father. His last hours on earth will be spent in agony."Instead of being scared of Michel's murderous side like before, Fanny just nodded, resting her cheek on his shoulder as she continued to cry."You promise?""I promise you that."Pulling her back a little, M
Going to their assigned seats at the family table located at the front, soft instruments were played as the scene was elegantly decorated in pretty lavender beads.While Fanny shared a gentle smile with Michel, that was when she suddenly realized that this was their first time attending an official event as a couple.There was no doubt about it as he made it very clear in front of everyone in attendance that she was his woman and must be respected.And she was respected.Everyone did the whole 360 bows on her as soon as they understood who she was, which was unlike any party she'd attended before at the villa.In the past, they only exchanged polite cheerful words with her, often only acknowledging her existence with a curt nod before moving on.But now? Now, Fanny was bathed in top curses simply because the presence of the Black Roses leader by her side and his very visible arm around her strengthened her bond. Surname.Really funny.While she would assume it would make her uncomfo
Fanny just didn't expect to actually see him again."And you're sure it's him?" Michel asked back, mentioning that she had told him it was Archibald with two other men who broke into her house and killed her father.She nodded, and took another sip of bitter wine, grimacing."The other two men are at your house, have you seen any of them today?"Biting her lip, she tried her best to recall the events that had taken place but ended up feeling useless because she couldn't help."It all happened so fast, I couldn't...""No problem." He took the glass from her hand and placed it on the wooden table.Holding her in his arms, he closed his eyes and took a deep breath, hoping that her scent would calm his nerves so he wouldn't take his gun and completely go and kill anyone who dared to talk to him. His family just got attacked and that bastard Archibald is still on the run."I swore to kill Mr. Aiden, but I want you to know that I don't just mean him. Anyone who ever laid hands on you, Fann
"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