“Your signature, I want?—”
“I’ll get that to you by Wednesday, just like you wanted,” she interrupted.
“Thank you,” I said finally, trying to inject some sincerity into my voice. But the truth was, I was exhausted. Every conversation felt like a battle, and every decision a war. I needed some damn sleep.
“Do you know when my things will be here?” she asked.
“Dimitri should be moving them in today,” I reminded her, taking a sip of my coffee. Before Rosalie, I’d never favored thetaste. It was crazy, the habits you caught from the people around you.
A satisfied smile spread across her lips. “Perfect,” she purred. “Twelve hours without myValentinosis simply barbaric.”
“It’s been less than twelve hours,” I pointed out. She was dramatic—that was her to a T. From the top of her head to the tips of her toes, she thrived on theatrics and grand gestures.
Much as I wanted to stay here all day, I had a job to do—one that didn’t involve goggling at my soon-to-be wife.
“Thank you for breakfast,” I said as I stood from my seat, leaning closer to her and placing a kiss against her forehead. She let me. “I’ve got to head to the city, but please, spend today making yourself at home. Don’t forget to start reading the contract.”
Reaching into my pocket, I pulled out a new phone I’d set up for her. While I trusted Rosalie, I didn’t trust her family.
“You’ll be using this phone from now on. I went ahead and put my number in there in case you need it.”
“Perfect,” she said. “Now I can plan my escape.”
“Funny. Keep joking like that, and I’ll give you a Sidekick.”
“I could still text people on a Sidekick.”
“We both know you don’t have the patience for that.” She knew I was right. I didn’t bother arguing further. “The contract, Rosalie. I want it signed. You have till Wednesday.”
And with that, I stood from my chair and left.
Why did everything have to be so complicated?
The answer was simple. It was her.
She was the axis my world turned on; the only one who’d taken over my thoughts, dreams, and fears. I was drawn to her, compelled by a feeling I couldn’t fully understand. It was clear she didn’t feel the same way.
Rosalie drove me to the point of desperation. I needed her in a way that was almost unbearable, yet she seemed to wantnothing to do with me. I wanted to marry her, to build a life with her, to protect her, but she seemed to view the prospect with something bordering on disdain.
Every step forward I tried to take was met with resistance, each attempt a failure.
I wasn’t just desperate anymore.
I was obsessed.
CHAPTER 28
ROSALIE
The last crunch of toast was the only sound interrupting the silence that had settled after Max walked out the door. But then the front door swung open with a bang, shattering the quiet like a gunshot.
Enter Dimitri, the careless klutz, built like a Russian nesting doll of intimidation. He waltzed in—which was impressive considering the amount of my things he was carrying in his arms—a deep scowl marring his usually stoic face.
“No. Not you,” I started.
“Boss’s orders,” he rumbled, his voice lacking any warmth. He dumped the pile of stuff on the coffee table with a clatter that made me flinch. A chipped mug teetered dangerously on the edge, threatening to join the mess of clothes, books, and who knows what else that had spilled out.
“Great,” I muttered, scrambling to catch the mug before it met its demise. “What exactly are his orders?”
