“She’s about finished,” the receptionist tells me. “Can I get you anything else?”
Just my girl.
“No, thank you.”
A few minutes later, Aro steps out from behind the frosted divider. She’s smiling faintly, and golden waves spill down her shoulders like she just stepped out of the sun.
I let out a low whistle, and her cheeks turn a delicate shade of pink.
“What do you think?” she asks, fingers grazing her hair like she’s not quite sure she’s allowed to love it.
I’ve seen hints of her natural color before, peeking out at the roots. But never like this. She looks like she’s reclaiming herself. Glowing and radiant. Watching her do it feels damn near holy.
I stand and pull her into me, kiss her slow. “You’re gorgeous, Baby.”
She lights up beneath the words, chin lifting. “Thank you.”
I kiss her again because I can’t help myself.
She laughs softly. “Ready?”
At my nod, she grabs my hand and heads for the door.
I follow her. Always.
∞∞∞
The elevator ride to the penthouse feels off. Like the air’s holding its breath. As soon as the doors open, I regret not texting ahead.
Johnny’s in the foyer. With a woman.
She’s dressed like she’s hosting a Vogue shoot. Heels. Red lipstick. That kind of entitled posture that says she thinks the room belongs to her.
It doesn’t. Not anymore.
Aro steps in behind me and stops short. Her fingers brush the small of my back, seeking comfort.
The woman’s smile falters when she sees her.
“Lina,” she says, syrupy. “How… nostalgic.”
She turns to look at Johnny. “You didn’t tell me she was in town.”
Johnny shrugs, but his focus is all on the blonde next tome. He can’t take his eyes off her. I know the feeling.
Aro’s face doesn’t twitch. “Rachel.” She says it like an unfavorable diagnosis.
Rachel tilts her head, fake sweetness oozing off her. “You know, I should thank you. You were the best thing that ever happened to Johnny. All the havoc you caused? It pushed him to be the man he is today. The man who earned me.”
Johnny closes his eyes and looks up. He exhales heavily, like he wants to disappear. Good.
I start to step forward, but Aro stops me with a light touch. Her smile is slow and dangerous. I know my woman’s about to serve up some fresh hell.
“So, what you’re saying is… you needed me out of the picture for him to finally notice you. Good to know.”
Rachel’s mask slips. Barely, but it’s enough for my girl to be satisfied.
“Let’s go,” Aro says, brushing past them like they don’t exist. Her work here is done.
