“It’s silly but well–”
“Tell me.”
“I, um, I’m not sure if I have anything suitable to wear. I mean, your mom must be a smart woman, and Morgan definitely is, and all I have are my clothes that I traveled here in and a few items we picked up in Spain.”
I berate myself for not addressing Rose’s needs sooner and, in a flash, I pull out my phone and dial the housekeeper.
“Julia, please arrange for the personal shopper at Marlowe’s to deliver a wardrobe fit for a queen with items for every occasion within two hours.”
I cut the call and Rose gasps, “What did you just do?”
“I shopped, Rose, and unlike a woman, it took me two seconds to get what I wanted. You’re welcome.”
I stand and point to the food.
“Now eat and then dive into that guilty pleasure of yours, otherwise known as a deep bath and when the clothes arrive, enjoy unpacking knowing that whatever you wish is my command.”
I wink as I leave her open-mouthed at the table and head off to make the arrangements with Eddie because as Isaid before, I like to be three steps ahead of my enemies and Morgan will be a slippery adversary which is great because I am so fucking ready for the challenge.
The helicopter hovers overhead,and Rose grips my hand tightly.
“Relax, baby. She doesn’t bite.”
“What if she hates me?”
“She won’t.”
“How can you be so sure?”
“Because nobody could hate you, and if they do, I’ll deal with them.”
“For hating me.” She laughs and nudges me. “You’re such a fool, Julius.”
I take a moment to appreciate the description because, apart from my brothers, I don’t believe anyone has ever called me that. They wouldn’t dare, and I love that she calls me out without worrying about the consequences. I have never felt this comfortable with a woman before and I’m surprised how much I like it.
It’s as if we are one fluid movement. I can relax around her and not worry that she is playing some kind of game. What you see is what you get with Rose, and I like what I see – a lot.
My voice softens, and I say with a confident smile. “Of course she’ll love you. What’s not to love?”
The word hangs between us, and my heart has a strange ache inside. Love. Is this the emotion I’m experiencing? Do I love Rose? Do I deserve to love a woman like her? I doubt it, but it appears that God has thrown an angel at me to make me a better man, and I wonder about that.
Will this make me less ruthless and not quite so brutal? Will my softer side interfere with business, which, up until meeting Rose, was the most important thing in my life?
If anything, it will only heighten my character traits because now I have something—someone—to protect other than myself or family. I have her, and God help anyone who tries to take her from me. So, if anything, my resolve hardens and my inner knives sharpen. I am metaphorically loading my gun and pointing it at my enemies. Hurt Rose, and it will be the last thing you ever do because, as I have said on so many occasions, I am always three steps ahead of my enemies.
The helicopter lands,and my heart tugs in a different direction because as the blades slow down and the door opens, my mother steps out a vision of elegance and warmth. A smile always accompanies my greeting to the one woman who starred in my world center stage, until I met Rose of course, and I wonder about that.
She heads toward us with a soft smile, her eyes gleaming as she registers our hands linked together.
“Julius.”
I step forward and kiss her three times and then pull Rose beside me.
“Mom, this is Rose.”
“Such a beautiful name for a beautiful woman.”
I roll my eyes, and Mom chuckles in amusement, and Rose blushes as deep as her namesake as she whispers, “I’m pleased to meet you, Mrs. Ravera.”
