She nodded again, eyes bright. “Where are we going? Howshould I dress?”
“Don’t worry. Just go shower, you’ll find your outfit on the bed.”
“Okay. Why do I feel like you love picking out my dresses?”
“Because I do. Now go shower.” I gave her a playful slap on the ass.
I couldn’t help myself. I was patient but a man had to touch his wife sometimes.
Serenity got off the bed and my body cursed the distance. The moment she was in the shower, I got moving, laying out the stunning red dress I picked for her—deep neckline, thigh-high slit. I knew it would look perfect on her.
Then I got myself ready. After showering and moisturizing, I pulled on a sharp Italian suit to match her dress. Checking the mirror, I splashed on some cologne, grabbed a bouquet of flowers, and my mother’s jewelry box for her.
A few minutes later, I knocked on Serenity’s door.
When she opened it, my breath caught. She was in the dress and, damn, it fit her like a second skin. The slit climbed up her thigh, showing off her gorgeous legs. That neckline… shit, all I wanted was to grab her and devour her breasts. Her makeup was light and flawless, accentuating her natural skin, her eyes, her lips. And her hair—God, that afro drove me crazy every time. She’d let it out, big and wild, with a few curls falling in front. I noticed the tattoo on her shoulder, a crown of flowers with my initial in the center. I knew she’d called a tattoo artist to the estate before she disappeared, but I never thought she’d actually include my K in the flowers like I suggested.
“So… What do you think?” Serenity asked, a little nervous.
“You didn’t just see me lose my breath the second you opened the door? Woman, you trying to kill me?”
She smiled, shyly. “Well, since you picked the dress, I was nervous about how it would look on me.”
“You look breathtaking, baby,” I said, my voice thick. “Right now, all I want is to drop everything in my hands and pull you into me. You’re stunning, Serenity.”
“Thank you,” she replied, a little bashful, lips curving into a smile. “So, what are you hiding?”
I finally brought out the flowers I’d hidden behind my back and handed them to her. Her eyes lit up immediately.
“I promised myself I’d never give you flowers again without knowing their meaning,” I said, offering her the bouquet of pink peonies. “In China, they call these the flowers of queens. They take their time to bloom, they don’t promise anything, but when they do, they shine so brightly and bring joy to those patient enough to witness it. They stand for patient love—the kind that survives time, that doesn’t disappear even when ignored, and above all, the kind that always returns to the light, even after being buried. They remind me of us.”
My gaze stayed fixed on her, wanting her to see every bit of sincerity in my eyes.
“That’s the love I destroyed in you, and the love I desperately want back… If it’s not too late.”
Serenity blinked a few times, fighting back tears. She took the bouquet, holding herself together.
“At least this time, I don’t have to threaten to shoot your dick. They’re really beautiful. And you really did your homework. I’m impressed. Thank you.”
“Can I?” I asked, reaching for a flower stem.
She nodded her permission.
“There’s something missing from your hair.”
I tucked a few blooms into her curls, the way she always liked, and the way I loved to see.
“Gorgeous,” I said once I was done.
“Now, if you want to be my personal hair stylist, I’ll never bother doing it myself again,” she teased. “The way you care forit, I’d almost think you give my hair more attention than you give me.”
I grinned. “The kind of attention I want to give you, Serenity, you’re absolutely not ready for.” I murmured at her ear, making her shiver. “Now let me add the last touch.” I took the jewelry box from my pocket. When I opened it, Serenity’s eyes lit up.
“Mama Kate’s jewelry,” she said, full of emotion.
“Let’s be clear, I can buy you any jewelry you want. But tonight, I thought you’d rather wear this set, because I know how much my mom means to you.”
“I love Mama Kate’s jewelry. It’s worth more than any other because of what it means. That’s priceless.”
