Rosenna
Fluffingmyhairinthe mirror, I sighed, fixing my flyaways as I tried to perfect the look I was trying to achieve. Unfortunately, today was the dreaded family gathering where I would have to face Gavin, my in-laws, and my parents all under the same roof.
And here I was, stressing over the little things as I didn’t want to be the center of their scrutinizing gazes. I was anticipating how the day would play out given my plus one was my client and my partner during my love affair.
Part of me wondered if Gavin would bring along Jessica, though I was sure his ego was too large for it to be potentially bruised by showing up with the “other woman.” In contrast, I had little to lose given the blackmail and shame already looming over me.
Fixing my diamond earrings and bracelet, I looked in the mirror to see Beckham fixating on my attire. He approached me slowly as I flattened out the dress that Kira referred to as the ultimate revenge dress... or rather, the dress she envisioned I would wear at Gavin’s funeral.
Instead of black, however, the dress was blood-red burgundy. With its low and awfully flattering neckline to its high slit and exposing shoulder straps, I felt both powerful and only slightly exposed.
Beckham stopped behind me, and I watched as his eyes darkened, his finger trailing up and down my spine silently. Looking over my shoulder, his jaw clenched as he pushed my hair back before he leaned down and placed a kiss on my collarbone. Closing my eyes, my knees buckled softly as I leaned back into his hold.
“My little flower... part of me wonders whether or not we’ll make it out of this room with you looking like this,” he muttered by my ear.
I smiled as I turned in his hold, my hands reaching up to smooth his shirt collar. “And part of me wonders how your sex drive is always high...”
“When you’re behind the wheel, there’s no stopping it.”
“Well, aren’t you quite the smooth talker, Mr. Garcia...”
“For you and only you... But I can tell you’re not just solely focused on looking perfect for me.”
I sheepishly glanced down at our shoes standing toe to toe.
Shaking away the negative thoughts, I sighed as the thought of my attire still not being enough threatened to plague my mind once again.
“It’s pathetic, I know. But after years of being berated, belittled, insulted, and demeaned, part of me still wants to satisfy them for some twisted reason. Even though nothing I do will ever truly be good enough.”
After a moment, Beckham tilted my chin up, forcing me to look up at him.
“Flower, you don’t have to satisfy anyone but yourself,” he assured me, and I smiled softly as his thumb caressed my jawline. “If only you could see yourself through my eyes. For as determined and strong you are, it’s surprising how much they conditioned you to believe you need their approval... Even if you already know you don’t.”
I sighed, the weight of his words settling over me. He was right, of course. But even knowing that his words were true, it was hard to shake the years of criticism and judgment I’d endured from Gavin, from his family, and from my own. Every family gathering felt like walking into a battlefield, armed with nothing but forced smiles, hollow politeness, and unshed tears.
“Not too surprising. In the beginning, I would agree, but now... let’s just say your coming into my life was probably one of the best things that ever happened to me, given the fact that I would still be miserable standing beside Gavin despite the terrible things he’s done.”
“He would’ve broken you, Flower... more than he’s done so far already. He knows he doesn’t deserve a woman like you. He knows he would never be able to let you flourish on your own.”
I bit my lip as Beckham’s hands slid down to grip my hips firmly, pulling me closer to him.
“A real man isn’t afraid to worship the ground you walk on. He’d fucking kiss it. He isn’t afraid of your strength and control. Gavin wanted to seize your control. He’s afraid of the kind of woman you are. That’s the difference between a real man and him.”
I hummed as he placed a small kiss on my lips. “And I’m assuming you’re that real man? The one that will kiss the ground I walk on?” I teased.
He tightened his hands on my hips.“Well, you already know I’d get on my knees to cherish you,”he muttered.
I could feel my face heating. “Is that right...” I whispered, reminiscing over the times he literally got down to his knees to show me the so-called cherishing I was missing out on with Gavin.
Beckham opened his mouth to speak again, however, his phone rang, and he let out a small, irritated sigh at the interruption.
“Hope you’re ready to make an impression my in-laws and parents will never forget.”
I giggled at his frustration as he placed a small kiss on my forehead before grabbing my belongings for me and heading downstairs as he held the phone to his ear. I sighed internally, my divorce papers sitting idly, waiting to be picked up by my attorney and served to Gavin.
It was still being prolonged, given all the threats that Gavin had lingering over my head. We had evidence against him that would be damning if presented in court, but it was, unfortunately, obtained illegally.
For a man as wealthy as Vincent, clearing this issue wouldn’t be a problem, but Gavin and Brent were vicious when it came to understanding the law. No amount of money would patch that up. Not when we were entering their area of expertise.
