I once caught a video of a makeup tutorial, and was shocked at how much it took to transform someone. Rosa is beautiful as is, but since I saw a glimpse of the bruising on her face, I know there has to be a fuck ton of shit on her skin to make it possible for her to walk out into civilization without giving people nightmares.
“Are you asking about my makeup?” she asks, shaking her head as she checks to make sure her seatbelt is on properly.
Rosa doesn’t have a clutch or bag with her, which feels odd to me. Don’t women always carry things with them? I thought it was like their emotional support items.
“Yes.” My tone is clipped as I begin driving toward downtown Savannah. I figure we can get lost on River Street. Don Accetta once mentioned to me that his daughter enjoyed attending plays and concerts during the summer, especially if they were outside.
“I have makeup everywhere there’s a bruise you could see. The neckline on this dress shows more than I hoped for, but it was too late to change. Instead, I used as much color correcting makeup as necessary on the finger shaped bruises.”
“Fingers… What motherfucker is touching your breasts?” I ask, my tone so loud Rosa flinches. “My apologies. I wasn’t expecting you to say that,piccola.”
“Hmm.” I get the feeling she’s imitating me, and I chuckle under my breath, despite how dire things are.
“Tell me something real, Rosa. Then we can have several hours of freedom together. No one watching, no agenda.”
“I’m not sure why you’d want that,” she says, her head rolling toward the window to stare out the window.
“Maybe I think you’ve had a pretty shitty week and need a well deserved break. A real gift to my future wife,” I say honestly. “I don’t know the area, but thought the River Walk might be nice?”
“It’s one of my favorite places in Savannah,” she admits. Without looking at me, she continues to gaze at the scenery as it goes by. I knew she’d been beaten, but this is getting worse by the second. “I’ve thought about killing myself several times this week. I was cutting my wrists when I was told I had to answer your call. Congratulations, you may have saved my useless life.”
Reaching out without thought, I swallow convulsively. Ifeltas if there was something wrong the day I forced her father to get his daughter on the phone. I don’t know how, but it felt like life or death.
I’ve been told that scent matching is like this, yet I haven’t felt the connection yet that everyone says occurs when twopeople are fated for each other. The closest I’ve come is Pablo, and he’s an alpha.
My hand covers hers carefully, and her fingers naturally move to link with mine.
“I think you’re one of the most interesting people I’ve ever met, Rosa. I’m glad you’re still here. Now, please show me all of the hidden gems on the River Walk? Maybe we can get food while we’re out.”
“Or,” she says absently, “we can skip the food and find a really good band to listen to. My stomach hasn’t been interested in eating lately.”
Pressing my lips together, I nod, continuing to drive toward our destination.
Chapter Six
ROSALIA
The sun feels fuckingglorious on my face, and I am incredibly happy to be outside in the world. I’ve escaped the house, with the help of Nico, and I’m making the most of our time together.
We found a band playing at a bar and took a seat on the outside patio. The water stretches out behind me, allowing me to simply soak up everything I love about my city.
God, I’m going to miss it when I have to leave after my wedding.
Nico hasn’t pressed me for any more information, and let me take the lead as I weaved our way through the River Walk. As soon as I found somewhere I wanted to sit and grow roots, he followed me.
I can feel the worried glances from him, but I ignore them. If a few hours of freedom is what I’m gaining from his company, then I’ll be grateful for it.
The band announces that it’s taking a break, and I debate moving on.
“Rosa,” Nico murmurs, leaning forward to press his lips to the shell of my ear. “Have you eaten at all today?”
“Just this disgusting smoothie my father forces me to drink,” I sigh. “I’ve been drinking one every day since a little while after I turned eighteen.”
“What’s in the smoothie?” Nico frowns as he leans back to gaze at me. His green eyes remind me of jewels and I shrug helplessly.
It’s not a good idea for him to get too concerned about my wellbeing, though that ship may have sailed.
“Vitamins and shit. I honestly have no idea, because no one tells me anything,” I shrug. “I’m also not in a position to ask.”
