Page 32 of Roses are Royal

DANTE

I’ve been driving like a madman back from the city, likely breaking several traffic laws in the process to make it back to my house in time for dinner with Rose, but when I check the tracker for her phone, it’s not at the house. I quickly check the tracker on her car, which is at the house. Where the hell is she? Did someone take her? Did someone find her and steal her from me while I was away? Fuck, this can’t be happening! Before I completely lose my shit, I zoom in on her blinking phone tracker dot to get a better idea of her location. My temper and panic are momentarily calmed when I see she’s at the diner. But only for a moment because how did she get there if her car is at my house?

Pulling up her contact info, I hit the Call button and wait for her to pick up, but after only a few rings, it goes straight to voicemail. Did she ignore my call? Or is she actually in trouble? Is she even the one with her phone, or is this an attempt to distract me? I knew I should’ve placed a tracker directly on her, but I thought that would be a step too far. Well, not anymore, not after this. I will be rectifying that tonight while she’s asleep, but first I need to get to the diner immediately. I redial her number again in the event that she didn’t ignore my call and something else caused her not to answer. Voicemail. Again. Luckily, I wasn’t far from the diner, and I’m pulling into the parking lot, barely giving myself enough time to put my car in Park before swinging my door open and walking toward the front door, phone in hand, dialing Rose one last time.

The bell over the door announces my arrival, and I turn to find Rose sitting in her booth, bringing her phone to her ear, but I don’t say a word because, at that same moment, she looks up and we make eye contact just as the call connects. And I see that she isn’t alone. Luca. I should’ve known.

36

ROSE

Why do I feel like I’m about to get in trouble? There is no reason Dante should be mad that I’m here, but the fire in his eyes tells a different story. It’s not like he told me where he would be today so why would I wait around for him? Maybe he is mad because we were supposed to have dinner? But then why would he be here and not at his house? Or I don’t know, call or text a girl! How did he even know I’d be here? Luc notices my attention has shifted from the phone in my hand to the person at the door.

“Is everything okay, Ro?”

“Oh, um, yes, it’s just Dante.”

“What about Dante?”

“He’s here.”

“He’s where?”

Just as Luc finishes his question, Dante’s commanding presence is standing before us.

“Here.”

“Dante.” I’m not sure what else to say until I can get a better read on his emotions and why he is here.

“Rose. What a coincidence.” Dante’s tone is flat with clear sarcasm.

“What are you doing here?”

“Dinner.”

“Oh. Um, would you like to join us?” I gesture back and forth between Luc and me. That’s the first time I’ve made eye contact with Luc since Dante walked in, and he does not look happy. Great, is he mad now too? I’m literally just sitting here trying to enjoy my dinner. He and Dante always seemed cordial around each other, but maybe Luc doesn’t like to mix business with pleasure. Well, not pleasure, but like, ugh, I don’t know. My thoughts are all over the place with both of them just staring at me like I somehow masterminded this entire awkward situation.

“I’ll pass.” I don’t miss the tic in Dante’s jaw as he declines my invitation.

“Oh, okay.” I honestly don’t know what to say at this point to cut the tension. Maybe I can call out for Shirley or pretend to choke on my burger or something. Okay, no, I know that isn’t the solution, but I’m desperate at this point.

“Are you almost finished? I will take you home after I get my dinner to go.” I notice he doesn’t ask me about a ride but tells me he will take me home—well, to his home. He doesn’t even acknowledge that Luca is sitting here with me, and we clearly aren’t even close to done with our food. Shirley had just set it down before Dante walked in.

“No need to wait for her. I’ll bring her back to her car when we are finished.” Okay, Luca. Maybe tone down the possessiveness a touch.

“Well, considering she is staying with me, it makes more sense for me to drive her home.” Dante makes it sound like I’m staying in his room or something more salacious than just staying in a guest room in his house. God, could this night get any worse? Plus, now the two of them are in a stare off and talking about me like I’m not even here.

“Luc, it’s fine.” I interrupt before this conversation can get any more uncomfortable. “It’ll save you time getting back to wherever you are staying. Dante has been letting me stay in his guest room so I can be on-site for the early morning deliveries, so no need to make an unnecessary trip back to his house.”

Luc doesn’t look pleased with this development, but unless he really wants to cause a scene, I can tell he is going to be the bigger person and acquiesce.

“Sure, that makes sense, Ro. Let’s just finish our meal. I’m sure Dante won’t mind hanging around for a bit so we don’t have to rush.”

“Okay.” Why does my voice sound so meek? I am not a meek person, nor do I let men dictate my life or actions, well, anymore. I need to snap out of it and quick.

Without a response, Dante turns, finds a seat at the counter, and I see him chatting with Shirley, likely placing an order for his food.

“What was that all about?” I snap at Luc. “I don’t need you to speak for me or act like you have some claim over me and my time.”