AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“If you don’t mind, Mrs. O’Connor, I’d like to fill out a damage report with you so I can wrap this up officially. The rest is a family matter,” the officer breaks in.
When the two are out of earshot, Rose leans into me and whispers, “We don’t have to tell my mother anything. I’ll just say that you came over to check on me. I don’t want you to get in any trouble.”
I shake my head. “No, Rose. You’re mine now. Last week, my job was the most important thing in the world to me. It was my whole life. But now, you’re all that matters. They can fire me tomorrow, and it won’t matter. I’ll find another job, but I’ll never find another you.”
The officer leaves and Mrs. O’Connor sits down across from Rose and me. She looks at our intertwined hands and groans.
“I don’t like this,” she says. “You’re so much older than her, and you’re an educator. What makes you any different than the bum who threw the brick?”
I need to resist the urge to lash out and tell her that it was her poor judgment that placed Rose in harm’s way. She should be reminded that I was the one who protected Rose from the danger that she created. Her feelings about us are irrelevant to me. Rose will be mine with or without her blessing. For Rose’s benefit, I force down my anger and collect my thoughts so that I can tell her what she wants to hear.
“That’s fair. I understand your feelings and if I were you, I’d probably feel the same way, but it isn’t what you think. Your daughter means the world to me, and I have only the most honorable intentions when it comes to her. I don’t want to take advantage of her in any way. I’d like to pursue a relationship with her,” I explain.
“Rose? Do you feel the same?” her mother asks her.
“Yes, mom. Ryan means the world to me, too. In three months, I’ll have graduated and then no one will care at all who I date. It’s three months, Mom. I’m asking you to be okay with this for twelve weeks,” Rose pleads.
“I’ll have to think about it, but there’s one thing that I won’t condone. If you two are together, you won’t continue spending time alone in my house,” her mother responds.
“That’s fair and I’ll respect your wishes,” I confirm for her but I know in my very soul that there’s no way I would ever let her come between Rose and me.
“I knew that man was no good, but I let him in my house anyway and look what happened. I would never have forgiven myself if something happened to Rose because of my stupidity.” Tears form in Mrs. O’Connor’s eyes, and Rose lets go of my hand and takes her mother’s instead. Their connection touches me, and I begin to let go of some of the anger I felt for Mrs. O’Conner’s poor judgment in picking male companions.
“It’s okay, mom. You didn’t know and, thanks to Ryan, I’m fine,” she consoles her.
Her mother looks up at me and says, “She’s right. Thank you.”
“Mom, listen to me. I don’t want Ryan to get in any trouble for this. We need to keep our relationship quiet until after graduation, and I need you to help me do that.”
“As long as you respect my wishes and he respects you, but if I find out that he’s manipulating you I’ll have his job,” her mother warns.
Rose’s face lights up and she hugs her mother. It feels good to see her happy, and I appreciate her looking out for me, but I stand by my affirmation. The entire world could end around us, and I wouldn’t care as long as I have her by my side.
“This has been an emotional night for everyone, and I think I should go home and let you two get some rest,” I tell them. I don’t want to leave Rose. I want more than anything to scoop her up in my arms and take her to bed so that we can finish what we started.
“I’ll walk out with you,” Rose says.
We walk to the car and Rose gets into the passenger seat. I pull her to me and kiss her passionately.
“I want you so badly. I can’t wait much longer,” I groan as I run my hands all over her body.
“I don’t want to wait anymore, either,” she cries.
“Buckle up, baby,” I start the car and put it in gear.
“Where are we going?” Her eyes grow wide with surprise.
“My place,” I shoot her a little grin and take off.
“But my mother,” she stammers.
“Don’t worry, kid. I’ll bring you back when I’ve had my fill.”
12
RYAN’S POSSESSION
ROSE
