AllFreeNovel
Share Us
What the hell?
I unlock my door before scooping the boxes up in my arms and make my way inside my studio apartment. My phone dings as I carefully put the boxes down with a gentleness that would make anyone watching think I’m convinced they’re going to explode at any moment.
I see the text notification when I pull my phone out and open it, almost hating the smile that blooms on my face when I see the message from Declan.
I hope you like my gift. See you soon,mo rós beag.
Don’t squeal like a little girl. It would be embarrassing even if no one is here to see it.
I barely swallow my excitement as I focus on the boxes. Even without opening them, I know they’re extravagant and expensive to the point that I’m probably going to freak out a little bit. No one has ever given me a present like this.
Forgetting all about texting Declan back, I move the smaller box to the side and open the larger one. I pull out a gorgeous satin red dress. It’s sexy as hell and will fit me like a glove. Even though I know it’ll mold to my body, there’s something classic and regal about it. Scraps of lace in the bottom of the box tell me he didn’t just send me the dress to wear. The sight of them sends a shiver down my spine.
How the hell did the man even know my size?
Is he simply good at eyeballing a woman? The thought has jealousy curling in my gut, but I push it away. This isn’t about finding the man of my dreams. Maybe this gift means I’ll be able to get the information I need and be done with this whole thing quickly.
Maybe.
After making sure to put the dress back in the box carefully, I open the smaller box to find a pair of shoes. The black stilettos make my ankles hurt at first glance, but they’re gorgeous and the bright red on the bottom tells me they’re not cheap. I swallow hard at the thought of wearing Declan’s gift.
Is this out of pity? Does he not think I have anything nice enough to go to Emerald in? He wouldn’t be wrong, but the assumption burns my throat and makes me want to throw myself down on my bed and have a good cry.
Or maybe that’s just because today has already been shit and I deserve to shed a few tears.
I can’t do it though because I get all splotchy and puffy when I cry. It would not be a good look and I already need to worry about covering the cut on my cheek.
I shake out my nervousness and fear, but the feeling of desolation remains. I’m not sure anything could get rid of it after the events of the day so far.
With some time to spare, I let myself drift in the unending despair I’m finding is hard to shed. When it’s time, I set about getting ready for my date and let myself take comfort in the full body experience complete with sugar scrubs and shaving…everything. It’s meditative and I force my thoughts away from my family and toward the night I’m about to spend with Declan.
I take my time to make sure my hair and make-up is perfect, choosing a smokey eye and a neutral lip. I cover up my cheek and the small cut as best I can, but I can’t make it disappear from my face. It’s not like I’ve had the practice before. I doubt Declan will care, though. I’m just a prize to him.
Butterflies fill my stomach the closer it gets to the time when Declan will arrive. I’m sliding my feet into my heels when there’s a knock on the door and those butterflies do a barrel roll that almost has me stumbling.
I take a few deep breaths to center myself before pulling my shoulders back and striding toward the door. Even while I get the job done, I’m going to keep some walls between us. I need to do it, for me.
The moment the door swings open, I suck in a sharp breath. Declan is even more handsome than he was last night. He’s wearing a deep green suit that almost looks black. His hair is shaved on the sides and longer on top, but tonight it’s slicked back without any pieces falling forward to indicate he’s pushed his fingers through it.
His blue eyes are sharp and clear as he looks me over. He starts at the tips of my toes, which are barely peeking out from the hem of the dress he sent me. As his eyes trail up my body, taking in the part of my leg exposed by the slit, I can feel his gaze like fingertips against my skin. He doesn’t pause on my tits even though the dress pushes them up and makes them look spectacular, if I do say so myself.
The intensity in his blue eyes when they meet mine has my thighs clenching together. Violence washes over his features and it takes everything in me not to step back when he reaches up and cups my cheek. His jaw clenches as he breathes deeply and I’m frozen.
He’s seething, “Who did this to you?”
“It’s nothing,” I try and deflect, but I can tell by the way his eyebrows come down he’s not going to let it go easily. “Really. It’s not a big deal. I’m fine,” I insist.
The tension mounts between us and I’m sure he won’t let it go. I watch in fascination as his chest expands. Something in me wants to press my body against him just to feel how strong he is. I think I could feel protected in his arms.
His hand slips back from my cheek until he’s gripping the back of my neck, his touch possessive and demanding. “I’ll let it go. For now,” there’s a warning in his tone that makes me want to spill all my secrets. “Let me make myself clear,mo rós beag. You’re mine and I won’t let anyone harm you.”
My little rose.
Every time he calls me that, it makes my heart flutter. It tugs at my heart. I’m desperate to believe his words, but I know I shouldn’t. I need to steel myself against the raw power pouring from him and the promises he’s making.
When have I ever been able to trust the promises of men?
CHAPTER 4
