We walked past the girls into the hall, where Pia and Lili were talking to one another.
They’d never gotten along when Pia and I were still together. But with the distance between us and my new relationship with Lili’s protegee, I felt a sudden understanding had passed between them – that they both cared about me and Harlow, perhaps, and wished us nothing but happiness. While it came naturally for my sister, I knew Pia had come leaps and bounds from the woman who’d lied to me in a fit of jealousy.
They looked up when we approached, eyes misty as they met mine. Rose ran to Lili right away, hugging her tightly and giving her the last information she’d need to reach her. It was a heartfelt goodbye between friends, where a silent understanding was reached letting them both know it would be a while before they got to see one another again. I was a jealous bastard, and I wanted my bride to myself for at least a couple of months.
“I’m going to miss you so much,” Rose admitted to her future sister-in-law. “Please, call any time.”
I narrowed my eyes and Lili laughed out loud.
“Well,” Rose said sweetly. “As much as you can.”
She moved awkwardly to Pia, and they stared self-consciously at one another. There was no love lost between them, which a part of me understood completely. Perhaps they’d grow closer over time, but even if they didn’t, I’d appreciate Pia running a company for me, but always choose my Rose as a priority, because that’s what she’d always been for me.
“I’ll see you,” Pia offered, and Harlow nodded with a small smile.
“See you,” she repeated, and she stepped gracefully aside to let me say my goodbyes.
I hugged my sister, telling her not to call all the time, but whispering in her ear that she’d always be able to reach me. Pia got a handshake. We were business partners from now on, and I was glad she’d accepted it, otherwise she’d be sent away.
We waved them off, this time with me behind the wheel of a convertible. We drove to the airport which wasn’t far off, and my Rose laughed as the wind blew her hair back.
I glanced at her as we drove, appreciating her young yet evergreen beauty as we moved towards our destination. I could imagine her standing on that beach now, ready to tell me she’d be mine forever. I’d picked the perfect ring for her, but I’d leave the choice of her wedding dress to her. I wanted the surprise when she walked down to me. And I wanted to tear it to shreds later on. I’d already picked her bridal lingerie… and fuck me, she was going to look amazing in it, especially with a tan.
We got out at the airport and a guard escorted us to the plane. My Rose sat next to me and exclaimed as we got off the ground, pointing at this and that as the plane ascended.
I realized she’d never been on a plane properly before. Every time I took her back she’d been unconscious. It filled me with guilt, and she seemed to sense it.
She practically crawled on my lap, kissing me with sweet affection that tasted like strawberries and cream.
“I’m yours,” she reminded me, and I slid my fingers over her scars. “All yours, Thorn.”
When she’d done that, standing on the stage, I was fucking stunned. Because in the end, it was her decision. Her last time showing me just how badly she wanted to be mine. And as much as I was worried, as angry as she’d made me, I fell in love harder on that stage.
Her dancing had been out of this world. The way her body moved and swayed made me fall in love with every twirl of her graceful limbs. She was the drug I needed to keep going, the missing piece of my fucked-up life. The tiny bit of innocence I allowed myself to have, slowly becoming riper and riper for the taking until she nearly burst from her own juiciness. Yet still, the innocence lingered…
I waited until we were high in the air and I was watching stare out the plane window with wonder in her eyes.
“Harlow,” I said, and she raised her gaze in surprise.
I stood. I kneeled.
She gasped. She grinned.
I took her hand in mine and kissed the top of it.
“My Rose,” I started. “I think it’s time we make this fucking official. We both know who owns you, but it’s time to show it to the world as well. Will you be mine forever?”
“Yes,” she whispered, a tear slipping from her cheek. “Do you really need to ask?”
I grinned darkly as I slid the princess-cut diamond on her finger.
“Maybe I shouldn’t have,” I mused. “Maybe I should have just decided for you. You’d like that, wouldn’t you?”