Page 61 of Tangled Roses
Her limbs are entangled in mine as she sleeps peacefully beside me. I am sadistically proud that her neck is swollen with bruises, courtesy of my dirty kisses and expect her pussy must be sore from overuse and rough attention. Her once pale skin is red from my rough touches and her hair tangled, her lips swollen and bloodied.
I used every part of her for my pleasure and gave the whole of me back. Despite everything, there is a soft smile on her face as she sleeps peacefully, hopefully secure in the knowledge I’ve got her back.
As I gaze at her chest rising rhythmically, I hate how I’ve treated her. I took my father’s lead and believed it would be okay to label her as my mistress. The woman I gave my body to, but not my heart. To use whenever I’m in town and not include in my family.
Did my father love his mistress? He must have done because their relationship spanned generations.
Then why did he marry my mother?
I know they were both present in his life before I was born, and he would visit his mistress four times a year, as far as we know. They always met at Burning Roses and the houses he bought for her. Did he live a double life and why did she agree to it?
I couldn’t be that man. I am already obsessed with Ellie and thinking of taking another wife is inconceivable. What were his reasons and why parade Veronica around town as a paid whore if he loved her? I already tried that and look where it got me. My heart has been torn from inside me and exposed to the world because last night I declared war on anyone who dares go against me and attempt to steal this woman from my side.
I’m aware my actions will be the subject of gossip, but I couldn’t give a fuck. I only want one woman and she is the one who occupies my bed and my heart.
It’s late. Eight am and Luka will be waiting for me but I can’t leave Ellie to wake up alone. I walked away before and I regret it bitterly because I made her feel worthless. I will never make that mistake again.
Gently, I stroke her beautiful face and whisper, “Wake up, beauty.”
She stirs and her soft smile makes my heart swell.
“Arman.” She is sleepy and yet the soft way she pronounces my name is worlds apart from the accent I have been surrounded by my entire life.
Her eyes flutter open and they brim with tenderness and I’d love to stare at her all day but sigh regretfully.
“I must go to work. I didn’t want to leave until we spoke.”
She is now wide awake and whispers, “What time is it?”
“Eight. Go back to sleep and when you’re ready, come and find me. We’ll eat together.”
“Where are you going?”
“The gym, followed by my usual meeting with Luka.”
I tilt her face toward mine and brush my lips across hers and whisper, “I have meetings, but I want to be with you.”
“It’s fine.” Her lips press against mine and she says softly, “I’ll head to my apartment and locate my grandmother’s diaries. I’ll search them for any information you need and we can catch up later.”
“There’s no need.”
She stares at me in confusion.
“Why not?”
“They are already here.”
“Excuse me.” She sits up and the fire in her expression makes me smile and I shrug. “Luka and a few of my men went to your apartment. You will find everything that was in it in the guest wing.”
“You broke into my apartment?”
She is furious and I laugh softly. “Just call it packing. You are now living with me and no longer require your apartment. I saved you the trouble of relocating. You’re welcome.”
“You arrogant–”
I cut off her words by pulling her close and kissing her deeply, capturing her objections and dealing with them with actions rather than words.
There is no point pretending this was never going to happen and just because I accelerated the process, it means we don’t waste any more time than we have already.