Page 43 of Beautiful Rose
As if she hasn’t even heard his words, Vanessa’s voice turns down a notch with a hint of seduction, which I absolutely hate.“Zander, this is what you like? A fucking mouse? You could have told me that you’re into those kinks…”
Utter humiliation fills me. I never thought someone would interpret me and Zander together in this way.
I’m still in shock when Kristy grabs my hand and almost drags me toward the door. Her face is fuming. I wish I could have expressions like her for once, but I’m just stunned and anxious as several pairs of eyes focus on us—on me.
But Vanessa has other plans. She tugs on my free arm, pulling me away from Kristy. “Not so fast, missy. You aren’t going anywhere.”
In the tug of war between the two girls, I lose my balance, but Zander catches me by my waist.
“Leave her be, Vanessa.” His deep growl vibrates through my body as his hands dig into my hips.
Vanessa lets go and stands in front of me, her hands crossed over her chest as she scowls. My eyesight blurs, and it feels like everyone is moving in closer, surrounding us like sharks ready to feed and I am the prey.
“What the hell is going on?” Zach asks, eyebrows raised in confusion.
But before anyone can respond, Zane moves in front of me, effectively shielding me from Vanessa’s view. “You’re t-t-too drunk, Vanes-s-ssa. Let me t-take you to your hot-t-tel room.”
“No, Zane.” Vanessa pushes past him and points her finger at Zander, red nail polish on display—almost the same color as our red, my and Zander’s. “Just tell me what’s going on between you two.”
At her insistence, Zander’s grip on my waist tightens almost painfully. I turn, grimacing, and he releases me with a jerk. I try to remember in all my video calls or meetings if I’ve ever seen Zander this tense and agitated, but I can’t remember one instance.
“What does it look like?” he asks, glaring at Vanessa.
I don’t like the way Zander’s mouth twists as his words are spoken quietly, laced with a controlled anger. His death stare slides away from Vanessa and toward me, and the coldness turns to confusion.
I hate it.
I wish, just once, someone would accept me publicly.But maybe that’s too much to ask.
My eyes well with tears, and a million emotions feed my tumultuous heart. I drop my gaze and my shoulder’s slump. Any high I had from earlier—after seeing Zander—is gone. I’m barely holding in a sob when he speaks again.
“Marr and I are together. And if you have no more questions, I would really like to get the hell out of here.”
My heart sputters with muted joy as my mind sorts through the implication of his words. He doesn’t give me time to process them before he retakes my hand and leads me away from everyone.
Once outside, he releases his tight grip and runs his hand through his unruly hair in frustration. “This was not how I had planned this evening.” He takes my hand again, his touch much more gentle than before.
My breathing grows heavier, and as much as my hands want to tug on my sleeves, they also want to stay clasped in Zander’s warmth.
“What I said inside—”
Zander’s words are interrupted by Kristy’s stormy arrival. “Rosie, are you okay?” Her eyes scan us, standing close, hands held together. “I was worried. I’ll…come back later,” she mutters.
“Kristy, wait. I have to make sure everything is back to normal inside.” Zander nods toward the entrance through which she appeared. “You stay with Marr.” He squeezes my hand before whispering, “I’ll be back soon.”
I nod lightly and he heads back inside.
“I had no idea things were going so well between you two.”Kristy briefly shakes her head in disbelief. Or is it hurt? I’m not sure. She has never looked at me like this.“I knew you guys were talking, but I didn’t know you guys were together.”
“Kris—”
“Why didn’t you tell me?”
Oh my god. I betrayed my best friend.
“Kristy, I…didn’t know. We never…talked about it?” My throat chokes and I feel more upset than before.
“About you being the girlfriend of the hottest bachelor?”