Chapter 12
ROSA
Nine hours later, we pull onto a drive leading under a building, into a garage. Roric parks next to the elevator and walks around my side, though I’ve already opened my door. I refold my arms and grit my teeth as his hand wraps around my waist. “You don’t need to touch me.”
“I’m going to touch you. You’re mine. I would have thought that ring on your finger clued you in.”
I mumble, “fuck you,” as he swings his head to offer his killer smile. Shit.
A little while later, we arrive at a condo penthouse door with two men standing on both sides of the double door. It opens to a white-haired woman with an apron and an infant on her shoulder at the door. “Roric?” She smiles and casts her eyes to me. I can only imagine what she’s heard about me. Her face shifts to a concerned frown. “Hi. I’m Mrs. Belova. Cynric and Isabella are in the living room.” We step inside a home. The floor to ceiling glass gives a spectacular view of the city. It’s breath-taking. A slight woman with beautiful red hair steps around a long sectional with a rough-looking, scarred man on her heels.
“Oh.” All eyes move to me with curious stares. It’s the man that murdered my father. He nods as we approach. “Hi. I’m Rosa.”
Her hand extends. “I’m Isabella.” She motions for me to follow. “I hope you’re hungry. Oh. That’s Cynric. Ignore the frown. I do.”
My stomach grumbles at just that moment, raising my blush.
She leans in. “Mrs. Belova is a phenomenal cook. She’s made a huge spread.” Our walk ends at an expansive dining room and a large, light wood table with twelve chairs. Eight sets of eyes scrutinize me.
I feel like a rabbit who’s been spotted by a pack of wolves. The only woman seated is a stunning dark redhead with a pregnant belly. The man sitting next to her could be Roric’s twin. His arm lays over her seat, and she’s basking in his attention. He kisses her head and whispers something to make her blush. My stomach rolls. I want that. My little voice answers with a smug lilt, telling me I could have that if I wasn’t so damn stubborn.
The redhead waves. “Hi. I’m Scarlet.” She motions to the brother next to her. “This is Thane.”
I nod. “Rosa.”
“Oh, I know. We’ve heard all about you. Welcome.”
The baby fusses in the other room before Isabella can sit. “Sorry. He’s hungry.”
Roric’s father, who has sat silent like a gargoyle, speaks. “He’s always hungry.”
His voice startles me as Roric leads me to a seat across the table from the beautiful couple and sits down next to me. “Relax.”
His voice grates on my nerves. It’s been three days since we got married, and I’m still pissed. Tomorrow we’re leaving for Texas. I’m hoping the change of location will give me a chance to get out of this marriage of convenience.
Cynric sits at the far end of the table. “While my wife is attending to our son, I’ll make introductions. On my left is my youngest brother, Saxon. Next to him is Scarlet, then Thane. On the other side of him is Dr. Kovalev. Taking up the spot before our pakhan is the only non-family enforcer at the table, Nicolai. My father sits at the head of the table, like he does without family.” The older man nods. He’s as tatted as his sons, but with longer hair pulled back in a leather tie. Cynric continues. “Fingers sits next to Papa with Wystan, my fourth brother on his left. Roric, my third brother and his wife, Rosa, complete our dozen.”
Roric stretches his arm around my chair. “I can help you if you forget who everyone is.”
I roll my eyes, catching his father’s smirk. “When do you two leave for Texas?”
Roric straightens in his seat. “Tomorrow morning.”
His father nods. “Why Dallas?”
I interrupt Roric. “My grandparents live in Dallas.”
The imposing man purses his lips, and the other table conversations end. “Why didn’t you go to them when Arturo was pursuing you?”
“I didn’t want to bring trouble to them. I should have asked for help.”
“Family is always there for you when you need help. You’re part of our family now. You and my grandchild.”
Did his words veil a threat, or am I just paranoid? I can’t dwell on the answer as Isabella comes to the table with a baby nursing at her breast. She sits down next to her man as he squeezes her hand. It’s obvious the brothers love their women. My heart aches to go back in time.
RORIC
I stroke my cock up and down, finishing my less-than-stellar orgasm. Fuck. I didn’t expect to spend my wedding night alone in my king-sized bed, but this is night number three and my hand isn’t doing what I need. I grab the shower wand off the wall. Who can blame my new bride? I fucked up, and I’ll be lucky if she ever comes to my bed. I rinse off the mess with the shower wand. My hands itch to hold her. We’re seeing the doctor for a pregnancy check before we catch our flight.
A half hour into the appointment, after blood and urine tests, the technician enters the room. “Hi. I’m Sydney. We’re going to do a vaginal ultrasound to check on the pregnancy.” She motions at Rosa. “Skooch down to the end of the table.” She gloves her hands and lifts the long, cylindrical transducer from the machine and slides on a plastic sleeve.
My mind wanders to the shower and my feeble attempt to find release as the tech asks Rosa questions. My attention returns to the moment, as the tech gasps. “Well. There’s two.”
“Two?” I pivot my gaze to the screen as she points.
“Baby One. Baby Two.”
“Shit.” I can’t help the beaming smile that fills my face. “Oh. Wow.”
I kiss Rosa’s forehead as she studies the screen. “Does everything look okay?”
The tech nods. “The doctor is seeing the images in real time. She’ll come in and talk to you as soon as I finish my scan.”
Sydney removes the plastic cover from the transducer and sets it in the holder as the door opens. The female doctor my sister-in-law knows steps into the room. She sits down on the stool. “Twins.” She beams. “Everything looks good. We’re going to see you a little more often than we would if you were pregnant with just one.” She stares at the two of us. I’m sure she’s used to shock, but I’m overwhelmed.
Squeezing Rosa’s hand, I nod at the doctor. “Is there anything we need to do?”
Shaking her head, she focuses on us. “No. No restrictions.” She nods to Rosa. “Eat multiple small meals during the day and get more rest than you typically do. Don’t start any new activities without clearing it with me.” She purses her lips. “Questions?”
We both shake our heads as she stands. “Congratulations.”
Rosa puts on her panties and pants as I gawk at the photos of pregnancy stages on the wall. I slip my hand behind her back. “Thank you.”
A half-smile lifts on the corner of her mouth before she flicks her head in a silent acknowledgment. She’s still angry.
The drive to the airport is silent. I’m so excited and scared. Rosa’s in a trance, offering an occasional smile as she types away on the new cell phone I gave her, and I just can’t bring myself to risk pissing her off by breaking the silence.
Six hours later, the plane touches down at the Dallas/Fort Worth airport. Rosa slept most of the journey. We disembark the first-class section of the plane as I hike the carryon onto my shoulder. Rosa objects to my hand touching her, so I flex my hand to control the itch to spank her. Fingers rented us an SUV from a company, so we’ll grab our luggage, acquire the rental, and head to her grandparents’ home.
“Thank you for bringing me back here.”
I’m floored by her comment. “Of course. I’ll do anything to make you happy.”
She snorts. “Let me go.”
“Anything but that. You’re mine. Eventually you’ll forgive me, and we’ll have a great life together with lots of kids.”
Her grandparents own a small estate on the north edge of Dallas. The brick drive reminds me of the brick walkways in New Orleans. It’s nowhere as extravagant as my father’s, but it has an Olympic-size pool, tennis courts, and a massive building to the side. “What’s that?”
“A garage. My grandfather likes cars.”
“Who doesn’t?” I mutter to myself. The front door opens, and two older, well-dressed people stand with beaming smiles as another woman runs for the SUV. That must be her mother. She’s dressed in loose-fitting dark clothes with wisps of hair easing out of the hair bun. She’s not the well-manicured, perfectly dressed woman I expected to see. “Go. I’ll get the stuff.”
Rosa bolts out the door and runs into her mother’s embrace. Her grandparents hasten their pace to greet her with a giant family hug. I grab our stuff out of the back and stand like a bellman waiting for the embrace to end.
Her grandfather raises his head, dimming his smile as he extends his hand. “I’m Jackson White.”
“Roric Bravikov.”
He nods. “My wife Rosalita and our daughter, Raquel.”
“Hello. It’s nice to meet you. Rosa has missed you.”
Rosa’s head snaps to me. “Don’t speak for me.”
Gasps echo around us as her grandfather snickers. “That one’s got a temper. You and I will have to talk about how to smooth those rough edges.”
“I enjoy those rough edges.”
The corners of Jackson’s mouth raise higher. “That’s convenient.” He grabs Rosa and places her under his arm. “That’s not the kind of attitude you show in public. You know better.”
“But…”
“But nothing. He’s your husband. I expect you to respect him.” Chuckling, he adds. “In public at least.”
Shaking my head, Rosa’s mother tucks her head and murmurs. “Thank you for bringing her to me.”
“You’re welcome.” I bend down to whisper. “Any sign of the cartel?”
She doesn’t answer, but her father responds.
“No. Marco is in charge now, and he’s steadier in his behavior. He might even appreciate Arturo’s demise.” I cringe as he puts his hand on my shoulder. “You protected Rosa. No one will hold anything against you.”
I murmur. “She does.”
“She’s stubborn. This marriage is the best for her. She’s pregnant and babies need a father.”
Babies. Ah, my wife must have texted her family about the babies. At least she’s sharing it with someone. Raquel moves along with Rosa down the path. How did the dowdy wall flower make my blooming wife?
The interior of the house reminds me of when my mother decorated my father’s estate. Warm colors, photos on the wall, and soft rugs cover the expansive Saltillo tile. Jackson leads our entourage upstairs, making a left at the landing. “This is the South wing. It will be yours whenever you visit.”
Rosa scoffs. “He won’t be coming back.”
In a scoldy, school teacher tone, her grandmother speaks. “Rosa. Don’t be rude.”
She bows her head as the door opens to a large suite. A large four-sectioned painting adorns the wall. Pastel colors with Rosa’s image in each square show a smiling, happy woman. My heart clenches when I look at the annoyance on my wife’s face. She turns to her grandmother. “We need two beds. Please ask Mrs. Martin to set up another room.”
Her grandmother’s face drops the sweet look she’s had since we arrived. She nods to me and takes Rosa by the arm. “We’ll be back. Please make yourself comfortable. Mrs. Martin can unpack your bags if you wish.”
I shake my head and move further into the room. I strain to hear the unhappy voices in the hallway.
“He’s your husband.”
“He forced me to marry him.”
“That man saved you from your father’s family. He married you to keep you safe and give your baby a father. He seems pleased that you’re having more than one. And in case you haven’t noticed, he loves you.”
“You’re crazy.” Her tone raises in pitch to almost a whine.
“Regardless. You will not be getting another room. You’re married. Sleep with your husband.”
Rosa stomps to her bag and unzips it. She avoids my eyes and mumbles under her breath. The door opens as Jackson pokes his head in. “Like cars?”
“Love them. Rosa mentioned you have a stable of cars.”
“Join me.” His tone reminds me of my father’s as I hustle to meet him on the stairs. “How’s Rosa?”
“Pissed.”
“What’d you do?”
“I kept who I was from her while we were running from her uncles.”
“Ha! That’ll do it. Any reason why?”
“Her family made me think she was one thing, and I found out she is completely different.”
“Rachel and Rosalie plan to throw a party this weekend. Are you okay with that?”
“That sounds awesome. I regret not being able to give Rosa more.”
“Huh. The rock on her finger seems like a lot.”
“That’s only monetary. I wish I could have given her the wedding of her dreams; I just didn’t have time. The marriage needed to happen. It’s all about control with her family’s cartel.”
“Don’t I know it. What do you know about Corvettes, young man?”
“I own one. Do you have one?”
The older man chuckles. “I have three.”
“Lead the way.”
ROSA
My grandfather walks Roric down the path to his garage. I don’t quite understand why my family seems hell bent on choosing him. I scan the estate through the window, bombarded with memories of the past.
“Rosa?”
“Yes, Mama.”
“Come meet us in the kitchen.”
I step out of the room as my mother leans against the top banister overlooking the first-floor great room. “I’m hungry.”
“Well, of course you are. Mrs. Martin has your favorites.”
“Great.” I slip my hand in hers to walk down the stairs. “Everyone is being really nice to Roric.”
“He’s your husband.”
“Not for long, if I have anything to say about it.”
She stops us on the stairs. “Rosalie Rachel, you need to grow up. This is life. We make choices to better our situation. You modeled to get away from your father and increase your profile so he couldn’t take you. Marrying a rich man from a powerful family gives you protection from your enemies, and knowing your father’s family like I do, they won’t just decide to leave you alone.”
I shrug as we continue down the stairs. “He lied to me.”
“Men lie. But does he hurt you?”
“Only my pride and my heart.”
“I don’t think we’re talking about the same man. That man who brought you to your family is the right man for you.” She sighs. “You don’t want people to look at you like a failure because you’re alone with children. People can be so cruel.”
“Is that why you hide in Mexico?”
Her gasp makes me sad that I asked her. “Everyone here found out who your father was and shunned me. Your grandparents stood by me, but many of their friends dropped them. And your grandfather was a powerful financial advisor to the Dallas rich, and my connection to the cartel put a cloud over him, too. I left because my choice shouldn’t hurt those around me.”
We step into the kitchen. Various platters of foods pepper the counter as Mrs. Martin smiles. She rushes to me, pulling me from my mother. “Welcome home, honey.”
Tears well up in my eyes as her hug tightens around me. “Thanks.” I wipe my eyes and blow out my breath as I sit down.
“Here’s a plate. Dig in.”
Four bites into my chimichanga, I look up to see everyone staring at me. “What?”
My grandmother beams. “You’re having twins. How exciting.”
My hand stops moving while I cock my head. “I wasn’t sure Mama told you.”
“Of course, she told me. I was with her when she read your texts. Now let’s talk about a reception.”
“What reception?” I continue eating my favorite entrée as my mother sits down next to me..
“A wedding reception this weekend to celebrate you and Roric.”
“Why would I want to celebrate that?”
The kitchen phone on the wall rings. Mrs. Martin answers, and the color drains from her face. “No. I’m sorry she’s not here.” There’s a pause as she implores my grandmother to stand.
My grandmother takes the phone from Mrs. Martin. “Hello?” She gestures to my mother, who texts my grandfather. “Marco, you are not welcome. Rosa and her husband are visiting.” She rolls her eyes. “Security won’t let you enter the property. You can try.” She hangs up the phone with a hard slam. “Asshole.”
A few minutes later, my grandfather and Roric enter the kitchen. Grandfather goes to his wife, and Roric comes to me. He asks. “What happened?”
My grandmother hugs him. “Marco called. He wants to come see Rosa. I told him security won’t let him on the property.”
My grandfather nods. “I need to make a call.” He steps out of the room as Roric holds me against him.
“Are you okay?”
“I guess. I thought he wasn’t going to bother us now that we’re married. But now I realize, he’s going to always cause us trouble.”
“I’m sure Marco wants to make sure we actually are married. Your grandfather mentioned a party. We’ll have photos done and offer them to the society page. That should settle this.”
His scent is a balm on my soul. I’m still angry, but he’s comforting. Am I really that weak? Breaking free from his grasp, I dig back into my lunch. I motion. “You should eat.”
He scans the counter as Mrs. Martin hands him a plate. “Thank you.” He scoops portions of various dishes onto his plate and takes the seat next to mine.
A few minutes later, my grandfather steps back into the kitchen. “I called Banner Campbell. His company, CPSP, will handle security for the party.”
Roric cocks his head. “Maybe we should step up security while we’re here.”
My grandfather nods. “They’re sending men to do just that.”