Chapter 3
Chapter Three
Francesca Rose
The door closes as I slide across the backseat of Michael’s SUV.
Once I’m settled I take in the vehicle, which feels much bigger on the inside.
The windows are tinted, definitely darker than what the state allows, but I expect nothing less for the Rose family’s personal fleet.
The car is top of the line. The luxurious leather seats provide a level of comfort I’ve never experienced, but my body refuses to relax.
Outside the front window, Michael is speaking with one of the other guards, likely making plans for traveling to the airfield.
My head digs into the seat as I take a deep breath, silently absorbing my first moments alone since the ceremony.
All my bravado slides down a notch now that I’m no longer in a room full of threats.
I hold up my shaky hand and examine the diamond sitting on my finger.
It’s so far from my style, but in the grand scheme of things the cut and setting of my wedding ring is the least of my worries.
If you were to ask my father, I’m sure he would say that my purpose has been fulfilled.
My life has been attached to a powerful family and he’s a bit richer because of it.
George Eden can officially wipe his hands clean of me, especially if the Rose’s keep me alive.
Tradition states that the wife wedded into the new family must stay alive long enough to produce the next generation; after that her life is fair game.
Most crime families have a surface-level respect for women and children, but I’m not sure what to make of my new husband.
My mind flashes briefly to the ceremony and the look on Ashton’s face when he raised my veil.
Did I imagine the attraction there? Is there a soft spot to be found within the Murderous Maniac? Do I want that from him at all?
The sound of a door shutting brings my attention back to the front window to find Michael looking in at me as he makes his way to our car. He opens the door and when the interior lights illuminate his appearance, I stare unabashedly. Though I do my best to keep my face from revealing my thoughts.
“We’re going to head to the airfield now. There’ll probably be a small wait time on the tarmac depending on how long their meeting runs,” he informs me, starting the car as he buckles in.
“Thanks for including me in the plans.”
My father never bothered. Mother and I were just expected to show up wherever he demanded.
Hopefully this line of communication stays open.
It would be nice to have one person I can lean on in this new situation.
Three SUVs from the line parked outside of my parents’ house drive along, situating us in the middle of the caravan.
We’re driving away from the only home I’ve known before he speaks again.
“For your safety it’s important that we have an open line of communication.” His eyes flick up to look at me through the rearview before returning to the road. “I won’t pretend to know how you’re feeling, but I’m good at my job, and my number one priority is to keep you safe.”
“Wouldn’t want your boss to murder you for allowing me to get killed,” I say sarcastically.
“Like I said earlier, I follow orders well. And Princess, guarding you is my only job for the foreseeable future.” His lips tilt slightly.
My eyes roll at his nickname for me.
“So how bad will things be for me? With him?” I ask cautiously.
The humor in his eyes fades away and I watch his hands tighten around the steering wheel. I pray he doesn’t go quiet on me now. The more information I have, the more prepared I’ll feel.
“Honestly, I’m not entirely certain how this arrangement will play out. From my understanding, Evander is pressuring Ashton to produce an heir. If I had to guess, Ashton will treat this marriage as another item on his to-do list to be checked off.”
I groan, pressing my hand to my forehead and applying slight pressure. Of course, children are expected when dealing with crime families, but I’d hoped for more time.
“Any advice for dealing with Ashton?” I ask through a defeated sigh.
“Ashton’s focus revolves around power and control.
Anything that allows him more stake in either of those categories will be considered an asset.
Right now, you’re a major asset because you can expand the legacy the Rose’s have built.
You come from an established crime family, college educated, and you’re beautiful.
” We pull into the airfield, and his gaze flicks back at me in the mirror.
“There’s a lot of attributes in your favor. ”
“But should I expect a slap across my face if I hold onto that fire you spoke so fondly about?”
I watch as he pauses, brows dipping in concentration.
“I wouldn’t suggest something that would throw you into harm’s way, but if you wither like your mother suggested, your new husband will smell blood in the water and exploit that weakness.
Neither Ashton nor his father have mistreated women physically.
At least not in my presence. They’re both very abrasive with their words, though.
You will quickly discover the ever-changing sides of Ashton and learn how to navigate his moods. ”
My attention moves to the scenery as we pull through the private airfield, absorbing the information Michael has readily given.
His calm demeanor seems so out of place in this world.
Most of my father’s men were grumpy assholes or braggadocios fools.
Michael, so far, doesn’t fit into either of those categories.
It makes me want to dig deeper and find out more about him.
“How did you find yourself in this line of work?” I blurt out, wanting to solve the mystery of the man that’s been so kind.
“Craving more details on me, Princess?” he teases, parking the car beside a private non-descript plane.
I notice that the convoy of cars are parked outside the hanger, instead of pulling in with us.
“I would like to know more about the man in charge of my safety.”
He shifts in his seat, turning his gaze towards me. “I guess we have time for a short story before we board.”
We both share a smile that feels illegal, but just right considering the circumstances.
“Well then, let’s hear it,” I say, unbuckling my seatbelt and leaning forward.