Epilogue
Rosalie
One Year Later
Roman was right. Rosalie Briggs does roll right off the tongue.
Imagine my fanbase’s surprise when I announced the name change and flashed a big diamond ring during the first night of my tour.
It had the gossip columns and influencers going feral over my polyamorous relationship with my three bodyguards.
There are people who don’t seem too fond of me choosing my men rather than my ex, but I couldn’t care less about what the public thinks of me.
By Roman, Kairo, and Maddox’s side, I’m the happiest I’ve ever been.
Every day is filled with adventure, and we’ve become inseparable.
Our bond has blossomed into love—pure and untainted.
I would choose them over and over again if given the choice. They’re my everything.
Luna is doing well. She picked up right where she left off in the industry, returning to the music scene with a new wave of enthusiasm and heavy, meaningful lyrics to back it up.
She spent weeks in the studio cranking out a brand new album and is currently on tour, too.
Our schedules almost align, and we have plans to go to her concert for a date night tomorrow.
The others are also doing well. Charlotte went back to school, attending a local college in New York to obtain her bachelor’s degree in forensic science.
Bridget is safely back with her brother and father.
They’ve been helping her through her healing journey and are over the moon to know that she’s taking every step necessary to overcome her past. Silver is now a women’s rights activist, filling arenas as she teaches about the dangers of trafficking and what signs to look for.
She wrote a memoir that sits on my bookshelf at home, signed and tear-stained from the endless nights I spent crying over her story.
Cara is starting her nursing clinicals soon, having picked up where she left off before she was taken.
She wants to work with sexual assault patients and be an advocate for their care.
Quinn is reunited with her sister and niece.
She’s been working at a local community center in Kentucky, leading storytime for the children of her small town.
Kourtney is now in the running for mayor of Los Angeles with her extensive background in political affairs and her multitude of degrees.
They’ve all overcome and conquered in their own ways. I’m extremely proud of them, and I gush over their accomplishments during our monthly group FaceTime calls. We plan to get together in the spring to celebrate a few birthdays and just catch up without the regular rush of our busy schedules.
In the meantime…
“Thank you, New London!” I shout into my mic as the sea of fans goes wild.
The pyrotechnics give off one final burst of smoke as my backup dancers pant behind me.
My voice is a little scratchy from singing for the last two hours, but I’m in good spirits despite being back in my home state. “I love you!”
Screaming fans make heart shapes with their hands, reaching past the metal barricade that separates them from the security working the venue, and standing guard at the stage. I wave and blow kisses, soaking in the atmosphere as much as I can, glad to be back in the thrill of performing.
As we exit the floor, I push ahead of everyone. I head straight for the side of the stage, knowing that that’s where my heart is.
“You did fucking amazing, baby!” Kairo opens his arms wide, a goofy, proud grin on his face.
I fling myself into his embrace, wrapping my arms around his neck as he spins me around. My giggles fill the air as he sets me back down. Maddox offers me some juice, checking my insulin pump as Roman kisses my sweaty temple affectionately.
“You were amazing,” Roman smiles.
Maddox seems pleased with my levels as he gives me a shy glance. “I can’t believe I get to watch you perform every night.”
My cheeks heat at their compliments. “Thank you.”
They’ve been such good sports about traveling on tour with me.
Roman can be grouchy at times, complaining that the rocking of the bus disturbs his sleep, but I know he wouldn’t trade any of this.
I’m more concerned about Kairo. If he doesn’t get a daily walk, he’s practically up everyone’s ass until someone demands that we stop at a gas station so he can let off some steam.
Maddox is the most content, enjoying the quiet atmosphere of our bus as he loses himself in a new book every day.
“Alright!” Charlie shouts as she pushes past the guys. “I was here first, and I’ll be long after she gets rid of you three.”
Roman scowls at my friend. “We’re married.”
“Uh-huh,” she hums. “The divorce rate for straight couples is insane, big guy.”
Kairo shakes his head, chuckling as he holds up his black wedding band. “We’re locked in for life. Get used to us.”
Realistically, we can’t get married. Instead, we held a ceremony with all of our closest friends and their families, but we’ve taken our vows seriously. We’re in this for the long haul, and I can’t wait to grow old and grey with the men who stole my heart.
“Don’t remind me,” Charlie mutters before raising her brows at me. “How are you feeling?”
“Out of breath,” I answer.
She gives me a withering look. “Yeah, if someone, not naming any names, wouldn’t have kept skipping cardio sessions before tour to play chase through the woods with her husbands, again, not naming any names, she wouldn’t be so out of breath.”
I push her shoulder playfully before we all head to a diner to enjoy a family dinner. Evelyn and Piper join us, and our whole night is spent gushing over the toddler’s milestones and achievements.
I stare at my reflection in the mirror, taking note of the dark black clothes that cling to me. I look hot.
The dress that I’m wearing is bodycon, clinging to my figure and giving me the perfect hourglass shape.
The neckline is low and curved, pushing up my breasts as a star pattern of fabric crosses over the base of my throat and circles around my neck.
I paired it with some dark, sheer stockings and matching heeled boots.
I definitely look like someone going to a heavy metal concert.
The genre isn’t my cup of tea, but I want to support my friend who’s worked hard to get her feet back on the ground. Even if it means staying in Connecticut for one more night.
I was hesitant to stay here longer than necessary.
The place holds only bad memories, and I’ve been on the edge since we got here.
I know my husbands notice it. How could they not, with my constant flickering eyes as if I expect my father to rise from the dead and drag me back to that old, beat-down trailer?
I can’t help the unease that needles the back of my neck everywhere we go.
We’re close to Mystic, and it’s like I can feel the bad energy radiating from that town…
Kairo whistles from the doorway of our shared bedroom, his eyes trailing over me hungrily. “God damn. My beautiful fucking wife.”
He’s in a black t-shirt with a faded band logo over the front of it. His hair is still wet from his shower, but he looks good enough to eat in those jeans.
“Our wife,” Maddox corrects as he steps into the room. He does a double-take at me, lifting his hand to his chest. “I think you made my heart stop, Songbird.”
I blush as I giggle. “Trying to butter me up?”
Kairo saunters over, wrapping an arm around my waist as he stills my breath in a slow, sensual kiss. “We’re only telling the truth. You are stunning, Thorn.”
I pat his cheek, humming. “Thank you, baby.”
“Is everyone ready?” Roman leans through the door, his eyes widening as he rakes them over me. “Holy shit…Siren.”
I do a little twirl, holding out my arms. “Do you like it?”
“Like it?” He scoffs. “You’ve just made a new fantasy come to life. Give me another twirl.” He walks over to me, lifting my hand above my head as I spin in place. “So beautiful…”
“You’re all so full of compliments this evening,” I push up on my toes, giving Roman a kiss.
“It’s date night,” Kairo says with a smirk. “And we get to show off our fucking gorgeous wife.”
I walk over to Maddox, cupping his cheek as I press my lips to his. My tongue sweeps over his lips, and he takes the opening to deepen the kiss until we’re heatedly making out in front of Kairo and Roman. Maddox palms my hips possessively, pulling me flush against him.
“Okay, okay,” Kairo shoves his hands between us. “Damn, Mad, save some for the rest of us.”
We pile into the SUV, and I’m buckling my seatbelt when Roman catches my attention. “We have a surprise for you, but you can’t peek. Close your eyes and only open them when we say you can.”
My brows rise. “A surprise? What are you three planning?”
Kairo turns, leaning over the center console from the passenger seat. “Just trust us, Thorn. You’re gonna love it.”
I comply, vibrating in my seat with anticipation as the car takes turns and winds through roads. The minutes trickle by, and my fingers thrum on the seat until Maddox intertwines our hands. His thumb brushes over mine, and I’m transported back to the first time we rode in the car together.
“Are you thinking of that time?” He whispers huskily to me.
I swallow, nodding.
“I was awake, you know? I wanted a taste of you so bad that I pretended to sleep. Even then, you consumed me, Songbird.”
His hand leaves mine before trailing to my thigh. I suck in a breath, keeping my eyes closed as he explores my legs with heated touches. My lower belly twinges as arousal drips from me. My thighs rub together, trapping his hand in the crook as he chuckles darkly.
The next second, the car comes to a stop, and I hear Roman and Kairo unbuckling their seatbelts.
“Can I open my eyes?” I ask.
“Not yet,” Kairo tuts. “Be patient, Thorn.”