Remorse (Rhodes #0.5) - Rina Kent Page 0,8

words over as I get ready for the banquet that will take place in Rose’s house. Now that my father’s company and his health aren’t in danger, I have no reason to stay. I can return to Manhattan and resume my monotonous life.

Perhaps that’s one of the reasons Arthur decided to invest in the first place. He didn’t want me to stay because I was forced to, but because I wanted to.

As I fix my makeup, I think about my life in New York. The buzz, the endless movement, and the humming energy. It helped me to focus on work and to stop thinking about myself or the life I left behind. However, when I went back to my lonely flat at night, all I could think about while drinking a glass of wine was those dark eyes coming for me.

Deep down, I wanted Arthur to chase me, to hug me, take me back, and tell me I’m not leaving his side again. It hurt that he never came.

He was watching, though. He was there the entire time, and I never noticed.

Instead of the sleepless life in Manhattan, all that comes to mind is the peacefulness in the Rhodes’ estate. The strolls Arthur and I take while talking about everything and anything. I want that. The simplicity. The quiet. The happiness.

His mother and sister don’t like me, though, so I don’t have flowery dreams that everything will be peaceful.

Ariel, his sister, is messed up and always threatened me to stay away from Arthur because, according to her, I’m ruining him. She said all that with a jaguar on her toll and a shotgun on her shoulder — she’s that type of crazy. Arthur never let her get to me, but even if he weren’t involved, Ariel doesn’t scare me.

Maybe she should. She’s a huntress and extremely antisocial, and always has this murderous look on her petite dark features. But I have Arthur, I won’t let her or her snobbish mother tell me what to do.

Besides, Arthur’s father and Alexander are good to me, so I’m sure it will go well.

Sometimes, I wonder if things will change when his father passes away and he will take the reins of the family. But I don’t think about that. As long as I’m there for him, I’m sure all his demons will eventually vanish.

Arthur was right. I’ve seen the darkness and the ugliness. I witnessed how his anger shouldn’t be reckoned with and how harsh he can be when ruling his business or his family. But I also saw how a single touch from my hand made him melt in my embrace like a child.

Even when he used to push me away, he only found solace in my arms. And now, he’s opening up like never before.

I look into the mirror and smile so wide, my cheeks hurt.

Perhaps I’m done running after all.

Chapter 5

My father is grinning as we greet his friends at Rose’s family’s banquet. The hall buzzes with countless guests, whether from old or new money. According to the gossipping ladies, Rose’s father has an announcement to make.

Mozart’s orchestra echoes around us. The scent of jasmine and something exotic wafts through the air.

I’m so glad for the relieved wrinkles on my father’s face. I would never forget what Arthur has done for my family, and that he didn’t use it to force me to stay.

Because that way, I will stay because I want to.

My gaze roams the hall, looking for him. I’m giddy just thinking about announcing my decision. My lower lip rolls behind my teeth. Would he be glad? Would he ask me that question that made me run all those years ago?

This time, my answer would be entirely different.

As if sensing me thinking about him, Arthur appears at the threshold of the hall with Alexander by his side.

Arthur is stunning in a black tuxedo. His hair is slicked back to perfection. The agile way he moves causes my mouth to water. Everyone greets him on his way in. Authority seeps from the sharp look in his eyes. Power and charisma run in his blood, and not only because of his family name. He oozes it without any effort.

My hold tightens on the champagne flute, waiting for him to glance my way and for that static to start between us. I doubt this fire will ever ebb.

“Eva!” Rose clutches my arm, pulling from between the ladies and my observation of Arthur. She’s wearing a dress that accentuates her tiny waist.