The black cars parked not far away from their house had me reassured once again. Though due to the murk I couldn’t see them, I knew they were in there. Watching.

Just as I instructed.

The screen of my phone lit up in the darkness.

Time to go.

The front door opened, revealing a pair of blue eyes. Ushering me inside with her head, she slowly closed the door behind me once I stepped in. Following her, I climbed up the stairs silently. My heart sped up when we stopped before a pair of doors. Twisting the handle, she opened the barrier between me and my salvation.

My Rosebud.

I took a sharp intake of breath at the view. My beautiful rose curled into a ball with her chestnut locks spread across the pillow. Even in the dimmed light, I didn’t miss those luscious lips formed into a slight pout.

“After lots of twists and turns on the bed, she finally fell asleep. I almost thought she wouldn’t be able to sleep in anxiety and nervousness,” Tess whispered, not wanting to make any noise. “She tried her best to hide the date with you tomorrow from me, you know?” She giggled.

With difficulties, I tore my gaze away from my rose and turned to her. “Thank you, Tess. For helping me tonight, like you did every time I needed you.”

Just so I could see my rose, she decided to stay with her family tonight. Even convinced her sister to share a bed so they could relive the memories of their childhood.

A smile grazed her face. “No need to thank me. What are best friends for, after all?” And then she glanced back at her sister, who was sleeping peacefully. “She is still your Rosebud. Years passed, but her heart still belongs to you.”

She pointed with her chin to the giant bear I’d gifted Emerald the day after she returned from New York. Warmth surged through my chest as I watched how tightly her small arms were wrapped around the vast doll. And then the T-shirt she wore caught my attention. It was the same one she borrowed from my penthouse.

“Even if she is resisting, she can’t keep herself away from the things connected to you.” Her blue orbs met my gaze. “Promise me you’ll always take care of her heart, Achilles.”

Putting a hand on her shoulder, I gave it a firm squeeze. “Forever.” This was a promise I made to myself years ago. I would die before I hurt my Rosebud ever again.

Sniffling softly, she nodded and then left us alone. “Don’t take long. I’ll wait outside, watching over.” She closed the door behind her.

Striding closer to her bed, I sat beside her. My eyes bathed in her enticing beauty. Those turquoise eyes that had stolen my heart were firmly closed. Long eyelashes shadowed over her rosy cheeks as her eyelids fluttered occasionally.