Raising my hand, I tucked some strands away from her angelic face. As if in a trance, my fingers glided over her soft skin. From her cheeks to her pouty lips, and then down her slender neck. She slept soundly as I watched her. I could do it for the rest of my life without getting tired.

Leaning down, I buried my nose into her hair and inhaled deep. As if like a touch of ice, her presence distinguished the fire of my soul. My heart finally found its serenity.

My beautiful Rosebud.

Now turned into a tempting rose.

A groan left me. Her sweet scent, like honey and citrus, her silky porcelain skin, and her soft breaths fanning my skin, were tempering with my senses.

My lips touched the place where the vein of her neck pulsed. My eyes followed the curves she hid beneath that oversizedT-shirt of mine. Not being able to control myself, my hands roamed over her tiny waist, to her hips, down her legs. My little vixen didn’t wear any pants under that T-shirt. It ended just below her mid thighs, showing her long killer legs.

Clenching my fist, I moved my hand away from her inviting legs before I lost total control of myself. But I couldn’t help but feel her soft lips against mine.

A sigh left through her lips as soon as mine met them.

Pulling away, my thumb brushed over her cheek.

Mine.

If I hadn’t seen her tonight, I wouldn’t be able to equip myself to reveal everything before her tomorrow. I needed her touch to keep myself sane from my fears. Fears of losing her.

Resting my forehead against hers, I shook my head as a steely determination cut through me.

I won’t lose you. I can’t. Not again. Not if I wish to live.

I let out a shaky breath. “Without you, my life is incomplete, my rose,” I whispered, kissing her forehead.

I won’t let anything come between us ever again. Everything will be destroyed that will try to become a hindrance to my way of getting you. I won’t allow anything to take you away from me, not even my past. I need you like I need my next breath, and I’ll make you mine at any cost. Because Achilles Valencian is obsessed with his Rosebud.

THIRTY-FOUR: THE DATE

EMERALD

Placing my hand over my chest, I took a deep breath. He wasn’t even here yet, and I felt like my heart would jump out of my ribcage at any moment. The vicious war of butterflies in my stomach didn’t help either.

Calm down, Em. It’s just a date. A friendly date. It’s not that it’s the first time you’re going out with a guy.

Yes, but this time it’s the guy I lo—