“You ran.”
“What?”
“At the benefit, you were prepared to run from me.”
“No, not from you. I wasn’t prepared to put my happiness above you or your sister, or your nephew. You don’t think I know what it’s like? I had nothing, Darius. I believed that guy’s lies, thinking that your father owned this place. I was caught up in the moment, but I will never, ever, let a child go without. I’ve lived like that, and no child deserves that. I can handle everything that’s thrown at me.” Her hands were clenched into fists. “I don’t need you protecting me or trying to hide this life from me.”
He licked his lips as his mouth suddenly felt so dry. “My father is a racist, Rose. He thinks my sister is a slut. He doesn’t acknowledge his own grandson, and tomorrow, there is going to be a story about all three of us. One that shows you to be nothing more than a gold-digging whore.” He paused and silence filled the room. “I hate that man more than anything in the world, Rose. I can handle him. I know what his game is, but I can’t … I refuse to let your name be pulled into this.” He glanced at the desk and then back at her. “I know you can do this, but I don’t want you to see how ugly this world can be because I’d hate for you to think that I’m part of it.”
Rose took a step toward him, then another.
Darius expected her to slap him, to turn her back on him, but instead, she put her hands on his chest, and then stroked up, wrapping around his neck.
“Darius Blackwood, I love you so damn much.”
Chapter Eleven
Darius had been right.
They needed to get away from everything for a while.
With all the mixed publicity about their engagement making it impossible to go one day without a cringy comment, Rose just wanted to forget it all for a while. She wanted to remember why she’d said yes to Darius, to be alone with him, and savor their love without someone trying to sabotage it.
As much as she wanted to be strong, words cut deep, and she was only human. She began to get suspicious, which wasn’t her nature, and she didn’t like the woman she was becoming. This trip would give her time to heal, regroup, and grow stronger. Her relationship with Darius meant the world to her, and she wouldn’t risk it due to burnout or her insecurities.
“How’s the view?” he asked, joining her on the balcony. She could smell his rich cologne as he approached her. His calming presence was an addiction.
They’d flown out to spend four nights at an exclusive resort in the Caribbean. Just the two of them. Any longer would have been a nightmare when they returned home to the office. Running a business was a huge commitment—but so was their relationship.
“No words,” she said. “I could stand here all day.”
The ocean and distant lush mountains were breathtaking. She breathed in the salty air, closing her eyes as he came in behind her. This had been her first vacation and first time on an airplane. Darius was opening up her world to so much more. She’d done things she never expected to do in her life. It was like a dream.
He wrapped his arms around her waist and kissed the side of her neck. “Maybe we should run away, never go back. What do you say?”
She smiled. “It’s a nice thought, but we can’t hide away forever.”
“Fine.” He spun her around to face him, playfulness in his eyes. “Then let’s completely forget about all the bullshit back home and enjoy every second of this micro vacation.”
“Agreed.” She ran her palm over his cheek, feeling the prickly stubble against her skin. “You don’t believe any of it, do you? Please be honest with me.”
“Rose, what did we just agree on?”
“I know. Just this one question and then I’m all yours. Promise.”
He sighed. “Believe what exactly?”
She swallowed hard. “I don’t want to make your life more difficult. Maybe another woman would be better for you. One your father would approve of.”
“He doesn’t get to approve of anything in my life. I cut him off long before I asked you to marry me, Rose. When people judge my choices, I don’t blame you. It just shows their true character.” Darius traced a finger under her lower lip. “I love you, Rose. I choose you. Nobody gets to take you away from me. Nobody dictates my life.”
Her heart melted. She took his finger into her mouth, sucking him and caressing with her tongue.
Darius groaned. “I assume we’re moving on?”
She wrapped her arms around his neck. “I didn’t realize words could turn a person on, but apparently they can.”
“Imagine what I could do with my tongue,” he said.