Page 135 of Chemistry: The Chemist

“I got her a gift, Chemistry.”

“Then where is it?”

“It’s not anything tangible. It’s a vacation. Seven days, to a very special island off the coast of Ja–”

“You’re full of shit,” I tittered, knowing exactly where this was going.

She was referring to one of the three islands I owned. On two, I’d managed to begin an entirely different civilization from the one we knew and grew up in. The other was private and a place for family to vacation when they needed to get away. All three were equally gorgeous.

“Take my plane. Stay at my home. What part of the trip do you begin contributing?”

“Shopping. I think that’s where I come in. Any shopping she wants to do while we’re there, I promise I’ll handle.”

“She hates shopping.”

“Even better.”

“You’re full of shit, Roulette,” I called out to her as she tiptoed toward the large dining hall.

“I got her a new Rolex. The one she’s been wearing is busted!” she yelled over her shoulder.

It was in her nature to bring us hell, but she meant no harm. Growing up in a home where jokes were few and far apart, Roulette had them lined up and ready to spit whenever the opportunity presented itself. In the field, she was nothing like the woman we’d just encountered on the steps.

She was a weapon. She was nontolerant. She ran her business with an iron fist. If she ever cracked a smile, someone had better be worried.

“That’s Roulette. I’m sure you’ve met her before.”

Stunned into silence, Eden shook her head. “I haven’t. I mean uh– not exactly. I was going to me– meet her the last night I worked, but then you came and–”

“Well, then, that’s Roulette.”

The doors of the dining hall opened. Family and a few unfamiliar faces filled almost every chair around the table. Roulette had even taken her seat. I placed Roaman’s gift behind her, against the wall where the others were. She slid her chair back and stretched her arms wide, accepting my love.

“You must be Eden?” she asked, still holding onto me.

“Yes.”

“Thank you for coming, I’m Roaman.”

“Happy Birthday.”

She cut me loose, ignoring Eden’s extended arm. She pulled her in for a hug instead.

“Nice to finally meet you.”

“It is,” Eden expressed, stepping away and immediately searching for me with her hand.

I put her mind and heart at ease, lacing my fingers through hers. We made our way to the head of the table where Richie and Rhea were.

“Eden, this is my father,” I introduced my old man. “Rowan. You can call him Richie.”

“Richie?” She whispered.

“His middle name is Richard.”

“Nice to meet you, Richie.”

My father stood, getting a firm grip on Eden’s free hand before shaking it.

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