Page 62 of Their Dark Rose

Cedar wood infiltrates my senses when Mason appears as a buffer between me and his younger brother.

“I’m sorry, flower.” Mason places a finger beneath my chin, tipping my head up. His scar shines brilliantly in the morning light. “He’s the one who struggled the most. And then there’s his temper…”

“He’s in pain.” I scowl.

Finn’s hand cradles the back of my neck. “He’ll get over it. He loves you.”

Their warmth and the fear that Falk would never let me into his heart are my undoing. A tear, then a second one, slips down my cheeks.

“There, there.” Mason kisses the moisture off my face. “This day is all about you. Don’t let him ruin it. He will get over it. Hell, he’s probably already out there regretting what he said.”

I nod, desperate to believe him.

“He’ll apologize this evening, I promise you.”

“Thank you, Mason.”

Mason presses his lips to mine, wishes me a happy birthday and good luck.

He’s gone to Falk. To where I’d rather be instead of at the lawyer’s.

It takes me a second to collect myself. Once my emotions are in check, I twist to Finn. “I’m fine. Let’s go.”

“I wish I could make this better for you.” Finn twirls a loose strand of my chignon around his finger, using it to pull me to him. “Oh, wait I can.”

I tilt my head in question.

His hazel eyes gleam, and for a second, he looks like a snake.

“I’ll make you come on my fingers on the drive over there.” He presses his lips to my ear. “Twice. You’ll be better after two, little rose.”

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

“Finish your dinner, Briar.” Finn jerks his chin to my plate.

We sit in the dark corner of a burger restaurant. The place is pretty much empty other than us, another couple, the waitress in a black outfit, and the cook.

I could scream for help. I could tell them this man is forcing me to eat. Just to spite him, to get a reaction out of him.

A week ago, I might’ve done it.

Definitely not today. Why would I when I already have what I want?

Minus the cranky brother.

I sigh, grab what’s left of my burger, and shove what’s left of my burger in my mouth.

Refusing to have my mood ruined, I swallow and open my mouth like the brat I am sometimes.

His lips quirk. Less evil, more satisfied. Calm, even.

He’s been like that ever since this morning when he signed Nightingale Construction over to me. His brothers signed off the power of attorney to him, and I signed on accepting the company like the contract they’d forced on my father stated.

And it was done. The company belonged to me. I didn’t intend to rule it by myself, but that was an issue for a different day.

Because then the fun part started. I wasn’t particularly happy about the concept of owning a company. I didn’t think I could run it without Mason, Falk, and Finn, nor did I feel like moving away from our home anymore.

What thrilled me was offering me a ride around the city. I’d been sheltered for what felt like forever, never going out anywhere. So when he started to drive, I practically squealed in my seat.

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