Page 89 of The Fox

-Ro

I stare at the floral arrangement, noticing the single zinnia tucked there.Gods, this man.Spinning on my heel, I head toward our closet, flicking the light on as I enter. There is a black dress hanging beside my leather jacket. I step closer, my eyes scanning the dress. I already know that it will feel like heaven on my body. A three-quarter sleeved sundress with a fitted bodice and a skirt that’ll hit mid thigh, allowing my Medusa tattoo to playfully be seen.

I lift one hand to my mouth, the other tracing the details of this dress. I immediately know Rhodes had it custom made. It is the blackest of black, with delicate embroidery. A deep V will allow my full chest to be proudly displayed. Buds of oleander line the hems of both sleeves, and the layers of tulle are gentle upon the skirt. It is the balance of powerful femininity.

I drop my cardigan from my shoulders, standing in the middle of the closet in nothing but my laciest lingerie. I run my hands up my body, giving love to my hip dips and the cellulite dancing along my soft belly. Making my way up the middle of my chest, I trace the bra I’ve slipped on to my heavy breasts, a forest green that barely cups them. My matching panty is a high waisted cut that accentuates my hips and gives a tease of my ass when I walk away. They also happen to be crotchless.

I glance back at the dress, slipping it from the hanger. I read another note, taped to the hook.

You are a goddess I do not deserve.

Never have, never will.

This man. I unzip the back, stepping into the sheath and pulling it over my curves. It effortlessly glides over them. The dress is soft against my skin, and as I smooth it, I admire the intricate floral details.

Rhodes had asked what the conversation was between Medina and I that day. I wasn’t sure what to tell him because there was no point in digging demons from their graves, but I did recall comparing myself to oleander. It made him chuckle, and I explained how I may be The Fox, but pretty things still matter. I can be deadly…and beautiful. Leaving the side unzipped, I snag my leather jacket and a pair of flats, exiting the closest and moving to the bathroom.

I stop, eyeing myself in the full length mirror, my eyes catching the note he’s left there. Tears prick at my eyes at the sight of Rhodes’ handwriting on what used to be an enemy of mine. It is just another demon he’s beaten back.

Wrapping my fingers around the side zipper, I pull it up, reaching the vanity in our bathroom. Rhodes said to leave my hair down, so I just throw a bit of dry shampoo in it and fluff my waves. Slicking on a neutral lip balm, I debate whether to do an eye look; deciding against it, I straighten.

The woman looking back at me has a lightness to her, a glow around her that wasn’t there before. She is full of life, embraced by laughter, and her bones are no longer tethered to a bartered soul. The little girl I’ve fought to protect would be proud.

I exhale deeply, smiling at her before heading down the hall. Lennon is asleep on Rhodes’ gym bag, and I grab my clutch before heading to the front door. I swing the door open, turning to close it. When I spin back around, I see him.

Hair loose around his broad shoulders, Rhodes is leaning back against his truck. Those blue eyes are hidden behind a pair of sunglasses and the button down stretched across his body is the deepest, truest shade of forest green. It reminds me of the deepest parts of the trees that line the lake. I can feel the instant his piercing gaze lands on my body and I stand there, letting him look. A slow smirk crawls on his lips, as if he would be perfectly fine with us staying home.

Rhodes is everything my heart knew it needed and all my mind wanted.

“Come on, baby. Let’s go, before I pin you against that door.” He pushes off the truck door, meeting me on the last step of my porch before yanking my curves against the hard planes of his body. I giggle, loving the way we are eye level for once. I bring one hand up, booping his nose and following it with a kiss.

“Where are we going, Ro?”

“I owe you a dinner date, Amelia. You, me, and a carryout order of tiramisu. That spot by the pond, the one off the path.” He dips that sinful mouth down by my ear, his voice lowering. “Maybe I’ll explore this pretty dress of yours. Gods, you make me want to do filthy things to you.”

“I wouldn’t mind,” I say on a breath.

Suddenly, Rhodes lifts me into his arms and carries me to the car, sliding me down his body. “Do not tempt me,kochanie.” I laugh as he opens my door and I slip into the seat, watching him round the hood and sliding into the driver seat. We drive for a bit, the radio filling the silence. Rhodes grips my thick thigh, those wide fingers holding my flesh firmly. I peer out the window, watching the world pass by, and it isn’t long before I feel a touch moving up under my dress.

“What do you have under this, Amelia Conte?” He doesn’t take his eyes off the road. There isn't a need for him to. Rhodes Alexander knows my body better than I do—the man is well acquainted with every dip, every fold, every part of me. His fingers skim my upper thigh, the lace close by already wet.

“Wouldn’t you like to know?” I breathe.

He hums, slipping his hand further up my thigh until he reaches the edge of my panties and I clench my knees together. A dark chuckle falls into the truck and he glances over at me, the hand on the steering wheel tightening. A single finger rubs the skin underneath the lace. Slow. Intentional. Torture inducing. “You know what I think? I think you have that new set on. The one I saw you look at several times, never quite pulling the trigger.” His touch is firmer now, and I squirm.

“I think that you’re wearing a set you found one morning after I left for the range, tags still on, but nestled in your drawer. I would bet money,” a second finger now dances along my skin, “you match me.”

“Rhodes,” my eyes lock with his and I inhale shakily. “Don’t tease me.”

“We’re here.” His hand leaves my body, and as he lifts it to his nose, we park. I roll my eyes at him, shaking my head.

Once we are out of the car, he takes my hand in his. “You look gorgeous, baby.”

I flush, heat spreading along my face. “Thanks. I feel pretty. You did a great job picking out this dress. I love it.”

“Good,” Rhodes says as we walk down to the grassy area. He takes the blanket out from under his other arm, fluffing it out and laying it on the ground. The carryout bag containing our tiramisu is next and once Rhodes is happy with the result, he pulls me in.

A soft kiss on my lips, him wrapping my hair around his fist and I feel my head tilt back. Rhodes controls the kiss, moving me how he wants, the grip on my hair firm.This is why he wanted my hair loose and free.His other hand snakes around my hip, giving it a squeeze and I open my mouth further for him. Our tongues battle for dominance, and a quick slap on my ass startles me enough that Rhodes wins. He pulls back, nipping my bottom lip, and I see his eyes glowing.

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