The Story of Blood and Roses

"Are you done yet?" I shouted. My dress was lying on the bed, and I was standing outside waiting for Anthony to get dressed. He had been occupying the closet for the past fifteen minutes.

"Why are you in such a hurry?" he shouted back. I huffed in frustration but didn't answer. A few moments later, the door slid open and he walked out. He was fidgeting with the sleeve of his shirt. His tie was hanging loosely from his neck. I sighed and got up.

I could see his eyes slide down in appreciation.

"You look nice," he commented with a sly grin.

"Of course, I do. I'm only wearing my underwear."

"And the heels..." Like a horny teenager, he pulled me to him and kissed me roughly. Shoving him away, I gave him a disapproving look.

"Hold still," I commanded as I grabbed the ends of his tie and made the knot. He fell silent, then. I could feel his eyes on me. When I patted his chest and let him go, he held on to my waist.

"You... You are not going."

"Why?" I asked him, irritation lacing my voice.

"I don't know how it is going to turn out. All these hot-headed bastards are going to be there and someone might blow up. I don't want you there-"

"And that is exactly why I should be there. Just because you sleep with me now, doesn't mean that it is not my job to be at your side at all costs. I am your partner. I will take the damn bullet for you if it comes to that."

"You don't understand," his voice rose and his hands found their way to his hair. He clutched onto it and pulled it so hard, that I flinched... almost.

"Then make me understand," I implored.

"Something..." he trailed off. Words that had been spoken by Daisy swirled in my mind, drawing horrific images. I shoved them away and glared at him.

"I will stay out of sight, but I will not leave the club. Do you understand?" It was a fair compromise on my part. I would be able to handle the needs of the people and oversee the staff.

"Thank you," he whispered as he nuzzled my face.

"Now let me get dressed." He shook his head playfully. "Do you want all those men seeing your woman half naked?" I teased, lightly. A growl escaped his throat. "Leave," I chuckled. He shook his head as if to clear it and then walked out of the room.

.

"Mia," he whispered as we stopped in front of the club. The space where the regular queue would be was empty. Two of the staff members were acting as valets.

I turned to him as I saw one of them approach. They recognized my car.

"I need you to enter through the back door. Do you understand?" I nodded, not needing an explanation. "You will not come to the VIP room unless I call for you." I raised my brow at him but nodded anyway. "Things will go smoothly," he said. The way he said it, made me think that he was trying to convince himself. It was a disconcerting thought, but it was amusing to see him so... unsure about his decisions.

"Have faith in my abilities, Michael," I assured him. "You know you can trust me," I whispered to him. I leaned forward and cradled his face in my palms. I placed a small peck on his lips. He tried to deepen it, but I moved away, shaking my head.

"I love you," he gulped. I kissed him again, letting him know that I understood. "You know, right?" his eyes held layers of unwavering fear and doubt. Of what, I didn't know.

"Are you sure about this?" I asked him. It was his party, but he could leave if he wanted to. "We can go home and spend time on your bed," I teased.

"I can't," he cleared his throat and then tightened the tie around his neck.

"Do you want me to go home?" his head snapped towards my direction.

"You would go if I asked?"

"Anthony, I know there is something wrong. I can feel it in my gut, but I don't want to run. I want to face it with you by my side." I breathed. "But if you want me to leave, I will."

"God, I love you." His features relaxed, and a smile appeared on his lips. The light tap on the window alerted us. I rolled the window down and looked at the valet who was waiting patiently.

"We'll be parking the car ourselves. No one should know that we have arrived." He nodded and then moved back to his position. Michael looked surprised, but he didn't comment. I chuckled under my breath as I started the engine again.

"Care for a quickie in the back seat?" I offered, mostly teasing.

"No, thanks. I'd rather not let my business associates smell you on me. I don't like people having inappropriate thoughts about my wench." He stifled a laugh as he looked away.

"Always a romantic." I rolled my eyes.

"Park the car, wench."

"Yes, my lord."