Page 5 of Revealed

I groan, pressing my hand to my forehead and applying slight pressure. Of course, children are expected when dealing with crime families, but I’d hoped for more time.

“Any advice for dealing with Ashton?” I ask through a defeated sigh.

“Ashton’s focus revolves around power and control. Anything that allows him more stake in either of those categories will be considered an asset. Right now, you’re a major asset because you can expand the legacy the Rose’s have built. You come from an established crime family, college educated, and you’re beautiful.” We pull into the airfield, and his gaze flicks back at me in the mirror. “There’s a lot of attributes in your favor.”

“But should I expect a slap across my face if I hold onto that fire you spoke so fondly about?”

I watch as he pauses, brows dipping in concentration.

“I wouldn’t suggest something that would throw you into harm’s way, but if you wither like your mother suggested, your new husband will smell blood in the water and exploit that weakness. Neither Ashton nor his father have mistreated women physically. At least not in my presence. They’re both very abrasive with their words, though. You will quickly discover the ever-changing sides of Ashton and learn how to navigate his moods.”

My attention moves to the scenery as we pull through the private airfield, absorbing the information Michael has readily given. His calm demeanor seems so out of place in this world. Most of my father’s men were grumpy assholes or braggadocios fools. Michael, so far, doesn’t fit into either of those categories.It makes me want to dig deeper and find out more about him.

“How did you find yourself in this line of work?” I blurt out, wanting to solve the mystery of the man that’s been so kind.

“Craving more details on me, Princess?” he teases, parking the car beside a private non-descript plane.

I notice that the convoy of cars are parked outside the hanger, instead of pulling in with us.

“I would like to know more about the man in charge of my safety.”

He shifts in his seat, turning his gaze towards me. “I guess we have time for a short story before we board.”

We both share a smile that feels illegal, but just right considering the circumstances.

“Well then, let’s hear it,” I say, unbuckling my seatbelt and leaning forward.

Chapter Four

FrancescaRose

Texas

Once we arrived at the compound, I was escorted to my own wing of the mansion. Most of the night was spent unpacking my suitcases, anxiety not allowing me to sleep, and I didn’t feel safe enough to explore the house. Last night, in the dark, I hadn’t been able to take in all that the property had to offer. But in the light of day the view from the window seat in my room shows that there’s much to explore. The Rose compound resides on a vast amount of land. My bedroom overlooks the backside of the property, which includes a stunning pool and lush garden. I watch as landscapers below move about completing their various tasks for beautifying the land. In the distance, I can see men wearing all black riding golf carts on the edge of the property. Every so often they stop, getting out to investigate the wooded area. Michael’s explanation of the security level for this family wasn’t an exaggeration in the slightest. My father’s security measures were nowhere near this degree of strength ordetail. Of course, I had bodyguards for major events, but it wasn’t something he’d felt I needed all the time.

The thought of security brings a specific bodyguard to mind. I watch the ripples move across the clear water of the pool as I think about my conversation with Michael. He was forthcoming when I asked what made him give up his seat in heaven for employment with the Rose empire. There was no shame in his explanation for joining their ranks. The money allowed him to pay for his mother’s medication when she fell extremely ill. After she passed, he had no family or anyone else to lean on. It was easier for him to stick it out with the men he had grown close to. His story made me check my privilege and realize that maybe everyone here isn’t nefarious, that some people truly believe this is their only path to a comfortable life.

I know I’m a little more comfortable since Ashton elected for us not to share a bedroom. The relief is staggering. It fills me with hope that Ashton isn’t pretending this marriage is anything other than an arrangement neither of us wants. He very easily could’ve demanded that I share a bedroom with him, but he’s giving me space. Maybe he and I can make this situation work after all. Technically Ashton’s in the same predicament as me, being forced into a union to strengthen business ties. Surely, he would be open to a side deal within this arrangement. I save that thought for my conversation with him—whenever that actually happens. Last night during the ride over, he dismissed himself to the bedroom in the back of the plane and I didn’t see him again after we landed.

There’s a soft knock on my door, interrupting my thoughts. I glance down at my bathrobe, pulling both sides closer together. I wasn’t in a hurry to get dressed after my shower this morning, enjoying the time with myself. I take solace in the fact thatwhoever’s on the other side of the door is at least knocking instead of barging in.

“Come in,” I call out tentatively.

A woman probably in her mid-forties enters the room. She moves gracefully across the carpet, holding a cup of coffee and wearing a warm smile that puts me at ease.

“Good morning, Francesca. I’m Kathy Martin, the house manager here at the Rose compound.” Her voice is strong yet inviting.

Tightening the belt of my robe, I step forward, shaking her outstretched hand. Kathy wears a soft red lipstick that compliments her complexion. Her shoulder length curly hair is styled half up, half down, showing off high cheek bones as brown eyes assess me.

“Nice to meet you, Kathy,” I say, genuinely happy to find another welcoming presence. “What’s it take to get one of those?” I say, gesturing towards her cup.

“Come on downstairs to the kitchen when you’re ready and I’ll fix you a cup. We can talk through your needs and any allergies or dietary restrictions you may have. My job is to make sure you are settled here nicely.”

Ashton doesn’t strike me as the type to care anything about what I would like or need, but I won’t look a gift horse in the mouth. I know it’s beneficial to have the people who make this place operate like a well-oiled machine on my side.

“That sounds great! Give me –”

The rest of my thought catches in my throat when Michael appears behind her in the doorway. His eyes are taking me in and I’m doing just the same to him. I don’t mean to stare, but how is it possible that he is even more fine in the daylight? Kathy turns to see what’s caught my attention and smirks.