Blood for my Rose |• Crimson Rose series✔️

Prologue

In a world devoid of miracles, Riley wouldn't have found himself transfixed by the sight of the girl who had occupied his thoughts for the entirety of his final weeks at college. Despite her obscured eyes and altered appearance, she bore an uncanny resemblance to the object of his fixation. As she approached the bar's patio where he sat, disbelief seized him, compelling him to don his sunglasses for a clearer view, questioning the validity of his senses.

The improbability of her presence in this part of town gnawed at him. Her university lay a two-hour journey away, and her steadfast dedication to her studies made a spontaneous trip seem inconceivable. What could possibly draw her to this city?

They say the key to charming women lies in praising their beauty and intellect, but such flattery seemed ill-suited for this enigmatic woman. Her demeanor remained stoic, her countenance seldom betraying emotion. She commanded respect with an authoritative voice that silenced all dissent. Yet, it was her regal stride that captivated onlookers, a testament to her privileged upbringing.

Despite Riley's initial assumptions based on her Italian heritage, his curiosity about her persisted even three years after college. He yearned to unravel the mysteries beyond her physical attributes—her ash-blond hair, elegantly arched brows, and slender yet curvaceous frame.

Summoning the courage to approach her, he found himself drawn to inquire about her name, though he already knew it. With a bold invitation, he extended an offer for her to join him for a drink—a proposition she surprisingly accepted.

As the evening unfolded, Riley discovered a warmth and depth to her character that defied her initial aloof facade. Contrary to her cool exterior, she exuded a genuine friendliness and possessed a wealth of knowledge waiting to be shared.

Their encounter evolved into something far more intimate than Riley had anticipated. What began as a simple drink led to nights spent intertwined in passion, with her presence lingering in his apartment for days on end. From breakfast to late-night conversations fueled by wine, their connection deepened in ways both unexpected and exhilarating—a beautifully strange phenomenon that that resisted all attempts at understanding.

They couldn't bear to be apart for more than a fleeting moment throughout her stay. While he toiled away at home, she gleefully skipped her classes, relishing in their shared closeness as much as their passionate encounters.

Their connection didn't spark with the immediacy of love at first sight. Riley wasn't one to hastily dive into love simply because she stirred him, and Rose was wise enough not to confuse intimacy for affectionate words alone.

Riley embarked on a journey of discovery, seeing Rose as a complex puzzle waiting to be solved. He sought to unveil her true self, realizing she grappled with her own identity and faced misconceptions from those around her.

With each passing day, his love for her deepened, yearning for her weekend visits and dreading the Mondays that pulled them apart.

On the flip side, this woman exuded spontaneity. She admired and revered Riley, viewing him as a source of inspiration, as he poured himself into his work with a dedication that both thrilled and captivated her. She yearned to emulate his drive and determination, finding herself skipping her crucial Friday classes in anticipation of witnessing him, shirtless, absorbed in his work at his desk.

As their weekends together grew shorter, their desire for each other only intensified, until they found themselves unable to satiate their hunger for one another. However, their bliss was momentarily disrupted when he broached the topic of cohabitation.

Without a moment's hesitation, she embraced the idea wholeheartedly, swiftly relocating her belongings the following weekend to navigate the logistical challenges of straddling two cities each day. For her, the inconvenience was a small price to pay for the chance to be by his side. He was more than worth it.

Four years prior to these events, Rose found herself at a crossroads in life. Unconcerned with whether it was the right or wrong path, she embraced the journey that led her—a fiercely determined Italian—to the pinnacle of American academia, studying Biomedical Technology. Despite her academic achievements, her family's traditional values placed little importance on her accomplishments. As the lone female among six siblings, her position as the fifth child carried little significance. While her brothers dutifully followed in their father's footsteps, Rose sought purpose beyond familial expectations, ultimately finding herself ensconced in Riley's embrace.

Their journey to cohabitation spanned three years and several months from their initial encounter, a testament to the unpredictable nature of fate. Yet, despite the uncertainty, their relationship inexorably marched toward a shared future—a future Rose eagerly anticipated.

Meanwhile, Riley, a technologist immersed in the world of hacking and tracking for an intelligence agency, harbored aspirations of reaching new heights professionally and solidifying his bond with Rose. With each passing day, their connection deepened, propelling them toward a future brimming with possibility.

For what felt like an eternity, life with love was an idyllic dream they never wanted to wake from. The first seven months of their relationship were a blissful symphony of perfection, each moment a pure proof to their shared joy and affection. But then, like a sudden storm on a tranquil sea, everything changed.