Their Rose Petal

Chapter Nine

We all sat at the dinner table, some Chinese takeout sat in front of us. We watched a total of three movies before Eli decided he was starving, and Mateo ordered us some food. It was very peaceful, I learned a lot and I start to feel comfortable around them.

Our conversation is paused when Mateo's phone began to ring. He glances down, debating with himself to stand up and take it. My suspicion grows. He notices my raised eyebrow and answers it here at the table.

"This better be good," he grumbles, stabbing his chicken with his fork a little too aggressively. Big baby.

There are muffled voices on the other line, and Mateo listens carefully. "Tell that piece of shit he has until Sunday, I'm done playing these back and forth games with him. Do you understand?" His eyes narrow into slits, waiting for the other person to answer. "You will be picking it up, and if you don't have it by noon on Sunday that's your ass." He hangs up, and Elias looks at him.

"What happened?" Elias asks, his eyes glancing towards me as they proceed cautiously with their words.

"Romerez is playing footsy with the money he owes us. Says he needs another two weeks," Mateo states, taking a sip of his drink. There's a glint in his eyes that I haven't seen on him yet. Mischief and madness would be my guess, but I can't put my finger on it.

"He's had three weeks as it is, he's must've lost his damn mind," Elias says, finishing the last bite of his food. He shakes his head, clearly wanting to say more than he already has.

I just listen closely, trying to pick up what I can to understand what kind of business they run. "Three weeks is already three too many," Mateo pushes his plate away, symbolizing that he's full. I do the same. "You want to take a bath, princess?" He asks.

"I should probably get going soon, I'm sure you two are both busy. I don't want to overstay my welcome," I comment. I do feel like I've stayed a few hours too long, despite them not acting on my thoughts.

They both stare at me, a cretinous look plastered on their faces. "He asked if you want to take a bath, we have a large jacuzzi tub one of the master bedrooms," one of the master bedrooms? Good lord. "We are both taking the night off, and were hoping to spend it with you. Now if you have plans, we understand and we can take you to your car." Something in Elias' voice tells me that it's a command presented as a question.

I reluctantly agree, still uneasy with my decision. Elias heads up the stairs and I stand to start cleaning up the mess from dinner. "I've got it," Mateo stands.

"You've bought me two meals today, the least I can do is clean up the mess," I debate. I've never been catered to, if that's what one would call it even if it simple and minor. To me, it's untouched territory.

He leans down, placing a small kiss to my lips. "I said I've got it." He mumbles. I sit there in silence, watching him move so smoothly. His back muscles flex with each movement. I've always found broad shoulders to be attractive, and both Mateo and Elias both have them.

Elias comes back down, motioning Mateo us to follow him. The house just keeps getting better, more beautiful with every step. We walk in to the bedroom, and it's almost as big as my entire apartment. I follow him into the bathroom, and he's right. The bathtub is huge, and the jets are already started. Bubbles float on top of the water. Elias turns me to face me, lifting the shirt above my head. He moves my long hair from my face, placing a small kiss on my cheek before holding my hand while I get into the bath. It is warm, relaxing my body head to toe. I sigh in relief, any stress that I was holding onto suddenly rolls off of me with ease.

"Enjoy yourself, I'll get some clothes and a towel for you," Elias says, walking out of the room.

I'm proud of myself, letting my mind and body enjoy the presence of two very intimidating men. But, they aren't that when they're around me. They're so sweet, and they both coddle me. I don't understand what I did deserve this time I've got with them, but I'm grateful either way. I wonder what their goal is. They aren't staying in Virginia forever. I can't catch feelings, I can't become attached. I fear the idea of my emotions being involved. I have to protect my heart at all cost. I lost my sanity after my last relationship, and it's taken a long time for me to stand on two feet again.