Rosie White, an Art History student working to achieve her life goal of becoming a sought-after local artist. She pours her heart and soul into her art and dreams of falling in love. After Rosie lost her grandma, and with no parents in sight, she se...
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When I returned home Thursday after my day in the studio at uni, I bumped into James just as he was coming out of the apartment building.
"Ah Rosie, good timing. I've just finished," He smiles.
"James, oh great. Thank you," I reply.
"I've explained everything to Milly," He replies, throwing his hand over his shoulder. "She can explain the new system, there's better locks and an alarm now which you should have set even if you're in the apartment."
I nod and return the smile. "Thank you so much for doing this, James."
"Don't worry about it, it's what I do," He shrugs.
"Well thank you, please tell Olivia that I will message her about meeting up for a coffee soon, I've just had a busy few weeks is all."
"She told me about the photos, not going to lie to you Rosie, she made me promise her that if I saw you today I'd ask how things were going between you and Carlson. Not really my business, but don't get on the wrong side of a pregnant lady that's for sure."
Laughing I reply, "Tell her I'll message her tonight and I can give her all the gossip over a latte."
He nods his head, "Great. Keep safe Rosie, give me a call if you need anything."
I wave goodbye as I make my way inside. Checking my post boxes, nothing, thank heavens. I make my way up to the apartment.
I'm tired, I've hardly slept a wink this week. My mind consumed by the thoughts of Alex, how so right it feels being with him. Yet, the threats are still looming over my head.
When I enter the apartment, Milly is standing over the oven hob, stirring a wonderful smelling sauce.
My stomach rumbles at the smell and Milly laughs. "It will be twenty minutes; I just need to let it heat through and cook some pasta."
"That smells so good Mills. How was your day?" I ask, plopping myself onto the sofa and grabbing the blanket perched across the back.
"Good, took the boys to school this morning and then helped Bella around the house. She's full of cold and I said I'd clean up the toy room and the boy's rooms as her cleaner doesn't come till Sunday. She's been on my back about you and Alex you know, wants to know the gossip."
I huff out a laugh, "Seems everyone does."
"You ready to go back to work tomorrow?" She asks.
"Yeah, why wouldn't I be."
"Just after what happened last weekend, you sure you're feeling up to it?" She replies.
Sighing I reply, "Mills I'm fine. I need the money so yes I'm ready, Elijah has been texting me this week demanding I tell him if I don't want to come in, honestly I just want to go back to normal."
Milly nods though her words contradict her actions, "Since when has anything ever been normal?"
"Right," I whisper, pulling my blanket over my shoulders.
***
Friday Night
Walking into the bar area I walk into Elijah's open arms and allow him to half-squeeze the life out of me.
"I'm so glad you're okay sweety, you scared me to death," Elijah speaks over the music.
I wrap my arms around him, "Thank El, I'm good, honestly."
"If you need anything-"
I hold my hand up, "I'm. Good."
He smiles back at me, "Okay okay. Boss wants to see you," He replies, smirking.
Sighing I nod before making my way out of the bar and to the stairs.
I can't keep on with this back and forth, I need to try my best to walk away from it. No matter how much it hurts. I need to take control and settle my mind and body on the same path.
I knock on Alex's office door before entering.
He flicks his gaze to mine, the light only coming from his desk lamp and the slight flicker from the club behind him makes him look so powerful, so sexy, so dreamy.
Damn him for messing with my mind.
"Rosie?"
When I glance back, he's frowning.
"What?" I ask.
"Stop daydreaming and come here," He smirks.
"Oh," I reply, moving forward towards his desk, my cheeks heating.
When I get to the edge of his desk I fidget on the spot as I wait for him to talk, under his intense scrutiny I can't focus.
"You wanted to see me?" I ask, raising my eyebrow.
He nods, leaning back in his seat, running his palm over his stubble. Still, he remains silent.
"Alex? I have work to do, what did you want?"
His lips tip at the sides, "To see you."
Huffing I cross my arms over my chest, not my best move as I watch Alex's gaze settle on my now enhanced curves. "I'm here, what did you need."
"I didn't need anything, I just wanted to see you," His eyes meet mine and the smirk morphs across his face. "I've missed you, I wanted to see you."
"Seriously, Alex," I shake my head. "You want to stare at a woman's body go look at one of the dancers."
I turn on my heel, making my quick exit to the door.
I only get two steps away before I'm swiftly turned around and pulled back into a broad chest.
"Alex!" I screech.
"You know I didn't mean it like that," He whispers, leaning down. His palms settle on my hips, needing and squeezing sending heat through my core.
"Alex, how many times do I have to tell you. We can't do this, you're not listening to me," I reply, pushing his hands off me as I step back.
My heart constricts at the sight on his face.
"Why are you always pushing this away Rosie? You should know by now I won't give up."
Shaking my head, I take another step back. "I'm serious Alexander-"
"Alex." He mumbles.
"This is enough, you want to talk to me then come down to the club, unless it's important I don't want to do this. We're not together, you're my boss and that's it."
My mouth dries as the words fall off my lips, the physical pain in my chest making me breathless.
"Rosie? If this is about what I said, I didn't mean it to be any offence, please-"
"It's what's right Alex," I whisper.
I'm done treading on thin ice. This can't happen.
I breathe in a deep breath. "I'm done with this Alex, stop controlling my life, you can't have me, and I don't want to give myself to you."
I turn before he can see the first tear hitting my cheek.
Palming my chest, I exit the office and make my way downstairs. Is this broken heart syndrome?
"No, it's Rosie White's shitty life," I whisper to myself as I make my way down the stairs.
If only he knew the truth. If only he knew I was his, just as he is mine.
