His Wicked Temptation

Chapter Three

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ètoile filante
(m.) shooting star

ROSABELLE

Okay, damn.

"Papa, what on earth?" I asked my dad over the phone, my jaw dropping as I took in the opulent decor of the lavish villa, with chandeliers and the interior layout nearly dazzling my eyes.

"Do you not like it?" Dad's voice held confusion. "Should I consider relocating your residence, cara?" I almost gasped at the suggestion. "No way," I shook my head emphatically, "I could happily stay here forever, If only provided a phone, Wi-Fi, and some food."

Truly, I'm not fortunate; It's fortune that needs me, and I'm not even joking.

This is the house I'll be staying in for the next four weeks. "I almost feel sorry for Rafe; poor man won't get to see or stay in such paradise," I sighed, knowing well that my brother would hear me from the other side.

And I was correct. His groan followed my comment, "I could literally fly over there right now if I wanted to, Rosie," he mocked, only to be interrupted by Rome, who reminded him of the work he needed to take care of.

A chuckle escaped my lips at their banter. Both of them were many years older than me, yet they behaved like children. Well, Rome was mature and responsible at least; Rafe was none of that. Not that I mind, though.

I favored my brothers equally.

"Calm down, princess. I'm not leaving either. I love you too much to let you ever miss me," he mused to Rome, only for the other man to scoff at him. "You're delusional for your own good. We wouldn't want my little brother to cry tears of blood when he accidentally finds out that the world doesn't give a damn about him, do we?"

"See? You care." Rafe exclaimed dramatically.

"My God," I laughed again, "Both of you are insane." I shook my head, still walking around the house and listening to their menacing words.

Then Dad spoke up, "Have you had breakfast, cara?"

"Yes, papa. Now, I'll go out to grab some coffee. There aren't enough ingredients here to make a single cup," I replied before plucking an apple from the fruit basket placed on the counter in front of me.

I took bites from the apple and continued answering his questions, also laughing at the jokes Rafe made and my other brother's dry sense of humor. It was fun until it was time for me to end the call.

Just as I placed my phone on the nightstand in my bedroom, another call interrupted my peace. But when I noticed that the caller was Ana, I decided to pick it up.

"Girl, I'm so sorry for yesterday," she said the moment I held the phone to my ear. I sighed, recalling the chaotic experience she had put me through yesterday.

Drunk people were the worst, and I believe it now.

"It's okay. I'll just make sure not to be near your vicinity when you're drunk." She laughed at that, her voice slightly hoarse, and I realized she had just woken up from her beauty sleep.

"So, tell me," she continued, "Did we make it home safely last night? I wasn't about to be arrested for any kind of treason, was I?"

"Thankfully, no. I would have left you on the street if you had caused any illegal scenes," I teased, earning another laugh from her. "Is that how you treat your friend after your wish to see me was granted after years of yearning?" she exclaimed, "Tsk tsk, Rosie. I expected better from you."