Page 117 of Bittersweet Revenge

She put her hand on the doorknob. “Maybe we should–”

“Oh, no you don’t!” I grabbed her hand to stop her from opening the door. “This is definitely not something either of us want to be meddling in.”

“But–”

“Trust me, I know your brother. They need to let it out. Shout and release all their pent-up anger.” I shrugged. “It’s been a long time coming.”

She sighed, throwing a last look to the door. “Fine, I just hope you’re right.”

“I am,” I affirmed much more confidently than I felt. “Let’s concentrate on us now, okay?” I asked as we walked into our room.

“Okay, fine.” She stood in front of the door. “Now strip,” she commanded.

I raised an eyebrow. “And why would I do that?” I asked teasingly, already starting to undo my shirt.

“Because you owe me one for the pre-wedding party,” she grinned.

I pretended to ponder that. “I suppose you’re right. A promise is a promise.”

I removed my shirt. As expected, she noticed the new tattoo straight away. She was so aware of me, inside and out. She knew me like no one else - my dark corners, weaknesses, exposed nerves and all. Yet, she still loved me without restriction. How did I get so lucky? I wasn't sure.

“New one?” she asked, coming to stand closer to me. She rested her slender, delicate hand over my racing heart and the still-raw new tattoo.

“Yes, I had it done last week.”

I rested my hand over hers. It felt like every time she was near me, I had to touch her one way or another. I realized it had started way before I’d realized it. She was a magnet, the sun I was orbiting around.

“Why a compass?” she asked, cocking her head to the side. “And I’m sorry to say, but the tattoo artist made a mistake.”

“How is that?” I asked, not able to contain my smile. My girl was all in the details.

She moved her hand and brushed the top. “This is North, but he put East instead.”

“Did he?” I asked, playing along.

She nodded. “Yes there is an ‘E’ instead of an ‘N’.” She looked up and smiled. “Don't worry. It can be fixed. And it’s so tiny, nobody else will notice it because if anyone tries to look that closely at your chest, I’ll knock them out.”

I chuckled, grabbing the back of her neck and pulling her into a kiss. My girl had a possessive, jealous streak and I loved it. She was silly to think I could even be interested in anyone else, but it felt nice to see my kitten - No, my lioness, get her claws out.

“It was not a mistake, Esmeralda, my love. E is my north.Youare my north, my moral compass, my northern star in the dark sky. You’re the only one able to bring me back from whatever dark corner I sink into.”

“And when I thought you could not get any more romantic,” she sighed, brushing her lips on my tattoo. “I love you so much, it’s surreal.” She reached for my belt and I thanked God she was taking the lead. But then the door slammed open to reveal a furious Archibald.

His pants were not fully buttoned. His shirt was open. His hair was in complete disarray.At least someone got laid,I thought darkly.

“She is leaving?!” he asked Esmeralda as she took in his attire with concern and a hint of disgust.

“You just had sex?” she asked horrified, her mouth tipping downward now.

“Gross to think about your sibling getting laid, isn’t it?” He scoffed. “Well imagine how I feel every day looking at you two.”

“Archibald, maybe this can wait 'til tomorrow? Please?” I was not above begging at this point.

He took a look at my state of undress. Turning to Esmeralda again, his anger faded, replaced by weariness. “She is leaving,” he repeated to her. “Did you know?”

Esmeralda took a step back, resting her back against my chest. “No, I knew she was in the selection process, but nothing was sure and she didn’t know yet what she would do.”

He ran a hand through his hair. “England, she’s going to England.” He shook his head. “She gave me her virginity tonight and now she is leaving me.”

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