Page 54 of Roque

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

WHISPERS FOLLOWED ME WHEREVER I went. I was a persona non grata before. The freak with the blue hair and tit-less body. Ever since the Prince of Princeton has been showing up after school practically every day to escort me home, I’m high school royalty. The freak turned princess.

But little did they know I was born to be a queen. My heart did flip-flops in my chest. He’s here again. Waiting for me.

“Hi,” I smiled, hesitantly. Part of me was still afraid of the intensity between us. So many times, it had been on the tip of my tongue to tell him who I was: The girl from Palermo. The girl who teased him to become a man. Well, he’s all man now. His arms came around me as he scanned the area for threats.

His warm lips brushed the top of my head as he opened the passenger door of his SUV and ushered me in.

Instead of taking me to the gym to work out together as we’ve been doing, he pulled down Main Street and parallel parked in front of a fancy boutique.

“What’s this?”

“I’m taking you dress shopping.”

My head whipped around. “The fuck you are. I hate dresses and dances.”

He smirked. “So, do I. But you are going. Correction we are going to Homecoming.”

“I’m not doing Pretty Woman with you.” My mouth puckered like I’m sucking on a lemon.”

He laughed and the sound caught me off guard. Who is this man? High school dances and romance are things that don’t go with Roque Salvatore. Or do they?

Rolling my eyes, I took his outstretched hand and let him lead me into the shop. The bell rungs as we entered. A woman brightly called out hello as she rounded the counter and stopped. Her mouth hung open. Her eyes went wide at barley five-foot two me in wedge sneakers holding his hand.

“Can I help you get something for your ah, sister?’

“Yes. My uh, twisted sister needs a dress.” He pulled me flush to his front. My ass cradled his thighs. His index finger dipped down into the front of my shirt between my breastbone in a long, slow, sensual caress. My knees went weak. Hers went dreamy. And I sure as shit knew we were both hot for him. But he’s mine. Only mine. My beautiful fucked up monster only breathed for me. And I for him.

Together, the two fucked-up kingpin kids could find their way together? Right?

I smacked myself in the head for thinking such sappy as shit thoughts. He reduced me from the badass blue-haired girl, to a pathetic love-sick one.

The saleswoman’s eyes glazed over but at the tic in Roque’s jaw she turned and started grabbing dresses.

“No.” I shook my head at the sleeveless sequined thing. “That looks like a leftover from a bad eighties music video.”

“Were you even alive in the eighties?” She snapped under her breath.

Roque’s attention was on the lacey bra and panty sets. I rolled my eyes. “Nope.”

He grinned wickedly. “Yes…”

“Keep dreaming.” I taunted, then turned away as I spotted the most perfect dress. It’s silk or satin and the same color of my hair. Bright Blue.

“That one,” I pointed.

Roque’s laugh tickled the back of my neck. “It’s perfect.” He swept my hair to the side and kissed my nape. My nipples hardened to points under my shirt.

I gasped as his teeth nipped my ear. Maybe I should throw in the bra and panty set after all…

***

He held me close as we swayed in the gym. Fairy lights hung in swoops overhead. Who knew a high school dance could be so romantic? My palm pressed against his heart. Thump. Thump. Thump.

My blue hair fell like a curtain as he tipped my chin and kissed me slow and deep in front of the whole school.

I sighed and opened my mouth wider. He tamed my vengeful heart. I wanted to tell him tonight before things went too far between us. I wanted him to want both of us—the girl he threw away and the woman I’m becoming.

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