CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN: SOMETHING MOVES ROSE AMARA POV It is not desired to enter the residence oddly. Ethan forced changes into me with each stride I took, causing friction that I wished to think was terrible but not. We made a detour at the mall because I did not intend to let anyone see me without makeup or wearing some clothes.  Dirty clothes.  My hair is now wrapped back in a bun, with makeup, and wearing a short dark gray dress. Even a heavy foundation couldn't hide the hickey on my neck, which had turned dark blue, so I had to get a set of necklaces. When I approached Ethan outside, he gave me an irritated look. What right does he have to treat me that way after the excruciating pain he's giving me with the toy? "Something bothering you, Princess?" It takes everything I have not to whip around and slap him across the face to get rid of that arrogant tone. He is having a great time torturing me. "Away from me," he said. "No, that won't do. Remember, we got married yesterday." Why did I forget? My lips still tingle from his passionate kiss on me in front of everyone, as if claiming me in front of everyone has always been his goal, fate, and driving force. I tried to say nonchalantly, trying to break the chain of thoughts in my head, "Being married doesn't mean anything." 'You'll get used to it eventually, but just because you don't want it doesn't mean it doesn't have any importance to you. I know you. Rose." He taunts me while speaking so haughtily as if he foresees the future. I turn around, which stops us both. "You'll always be someone that turns into somebody. Don't think you're something because your father somehow decided to make you his son." He doesn't alter his appearance but pushes a hand into his pocket to stop it from doing something. 'Be careful, Princess, because I'll grab you by the throat the more you disrespect me." 'I don't fear you; you know." When I try to get away, he takes my hand and imprisons it in a grip that is impossible to release. His face moves closer to mine by a few inches. His expertly crafted mask begins to slip, and I glimpse his actual personality. He has blank eyes. Emptiness.  Nothing is scarier than a man who has nothing to lose. I'm currently gazing directly into someone's soul. "You should be," he replied, stabbing me right through the bones. "You should really, really be." We stared at one other in silence for hours while his words take effect. Ethan has always been able to seize my attention and confine it behind bars. He still has that effect on me seven years later, and what's worse is that he now comes across as stronger and harsher, as if this is his last blow. The connection is broken off with a throat clearing. Ethan releases his grip on my palm and snaps his perfect mask into place as I blink once. I take a backward step as if shocked, my heart thumping oddly. I must focus momentarily before seeing Father and Belle descend the stairs. She's beaming from ear to ear while switching between Ethan and me. She's been a hopeless romantic her entire life. I train my features as I join them and grasp Belle's hands. "Are you guys doing, okay?" She gives a stupid smile and says, "We're fine." "Tell me a little bit about you." I turned my attention to Father and said, "There's nothing to tell." "What happened after the attack ended? What were our casualties? Did we lose any men?" Father calls me by the nickname he would never use in front of other men because that would imply he was showing favoritism toward me, "One question at a time, My Rose." "Tell me." He points his head at Ethan and says, "Join me. You too." 'You'll tell me everything about the fun you had last night, okay?" Belle coos as she leans over and kisses his cheek. She laughs as she makes her way back up the steps. One of the guards gives Father access to the dining room, and the three of us enter. When we first arrive, the four rulers are engaged in a contentious argument. Hades is not to be found. Hades's absence is shocking because he always makes it a habit to attend meetings, and his absence raises questions. "Where's Hades?" I asked my father. He says to me, speaking quietly enough for the others to not hear, "He's taking care of the police procedures so that nothing falls back on us." "Quite a commotion was caused by the attack." Nathan criticizes Pakstan, "It's all because of your careless behavior." "Me?" Pakstan laughs. 'Sure, Nathan, let's put the burden of your incompetence on me." Thorn, King of the South, hurls his own, "You f*cked up. "You dragged us into a conflict we didn't need." 'This is a meeting, Thorn, not a useless meeting like you, so stop being a wuss." "One of my men died," Thorn snaps. 'Are you going to tell his mother what happened?" he added. "No, but I'll give her his f*cking honor medallion because he gave his life for his brothers." As he takes a swig from his vodka, Thorn adds, "Two of my men were hurt, too." In actuality, every man except Nathan had a drink before them. Things go south if they drink alcohol first thing in the morning. Pakstan smirks, "Oh, shut the f*ck up, old man. "Your men need to be reinforced." Thorn's face turns crimson with effort, "Are you saying my men are incompetent?" 'Yes, dealing with pussies made you one, right?" Thorn stands up, possibly to strike Pakstan, but Father's presence causes them to stop talking. "You f*cking—" He settles into his chair gradually and displays no emotion. I try to sit next to Pakstan, but Ethan intervenes and pulls the seat away, forcing me to sit beside Nathan. 'In an oblique response to the argument we saw, blaming each other won't bring any results. We assist our brothers in need because we are brothers," Father said. As Pakstan gives the other three a smug smile, the room is filled with murmurs and throat clearings. Nathan reports that Min Hao was shot yesterday. 'We should experiment with both," I said. Thorn makes a tongue click, 'Aren't you supposed to be on your honeymoon or something?" I grinned. "And let you ruin everything?" I chuckle to myself as Pakstan sniggers, and I give him a flattering look. Father asks, "Test the waters?" If we disprove our involvement, Min Hao will bring the entire Japanese arsenal because he believed we were responsible." "So will the Italians," Pakstan adds. "Especially now that they are aware of the threat from the British." Nathan reiterates my prior statement, "We should send high-ranking people to both camps." I said, "I'll meet with Min Hao." Holy. Hell. Something inside me moves, and my voice catches. The gadget is thumping.