The Rose He Killed novel Chapter 27

Chapter 27:Composing Herself

Bella pov

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I walked away before she could respond, my composure intact but my heart racing. Victoria Lane and Caleb. Of course. A beautiful socialite with connections and no moral compass, exactly his type. Not that I cared. I absolutely did not care.

“Bella.” Ethan appeared at my elbow, his timing impeccable as always. “You look like you could use a drink.”

“I could use several drinks.” I accepted the champagne he offered and took a long sip. “Thank you.”

“Victoria Lane is a snake,” he said casually, his eyes following her as she made her way across the room. “She’s been trying to get her claws into Caleb Black for months. Throwing herself at him at every opportunity.”

“That’s none of my business.” I kept my voice light and disinterested. “Caleb Black can date whoever he wants.”

“Can he?” Ethan studied me with those perceptive hazel eyes. “Because you look like you want to throw that champagne in someone’s face right now.”

I forced myself to relax my grip on the glass. “I’m fine. Just tired of networking.”

“Then let’s not network.” He offered his arm. “Dance with me instead. No business talk, no strategic conversations. Just dancing.”

I hesitated, but dancing with Ethan seemed safer than standing here watching Victoria Lane flirt with Caleb across the room. “Alright. One dance.”

He led me to the small dance floor where a few couples were already swaying to the live band’s music. His hand settled on my waist, warm and steady, and we began to move together.

“You’re very good at hiding,” Ethan said after a moment.

“Hiding what?”

す

“Whatever’s hurting you.” He spun me gently, and when I came back to face him, his expression was serious. “You can smile and network and play the Ice Queen all you want, Bella, but I see through it. Something happened yesterday after your speech. Something that shook you.”

“I’m fine,” I said automatically.

“You keep saying that. I’m starting to think you’re trying to convince yourself more than me.” His hand tightened slightly on my waist, not possessive, just comforting. “You don’t have to tell me what’s wrong. But you also don’t have to pretend you’re made of ice. Not with me.”

I looked up at him, this kind man who wanted nothing more than to help, and felt something crack in my chest. Ethan was safe. Ethan wouldn’t hurt me. Ethan looked at me like I was something precious instead of something to be discarded.”Thank you,” I said softly. “For being patient with me.”

“I told you, I’m very patient.” He smiled, gentle and understanding. “And Bella? Whenever you’re ready,

1/3

Chapter 21 Compasing Herself

whatever you need, I’m here. No pressure, no expectations. Just here.”

+25 Points>

We continued dancing, and I let myself relax slightly into his embrace. This was nice. Safe. Comfortable. Everything Caleb had never been.

I was so focused on not thinking about Caleb that I didn’t notice him approaching until he was standing directly beside us.

“Bella.” His voice was tight, controlled. “May I cut in?”

Every muscle in my body went rigid. Ethan felt it and pulled back slightly, looking between us with raised eyebrows. “I don’t think that’s a good idea,” Ethan said carefully.

“I wasn’t asking you, Pierce.” Caleb’s grey eyes never left my face. “Bella, please, one dance. That’s all I’m asking.”

I should say no. I should walk away, maintain my dignity, show him he couldn’t just demand my time after everything he’d done. But there were dozens of people watching us now, waiting to see how this confrontation would play out.

And I refused to look weak in front of an audience.”One dance,” I said coldly, stepping away from Ethan. “And then you leave me alone for the rest of the evening.”

Ethan looked like he wanted to argue, but I gave him a subtle shake of my head. He stepped back reluctantly, his jaw tight.

Caleb’s hand settled on my waist, and I had to fight not to flinch at his touch. It had been years since he’d touched me, and my body remembered despite my mind’s protests. His other hand took mine, and we began to move to the music.

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