The Rose He Killed novel Chapter 88

Chapter 79: The Gala

Bella POV

+25 Points

The morning after was awkward in ways I couldn’t have predicted. I avoided Caleb at breakfast, couldn’t meet his eyes, kept remembering what I’d done last night while thinking about him.

If he noticed my discomfort, he didn’t mention it. He just made Tom pancakes and asked about my day like everything was normal.

Maybe for him it was. He didn’t know what I’d done, didn’t know I’d touched myself while moaning his name. Thank god for small mercies.

“Don’t forget about the gala tonight,” Caleb said as I gathered my laptop for the day’s meetings.

I’d completely forgotten. The annual Children’s Hospital charity gala, one of the biggest social events of the season. I’d purchased a table months ago as Hart Worldwide, back when I thought I’d be attending

alone.

“I remember,” I lied. “Tom’s staying with Maya?”

“Already arranged.” Caleb poured more coffee. “We should probably coordinate, the media will be watching to see if we arrive together.”

“Right, united front.” I hated how much sense that made. “What time?”

“Car’s coming at seven. The gala starts at eight but there’s a VIP reception at seven-thirty.”

After a day of back-to-back meetings about the Hart Industries restructuring, I barely had time to shower before Maya arrived with a garment bag.

“What’s that?” I asked.

“Your dress for tonight.” Maya hung it on my door. “I took the liberty of shopping for you since you’ve been a little distracted lately.”

“I have a dress.”

す

“You have a black dress you wear to every event because it’s safe.” Maya unzipped the bag. “Tonight you’re wearing this.”

The dress was red. Not a subtle burgundy or a muted wine, but a bold, brilliant crimson that demanded

attention.

“I can’t wear that,” I said immediately.

“You absolutely can and will.” Maya pulled it out fully. “Bella, you just took over your father’s company, destroyed everyone who tried to hurt you, and proved you’re the most powerful woman in this city. Dress

like it.”

The gown was stunning, I’d give her that. A fitted bodice with a sweetheart neckline, a slit up the left thigh, and a back that plunged dangerously low.

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Chapter 79. The Gala

“This is too much.”

+25 Points

“This is exactly enough.” Maya laid it on the bed. “Trust me, when Caleb sees you in this, he’s going to lose

his mind.”

“I’m not trying to make Caleb lose his mind.”

“Why not?” Maya raised an eyebrow. “You’re clearly driving yourself crazy trying not to want him. Might as well take him down with you.”

I wanted to argue, but she had a point. If I was going to suffer through this attraction, Caleb could suffer too. “Fine, but if this backfires, I’m blaming you.”

Maya helped me into the dress, styled my hair in soft waves that fell over one shoulder, and did my makeup more dramatic than I usually wore it.

When I looked in the mirror, I barely recognized myself. The woman staring back was powerful and sensual, all red lips and smoky eyes and dangerous curves.

“Perfect,” Maya declared. “Now put on these shoes and go destroy him.”

The shoes were Louboutin heels, red-soled and impossibly high. I was still trying to walk in them when Caleb knocked on my door.

“Bella, the car’s here” He stopped mid-sentence when I opened the door.

I watched his eyes travel from my shoes up the slit in my dress, over the fitted bodice, to my face. His jaw clenched, his hands fisted at his sides, and something dark and hungry flashed in his grey eyes.

“You look” He stopped, seeming to struggle for words. “I don’t have words for how you look.”

“Is that good or bad?” I asked, even though his reaction told me everything.

“Dangerous,” he said finally. “You look absolutely dangerous.”

He was wearing a classic tuxedo that fit him perfectly, making his shoulders look impossibly broad and his grey eyes even more striking. His hair was styled back, showing off his sharp cheekbones and strong jaw.

We looked like we belonged together. Power couple, the media would call us. The billionaire and his

empress.

The thought made my chest tight. “We should go,” I said, grabbing my clutch. “Maya, thanks for watching Tom.”

“Have fun, you two.” Maya’s smile was knowing. “And Bella? Remember what I said about living a little.”

The car ride was silent, both of us hyperaware of the other in the small space. Caleb’s cologne filled the air, making it hard to think, and every time the car turned, my thigh pressed against his through the slit in my dress.

“You really do look breathtaking,” he said finally. “I know I already said it, but I need you to know. That dress, the way you’re wearing it, you’re going to stop traffic tonight.”

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Chapter 72 The Gala

+25 Points

“That’s the idea.” I kept my eyes forward. “Maya said to dress like the woman who destroyed Richard Hart.”

“You are that woman.” His voice was quiet but fierce. “You’re the strongest person I know, Bella. You built an empire from nothing raised an incredible son alone, and took down everyone who tried to hurt you. You’re magnificent.

The words settled over me, warm and dangerous. “You can’t say things like that.”

“Why not? It’s true.”

“Because it makes me forget why I’m supposed to keep distance.” I finally looked at him. “You keep doing this, Caleb. Saying things that make me want to believe you’ve changed, that this could actually work.”

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