The Rose He Killed novel Chapter 90

Chapter 81: The Dance

Bella pov

+25 Points

The song was ending, our dance almost over, and I knew I should step away. But his arms were strong and warm around me, his scent was drowning me, and for just a moment, I let myself imagine what it would be like to give in. To let him kiss me in front of everyone, claim me publicly, make it real.

The fantasy was dangerous and tempting and completely impossible. “Thank you for the dance,” I said as the music stopped, stepping back.

His arms loosened but didn’t release me entirely. “Bella”

“May I?” A smooth voice interrupted.

We both turned to find Ethan standing there, hand extended, asking the question that would change everything.”May I have this dance?”

I looked at Caleb, saw the jealousy flash, in his eyes, the way his jaw clenched. He was territorial and possessive and I should have hated it.

Instead, some petty part of me wanted to see what he’d do.

“Of course,” I said, taking Ethan’s hand.

Caleb’s expression darkened. “Bella”

“It’s just a dance.” I let Ethan lead me away, felt Caleb’s eyes burning into my back.

Ethan’s hold was different-polite, respectful, maintaining appropriate distance. Where Caleb had pulled me close, Ethan kept space between us. Where Caleb had been all heat and possession, Ethan was warmth and safety.

“I hope I didn’t cause problems,” Ethan said as we moved to the music.

“No, it’s fine.” I glanced over to see Caleb standing at the edge of the dance floor, watching us with an intensity that made my skin prickle.

“He looks like he wants to murder me.” Ethan followed my gaze. “Should I be worried?””

“Caleb’s harmless.”

“I don’t think any man who looks at a woman the way he looks at you is harmless.” Ethan smiled. “But that’s not my business. Bella, I wanted to ask you something.”

“What’s that?”

“Have dinner with me.” His eyes were sincere. “No business, no networking, just the two of us getting to know each other. A real date.”

The request hung there, simple and dangerous. Ethan was attractive, successful, kind-everything I should want. Dating him would be safe, uncomplicated, free of the baggage that came with Caleb.

“Ethan, I’m flattered, but”

13

Chva, te Le Dar

25 Pointe

Before you say no, just think about it. He spun me gently. “I’m not asking for forever, just dinner. One evening where you’re not the Iron Empress or Tom’s mother or Caleb Black’s complicated co-parent. Just Bella, having a nice time with someone who thinks she’s remarkable.”

I looked at him, really tooked, and saw genuine interest. He wasn’t playing games, wasn’t trying to manipulate, just a man asking a woman on a date.

“Okay,” I said before I could change my mind. “One dinner.”

His smile was brilliant. “Really?”

“Really. But just dinner, no expectations.”

“Just dinner,” he agreed. “I’ll call you next week to set it up.”

The song ended and Ethan led me back to my table where Caleb waited, his expression carefully neutral.

“Thank you for the dance, Bella.” Ethan nodded to Caleb. “Black.”

After he left, I sat down beside Caleb, acutely aware of his tension.

“What did he say to you?” Caleb’s voice was tight.

“He asked me to dinner.”

“And?”

“And I said yes.”

The words dropped between us like a bomb. Caleb went completely still, his hand clenching around his wine glass.

“You said yes,” he repeated carefully.

“It’s just dinner, Caleb. No different than the business dinners I have all the time.”

“Bullshit.” His eyes flashed. “That wasn’t a business invitation, and you know it.”

“So what if it wasn’t?” I met his gaze. “You don’t own me. We’re not together. I’m allowed to have dinner with whoever I want.”

“Are you trying to make me jealous?” His voice was low, dangerous. “Because it’s working.”

“I’m trying to move on.” The lie tasted bitter. “You keep pushing for something I can’t give you. Maybe it’s time I found someone I actually can be with.”

“You don’t want Pierce.” Caleb leaned closer, his voice dropping to a whisper only I could hear. “You want me. I heard you last night, Bella. In your room, i heard everything.”

My blood ran cold. “What?”

“I came back to check on you after you left the kitchen.” His grey eyes burned into mine. “I stood outside your door, debating whether to knock. And I heard you, heard the way you were breathing, heard what you were doing.”

23

Chapter 81 Dance

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