Turning my head, I look toward the sound but no one appears. My nose scrunches in confusion before I return my gaze to the stage.
Liam is holding up his arm when the scent of spiced, smoked brandy fills my nostrils.
“There’s my forever girl.”
My eyes flick up, and I take my first real breath of the night. “Rowan,” I murmur, turning to level him with a glare.
“I can’t believe you assholes didn’t tell me you chipped Samantha,” I yell, mostly in relief, but rage is mixed in. My heart stopped and started in the span of twenty seconds.
“In our defense, it would only work if she didn’t get someone else to make the tech,” Liam mumbles, and my pupils double in size.
I massage my temples before I glare at him. Between the ringing in my ears from an exploding Samantha and my loud shrieks, my head is throbbing.
Liam, at least, has the sense to look remorseful. Not Rowan, though. That stupid fucker arches his brow in challenge, and I know what will come out of his stupid mouth before it opens.
“I did what I had to do.” I mimic him as he speaks.
“That’s right, asshat. I know your lines,” I quip. “I’m going to tattoo it to your forehead in your sleep.”
Throwing his hands up, Rowan says, “I know. I know. I’m late. I was completing a very important mission.”
My brow arches, “What could’ve been more important than this?”
Rowan’s lips curl into a Cheshire Cat smile. “You’ll just have to wait and find out.”
I huff, covering up my amused expression, but he’s already seen it. I’m just so grateful he’s here and not in the million pieces that cunt blew herself into.
I’m buying Karma a Christmas gift. That bitch came in clutch.
His mother shakes her head. “Rowaniel Calloway. Better late than never, son. Please step forward.”
Rowan takes his pledge, and I’m called on stage. I begin my pledge. It’s the same as theirs except for one line. “I, Emma Elaine Bradford, pledge to uphold the requirements as the Princep in the highest regard. I will do my due diligence to fulfill this position’s roles and responsibilities until my time as Princep is complete.”
I’m handed a towel, “Bite,” the man grunts, and I do as instructed. I inhale, hoping to stem some of the pain, but nothing can prepare you for hot iron touching your skin. The towel muffles my shrill cries, and the initial pain is thankfully over nearly as quickly as it started.
The man immediately applies Aloe Vera on my arm and then covers it. “This is a non-stick bandage. You’ll need to change this out and wear a bandage until your skin starts to crust over. No petroleum-based products, and don’t pick any scabs.”
I nod, then stand with the guys. “Did anyone see theirs before it was covered up?” I ask.
“It’s the NOS emblem sans words. My guess is the tattoo will be the words,” August replies.
“Makes sense,” I hum. A lock snicks, and I turn to see we’re alone. “Where did they go?”
I spin back around to see five men kneeling before me. My mouth drops open.
“Emma Elaine Bradford,” Rowan begins, holding a perfectly simple, flawless princess-cut diamond engagement ring.
I feel tears prick my eyes. “What are you-” I can’t even finish. I’m in complete shock.
“The day you stepped foot in Calloway, our worlds changed in the best of ways,” Liam adds, holding my hand.
“Some of us fought more than others, but our paths met at the time and spot they were meant to,” Sebastian declares.
The tears I was holding fall, rolling down my cheeks.
Standing, Karl wipes my face, kissing them away. “We never want to exist in a world where you aren’t.”
“And we won’t,” August exclaims as the rest of them rise to their feet. “You know we won’t say all the flowery things because no isn’t an option here.”
I snort. “You all are always so romantic.”
Rowan places the ring on my finger, pushing it on. “I thought we already established that you don’t want roses and chocolates.” He grips my neck, running his thumb along its column. “You want throat necklaces and dirty fucks.”
A throat clears, but Rowan doesn’t move. “It’s time for the meeting to begin,” Tamara announces, and I want to stab the woman.
Releasing me, Rowan bends and whispers. “And dirty fucks are what you’ll get for the rest of your life.” Then, he walks away, leaving me equal parts turned on and frustrated.
EPILOGUE
LIAM
Three years later…
“Iswear you two better get over here,” Emma groans, and I hear the joint laughter of the twins.
“Looks like packing for our honeymoon is going smashingly,” I mutter, and the guys laugh.
Rowan joins me, leaning against the wall as Zoey and Aidan come barreling through the hallway.
Sebastian and August scoop them up, then bring them to the couch. They’re covered in chocolate, and I can guess what they’ve gotten into.
“What have you two been up to?” I inquire.
“I’ll tell you what they’ve been up to.” Emma holds up the empty bag of Halloween candy.
Rowan shoots off the wall and engulfs Emma in a hug while I signal for Karl to bring a warm rag to Sebastian and August so they can get rid of the evidence.
New Book: Back Home to Marry Off Myself
Loredana’s father left the family for his mistress, leaving them to fend for themselves abroad. When life was at its toughest, her father showed up with “good news” after 8 years of absence: To marry off Loredana to a paralyzed son of the wealthy Mendelsohn family.