Remorse (Rhodes #0.5) - Rina Kent Page 0,3

to hell with my fairy tale. My dad is more important.

Sophie set me up for a dinner date in a hotel restaurant with tame piano music. I smooth my knee-length pencil skirt and fix my white shirt as I sit down. I even put extra care to my makeup and released my hair, letting it fall to my shoulders in golden waves.

I have to be serious about this.

My date, Thomas, is a few years older, and quite handsome. He’s not a mummy’s boy and he has no problem meeting my gaze. Besides, he’s genuinely interested in my father’s company.

However, all I keep thinking about is dark, haunting eyes prying into my secrets. A shudder runs through me at the mere recollection of Arthur’s firm lips claiming mine. His strong arms caging me against him and –

“Ms James?”

I startle, meeting Thomas’ gaze. I drifted off, dammit.

“I’m sorry.” I smile. “You were saying?”

He cuts through his steak. “I said, one of the options for Mr James’ company is to sell it.”

The point is to revive, not sell it – that’s why I’m stepping on my heart and doing these dates.

I’m about to argue Thomas’ point, but he excuses himself to the men’s room. I sigh, my fork playing with the pasta in my plate.

What am I doing here with a man I would never be able to love?

“Eva, is that you?” A familiar female voice asks from behind me.

My friend Rose’s bright face comes into view. She’s wearing an elegant beige dress and a matching handbag dangles from her arm. Her green eyes sparkle with happiness.

I stand. “Rose!”

We hug in greeting, and that’s when I notice the man with her. Dark eyes so similar to Arthur’s gleam as Alexander smiles at me. He’s a warmer replica of his oldest brother. I offer my hand for a handshake. “How have you been, Alexander?”

“Very well.” He gives a firm handshake and smiles again.

Although he shares Arthur’s dark features, he’s nothing like his brother. Alexander is the reserved, peacemaker type with boyish charm. That’s probably why Rose has been head over heels with him since they were in nappies or something.

Arthur is all darkness that just keeps pulling me in. Or kept. Not anymore. One kiss won’t change my mind – no matter how shattering it was, or how much I tingle in remembrance.

“I can’t believe you returned.” Rose brings my attention back to her. “Why haven’t you told me?”

“I was a bit busy with work.” I stroke her hand. “I’ll make it up to you.”

“Of course you will. My father is hosting a banquet next week. You’re punished by keeping me company from the elders’ boring conversations.”

“Fair enough.” My father would take me there anyway.

She hugs me again, grinning wide. “It’s really great to see you, Eva. We have lots of catching up to do.”

“I’m also glad you returned.” Alexander’s warm eyes spark. “Arthur hasn’t been the same since you left.”

My stomach flips just at the mention of his name. What the hell am I? A teenager? I’m beginning to think I’m hopeless.

I push a strand of hair behind my ear. “What do you mean?”

“Let’s just say he vented all his energy in working and at the gym.”

That explains the well-defined muscles. But Alexander must be misreading the whole thing. Arthur was the one who always pushed me away; I just made his wish come true.

“See you around.” Rose waves as she and Alexander step out of the restaurant. Since they’re keeping a distance, perhaps their relationship hasn’t changed since the last time I’ve seen them.

Rose has been waiting for Alexander to take the first step for years. My friend and I are hopeless over those Rhodes men.

Thomas returns to our table, and we continue our dinner. He’s not bad, actually. He’s just the introverted type who’s looking for a suitable woman that he can start a family with.

Not sure if I’m ever going to be the one. My version of a fairy tale is so screwed up, it includes a villain instead of a hero.

A strong hand clutches my arm, and I stumble to my feet to collide against a hard chest.

Arthur.

His eyes are darkening to a frightening colour as if the devil came out to play. He probably did. This is the part of Arthur no one should mess with.

“Eva.” His low voice is haunting as if he’ll break hell loose any second.

My lips part, and once again, my body spikes up under his touch. I’m so doomed.

“Who are you?” Thomas stands