Page 48 of Sunrise (Monarch Club #3)

Dropping the butterfly on the counter, I peek out the side window and see a man holding a huge bouquet.

His van is out front with the florist’s logo on the side.

Normally, I wouldn’t answer, even for a delivery I’m expecting, but Vault’s surveillance system has totally fortified my sense of safety.

Because of that, I feel like I can finally live instead of hide when I’m alone.

Swinging the door open, I greet the guy with a big smile. “Hi!”

“I have a delivery for Sophie Ross.”

“That’s me,” I say, waving awkwardly at him .

Wow, could I be any more embarrassing? This good mood I’m always in makes me corny as hell.

“Here you go, ma’am. Have a nice day.”

“Thanks. You, too!”

Grabbing the massive bouquet, I kick the door shut with my barefoot and gawk at the roses. Blood red like the ones on Knox’s neck tattoo. Each rose has a head the size of my fist. They smell incredible.

Squealing with excitement, I carry them into the kitchen and get a vase to put them in.

There’s a card in the center that says, “A rose by any other name…”

Knox just used Shakespeare on me.

And it’s working.

Cutting off one of the heads, I gleefully rush up to my bedroom and grab the encrypted phone I use with Vault.

Pulling up my skirt, I press the cut stem side against my pussy, spread the petals with my fingers, and take a picture.

I send it along with a text that says, “Knox just used Shakespeare on me. What are you gonna do about it?”

I love that they fight over me. My favorite part when fucking them is when they take turns being inside me, as if trying to override the other in my body.

It’ll never happen, but man do I love how hard they try.

Heading back downstairs, I look for my regular cell. Where the fuck did it go?

Oh. Here.

Snagging it from the counter, I send Knox a text.

Sophie : They’re stunning. XXX

Just as that sends, a call comes through with my old HR department’s number. Fuck it. Today is the day, guys. I’m feeling feisty and free and ready for a fight.

“Hello?”

“Dr. Ross?”

“Yes.”

“This is Debra Perry from HR. I’ve left several messages regarding—”

“I’m sorry, but there’s no way I’m coming back in to fill out any form saying I’m okay with my termination.”

“Excuse me?”

“I’m not submitting anything to you about my termination. I was wronged, humiliated, and taken advantage of, and I will proceed to take action accordingly. You can fuck right off if you think I’m taking this lying down.”

The line goes silent for a few heartbeats, and I second guess myself. I shouldn’t have snapped at her. She’s not the one who screwed me over.

“We are aware of the situation, Dr. Ross. Your team has filed several reports, including misuse of power and sexual harassment, against the staff members in question. As this was all filed on your behalf, we ask that you come in to make a statement and verify some of these claims in person.”

I’m so blown away that I have to go out on my back patio for fresh air. Gathering my wits, I start simple. “You know that Bill and James took credit for my work?”

“We are aware of everything. Actions will be taken, but first, you must come in and sign some papers verifying the accounts told by your team. Your entire team, Dr. Ross.”

The way she says it makes it sound like my handpicked crew threw their bosses under the bus for me. Would they do that? Only one way to find out.

“I’ll be in soon.”

“Good. And Dr. Ross?”

“Yes?”

“Between you and me, even the security guard is part of your team.”

I’m dumbfounded by what she could mean by telling me this. Either no one reported my assault against James, or they did, and the guard denied it happened. Holy shit .

“I’m on my way.”

Ending the call, I scurry up the steps to put on something more decent and it’s like I’ve chugged too much champagne too quickly.

It’s gone straight to my head, making my mind spin.

Yanking on a conservative dress from my closet, I snatch a set of heels and finger comb my hair over my shoulder.

I’m practically floating down the steps and once my feet hit the first floor, I hunt down my keys.

Shit, I forgot to close the back door! Dashing over, I slam it shut and lock it.

Phone. Phone. Phone. Where’s my cell? I just had it in my hand, for crying out loud!

Ah, there it is.

Pulling up a group text with Vault and Knox, I shoot them a message to let them know I’m running into the research center and will call when I get back.

My head’s suddenly a little sluggish. Too much is going through my brain at once and it’s a struggle to keep it all in order.

Slow down, Sophie. Think!

Okay, keys, check. Shoes, check. Cell phone, check. Head on straight, check, check, check .

I lock up, but as I walk to my car, it feels like I’m wading through mud. Logically, I know it’s because I’m stuck in some kind of freeze mode. My brain has too many tabs open, and I’m overwhelmed. Getting into the car, I sit for a second to collect myself.

You’ve got this, Sophie .

My cheeks aren’t so tingly anymore. They’re numb.

Rubbing my eyes, my vision blurs and arms are heavy. I… I can’t grip my steering wheel.

Panic hits me, full force. Something’s wrong with me.

Reaching for the door handle, I can’t grab it to open the damned thing.

Oh my god.

No.

NO!

Someone walks past my car, and I scream for help. But my voice cuts out when my worst nightmare strolls up the driveway, hands in his pockets, and a smug smile on his face.

Terror floods my system. Warm liquid pools between my legs, saturating my car seat when I piss myself.

My door swings open and Christopher Rivetti leans in. “Hello, Katrina. Have you missed me as much as I’ve missed you?”