Page 140 of Uprising

“Drink?” I ask.

“Scotch if you have it.” He says, his eyes already spotting the decanter on the side.

I get up, pour two glasses, feeling like I could do with one myself, and put the other in front of him before I sink back into my chair.

And then the door creaks open and she’s there, drawing in a deep breath, looking both beautiful and on edge. Like a wild creature caught in the crosshairs, trying to figure out whether to fight or flee.

“Rose.” I murmur.

She gives me the smallest of smiles before looking at the new Governor and her face becomes that hard mask I’m so used to seeing now. I can’t tell if I prefer it to the fake sunshine smile or not.

“You’re Hastings?” She says carefully.

“I am.” He replies.

She flexes her hand, no doubt enjoying the movement now that her fingers are free of the bindings though her arm is still in the cast. It’ll be at least another month before it comes off.

“Do you want a drink?” I ask her.

She shakes her head but I get up and pour one for her anyway. I know she will want the distraction.

“I need to ask you some questions.” Hastings says as she takes a seat.

She doesn’t respond. She just sits there waiting, like she’s on trial again.

I can tell Hastings doesn’t quite know how to take her. She’s not the sunshine princess he was expecting. She’s not the perfectly coiffed, perfectly manicured creature Verona knows.

She’s only got enough makeup on to hide the dark circles under her eyes. Her hair is pulled up into a messy bun. She’s the girl I’m used to seeing, the low maintenance, carefree one I fell in love with. Only she’s not so carefree anymore.

She’s wearing a long jumper dress. It’s grey, cashmere, loose enough to highlight her body without looking intentionally sexy.

“You’ve been in a relationship with Darius for six months and married for two?” Hastings begins.

“Yes.” She says wincing at his name.

“And he was blackmailing you the entire time?”

“Yes.”

“How long have you been aware of your husband’s illegal activities?”

“He’s not…” She trails off, shutting her eyes, scowling. “Don’t call him that.” She says.

“Legally you are still married.” Hastings replies.

“And legally a marriage made under duress does not stand.” She snaps back angrily.

His lip curls just a little. Like he likes her riled up. Like he likes that reaction.

“Rose is still recovering.” I say fixing him with a look that could kill. “If you do anything that upsets her I will toss you out of this house myself.”

“I don’t need you to defend me Roman, I’m perfectly capable of looking after myself now.” Rose says jutting her chin up, staring me down.

Fuck, it’s hard not to react to that. Not to reach across the table and kiss her.

Finally she’s showing the side I know has been in her this entire time. She’s not that subservient, submissive charm of a woman anymore. She’s the real Rose. The fiery Rose. The one who says what she actually thinks and will do whatever is necessary the consequences be damned.

“Clearly.” Hastings says. “Seeing as we can attribute at least one man’s death to your hands…”