Forced Marriage: Escaping Her Monster

Mikhail noticed Rose's odd attention to Jerlina. Upon having the first glance at Jerlina, he noticed Rose visibly getting astonished. 

Others might not have noticed it but as someone who knew her well, he noticed it. And then she had to go as far as to sneak a picture.

Rose is the most sensible woman he knows. For her to lose her rationality and sneaking a picture..?

Combined with the odd way his grandpa behaves when it comes to Jerlina Hopkins and his aversion to the Erling family...

Could she be connected to the Erling family?

"Suspicious?" Rose's voice was sweet as honey. With a slight tilt of her head, she turned to look at him and fixed a bunch of hair hanging on her cheek.

Mikhail's heart pounded. 

But he composed himself. If it concerns him, he'd leave Rose to her devices. He wouldn't mind getting killed by her. But this involves Jeremy's wife. He can't let it go.

"Then tell me why are you inviting Jeremy and his wife to your private family gathering?" He questioned. 

"Well, I invited you too... So..."

Rose's eyelids fluttered and her lips curled. She averted her eyes and looked at the floor.

"What do you know?" Mikhail held her chin and asked in a soft tone.

"Not much..." She tried to look at Mikhail's eyes but then she couldn't and averted her eyes. 

"Rose..." Mikhail's tone was still soft. He still couldn't figure out what Rose would be hiding.

"Alright..." Rose took in a deep breath as if she was gathering courage. "I..." She bit her lips hesitating to speak, but looking at his face, she took in a breath.

"I accidentally found out your friend Jeremy's and his wife's true identity and that her life is in danger by some unknown people. And now..." She spoke without taking a breath and looked at him. 

Mikhail was stunned. He knew by "accidentally" she means that she found out from him. He never talked to her about this. 

So... Through his phone, maybe?

Why was she going through my phone?

Seeing his disappointed face, Rose's eyes misted.

"Mikey... Trust me. I am not going to hurt you. I just came across something and..." She placed her hands on his chest and Mikhail grabbed her wrists.

He tried to push her back but looking at her tearful eyes he couldn't find the strength to do so. He let go of her wrists and she hugged him.

"Mikey, please..." She sniffed burying her face in his chest. "Trust me. You've told me Jeremy Fitzgerald is very important to you and I won't do anything that would harm your friends...please...I am trying to help. Just..."

Mikhail couldn't bear to see Rose in distress. His hand naturally went patting her head. He closed his eyes and took in a deep breath sucking in his disappointment.

He trusted her explicitly although his grandpa warned him against everyone from the Erling family. People in his position- the ones who seem to have it all, are to be wary of their shadow even. Because no one knows if their shadow is even theirs. 

In a blink of an eye, they can lose everything if they are careless. That's why they have to screen everyone around them.

That is the reason his grandpa didn't want someone from the Erling family near him.

But Rose...

She was always honest and straightforward. She still is... Right?

She told me the truth, well, half the truth already. 

Should I trust her?

"Give me something more...Love," he held her cheek. "If it concerns me, I won't mind. But Jeremy... He's... I won't hurt my grandpa. And if it is anything serious, I'd rather you plunge a knife in my heart before I see my grandpa-"

"Mikey, please..." Rose covered his lips with her hands. Tears dripped from her eyes.

"I am trying to help you. But as I am not sure, I can't say much now..." She looked at him. "There are tiers... We're family but not everyone loved everybody. And no one can easily meet the Grandsire... We... We're not important in that family and... I have to meet him before I... Trust me."

Mikhail saw her eyes fixed on his and he decided to trust her. 

Yes, he loves her beyond rationality and he might be muddled right now to decide this way, but he wanted to give her a chance.

If something happens to Jeremy or his wife and hence ending the royal line his grandpa vowed to protect, his grandpa would die without peace. That would be the last thing he wants.

But still, he decided to trust Rose.

Not only because he loves her but also because he believed her when she said that she wants to help.

They need all the help they need right now since what they know is not much.

"Grandsire? You call your great-grandfather - Grandsire... like a King?" He asked. 

His grandpa is a very kind and casual person. He wouldn't even mind if he asks him to die. 

Aren't grandparents supposed to love their grandchildren unconditionally?

"Yes," Rose let out a dry laugh. "He's...not your regular grandparent. His money and connections... He mostly doesn't care about anything. We all got a taste of being connected to him and it is hard to let go of the perks..."

Mikhail hugged Rose as he sensed the loneliness in her voice.

Just you wait, love. Once you come to my home, you'd be the most important person and you'd be showered with the love and affection you deserve. 

-----

Jerlina stopped Jeremy's hand from reaching further North. He seemed to be very interested in her boobs. 

His lips started to nibble on the nook of her neck and as she was resting on his chest, she could feel his heartbeat racing.

She didn't have to go to classes to know what he wants.

But they are in someone else's yacht and also currently on the deck. What if someone else is watching them from a distance or something? She knew Mikhail has his bodyguards but in the boat, she didn't see any of them.

So where are they?

She is not that adventurous.

"Do you think my hands are rough?" She asked rubbing his cheek and Jeremy laughed.

He placed her hand in between his hands and gently rubbed them. His hands were calloused and very rough making her feel stupid.

I should not talk about skincare and cosmetics with this guy. 

"Your hands are very soft and..." He placed her hand on his lips and kissed them. He then let go of her hands and his arms wrapped her closer.

"I bet they are much softer..." His hand trailed over her chest.

His movement was gentle and slow and his fingers paused at the sensitive nubs, making her let out a short moan.

"Joel..." She whispered and held his hand.

"Hmm..." His magnetic voice vibrated in her ear as he cupped her breasts.

"Show me what color they are..." He hissed in her ear.

Jerlina sucked in a breath.

What is what color?