Rebel Roused (Untamed #5) (16 page)

I looked over at our laced fingers atop the bed sheets, now graced with gold bands that had flames etched around them.

Dare had kept them a secret. When I’d asked about rings, suggesting we shop for them as soon as we got to Paris, he’d said he had it covered, and wouldn’t say any more. And when he’d slipped it on my finger during the ceremony, I couldn’t help but gasp.

They were beyond perfection.

“These are from Rex,” Dare had said, his voice tight, his eyes watery. “He knew I was going to ask you to marry me, and designed them for us. So even though he isn’t here…he’s still
here
.”

The flames licked my finger, and my hand shook as I picked up Dare’s ring from Dash’s open palm and slid it onto his finger, promising not only my infinite love, but also my life.

Even after everything we’d been through, this felt like our true beginning. There was nothing in our way, nothing stopping us from finally living the life we were meant to have. The life we both deserved.

Gazing at Dare, and his family behind him, I knew that this was where I was meant to be. And that my life would always be blessed no matter what we couldn’t have.

Dare was enough. He always had been.

And I was ready for our happily ever after.

one year later

“T
his is the one,” Ree said, squeezing my hand and sighing. “The PERFECT one. I can’t believe our search is finally over.”

I raised our interlocked fingers to my lips and kissed her soft skin. “I don’t think a better fit exists anywhere in the world.”

The old farmhouse was
us
in every way imaginable. It had the vintage feel Ree was so passionate about, enough bedrooms Dalia and Dax would never have to fight over sleeping arrangements when our family came over to visit, not to mention floor-to-ceiling windows that let in so much light our current apartment looked like a dungeon in comparison.

We would be out in the countryside where I could paint in peace, yet could still easily commute into Paris every week. Which was crucial, considering how well Galerie Wilde was doing. Ree had opened it only four months ago, but her eye for unique talent had helped put the little shop in the Latin Quarter quickly on the map. A few prestigious clients were already clamoring for more paintings, more shows, more everything.

Our life was filled with art and laughter, and I couldn’t be happier.

“
Mon dieu!
Look at all the natural light within this room!
Magnifique!
” Our realtor, Nanette, had a flare for theatrics. I could barely keep up with all of her high-pitched exclamations. “The space is perfect for a nursery,
n’est-ce pas?
”

Ree stiffened against me, her grip on my hand tightening slightly.

“Or a studio.” I bent my head to whisper into her ear. “Where I can paint you every single day for the rest of our lives.”

After the wedding, we’d briefly discussed our options for starting a family, but had ultimately decided to leave all baby talk behind for now—everything still felt too fresh—and focus on us.

Turning to Nanette, I said, “Can you give us a moment, please? We’d like to do a final walk-through in private and discuss whether we’d like to make an offer.”

“
Mais oui!
I will be out in ze car, getting contracts ready just in case.” She placed her hand on her chest and let out an excited “Ohh!” then quickly clicked her way out into the hall, taking to herself in French.

I stepped behind Ree and wrapped my arms around her waist, pulling her into me. My lips grazed her cheek as I nodded at the corner across the room. “I’m going to set up my easel and paints there.” I moved us slightly to the right. “And you’re going to pose here while I paint you in the nude.”

“
Me
naked or
you
naked?” I could hear the smile on her lips.

“BOTH naked. Of course.” Grinning mischievously, I added, “And the best part about this place? No neighbors for a mile in each direction. No one can hear you moan and scream when I—”

“Dare Wilde!” She spun around and clamped her hand across my mouth, laughing as she peered out the window in search of Nanette. Her eyes dimmed slightly. “But what if you change your mind? About…me being all you need?”

I shook my head. “I’m never going to change my mind about you, baby. Ever.” Taking her fingers in mine, I rested her palm over my heart. “Two parts, one whole. Don’t you ever doubt that.”

“Alright. This will be your studio, then.” She wrapped her arms around my neck and squeezed me tightly, her sweet honey scent filling my nostrils and warming my whole damn body. “But how in the world are we going to use the rest of this space?”

Leading her by the hand, I slowly walked us into the next room. “This can be your office on the days you’re working from home.” Wallpaper decorated with tiny forget-me-nots lined the walls of the room, the dark hardwood floor groaned slightly when we stepped over the threshold. “What do you think?”

Ree arched a wicked eyebrow. “I thought on the days I’m home I’d be naked on your studio floor.”

“True. Let me reword that…this can be your office on days you’re working from home and I’m out teaching.” I was finishing my second semester at Paris Atelier d’Art and loving every moment of it. My most promising student was Vincent, this year’s recipient of the Rex Vogel Artist Grant. “Better?”

“Much.” She gave a satisfied nod. “Now let’s see the kitchen and how well the stove can handle our weekly mac and cheese nights.”

By the time we’d finished a tour of the downstairs and were heading to the top floor, my phone buzzed.

“Dash again?” Ree asked, glancing over at my screen.

“Yes, he wants to make sure we got the tickets he sent,” I said. “And he wants to remind us that this is the band’s biggest show to date.”
No Man’s Land
had a full house at Bercy in Paris tonight, and both Ree and I were looking forward to seeing Dash, Indie, Hawk, and Leo again. Synner, on the other hand, had better stay the hell out of my way.

Ree nudged my shoulder. “Do you think Dash’s little bird will be there?”

I shrugged. “I’m starting to think the elusive Wren is just a myth.”

“Don’t say that!” She smacked my arm. “Maybe tonight’s the night we finally get to meet her and find out their story.”

“Maybe. Stranger things have happened at Dash’s concerts, after all,” I said. “Once upon a time, I met a pretty blonde girl who—”

“Wanted to jump your bones,” Ree cut in with a laugh.

“And here I thought you were looking for a prince in shining armor.”

“More like a commando prince with a shiny—”

“Ree Wilde!”

I chased her sweet laugher all the way into the master bedroom where she spun around with a dazzling grin on her face. The smile lit up her eyes, colored her cheeks, radiated from her face.

“Once upon a time, two broken people found healing in each other’s arms and a home within their hearts,” she said, completely serious now. “That’s the real story, Dare. Our happily ever after.”

Sliding my fingers under her chin, I lifted her mouth to mine. “One that will never have an ending. I promise you that.” My other hand grazed her shoulder, sliding her jacket down her back. “Now let’s christen our fucking castle.”

another year and a half later

“W
hat time do they get in?” I hurried into the living room to help Dare finish up. We’d been trying to get ready for Dax and Dalia’s arrival for days now, squeezing in ten minute cleaning intervals whenever we could in between everything else we had to do.

And here we were—basically out of time. The twins would be here any minute and the place was still a mess.

Dust sparkled in the warm yellow sunlight streaming through the open windows as we worked together to neaten the room. I’d bought groceries that morning, and had already gotten the guestrooms straightened out, so the only thing left was this room.

We’d been living in the old farmhouse for the past year and a half, and despite it being a bit of fixer-upper, our love affair with the place still hadn’t worn off. And how could it? We had everything we needed. The beautiful French countryside out our windows and my favorite city in the world just a train ride away…life was so fucking good.

Hell,
good
didn’t even begin to cover it.

I’d never been so busy and so deliriously happy in my life.

My little gallery was growing, making a stamp on the art world, and I’d had to hire a couple of people to help out recently. Dare was painting like crazy, trying to keep up with demand for his work. Even now, his hands were speckled with paint—some of it fresh.

He showed his work through Galerie Wilde exclusively—which I’d told him was not the best business decision for his career, but even so, his paintings were being snapped up, his name growing in the industry. He still taught classes, but had taken a few months off for our latest project.

I crossed toward the kitchen to grab a towel to wipe off the tables, but Dare caught hold of me, spun me into his arms, and dazzled me with the most amazingly happy and exhausted smile. I laughed up at him, and he reached out to caress my face.

“Have I told you lately how much I love your smile? It’s the most beautiful one in the world.” And then he leaned down to kiss me, his bliss mingling with mine, a palpable thing in this house now.

A car door slammed outside, yet I couldn’t do anything but continue to kiss the man of my dreams. Of my days and nights.

“God, Dare,” Dax said as he and Dalia came up the front walk. “Do you ever let the girl breathe?”

Dalia laughed. “This is what you were doing the last time we saw you. Honeymoon hasn’t worn off yet?”

“Honeymoon’s just begun, Terrors. And this one ain’t ever wearing off,” Dare said. And kissed me again. Hard. My head was spinning and my cheeks felt warm when he let go a moment later, and went to hug his siblings.

Dalia crushed me in a bear hug, then stood back to examine me. “You look amazing, Ree.”

My hair was pulled up in a quick, messy bun, and my skirt and shirt looked like I’d slept in them. I looked anything BUT amazing, but at the same time I’d never been happier in my life.

Dalia, however, looked truly incredible. She wore tiny orange shorts and an off-white tank top that showed off her sculpted arms and gorgeous legs. Her long dark hair was pulled back into a loose braid, and she had the look of a wild cat about her. And something was different—I wasn’t sure what it was, maybe a new confidence or strength, but she seemed even more herself than ever.

“How’s work? Auditions?” I turned to Dax. “And, oh my god, how was your graduation? I’m so sorry we couldn’t make it, but…you know…”

Dax waved a hand at me. “Yeah, yeah. I know. You had an excellent excuse—two actually—and it was totally fine.”

“Speaking of excuses…” Dalia said, her eyes lighting up. “Where
are
yours?” She started tiptoeing toward the hall, but Dare stopped her.

“You,” he said, then pointed at the couch, “sit.” He looked at Dax. “You, too.” Then he disappeared down the hall, ignoring their grumbling and complaints.

“God, he’s gotten even
more
bossy,” Dax said.

“Yeah, I didn’t think that was possible.” Dalia perched on the edge of her seat, watching for Dare’s return.

I heard him before they appeared…the sweetest little coo that made my heart swell and overflow.

Dalia and Dax’s eyes widened when they saw him.

“Oh, wow!” Dalia held out her hands, and Dare gently lay our baby in her arms.

“This is Rex,” he said, pressing a kiss against Rex’s velvet soft forehead. Dare squatted in front of Dalia, not able to take his eyes off his son.

Our miracle.

“What about…” Dax said as he reached out a finger for Rex to grasp, but I was already moving toward the hallway.

Toward the other part of our miracle.

Two parts. One whole.

“I’ll get Rex’s little sister,” I said. “Phoenix has been anxious to meet you both.”

She was still sleeping when I scooped her up and nestled her into the crook of my neck, breathing in her sweet smell. She snuggled in closer, her little hands grasping my collarbone, fisting my shirt, her little sleepy noises melting my heart.