Lemons and Roses

Episode16

Author's POV from here on.

Brad’s kiss deepened first—slow, certain, like he had already made up his mind long before he asked the question. Her breath hitched as he lifted her without effort, her instinctive reaction pulling her closer as her legs wrapped around his waist.

There was no hesitation in him now.

He carried her into the bedroom, still kissing her, the world narrowing down to warmth, closeness, and everything they had been holding back for weeks. The door clicked shut behind them.

When he finally laid her down on the bed, he hovered above her for a moment, studying her face like he needed to be absolutely sure this was real.

He broke the kiss gently.

His hand rested beside her head. “Are you sure?”

Rue looked up at him, her chest rising unevenly. There was emotion in her eyes—fear, trust, longing, and something softer she didn’t fully understand yet.

“Yes,” she whispered.

That was all he needed.

He leaned down again, kissing her slowly—no rush, no force, just steady reassurance. The rest of the night blurred into erotic moans, sounds of colliding skins, unspoken understanding and comforting body warmth.

The next morning came softly.

Rue stirred first, blinking as sunlight filtered through the curtains. For a moment, she didn’t remember where she was. Then she shifted slightly—and stopped.

Her body ached in a dull, unfamiliar way, a quiet reminder of the intensity of the night before. Before she could fully process it, she felt warmth around her waist.

Brad’s arm.

Holding her close.

She turned her head slowly.

He was still asleep.

Peaceful. Unbothered. One arm wrapped securely around her like she belonged there.

A small smile formed on her lips before she could stop it.

Carefully, she tried to slip his arm away.

Instead, he tightened his hold slightly and pulled her closer in his sleep.

Rue froze for a second, then exhaled a quiet laugh.

“I have to pee,” she whispered softly into his ear.

That finally got a reaction.

Brad’s eyes opened slowly. He blinked once, then pulled her closer and kissed her lightly, almost instinctively.

“Don’t take long,” he murmured against her lips.

Rue rolled her eyes but smiled anyway. She slid out of bed carefully, pulling the covers around herself as she stood.

The movement made her wince slightly, and Brad noticed immediately.

“Do you need help?” he asked, suddenly alert.

“I’ll manage,” she replied quickly, shaking her head.

He watched her for a moment longer, concerned, before relaxing back into the bed as she disappeared into the bathroom.

Weeks passed in a rhythm that finally felt stable.

Rue started her online college classes seriously now, building her future step by step. She works full time at the grocery store, taking her classes at the back room while the highschool kid she hired to work part-time stays at the counter.

Mrs Chin has finally taken her long awaited vacation leaving the shop in Rue's care.

Zia and Jacob were busy planning Evelyn’s third birthday, the house filled with balloons, chatter, and last-minute decorations. It was the kind of chaos Rue had once felt distant from—but now found herself quietly enjoying.

Brad was always around.

Sometimes too much, Rue worried.

He would show up with food when she hadn’t eaten, sit with her while she studied, or simply exist in the same space without needing anything from her.

Once, she asked him softly, “Don’t you have work?”

He only smiled. “I have competent people. I can step away when I want.”

It confused her sometimes—how easily he chose to be present.

But she didn’t question it too much.

Not anymore.

One late afternoon, Brad took her out.

“Come with me,” he said simply, opening the car door for her.

She didn’t argue.

They drove out of the city, the buildings fading into open fields, then winding roads. Eventually, they reached a countryside festival glowing with colour and sound. it was already dark when they arrived.

Lanterns hung overhead, glowing softly against the sky. Stalls lined the streets—food vendors, handmade crafts, music playing from different corners. Children ran between puppet shows while dancers in masks moved through the crowd.

Rue slowed as she took it all in.

“It’s really beautiful,” she said quietly.

“I knew you’d like it,” Brad replied.

Before she could turn, he wrapped his arms around her from behind and pressed a soft kiss to her cheek. "I love it", she said.

They spent the evening moving through the festival together—trying food, laughing at failed game attempts, dancing briefly when music spilled into the streets. At one point, they lit a lantern together, watching it rise into the sky.

For a moment, Rue felt weightless.

Later, they walked along the beach nearby, the sound of waves replacing the music of the festival. Not long after they returned to the car, Rue drifted asleep against the seat.

Brad looked over at her once, then continued driving quietly.

The next morning, she woke up again in his bed.

Brad was already awake.

This time, there was no confusion—only warmth.

He kissed her gently as she stirred, and she groaned softly, half-protesting, half-laughing.

“Brad…”

He ignored her complaint completely, continuing until she gave up trying to resist. He took her clothes off slowly, she was naked in minutes. After an hour of continuous torment by him, she fell back into sleep again.

Exhausted but smiling.

When she finally woke properly later, everything felt soft and unhurried. They showered together, made breakfast, and spent the day at his house like it was the most natural thing in the world.

Evelyn’s birthday arrived soon after.

Jason and Zia's house was full of life—balloons, music, children running around, Zia directing chaos like a commander. Jason was trying to keep the cake intact while Evelyn squealed with excitement.

Rue stood with Brad at one corner of the sittingroom, laughing at something he said.

From across the room, Zia watched them.

Then leaned slightly toward Jason.

“I’m really happy,” she said softly. “I haven’t seen Rue like this in a long time.”

Jason followed her gaze and smiled. “She deserves it.”

Brad excused himself to take a call, pressing a quick kiss to Rue’s temple before stepping away.

Rue stayed where she was for a while, but after a few minutes Zia called out that they were about to cut the cake.

“Go find Brad,” Zia told her.

Rue nodded and moved through the hallway, looking for him.

That’s when she heard his voice.

Sharp.

Angry.

She slowed without meaning to.

“Tell your Dad I’m not coming back,” Brad said firmly. “I don’t want anything to do with that life anymore.”

A pause.

“And don’t come looking for me. I mean it. I don’t want anyone finding out about my past.”

Rue stopped completely.

Her heart tightened.

She didn’t move.

Didn’t breathe properly.

What was he hiding from her? What in his past is he so desperately trying to cover up?