{Elaina Rose Series ~ a reverse harem romance} BOOK ONE * ROSE *

Elaina’s POV “TODAY’S THE DAAAYYY!!!” Natalia screamed at me while entering my dorm room. She had always been quite the obnoxious one. It’s currently 8am on a Saturday and the entire campus is bristling with students prepping for graduation day today. The biggest day of everyone’s lives, and soon to be my entire downfall. I turned to look at my best friend, currently standing in the middle of my room holding up two garment bags. “You got our dresses! And I got the beverages! Ready to get started?” I said while holding a bottle of champagne and two glasses. “Hell yeah I am!” She said with a certain sass in her tone. After pouring our glasses of Champaign we got to work on making sure we look our absolute very best for today. We weren’t what you would really call ‘the most popular girls in school’ but we were loved by just about everyone. Us, and our best friend Sia, plus it helps my boyfriend is the quarterback for our football team. Sia came in holding her graduation gown and cap while Natalia was in the shower. She was wearing a beautiful white sundress that hugged her top and mid section, with thick shoulder straps, and flowing out into a loose skirt ending just above her knees. She looked stunning even with her hair in a messy bun, loose strands poking out everywhere, and absolutely no make up on. The true definition of a hot mess. “I’m so sorry I’m late! I thought I hit snooze on my alarm this morning but instead I hit stop..” she said, rolling her eyes. “Guess I’m not too late, though, if Natalia is still in the shower” she giggled. “Yeah, girl, you’re fine!” I said smiling. “She should be out soon, have a seat and let’s get started on our hair. Do you want a glass of champagne?” I asked. “Hell yeah I do!” She grabbed an empty glass sitting on my personal bar and came over to sit next to me at the vanity. My vanity is what you would consider fit for a queen. It’s the full length of my eastern wall with at least 30 drawers below the mirror. It’s perfect for all of my make up, hair tools, and other feminine necessities. As Sia sat next to me we proceeded with curling our hair and reminiscing on our years throughout college while waiting for Natalia. I have to say, Whitmore University has been an outstanding journey for me. I’ve completed my MBA, met some of the most incredible people, and fell in love with the most amazing man. Parker Reed and I have been together for 3 years, since my 18th birthday. We met while I was scouting out the university that summer. After hanging out a few times we knew we clicked too good for us not to become a thing. I’m pretty convinced he’s my soulmate. “Awe, you bitches look fantastic!” Natalia squealed upon entering the dorm from the adjoined bathroom. Sia and I just finished our hair and have moved onto our make up, just starting on our foundation. “Thank you” Sia said smiling, “go get your clothes on and come join us already! We have lots to do and LOTS to drink!” She exclaimed giggling, holding up her glass of champagne. “Oh you know my thoughts to well, Sia!” Natalia bristled “I’ll just be a sec!” She said running from the room holding her garment bag containing her dress for the ceremony. When Natalia returned she was wearing a beautiful black mini dress that had a lace floral design top that barely covered her breasts. It was short sleeve, and penciled straight to just above her knees with a matte black skirt. She crossed the room and sat next to me, freeing her long auburn brown hair from its restraints. “I love the dress!! Girl you look amazing!” Squealed Sia from beside me. “Thank you so much! It was from the little boutique down the road, ‘sunflowers and sundresses’ and it didn’t even cost that much! Natalia replied while making an exaggerated face. We all giggled, and got back to getting ready. When we all finished readying ourselves we stood in front of my full length mirror admiring our looks. I was wearing the same summer dress as Sia, with thick straps on my shoulders, tight in the midsection and flows into a loose skirt that stops just above my knees, but mine is a beautiful candy apple red. I’ve got on matching red lipstick and my cat eye is on point, making my blue eyes pop. My blond hair is curled flowing down the length of my back, just barely brushing the top of my ass, and skin is perfectly tanned bringing the entire look together. “Wow.. you. You look breathtaking” I heard Parker say from the door. I’d know that voice from anywhere. I turned around in a dramatic spin allowing him the full view, before skipping my way over and jumping into his arms. “Thank you, my love” I purred into his ear before kissing him. Setting me down, he turned to our friends “are we ready?” “Yes!” We all squealed in unison “Let’s get this day over with so we can PARTAAYYY!” Natalia yelled holding her cap in the air. We all laughed and made our way out of the university and towards the campus football field where the ceremony was taking place. The grounds were covered in students and parents along with all of our professors and advisers. “NATALIA!! GIRLS!! OVER HERE!” We heard someone scream from the chairs. We made our way over and found my aunt Tanisha waiting for us. “I found your seats so you wouldn’t have to find me all the way in bleachers” she said sweetly “Thank you Aunt Nisha” I said, hugging her “I’m so glad you came” “Oh, Hunny! I wouldn’t miss this day even if it killed me” she gasped dramatically making me giggle. My aunt Tanisha took me in when I was 6. My father, being the lead mafia boss, was a major danger to me, and my mother died trying to keep me from him. I never knew exactly why she was keeping me from my dad until my 12th birthday when he showed up at my aunts apartment we had in Chicago. He demanded I be given to him, saying I was his property and rightful heiress to the Rosenboro family business. Whatever that meant. When she refused to hand me over he lost his s**t and killed my cousin, Remington. My aunt and I were able to escape leaving Chicago behind and moving to a small little town called Barrett’s, GA. Now, I’m no longer Elaina Serena Rosenboro, I’m just Elaina Rose. “If we can all have our seats, we would like to start the ceremony for our 2023 college graduates” came the announcers voice through the speakers lining the football field. As everyone made their way to their seats, I kissed Parker and told him how proud of him I am. He returned the gratitude and we sat waiting patently for us to be called. One by one they called our names, shook our hands and gave us their congratulations. After the last person was seated and the dean finished his speech, we all threw our caps in the air, shouting our glee. We’re finally done with school and can live our lives how we please. Or so we thought.