Rouge: A Dark Billionaire Romance (Tattered Curtain Series)
Rouge: Act 3 – Scene 21

November 1

ROXXY

Any luck on finding bugs or cameras?

MY WIFE

Nope. Not yet. Do you think we were safe on the phone yesterday?

If we weren’t it’s too late now. Let’s be more careful from here on. Don’t say my name out loud and don’t talk about anything important. If he doesn’t have video, he still might have audio.

Good idea.

Call from Roxxy

…

Call from My Wife

…

MY WIFE

Off to bed. <3 Call tomorrow?

ROXXY

You have my word, tine.

November 2

MY WIFE

LOL on not getting married today. Been there. Done that.

ROXXY

I would’ve never let that happen.

YUP. My family’s enemy liked it so he stole me and put a ring on it, haha.

Are you wearing it, like you promised?

Hey, now I didn’t say I’d *wear* it. Just that I’d have it on me at all times. 😛

So where is it now?

I don’t know, maybe I lost it.

Lacey.

Jesus, fine, don’t yell at me.

I’m playing ring toss with a baby elephant statue’s trunk. It’s harder than it looks.

Fecking hell, is the Elephant Room still elephants everywhere? The Baron Suites used to be a safari themed hotel of ours. The top floor had animal themed rooms and the decor was… something. Definitely over-the-top.

Um, yeah… OTT is one way of putting it. There’s literally an elephant painting that takes up a whole wall. No scenery. Just a big-ass elephant. I haven’t even been able to count them all yet.

I guess they didn’t change much when the Baron won it from my dad. That’s useful to know.

…

Call from My Wife

…

Call from Roxxy

Contact Name Changed

November 3

MY WIFE

You’d be happy to know I changed your name again.

MY HUSBAND

I didn’t know you changed it the first time?

Yeah, you were Roxxy at the restaurant. But this morning I changed it. It’s weird not being able to say your name out loud, tho.

I’d rather hear you scream it.

OMG. Yes the whole new name situation is definitely a good call if you’re going to sext me.

So what’s the new name? Who’s sexting you now?

Not saying 🙂

Tease.

*I’m* the tease? Sir…

Oh, I like the sound of that. Maybe I should incorporate it into your next punishment.

We’ve got to get me out of here first. Any luck on your side?

I’ve got some irons in the fire. Best not to make it a habit of texting vital information here, in case he gets your mobile.

Um, hate to break it to you, but if he sees any of our text messages so far, we’re hosed. How about we don’t text incriminating messages, but I still delete the worst ones?

That will work. I have an appointment with someone who should help us, but I can’t get in for almost two weeks.

2 weeks in here?? That sounds like torture. I’m already playing with the elephant figurines like Barbie dolls. Once one of us finds out the Baron’s testimony, I’m sprinting out of here.

I can’t wait to have you back with me.

I never thought I’d say this to someone who kidnapped me, but I can’t wait to be back with you, too.

Talk tonight? I have an elephant family reunion to plan.

You have my word.

<3

…

Call from My Wife

November 4

MY HUSBAND

You wearing my ring, yet, tine?

MY WIFE

NOPE. I’m still protesting this stolen marriage 😛

But the Baron’s is still in the clutch I took to dinner on Halloween. That was a stellar outfit you picked for me, btw.

You looked fecking edible in it.

Has your ex-fiancé given you a wardrobe?

Not nearly as glamorous as yours. Let me put it this way, my dress has yellow ribbons on it. Kind of like what a little girl would wear. And it’s one of the better ones. *BARF*.

That’s disturbing.

Yeah, tell me about it.

At least I haven’t found cameras. Maybe I can brave calling you outside of the bathroom. Hiding out in this shower is fun and all, but talking to you into the *wee* hours of the morning like we did last night can give a girl a crick in the neck.

Do you need me to massage it out for you, tine? You know how good I am with my hands.

Jesus, don’t tempt me. I’m already wanting to quit. I thought dance disciplined me, but I guess not.

If you want to leave, that’s bloody fine by me. Say the word.

Ugh, NO. You’re supposed to help me not give up!

Speaking of which, I’ve only been casually searching so far for any paperwork or files in case there *are* cameras. Nothing yet. 🙁

Once I know I’m in the clear I’ll go full tornado.

Whatever evidence he has likely won’t be out in the open. Keep checking for surveillance. Under tables, ceiling corners, in light switches, lamps, doorknobs.

Would you be able to get into the other suites?

While he’s gone. Stay away from that gobshite as much as possible when he’s in town.

You’ve called him that before and idk what it means but I approve, lol.

It’s a no on the other suites, I’m afraid. Mine’s not connected with any of them.

Same suite names, same decor, same room setup. I’ll have to see if my dad still has the blueprints.

It’s hot when you go all James Bond. Like my very own Pierce Brosnan.

You like that? Well, abandon this mission and meet me in our bedroom in an hour so I can give you my secret package.

BAHAHA, OKAY BYE. Nice try, 007, but I’m on to you.

Call tonight?

You have my word, madam.

<3

…

Call from My Wife

November 5

MY WIFE

What are you looking at RIGHT NOW. GO.

MY HUSBAND

The Eiffel Tower. You?

Wow, weird. Same actually.

Did you know it took me until middle school to realize that the actual Eiffel Tower is in France? And that the fake one on the Las Vegas Strip is actually in *Paradise* Nevada, and not Las Vegas?

MIDDLE SCHOOL KIAN. MIDDLE SCHOOL.

That’s a brutal look for your American education system. No wonder my dad had me brought up in Ireland. I thought it was so I could be close to my family, learn my language and culture, and be safe from the Garde. Now I know the real reason. Are you embarrassed?

Not as embarrassed as I am to be married to you. 😛

Ouch.

Say you’re sorry, tine.

Sorry. Kidding. Kind of.

Is it so bad?

Surprisingly, no.

I know I suggested last night on the phone that we text throughout the day and call at night, but can I call you right now? This might sound clingy but I need to hear your voice…

Call from My Husband

…

MY WIFE

Thank you for today… I needed it. Back to regularly scheduled texting program tomorrow?

MY HUSBAND

Whatever you need, tine. I’m yours.

<3

November 6

MY HUSBAND

Have you found any cameras?

MY WIFE

Nope, not yet. But I found the cleaning services’ restock of booze above the refrigerator!! THANK GOD!!! There’s got to be enough for a week. Maybe two. I’ll have to ration it. Don’t know how long I’ll be stuck in this elephant hellhole.

Shouldn’t be hard to abstain right? It’s only noon.

Keeping myself occupied is harder than you’d think, I already choreographed that dance I told you about last night.

The one you imagined to “Hold Your Breath” by Asteria? I listened to the song. Great beat.

It’s one of the few tracks I had downloaded onto my phone, but it’s my fave. I’m going to practice my choreo until I have it perfect.

You’ll be out of there before you actually perfect it. I’ll make sure of that.

Yeah I’ve only broken the seal on one of the bottles so far. If I have to go through them all I’ll crack, I swear, lol.

Strange use of “lol.”

Hey some of us use text speech when we, you know, TEXT. I know that’s a weird concept for some… LOOKING AT YOU KIAN… 😛

Have you been able to talk to anyone else besides me?

Not really. I don’t want to endanger anyone more than we already have, so I’ve only reached out to Roxy and my mom.

Roxy has been hard to get a hold of, but I know my bestie. She’s probably feeling guilty about this whole situation. We’re dancers but when it comes to our problems, we’re natural-born runners. She’ll turn up soon, I’m sure.

And my mom…

She doesn’t think anything’s wrong with what the Baron’s doing and she has her head in the sand about my dad.

You talked to her about it?

As much as I could. Dad was supposed to call today and he never did. I’m worried about him, but she said worrying causes wrinkles and if I can’t get Botox in the Elephant Room I need to stop thinking about things that cause frown lines.

I’m not sure I like your mother.

I’m not fond of her myself right now.

I want to practice my dance and the shower floor is cold on my butt. Talk tonight?

You have my word.

<3

…

Call from My Wife

November 7

MY HUSBAND

On my way to meet a tattoo artist friend of mine and it looks like the Bellagio Conservatory has a new exhibit. I haven’t gone since your mother put on that camellia exhibit years ago.

…

MY HUSBAND

Lacey?

MY WIFE

Hey, sorry, working on my routine. I saw your message midpractice, thought about responding, and obviously didn’t. Oops, lol.

My Wife: That exhibit was my favorite so far. I had no idea there were so many different shades! Why couldn’t I be the pink “Ballerina Camellia,” or the soft white “Seafoam Camellia?”

You wanted to be called the Seafoam Camellia?

Ugh, no. But after that, red seemed so blah. And I was thinking about it while I danced today…

The Keeper’s daughter is a color of a “Camellia,” right? So why am I red? It feels like they chose the bright red hair color at birth and ran with it.

They did. You didn’t know?

SHUT UP NO THEY DIDN’T!

JK.

How’s that for your “text speech”.

Screw you, Kian McKennon.

I used to think my dad gave me the nickname. Once I found out the Garde did, the name soured for me. I didn’t want to know anything about it after that. But now I’m curious… do you know why I’m called the “Red Camellia”?

It’s the color your mother’s family chose to represent their name when she married the future Keeper. The women that are born of, or marry into, the Keeper’s family all get a color. It’s a way to intertwine the family histories.

So guy’s last name + girl’s color = new Keeper line?

Right. If we have a son, his fiancée would be called her family’s color and the line would carry on in our name. If we have a daughter, the Keeper position will stay your bloodline’s color, but with her new last name.

Listen, *husband*, I haven’t decided yet when I want kids AND I haven’t even changed my last name. Cool your jets, mister.

In due time, wife.

We’ll see about that 😛

Regardless, you’re my queen of diamonds.

Lol, and you’re the Garde’s wild ace?

An ace of hearts, to be exact.

That’s cute. I would’ve never dreamed that my husband would be such a romantic. It’s a sweet surprise.

I look forward to surprising you every day.

OMG, stop. You’re being too sweet now.

Okay, I have to go or I’ll cry in this shower for the second time today, lol. I’ll call you tonight!

You have my word.

Wait, you cried today?

Is everything okay?

…

MY HUSBAND

Talk to me, tine.

…

Call from My Husband

November 8

MY HUSBAND

Are you feeling better today? I wanted to let you sleep in before I messaged since I kept you up all night.

MY WIFE

This mimosa helps 🙂 All problems are solved by brunch food. Mimosas are my fave solution.

Mimosas aren’t food. You’ve been eating actual meals, right? I know you said during our first phone call that his bodyguards are getting you takeaway.

Yeah, they bring me food. Except for this orange juice, it’s mostly salad. I didn’t even eat this well in my dancing prime.

Is it filling? My head of security, Merek, could infiltrate the bodyguards and get you some food at least.

NO! I keep telling you this. We have to find out what the Baron’s evidence is. I’m not going through all this BS just to have my dad go to jail for the rest of his life. Yesterday I went nuts and I searched everywhere, cameras be damned, and I didn’t find a fucking thing.

From our calls, I know you’re working to help me. Consulting your police contacts, talking to the family names even tho they don’t know anything, and you have that appointment with whoever the fuck next week, so thank you for everything you’re doing…

but I can’t talk to you if you keep suggesting ideas that could fuck this all up. If I have to be here, I need you on my side or I really will crack, Kian. I swear to god.

Missed call from My Husband

Missed call from My Husband

MY HUSBAND

Lacey, answer your mobile.

MY WIFE

I don’t want to talk to you right now. Let me cool off.

There was a lot of emotion behind that text and I know it wasn’t all directed at me. Call me, tine.

I’ll call tonight. I can’t right now.

…

MY HUSBAND

It’s nearly midnight…

Missed call from My Husband

Call from My Wife

November 9

MY HUSBAND

Thank you for calling me back last night.

MY WIFE

No problem.

Besides, it’s nothing a little tequila can’t fix 😛

You opened a new bottle?

Oh, honey, I have opened *quite* a few. But I decided to go with water this morning. After you called last night my elephant friends kept egging me on to do shots and I fell on my ass doing a simple grand plié. Embarrassinggg.

I like what you do to my ass way more 😉

Did you hurt yourself? What time did you go to sleep?

Nope. Just humiliated myself in front of my audience. My fans love me no matter what, tho.

I know I’ve asked during our calls, but has anyone missed me on the outside?

I’m sure they would be more vocal about it if it wasn’t for that press statement Monroe made on your behalf. Most people have taken it as truth and they’re trying to give you space.

I fecking hate it. I can’t wait to set them right.

Aw my hero wanting to save the day.

I’m no fecking hero. But I’d do anything to keep you safe.

Such a softy.

Only with you.

Dad says the best way to a woman’s heart is thoughtfulness.

Aw, no wonder your mom loved him.

She was one of the reasons why I was excited to marry you.

She loved you. She was always our champion.

I’m sorry she’s gone.

Thank you. It’ll never be easy. But it gets easier.

She said the way to a woman’s heart is to twirl her around on the dance floor. It’s only partially worked with you.

I need to step up my thoughtfulness if I’m to win your heart.

Help me free my father, and you’ll have it.

You have my word.

<3

Call from My Husband

November 10

MY HUSBAND

I want to hold you.

MY WIFE

I want to bone u 😛

That can be arranged, tine. You’ll be back at our suite in a heartbeat.

YASS I want all the bonig!!!!

Are you okay?

Um, duh, obvi. Partying like a rockstar in the LV.

Okay.

We didn’t talk much last night, I’m worried about you.

Listen, Keyster, Im having the time of my life. Me and my elephant fiends are chilling looking at the fake Eiffel Tower and pretending were in gay Pariee. Oui oui and enchante and all that shit.

Lacey, are you drunk?

Mayyyybeee.

It’s not even noon and you’re all alone, Lacey.

Noon-thirty-seven to be exact. And yeah, im all alone, dont you think I ducking know that?

Whatever you’re drinking, stop right now, Lacey, or I swear to Christ I’ll come get you myself.

Lacey, Lacey, Lacey. So many Laceys and no Laces or tines or wifes.

God, *fine*.

U know I could be doing shots and youd have no idea.

I think I’d have some idea.

Nope. I’m a mystery drinker. Full ove all the ducking mystery.

Yeah, keep saying shite like that and tell me you’re not wasted.

It’s up. Happy now, mom?

I won’t be happy until you’re safe under my roof.

Your roof. The Barons roof. So many roofs, but never mine. Who gives a duck about roofs? Just let me dad go and let us drink in peace.

lol “me dad”.

I’m a pirate.

My meeting is next week. I tried, but he couldn’t do an earlier appointment.

And you still wont’ tell me who it is. Secrets dont make fiends Kian.

I think that’s exactly what they make.

What?

Nothing. I’ll tell you who I met with after my meeting, I swear. I just don’t want you to get your hopes up.

FIne. I’m tried. Ill talk to you tonight.

Do I need to come up there?

JUST A NAP JESUS LEAVE ME ALONE

…

Missed call from My Husband

…

Call from My Husband

November 11

MY WIFE

Sorry about yesterday… I think being here finally got to me.

MY HUSBAND

I can come get you anytime you want. Say the word, tine and I’m there.

Until I know I can get my dad out, I’m staying here. You’ll start a war if you come get me and then I’ll lose everything. Please… if you don’t have answers, stop giving me an out. This is hard enough as it is.

But this is tearing you up, Lace.

Have you been dancing? That seems to help.

You’re right. I should do that. In fact, I’ll go do that now. Talk tonight?

Sooner. I’m messaging you before our call to check in.

…

MY HUSBAND

How was dancing?

Lace?

…

Missed call from My Husband.

MY WIFE

I’m fine. Napping.

Missed call from My Husband.

November 12

Missed call from My Husband.

MY HUSBAND

Lacey if you don’t fecking text me or call me right fecking now I’m coming up there I swear to fecking Christ.

MY WIFE

Ooo, look at you acting all scary.

My Wife: Come to think about it… I *should* be afraid of you.

Afraid of me? Why?

Spoiler alert, you kidnapped me and forced me into marriage. You’re kind of terrifying.

And yet you’ve never been afraid in the slightest. I think you even like me.

Don’t get cocky.

Bet I can prove both.

Alright, let’s hear it.

What do I get if I win?

A big thumbs up.

Idk you decide.

How about I save it for a rainy day.

Sounds suspicious, but I’m feeling risky, lately. What do I get if I win?

You won’t.

How does Monroe’s suite look?

Mkay… and you always get onto *me* about topic changes, lol. I’ll play along.

It’s a nice size. Studio style + lots of furniture and hidey-holes, a dwindling liquor stash above the fridge, and a kitchenette. TV that only plays local channels. Super elephant-y. Lots of colors. Nothing soft. Hard queen-sized bed. Great view of everything I’m missing outside, tho. Super not making my FOMO worse at all.

So there’s no mess?

other than my mind? No…

There’s your proof right there. If you were ever afraid of me, you wouldn’t have trashed my suite.

Hmm… okay. I see what you’re saying. I’ll admit I’ve never been afraid of you, but *liking* you? That’s taking things too far, sir!

Call me sir again and I’ll show you how far I can take you.

JEE-SUS.

Your wedding ring proves you like me.

…what about it?

You’ve kept it, even though you could’ve thrown it away. And yet you let me take Monroe’s ring off you the night we met.

I never want to wear his again.

Maybe one day I’ll put yours back on. You know, when I’ve decided not to be permanently mad at you anymore.

I care for you, Lace. I’m worried about you.

Please don’t worry about me. Seriously, it’s just a little alone time. Every girl needs it.

My wee tine needs room to be free, though.

I forgot to tell you. I found out what tine means.

And?

And… I like it.

And I like you, too.

Call tonight?

You have my word.

<3

…

Call from My Husband

November 13

MY WIFE

The Baron called. He said he’s back Sunday. He wants to go to Mass to show off his converted whore.

MY HUSBAND

He said that to you? Those words?

Lol, why is it scarier that you don’t use all caps when you’re pissed?

Lacey.

Yeah, he used those words.

That’s a third strike against him.

Are we doing baseball, here? Or bowling… I don’t know the rules to sports with balls.

It’s my own system. The rules are don’t fecking piss me off and don’t take what’s mine.

Oh, are those part of the infamous “wild ace” rules? We love dark and mysterious Kian when he’s not being dark and mysterious with us.

Us?

Me and my elephant friends. We’re having tea together to celebrate the Baron telling us not one fucking thing that could help with my father, even though I used all my sweet talking to schmooze him.

And by tea I mean tea-quila.

Lacey, we talked about this.

Let me have fun, please? I need *something* right now.

What about dancing?

If you keep berating me about my coping mechanism I won’t stop doing it, I’ll just stop bringing it up. You know that, right?

Yeah, I do. More than you know. That’s why I’m worried.

Okay Kryptic Kian.

I told you I’ll tell you about it someday. In the meantime, please try to find different outlets.

Mkay

Will you be attending Mass at St. Patrick’s?

Would a brown-nosing Garde member ever go anywhere else? The Baron’s certainly not going so he can impress Jesus.

My meeting this Saturday will hopefully prevent you from having to go with him at all.

Yeah, I’m not doing the whole “hope” thing, anymore. Just living day by day.

Stay with me Lace. I know you’re isolated right now, but you can’t let it get to you.

I know.

Talk tonight?

You have my word.

<3

…

Call from My Husband

November 14

MY HUSBAND

You okay? You seemed distant last night.

…

MY HUSBAND

Lacey?

MY WIFE

Just tired. Lots of energy expended lying around all day hating your life, LOL.

Lacey, you can’t just say “LOL” after a fecking statement like that.

Sheesh, sorry. “lol” then.

The caps don’t matter. The sentiment matters. Hating your life isn’t a joke, especially not when you’re coping with alcohol. It’s a downer. I know more than most what it does to people.

…

MY HUSBAND

Lacey?

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MY WIFE

Okay.

Have you tried dancing today?

I’ll do that. Got to go.

Call tonight?

Sure.

…

Missed call from My Husband

MY HUSBAND

Lacey?

…

MY HUSBAND

I care about you, tine.

November 15

MY HUSBAND

Say anything or I’m coming up there.

MY WIFE

Hey, sorry. I got my period yesterday. I’m just going to crash all day.

Shite, sorry you’re not feeling well.

…

MY HUSBAND

Call tonight, then? My meeting is early tomorrow. Do you want me to text you before?

…

MY HUSBAND

Lacey?

…

MY HUSBAND

I’m calling tonight. If you don’t answer, I’ll text or call before my meeting.

…

Missed call from My Husband

November 16

Missed call from My Husband

Missed call from My Husband

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