The Sweetest Temptation
Chapter 172: Girlfriend

Chapter 172: Girlfriend

Beatrix nervously fidgeted with her phone as she worked up the courage to call Rhys. They hadn’t spoken in what felt like ages, and she missed him terribly. She took a deep breath and pressed the call button.

As the phone rang, Beatrix felt her heart pounding in her chest.She wondered if Rhys would even answer. But after a few rings, he did.

"Hey, Rhys," she said, her voice warm but guarded.

"Hey, love ," Rhys said, trying to keep his voice steady. "I know we haven’t talked in a while, but I wanted to say something."

Beatrix was silent on the other end of the line, waiting for Rhys to continue.

"I miss you," he said, his voice catching. "I miss talking to you and laughing with you and just being around you. And, uh, I just realized that I never ever asked you this but I was wondering if you would maybe want to be my girlfriend?"

There was a pause on the other side and Beatriz’s lips curled up into a smile. Silly.

But then Beatrix spoke, and her voice was soft and warm.

"I thought you’d never ask," she said, grinning to herself, feeling giddy with relief and happiness.

"Really?" he said, unable to keep the excitement out of his voice.

"Really," Beatrix said, and Rhys could hear the smile in her voice. "I miss you too, Rhys. And I would love to be your girlfriend."

"Great! Then I’m gonna take the next flight tomorrow and come take you on our first date as a couple. Since Damien isn’t here I need to win you over. Don’t tell him I said that."

Beatrix chuckled, "You know I love Damien, Rhys. You can’t win me over."

"Ouch, little mouse. I thought you loved me more. I guess my bastard brother has his charms."

Her lips pulled up. She could imagine the smirk on his face. Damn she missed him. Missed him so fucking much.

"Speaking about your brother. Erm..." Beatrix bit her lips. "How is he? Is everything okay? It’s been so long since I heard from him. I’m worried you know."

Rhys sighed, "Don’t worry Beatrix. Damien is fine, really. He is kicking some ass and rising to the top. Very soon he will have the whole country in his palm." He said a hint of pride in his voice.

Beatrix couldn’t help but feel a twinge of worry at Rhys’ words. She knew Damien was ambitious, but she didn’t want him to lose himself in the pursuit of power. She decided to voice her concerns.

"I wish he was not sacrificing his happiness for success," she said softly.

Rhys was quiet for a moment. "I think he’s doing what he believes is necessary to achieve his goals," he said finally. "But I understand your concern, Beatrix. Damien is a strong-willed person, but he has a good head on his shoulders. I trust him to make the right decisions."

I hope he’s not getting in over his head," she said cautiously.

Rhys chuckled. "Trust me, Beatrix. Damien can handle himself. He’s always been a bit of a wild card, but he knows what he’s doing. And he’s got me to keep him in line, don’t worry."

Beatrix smiled, feeling a sense of relief wash over her. Rhys always had a way of calming her fears, even when they were irrational.

"Okay," she said, still a bit unsure. "Just promise me you’ll keep an eye on him, okay?"

"I promise," Rhys said, his voice gentle. "But enough about Damien. Let’s talk about us. I can’t wait to see you, Beatrix. It’s been too long."

Beatrix’s heart skipped a beat at his words. She couldn’t wait to see him either. It had been months since they’d last been together, and the thought of being in his arms again made her pulse race.

"I can’t wait either," she said, a smile tugging at the corners of her mouth. "I’ll be counting down the hours."

Rhys laughed. "Same here, love. Same here."

Beatrix nodded, reassured by Rhys’ words. She knew that Damien was smart and capable, but she couldn’t shake the feeling of unease. She decided to change the subject.

"So, where are we going on our first date?" she asked, trying to inject some excitement into the conversation.

Rhys laughed. "I have a few ideas, but I wanted to surprise you. Just make sure you’re ready for a night to remember."

Beatrix smiled, feeling the butterflies in her stomach. She couldn’t wait to see Rhys again.

There was a moment of silence between them, but it wasn’t uncomfortable. It was the kind of comfortable silence before Beatrix spoke.

"So ever since I came home, my father has been receiving some really weird packages." Beatrix knew she shouldn’t be sharing this Rhys since it’s her family matter and her father had warned her not to tell anyone whatever that happens in the family. But the thing was eating her alive.

And she trusted Rhys.

"Packages huh? What does these packages contain?" He questioned.

"I don’t know," Beatrix admitted, her voice tense. "My father won’t tell me anything about them. He just says they’re from an old business partner and that he’s taking care of it."

Rhys was quiet for a moment, and Beatrix could feel his concern through the phone.

"That sounds suspicious," he said finally. "Have you tried talking to your father about it again?"

Beatrix shook her head, even though Rhys couldn’t see her. "I don’t want to upset him," she said. "He’s been through so much already. I just wish I knew what was going on."

"I understand," Rhys said. "But if you’re worried, maybe you should do some digging of your own. You never know what you might find out."

Beatrix was quiet for a moment, considering Rhys’ words. She knew he was right. If she wanted to find out what was going on, she would have to take matters into her own hands.

"You’re right," she said finally. "I’ll see what I can find out."

"Good," Rhys said, his voice filled with encouragement. "Just be careful, okay? You don’t want to get caught up in anything dangerous."

Beatrix nodded, even though Rhys couldn’t see her. "I will. Thanks, Rhys."

"Anytime, love," he said, his voice warm. "I’m always here for you."