A moan slips out of his lips as I plant kisses along his skin. My focus is sorely on his neck and under his jaw.

" Baby, what are you doing?" He asks, his sleepy voice making him sound so hot right now.

" Morning." I murmur in his ear before continuing with my assualt right where his weak spot is.

" Hazel." He groans, placing his hands on my waist, squeezing it and causing me to jump slightly.

I lean back to look down at him.

" Will you wake up now?" A smirk plays on his lips whilst still keeping his eyes closed.

" Roman, look at me already." I whine.

" But I'm still sleepy." He says, trying to fight off a grin.

" No you're not. I'm here and that's more then enough reason to want to wake up."

" Nope." I gape in disbelief of his answer.

Fine, if he wants to sleep, then I'll leave him alone, damn O'Connor.

" Aah!" I gasp when he suddenly rolls us over and he now, hovers over me. He buries his face in the crook of my neck.

" Where do you think you're going hmm?"

A giggle slips past my lips when roles change and now, he is the one peppering kisses along my skin. His assaults get intense that my body arches off the bed. The effects of his kisses and his touch cause a moan to slip out and tingles, to travel along my skin.

I let out a shaky breath when he lingers his lips right on my weak spot, before pulling back.

" Baby, look at me." He whines but I shake my head, with my eyes closed and still needing to get myself under control. Damn him.

" Hazel, I want to see your eyes." He complains, but I can hear amusement in his tone.

My eyes flutter open and one word to describe him is hot. He looks so damn dreamy right now with his hair dishelved and his half naked body.

When I look up at his face again, his smile slips off his face. " Baby, don't look at me like that?"

" Like what?" I breathe out, blinking up at him.

"Nothing." He shakes his head before pecking my lips and nuzzling his nose against mine.

Before I can say anything, he gets off me and off the bed. " I'll be right back." He says before heading out, leaving me a little confused.

I roll over to my side and reach out for my phone, before scrolling through it. When he returns, without a word he gets back under the covers and pulls me close, snatching my phone and placing it aside.

" It's my time now." He says, pushing my hair away from my face.

" Your time huh?" I raise my brow.

He nods before connecting our lips, letting them linger against each other for a moment. I sigh against him, my fingers drawing patterns on his back.

" Two days was too long Hazel." He says, with his eyes roaming all over my face.

" I know. " I sigh, closing my eyes when his thumb caresses my skin." I was just feeling overwhelmed with everything. The fear that I had when I returned here had overtaken again. I just -"

" Don't say anymore. I get it." I open my eyes and the look of understanding on his face, relieves me.

" I know this may make me sound selfish, but I was thinking about protecting myself. I wanted to run away and never look back. I wanted to curl up in a corner and take cover. I couldn't handle anymore hurt, I was so tired honestly, not that I'm not now. But it's not about me anymore, it's about us." I sigh. " I'm sorry for hurting you."

The whole time I have been speaking, my eyes have been trained on his chest. I wanted to let everything out and be honest.

He tilts my chin up so our eyes meet.

" I should have reacted better. I should have listened more."

" No, no I understand why you reacted that way. My decision was too sudden and springing it on you like that where I left you with no choice, but to accept it. It wasn't okay. I realize that now."

He opens his mouth to say something, but I'm quick, to stop him with my finger against him. " Roman I was scared okay, really scared. I thought I wouldn't be able to face anything again after the whole case thing, but I was wrong. Me being afraid and wanting to run away almost cost me you. I almost lost you."

" No, no. You'll never lose me baby. I'm here for the long haul. You're it for me remember?" He pecks my lips twice before tracing his thumb on my lips.

" Me too, please believe that?" I plead quietly.

" I do, your love, your commitment and loyalty. Your trust and faith in me and more, it says everything. No one understands me like you do. " He says, once again pecking my lips and I am enjoying it way too much.

" And your love for me is like no other. It gives me confidence and reassurance that you are always here, with me, always." I smile up at him and he smiles back.

I snuggle into his chest and close my eyes, enjoying his warmth and his body close to mine.

" Next time we talk real talk, we will be alone. " I say against his skin.

" I'd like that very much." He kisses the top of my head.

A small smile touches my lips before I close my eyes, enjoying being in his arms.

" Hazel, are you sleeping?" He asks after some time.

" Hmm, I'm sleepy now." I murmur, my eyes having closed a long time ago.

" You're kidding right?" He says in disbelief.

" Hmm." I mentally smile, knowing that roles have changed now.

Now he's the one awake.

When I feel him staring at me, I peek one eye open and sure enough, he's staring at me. " Why are looking at me like that?" My eyes have now fully opened and we are looking at each other.

" I'm still asking myself if it's possible for anyone, to love someone as much as I love you?"

Words fail me as I witness so much emotion and intensity, present in his eyes. I reach out my hand to place it against his chest, where his heart beats.

" I don't know about other people but I know about you. I know that your love for me is real and pure. And you know what, I know that I'm the luckiest girl in the world for this. "

" You're so beautiful..." He suddenly says, caressing my cheek.

The look on his face, the amount of emotion in his eyes, all expressed for me to witness, this makes me to look away shyly, trying to hide my face.

" Roman." I breathe out, words getting stuck in my thoat.

"Look at me baby." He tilts my chin up again. " You are breathtaking, everything about you captures my heart and you are all mine. What more could I ask for?" He wraps his arm around me, burying his head in the crook of my neck.

We remain in that position for a moment and I enjoy every minute. Being in Roman's arms feels like home to me, I feel loved and sheltered. To be around him, my mind can't possibly think of anything missing.

It all feels right.

I'm so comfortable in his arms that I nearly fall asleep, but Roman chooses this time to move away and want us get out of bed. Ofcourse, I resist. I am way too comfortable and lazy to get out of bed, anyway it's a holiday and I deserve all the rest, especially after two nights of no sleep.

" Lovett, get your lazy ass out of bed." He says, spanking my butt.

" No way O'Connor, I'm too comfy and besides, I need my rest." I say, snuggling into my pillow.

" But I need my baby." He says, spanking my ass again. " So come on, get up."

" Stop abusing my ass." I groan out.

" Well stop being difficult and give me attention. I deserve it."

" I always give you attention though. Anyway, don't you have a gym to go to?"

" Nope, that was temporary." I roll over onto my back, surprised by these news.

" Really?" He nods.

" And if I were to go back, it would have to be with you." He says, sitting back down on the bed.

" But why, I don't work there." I say, frowning in confusion.

He takes my hands in his and pulls me up, so we are both seated in eye level. " Well I think you should join, you would be my motivation to keep on working there. " He says, burying his hand into my hair. " And the perfect view for me."

" I love you but no thank you. Me and the gym are a definite no no." I shake my head.

" Oh come on, it'll be fun."

" Nothing is fun about lifting weights and running on the treadmill. It's exhausting and more exhausting to keep up with routines. So no. "

He pouts, blinking at me. " Please."

" Don't give me that face."

He doesn't let up, but continue with pouting at me. " Fine. I'll think about it." A big smile takes over his face.

" I'll help you with creating your new routine, eating plan and-"

" Oh gosh, I'm already regretting this." I groan out as I fall back on the bed.

He chuckles at me.

A ping sound comes from his phone and when I hand it over to him, he doesn't take it. He rather gestures for me to check out the message.

" What's your password?" I ask, feeling a spark of excitement at checking out what's in his phone.

Call me creepy but I'm curious.

My heart jumps when I see that he used my picture, as his screensaver.

" Guess." A smirk plays at his lips.

" Because you wont make it easy for me, is it a name or number?"

" Both." I frown, scrunching my nose as I scroll through my mind for something.

" Your name?"

" That's easy."

" My name?"

" That's easy too."

" Your mom?"

He shakes his head no.

" Your dad?" He gives me a ' really' look, making me chuckle. " Okay okay. Lets see - is it anyone from our family or friends?" He shakes his head no.

" Is it something that you like to do or something important?"

When he doesn't respond to either of these, but just stares at me, I perk up.

" It's something important." I trail off, thinking hard.

There are a number of things he holds dear to his heart. Things of importance.

'You are very important to me Sweet.'

My eyes widen when it clicks in mind.

" Sweet! - that's it right?"

He smirks at me. "And?"

" And that's it." I say in a duh tone.

" Nope." He shakes his head.

I sigh. " Just give it up." I say, waving my hand aimlessly.

" It's an important day to me." He says.

" That's so easy." I say sarcastically, rolling my eyes.

' You are everything to me.' His words ring into mind.

He said these words once, I remember. So that means everything of mine, he holds into importance. But it could just be about anything, but to him, it's not.

" My birthday."

When he smiles at me, I sigh in relief but also smile at him. He takes the phone from my hand and I watch as he punches in, the password. He hands it back to me, wanting me to read the message.

I read the message that was sent by his dad, informing Roman that he is coming over. Roman just simply nods, but doesn't say anything.

" What if he's here already Roman, you should go downstairs." I say.

" Yeah, yeah, but you're coming with me." He says, getting off the bed and pulling me up along with him.

My cellphone suddenly rings and I raise my brow at me. He groans and heads out, leaving me with an amused smile on my face. I sit back down on the bed, answering the call from my dad, who lightens up my mood even more.

I will never forget how he trusted me enough, to make such a big decision, even after all that has happened. He trusted my opinion and respected my decision, now I am here, happy with the love of my life.

*******

I never thought I'd see Nick so happy to see me, but he was when he was here earlier. Everything was evident on his face and his demeanor. Because of the long chat I had with my dad, I was only able to catch Nick in the midst of leaving.

I was so surprised when Roman told me, right after Nick had left, that we would go on a little getaway. He didn't go deep into details but just said, he took so much thought over me leaving, though everything was okay now with me being back and all, he thought it would be good for the both of us if we took a little trip.

Some time away from this place would do us some good. We had to enjoy our holiday. The time away will allow us to let our focus and attention be on our relationship. We were leaving tomorrow and I was excited.

I talked to my dad and he didn't have a problem, in fact, Roman talked to him. The surprise has given me a reason to keep on smiling today. What he didn't know was that, I also have a surprise for him. It is something I know he has needed in all these years.

I make my way downstairs, keeping my surprise hidden behind my back. Thankfully he is already seated on the couch, flicking through the channels. I take my place next to him, feet tucked under me and nerves starting up into my system. " Roman?"

" Hmm?" He glances at me, pausing from what he was just doing.

" There is something I want to give you. Something you deserve to see." I tell him.

" Okay, what is it?" He turns to face me, giving me full attention.

I bring my hand forth and show him the disc in hand. He frowns in confusion, taking it from me.

" So what's in it?"

" I'd rather that you watch and see." I say, getting off the couch.

" Hey, where are you?" He asks, grabbing at my hand and stopping me.

" It would be best if you watched this alone. I'll be upstairs." I peck his cheek before pulling away.

I leave him alone because he needs this. He needs this moment, as a son receiving a special message, from his mother. I had discovered the disc at aunt Karen's house. I know I shouldn't have gone there but I had a troubling feeling, it urged me to go. At first, my intention was just to search for any of my mother's stuff, in which she might have kept but then, I found the dvd.

On the cover was Roman's name.

I never checked out what was in there, but the letter that was hidden inside, along with the disc, explained everything. I know that Roman wished for so long, for things to have ended rather differently between him and his mom. He always missed her but he knew, that she needed help.

I wanted to respect her memory and let Roman, be the one to see it and he do it alone. Aunt Karen might have played a part in Roman missing this, but I would let him see this. I want to be there for him, just as he has been for me. I want to give him all the love he deserves, I want to make him happy, I want to keep his mother's memory alive, the good kind that will always put a smile on his face.

I want what's best for him and for him to never suffer in silence. I want to begin again, start a new and start afresh, with him. When I had left, I left as that same scared girl, who was so afraid to face another day, with my mind assuming that the hurt I experienced, I shall experience again.

When I came rushing back, wanting to claim back what's mine, I thought of the wonderful future, that I would have messed with, had I stayed back. Alot has happened in our lives, that sometimes with widen eyes, I ask myself on how we survived that.

Having Roman back into my life, has been the greatest blessing, God could have given me. I am truly happy where I am and I have no reason to run anymore. He gives me all the reasons to stay and makes damn sure, what I deserve, I get. He is who I deserve and I love him with all of my heart.

I literally just want a begin again, this time, with all our questions answered, puzzle pieces fitted together and happiness, staring us in the face.

This special made video from his mom, is just what he needs. He needed this closure, to finally move on and look at all possibilities of beautiful memories, to experience and share.

That is why I sit quietly and wait patiently for him, I wait whilst busying myself with reading a book, expecting just about anything. Time passes and I still continue waiting, right to the point of almost falling asleep. I jerk awake when I hear the bedroom door opening and he enters.

Before he can even say anything, I take note of it, the look of contentment, the carefree vibe he carries, bounces over to where I'm seated. He gets on the bed and crawls over, before resting half his body ontop me, wrapping his arms around my waist and resting his chin on my chest, looking up at me.

At first we both just look at each other, I place my book aside and run my fingers through his hair. I don't say anything but peck his lips.

"Say something." I plead quietly, now with both my hands on either side of his face.

" Thank you Hazel Grace, thank you." He says with a meaningful and more grateful look, on his face.

I smile at him before kissing his forehead. He rests his head on my chest and we sit in silence, my fingers combing through his hair once again, just like I used to do when we were kids, and just like his mom would do.

Morning comes and I am excited. We do our packing, but mostly him because with honest truth, Roman knows how to pack and well, I don't. My bags usually overflow and this has resulted in me repacking. Relief washes over me when he volunteers to pack for me, though I don't let him go anywhere near my smaller bag, which has my toiletry bag, my lingerie, undergarments, bathsuits and also my pjs. There is something I have hidden in there, that he is not meant to see, anytime soon.

Whilst he gets busy with packing, I clean around the apartment, not wanting to leave our place all dirty. I make sure that everything is spick and span. We woke up quite early, not wanting to rush around and miss anything. The level of excitement heightens when we are all ready, and we leave our apartment.

" So will you finally tell me where we are going?" I ask him, as we make our way to his car.

" It's a surprise. Just be happy with the fact that, we are leaving this place for a while."

" Well I can't deny that this is just what we needed. So, where are we going, Vegas?"

He chuckles, rolling his eyes. " Yes, to get married."

He laughs when I swat at his arm, poking my tongue at him. Reaching his car, we start packing everything in the back of his car.

"Hey guys." A voice says from behind us.

We both glance behind us to see Colton, standing a few feet from us.

" Hey man." Roman says, turning around and walking over to do that bro hug thing.

I wave at him with a kind smile.

It had been a while since I last saw Colton, he wasn't even in court and that surprised me a bit. Then Roman explained how difficult all that's happened, had affected him, I understood. Colton and Beverley were quite close and he always stood by her, he cared so much and protected her. I think he even had feelings for her, but that's just my opinion.

Now to hear what she had been doing, the bad deeds she committed, that must have hit him hard, just like it did to Roman.

I could both sense and see the hurt, the betrayal and even a spark of resentment from him towards her. Since we were little kids, barely old enough to utter so much as two sentences, he has never been understanding, when someone hurt me.

He is the most protective when it comes to me and when you hurt me, you hurt him. So what Beverley had been doing behind his back, all the conspiring against me and trying several times to take me away from him, now that has done more then hurt him. I know that it will take a long time for him to even consider forgiving her.

So I can understand Colton's need for space.

Beverley and Roman are both his friends, so he must have felt caught between his two closest friends, so staying away must have been his only option. We have different ways of dealing with stuff, this must have been his way.

" I'll give you two some privacy." I say, starting to walk off.

" No, it's okay. Stay, please." Colton says, stopping me.

I nod, remaining in my spot.

" Going somewhere?" He asks.

" Yeah, we are going away for a bit, you know, to get a breather. " Roman explains.

Colton nods, tucking his hands in his jacket. " I can understand, you guys deserve it." He says, directing the last part towards me. " So uh, I just came by to check up on you guys. I know that it's been a while since we last spoke, you know with everything that's happened...." He trails off.

" How are you doing man?" Roman asks.

" I'm doing good, better. And you guys?"

" We're good. Right babe?" Roman looks at me.

" Yeah. Uh Colton, about all that's happened -"

"What happened shouldn't have. There are so many things I wish I could have done differently you know, especially when it came to you guys. I thought I was being a good friend."

" You were Colton, you were there for her. You showed her support, you cared."

" But why wasn't that enough?" He asks.

I avert my eyes away from him, not knowing how to respond to that.

" To her, what she had set out to do for years, was more important. It was more important than our friendship. It's unfortunate how things turned out but we can't hold ourselves responsible, for what she did. She did all that, still knowing how it would affect us, I don't know how we can get passed all this, but someday, we will. But for now, I don't think I can, knowing that she and Kyle almost took my world away from me. Not once, but several times." Roman says.

When I glance at him, I see that he is already looking at me. I take his hand and entwine our fingers, giving him a small smile.

" I can't speak for her right now, but I wanted to see if we are still cool." Colton asks.

" Ofcourse man. In these past few days, I thought I should give you some space. You two were really close, more then I was with her. I wanted to give you some privacy, that's all."

" I appreciate it man." He says and the guys hug. I smile at that, feeling relieved that Roman hasn't lost his friend.

" I should let you guys go but before that." He stands infront of me. " I have never been clear with you Hazel, it was always one or the other all in the name, of being a good friend to Beverley. I never gave you a chance and because of that, I missed out on so many things. I'm sorry for what happened, my quick judgement of you and the way I handled things....."

I step forward and hug him. He tenses for a second in surprise before he hugs me back, I murmur an ' it's okay' in his ear, before pulling back.

" I'll pretend I didn't see that." Roman says, making us laugh.

I playfully roll my eyes before saying a thank you and goodbye to Colton, leaving both guys to chat for a bit. After a little bit, Roman joins me.

" Ready?" I nod, relaxing in my seat.

He takes my hand and brings it to his lips, planting a kiss on my knuckles. A content sigh slips out once he drives us out of there.

*****

North Carolina, that's where we are. Nick bought a house there and wanted it to be a vacation home for the family. It is beautiful and ofcourse big. I just think he loves big houses.

There is so much room here and there's even a jaccuzi, now I know where I will be spending most of my time. I like the view of the mountains and nature, even the room Roman picks for us, has a great view. Everything we need is here and there is so much food stocked, I swear, by the time I return to school, I would have gained alot of weight.

With the new scenery and feeling of this place, I was very much excited for our time here. We arrived quite late in the day and I took advantage of the bath, in which Roman tried so hard to join me in. He can be so sneaky when he wants to.

Winter is here and it's not playing. The last I saw Roman was when he said, he would get the fire ready, so we could sit cuddling by the fireplace. Being done and having dressed warm, I make my way downstairs to the kitchen, to make us some hot chocolate.

I stop in my tracks by the living room doorway, when I hear Roman's voice, coming from there. I notice that he is talking over the phone, with his back facing me.

And what he says makes me frown abit.

" It's not that simple." He says.

What's not so simple?

He sighs, running his fingers through his hair.

" It's not the right time yet, not for her atleast."

●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●

What could Roman be talking about?

What did you think about Hazel's surprise for Roman?

Lol, I think I have been enjoying writing this book alot lately, that I am prolonging ending this books. But all things need to come to an end, as promised, soon I will be announcing the ending of the book.

Thank you for your patience guys.

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