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I don't know for how long I've been crying in front of Braden's office, but when I come back to the bar, Aaron instantly casts me a glance full of sympathy and I cringe at how I must look. I don't even feel good.

''I assume it didn't go well?'' Aaron asks, his voice soft.

I only shake my head and throw myself into work, shutting my mind off for the rest of my shift.

***

When the clock finally turns 2 in the morning, I could sing hallelujah, because I was counting down minutes until I can go home and bury myself in my bed until the morning.

Aaron stops me when I want to go out of the bar, embracing me in a hug once more. I sigh and limply crush against his body, not fighting him. I seek all the comfort I can get.

Aaron seems to know this because he lightly brushes my hair and then slowly scrubs my back. I bite back the sob that wants to escape me. ''It's going to be okay, Rory. Whatever you're going through, it's not going to last. And if you need anything, you can come to me anyti-''

''Oh, isn't this fan-fucking-tastic? Just like in a romance novel!'' I hear an all too familiar voice that instantly makes me feel guilty. I jump back a good metre away from Aaron like I'd got burned.

Brooke is standing in front of the bar counter, having her hands on her hips and her eyes narrowed on Aaron, glaring at him with hurt, betrayal and angriness. And beside her is Braden, standing with his feet wide and his hands crossed in front of his chest. He has his angry glance also trained on Aaron, but then he looks at me with a mix of angriness as well as betrayal.

I gulp under his stare, feeling guilty for whatever reason. He has his mouth in a straight line, his eyes are stormy and his face is dark. He's clenching and unclenching his jaw in anger.

''Rory. A word, please,'' Braden announces calmly. His tone icy. His eyes are daring me to object, which I don't have power to anyway, so I just numbly nod at him, feeling small under his gaze.

I catch Brooke's look and she's watching me with hurt written in her eyes. I only shake my head no, praying that she knows I wouldn't do anything like that. I'd never do that to her. Or Braden.

Braden doesn't even wait for me as he strolls back, stopping in the hallway.

"You're doing this on purpose, aren't you?" he whispers harshly

"I'm doing what on purpose?" I ask him, scrunching my eyebrows together in confusion. He groans and leans in. I back up until I hit the wall. I'm not frightened of him, I just need to put some distance between us.

He's looking directly in my eyes. It's dark, the lights are dimmed and I can only make out his shadow. But his eyes are glistening, watching my every move, making me unable to move. "You know what," he whispers against my lips. He licks my lower lip and then bites it. I can't help but moan.

Braden chuckles low in his throat and I swallow hard. "I really don't know what you're talking about." His eyes go ice cold on me.

"You're making me jealous on purpose, sweetheart. And it'll drive me crazy." His statement confuses me.

"Braden, I'm doing no such thing." I laugh and look away. "Besides, why would you even be jealous? We're not even dating." My tone is more bitter than I want it to be.

I hear his sharp intake of breath. He suddenly grips my jaw, forcing me to look at him. "You're still mine, damn it! Mine to touch, mine to kiss, mine to fuck! No one else's!" he shouts in my face.

I want to step back further from him, but the wall stops me. I watch him with wide eyes, processing his words.

He puts a hand beside my head on the wall. "Fuck, baby," his voice breaks. He looks away and then quickly back at me. His eyes are burning into my soul. "If I see his hands on you one more time, I'll do something none of us will like." And with that, he grabs my head, forcing his lips on mine.

The kiss is angry, without any passion, just pure venom and need burning from us. I unwillingly wrap my arms around him, seeking the comfort from the only person who I feel safe and protected with.

All the sadness, the fright and the stress disappears with Braden's kiss, even though there's nothing gentle or calm about it.

Braden pushes me harder against the wall and wraps my leg around his waist. I can feel his arousal. ''You're mine, Rory. I need you so much ...'' he manages, still kissing me.

But when I open my eyes and see where we are and the reality crashes into me, hard, I push Braden away, trying to catch my breath.

Braden releases my leg and I have to put my hands back against the wall to support me so I don't crash on the floor. I shiver at the lack of warmth, but I manage to compose myself enough to pant out, ''Don't. Not here, Braden.''

Braden frowns, his face turning slightly darker in anger. But I don't know the reason why he'd be mad - at whoever he is mad. ''We shouldn't, anyway,'' he says, saying the last word slowly and bitterly. I realise he's mad at me.

I bite my lip and stare at the floor, not being able to hide my tears another way. ''What that looked like in the bar with Aaron - I can promise it was purely innocent. He just offered me comfort until you two chose the moment to stroll in.''

''It didn't look innocent to me, Rory. And I know what feelings he has for you. I know when someone wants what's mine. And I don't cope well with that. I don't share.'' He's in front of me, but I still don't look at him. I notice he has his hands in his pockets. I also notice the huge bulge and I swallow the lump of desire in my throat. ''You should remember that the next time you choose to put your hands on another man.''

My head lifts up quicker than a lightning speed. ''Excuse me? You put your mouth on another woman, directly in front of me, Braden. What can you say about that?'' I accuse.

Braden's jaw ticks and I see he's clearly unhappy with my words. ''I already apologised about that, Rory. Don't bring up the old wounds.''

The wounds they were! And they still cut me big. I wince anyway, realising that I'm bringing up this subject again. After all, I can't hold it against him. He apologised and I said it's okay. There's really no need for me to bring up this old, hurtful thing. ''I'm sorry, okay? I ... I wouldn't do that to you or ... anyone,'' I wanted to say your sister, but I bit my tongue just in time. I don't think Brooke would appreciate me telling Braden about her and Aaron, if he doesn't know already. ''And in the bar where I work and you own it? Where literally anyone can see us?'' I point out, then ask him with a sting of hurt in my voice. ''Don't you trust me at all?''

Braden sighs, pinching his nose. He's clearly being torn. ''It's not you who I don't trust,'' he says after a moment of silence, where he probably debated on what words he wants to say to me.

I look him straight in the eyes. ''It was just a hug, Braden. Friends hug each other,'' I point out the last part.

Braden just crosses his arms in front of him and glares at me. ''He's not a friend to you, Rory. And I don't like seeing another man's hands on your body,'' he says every word slow, not missing a beat.

I just groan out loud, looking at the ceiling. ''You don't fucking own me, Braden! You can't control me. You don't even have me so you can't call me yours,'' I accuse, my words turning out bitter. This day is just getting worse and worse and my mood is somewhere under the ground.

Braden drops his hands and takes one threatening step toward me, his jaw ticking. ''Watch how you speak to me,'' he deadpans. ''And you are mine. Do I need to prove it to you?'' He takes one more step toward me and I gulp. Not exactly in fear, but because a big swirl of emotions travel trough my body.

Why does my blood run so fast every time he calls me his?

''We're not even in a relationship, Braden. We're just sleeping together. Do I need to remind you of that?'' I say sarcastically, throwing his words back at his face.

Braden's mouth forms a straight line, showing his displeasure. ''That doesn't mean you can let other men touch you,'' he says this so calmly that it makes my hair stand out. I hate how he almost never raises his voice at me when he's angry. Sometimes I wish he would because I'd know how to react better. But this calm tone of his only makes my blood turn cold and it completely unarms me, because I have no idea how to react to it.

''Oh, for Christ's Sake, Braden! It was only a damn, friendly hug because he wanted to comfort me. Why do you have to make such a big deal about it?'' I defend myself, almost desperate that he lets go of this topic so I can go home and cry myself to sleep in peace.

Braden cocks his head to the side slightly and I see he's momentarily surprised. ''Oh, okay. So when I asked you what's wrong, you didn't want to tell me. But it's obvious that you told your friend out there so he could comfort you,'' his voice is disgusted, his face in a grimace. ''Do you trust Aaron more than me? Is that it?'' His voice is quieter now and I notice a flash of hurt in his eyes before he carefully masks it again.

I sigh and now it's me taking a step toward him. I put my hand on his cheek and slowly caress it. It doesn't escape my notice how he turns his face into my touch. A small smile appears on my lips. ''Why do you doubt yourself so much?'' I step on my tiptoes and place a small, lingering kiss on his lips to just reassure him. I don't know how it turned out that after this day, it's me who has to reassure Braden. I place my other hand on his chest, never breaking our eyes contact. Braden's eyes shine down at me. ''I was hurt before, Braden. You told me that if I ever need something from you, I can always come to you. And I asked you for a simple thing, because you're my boss now and, well ... you said no. And I just didn't know how to feel about that, on the top of the day I had today. I was hurt and I needed a friend. You just turned a cold shoulder on me.'' I shrug like I don't see a big deal in that.

But when Braden closes his eyes in hurt, I know it means something more to him than just nothing. ''I'm such a jerk to you,'' Braden mumbles out to himself, his eyes still closed, his voice laced with hurt.

I don't say anything to that because I just don't know what I should say. It's true. He's acting like an ass sometimes. But I still love him. My chest hurts with ache.

''Let me take you home now,'' Braden says, opening his eyes. They shine at me at how bright they are.

I shake my head at him, slightly in a daze from being so close to him. ''I'm with my car,'' I say with a squeaky voice.

But Braden has none of it. ''You can come get it tomorrow. I want you with me tonight,'' he says, his tone final. He offers me his hand and a shot of tingles travel down my body when I lace my hand with his. I can't contain my big grin at him and he smiles back, his eyes shining in happiness. I don't even have it in me to object to him taking me home.

I fight him enough. I push him away enough as it is. I don't know why I even bother. He has me already. I guess that a part of me is still waiting when he'll wake up and decide that I'm just not what he desires anymore and he'll move on to another girl. I cast a secret glance at his perfect face. Could I survive it? Could I survive him leaving me? Survive continuing living with his sister and maybe seeing with whom he moved on with? The hole in my stomach and the closeness of my throat tells me that no, I don't have it in me to pick myself up if I lose him.

I subconsciously tighten my hand, squeezing his. He casts me a questioning look, noticing me staring at him. I blush and just shake my head, laughing it off dryly.

Braden leads me to his matte silver Audi RS 6, making me drool a little. How many different cars exactly does he have?

He leads me to the passenger side, opening the door for me and waits until I'm seated before he closes it. I appreciate the interior of the car, being all silver, luxurious and spacious, matching the outside beauty of the car.

Braden goes around the car, sliding smoothly in the driver's side. He takes my hand in his, kissing it and then resting our joined hands on the arm rest.

I smile at him and he gives me a tired smile back. Only now I notice how tired he really looks and my smile falters a bit. He has dark circles again and his hair is all messy. His eyes just look tired and he doesn't look his age at all. Braden notices my expression change.

''What?'' he asks in an alert.

I just cock my head to the side. ''You look very tired, Braden. You work too much,'' I say softly, although my voice is scolding.

Braden grins at me, shaking his head. ''You just sound like my mum would,'' he mutters while starting the engine, still grinning.

It takes me by surprise. He never mentioned his parents around me before. I always thought it's a forbidden subject for him. I guess it's never easy to be reminded of something hurtful like that, no matter how much time has passed. There always stays an ache, even if a small one.

''I'm serious, Braden. Do you even sleep enough? Eat enough?'' I can't help but be concerned about him. I don't care if I really sound like his mother right now. His healthiness comes first.

Braden chuckles a bit and casts a glance at me again. ''Yes, Rory. I know how to take care of myself,'' he snorts.

I laugh a bit myself, but I don't quite believe him. I just choose to drop this subject for a while. ''So what was she like?'' I don't know if I should ask, but I'm curious.

''What was who like?'' Braden asks absently.

''Your mother.''

Braden instantly freezes and tightens his hold on my hand that it becomes nearly painful. I guess he did it without thinking because he's still staring straight forward. I start to regret my question, but then Braden smiles, although a bit sad. ''You remind me of her, actually,'' he starts, surprising me in both - because he's willing to share something important to him with me and with his words.

I turn my head to him, looking at him with round eyes. ''Me? Why?'' I sputter out in surprise and disbelief.

Braden seems to think about it. ''She was ... impulsive,'' he rolls the word out as if tasting it. Then he nods his head as if he approves of the word. I still watch him, too stunned to even open my mouth to reply him. ''She was also stubborn,'' he chuckles at that. ''But she was very nice and kind and had a heart purer than a diamond. She was a strong woman, and to this day, I'm proud of her,'' his voice turns sad and now it's me squeezing his hand in comfort. He pierces me with his eyes and I see they're glistening with unshed tears. My heart shatters at seeing him in pain. ''I miss her so very much,'' he admits quietly and turns his gaze back on the road, although I see he's somewhere far away with his thoughts, probably thinking about his mum.''

I just hate how sad he looks and I can't do much to comfort him or to make him feel better. ''I know you don't want to hear this, but I'm really sorry for your loss.''

Braden just smiles sadly and nods his head as if accepting my sincere words.

''I'm sorry I hurt you before,'' Braden says after minutes of silence between us, surprising me once again.

I shrug, not really taking it to my heart anymore.

He starts to softly stroke my backhand with his thumb. ''But first of all, you should know that I can't just let you work for more hours. We have a protocol and there are rules to follow. I can't have you working for 16 hours, Rory. That's inhuman,'' he says, his tone business-like again.

I lean my head back on the headrest and look at him with only my eyes. ''It's okay, Braden. I acted impulsively. Again,'' I laugh. ''I understand your priorities.''

Braden frowns at me. ''You're my priority, Rory,'' he says, his voice full of emotion. I look at him with stunned silence. ''I need to make sure you're well-taken care of. That you're happy. I want to take care of you, baby,'' he says softly, still caressing my hand with his thumb. His touch is oddly calming, judging by the state my brains are turning right now.

Words totally escape me. I feel like I can't even breathe anymore. Is he even serious? ''I ... I don't know what to say,'' I murmur, being completely honest. I'm too stunned, too surprised.

Braden parks the car in front of my building and kills the engine off. We sit in the silence while I stare at Braden, who seems to be deep in thought.

''Are you happy, Rory? Do I make you happy?'' He turns his troubled eyes to me and my mouth slightly drops open at his question.

I don't even know where's this coming from. As I continue staring at him in the stunned silence, his face becomes more and more tortured. What is he thinking, I ask myself in wonder. ''Braden, you make me immensely happy. Why would you even think otherwise?'' I ask, quite fearful where this is leading. He's acting very strange tonight and I have no clue what's the reason behind his behaviour.

Braden turns his gaze straight forward, on the empty street. He keeps his hands on the steering wheel, gripping it harder while he seems to think about something. Street lights illuminate his form, making me see his features clearer.

He purses his lips slightly and I see he's choosing the words by the way he opens his mouth twice, before he sighs, closing his eyes briefly. ''I've seen you crying so much when you're with me.'' He frowns, a dark shadow crossing his face. He looks at me again, my big eyes staring right back at him. ''I hate seeing you in tears. Especially because of me,'' he points out, his voice quiet and small. And frightened. If Braden Campbell is something, he's never frightened.

I think about what to answer him. Can I even tell him the truth? I cringe, thinking what my answer is going to be. But hiding the truth from him ... I already hide so many things from him, as he does from me. But I've always tried to be honest about what I feel, at least if not voicing my feelings, then showing them. Well, if we leave out the part about me loving him.

''You hurt me sometimes, Braden. But I think it's pretty normal for people in any kind of relationship having fights ...''

Braden winces slightly. ''But it's always me hurting you,'' he mutters, his voice sour.

I actually feel bad, seeing him so crushed, his shoulder slumped. I sigh and just think that maybe my words are not enough. I put my other hand on our joined hands on the armrest and lean on my left, putting my head on his shoulder. ''Despite everything, I'm very happy with you,'' I say tiredly, the events of this day crashing down on me again.

It's so easy to forget my problems with Braden. It's like whenever I'm with him, we're in some kind of bubble, locked in from the outside world. Other people don't exist, problems don't exist ... It's only me and him.

Braden kisses the top of my head appreciatively. ''Are you tired?'' He seems to change the subject.

I nod my head on his shoulders, not bothering with opening my mouth. My eyes are already closing.

''Will you tell me what happened today that got you in such a crushed mood?'' Braden asks quietly.

My eyes pop open and there are fresh tears in them again. My face grimaces, thinking about finding out I'm without all the money I was saving for so many years ... The conversation with Charles ... I blink rapidly, but a tear escapes my eye, falling slowly down my cheek, leaving a hot, salty and wet trail behind it. I quickly wipe it. ''Don't press it tonight, Braden, please. I just need you. I can't talk about it yet ...''

If I admit to myself, I'm ashamed. I'm sitting in a prestige car with one of the wealthiest men in the country. And I literally don't even have three dollars in my wallet right now.

Braden leans his head on the headrest, looking up at the ceiling of the car. I watch him, my head still lying on his shoulder. ''Why won't you tell me, Rory? Don't you trust me?'' He asks and his voice is laced with hurt.

I smile sadly against his shoulder. ''I trust you more than anyone in this world,'' I tell him, surprising myself how true my words really are. ''But just let me think my problems through first, okay? I want to have a clear head before I tell you anything.''

I hear him sigh. ''Okay,'' he says, his voice tight and I notice he's restraining himself to push me to tell him the truth. ''But you can tell me anything, you know that, right?'' He squeezes my hand, which is still in his big, warm one. ''Whenever you have any troubles, you can come to me, Rory. Please never doubt that,'' he breathes out with all the honesty.

I nuzzle my head even further into his neck in appreciation and in my way of saying thank you and telling him I know what he's saying.

''We should go to sleep,'' Braden says, but neither of us makes a move to leave.

But then I remember Braden has to wake up in a few hours probably when going to work and I jolt up in my seat. Braden looks at me confusedly. ''Let's go up. You have to be up early, I assume?'' I'm fingering my messy hair, not even knowing why I bother. I'm going to sleep in a few minutes anyway.

Braden shrugs. ''Yeah, but I'm kind of used to getting so little sleep.''

I glare at him. ''That's not healthy, Braden,'' I point out, a little angry at him for not taking good care of himself. He literally wakes up around five or six in the morning and goes to sleep sometimes, now more frequently, at the same time as I do. And he works the whole day, more than an average person. ''How dare you decline my offer for working more hours when you literally work for about 21 hours a day, every day?'' I ask him, although I don't mean it seriously.

Braden chuckles and shakes his head. ''Let's get you to bed. You're getting cranky.''

I gape at him, but he's already exiting the car. ''Hey!'' I shout at him, opening my door and stepping out. He narrows his eyes when I do that. I know he wanted to be a cavalier, but I don't care. ''That was mean.'' I point my finger at his chest.

He takes my hand in his instead, shaking his head a bit as he chuckles and starts leading me to my flat. I'm scowling the whole way up.

When we silently come to my room, I go into the bathroom first and try to refresh myself as quickly as I can, taking a five minute shower to clean the smell of the bar off me, clean my face of any makeup and quickly brush my teeth, taking my hair up in a high, messy bun.

When I come outside, Braden is sitting on the bed, waiting for me, shirtless. He slowly stands up and comes to me, so close that I get dizzy. He flashes me a pearly white smile and slides past me into the bathroom. I need some moments to start functioning normally again, having to take some deep breaths.

I change my clothes, picking out my favourite shirt of Braden's. I take his shirt up to my nose and inhale deeply. When I turn around, I see Braden standing at the bathroom door, leaning himself against the doorframe, an amused look plastered on his face. He grins wildly while I blush furiously.

Why does he always have to see me doing the most embarrassing things?

''Do I need to borrow you more of these? I'm sure my scent has already faded on some of them,'' he teases me, barely holding in his laugh.

I merely glare at him and go into the bed. ''No, thank you,'' I mumble restrainingly, still feeling like my cheeks are on fire. I put the covers over me and turn on my side. I hear Braden walk around the bed and feel him get in. He comes behind my back.

''Are you mad?'' He asks, putting his palm on my shoulder.

I purse my lips. ''Nope,'' I say in my court voice.

Braden sighs, pushing me on my back. He towers me and my breath hitches. ''You know I was just teasing, babe. I love seeing you wear my clothes.'' He grins down at me and travels his hand down my leg, hitching his shirt up higher, exposing my skin to his touch.

''Braden,'' I say tightly, suddenly feeling afraid of asking him to stop. But I'm really not in the mood tonight. Braden watches me carefully. ''Can I ask you for a favour?'' I ask, holding my breath.

Braden nears his head towards mine, almost brushing his lips with mine, making my senses go wild. He's such a great seducer, I think as I push my heels into my mattress, willing myself to stay calm and collected. ''Can you just hold me tonight? I'm really not in the mood for ... you know ...'' I blush again.

Braden can't help himself and a chuckle escapes him. ''Fucking?'' he whispers against my lips, making my cheeks go hot in instant.

I watch him with wild eyes, anticipating his next move. He places his lips on mine, so soft that makes me moan quietly. The kiss doesn't last long, but it's sweet and it means more than any other kisses we share.

Braden then rolls off me, onto his side of the bed, pulling myself to him. I lie on my side and hug him tightly to me. Braden tucks me into his chest, putting his head on the top of mine, holding me protectively in his hold. He places one last kiss on the top of my head, sighing contently. ''Goodnight, my precious,'' he whispers in the dark, making me smile happily. He fills my head with only his presence, making me forget I have any problems at all. I just wish these moments could last forever and that when I wake up in the morning, I'll still be cuddled tightly in his protective arms. It's just a wishful thinking, I know.

''Goodnight, Braden,'' I whisper against his throat, placing a kiss on it after then. I snuggle as close to him as I can. I'd probably crawl in his skin if I could. He tightens his hold on me and I soon get swarmed up in his warm embrace and his slow breathing, luring me to sleep.

So, this story just reached 16K reads and I wanted to give you this chapter as a small thank you. So, thank you for reading this story and I hope you liked this chapter! I love you very, very much, all of you!

Some of you wished to read a chapter in Braden's POV, but I'm going to slightly disappoint you because I don't have planned any chapter from his view, but I have planned to post some bonus chapter(s) once I finish this story in his POV. Sounds good?

When I'll update next? I have no idea. Literally. All I can say - when I have the next chapter written. When will that be? No idea. So yeah : vote and comment!