(Lila's P.O.V)

The bouquet had a small card among the flowers with '12 Noon, Wildcat.' Written on it.

If there was ever a straightforward challenge, then this was it.

I'd ripped the flowers even though they'd been beautiful. I'd crushed them with all the anger I couldn't take out on Roy Gambino this afternoon.

Of course Diego heard of the altercation and called me up soon after.

"Get here at 10 AM sharp tomorrow and we'll discuss the finer details of our plan."

After talking over some more, I was left to my own devices.

Then not long after while I was sitting and mulling on my bed, Mom called me to check in and Dad sent a few dad jokes.

I smiled to myself, feeling my chest well with emotion at the positive changes they'd tried to adopt.

Grace had asked me about the gift Derek gave me and informed about how she'd called him up too but he'd been ten steps ahead of her.

We talked about random topics and then I replied to War when he texted me asking about the guy from today.

Me: An asshole I'll kill. Don't worry too much about him.

He didn't know I meant it literally, of course.

It would have been futile to say that anyway.

Because Warren Knight would worry if he wanted to and hound me if he deemed it necessary. War was much more protective in nature than Derek. He was like a big bear that had a righteous sense of living.

I'd rather he not use it right now though because in all those letters that Roy sent me, he didn't just remind me of what had transpired that day but threatened my friends at every step.

War and Nora and Michael and my sister....

And if it weren't for Diego, I'd have broken long back.

Even now Roy scared me, I won't lie. But I wasn't alone anymore.

Cameron's name flashed on my phone screen and I wondered why everyone was calling me today as if they knew it might be the last time they'd catch me.

Poetic.

"I was in the next town, I'm sorry, what happened?"

"It's fine and well, nothing really. We faced Roy and Tatiana. And he challenged me for a fight tomorrow."

"Great, exactly like we planned it."

I nodded even though he couldn't see me. "When will you be back?"

"Tonight. And I'll be right beside you, Wildcat so don't stress. I love you and we're finally going to do what we've wanted to." His imploring tone made my nerves settle.

He'd talked the same way when we lost Mel and he wouldn't let me go to Blue alone when Diego made contact.

So we'd gone together and there, he'd made sure it was all safe even though he'd been a boy a few months shy of legal.

Cameron and Diego had become constants in my life, brother figures and people I relied upon.

Sure, Diego didn't tell me everything but considering his strict line of job, I expected that.

And sure, Cam was whipped for Veronica but that didn't change how they cared for me.

The clouds rolled in the sky, darkening and spreading. Tonight, no stars would be visible. Threads of light orange and pink weaved on the horizon as the last vestiges of natural light sank and the scent of grass and jasmine from our garden was stronger than ever before.

I inhaled deeply.

Everything that had been happening had left me so stressed. And while tomorrow would be detrimental and ease the burdens from my chest, that didn't mean my anxiety was quelled.

For all I knew, Roy or Ana could have their mob men attack me or one of my friends or family.

I wouldn't rest easy but Diego Morales had assured me they'd be safe and I trusted him.

I didn't want to be alone tonight though and as I thought back to feeling of Derek's comforting and strong hand fitting into mine, a pang went through my heart.

I swallowed the last bit of a Kitkat. Derek had now made a point to regularly throw them into my room or my bag and the damn things kept popping up everywhere.

Then I grabbed my phone again and switched on a light.

Me: Come Over.

Am I really about to do this?

My exhale was shaky as I contemplated my decision once more.

Tomorrow it would all end but I couldn't know anything for sure.

But this.....this I had to do before tomorrow came, bearing its weight in revenge.

Derek: Omw ;)

I guess there's no backing out now.

I heard my gate open and he knew wouldn't bother knocking. I had the door unlocked anyways.

My hands grew clammy but I convinced myself it was time to do this.

After the Gambinos left, the rest of our friend group had lots to ask us but we bolted despite their hounding about both who these people were and when Derek and I got together.

The latter was still untrue but if I did want it to become something real then I had to start with the 'no secrets policy' and that was going to happen only after Roy and I would be done. So, after tomorrow.

If everything went well, that is.

"Calling me to your room so late at night, Kitkat, you're making me excited." 

Derek walked into my room like he owned it, his tattoo peeking out from above his button up's collar. I soaked in his heated presence and easy demeanor. 

"Don't be." I tied my hair into a ponytail.

He plopped down on my bed and I gave him a dirty look.

"It's comfortable. You joining?"

"Not now."

"Oooooh, promising."

But I wasn't in the mood to indulge in his childishness. Licking my dry lips, I stared at him. His copper eyes met mine and his dimpled smile dimmed as he sensed the dip in the mood.

Perched on his elbows as he lay on my bed, dark blue hair falling over his forehead and forearms bunching under his weight, Derek rose a brow.

I fiddled with the hem of my shirt and then stepped closer.

"You really like me?"

My question made surprise flash across his features as he finally sat up and regarded me with a cool look. I was being so upfront but there would be no tiptoeing around this.

"If I said yes?"

Derek had pretty much said yes but he was probably afraid of rejection since I hadn't used my words even once to show that I might have similar feelings. That doesn't go to say no one knows I like Derek too.

I unbuttoned the topmost button of my silk shirt. My heart raced in my chest. Derek's copper eyes darkened and narrowed in confusion.

Another button.

"Okay, no, wait, I'm all for us taking the next step but I think there are few things—"

His eyes drank in the skin I revealed but he cleared his throat. "Seriously, Lila, stop–" He stood up but I didn't stop.

With the final and fourth button off, I bared myself to him.

I'd worn my plunge bra specifically for this occassion.

Derek's eyes dipped to my chest as he cursed before abruptly stopping. I saw the exact moment the lust evaporated and I knew exactly what he was seeing.

He looked up at me again but I kept my face blank despite his eyes overflowing with emotions.

My shirt hung loosely on my body, off my arms as I willed myself to go through this and let Derek in.

"Still like me?"

"You're beautiful." 

He didn't skip a beat, his cautious steps bringing him closer to me. His copper eyes had a look that made my breath catch.

Derek's darkened eyes drank me in like fine wine, silent and observing and my anxiety a live creature writhing just under the scars.

My breath snaked out, my body scorching as he towered over me and we stood mere hairsbreadth away.

When his fingers snaked across my waist, air wooshed out of my lungs. His fingers dug into my skin while his eyes searched mine.

With me in his grasp, he stepped backwards and I followed.

"So beautiful."

"This is the stuff of nightmares, Derek." Although his words made me swallow thickly, I was determined to tackle this problem head on.

I was letting him touch me and that was me giving up significant control. I doubted he realized that though because I didn't tell him everything about me.

"Nightmares?" Surprise colored his expression before he shook his head. "You're the stuff my dreams are made of, Kitkat."

His grin stole my breath and his words made me flush. Heat crawled up my neck and cheeks as I felt my chest heave and my skin scorch at his gaze.

"Now, was it him?" His quiet dark tone made me shiver and I knew without either of us saying Roy's name that it was him Derek was referring to.

"Why?" I breathed.

"Because I'd like to make him scream infinite times more than he made you." His grip tightened on me and my chest constricted.

"He's the reason for your nightmares, isn't he?" Copper eyes appraised me with pain and fury akin to my own.

My neck heated up in embarrassment as I remembered that he'd seen and heard me during a nightmare before very skillfully calming me down.

Derek didn't need to hear my answer of course and so he cursed.

"I want to flay him alive and break every joint in his body." The restrained anger in his tone and taunt muscles was surprising for me as he shook.

Angry Derek was also hot, point to note. I felt my lips hook upwards.

I liked him being protective, liked that I felt safe.

"Me too."

He closed his eyes and took a deep breath, his grip on my waist almost bruising as he fired another question.

"Did he murder Mellisa too?"

The words were on my lips, breathing harsh as I thought of her. And then I quietly spoke, "We were together." I exhaled harshly. "And he...."

Like rotting, festering vines full of thorns......anger and hurt always twisted around my vengeful heart.

Derek's nose brushed against mine in a silent gesture.

I got it.

He didn't but I wasn't about to expound on my sad story right now. That would be too much weakness for one time.

Derek's knees hit the bed and he sat while pulling me down with him in an unexpected move. I blinked as he adjusted me to straddle him, knees on either side of his legs as his copper orbs drank me in.

Our hips pressed close and my hands gripped his shoulders for balance.

His breath fanned my lips, the distance a painful reminder as I whispered, "What are you doing?"

"Worshipping you."

My eyes widened.

His lips tilted. "It's either that or Roy's death on my hands."

Although I wasn't averse to the latter, I planned on achieving that myself. Besides, the darkness of his threats wasn't lost on me. Even though the tatted badboy was considerably powerless, he was a force to be reckoned with.

Derek didn't need to say such things but they soothed me like a balm and stoked my fury.

I wasn't alone.

And then his lips were trailing over my jawline and I fisted his shirt, the soft material a contrast to the rough touch of his slight scruff on my skin with every kiss that went lower.

My breath hitched and I made a sound that was unknown to me as Derek's hot mouth lay open-mouthed kisses on my neck and then....

He kissed the hollow of my throat, my exposed shoulder and our combined sounds of heavy breathing were all I could focus on in order to not make noise. For he didn't relent and when his eyes met mine while he neared the brand between my breasts, I knew he could probably feel the erratic beat of my nervous heart.

A slow rhythm where he took in every detail and his indolent time, my skin all fire and my insides melting for more.

I didn't stop him, one of my hands snaking into his soft hair and gripping tightly while the other wound itself around his neck. I arched my spine minutely and Derek's lips descended on the brand that had caused me pain and served as a reminder of everything bad.

"I don't want to heal the scars on your body, your heart, your soul, sweetheart." He pressed his hot lips against the brand, a scar that was the insignia of the Gambinos, circular in frame. "I want to make them all mine."

Derek's big hands rubbed up and down my thighs, making me writhe and squirm softly in his lap and wrenching a groan from his lips much to my delight.

My eyes wavered as he smiled, kissing my scars better and affection was in his copper eyes as I traced his tattoo.

His acceptance meant more to me that I could ever express.

Derek pushed away and then he was tasting the corner of my lips while I pressed myself against him and cursed the fabric, the distance. His smile was something I could feel against my skin when he tugged on my lower lip.

Even though I only remained silent, Derek made sure to make his intentions known and reassure me without saying it out loud.

"Your imperfections make you perfect. Perfect for me."

He let go of my lip and then soothed it with a kiss, melding our mouths to each other and his sneaky hands slipping under my half buttoned shirt. I tangled my hand in his hair and kissed him back with passion and abandon, chest heaving and brushing against his hard pecs.

My throat choked up with his declarations, "God, you're so smooth with your words."

"And my hands." His copper eyes looked dark, hooded with lust and want and twinkling with mischief. Derek's hands toyed with my brastraps.

"My tongue." His tongue slid against mine and I moaned into our kiss as he spoke again.

"And my di–"

I kissed him to shut him up, eyes rolling at his antics as I bit his lip and he slanted our mouths into symmetry. Hand going up to wrap around my hair and tugging, I gasped into our electric kiss.

He chuckled softly as we both panted for air and I blushed.

He went for my lips again like a hungry man, starved since ages.

"Sleep here tonight?" I groaned as my shirt came off entirely and Derek nipped at my shoulder, hands dangerously close to grabbing my ass.

But my question was innocent.

It stilled Derek and he made eye contact with me. "Will we cuddle?"

I cleared my throat and looked away, mouth opening in response, "Don't worry, I'll try being a good big spoon."

A soft laugh burst forth and I looked at him with a raised brow.

Derek grinned and then pulled me down with him as we fell onto the bed, me on top.

"I think I'd like that a whole lot."

I bit my lip at his words and his lips tilted upwards.

Tomorrow, I'd worry about everything.

Tonight, I'd like to cuddle.

When Derek kissed me again, I was glad it gave me cover for the thought that had just manifested.

I think I'm falling in love.

•♤•

I woke up tangled in sheets and with Derek's arm thrown over my waist.

It was a pleasant weight and I turned around groggily to glance at him, hoping I wouldn't yawn because um, morning breath.

It was still just barely past 7:30 according to the clock and I was planning on being at Blue by at least 8:30 so I could work everything out.

Dark hair framed his face and his tattoo sneaked down his back, the flames one. Derek had enviable lashes, by the way.

I grumbled internally.

With a fine-cut jawline and a few day's worth of stubble, Derek was really pulling off the rugged look at the moment.

I sighed softly.

I needed to get out and leave but that would prove to be a challenge considering everytime I moved, he grumbled and mumbled and then his grip on me tightened.

So, yeah.

It was kind of sweet to be honest and I couldn't help the smile tugging at my lips but then reality crashed in. If he asked me where I was going right now or tried to find me the whole day, what would I say as an explanantion?

While I was inconspiciously trying to pick his arm off my waist–it was really built hehe–I tried coming up with a believable story.

Except, Derek spoke and it shut down all my musings.

"You can go be the Wildcat ten minutes later. Get back here."

With words that felt like the rug being pulled from under my feet,  Derek snaked his strong arm around me. He dragged me back into bed and besides him, rendereing all my silent stealthy sneaking useless.

But my eyes were trained on him, narrowing even as he pressed my back to his chest and lay a light kiss on my neck, eyes barely open.

"What did you just say?"

Derek sighed and then opened his copper eyes but I was still, my heart a drum in my chest.

Derek knew? Since when? How? Why was he telling me now?

Fear gripped me. Fear of him knowing another side of me that I kept hidden. But this would entail so many explanations and I mean sure, I'd decided being honest with him was my policy now but I wanted to be the one telling him. And not like this, especially on a day like today when so much rode on my mental state.

He pushed back my wild morning hair and softened his eyes as my brows creased.

"I know. That you're the Wildcat." He softly brushed his knuckled accross my cheek but jitters overtook me.

"How? Since when?"

Panic. That's what I was feeling.

The rational part of me knew that if he wanted he could've run from me or cut off if he knew already but my emotional side couldn't comprehend it.

No one had confronted me about my second identity ever.

And this was Derek Greyson of all people, this just made things harder to deal with.

Sure, he was The Wolf and I'd known it since Day 0 but that was different. 

I scurried to sit up in bed and grabbed my shirt from the floor, pulling it on as I avoided looking at Derek.

He got up too and I could feel his gaze on me as the sheets fell to reveal his naked chest. I tried to keep my eyes away but please, that was one heck of a six-pack and I'd really enjoyed having my hands all over it yesterday. Though we didn't sleep together, we did heavily make out.

I probably had hickeys all over my body.

The thought was washed away as Derek grabbed my wrist and pulled me closer. 

"I've known for over a month. Or two."

I stared up wide-eyed at him and he gave a lazy grin, so full-of-himself and arrogant.

"How?"

•♤•

A/N

What do you guys think of the progress in this chapter?

Especially Lila revealing her scar and the whole cuddling thing? AND OMG DEREK REVEALED THAT HE KNOWS! wohooo, 4 more chapters and then the epilogue. Wow.

Hope you enjoyed, do vote and comment!

~Skyler