Chapter 11

Arriving forty-five minutes late had this night starting off terribly as we entered the dining room filled with guests already eating and my mother's soft caramel eyes burning a hole through me for being late. Dinner had stretched out to my horror as people I hadn't seen for years since that faithful day, had the nerve to ask how I was doing, all while having a smile on their faces as if we were old college buddies meeting at the grocery store. Pushing my frustrations about this whole night away I replied as nice as I could but even I heard the icy tone in my voice.

While I was glaring at anyone who dared to glimpse my way Wes sat beside me chatting happily to the people around him, as if they were lifelong friends. The fact that he spoke to these leeches with ease irked me, some of these people were people I grew up with yet I could have never held a conversation with them as long as Wes did. He made a joke and the morons laughed, while I stabbed at the perfectly arranged vegetables in my plate. Occasionally someone would ask questions about our relationship and because of my unapproachable attitude the questions were given to Wes, who answered with such charm I rolled my eyes at his overly sweet tone. Of course the idiots around us took the bait and to add to the facade Wes had planted a few kisses on my cheek that had the woman awing while cringed at the sickening sound.

Eventually the horrendous dinner was over and the guest had moved into the wide living room as waiters walked around serving wine, the only reason I haven't screamed out my frustrations as I watched old women glancing my way not do discreetly as they whispered, no doubt about me.

"We were hoping to have the wedding in two months." Greg beamed his arm firmly around Stacy's small waist

They looked very much a glamorous couple, Greg dressed in a gray striped suit, with a silky silver dress shirt beneath a vest that added too much attention to his growing beer belly. Stacy hung against him like a bat on a tree branch in a mid-thigh silver dress that had jewels covering her chest area, long diamond earrings hung from her ears matching the thick crust of diamonds lining her neck and wrist. All presents from Greg. But none of diamonds stood a chance against the cherry sized diamond sitting carefully on her left finger, the ring was massive!

Forcing the wine down my throat I winced as the red liquid burned throat at the sudden move causing me to burst into a fit of coughs. Wes patted my back as I gasped for air, glancing up through watery eyes I could barely see the concern plain on his face through my blurry vision but I did and that touched my heart to know he cared.

"Slow down on the wine Khloe." my mom said in light tone with just a hint of edginess that I'm sure no one else picked up on other than me

The wine glass was pulled from my shaky hand as a cool glass replaced it, the cool glass was lifted up to my mouth by the same person whose hand rubbed circles on my back. The cool water felt heavenly against my hoarse throat, having enough I pushed the glass away.

"Are you okay?" he whispered in my ear, it seemed there was more to the question than assuring my physical health

Still feeling the burning of my near choking experience I merely nodded offering him a weak smile. Turning my attention towards the group that proceeded on with discussing the sudden wedding, no one bothered to check if I were okay not that I cared it just stroke me as sad that no one even offered me a smile. It should have come as a surprise but it didn't lessen the pain of knowing no one cared enough to spare a glance in my direction. Swallowing the lump in my throat I pressed my lips together to keep from expressing my anger and hurt when I felt a large hand rest on my shoulder as a hard body settled behind me.

The spicy scent of Wes engulfed me as I stood frozen against his form taken by surprise by the feel of him pressed against me. My heart galloped wildly in my chest at the close contact after seeing the worry shining in his eyes when not even my mom spared me a second look. A small seed of warmth spread in my chest like a wild vine growing around the walls I built around my heart.

The thought disturbed me, as sweet as Wes has been this far I'm not foolish enough to let him slip through my defenses like a naive little girl. When the hand on my shoulders tightened I ignored it rather than met his smoldering gaze, instead I turned back to the happy couple.

"Greg will be busy this upcoming year with campaigning and I have a few shoots lined up across the sea around the same time so we figured why not." Stacy giggled placing her perfectly manicured hand on his chest

"But it's so much work for such a short time." a tall lanky woman said shaking her head

Stacy's bright green eyes swept over the crowd of faces fixing on my stone like expression "That's what family is for."

If she thought for one second that I would help her plan this absurd wedding, she better get that idiotic thought out of her hallow head. I would rather jump into a shark infested tank drenched in blood.

The next words that left my mother's mouth weren't a complete surprise yet it still had me grinding my teeth together, to keep from speaking my true opinion "Of course we'll help sweetheart, Khloe is an excellent organizer and I have a fantastic wedding planner than can make this happen without a glitch."

Cocking her head in my direction my mom arched one sleek brow, it seemed innocent but that raised brow was a silent warning for me to agree.

"Yes, of course." I agreed causing the group to erupt into chatter as each person gave a recommended bakery, cater even a wedding shop with so called 'designer' dresses.

It was my worse nightmare come true as women bombard me with questions about the theme of the wedding and whether or not it was going to be an inside or outside wedding. Some women went as far as telling what I should do as if they cared at all if Stacy had the wedding of her dreams. In all honesty I didn't really give a shit if she got married naked under a bridge with a homeless man as her groom and I'm sure these women didn't either but my mother would make sure it is the wedding of the century. And that I'd not only attend but lend a hand.

"If you keep this hunk satisfied long enough Khloe you'll have the sexiest date." a lanky woman sneered taking a sip of her drink that I'm guessing by the color was scotch

Keeping a straight expression I gave a small smile as everyone laughed at the jab at my disaster of a love life. I recognized the woman as my cousin Fred's third wife, rumor had it Fred spent all his time and money on prostitutes but kept his current stick of a wife for her large bank account and she didn't seem to care. Most social woman allowed such minor details to slip on by, as long as they had a rich man on their arm and jewels heavy enough to drown a grown person they didn't care. It was a cold and bitter life but that is what they paid for the wealth and power they desired so desperately. The price of being miserable forever, and my mother was no different.

"Yes, well I'm hoping to see Fred there, it's been a while since I've seen you two together." I retorted in a soft tone, pretending to search for the balding man I turned back to the frowning woman in confusion "Where is Fred tonight?" I asked, knowing just like everyone else in the room that he was fucking another woman as we spoke

The middle aged woman turned a dark shade of red as whispers erupted around her signaling the rumors that would soon be spread about her failing marriage. A normal person would feel guilty for humiliating the woman and in front of a sizable crowd, a normal person who felt any amount of emotion would have sympathized with her and apologized but I have already established I'm a bitch. Storming past me the woman mumbled what sounded like an apology tears leaking from her eyes as I watched unfazed by her dramatic exit.

People have said worse to me and I stood like a trooper and took it. Each insult, criticism and snort was absorbed like spilled water on a hot summer day. But once I throw a punch suddenly they are crying uncle, I rolled my eyes despising these get togethers. Hopefully after the wedding I won't have to endure one for a while.

"You don't think Fred is cheating again?" another socialite asked in a hushed whisper, the excitement clear in her voice

Pressing my lips together I resisted the urge to laugh at the woman digging for dirt to add to the already growing rumors. She was a gossip, a woman who thrived on other people's miseries and misfortunes yet she herself wasn't pure as snow.

"I'm not sure but that man is." I whispered loud enough for everyone to here, all heads turned to the door where a grey haired man struggled to wipe an obvious lipstick mark from his neck

The gossiper gasped identifying the man as her own husband as did the others listening intently, lowering her head the woman marched towards her husband her face bright as a tomato. Smirking at the scene unfolding before me I waited for the next parasite that dared to add attention to themselves and their dirty secrets.

"Khloe, honey can I borrow you for a second?" my mother asked with a soft smile that hid her true anger I felt rolling off of her

"Of course mom." I replied in a tone that was darker than I had intended

I stepped away when Wes's hand tightened on my shoulder, turning on my heels curious as to why he stopped me when I felt his lips brush mine in a chaste kiss. Although it was brief I was able to taste the sweet wine that he has been sipping on mixed with the creamy strawberry cheesecake we had for desert earlier, although it tasted amazing than it tasted better coming off of his lips. When he pulled away I felt it was too soon but didn't protest. Blinking up at him I felt my head spin in confusion by the unexpected and spontaneous kiss.

"Don't keep her too long." he said never pulling his gaze from mine

Opening my mouth I wanted to ask why he had kissed me but remembered the cluster of people around us. Snapping my mouth shut I decided to keep any questions for later when we were alone and away from prying eyes.

"I won't." my mother laughed her bell like laugh as she dug her nails into my forearm

Understanding the secret message I started forward with my mom at my side wondering what could it be bugging her now. It wasn't an impossible puzzle hell it's not a mystery why she wanted to talk. Exiting the living room we entered the small library across the hall, a place I spent most of my afternoons.

The dark painted shelves were stacked to their limit with books of all subjects both averaging from interesting and mind dulling boredom; a large mocha colored sofa stood in the middle of the room offering comfort for the reader but the soft white shaggy rug was a favorite of mine. My spot was behind the sofa where no one could disturb me as I allowed the fiction world to pull me from the tragedy known as my life. Inhaling the old book smell I felt a smile creep onto my face at the comforting scent I enjoyed the way others enjoyed the scent of freshly baked goods, it was my comfort zone.

The slamming of a door jolted me out of the rare good memories "What you said out there was unacceptable and I will not have you ruining this night." my mother seethed her face taking a shade of red

Big surprise my mother is upset.

Folding my hands over my chest I felt a sad pang in my chest at her lack of consideration for my feelings "You are over looking the fact that she made a very obvious poke at my situation."

"I don't care if she repeated the whole ordeal in song, you do not embarrass my guests I've told you that a million times!" she hissed a vein bulging in her neck "Not to mention how you embarrassed the poor woman."

"Than maybe the old hag will keep her nose out of other people's business." I retorted the pang transforming to a thump

Her eyes narrowed as her features hardened to stone and any hope I had of her showing any sort of sympathy to my situation. "Your father has embarrassed me more times than I can count at these get togethers and now you seem more than happy to take his place."

Taking a step forward I felt my anger bubbling over at her audacity at ever comparing what I did and what my father did, that I was anything like that dirt bag!

"I spoke the truth about the dirty secrets your friends want hidden while dear old dad actually walked around fucking them!" I shot back hating the times I caught him tangled with some of those hags "Rather than defend those bitches who are gossiping to this day about you, you should hate them for betraying you."

All emotion wiped clear off her face, my mother placed a trembling hand to her mouth as her soft caramel eyes took a shiny glow, showing the first signs of any tears. Anger simmering down I felt horrible for my angry out burst knowing how sensitive my mom was to the marriage that thankfully was now over.

"I'm sorry mom I didn't mean to-"

"Get out Khloe." the words were cold and icy as she raised a hand to the door "To think I thought you could actually be approachable to this one special night was just stupid of me, your dark mood has ruined everything tonight and now I want you to leave."

My dark mood?! Did she forget how exactly I turned into this emotionless person? Surely not since I had years of therapists trying to wedge the darkness from me but they could never erase what I had seen and heard. It wasn't something a child should ever witness. Shaking my head in disgust I felt like screaming my lungs out but as always I kept shut knowing I wouldn't win this battle. I never could.

"Fine." I forced through clenched teeth too upset to try opening my mouth without blurting what I wanted out.

Turning on my heels I didn't bother saying goodbye as I swung the door open anger consuming me as I stormed back through the living room of laughing people loathing them for being able to laugh and smile while I just got the boot from my own mother. The rejection settled in as nicely as a heated rod being shoved down my throat and it burned with every person that spared a sideways glance at me. These were the people I hated most, the ones who pretended not to care but listened to the drama around them. They all disgusted me!

Searching the crowd of faces for Wes I couldn't wait to leave my childhood home, that's a feeling that has never changed over time.

Wes's POV

"How exactly did you meet at a club if you are neighbors?" the red head named Stacy asked blinking up at me, the faintest signs of a smirk showing

Since Khloe disappeared with her mom she has been throwing question after question at me, in what I think is her way of finding a flaw in Khloe and I's 'relationship'. I'm not a family expert but I'm positive Stacy isn't the kind of sister looking out for her sister, judging by the evil glint shining in her vibrant green eyes with every second I hesitated answering. It was probably safe to say Stacy wasn't your traditional, protective older sister.

"Leaving me hot mess in the spare room was her plan but what my little minx never expected was her across the hall neighbor was the very guy she left on his knees begging for more." I answered hoping to soften Khloe's strict, no fun appearance just a bit "It was faith." I added for good measure

"That is so sweet." a young woman cooed as a choir of women followed behind like a domino effect

These women were to ease to play, I thought as I gave my sweetest smile. Stacy pursed her lips, her eyes narrowed and judging by her expression she didn't like my answer although everyone else seemed to differ. Something about the red head rubbed me the wrong way, her constant attempt to shoot Khloe down didn't settle with me and her giddiness when she thinks she has humiliated her sister. Besides the fact that it is wrong it is just disgusting and pretty petty if you ask me. How Khloe has dealt with her growing up is a mystery to me?

"Excuse me ladies, I'm going to search for my minx now." I said in the how's to leave the female group

The men had slowly slipped away as I was bombarded with questions, smart bastards took the easy way out. Turning on my heels I breathed a sigh of relief finally away from the deadly group, these women were nothing like the women I knew, they each had a twisted pleasure in watching their friends suffer. It was like being thrown into a bad reality show, watching as everyone stabs each other in the back at every opportunity they saw.

The crowds thinned out as I stepped into the hallway happily away from the psychos I left behind. Shoving my hands into my pockets I shook my head wondering how long I'd have to endure these snobby, stuck up asses?

Khloe is nothing like these people, sure she's not the kindest person on earth but that's what made her different than anyone I've met. She didn't pretend to be someone she wasn't and didn't care if you liked her, no she was confident in herself and if you didn't like it she would tell you to suck it. A smile molded on my lips as I recalled her true meeting; Khloe knocked on my door threatening to cut my ears off if I didn't lower the stereo. Standing furiously in the hallway in a pair of short silky pajamas she threatened my manhood more times than I would care to admit and I stood speechless and completely mesmerized by her boldness. That was how I knew she wasn't your average girl, Khloe Sparks was as tough as nails and I admired her for it.

"I heard he's gay." a voice whispered from a head

Halting I spotted a pair of young women whispering at the end of the hall, turning on my heels I shook my head wondering which poor sucker they were trashing now. Deciding it was none of my business I started to leave when they muttered a name that had my ears perking in response.

"Khloe would never date a man like him and I'm sure he would never want anyone like her. Do you remember what Greg called her when she caught him and Stacy in the hall closet." the other said shaking her dark head in false shame, the shorter woman nodded

"They haven't even kissed." the shorter woman hissed "How can they be a new couple when they've barely held hands."

The dark headed woman giggled "Could you imagine if this turned out to be a hoax? Poor Khloe handled the Greg situation well but this would be devastating."

"Well it seems that way so far and the tabloids will catch up soon enough." the other woman laughed not an ounce of sympathy in her tone

Jogging as quietly as I could I slowed into a quick walk as I reentered the large living room, sweeping my gaze over the many heads I hoped to find Khloe in the swarm of bodies before she heard what I did. Squeezing between the bodies I hoped to find her before she could rejoin those bitter women, I'm sure none of them would mind repeating the rumor I had just heard to her.

Although I don't subscribe to those vicious gossip magazines my sisters sure did and after spotting me in the fabricated magazine they had attacked me with questions about Khloe, I refused to tell them anything other than what Khloe had told her family I found myself being told Khloe's life story. First about her very wealthy and powerful family, than about her personal life splashing across magazines around the country and her sister's con-traversal engagement to her ex-boyfriend. All in all Khloe's life seemed like one disappointing and embarrassing moment to another. Warning her about the rumors would certain help her avoid the embarrassment that was sure to come soon after.

I might not know Khloe that well or even that long but she didn't deserve to be humiliated on a national magazine. It was than I spotted her stomping through the crowds with hell on her feet, her expression was hooded but the dark lines above her mouth indicated her chat with her mom didn't go well.

Even angry she still sent this intimidating aura out causing everyone around her to cower from her in fear of getting caught in the crossfire of her anger. She was heading towards the hallway where I came from, my eyes widened as I spotted those women slowly descending down the gold carpet leading back to the party still chatting away.

On their own accord I started running through the crowds of people not bothering to apologize for pushing them as I silently hoped to reach her before she heard those women speaking about her. Her patience is thin as it is and in her mood she would tear those women a new one.

Sure they deserved it but that would allow the rumor to spread like wildfire. Approaching her I began to speak when her hard caramel eyes settled on me.

"There you are." she huffed in frustration "Let's go home."

Digging my fingers into her arm I didn't miss the way her eyes widened in shock before narrowing on the my hand on her arm as a fire burned in her eyes, a deep fire that seemed to burn deeper than the human eye could see.

"Let go of me." she hissed yanking her arm "I want to go home now." she spat turning away from me

Grabbing her arm I yanked her back roughly as the women came to view, stumbling she slammed against my chest with an oomph before standing up correctly.

"You barbaric jackass, what is wrong with you!" she spat venomously

"Listen I need to-"

"What you need to do is remove your hand or else I will cut it off!" she interrupted

Rolling my eyes at her threat I thought if bringing up the fact that I am twice her size but I ignored that detail and tightened my hold on her. The woman's laughter floated closer and I was glad they were laughing rather than speaking at the moment.

"I'm not kidding Wes if you don't let go in the next three seconds you are going to regret it!" she hissed

"Three.."

Glancing at the two women I noticed their bemused expressions as they spotted the topic of their amusement. I wouldn't put it past them to purposely walk by talking about Khloe because these people were shallower than a puddle.

"Two." Khloe practically growled irritated that I haven't let go

It was obvious she wasn't going to shut up long enough for me to explain and her punching me will only look bad for her and be the highlight of these leeches's night. Tugging Khloe against my chest I did the only thing that I could think of to shut her up. With my free hand I grabbed the side of her face and slammed my mouth against her soft ones swallowing the last number just as it passed her lips and successfully shutting her up.

Her lips were frozen against mine for a few seconds but when the shock wore off I she lifted her arms, awaiting the blow that came with the unexpected kiss I was shocked when her arms circled my neck and her lips moved along with mine.

Grinning against her lips I couldn't believe I am finally kissing Khloe.

**************

At last I have decided to add a Wes POV and give a little in sight of how he sees Khloe, I apologize for not responding to your comments in the last chapter but I didn't have time. Don't get upset and stop commenting :) I read them all and I can honestly say I loved each one and they brought a smile to my face:) see!!

Oh yes and they finally kissed!! Twice! I think I deserve some brownie points for that •_~