Chapter 30

Wes's POV

There's not much that can tick me off, mainly because my patience was generously supplied at even the tightest of situations. Even when I was angry I managed to reel in the unfamiliar emotion, it's been that way as far as I could remember. So it was a complete surprise last night when I blew up on Khloe. There is something about her that irks me in a way no other person could, I've never minded the way she gets under my skin especially since I irritate her just as much if not more and I enjoy every scowl she shoots my way. But this week has been a dramatic and rather exhausting one, my fight with Khloe only added to my frustration and growing anger towards myself.

Naturally that anger required an outlet and poor Ray stumbled into the role when he dropped a glass as we set up the bar before any customers arrive for a after work drink.

"I'm sorry, Wes." the young man repeated for the twelfth time

"Sorry, doesn't fix or pay for the glass." I barked

Ray flinched at the venom in my tone, his neck immediately craning back as though expecting me to assault him. That small movement punctured through my sour mood and I sighed in frustration, running a hand through my hair I apologized to the doe eyed Ray who nodded and quickly ran off leaving me feeling guiltier for frightening him.

Dropping down to a squatted position I collected the larger pieces of the glass as one of the waitresses came with a dustpan and broom. In seconds the mess was forgotten with a quick sweep, unfortunately not all messes could be cleaned up as easily.

"You okay?"

Shoving my hands into the front of my jeans I inclined my head "Peachy."

Dominic shook his head, a playful smile on his lips "You look terrible." he pointed out

Long nights spent dozing off on a recliner chair does that, I thought bitterly but reconsidered speaking the words out loud. The burden that's been heavily thrown on my shoulders hasn't been any lighter on either of my siblings or their spouses. My sisters try helping but they can't handle the emotional whiplash that comes with dealing with him, although Dominic and Sal offer to assist me we all know it doesn't work the same way. That leaves me as the only familiar and sturdy candidate to deal with him.

"Marbella said you didn't go home last night."

I nodded, recalling the sleepless night after the carnival "He woke up remembering everything." I explained in a flat tone

My brother-in-law's expression softened with empathy, although he hasn't personally dealt with the situation firsthand he has heard the mess that came with calming my dad down.

"I've spoken to Anna and Marbella, they agreed with me Wes." he began

Raising a my hand up, I cut him off understanding where this was going "No, Dom." I interjected sternly

"Hear me out fratello." he pleaded, he took a step forward and lowered his voice so Carrie wouldn't hear him. Like me my younger sister refused to side with our older sisters on how to help our dad. "How long can you juggle this? How long are you going to take the abuse he throws your way?"

"As long as his heartbeats." I snapped

"This isn't a way of living, for any of you." he said, hoping to reach me by a different approach

"He's my dad."

"I know." Dominic sighed, his dark brows pulling together "But he needs real medical help that you can't provide."

"The doctor just prescribed new medication that should help." I argued, the frustration from earlier simmering not too far below the surface

He rolled his eyes at the mention of the old doctor my father has been going to since he first stepped foot on American soil "That's not enough."

"It has to be." I growled menacingly

"Wes-"

The frustration I felt earlier with Khloe and anger for my dad's situation combined into a force that pushed me the last few inches past the line into insanity. Anger at my ability to do nothing in this situation flowed fervently in my veins. Yes, my dad could be difficult and a hand full at times but I owned him that much, didn't I? The man raised me, cared for me, he taught me everything I know and when he truly needed me I could only sit idly by as he suffered.

"I'm not giving up on him!" I shouted, the imaginary lid on my temper soaring off "He shouldn't have had to deal with this in the first place Dom. If Marbella has an issue with him staying at her place then I'll take him in with me, either way I'm not dumping him at a nursing home to be tossed around to strangers who don't give two shits about him."

As great as of a person Dominic is he can't seem to comprehend the fact that I'm not going allow my dad to be taken care of by strangers when we; his children are capable and available to tend to his needs.

"I love your dad as if he's my own father but you can't do this anymore. You've done an amazing job taking care of so far but look at what it's doing to you Wes? You're a wreck afterwards."

The concern laced in his words would normally cause me to sigh and give in, but this wasn't something I'm ready to throw in the towel for. Caring for my dad takes a lot out of me and when I'm done settling one episode I feel drained of all my energy. It wad tiring that I won't argue about, that doesn't change the fact that his my dad and I have an obligation to take care of him. Even if it kills me.

"There's nothing wrong with me." I lied, knowing how shitty I've looked recently

Dominic raised a brow in silent questioning, detecting the baldfaced lie immediately "Have you looked in a mirror lately?" he said, gesturing to me

Running a self-conscious hand through my hair, I knew I looked like crap but it couldn't be that bad. Right?

"What about your sisters? Marbella can't stand to here him shouting when he's confused and Anna cries every time there's an incident, not to mention poor Carrie."

I tensed at the mention of my younger sister, the mirror image of our mom and sole reminder of my mistake. She can't be around our dad for too long without him flipping out, or worse believing he was younger and Carrie was are mom. The guilt in my chest over the years spread across my heart, like a dark fog, the dark air of regret suffocating beneath its weight. Carrie deserved to grow up with her father not a ghostly reminder of what could have been.

Dominic sighed, a long exasperated breath that spoke of his own exhaustion of this situation "Just let him go fratello." he said with a shrug of his shoulders "Let the past go before it ruins your future."

His words held a double meaning, a meaning I hoped he wouldn't bring up. Clenching my fists at my sides I knew he had a point but it was easier said than done. Especially when your past mistake surrounds you, a cruel reminder of a foolish, young boy's poorly made decision. A decision that haunts me every second I spend around my father. Despair filled my heart at the reminder of my stupidity that night.

I couldn't protect them then but now -now is a different time, a different me. Meeting my best friend's gaze I gave a small shake of my head.

"I can't Dom." I attempted in a distant tone, his shoulders sagged as another gust of air pushed out from his mouth realizing I wasn't caving in "Not when this is all my fault."

Khloe's POV

"This song is about me!" I gasped, rising from my seat, one hand holding on to the back of the booth so I didn't topple over

Aaron howled with laughter as I strained my head towards the nearest speaker in the young modern bar, resembling a lost pigeon. I was aware that I appeared to other people as a stupid, drunk girl staring at a speaker like it was the cure to ending world hunger but in my tipsy state I didn't give a shit.

"I know your sister turns everyone on..."

The words played around me and I couldn't help but fall back into the booth in a unladylike manner, giggling like a schoolgirl "You're drunk K."

I shook my head denying the obvious accusation, I passed drunk two shots ago. When my eyes were dry of tears and Aaron quit trying to pry further into why I was crying out of me, he suggested we go out for drinks. Normally I would have declined his offer, using work as an excuse but before I could stop myself I had agreed. Next thing I know I'm being dragged out of my office at five, by Aaron who promised to get me shit faced drunk. Which wasn't suppose to happen. It started out as one drink, Aaron asked if Wes had anything to do with my 'breakdown'. Rather than answer him I ordered another drink and so on and so on, until I reached the point where I had no idea if I was swaying or the world was tilting on it's axles.

Throwing down my fourth shot I banged on the table "Barman, another one."

"I think that's enough for tonight." Aaron said, although his tone was caring the hint of a smile on his lips was nothing but amusing

"No, I want to dance!" I shouted excitedly

His lips spread into a clear smile "We'll dance later now come on, let's get you home drunky."

His long fingers curled around my upper arms, gently lifting me out of the booth. My legs wobbled as I finally stood for the first time tonight without anything supporting me and it felt like standing on stilts. Aaron dropped his hold as he reached for his wallet leaving me unattended and very wobbly.

Sliding around the table I found myself teetering to the side, reaching for the group of men laughing loudly as a support, I found multiple scowls pointed at me. It was then I noticed I hadn't actually grabbed anyone but rather rammed into them, the liquid in their glasses had spilled over a few of the men as well as down my blouse.

Smacking a hand over my mouth, I couldn't help but giggle at their expressions. They act as if I've taken their first newborn. The first of the men rose as a long, lanky arm wrapped around my waist yanking me away from the large man.

"I'm terribly sorry, she's not use to drinking. Let me pay for your drinks." Aaron said in that tone that was smooth as a baby seal's behind yet held a confidence that came from his wealthy background

I wiggled in Aaron's grasp as the grumpy man nodded, he took his seat but not before glowering my way. Gasping I stuck my tongue out at the Teddy bear like man as Aaron placed a bill down and proceeded in dragging me out of the bar.

The cool, crisp night air whipped across my bare arms causing goose pimples to erupt across my skin, shivering I winced when Aaron whistled above me. Being the true New Yorker he is he could hail a taxi like nobody's business, it's good to know dainty California hasn't caused him to forget his roots. In seconds a yellow cab halted at the curb, being the gentlemen he is Aaron opened the door for me in which I stumbled in head first.

The driver laughed as I scrambled to sit up while giggling like I hadn't just had my face pressed against a seat thousands of people have had their butts on.

Aaron slid in shaking his head as I finally sat up correctly "I haven't seen you this drunk since junior year, when we raided your mom's stash."

A soft laugh bubbled from my lips recalling how much trouble we both were in when my mom found us in the morning passed out in the pool house, I was grounded for a month but it was worth it. The ride to my apartment didn't take too long and before I could locate my keys Aaron was nudging me into the elevator seeing how I kept missing the large entry. He laughed as I swayed my hips to the slow song playing in the elevator and soon I followed along with his laughter as we stepped out onto my floor.

Stumbling across the hallway I attempted to locate my keys which proved to be a useless task seeing how I could barely walk straight.

"Let me help you." Aaron insisted

Gently pushing me against the wall, he took the bag from my hands and proceeded to finish the job I couldn't. As he searched for my keys I couldn't help but notice just how beautiful he truly was, not handsome. Aaron didn't have your common rugged manly, handsome features -no his were beautifully structured to add a almost girly beauty that as a teenager I envied. His golden hair as soft as silk, his skin smooth and creamy and his eyes a soft chocolatey color that seemed like they were the actual sweet treat.

"You're really pretty A." I sighed with longing

He chuckled before pulling out my keys "Thanks."

"I'm serious, you're not like other men handsome you're just... pretty like a girl." I explained as my hand reached ip on it's own accord to touch his cheek

His laughter echoed in the empty hall and I followed unsure why we were laughing or what was so humoring about what I said. Leaning my forehead on his shoulder I felt my thoughts shifting towards a certain handsome and very manly male. Sighing I twisted my face towards his door, a longing burning in my chest as I silently wished for the door to open and see him.

"Why are guys jerks?" I asked, thinking back to last night

"Not all guys are jerks, K." he answered

"Why are the men in my life jerks?" I asked in a soft voice, secretly fearing the answer

Aaron tensed against me, the question taking him off guard. The silence following my question proved the bagging voice in my head right, I set myself up with males who treat me like dirt and hurt me. Tonight's drunk fest helped me sort through my past relationships. Sure enough all the clues lead to my choice in men, which happens to be over confident, egotistic assholes who aren't attracted to me but rather my name or position in the business world.

Aaron pulled back, his soft chocolatey eyes filled with sympathy "You'll find a good guy Khloe, one who makes you happy and treats you right." he said with a sad smile

Snorting I felt my eyes sting, with my luck the next guy I like will be an axe murder or worse, a serial killer. The elevator dinged indicating the arrival of one of my neighbors and warning me to pull away from Aaron. Before I could twitch the last person I would have wanted to see stepped out of the elevator, his shoulders slumped in obvious exhaustion.

At first he didn't notice us, his eyes cast downwards as he made his way toward his door like a robot. He would have walked straight past us had it not been for Aaron's sudden need to speak "I'll see you later Khloe."

My name barely left his lips when Wes's head snapped up, those stormy grey eyes pinning me against the wall with the intensity filling the mesmerizing orbs. Aaron bent his head and kissed my cheek before turning on his heels and leaving, but not before I saw the sly smirk playing on his lips.

Wes stood a foot across from me, not bothering to utter a word as Aaron disappeared into the awaiting elevator while I silent cursed him for making our presence known. This moment couldn't get any awkwarder, considering the last couple of times we spoke I was crying and just this morning I ended our 'relationship'.

Put on your big girl panties, I scolded myself.

Tightening my fingers around the keys I steeled myself and pushed away from the wall. Willing my legs to cease wobbling I took a step -a limp-like step but never less a step. I felt his stare boring into my skull as I passed him, my legs quaking but not failing me -yet. I spoke too soon. Unsure how it happened I felt my legs give in and the burgundy colored rug came rushing towards my face. A pair of arms wrapped around my waist as my knees hit the ground and pulled me up. Wincing I struggled to rise on my own two feet, the shiny black pumps pinching my already aching toes as I was hauled up against a solid wall of muscle.

His hot breath fanned my collarbone as the tantalizing scent that was Wes invaded my nostrils "You reek of alcohol." he whispered in a hushed tone that held an edge of anger

I wiggled in his arms, not to get away but rather out of discomfort. Being at such a close proximity had my brain fizzling with dirty thoughts and my hormones wakening with sexual desire. His arms tightened around my waist much to annoyance.

"You're drunk."

"No shit." I spat sarcastically, pulling at his wide forearms

When his grip didn't loosen I swatted at his arms like a child, agitated by the way every cell in my buzzed with excitement just by being in his arms. It was ridiculous how one touch by Wes could melt my willpower into a puddle of mush.

"Let go of me." I demanded when he started forward with me still in his arms

Ignoring my feeble demand he snatched the keys from my hands and unlocked my door. Gently nudging me in he shut the door after him. Whipping around I felt my world teetering, the happy buzz I required tonight quickly disappearing.

"I don't want you here." I hissed when he tossed his leather jacket over the armchair

He sent me a hard look that had no effect on me "You're in no condition to take care of yourself."

Crossing my arms over my chest I gave him a dark glare, my heart hammering all the while as I took in his beaten up appearance. He looked worse than I feel, I thought as my eyes roamed over him.

"I'm a grown woman." I argued

"Who smells of alcohol and is pressed up against the hallway with some stranger."

"Aaron is my friend." I growled

He rolled his eyes, ignoring my explanation as he placed his hand on the small of my back ushering me towards my bedroom. I struggled to fight against him but my shaky legs couldn't hold their ground and I found myself being shoved forward like a piece of furniture.

"Stop shoving me!" I growled

"You aren't really in a good state to be walking."

Kissing the front of my teeth I felt like a child being told to go to bed and the thought infuriated me to think I was being treated like a child. Pressing my palms against the door frame to my room I barely placed my feet at each side of the door when Wes gave me a small nudge. Taken by surprise I tumbled forward and landed on my butt roughly.

I slapped his hands away when he tried assisting me up to my feet, stubbornly declining his offer to help me I pushed myself onto my feet.

"I don't need your help." I hissed and started toward my bed

Dropping on the bed I started to pull off my heels, sighing in relief when I felt the bed dip beside me.

"Go home, Wes."

"Not until you're in bed." he replied

"Like you give a crap." I mumbled as I tossed my heels to the corner

Turning towards the bathroom I felt a hand clamp on my shoulder, yanking me back to face him. I stumbled backwards, the back of my knees hitting the bed as I fell down on my back with Wes towering over me. His features grew hard as I struggled not to meet the stormy grey eyes that seemed to suck me back in.

"Of course I care about you."

A mocking smile formed on my lips "Spare me the crap."

He shifted on the bed so each hand rested at the side of my face, bracketing me between the muscular forearms I longed to touch. I gulped nervously and raised my gaze to meet his, the intense fire blazing in them stole my breath.

"If I didn't care for you why would I be here right now?"

I shrugged "Looking for a quickie." I answered with the first thought that popped in my head

"A fùck? That's why you think I'm tolerating your stench?"

Turning my head away from him I sniffed myself, my nose wrinkled in disgust at the horrid smell coming off of me. My face flushed with embarrassment at the my foul odor, how did I notice the smell? Raising my hands up I pushed at his shoulders desperate to get him away from me. His large hands captured mine and pinned them above my head. I froze as his heavy body slid over mine sandwiching me between his body and the bed.

"I don't like how things went this morning." he started somberly "I don't want this to end."

"Well I do!" I shouted, ignoring the liquid heat pooling between my thighs where his arousal pressed against "I don't want to be treated like shit anymore! I want to be treated like I mean more than a fùcking ticket to whatever goal you have. I want to have that lovey dovey relationship that is sickening to watch, with the romantic crap and mushy talk. I want to feel like a woman who someone cares for!"

He blinked down at me in surprise, his features softening "So why end this?" he asked softly

Tears stung my eyes and I wanted to scream as I fought them back, no way am I crying in front of him again. His fingers tightened around my wrists and he repeated the question, his tone filled with curiosity. My bottom lip quivered and I knew then that I was going to lose this battle, the battle of protecting myself from another attack.

"Why?!" he shouted when I shook my head

I could have sworn at that moment I heard the last thread of my preverbal control snap.

"Because I can't take another man hurting me! Greg, Tyler and now you! I barely piece myself together before another man comes around and breaks me again. I can't take the fùcking heartache anymore! Is that what you want to hear Wes? That I'm too scared to leave myself vulnerable to another man, again!" I screamed, my voice bouncing around the walls of the room

The silence that came after my words were like a cold blanket cloaking the burning fire in my chest, dulling the painful ache with every second that ticked by. I felt the first tear sliding across my face, the hot liquid marking my internal turmoil and my fears. His grip loosened and I took that as an opportunity to slid out from under him but it seemed Wes had other ideas.

Pressing his body further against mine, he successfully stopped me from moving "Just let me go." I whimpered and twisted my head away from his view as another tear leaked out

Could I get anymore pathetic? I smell of alcohol, too drunk to stand and to top off the shitty sundae I'm crying after admitting how terrified I am getting hurt again. This night couldn't get any better.

His long fingers gripped my chin and in one swift move forced my gaze back to his, forced to meet his smoldering eyes. "I can't."

Squeezing my eyes shut I silently begged for the fatigue nipping at my bones to take over and finally end this night. Desperately concentrating on the slowly creeping darkness that started to envelop my body in it's warm embrace that I welcomed with open arms when a pair of lips settled on my own. The warm, softness was the last thing I felt before I fell willingly into the arms of the dark.

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

What are we thinking my lovelies? About Wes's situation? Aaron? And Khloe? I love reading your comments so dint be shy to speak your clever thoughts;)