Chapter 31

Wes's POV

Shutting the fridge door I couldn't believe the crap Khloe had in here. How could one person live off of take-outs? No vegetables or dairy, other then cream for coffee and plenty of leftover take-outs. Seeing how it's difficult to make breakfast from Mexican food and half eaten egg-rolls I dashed across the hall to collect a few items I needed for a real meal.

I woke this morning aching all over from sleeping at the side of the bed, convincing myself I had to be close in case Khloe awoke for a midnight puke. Dragging myself into the bathroom I took a hot shower hoping to relax my tenses muscles, snatching a pair of jeans and T-shirt from my place I came into the kitchen to make the greasiest breakfast I could. Judging by how she kept stumbling last night Khloe is going to need the extra fat.

As I started the coffee I heard the bathroom door slam shut and knew sleeping beauty was awake with a bitch of a headache. Smiling to myself I started to collect her breakfast on a tray before eating my own while I waited for her to finish. Minutes later a groan sounded from the other room signaling she was done, I started towards her room unable to contain the smile on my lips as the groans grew louder.

She sat at the edge of the bed, her head in her hands with the wet blonde strands falling other her face. Upon hearing my footsteps she peeked up from her position and groaned "Go away."

"Good morning to you too, I slept well thank you for asking." I replied sarcastically and took a seat beside her

She glared in my direction when her gaze snagged on the tray I placed beside her. The soft shade of green her face took was amusing, her hands flew up to her mouth and for a second I feared she would hurl. It seems I've underestimated her intake of alcohol last night.

"Take it away." she demanded already standing

Grabbing her wrist I pulled her down, her butt falling across lap softly as I wrapped an arm around her waist keeping her anchored on my lap. She squirmed as I lifted an over greased piece of percuoto to her mouth, like the stubborn woman she is Khloe pressed her lips together refusing the thinner version of bacon.

"You need to eat." I explained

"I don't want to." she retorted stubbornly

I sighed at the choice of words she used, the same exact ones I heard yesterday when I pleaded with my father to eat anything that would give his frail body nutrition. Finally coaxing into taking a few sips of soup I made my way home, exhausted when u found Khloe.

"The grease will absorb the alcohol." I clarified when she craned her neck away from the percuoto as if it offended her "Please, eat." I asked, my voice holding a hint of desperation

She glanced over her shoulder, her honey colored eyes searching my expression in unmasked concern, I stood unnerved as she took in every inch of me with her slit like eyes. With a soft sigh she cracked her lips open allowing me a small opening to shove the bacon in before she changed her mine. The soft moan that vibrated from her throat washed over me, the sound thick and unexpected I couldn't contain my body's first reaction to the candid sound.

Down boy, I thought as my member rose to greet the perky butt on my lap. Pushing the realization aside I scooped some eggs and continued to feed her, absorbing every sound that pasted her bow shaped lips.

"That was really good." she admitted under her breath

Despite my dampened mood from yesterday I cracked a smile, its good to know someone appreciates my cooking. Pleased with the decent amount she managed to put down I placed the tray aside I handed her two aspirins that she greedily snatched and had down in seconds without water.

"I feel like a boulder hit me." she groaned and clutched her head

"A night out drinking can do that." I reminded her earning a dark glare

Her hands fell to her sides and she started to stand when I tightened my arm around her waist, not ready to let her move away so soon "Wes." she warned, her voice wavering slightly

Reluctantly I slipped my arm away allowing her the freedom to put some distance between us, like a scared mouse she scrambled across the room standing in the doorway. The wet strands of her hair pressing against her cheeks allowing a generous view of her chest, courtesy of the low dip of her shirt.

"Thank you for...this." she said gesturing to breakfast "But you should leave now."

Pushing myself off the bed I stood to my full height, catching Khloe stiffen at the small action from the corner of my eye. Fixing my gaze on her hardened features I could see past the brave face she put on, the hurt shining in her eyes was obvious to even a blind man as was the way her body swayed to q soundless melody. My brows dipped as I examined her further noticing her red brimmed eyes and flushed cheeks, her eyelids drooped as if she were going to fall asleep now in that angry position.

"You don't look too good." I stated, worried when she leaned too far to the right and nearly fell flat on her face

Catching herself she pressed a hand against the door frame to steady her teetering "I'm fine." she insisted and motioned to the door

"Stop being so damn stubborn you aren't fine, you're-"

Her eyes rolled to the back of her head and her knees collapsed beneath her causing her to fall forward. My first reaction was to rush forward hoping to catch her before she plants headfirst into the ground. Wrapping my arms around her hips I stumbled forward, my body holding hers up against the door frame as her body grew limp. Collecting in my arms I sat her down on the bed watching her vision refocusing as I moved the tray aside from her feet.

I released a sigh of relief when she blinked away the last of her confusion, the damn woman nearly gave me a heart attack! Certain that she wasn't 'fine' I sat beside her careful not to sit on her legs.

"I feel like shit." she muttered to herself

I placed my palm against her forehead and wasn't surprised to feel a slight rise in her temperature. Yanking her head from my reach she fixed me with a dark glare, that held half the intimidation than the one she gave me moments ago "I told you to leave."

"And I told you you aren't well, I think you might have a cold." I explained

She rolled her eyes and swung her legs across the bed, readying to stand when I dashed in her way. Those blazing caramel eyes met mine in a deadly glare that spoke volumes about just how pissed she was by this.

"Get out." she hissed under her breath

I winced at the two words, recalling yesterday when she screeched the words at me. The venom wasn't behind the demand this time but still the hatred burning in her eyes was enough. Reminding me that I am a moron for thinking I could spend an evening with Khloe in a shitty mood after dealing with my dad for nearly two days straight. One afternoon is enough to test your patience but forty-eight fùcking hours is maddening! It's no excuse but I knew better than to accompany anyone that night. It seems as if I'm still paying for my mistake and it's what I'd expect from her.

"No." I stated firmly "I'm not going anywhere until you are able to stand on your own two feet."

Her eyes narrowed to thin slits burning with determination "I meant what I said yesterday in my office."

"And I meant what I said last night." I shot back immediately

Grabbing her dangling ankles I swung her back into bed despite her surprised gasp and pulled the covers up to her chin as she thrashed wildly.

"I'm trying to help you here." I explained when she managed to toss the covers off

Her face held a rosy red tint that spoke of her high temperature "What exactly are you looking for in return?" she spat in disgust

Quickly defending myself I answered "Nothing."

"Liar!" she screeched, raising an accusing trembling index finger she continued "You want something from me, everyone always want something from me. My mother wants to live through me, my sister wants to screw every guy I know, my father considers as his personal bank account, Greg got his career boost and Tyler got the title of the cherry popper he so desperately desired. So what do you want Wes?" she asked mockingly

I sat in silence as my mind scrambled to collect the random information she was throwing at me, hoping to piece the puzzle that was Khloe. Could so many people be do cruel to one person? I knew her family wasn't the Brady bunch but it seems each one is tearing something away from her.

She crawled from beneath the sheets, her eyes reflecting the pain from knowing she was just a reliable source to the people in her life. The glossy glaze crippled my heart -it was the same look she had in before breaking down in her office, the look of a woman on the brink of losing it.

"Thanks to this deal you have my name available to you and you've already fùcked me so what exactly would you need? Money?" she questioned

"No." I all but growled hating the thought of her entraining any thought of me wanting money from her

"Then what Wes?!" she shouted aggravated by either my answer or the situation "What do you want from me that you don't already have?"

Lowering myself beside her I didn't hesitate to place my hand on hers, noticing the burning skin beneath my own as I meet her gaze and answered as truthfully as I could. No beating around the bush, no boundaries or safe words, it was a truth that left me vulnerable to the fiery blonde. "I want you."

She snatched her hand away as if I had burned her "I'm not falling for that shit again." she growled

"I'm not playing, I want you." I repeated watching her scramble back across the bed as if I threatened to cut her in pieces.

She slid against the headboard her lips quirked into a a mocking smile and her eyelids once again drooping low as if she were half asleep already "Stop it already Tyler, you've used the same cheesy line before and got what you wanted. My virginity on a crisp sheet to show your friends."

"I'm not Tyler?" I quickly corrected but she either didn't hear me or choose to ignore me

"Showing you won the deal wasn't enough for you either. You had to go take pictures and send it around school then when I broke up with you you acted as if I was the one who betrayed you." she said in a low voice that held the pain of the past

I sat stunned by the sudden knowledge of who this Tyler guy is and what he's done to hurt Khloe. I assumed he had cheated on her or even treated her like crap but this was...I didn't have any words for it. What kind of monster would do such a vindictive thing and to a fragile teenager? Thoughts of strangling this guy ran across my mind and I more than welcomed the thoughts. No man -no matter how young or foolish- should ever be allowed to do such things to a woman and walk away unharmed.

A mocking laugh snapped me from my thoughts of killing the bastard, Khloe shook her head completely out of it "But you couldn't stop there could you?" she laughed humorlessly "You had to go to the tabloids, gave them enough dirt to drag my name across the mud and label me as a frigid woman." she finished as the tears leaked over her half closed lids

At the sight of that first tear I felt my heart split in half for the once strong woman before me, the hardship she dealt with at such a tender age and to deal with nasty rumors with the nation laughing. Sliding closer to her I placed a hand on her knee "I'm not him kitty, it's me."

"Don't touch me you son of a bitch!" she screeched flinching at my touch "Don't ever touch me, you lying, manipulative asshole!"

"I'm not Tyler." I repeated louder when she shrunk away from my touch yet again

Curling up into a ball she hid her head against the pillow as her sobs grew louder, each one like a knife piercing my heart as I helplessly watched her cry over the past. I'm not sure how long I sat watching her weep, unable to soothe her or touch her but when her sobs dwindled down to small hiccups and sleep took control of her body I thanked the heavens. I was never good at consulting a crying woman, add hysteric and dazed into the picture plus the fact that it's Khloe and I'm a frozen statue.

Pulling the covers over her fetus position I pressed a kiss to her forehead noting the sizzling skin beneath my lips. I ran a hand over her still damp hair and watched her chest rise and fall with every breath. My heart ached for the vulnerable woman sleeping in front of me, no matter how tough she may present herself during the day this how she ends up by nightfall. A scared woman who tries to keep herself together.

"I'm here now baby." I whispered, unsure why I spoke the words out loud when she was obviously asleep

Taking in her sleeping figure I started to pull away when she moaned -a low, soft sound- that reminded me of the fragile woman beneath Khloe's hard exterior.

"I'll take care of you, I promise."

Khloe's POV

I woke to the sound of clanking in the kitchen, my lids remained closed as I turned to my side choosing to ignore the ruckus in the other room. As I settled further against the pillow my mind had just registered the thought, I bolted up from my position startled. There's an intruder in my home!

Searching the bedside table for my phone I noticed I was in my bedroom. When did I get here? Glancing down I noticed I wasn't wearing my work clothes that I was wearing earlier and my hair is wet. Fingering the slightly damp strand sticking to my cheek I wondered why it was damp when the bedroom door opened cutting any straying thoughts off.

Wes entered with a breakfast tray in his hands "You're awake." he beamed happily

Clutching the covers closer to my chest I watched him set the tray at my side before sitting at the foot of the bed "What are you doing here?" I asked when he motioned towards the bowl

His brows pulled together "You don't remember?"

I shook my head, quickly regretting the movement as a throbbing beat started at the side of my head. Clutching my head I groaned wondering what I did to cause this pain. Racking my brain for the last thing I recall; which was Aaron dragging me out to a bar. Getting wasted as I dodged questions about Wes, I recall Aaron walking me home then we ran into Wes. From there the mini slideshow went black with the last scene being Wes's stormy grey eyes pinning me in place.

Glancing up at Wes I noticed he was in different clothing, my eyes darted down to my own clothing and the pieces fell in place.

"We had sex!" I gasped out loud

A jolt of pain shot through my skull, wincing I started to rub at my temples wondering what would get me to sleep with Wes again. Especially after ending whatever it is we had yesterday. Squeezing my eyes shit I willed the missing scenes from last night back, hoping I didn't do or say anything embarrassing. No matter how hard I tried the events after seeing Wes wouldn't come back to me and to top it off my head throbbed worse from trying to conjure my memory.

"No, and I don't think we should in your condition."

"We didn't?" I asked as my eyes snapped open

He shook his head "I saw you out in the hall with your friend." he stretched the last word out as if it were too difficult for him to pronounce "You fell so I decided to walk you to bed despite your protests and that's when you fell again. We had a lovely conversation before you dozed off on me and woke this morning apparently still dazed. Ringing any bells?"

Hesitating on my answer I tried creating the scene in hopes of remembering but I fell short "The last thing I remember is seeing you." I admitted

I leaned against the headboard wondering why I blacked out when usually I remember every detail when I'm drunk.

"What did we talk about?"

He shrugged "Same old, same old. You don't like me or want me." he answered with a soft smile

"I didn't say anything else?" I questioned, secretly hoping I didn't run my mouth like I do when I'm drunk

He reached for the tray and set it on my lap "We'll talk after you've eaten."

The short delay in his response set warning bells ringing in my head. Narrowing my eyes in his direction I watched as he scooped some of the still steamy soup and lifted it to my mouth.

"What happened last night?" I asked firmly

He lowered the spoon as a frown marred his lips, he seemed to be mulling his response over before finally answering in a calm, pleading tone "I'll tell you after you've eaten."

"Everything?" I asked with a raised brow

"Everything." he agreed with a nod and jabbed the spoon in my direction

Snatching the spoon from his hands I ignored his sigh as I downed the chunky chicken soup. The flavors exploded against my taste buds, allowing each flavor to be savored in a wonderful blend that had me greedily gulping the steamy soup in seconds. Swiping the back of my hand across my mouth wiping any extra droplets away and placed the bowl down. My stomach growled in appreciation and I wondered when the last time I ate was a salad at lunch.

Work!

Glancing at the alarm clock on my bedside I gasped at the late hour, it was nearly eleven thirty and I haven't gotten out of bed. Tossing the covers off I started to rise when Wes grabbed my wrists.

"Whoa, where do you think you're going missy?"

"To work I'm late as it is." I explained hoping he'd drop his grip

Instead he gently pushed me back down until my back was against the pillow "I already called your office earlier, you just lay down and relax." he instructed

"I can't just lay here." I argued even as my body relaxed into the mattress

His large palm settled over my forehead "You're still slightly warm but better than this morning." he said and pulled his hand away "By tomorrow you should be fully recovered."

My brows dipped as I watched him collect the tray and place it on the nightstand where a small bucket sat along with a bottle of water and a box of tissues.

"Have you been here all day?" I asked eyeing him closely

Settling back at the foot bed he nodded "What about your job?"

"Carrie is holding the fort down with Dominic."

Pushing the fluttering feeling aside I scolded myself for the schoolgirl reaction, for all I know he could be lying about being here all day. Although I wanted to believe the fib I told myself I knew Wes wouldn't lie to me, he hasn't this far.

"I guess you can go now, I'm fine." I said as I nestled beneath the sheets

He sent me a dubious look "Like I've told you I'm not going anywhere."

The throbbing in my temple stopped any replies short, pressing my lips together I gave a curt nod not in the mood for any arguments at the moment. Every inch of my body hummed with a dull ache that made moving discomfortable and caused my muscles to ache with the simple movements. Squirming beneath the sheets I winced as my body protested the movement and returned back to my half slumped position. I must have slept in the same position for hours for my body to be this stiff.

Stifling a yawn I tilted my chin up and met Wes's stare, the intensity behind those stormy grey eyes like a whirlpool pulling me further in.

"We need to talk."

I gulped nervously knowing this conversation was going to tilt towards a subject I don't want to step into. Shifting I turned away from him.

"Don't do this." I groaned

"We need to discuss us."

Squeezing my eyes shut I wished for the ground to open and swallow me whole, anything to get me out of this conversation.

"I said all I had to about this and I stand by what I said."

"You spoke out of anger."

Snapping up into a sitting position I felt the world tilting on it's axles as my head pounded furiously, grimacing I slid against the headboard regretting my quick actions. In seconds a cup of water was placed by my mouth and two aspirins were slipped in my mouth, my lips parted for both the tablets and the water. The bed dipped beside me and I found myself face to face with Wes.

"So it's okay for you to speak out of anger but not me." I said when the world stopped spinning

His shoulders sagged and a gust of air passed his nostrils, the movement one of exhaustion but not physical exhaustion, "I'm sorry for what I said." he said and met my gaze, the regret shining in the stormy orbs clear as day

"I understand I hurt you although I hadn't meant to, I was pissed about other things and it wasn't right for me to take it out on you. I don't expect you to forgive me right away and I don't expect anything less but that doesn't mean I'll stop trying to earn your forgiveness."

His hand slid across the sheets, his long, tanned fingers brushed my own "I want to prove that I'm not like any other man you've had in your life."

A warm tingle started in my chest as he entwined our fingers, pressing our palms together. No matter how much I thought of pulling away my hand remained in his, Wes's fingers tightened over mine "I want to prove that I -we deserve a chance." he finished his gaze locked with mine

I fell silent unsure how to reply to the unasked question standing between us. Was I actually ready to put myself out there again?