Chapter 33

The brights rays of the early afternoon splashed over the large bed giving the room a brightness I current loathed, groaning I squeezed my eyes shut hoping to catch a bit more sleep. Any hope of sleep was diminished as the sound of the shower pricked my ears, startled I sat up fully alert and slightly frightened when a very familiar scent tickled my nose. That one spicy scent brought the events of yesterday rushing back like a short film, filling in the blanks my groggy mind failed to do.

Wes spent the night and we didn't have sex.

Never in a million years would I ever entrained the thought let alone believe it to ever be true. Running a hand through my hair I couldn't contain the sudden burst of joy as I turned to stare at the empty bed, my eyes grazing the wrinkled sheets recalling his body pressed shamelessly to mine when I woke during the night. Despite being toned Wes turned out to be a very comfortable pillow, the hard muscles of his body provided with a warm security that I yearned to have around me. Smiling at the thought I shook my head as the thought of having him in my bed every night ran through my mind. I'm sure he'll have no issue with spending the nights, I thought sarcastically.

Swinging my feet over the edge of the bed I wiggled my toes relieved that the stiff ache from yesterday was gone, he really does have magical fingers. The long train of dirty thoughts crossing my mind was unexpected as was the warm heat spreading in my lower abdominal, what I wouldn't do to get him on a bed. Jumping to my feet I started toward the kitchen in search for caffeine when the bathroom door opened revealing a gift from the heavens. Standing less than a for away with merely a small pink towel around his hips and dripping wet was the very man invading my thoughts looking as tempting as ever.

Flashing me a megawatt smile he stepped forward "Good morning."

I couldn't respond as I stood there with my mouth gaped and my eyes raking over his bronze skin silently hoping for a random breeze to blow the towel away and reveal the true masterpiece beneath the towel. Darting my tongue out I moisten my parched lips as my eyes continued to glide over his body, drinking in every water droplet that skittered down the length of his chest. Clenching my hands at my sides I could barely contain the urge to place my hands on his chest and allow them to roam freely over as his towel falls away...

"Take a picture while your at it."

Heat flushed my cheeks, clearing my throat I tilted my head up meeting his gaze and what I saw in their grey depths increased the liquid heat pooling between my thighs. The pure carnal look shining back at me contradicted the humor laced in his voice.

"I didn't realize you'd come out like..." my eyes trailed over his chiseled chest "..that."

His mouth lifted into a lopsided grin "Would you have preferred I come out nude?"

"No." I gasped, if he had come out naked I would have jumped him on sight.

Turning on my heels I squeezed my eyes shut as his laughter floated around me, mocking me. "I'm just teasing kitty." he called as I raced to the bathroom with my face burning in embarrassment.

Real smooth Khloe, I scolded as I shut the door after me. Running a hand through my hair I shook my head before stripping out of my clothes intending to take a shower that'll hopefully take my mind off of my filthy mind. Jumping in the shower I made sure to take my time and scrubbed every inch of my body in the attempt to distract myself from the hunky male on the other side of the door. Stepping out I made sure to throughly lotion my body before peaking my head out, to my relief Wes was no where in sight. Gripping the front of the towel I sprinted I to my room where the bed was already made.

Standing in front of my wardrobe I searched frantically through my clothes for an outfit that didn't resemble something my mother would wear. Settling on a floral sundress Tess bought me for my birthday I dried my hair quickly and dabbed a small amount of makeup, wouldn't want to scare him away. Giving my hair a shake I took a deep breath before stepping out of my room when the delicious aroma of coffee and waffles greeted me like an old friend.

Inhaling deeply I moaned trying and failing to recall the last time I had a homemade breakfast, I've gotten accustom to takeouts and anything Amy can find when I remember to eat. Walking in to the kitchen I spotted Wes setting down two plates each with a mug beside it when he noticed my presence and smiled.

"I made breakfast." he announced motioning to the table

Starting towards him I nodded impressed by the work he's done while I showered and dressed "I can see that." I smiled warmly and inhaled the scents in again "Hope it tastes as good as it smells." I teased earning a short laugh

As I went to sit Wes caught my arm forcing me to face him, I blinked confusingly at him wondering why he stopped me. Reading my puzzled expression he spoke in a serious tone "You didn't greet me properly."

My brows pulled together in further confusion "Good morning."

He shook his head "I said properly."

I opened my mouth to ask him to clarify what he meant when he swooped down and captured my mouth with his, the soft strokes of his lips was enough to have my knees knocking together. Placing my hands on his shoulders I moaned as his tongue traced the rim of my bottom lip teasingly. The intoxicating scent that was Wes enveloped me in his embrace as I lost myself to his skillful lips, yearning for more. As I sank my fingers into his shoulders he pulled away with a ear to ear grin while I glared at him wondering why he stopped.

"Now that's a greeting." a beamed happily

Slapping his arm I pushed him away and took my seat, lifting the mug up to my mouth I took a large gulp and coughed as the liquid burned my throat. Ignoring the scorching feeling in my throat I sighed missing the taste of coffee although I had a cup the other day. Taking the seat opposite of mine Wes started to pile a generous amount of waffles on his plate after placing four on mine.

"Are you trying to fatten me up?" I questioned with a smile

"No, although you are leaning towards the thinner side lately."

My brows shot up in surprise at his observation of my weight loss, I have lost a few pounds but I didn't think it was noticeable. Wes smirked at my astonished expression and placed the fork in my hand. When he started to eat I glanced up through my lashes wondering why a man like him would want anything to do with me. We are as different as summer and winter; whilst he is a symbol for fun and abandoned pleasure I am dark and too chilly for anyone to enjoy. At times I tried figuring out what would attract him to me? What exactly stood out about me through all those women he's been with? Each time I'd come up short, clueless as to why Wes liked me.

Grabbing the knife at the side of my plate I spared one last glance at Wes before enjoying my own breakfast. We ate in silence; not bothering to attempt conversation with the other but the random glances at the other were very frequent and at times a bit embarrassing, seeing how he would catch me gawking at him like a desperate teenager who was crushing on the popular boy who doesn't even know she exists. Assisting Wes clear the table I poured myself another cup of coffee.

Leaning against the kitchen counter with the mug cradled in my hands I watched Wes as he placed the last of the dishes in the dishwasher feeling like I should say something.

"Thank you." I blurted as he stood up and turned to face me. Clearing my throat I dropped my gaze to my feet and I wiggled them nervously "For this and yesterday. No one has ever done that for me, so yeah thanks." I finished in one breath

"No one has ever taken care of you when you were sick?" he asked in disbelief

Lifting my chin I shook my head sadly knowing just how pathetic it sounded "No, and that's why it means so much to me that you did."

His features softened in sympathy at the poor neglected rich girl who's family money couldn't buy her someone who cared enough to take care of her. I averted my eyes behind him hating the look of empathy people gave me when they learn the details of my actual life. The life of the rich isn't all posh and perfect like most people think.

"I guess you're now relieved of your duties." I chuckled awkwardly

He didn't respond right away and for a second I thought he would walk out when he started forward. Steeling myself for what was to come next I didn't expect his hands to rest on my shoulders "Do you have any plans for today?" he asked

I shivered as his warm breath ghosted against my collarbone and shook my head no. His hands slid down my bare arms stopping at my fingers, his large, tanned fingers weaved with my own.

"I want you to accompany me to my sister's house."

"What?!" I asked and whipped my head around to face him "You mean the girl from yesterday, no thanks."

His smile fell in disappointment "Why not?"

Stepping away from his body I turned to face him with our fingers still entwined "Oh I don't know because she hates me, you heard her yesterday." I argued

"Marbella is just being protective of me, she's been that way to all of us. She'll be on her best behavior today, I'll make sure of it." he said in hopes of persuading me

"I shouldn't." I spoke out loud more to myself than to him

Lifting our entwined hands he placed a kiss on the top of both my hands, the warm, slightly moist feel of his lips on my skin sent an electric pulse to my brain that shut any other thoughts off. The pleased grin he wore indicated he knew what sort of damage the simple kiss did to me.

"She'll be on her best behavior, I'll make sure of it. Please say you'll come with me."

Biting my bottom lip I mulled the idea over unsure if I was prepared to meet his family, especially now that I know one of them hates me. "I don't think it's such a good idea."

The excitement radiating off of him dimmed at my hesitance, I just wasn't sure about this. "Come on kitty, you've meet most of my family already and it's only fair since I've meet yours."

"That was apart of the deal though." I argued

He rolled his shoulders in a lazy shrug "I want my family to officially meet you, what do you say kitty kat?"

Chewing on my bottom lip I felt my resolve dissolving the longer I stared into his hopeful gaze, the glimmer of excitement as bright as a child's when begging their parents for the next fad. Much like those parents I didn't have the heart to deny him what he wanted. Sighing out in defeat I gave a reluctant nod still unease about meeting his family all at once.

Dropping his hold on my hands he circled his arms around my waist, pulling me against his body. Immediately my arms found their way around his broad back as I pressed further into, relishing the moment.

"They'll love you, you'll see."

I rolled my eyes at the slim possibility "Yes, because I've made a lovely first impression already." I scoffed

Wes pulled back and studied my expression "If they see half of what I've seen in you then they will adore you just as I do."

I turned my face away from view as heat flooded my cheeks at his comment, he adores me! Inside I was jumping with joy although I didn't understand why, he already made it clear he likes me yet here I am as excited as a girl getting asked out for the first time. His deep chuckle washed over me and I felt my cheeks growing warmer as he kissed the crown of my head "This sight never gets old." he teased

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

Smoothing out the front of my dress for the fourth time since we stepped out of the car, I released a breath noticing very well how my fingers trembled.

Wes's hand clasped over one of my shaky hands "Relax kitty." he whispered as we started up short staircase that led to an old styled family house

The two story building was decently sized for your average family, the red brick exterior indicating the house was built decades ago. The front of the house had four windows painted in a pearly white on each floor, the small patio in front was painted a deep blood red with a single porch swing and a large rocking chair that could sit two fully grown adults. Tiny golden lights twinkled around the porch circling the small are and leading down the mini staircase Wes and I were now standing on top of. Approaching the burgundy door I wondered if it were too late to make a run for it, Wes didn't mention I was coming so it wouldn't be rude.

As if I had spoken out loud Wes's hand tightened around mine "It'll work out, you'll see." he said before pressing the lit doorbell

The sound of an unfamiliar woman screaming door caused me to stiffen as I thought of Marbella answering, would she kick me out or perhaps get a good verbal whacking at me first? I took a step back with every intention to turn back but the stubborn man holding my hand prevented me from disappearing into the chilly late evening air. Glaring at him I opened my mouth intending to threaten his manhood when the door opened, the woman greeted Wes pausing midway when she spotted me.

"Hi again." I waved awkwardly

Anna broke out into a flat out grin and wrapped her arms around me as if we were old college buddies "It's great to see you again." she laughed and pulled away to kiss her brother who winked in my direction

"Come in, come in." she insisted and pulled us both into the inviting warmth of their house

We stepped into a small room with a closet for guests to place their belongings and two coat racks that were sagging with coats. Peeling the light coat off I thanked her as she hung it on the coat rack, her dark liquid brown eyes glimmering like a child's during Christmas. Wes handed her the wine I snagged out of my fridge after arguing with Wes for nearly ten minutes about the price range, in the end I won demanding he shut up and just take the stupid bottle.

"Oh wow." Anna gasped as she read the label "Seeing how Wes usually comes empty handed I'm guessing this is from you." she said

"I thought you'd like it." I smiled feeling the corners of my mouth tremble as I tried to hold up the act

Her eyes fell onto my artificial smile, noticing the falseness but to my relief didn't remark on it but rather ignored it. "Thank you Dominic will love that there is another wine lover at the table tonight."

I nodded in response and released a breath when she walked off, her ebony hair bouncing freely after her.

"See that wasn't too bad." he said as he came up behind me

"That was horrible." I groaned and leaned my head back against his shoulder "I'm so nervous I can't even fake a smile."

His deep chuckle vibrated against the shell of my ear causing my body to break out with goose-pimples "Anna likes you, she told me so herself the day after the party you had at the restaurant."

I groaned again recalling how I walked away from Anna, I don't understand why I did but I thought she would think of me as a rude snob after that disaster of a night. Her liking me was worse than her hating after how I've acted. Wes's arm circled my waist pulling me to his side "Let's go meet the others."

Huffing out loud I tilted my head and attempted another smile "Lead the way."

The extra sparkle in his eyes as he glanced down at me was a intense look I've never seen him gaze at me with before. It was as if he saw past the shaky smile, past the image I've tried keeping around him, past the hardened shell I wrap around myself like a child would a blanket, he sees me. In all my vulnerabilities, insecurities. It frightens me to think that Wes has wedged that far into my heart, slipping past my defenses was difficult enough to swallow.

With his hand on the small of my back he led me through a narrow doorway that opened into a wide living room with Dominic and another man sitting on the blue striped couch. Both men turned their heads in our direction, the man I didn't recognize whipped his head around facing Dominic who ignored him and stood. His large figure towered over mine as he approached me, the length of his arms wrapping around me and pulling me away from Wes. His broad body swallowing me whole.

"We meet again bella."

Patting his back uncomfortably I felt my mouth curve upwards hearing his thick Italian accent "It's great to see you too."

Pulling back he gave me warm smile as the man behind him stood up. He wasn't as tall or as fit as Dominic or Wes but he was neither hefty, his belly was slightly poking against the short sleeved button down shirt he wore. The thin wrinkles surrounding his light brown eyes indicated he was in his early forties.

He held put his hand "Khloe I'm presuming."

Taking his hand I inclined my head "I'm Joey, Marbella's husband." he introduced himself

It took all I had not to pull my hand back at the mention of Wes's older sister "Nice to meet you." I replied as kindly as I could

The man merely smiled as I retreated my hand quickly, luckily for me he didn't comment as Wes slipped his arm around my shoulder providing comfort with his touch. Leaning against him I felt like a child on her first day of school, hiding beside her parent.

"You didn't mention you were bringing company." Joey said eyeing Wes curiously

"I wasn't sure if she would agree to coming with me today after what your wife said over the phone."

Joey darted his eyes in my direction "She heard?"

"Yes, she did." I answered irritated that I was being spoken about as if I weren't in the room

"You do know this won't be pretty when she discovers she's here." Joey said completely ignoring my glare at his rudeness again

Wes's fingers tightened over my shoulder, digging painfully into my skin "She'll have to deal with it because I want my girlfriend to meet my family, all of them."

Girlfriend? Craning my head up I blinked confusingly at him finding it difficult to contain the smirk playing on my lips. We never discussed what exactly we were and I sure didn't agree to be his girlfriend yet hearing him introduce me as his girlfriend set a spark of pride in my chest by the common label. Wes glanced down at my pleased expression, his features set firm but through the hardened exterior I caught a glimpse of a faint smile on his lips.

"All of them?" Dominic questioned with a raised brow

Wes's response was firm and confident "Yes."

Both Dominic and Joey exchanged a worried look, obviously on the in about something I remained clueless to. Wes on the other hand seemed calm and collected as if this were something he did on a regular basis.

"Joey can you grab Chris, he's fighting with Tanya again and I have to-"

All three men turned to face the direction the voice came from, tensing as the short brunette darted her soft blue eyes between the three members of her family and I. Her gaze zeroing in on her brother's arm around my shoulder, the narrowed slits slid up to me and all I wanted to do was take shelter behind Wes. Standing my ground I flashed a soft smile, in a useless attempt to show I wasn't all bad like she assumed but the deep scowl marring her features indicated I was wasting my time.

"What is she doing in my house?" she growled

"Honey." Joey started towards the mocha colored door Marbella emerged from but as he approached her she set him with a glare that set my blood cold

"I brought her here for dinner." Wes spoke

"In my home? Knowing how I feel about her?" she ground out

"As I recall this is just as much my home as it is yours and I can bring my girlfriend over if I want to."

Her eyes widened, her pink stained lips pressed together in obvious irritation "I will not tolerate her in my home Wes."

"And I won't tolerate you judging her based on the crap you read in those magazines." Wes shot back

Peeking over my shoulder I noticed the change in his features since we've entered the house, his usually cool and collected aura vanishing when his brother-in-law brought up the 'uninvited' guest. Now in place of the young teasing, jokester I grew to care for was a cold, hard man who looked as if he was unable to laugh. To say I didn't like the change would be an understatement I don't like seeing Wes looking so grim as if the weight of the world is on his shoulders, he is too full of life to be so grim.

Marbella placed her petite hands on her hips "If you think that I'm about to sit at the same table as her and share a meal you have got another thing coming." she stubbornly stated

"You don't have to join us." Wes shrugged causing his sister to suck in a sharp breath

"Maybe I should leave." I muttered and took a step backwards preparing to do just that

"No you aren't." Wes said in a demanding voice I felt shaking me down to my very soul

Slipping his fingers with mine Wes gave a gentle tug so I was standing beside him, his gaze set on mine "You are staying." he said more softly

"Wesley Antonio Valsero!" his sister shouted her cheeks tainted pink from the fury building in her small figure

"Marbella Sophia Valsero." Wes shot back

Before Marbella could speak another word Anna emerged from the same door Marbella came from, her eyes darted between the bickering siblings. She kissed her teeth and rolled her eyes as if this were normal "Let me guess what the commotion is about."

"I'm not spending my evening with the likes of her." Marbella spat disgustedly

Once more I took a step back ready to make an exit when Wes's fingers tightened around mine, silently telling me to stay put. Chewing on my bottom lip I fought the urge to yank my hand out of his and run through the front door, I didn't think my presence would cause such a ruckus.

Anna set her sister with a pointed look, one a mother would give her child when they're misbehaving "Wes can bring who ever he wants to dinner and seeing how she's his girlfriend and a part of his life that makes her apart of ours as well."

"You're siding with her?" Marbella shouted in disbelief

Anna shook her head causing her inky black hair to fall across her face "There are no sides here so if you are done being a child dinner is ready. You can either join us or wait in the kitchen alone for leftovers."

Marbella whipped her head in my direction and glared at me as if I were the sole reason for all the misery in her life. She muttered a foreign word and stormed off and judging by Anna's audible gasp it wasn't a compliment. Again I felt a pull towards the door, nudging me to leave now before anymore chaos occurs. Anna mumbled an apology and followed her sister as both men walked off shaking their heads at the scene before them and I could have died of embarrassment.

"Come on kitty let's go eat, Anna makes the best deserts you'll ever taste." Wes said and led me through a narrow hallway where the sounds of plates being set pricked my ears

Sighing I tried to put a smile on my face, perhaps this evening won't be as horrible as meeting Marbella.

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First off thank you all for your patience and support, I appreciate no one abandoning me during this story. I apologize for the late update but family issues have prevented me from doing anything this past week; my brother is very ill and he is my number one priority do I hope you all understand. I will try issuing but until he is better updates might be every four or five days....again thank you guys:)