Chapter 40

Grinding my teeth I felt my chest tighten as I watched Stacy stomp upstairs the long train of the dress that still didn't fit dragging behind her. Still it was better than sitting in the office during my lunch break with my thoughts filled with Wes and what we spoke about. Being my father's daughter I decided to put off the decision rather than face the problem head on.

"Nothing fits!" she shrieked from the top of the stairs "Someone do something about this damn dress or I swear none of you will find work again!" she threatened

I rolled my eyes as the three seamstress rushed after her with their equipment in hand. Surely they didn't believe the airhead had the sort of power, she is just a washed up model who received her big break because she's marrying a soon to be senator. Even with Greg she didn't wield the power to prevent them from getting another gig.

"Why am I here again?" I huffed as a maid handed me a long island ice tea, my mother's favorite beverage

Crossing one leg over the other she pressed two fingers against her temple "Your sister needs help calming down every ten minutes and I'm close to throttling her."

Smiling despite my current situation I sipped my drink "I'm guessing it's been difficult."

"Difficult?" she repeated the word, her eyes widening as she sat up "I'm one more tantrum away from canceling this wedding. Those two are a perfect pair of drama queens."

"Greg did watch too much reality tv." I mumbled under my breath

"The man recorded the entire season of the Housewives of Atlanta." she snorted

Giggling I spotted a crack of a smile on my mother's lips, it was then I realized she didn't love Greg like I previous assumed. She was kind to the man but that probably had more to do with her perfect social skills than genuine liking towards the prick.

A petite Asian woman ran down, her eyes gleaming with tears "Ms. Sparks wants her fiancee to have a refitting for his tux."

My mother groaned and buried her face in her hands "If I have to listen to the man speak about the shade of his tie not matching his dress shirt I'll shove needles in his eyes."

Twisting in her seat she lifted her head, her soft caramel eyes pleading silently for me to go find the douche. After a while I caved realizing she wasn't kidding about the shoving needles in his eyes part.

"Thank you sweetheart." she beamed happily

Grumpily, I started up the stairs where the groom was currently staying till the wedding. Stacy had decide moving in so my mother could help out more was a great idea whist my mother just wanted to strangle her, which in my opinion isn't such a bad idea. I ventured to the left wing of the house where my mother sent him earlier when he arrived shortly after me. Passing the strict portraits of my father, uncles and grandpa; all crooked politicians.

As I neared the guest room he and Stacy currently shared I heard a grunt from the room across from it. Curious as to what the sound was I inched closer to the door as another grunt sounded, scanning the hallway I reached for the doorknob as a familiar voice spoke from the other side. My curiosity spiked hearing his voice and in one quick push I swung the door open.

"Oh my God!" I gasped in horror at the sight of my best friend standing behind a grinning Greg who hadn't noticed my presence due to the cöck filling his back entry

"Don't stop." Greg whimpered

Shock at his last comment I turned my gaze at Aaron who stood frozen behind him, his warm brown eyes as wide with surprise as mine. Turning on my heels I shut the door with a hand over ny mouth to keep the screams from bubbling to the surface as I attempted to understand what I just walked in on.

Aaron was naked behind a very pleased looking Greg who was too blinded by the beginning of his release to see me. The thought caused another gasp to escape my lips. Greg -my ex who claimed my skills in bed were pitiful- is behind this door experiencing a pleasure I couldn't give him. The thought should have saddened me, any normal woman would be upset by the discovery but I wasn't.

"I can explain what happened back there." Aaron rushed out as he stepped out of the room with trousers on

He struggled to button his dress shirt, his soft hair a mess from the actives he was doing a moment ago.

"You were fùcking my sister's fiancee, I don't think that needs any explanation." I said dryly

"Well...yeah." he rubbed the back of his neck, a sheepish smile forming on his lips "When you put it like that it sounds bad."

I quirked a brow "You think?"

"I came by to talk to your dad about the project he wanted me to join when I bumped into Greg."

"That looked a lot more than just a bump." I said and shot him a pointed look

"Look, I didn't realize he was Stacy's fiancee till much later and it's been a while since I got any..." he trailed off watching my reaction to his so called 'explanation'

His smile fell and I couldn't contain the emotion bubbling below any longer. Clutching my torso I burst into a fit of laughter at the situation I've stumbled upon. Stacy's fiancee and my ex stormed out of the room his clothes in place as if nothing had happened. The soft shade of pink staining his cheeks was a reminder of what I personally witnessed. Karma had a sense of humor that was for sure.

First finding him with my sister while we were together now finding him with my best friend while he's with Stacy. Sucking in a breath I wiped my eyes, my laughter dying as Greg watched me warily.

Stepping forward I reared my fist back watching it connect with his nose, the sound echoed in the hall adding to my satisfaction. Greg stumbled back cradling his nose, his passion glazed eyes widening in shock and confusion.

"That's for all the times you've called me frigid and this-" Pulling my arm back I swung again catching him in the eye when he attempted to dodge the hit "That's for fùcking my sister while we were together."

He stumbled against the hallway wall, clutching his face and groaning like the weakling he is. Watching him crumble to the floor I felt a sense of self satisfaction knowing I hurt him, although he embarrassed me in front of thousands of people it felt refreshing to inflict pain especially psychical. When he cheated on me I sat for hours in bed wondering what I did to chase him away. Wondering what was wrong with me that all the men in my life found the need to leave me. Now that I see the true reason behind his actions I couldn't help but find the entire situation hilarious. Greg is gay.

It had nothing to do with me, I didn't have the tool he truly wanted and I'm sure Stacy doesn't either. Stacy is in for a rude awakening when she finds out her husband to be would rather have a hot dog than the bun. A small laugh passed my lips at the thought of their honeymoon, they'd probably fight over the same bus boy.

"Khloe." Aaron's voice pierced my humoring thoughts, his brows bent in concern as I laughed once more at the ironic turn of events "You okay?" he asked in concern

Biting my lip I nodded, eyes watering with tears "Better than okay." I responded after a much needed breath "I don't know how you came into this but I want to thank you A, for showing me the true reason behind Greg's actions.

"Really?!" Aaron exclaimed

Sparing a quick glance at Greg I couldn't resist but kick his thigh "Tell me Greg why are you marrying my sister if you prefer sausages?"

He shifted his hand from his nose, staring up at me like the mouse caught by the lion "It's convenient for the both of us." he replied after a moment of hesitation

"So Stacy knows you're gay?" I asked, baffled by the new information

The cheating bastard nodded "She needs the money and I need the wife."

His answer clicked in place with the unanswered question I've had since finding him tangled with my sister "You intended on getting caught together, two years ago you planned it." I gasped

Swallowing nervously he took a moment before nodding, the glint of fear in his gaze obvious as he slid up to his feet "I knew you would never agree to playing the part but Stacy-"

He was interrupted when I reared my knee and slammed it up, hitting his balls directly. His painful groan echoed loudly around us as he fell to his knees, cupping his damaged crotch.

"That's for humiliating me in front of my family and going to the press!" I shouted and kicked his stomach

He coughed as my heel sunk into his slightly pudgy belly, I twisted my foot unsatisfied with the pain I've inflicted when I heard screams sounded from the other side of the hallway. All too soon a pair of arms wrapped around my waist yanking me off of Greg.

I thrashed in Aaron's arms, rage pumping along side my blood as I processed what the sick fùcker admitted to. Humiliating me nationally so he can have a woman on his arm who would turn a blind eye to the fact that he doesn't even like females and he had to choose my sister of all people!

Aaron struggled to keep me from closing the short gap between Greg and I, and with good reason I intend on stomping on the bastard's balls till they're nothing but dust.

"What is going on here?!" my mother demanded as she rushed toward the scene as Stacy ran to Greg who struggled to stay on his feet

"You psycho bitch!" Stacy shrieked as she spotted the slender dripping of blood sliding down Greg's nose

Aaron's grip on my waist loosened "Go for the fake boobs." he mumbled under his breath

Shrugging his arms off I stomped toward her with hell on my feet, fists balled at my sides and anger swirling in the pit of my belly. Stacy took a cautious step back, her emerald eyes widening as she took in my expression and sensing my wrath.

"You knew this whole time, you gold digging, dirty slùt!" I hissed venom dripping with every step I took

"Watch your language!" my mother warned as I shoved past her

I ignored her as I stood before Stacy who was still in the bridal dress she had on downstairs, the ribbons undone with multiple pins at her sides indicating the seamstresses were in the midst of altering it.

"You could have told me what was going on instead of embarrassing me the way you did." I spat watching her flinch at my tone

Her red stained lips parted as if she were ready to speak but as I waited her excuse nothing came out and that was all the confirmation I needed. Pulling my closed fist back I slammed it against her nose, putting all my anger in the hit as my mother gasped behind us. Stacy dropped on to the floor like an ice cream in the middle of a heat wave, the trickle of red staining the ivory dress she wore as she broke into tears.

"What is wrong with you?!" my mother yelled as she twisted me to face her, the annoyance etched in her soft features no match for the anger bubbling in my blood

Roughly pushing my mother away I couldn't believe after all this time she still sided with the slùt. "No, what's wrong with you?" I spat back

My mother blinked in confusion, taken my surprise by the hatred coating each word I spoke "You are all fùcked up in the head you know that!"

Shoving past the maids who rushed towards us with towels for the injured couple I didn't spare a glance back as Stacy's cries filled the upper level of the house nor did I halt when my mother demanded I return and explain myself. Throwing the front door open I pulled my keys out intending on driving away from the hell house that was my childhood home when a snow white jaguar pulled in beside my car, the dark windows blocking the driver from view but I couldn't care if it was Gandhi himself behind the wheel.

Walking around the nose of the car I heard the car door opening and my name sounded, I froze not because the driver knew my name but because I knew that voice.

To be sure it wasn't my mind playing tricks on me I glanced over my shoulder and sure enough there he stood in the flesh. Dressed in a pin striped dress shirt, gray trousers; his blonde hair slicked back in the way he preferred placing more attention on his electric baby blue eyes that had long ago held the power to suck me in. Since I last saw him he has gotten taller but much like his cousin Aaron he remained the same lanky man, although his face filled out and his clothes fit better from the chest area. His lips cracked into a wide smile, jogging around the front of his car he quickly closed the gap between us and no matter how much I willed my feet they wouldn't move.

Any trace of anger was quickly taken by the wind as Tyler-the man who single handedly tore my heart out- threw his arms around me. I remained frozen with shock as he pulled away his hands gripping my forearms as his sparkling eyes dipped down taking in my appearance with amusement.

"You look amazing Khloe." he beamed excitedly, his eyes darted to meet mine "The years have been good to you." he added with the smile that, years ago would have caused me to melt at his feet

Now though, I stood shocked by his abrupt presence with my heart pounding in my chest as the memories of the past came rushing back at me like a tidal wave. Like an old movie the memory of the day he explained what he did played in my mind, each time it replayed added a spark to the swirl of emotions that raged like a storm in my chest. Each replay of that day tearing at the healed wound that over the years I've nurse.

Yanking my arms out of reach watching his eyes widen in surprise as I took a step back, my fingers digging into my palms and my lips pressed firmly together.

"Don't touch me. Ever." I hissed although it sounded more like a soft croak

His shoulders slumped "You're still angry I see." he stated

"It's hard not to be seeing how you pretended to like me so you could win a bet and take away my young adult life." I retorted finding a firm voice

He squirmed, the movement foreign for Tyler who back than couldn't give a crap about anything "I was a stupid kid and I am sorry for the pain I've caused you in the past." His eyes softened pleading for me to hear him out "I miss you Khloe."

The young, naïve Khloe would have beamed happily at the confession and threw her arms around him, over the moon with joy that he was not only sorry but wanted her again. The old Khloe died long ago and it had everything to do with the man standing before me with a puppy dog look. Grown and hardened from the whiplash I've received from men in my life I wouldn't have sympathized with him even if he was running around on fire.

"Well that makes one of us."

He blinked, taken back by my response "I want to set the past behind us and build a brighter future." He took a step forward, his long fingers reaching for my hands "I want you."

Although the words were exactly what any girl would love to hear the emotion wasn't there, his voice should have held a hint of desperation if he truly meant it instead his voice held an almost annoyed tone I recognized from the bitter end of our relationship.

Snapping my hands to my side I pinned him with a dark glare "Let's not beat around the bush here. You are not the kind to apologize unless you had to and even then you would have an agenda so save the bullshit and both of us some time and get lost asshole."

The grin that broke out on his face took me by surprise "The rumors are true then, shy, little Khloe grew a back bone at last." he chuckled, amused when I sent him another dark glare

"Honestly I'm liking the sassy part of you, it's quite a turn on." he grinned

The confidence in his voice infuriated me, he acts as if he's certain I would have thrown myself at him the moment I saw him.

"Let me cut this short and spare myself the pain of hearing you're voice and tell you it's never going to happen. Not now, not next month, not in a year or even another life."

With that said I turned on my heels, keys in hand and my self esteem rising with the fact that I successfully dealt with one of my fears and I didn't show any sign of nervousness although my heart thrummed in my chest wildly.

"Would your refusal have anything to do with that guy who answered me yesterday?"

I halted, my car door jarred enough for me to hop in and sped off. I could have left and my brain screamed from me to get away while I still could but my body refused to budge at the mention of Wes.

"Tell me Khloe where did you get the guy, Walmart?" he sneered

I gritted my teeth in annoyance and fury knowing he was baiting me, my mind warned me to walk away know while I still had the chance but my body remained rooted to the ground.

"He sounded pretty pissed when I told him who I was and that we would patch things up."

"Don't you ever speak to him again you bastard!" I spat, whipping in his direction I knew this was what he wanted but I couldn't walk away.

I haven't spoken to Wes all day because of the argument we had this morning and it all centered around the him. Sorting through my feelings would take time and that meant more time away from Wes and I don't want to think of how Wes will react if I call him still undecided. It didn't help either that I already dealt with one cheating ex today.

"Defending your toy?" he snorted

"You and I are over and you have only yourself to blame. My relationship with Wes is none of your business and if you know what's good for you than you'd keep away from him. I don't what exactly what you want from me but you can bet that rented car that you won't get anything from me ever again." I spat

His sandy blonde brows pulled down "You can't ignore us forever Khloe."

Flipping my hair over my shoulder I jumped into my car and started the engine. Lowering the window I repeated his words from too long ago from "There was never an us."

With that I raced out of the driveway and onto the smooth street watching from the rearview mirror a fuming Tyler standing in the midst of the dirt my tires kicked up. Tightening my hands on the wheel I resisted the urge to back up and run him over.

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

How much do we hate Tyler? you can bet that the jerk isn't out of the picture yet but I'm sure Greg is a topic you will all want to put your input on and the long over due punch for Stacy's ;D