Chapter 47

Finishing the last button of my blouse I released a soft sigh as I turned to look around the room in search for my skirt. Although Wes was gentle removing them he sure was the same when he tossed them, I found my panties dangling off on the knobs of one of his drawers and it took forever to find my bra between this mess. While I searched for my missing clothing Wes has been taking a rather long shower, probably trying to remember the events of this morning.

Hands on my bare hips I turned to face the bed where my gray skirt lay at the far corner of the bed. Hopping onto the crumbled sheets I crawled to where my skirt was forgetting that I was in only my panties when I heard a door open. With a startled gasp I whipped around fearing one of his sisters came in or worse, their children.

"What are you doing?" he asked with an amused smile

Relieved I didn't just moon one of his nieces or nephews I turned back around to grab my skirt and held it in the air for him to see. Sliding off the bed I stepped into the skirt and pulled it up my legs, much more comfortable now that I'm dressed. Lifting my head I felt the smile on my lips widen as I set my eyes on a freshly washed and dripping Wes. With nothing but a towel around his hips leaving the rest do his sun kissed, tone body out for display and I shamelessly gawked at his chiseled and wet chest. My throat went dry as I followed a random droplet travel from beneath his chest down the ridges of his abs and below the towel to an area my lower area throbbed eagerly for.

Clearing my throat I forced my gaze up "Good afternoon."

"Actually it's evening." he corrected with a smile

Glancing back at the alarm clock sitting on the nightstand I was surprised to see it was five thirty, we slept all day. Running a hand through my messy hair I felt strangely at ease although I slept through an entire day which I haven't done since high school.

"How are you feeling?" I asked

"I have a monster headache but other than that pretty good and you?"

Arching a quizzical brow I took a step forward "Do you really need to ask?" I teased as I snaked my arms around his waist

His lips curved in response, pleased to see him in a brighter mood I couldn't help but stand on the tips of my toes and peck his lips. Looking for more I leaned forward intending on deepening the kiss when his hand rested on my hip, anchoring me away from him. Puzzled, I tilted my head to question him when I noticed the gleam of amusement in his eyes were no longer there and neither was the smile.

"We need to talk."

The seriousness of his voice did nothing but make me nervous and more importantly run the other way. Nodding, I took a step back so there was space between us again. Sighing Wes sat on the edge of the bed, his hands resting on his knees as he stared at the blue rug. The silence stretched as the tension built itself with every second that ticked by, and with every one of those second I grew more and more anxious.

"I want to apologize for my behavior this morning, it wasn't fair of me to ask you to stay with me when you were only making sure I'm okay."

"It's fine Wes, but why didn't you call me when-"

He lifted his head, those stormy orbs darkened further "When my dad died." he finished my sentence and lowered his head again "I promised you time and calling you would have meant breaking that promise. I couldn't be selfish enough to ask something like that of you knowing how confused you are already, it wouldn't be fair to you."

I had no response to that, what could I say anyway? Thank you for considering my feelings after all this time when I haven't considered yours as much. Ashamed of my own selfishness I lowered my head wondering how I got so lucky to find someone like Wes who would rather deal with such a difficult time alone rather than call for me. It was yet another reason why Wes deserved someone better than me, someone who would put him first but thinking of Wes holding another woman angered me. I am selfish when it comes to Wes and that is no secret.

"Don't feel guilty, it was my choice."

Lifting my head I found him staring at the closed curtains like he was discussing this with them "While I was in the shower I thought a lot about us and I realized we didn't really have the right foundation to begin a relationship. Nothing really happened like it was suppose to, not the first date, first kiss or even our first night together."

"Are you having regrets about us?" I asked, fearing the answer

He shook his head "No, I never would have believed two months ago that I'd be in love with Khloe Sparks yet I wouldn't change a detail but it has me thinking maybe we aren't the problem here. Maybe it's the rocky start of our relationship that has us struggling now. I mean I know you have had problems with men before but that's the past and you keep saying you know I'm not the same so that can't be the issue and losing my dad during all of this made me really think about us."

Swallowing nervously I watched as Wes ran a hand through his still damp hair, water droplets slid down his neck as he dragged his hand to the back of his head. Although I was still in the dark about what exactly he was leading to I couldn't ignore the bad feeling in the pit of my stomach that told me to find an excuse for him not to finish his thought.

"Khloe." He shut his eyes for a brief moment, collecting his thoughts before reopening them "I think we should take a break from this."

"A break."

My throat burned just repeating the cursed two words. Did he mean a break like space for another week or two or break like 'have a nice life' break? Confused by the meaning I felt an ache form the size of a gulf ball in my chest as a sob slowly crawled its way up my throat, bringing the stinging of tears with it. Wrapping my arms around my middle section I turned away from him to prevent him for seeing the glistening of tears in my eyes. I wanted to be strong enough to have been able to tell him I had no problem with ending this crazy relationship but had trouble convincing myself.

"It's not what you're thinking."

"Then what exactly do you mean?" I asked in a soft whisper, afraid if I raised my voice an octave higher the damn of tears would break free

The bed groaned as he stood but I didn't bother to face him, wouldn't this be easier for the both of us? The gulf ball sized ache thumped against my ribcages as a reminder that this was going to be painful.

"Dominic and Anna are taking a trip to Rome to settle the last of the arrangements for my dad's funeral there, Dominic suggested I go along with them to get away from the problems in New York and I think I just might."

Italy?

My fingers curled into a fist over my torso as the words sunk in causing the ball of fear to twist in my chest painfully. Drowning out his explanation of how they were going to fly his body back to his hometown where their mom was buried I could barely grip the reality of this situation. How could I? This morning I was holding on to his shoulders as he gave me the best orgasm of my life and now he is telling me that he's leaving to a country across the globe. This whole day has been flipped upside down leaving me confused and desperate to accept all the information being thrown my way.

"..... just for the summer."

"So it's over." I said in a deadpan voice

When he didn't respond I felt the small flick of hope within me burn out like a single candle in the wind. I couldn't pretend that his silence didn't hurt because the hallow throbbing where my heart thumped wouldn't allow me. This was Wes, the man who two weeks ago told me he loved me. The man who was more different than any man I've ever come across and that's what I liked so much about him, the fact that he's different. The same man who constantly tells me I'm amazing the way I am.

Suck it up, a voice hissed darkly. You've been on the receiving end of a break up before this isn't something new to you.

"Not in that sense, no."

I wanted to laugh at his shady answer and I would have probably done just that if it weren't for the fact that I was struggling to keep it together. All those years of being lectured by my mother to bottle any bitter emotions finally came in handy as I just barely held on the sorrow weighing my heart down like a stone.

He placed a hand on my shoulder and I shrugged him off his touch felt like coal on my skin. Inhaling a deep breath I gave a small nod and turned on my heels of my feet only at that moment did I notice my shoes were still missing.

"Have you seen my shoes?" I asked as I walked around him without meeting his gaze

Bending under the bed I felt like a cheap one night stand searching for my shoes while the man I spent the night- morning with is trying to get rid of me, I've officially hit a new low. Seeing nothing but dust bunnies I stood up and scanned the room cautious when I reached the part where Wes remained standing semi naked.

"Are we going to talk about this?"

"I think everything has been said." I replied darkly and crossed the room to where I spotted the tip of my navy heels

Slipping the shoe on I turned to grab the other when I noticed it wasn't with its twin, crap. Running a hand through my hair I pretended not to see him walking in my direction as I thought back to this morning. I don't remember pulling them off, than again I don't remember much other than Wes's sweaty body moving agonizingly slow on top of me. The reminder stung my fresh wound like lemon to a paper cut. Shaking my head of the memory and tears burning my eyes I started forward when his strong hand caught my wrist.

"Would you stop running around and talk to me?" he sighed when I jerked my hand out of his grip

"No." I hissed angrily and whipped around to face him "You want to end this thing we have and you plan on going to Rome for the summer, there is nothing more to discuss." I stated with a shrug

He clenched and unclenched his jaw "It's not like that Khloe."

Rolling my eyes I folded my arms across my chest, my brows pulled downwards as I watched him rub a hand across his subtle chin. He seemed to me mulling over what exactly he was going to say which strangely had the icy wall around my heart to melt slightly. I've been in this position dozens of times before if not more and each time the guy wouldn't care how he phrased it as long as he was done with me by the end my feelings didn't matter. Of course Wes had to be different, he had to stand there trying to word this right so he didn't hurt me and that hurt worse than if he had told me to get lost. Not because he was trying to be nice but because he still cared enough to consider my feelings which must mean he still cares, right?

Dropping a wall down on the thought I dropped my arms and mentally dropped the cold bitch act, I didn't have it in me to keep the charade up.

"If you find it leave it at my door." I said in a soft whisper and turned to leave, my work here was done

I didn't take one step towards the door when I was pulled back against a solid wall of muscle and a long arm snaked around my waist, anchoring me to the body behind me. Squeezing my eyes shut I felt that pull in the pit of my stomach, the magnetic pull that pulled me towards Wes. My heart galloped in my chest as he lowered his mouth so it rested against the shell of my ear.

"I love you Khloe Sparks and that hasn't changed nor will it anytime soon which is why I'm going to Rome. I might have been drunk this morning but that doesn't mean I didn't remember how you tensed in my arms when I told you I loved you after we had sex. You still haven't figured your feelings out so this is your chance." he whispered

Ignoring the tingling down my spine as his hot breath hit my skin I smiled, a sad smile "While I play feeling search you run around Italy chasing skirts." I snorted

"This trip is just an opportunity for me to see some old family, nothing more."

Brushing his lips across side of my neck he rested his head on my neck so his hot breath hit the moist skin "I don't want to go, trust me."

Arching my head back I tilted my head to the side allowing him better access "Then stay."

"If I do then I'm going to want an answer from you, a real one that tells me exactly how you feel. I want all of you Khloe." he sighed and kissed my pulse

My shoulders sagged as I released a soft sigh "So your feelings for me haven't changed?"

"No." he laughed softly "Is that what you thought when I told you I'm going to Rome?"

Rather than answer his question I turned on my heels and threw my arms around his neck, his grayish blue eyes sparkled with mirth for what seemed like forever and his soft lips were stretched into a smile that had me smiling. As I looked at him, really looked at him I realized these last ten days weren't going to be the worst of my life, this summer would be. Tossing and turning every night in search for his body, inhaling every thing he's touched in my apartment in hopes I'd get a whiff of him. It was going to be torture.

"When are you leaving?" I asked as I twirled the small hairs on his neck

His smile fell at the reminder "Tonight."

"What?"

Stepping back I felt a surge of panic rushing through me. Wes caught my face in his large bronze hands and pecked my lips as I shook my head as if it would delay this.

"I know it's short notice but I can't ask them to change the flight, they have been kind enough to keep my ticket free in the first place."

Swallowing I gave a small nod understanding the situation but it didn't mean I liked it. Leaning my forehead against his I squeezed my eyes tight as I thought of spending this summer without Wes, without this. The thought alone caused my heart to ache for him. I was being selfish I know but in the short time I'll know Wes I've grown accustomed to him and all the little things he does. Like how he can only sleep in boxers, or how he can't start a day with two cups of overly sweet coffee, or how when he wakes up he has to stretch his arms over his head before releasing a loud yawn that always wakes me up. I love seeing him in my kitchen whipping me up something to eat, especially in the morning when he is too lazy to slip on anything to cover himself. I would miss all of these things for the next two months as he struts around Rome like the god like man he is.

He kissed the top of both my cheeks causing my eyelids to peel open and meet the smoldering gaze of the man in front of me "Don't cry kitty kat, that's not the image I want to remember you by."

Swiping my fingers across my cheeks I was surprised to see them damp, when did I start crying? Embarrassed by my also of control over my emotions I took a small step back intending to get myself together but Wes followed my step and cupped my face in his hands again. He kissed me, a soft, tender kiss that felt more like a feather like caress than an actual human's lips. Too soon he pulled back and dropped his hands back to his sides.

"I would ask you to come to the airport but I know you have Stacy's wedding to go to."

Stacy's wedding! It was going to start in less than an hour and I'm not even close to the hotel. My mother is going to have my ass for this. Spinning on my heels I started to search for my missing shoe again when I realized I was rushing to my sister's wedding -who I might hate, just a tiny bit- and leaving Wes, who would be leaving the country tonight. As the thought sank in I turned back around intending on spending my last few moments with Wes.

"Don't." he said and passed me "We both know your crazy mom is going to drag you out of JFK kicking and screaming if she knew you were going to ditch the wedding."

"I don't care." I said stubbornly

He chuckled and bent down by the door beside a neon green hamper sat overflowing with clothes. Walking closer to where he sat bent rummaging through his dirty clothes I almost didn't see my shoe in his hand as he twisted on the balls of his feet.

His strong fingers spread across my ankle as he lifted my foot in midair and gently slipped my shoe on "Your glass slipper, Cinderella." he teased as he lowered my foot

"You hid it didn't you?" I asked

Standing up to his full height he winked "I had to make sure you wouldn't run at midnight." he explained and pulled the door open

Throwing my head back I couldn't help but laugh at his rather clever idea, he knew I'd want to leave. It was a bit scary to know he knew how I'd react to the Rome news but in a strange way it made me feel fluttery knowing he went to those lengths to ensure I understood the situation rather than freak out and head for the hills.

Flashing me a devilish grin he held his hand out, entwining my fingers with his I found all humor dissolving as I realized this was my last moment with him for two months. Tightening my fingers around his I followed him down the stairs not paying much attention to our surroundings as the seriousness of the present really hit me. I was going to spend the summer without Wes, a year ago that would have been a blessing but now. Well to sum it up it sucked. Sure we aren't a normal couple but I would have enjoyed taking small trips to the beach or getting out of state for a little romantic getaway. Spend the Fourth of July laying on the roof watching the fireworks. Slouching around in bed on a hot, hazy summer day. These were all moments we won't get to have.

As we started down the stairs I spotted Anna's youngest son run down the stairs while screaming "Mommy, uncle Wes came out and he looks clean again!"

Arching a brow I turned to Wes who rubbed his neck sheepishly. Shaking my head I wondered how it must of felt for his sisters to love under the same roof with a depressed Wes, not just once but twice and this time they had children. Watching their brother drink and drown in self pity, unable to help him because he didn't want them to. I empathized with them as I recalled Marbella's pleading tone from this morning, she sounded one more please away from a breakdown and I thought she was the strongest of the three.

"Look at this, you even changed your clothes." Carrie nodded in approval "I would have dragged you here days ago if I knew you had this much control over him." she added with a small smile

Wes's fingers tightened on mine and for a second I thought it was due to what Carrie said but as I turned to face him I noticed his gaze was on a photo of a couple hanging by the front door. His jaw was clenched tight as his eyes grew dark with the same emptiness I saw earlier today when I first saw him. Squeezing his fingers I spotted Carrie from the corner of my eye notice where his stare was also, she lowered her head at the reminder of the loss of their dad.

"It's okay Wes." I said as I turned so I was directly in front of him

He closed his eyes for a brief moment and released a breath through his nostrils before reopening them. His lips parted to speak but no sound came out and the funny part was I didn't need him to speak for me to understand what exactly was going through his head right now. Throwing my arms around his neck I stood on the tips of my toes and kissed his cheek, hating the look of anguish on his face and knowing I can't change this for him. I wanted so badly to be able to help him with this, but this was a wound only time can heal.

"Please don't close up again and start drinking." I whispered for his ears only

"I won't, I promise." he sighed as his arms tightened around my waist

Burying my face in his chest I sucked in a long breath, catching a whiff of the soap he used and the scent that can only be described as Wes. My eyes burned with tears with the reminder that I had to say goodbye to Wes now. Part of me didn't want to say goodbye because it would make this official but running away wouldn't change the fact that he is leaving although there is one way to get him to stay. I bit my lip realizing if I figured my feelings out I wouldn't have to say goodbye to him.

Pulling back enough to look him in the eye I felt as if my heart was torn from its space as I found myself staring into a pair of tear filled eyes "Any time you need me you call okay? That means morning or night, you call me."

He searched my expression as if asking if I really meant what I said considering this trip was meant as breathing space for us but I didn't care if this would cause the end of the world. I don't want him to self destruct again because he feels like he is pressuring me which in my case wouldn't be so bad. I mean I've figured nothing out in the last week and a half other than the fact that no pillow can hold a candle to Wes's toned body.

"I mean it Wes, if you need anything you call me." I repeated more sternly

Hesitating at first he gave a small nod "Okay."

Biting my bottom lip I felt a sob lodge itself in my throat as the moment truly sunk in. Rather than ball my eyes out like a heartbroken teenager I stood on the tips of my toes again and crushed my mouth to his desperate to keep a small memory of him for those lonely nights I find myself awake and missing him so and it hurts. Wes must have felt the same desperation as I did because he slanted his mouth over mine and pressed his lips firmly against mine, the fit was so tight I was baffled when I felt his tongue swipe across my bottom lip.

Eagerly, I parted my lips allowing him access and Wes does not disappoint. His tongue thrust in with such speed I felt my breath hitch but had no time to recover as he slid it over my own tongue. Knotting my fingers in his hair I moaned, a deep sounded that he greedily swallowed. He continued to taste every inch of my mouth with every smooth, long stroke of his skillful tongue leaving my knees quaking together and my bones turning to jelly. It was like nothing we've ever shared, yes we've had steamy make-outs but this was panty melting as well as heart stopping. The mix of tenderness and desperation filled every twist of our mouths as we said goodbye, each one trying to remember the emotions rushing through our system for later. The saltiness of tears slid over our joined mouths, a small reminder that the true pain would come later, when every cell in my body yearns for Wes.

Reluctantly I pulled back, if I kissed him any longer I wouldn't walk out the door or let him leave. It was selfish especially since Wes really need this sort of change but I couldn't help that selfish part of me that wants Wes all to herself. His hot breath fanned my face as I squeezed my eyes tightly in hopes that the tears would stop.

"What's going on?" Anna asked, a taint of fear laced her words

Slowly I opened my eyes only to see we gathered a small audience; Anna, Dominic and too many small children who were no doubt trying to remember who I am. A soft hue of pink covered my cheeks as I wiped my tears away.

"Saying our goodbyes." Wes answered as I tried pulling myself together

Both Anna and Dominic turned to Wes, a look of which on their faces before they turned back to me. I shied away from their stare main due to the fact that I know just who horrible I look after crying. My skin was a botchy red by now and the tip of my nose a bright red, not to mention I have sex hair. Yeah, I was definitely a mess right now.

"You're coming to Rome?" Anna asked, her navy eyes lighting up with excitement

He gave a small nod as he tightened the arm around my waist our hips were joined "I think Dominic is right I might need this."

At the mention of Wes's brother-in-law I tilted my head upwards and sent the man a dark look that could burn a hole through him if I stared long enough and at the moment I wanted nothing more than to hurt him. Meeting my dark glare Dominic's eyes widened as if I threatened to cut his manhood off. Before I could speak I felt Wes's hands on my shoulders as he turned me to face him and with one quick look into his soft grayish blue orbs I found all my anger extinguished.

"Take care of yourself kitty kat and stop ordering take out." he sighed

The corners of my mouth curved despite the dark hole expanding in my chest "I'll try."

Offering a soft smile he wrapped his arms around my shoulders and squished me to his chest not that I minded. Burying his face in my hair I could have sworn I heard him inhale my hair. Kissing the crown of my head he pulled away as the children began a chorus of ewwww's much to my disappointment. Reluctantly I took a small step back understanding that time was up.

"Call me when you land." I instructed

He nodded "I will."

Biting my bottom lip I wanted so badly to beg him not to go, to tell him I could figure this out even if I'm with him but it seems he has his mind made up. So rather than embarrass myself by begging him to stay I pecked his lips one last time and slowly freed myself from his grip.

"Keep him away from the women." I said to Anna who laughed but nodded in agreement

Walking slowly back I found my heart growing heavier and heavier in my chest with every step I took towards the door. Despite the voice in my head that pleaded for me to stop all of this I found myself turning the doorknob and stepping out into the late evening. Stopping at the first step I couldn't help but glance over my shoulder to get one last glimpse at Wes. He was standing less than a foot away watching me as I fought every part of me that wanted to run back.

I gave a small wave. His lips spread into a smile that didn't quite reach his ears. Waving in return he mouthed something that had my heart splitting in half, seeing how those words were behind the reason we were being separated. Giving a simple nod I turned back around and started walking again this time determined not to turn back around as Wes's soundless words repeated in my head 'I love you'.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Releasing a long breath I grabbed a champagne flute from a nearby waiter and sank back into my seat watching Stacy and Greg walk around the ballroom thanking the three hundred guests for attending their wedding. I rolled my eyes as Stacy kissed Greg's cheek, people awed but I knew the real reason behind all these kisses on the cheek. Thankfully I missed the actual ceremony and those bullshit vows they exchanged, according to my mom it was heartfelt which was code for nauseating.

How I would have loved to sit there and watch those two squirm as I cleared my throat during every mushy line they spoke, now that would have made my day.

"I would love to trip with a bottle of red wine next to her." Tess said as she watched Stacy throw her head back and laugh

Cracking a small smile I had a feeling Tess just might do something to the not so blushing bride "That would seem odd that you are walking around with a bottle of wine since you are pregnant."

"Not really. I could say I was bringing the bottle to you, it would be a believable lie since you are a drink or two away from spilling your deepest darkest secrets." she answered with a shrug

Pressing my lips together I turned back towards the dance floor where many guests were making a fool of themselves, many the friends of my parents who were far too old to be dancing to Ke$ha in the first place. Still the old hags were having a great time rubbing on their friend's spouses while ignoring their own spouses sudden disappearance. You got to love the rich cats for being able to stay cheaters even during a wedding, that's true commitment.

"Seriously getting pissed drunk isn't changing the fact that Wes is leaving."

"That's not why I'm drinking." I denied

Okay maybe I was lying but she doesn't seem to understand how difficult it is for me to sit here right now knowing Wes is leaving. Watching couples share tender looks reminds me that I'm going to be sitting here alone all night obsessing over a man who I won't see for eight weeks because of my own screwed up feelings. Tess wouldn't understand this because she can go home after this stupid wedding and hold her husband, while I return to my empty apartment and stare at the door expecting a cheese scene from the movies that includes Wes running through my door rather than getting on the damn plane.

"All I'm saying honey is that you should take this time to figure some personal things out rather than mope about how you miss him."

Turning in my chair I wanted to argue that I don't have anything to figure out. That I'm not ready for a serious emotion like love but as I opened my mouth to say just that something complete different tumbled from my lips.

"It's only been four hours and I feel like that depressed donkey from Winnie the Pooh."

Tess giggled at the comparison, her eyes softening with empathy "Maybe you should dig deeper into why you miss him so much."

Sighing I rested my head on her shoulder, exhausted with the events of today despite the nap Wes and I took earlier "I miss his laugh and that stupid crooked smirk. Somehow he would make this fun despite that fact that I hate half of the people here and the other half hate me. He just had a way of making everything better." I admitted "I've never met anyone like him, someone who makes me feel.... happier."

"Hmmm... I understand why you would miss him." Tess replied and rubbed my back "But that doesn't mean you put your life on hold honey."

Emptying the rest of the champagne I sat up realizing she had a point, it was harder to do as she says rather than agree to it. Especially with this growing black hole in my chest that aches more and more with every thought of Wes. It was like I left apart of me behind with him at his house, an important part of me that rightfully belonged to Wes. Shaking my head I lowered the champagne flute, maybe I should stop drinking now the alcohol is obviously getting to my head.

Abruptly yes stood to her feet and held the bottom of her bulging belly "Crap, I gotta pee."

I laughed, seeing how this was the this time in the last hour. Sending daggers my way she quickly -or as quick as her swollen ankles could manage- made her way around the long table we were assigned to while cradling her lower belly like the baby itself would come falling out.

Tess was in a lot of discomfort this last month and I never would have called her crying like a heartbroken teenager if I knew she would insist on attending the wedding with me for moral support as she put it. After leaving Wes's I walked a few blocks before finally calling a cab and by than I was already swollen from crying and more than ready for bed but the twenty voicemails left by my mother told me I had no choice but to push through. Caking on a thick layer of concealer I put enough makeup on to decorate a clown and slipped on the strapless puffy floral pink mini that Stacy sent to my office a week ago. It was when I was leaving my apartment when I started to bawl my eyes out, spotting his door was enough to break the dam that was my tears and so I called Tess. She was at my apartment in less than a half an hour dressed in a short sleeved black cocktail dress and a sad smile. As we sat in the back of the cab she helped reapply my makeup as I brushed my hair of it's tangles and sprawled it out across my back. Despite the discomfort she was feeling she helped me into the hotel and promised to help me push through this.

I don't know how I was lucky enough to get an amazing best friend like her but I'm not going to complain, without her I would still be crying by his door like a crazy woman.

"Is this seat taken?"

"Yes." I hissed darkly

"Lighten up Khloe, I only want to talk."

Dragging my gaze up I felt an urge to throw the flute at him. Tilting my head I scanned him from head to toe wondering why he was here at all. I made it clear that we were never happening again and I'm sure he isn't here to support the happy couple.

"Where's the boyfriend?" Tyler snorted as he glanced at the empty seat beside me

"Family emergency, now if you would please take your sorry ass far away from here it would be appreciated."

His ocean blue eye shimmered with excitement and I realized he enjoyed this, the chase I mean. Being a spoiled rich boy all his life Tyler has gotten everything he wants so when one of his latest interests -like myself- refuses him he takes that as a sign to keep chasing.

Placing his hands on the gold dusted table cloth he leaned his face forward so he was looking directly at me "I want you to reconsider my offer Khloe. Dump the charity case and come back to your roots babe, I'm willing to change."

"Not in a million years díckhead." I seethed

"Maybe you'll change your mind if I decide to press charges against your boyfriend."

His smile widened as I only made this game more interesting for him by reacting to his threat. Normally I'd play it cool and very discreetly play the 'I know your plan asshole' card but was in no mood for cat and mouse games tonight. It was time to kill the fun for this spoiled rich bìtch.

Smacking my hands on the table I stood from my seat, brows furrowed and eyes burning with anger and frustration with both my life now and myself. I wasn't sure if it was Wes's absence in my life that fueled my sudden courage or the alcohol I've been sipping on but whatever it was it didn't hold anything back.

"You, Tyler Reynolds are a fùcked up son of a bìtch who will never EVER get another chance with me so forget whatever my money grubbing father promised you because it will never happen and as for Wes....."

Spotting a waiter walking by with a tray of champagne I reached my arm out and grabbed a flute and threw the sparkling drink at his smug face. Stepping back he wiped his eyes, expression hardening as the champagne soaked into his precious name brand suit.

"You stay away from him or you will have to deal with me." I warned

"And what exactly are you going to do Khloe? Huh?" he barked

Narrowing my eyes into thin slits I watched his brows arch in slight surprise and he was going to be more surprised soon. Without warning I raised my fist and with all the strength I could muster I slammed it into his face and watched his head bobble backwards as the force behind the punch caused him to grip the table cloth. A chorus of gasps sounded around us as guests watched the scene playing in front of them.

"I will make your life a living hell." I growled and reared my arm back to give him another shiner when I felt an arm snake around my waist and tug me away from Tyler.

Struggling in the man's arms I kicked my feet out in front of me desperate to hit the bastard one more time, anywhere would work as long as he was in pain I would be satisfied. The arm around my waist dragged me away from the table and the gawking guests with ease and it only infuriated me more. Thrashing my arms backwards I felt like a small child as the tall man hauled me to the far end of the ballroom, far a way from Tyler and the small circle forming around him.

"Relax K."

"Let me go Aaron." I growled and squirmed further in his arms

"Tyler deserves to get his ass beat but I can't watch you self destruct in front of all these jerks K."

"I'm not." I argued

Dropping my arms to my side I knew he had a point, these people would love to see him sink even further and it wouldn't bother them that I am the victim here. Once again I would be dragged through the tabloids for their personal entertainment. I'm tired of being the victim, sick and tired of being the source of everyone's fun and done with being used.

"Khloe."

"I am so tired of getting stepped on."

His arms loosened before falling back to his sides and freeing me. Grabbing the side of my head I shook it from side to side wondering what could have possessed me to hit Tyler in front of all these people and at Stacy's wedding of all places. This isn't me. I don't attract any extra attention to myself and I sure don't reply to threats with violence.

"Hey it's okay baby, I'll handle the old croons."

Nodding I rubbed the soft area of my temples as I tried to recall when exactly did I turn into this person. All my life I've been trained to be a good socialite by my mother, queen of all snobs and at times I've hated the manners that have been drilled in my head but now I wish I out them to use now and walked away from Tyler. It's those same damn teachings that brought me to this wedding and had me sitting at my assigned table like the lonely prude these people think I am.

Tugging on the short hairs cupping my face I am sick of these labels I've been given and sick of all theses gatherings I attend although I am the laughing stock. Just plain old sick!

Aaron snaked an arm around my shoulder "Don't worry K, I'll help you through tonight."

Grateful for his offer I knew there was only one man who could help me through this wedding and unfortunately it wasn't Aaron. As a waiter walked by I grabbed the crook of his arm noticing the look of surprise on his face.

"Get me a bottle of Jack Daniels and a glass." I ordered

~*~*~*~*~*~**~*~*~

Hmmm a drunk Khloe who misses our sexy Italian hunk, now this is going to be interesting ;) I know you guys have your own predictions and thoughts so lay 'em on me.