I am awoken when the first rays of sunlight stream in through the window. I look over to see Rosie fast asleep. I kiss her cheek and get up. I head over to my dresser and reach inside to grab a pair of sweatpants and a t-shirt. The sound of the door to my bedroom opening causes me to turn my head. Nate has my attention, but I hush him and motion to Rosie.

He crouches behind the door and then dashes along the hallway. After pulling my shirt up over my head, I approach Rosie and give her a kiss on the cheek for the very final time. Her eyes slowly open, and I murmur to her in a low voice,

"Sorry, I didn't mean to wake you,"

"It's okay," She says. She looks at me and smiles. A smile that always brightens my day, "Morning." I look into her eyes and am immediately filled with a warmth that washes away all my worries.

"Morning," I kiss her lips and savor the moment.

I tell her I'm going to make breakfast and she informs me she will be out in a minute. I exit the room and then shut the door behind me. I walk into the kitchen, where I am greeted by the sight of the twins waiting impatiently. I turn on the coffee machine and start getting breakfast ready.

"Dad?" Nate asks.

"Ya, bud?"

"Why was Rosie sleeping in your room?"

I hold back my laughter and lie to my kid.

"Well, remember when you used to have nightmares?" He nods, "You would jump in my bed, why?"

"Because you're dad, you scare all the monsters away."

"Exactly. Rosie had a really bad nightmare and daddy kept her safe. Just like I do for you."

"Oh, okay." He shrugs his shoulders. "I'm hungry."

I laugh, "Coming right up."

Rosie steps in while I am preparing breakfast and plating everyone's meal. She is still wearing the shirt I gave her, but she is wearing her own shorts and has her hair done up in a messy bun.

Damn, she looks good. She's breathtaking. Even first thing in the morning. Even with her eyes still tired from sleep and hair that is far from perfect, she has an aura that captivates and a beauty that transcends all expectations.

"Morning, boys."

"Morning." We all say.

I offer her a cup of coffee, and she expresses her gratitude to me. After they are finished, the boys leap out of their chairs. A hug for Rosie is exchanged, and then Alex remarks,

"I'm sorry you have nightmares. But dad is the best person to fight any monster that scares you. Even if the monsters in your nightmares are scary, you don't have to be scared."

"Thanks Alex, and you're right. Your dad is the best for that job."

The arch of her brow rises as she examines my face. Her facial expression alone tells me her questions. I tell her the truth about my innocent little fib, and she giggles. She relaxes against the counter as she watches the boys dash by on their way to the game room.

I position myself in front of her, placing my hands on either side of the counter, and then I lean in closer. When we kiss, her lips just brush across mine. I grab her ass with both hands and lift her up onto the counter.

"The boys?" She questions.

"They're playing video games. The house could burn down around them and they wouldn't budge." I tell her as my lips craze her neck.

With the palm of my hand resting on the small of her back, I gently pull her in closer so that she can experience the intense need I have for her. When her lips brush mine and her fingers run through my hair, it sends thrills up my spine. As my hand climbs up her thigh, my tongue slides between our lips to get a better feel of how she tastes. Every time we come together, it is a new experience. I savor her like an exquisite wine, getting drunk on the sensations that come from her.

"Hello?" I pull away as I hear the annoying voice of my future.

Rosie gets a hold of her coffee and sips from it. I keep my distance in order to avoid making things worse. When Gisselle walks in, her face immediately takes on an enraged expression, fueling the animosity that is already present.

"I went to the office and they said you weren't there."

"That's because I decided I didn't want to go in today. So I took today off." I inform her.

"Perfect, then it's settled we can spend the day working on wedding plans."

"Actually, I can't. I'm with the boys all day."

"Seriously? Isn't this why you hired a nanny to begin with?" She snarks.

"For wedding planning? No. For when I'm at work? Yes." I take a sip off my coffee.

"Well, she's here. She can take care of them." She pushes her blonde hair back and then looks at her nails.

Before I can say anything, Rosie jumps off the counter and says, "Sorry, today is my day off since Jasper decided to stay home and I plan on relaxing." She flashes a big fake smile at Gisselle and I hold in my laughter as she steps behind Gisselle and winks at me.

She walks away and I watch as her hips sway side to side. She looks over her shoulder and gives me a knowing smile before turning a corner and disappearing from my view. Gisselle starts an argument. I stand there as she shouts, she continues for a good ten minutes.

"Are you done?" I ask and she nods.

"Good, now leave." I instruct.

I follow her to make sure she leaves, as fate would have it Rosie walks toward us and Gisselle stops her. Rosie is unfazed by Gisselle's presence, confidently looking her in the eye, she asks if there is something she can help with.

"You have no idea who you're messing with." She growls

"Pretty sure I have a good idea." Rosie smiles and walks past us.

Gisselle walks out, slamming the front door behind her, I lock the door to stop any more unwelcome guests. Rosie walks back with a cup of water. I stop her.

"You have no idea what you started." I laugh.

"What? A war with the princess? What is she so upset about? She gets to marry you. What you and I are doing is just fun." She looks at me and walks toward her room.

"Rosie," I grab her arm.

"What? It's not like she has any proof we've done anything." She spills her water on my shirt. "Oops." I take the soaked shirt off and she pushes me against the wall. I can feel the pressure in my chest and I'm struggling to keep my cool.

"It's not like she knows that you get hard for me every time my tongue touches your skin." She whispers as her hand travels down to my length. Her hand wraps around me, slowly stroking. My body trembles at her touch as I try to fight off the sensations of pleasure she is giving me. I look up at her with desire, my heart racing and my eyes begging her for more.

"Or that I get wet when you breathe on me," She kisses my neck. Every part of my body is on fire when she touches me, and it's almost as if I'm completely unaware of my surroundings.

"Rosie," I breathe heavily.

"Or that I'm the one under your covers at night." She pulls away and smiles. She walks into her room and closes the door.

Fuck!

I lean my head against the wall, trying to hold myself together. Taking deep breaths and composing myself before heading to my room for a clean shirt.

I haven't seen much of her as the day has progressed into the night. When she walks in, the boys and I are gathered together on the couch playing video games. She pairs her short dress shorts with a white shirt that almost entirely exposes her breasts, and she completes the look with a pair of black stiletto boots.

"Where are you going?"

"Aritzia." She tells me.

"The club?"

"No, the store. Yes of course the club." She rolls her eyes, "If you need anything just call. I have my phone with me." She kisses both boys on the cheek and says good night.

She walks out of the gaming room and I tell the boys I'll be right back. I follow and stop her from opening the door.

"I don't feel comfortable with you going out. Especially with him still walking around." I confess to her.

"Don't worry. He doesn't know where I am. I won't be home late." She promises me.

She kisses my cheek and says, "If you're still up when I get back maybe we can meet up."

Before I even have a chance to respond, she has already opened the door and left the house. I look outside and see Natty standing there with the cab that is waiting. I watch as they get into the taxi and I pray that she will be okay.

I look at my watch and it reads Ten Thirty. I head back to the boys and tell them it's time for bed. "Aw" is all that comes from them. They turn the gaming system off and head upstairs. After putting their pajamas on and brushing their teeth, I tuck them in and say goodnight.

A drink of bourbon seems good right about now, so I head to the kitchen to get one. I get myself comfortable on the couch, switch on the television, and start going over the highlights from the hockey game. As more time passes, I find that I am developing feelings of envy within myself.

I just can't get over the idea of the hands of another man being all over her. Given everything that she has shared with me, my first concern is for her wellbeing and safety. I fear for her; there's no doubt in my mind this guy won't stop hunting her. I glance at the time; One in the morning and she still isn't home.

Screw it!

I throw on jeans and a polo shirt before grabbing my leather jacket. I grab my phone and call the guest house.

"Hello, sir." Earl says as he answers.

"Sorry for the late call but could you watch the boys for me and ask David if he could escort me to Aritzia?"

"Of course, sir. I'll wake him up and we will make our way down to the main house."

"Thank you,"

I pace back and forth as I wait for them to arrive. Earl eventually walks in and tells me David is waiting in the car. I thank him and tell him the boys are in bed.

"Oh, sir?"

"Yes."

"Go get her!" He smiles. "I've got the boys all day tomorrow."

I smile and close the door behind me and jump in the car.