God. What in the hell was he doing here? As expected the man who I'd given my heart to for so long still caused pain deep inside. And inspired fear in men closest to me.

The last time I saw his god-damned face was on television announcing he'd been too happy to ruin my life. How cruel could things get at this point?

"Hero. Go away."

He sneered appearing as haggard as ever.

"No. This motherfucker is messing with my girl."

Almost laughed at the insinuation. I hadn't been his for a long time.

"Just leave before you really make a spectacle of yourself."

Instead of retaliating he surged forward, eyes immediately softening. Oh. This was the guy I fell in love with. The man that could change at a moments notice. Fuck. What was I thinking. That was insane.

Further confusing my wayward thoughts, Tiffin said the one thing I yearned to hear:

"I love you."

And with the softest caress thumbed my cheeks as tears ran free. No. I couldn't do this. Man knew what to do to weaken my resolve.

"You hurt me, Hero."

"You've done things to hurt me too."

God. He was piss-ass drunk. That much was evident. Probably wouldn't remember most of this by morning and here we were doing this cat and mouse game. Like the old days.

It was then Cole cleared his throat importantly. Oh, yeah. My colleague was here too.

"Listen, Tiffin. You have scarred this poor woman enough. Deal with your own sad, pathetic shit and go be with that old floozy everyone knows you're banging."

I gasped. Not because Sprouse attempted to one-up my soon to be ex-husband, but the accusation. How did he even know? Had Kylie spread around what she believed to be true. Hero wasn't going to be happy. Speaking of-

"Wanna say that again so I can crack your skull open?"

The inebriated man pulled away, stumbling slightly. This wouldn't go well. I knew Hero could hold his own in fights but in this state Cole had the advantage. I couldn't allow this to continue. Tugging on the sleeve of his leather jacket, I beckoned him closer.

"Baby, please. Come with me."

Cole's eyes widened in consternation as he obeyed. Thank me later. I'm saving your skin, asshole.

"Oh, Kristina. You haven't called me that in a long time. I need you."

I closed my eyes knowing all drama from the past week was lost.

"Need you too. Make love to me so I can forget."

Without a second thought Hero took ahold of my hair, yanking so that he could smash his lips to mine. We melded as one, tasting the remnants of what had been lost. Already the evidence of his arousal became known as hard steel pressed against my throbbing center. God, I needed him. Taking the obvious hint, Cole snorted as he left. Good.

"Where should we go?"

I thought this over. Did this mean I was sleeping with the enemy? Yes because I still intended to fuck him over legally.

"Not here... My place."

As I made to move, he halted me, shaking his head.

"No. Let's fuck where the bastard can hear us."

Oh, this would be hell in a handbasket.