**Alright ya'll. Here it is. The 20 page chapter of just Jedrek's POV. Enjoy!!**

Jedrek's POV

I slammed my office phone down into place before slashing the stack of papers to my left off of the desk and onto the floor. I growled out in frustration at one of my employee's stupidity and banged my fist against the wooden desktop. I took a few deep breaths while pinching at the bridge of my nose, trying to quell the stress headache that was starting to brew.

Fucking incompetent morons.

I lifted my head and rolled my neck trying to relieve some of the tension there. As I did so, my eyes landed on one of the last photos of my Roxie girl I ever took where it sat framed next to my computer monitor. I signed deeply before grabbing the silver frame and bringing the photo close to me. It was one of my favorite photos of her. We'd decided to escape for the weekend and go camping. The sun had just started to set, but it was still as hot as ever. She'd looked at me with that sweet, devious smile before getting up and sprinting towards the lake. I captured the photo just as she'd looked over her shoulder as I called after her, a high pitched giggle pushing through her lips. Her hair was whipping around her in every different direction. She looked crazy but so fucking perfect.

I stroked my thumb over the photo, chuckling as I imagined what she would probably say to me about the phone call I just had. I say we just remove warning labels and let natural selection take its course. There'd be a lot less idiocy in the world.

The thought had me laughing, something I seldom did anymore. I huffed and set the photo back down where it had been previously and leaned back in my chair. If I knew my Roxie girl at all, I knew she would come to the wedding like her dad had asked. After her mom passed, she tried to stay in touch with the only parent she had left. My fists clenched so tight my hands turned white as I thought about her father. Tori had even him under her fucking thumb.

I would be lying if I said I wasn't on pins and fucking needles thinking about seeing Roxie in a few short days. When Tori and I had gone to dinner with Sandra and Robert and they broke the news of her impending arrival, I felt like I couldn't breathe. There wasn't enough oxygen in the world to fill my lungs. There hadn't been a single Goddamn day that passed that I haven't thought about my Roxie girl.

Sadly, the only photos I had to ease my heart were the ones I'd taken of her during our time together. I scoured the internet for hours upon hours, searching for any sign of her on social media. Every minute ended up being fruitless, though - she deleted any and every profile she'd ever had.

Pulling up the internet, I gave finding her one last-ditch effort. I typed in several different variations of her name but found nothing. Grumbling angrily, I powered off my computer and gathered my sketching supplies. If I spent one more minute in this fucking building, I was going to lose the last shred of patience I had for the day.

"Mr. Chamberlain, sir! Slow down, we need your approval on a project budget!" one of my men called after me. I growled under my breath before staying rooted in place and allowing him to catch up to me. I quickly scanned the budget proposal before nodding my head and giving him the okay he was looking for. I shoved the paper back into his hands and quickly took off, hoping to make it out before a certain someone found and stopped me.

Entering the elevator, I slammed my finger against the LL button before continuously holding the "door close" button. I released a sigh of relief as the steel doors shut and I started my descent. I pulled my keys from my pocket, practically running to my vehicle.

"Jedrek! Stop!" Tori shouted at me from across the parking garage. I rolled my eyes and quickened my pace. "Dammit, I said stop!" she screeched again.

"Not in the mood, Tori," I grumbled back, finally reaching my truck, I swung the door open and threw my shit in. Was I going to get an earful from Sandra in probably five minutes for this little stunt? Most definitely. However, I couldn't find it in me to give a single fuck. Throwing my truck into gear, I peeled out of the parking stall and gunned it to my apartment.

Once inside my place, I let out a sigh of relief knowing I couldn't be bothered here. It was a gated complex - one Tori and Sandra couldn't possibly get into without me buzzing them in through the multiple sections. My phone continued to buzz non-stop in my suit jacket pocket as I cooked dinner for myself, cursing as I took a bite. I had never been a good cook - that was always Roxie's thing. She was absolutely phenomenal at it - the things she created were works of art. I missed the way she'd hum and sway her hips as she created something new. Her eyes always lit up with this childlike wonder when she made something unique and different.

I dropped my plate onto the coffee table in my living room unceremoniously before finally pulling my device out of the pocket it was hidden in and answering the call.

"Yes?" I sighed, wondering who it was going to be on the other end.

"How dare you blatantly ignore your fiance!" Sandra hissed at me.

"Hello to you too, Sandra," I chirped out with faux-happiness. The only thing that resembled joy these days came from pissing her or her daughter off.

"You better shape up and I mean it!" she continued, though I just snorted in reply before continuing to eat my dinner. "Tori will be coming over so you can apologize. She'll call you when she gets there," she stated as if she had any authority over me. I chuckled humorously before setting my fork down and swallowing.

"You and I both know I won't be letting her in, so why don't you just cut your losses? I'll see her in a few days for dinner. Until then, it's been fantastic talking with you, Sandra," I said before ending the call.

**

I was sweating. Everywhere. My hands, my armpits, my back, my face. I continued to pace through the hallways of Sandra's home, breathing in and out slowly and evenly. She was here. Her plane had landed. I was finally going to see her. I had to physically wipe the smile off of my face when I'd heard Sandra speaking with her. When she refused to go pick her up, I left the patio and was about to grab my keys to get her myself only to find them missing.

Well, not missing but taken.

Now here I was, wearing a path in the carpet as I waited for her to show up. My heart stopped when I heard the pounding of a fist on the front door. I jogged down the stairs and waited off in a hallway to the left of the entrance, trying to get my heart rate under control. The butler cracked the door only to have it kicked the rest of the way open. That's my girl.

She shot through the room in a blur of strawberry locks. I followed behind her, far enough away that she wouldn't see me. She stopped at the doors that lead to the patio and just stared. Her fingers twitched as I followed her gaze to where her phony of a father sat. Before I knew it, she'd turned and was making a beeline for the stairs. Thankfully, I was able to hide in another hallway before she saw me. I glanced out to make sure no one saw me before following after her. I grabbed her things - the ones she'd thrown down by the front door - and followed the sound of her footsteps.

I stopped in front of the only room with light spilling from under the door and knocked, briefly waiting before pushing the door open.

"Roxie?" I called out. Her back stiffened at the sound of my voice, though I could still see the slight tremor in her body - a telltale sign that she was crying. Worry immediately gripped my body as I edged further in the room.

"When did you get in? We saw your luggage in the great room and figured you were here somewhere. What're you doing on the floor?" I inquired, my worry seeping into my tone. It took everything in me not to squat to my knees next to her and pull her into my chest. I needed to find out who made her feel this way and take care of it. Now.

"Oh, Roxanne! There you are! Why didn't you tell us you were here?" Roger's voice called as he entered the room and came to stand next to me. The tension in her body rolled away as she shakily stood to her feet before whipping around. Fuck.

"Roxie? What in the world-" Roger started, but she immediately cut him off.

"How could you?" she spat. "I showed up at our home expecting to find you, only to look like a complete fool when some random dude answered the door. How could you fucking sell our home out from under me without even telling me?" She yelled, her voice hoarse from the tears that were streaming down her face.

"Roxanne, you have to understand," Roger tried once again.

"I don't have to understand anything! That place was the only piece I had left of mom and you just tossed it aside like it was nothing! Like she and I were nothing!" She screamed, her voice breaking. It was then that her anger and her words registered in my brain. Every muscle in my body tightened as my vision went red.

"You didn't tell her?" I hissed as I turned to square off with him. I could feel my body begin to shake as my anger took over.

"Jedrek, look-"

"You told everyone that she was fine with the decision. That she was the one who pressured you into finally selling it. That she wanted you to move on," I snapped, my voice becoming more of a roar than anything else as I began stepping closer and closer to Roger. He cowered away from me like the pathetic little man he is.

"Sandra didn't like the house still being in the family. She said it made her feel like I was only partially committed to our marriage," he replied meekly. Just then, Roxie snatched the things she'd been previously holding onto before sprinting into the bathroom and locking herself in. No longer being there to witness what I said and did, I shot my hand out and clenched my fingers around Roger's throat. Picking him up, his feet dangled in the air as I carried him out of the room and threw him up against the hallway wall. He struggled for air as I kept him suspended there.

"How fucking dare you!" I snarled in his face.

"What the hell are you doing? Let him go this instant!" Sandra yelled as she and everyone else came up behind us.

"Son, this isn't the way to handle this," my dad stressed, placing a hand on my shoulder and squeezing. I growled before finally dropping Roger's body. He hit the ground and gasped for air, his face returning to normal from the bluish hue it'd taken on.

"I don't care how badly you fuck with me - I'm used to it - but I'll be fucking damned if you mess with her. Do I make myself clear?" I hissed out, meeting the gaze of my mother, Sandra, Tori, and finally a sputtering Roger who was rubbing his throat.

"Jedrek-"

"Not right now," I sneered at Tori who looked like she had a lot to say. Sandra cleared her throat, obviously more than a little scared of my temper in the state I was in. My dad grabbed my mom and started pulling her away as Sandra did the same with Roger. Tori, however, didn't get the hint.

I turned to re-enter the room Roxie was in to check on her, but Tori's hand grasping my shirt sleeve stopped me.

"Don't even think about going in there!" Tori warned me. I chuckled darkly, the sound causing her to swallow harshly and take a single step back.

"What's in that room means everything to me. It's in your best interest to get your hand the fuck off of me and get out of my sight," I informed her with a hard look on my face. She looked like she wanted to protest, but thought better of it. Smartest thing she's done in years.

When she finally disappeared down the stairs, I pushed the door back open and made my way to the locked bathroom. I knocked quietly and waited for a response. I didn't get one, and there wasn't a single sound coming from the other end. I reached up and found the key to the door atop the door frame. Unlocking it, I pushed the door open slowly. The sight I was greeted with had my heart clenching in my chest.

"My poor girl," I sighed. She was curled into herself, her hand clutching something against her chest. Carefully, I lifted her into my arms and carried her to the bed. I balanced her between my chest and arm as I pulled the covers back before placing her underneath. Tucking her in, I crouched down so I was face-to-face with her. Her tear-stained face made my chest hurt. I reached up and cradled her cheek in my hand, wiping the moisture there away with my thumb.

My breath caught in my throat as I finally allowed myself to take in the image of her. Time had been so good to her. Her hair was longer than I ever remember it being, but it still felt like silk. Her face had slimmed down as she matured, leaving high cheekbones that her long lashes brushed against. Her nose and cheeks were still dotted with the cutest fucking speckling of freckles I'd ever seen. They were light and only really visible up close, but they were my undoing. Her dark pink lips were calling for me. I brushed my thumb over her lower lip, growing hard at the vision of them swollen from being bitten and sucked on.

"I miss you so much, Roxie girl," I husked out quietly.

"Jedrek?" I stopped, my body freezing at being caught in such a compromising position.

"What, mom?" I hissed, finally pulling away from the sleeping beauty and turning to face her. Our eyes met as an emotion crossed her face. I had to have been seeing things because my mother looked - dare I say it - guilty.

"Why don't we let her sleep?" she suggested softly. I brushed off the weird feeling from my mother's odd attitude towards Roxie before nodding and brushing past her as I left the room.

"Give me your keys," I demanded as I stepped up next to Waylon. He didn't protest before handing them over, something I was incredibly thankful for. I needed to get the fuck out of this house for a little while before I went insane.

**

Ever since dinner I'd been antsy as fuck. And Waylon was no help. Despite cornering him and trying to intimidate what he knew about Roxie's work situation out of him, no dice. The fucker was keeping his lips locked.

I clutched the edge of the bathroom counter in my hands as I tried to get all the shit flying around in my head to stop. Turning on the faucet, I splashed my face with cold water in an attempt to calm myself. Knowing I was in the bedroom right next to Roxie wasn't helping, either. Thinking about her and all that silky, smooth skin just one door away...fuck. It was almost too much to bear.

"How much longer are you going to be in there?" Tori snarked from outside the door. And the beautiful image in my brain comes crashing down, I thought to myself. Turning the water off, I dried my face with the hand towel and swung the door open. Something I wasn't able to argue my way out of was sharing a room with Tori while we stayed at her mom's place. However, being in such close proximity to my personal heaven made it manageable. If it wasn't for that silver lining, I would've already grabbed my shit and been gone regardless of what anyone else had to say. 

"You can join me if you'd like," Tori purred seductively while slinking past me to turn the shower on. I had to choke down the bile rising in my throat at the comment.

"I'd rather bring Jeffrey Dahmer back from the dead and go on a date with him than do that," I barked back, smirking at the pissed glare she sent my way before making my way to the bed in the middle of the room. I took every spare pillow I could find in the room and placed them in a line down the center of the bed. Once I was satisfied with the barrier I'd created, I put on a pair of sleep shorts and a t-shirt. I was so used to sleeping naked that I knew I'd feel uncomfortable and tangled up all night, but no fucking way was I taking a chance when I was in the same room as the devil herself.

I turned the lights off and slipped into bed. I listened to the sound of the running shower as I stared blankly at the wall. The room flooded with humidity and heat as Tori opened the shower door and slid into bed next to me. I knew the second she felt out the pillow wall as she scoffed loudly.

"Do you wanna-"

"The answer has been and always will be fuck no. If you wanna get laid, call up one of your fuck buddies," I stated nonsensically. She growled under her breath before flopping onto her side with her back facing me.

Tori's breathing eventually evened out as sleep took over. I watched the digital clock tick by minute by minute until the sound of a door shutting peaked my attention. I carefully slipped from the bed as to not wake her and softly padded out of the room. I saw a shadow disappear down the stairs and followed. It took a few minutes for my eyes to adjust to the dark and for me to finally see the outline of someone by the pool through the kitchen windows. I felt a cool sweat envelope my body as the opportunity to have Roxie all alone finally arose.

"I'm pretty sure pool hours are over," I rasped out as I stepped outside. She yelped in surprise before whipping her head around to look at me. She crossed her arms over her chest and slightly folded into herself.

"Shh! You're going to wake everyone else up!" I hissed quietly, running my hand along the side of the house before my fingers made contact with the light switch. Flipping it on, it bathed the area in light. Her face conveyed dread and shock, something I didn't understand until my eyes wandered down. I felt my eyes widen as I glanced down and saw her shirt lying right in front of my feet.

"Shit, I didn't know you were...I thought...why are you naked?" I husked out, my breathing picking up as arousal surged in my body. I couldn't take my eyes off of her. Screw playboy, this was what wet dreams were made of. She was thicker than I ever remember her being. Jesus Christ, now I know what Drake meant by, 'so thick everybody else in the room is so uncomfortable'. It had to be a sin to be this sexy. My mouth salivated with the need to lick every inch of her, to leave my mark on her. 

In the middle of my dirty thoughts, she slid off the ledge and dropped into the water. When she finally came up for air, we just stared at each other. In those familiar green eyes, I saw the future I wanted so badly. The future I was still trying to fight for. Her expression changed from haunted to lustful as she surveyed my body. I'd be lying if I said it didn't make me feel big and mighty. I ran my hand over my trimmed beard, wondering if she liked it. She always used to get on me about growing it out - said it would be sexy and make me look rugged. Sadly, that's the only reason I stopped shaving it since she left.

I moved to take a seat on one of the lounge chairs closest to her, slightly stumbling over my own feet as my eyes stayed rooted on her.

"Why have you been avoiding me?" I rushed out, leaning over to rest my elbows on my knees while watching her carefully. She scoffed before craning her head back to look up at the sky.

"Quite frankly, you're the last person I'd ever choose to speak or associate with if you want my honest answer," she sneered out, visibly fighting back tears. And damn, if that didn't hurt like hell.

"Rox-"

"God, Jedrek, just stop!" she growled. "Just. Stop. I can't and don't want to have this conversation right now. Okay? Can you just respect that and go the hell away?" she demanded. "Throw me my shirt, please," she ordered. If I were to speak my mind, I'd tell her that her bossing me around was sexy as fuck - outside the bedroom, that is. She was always so strong and level-headed. I missed her intelligent input more than she would ever know. 

"Not until you fucking talk to me!" I growled back once I snapped out of my headspace. I didn't mean to raise my voice, but all I could think about the past three days was her. Now that I finally had a moment with her, our past was ruining it. I knew my sentiments weren't shared when her entire face clouded over with anger. Fuck, this wasn't good.

"Fuck you," she spat before hoisting herself out of the pool - naked. Dripping. Wet. I licked my lips and adjusted myself as my cock pressed painfully up against my restrictive pants as she stormed towards me. Fucking hell, her tits are so bouncy. I wanna stick my face - my thought process was cut off as she snatched her shirt off the ground and pulled it on with a little difficulty due to her dripping wet body. She briefly glanced at me with a glare on her face, but it disappeared the moment our eyes met. I knew my face portrayed how goddamn hot I was for her. I made no effort in hiding how I was feeling.

My chest heaved up and down as I made up my mind. I stalked the rest of the way towards her like a predator does its prey. Her own breathing sped up until our chests were rising and falling to the same beat.

"When did you get your nipples pierced?" I grunted out, my voice like gravel from the heady arousal flowing through my body.

"Jedrek," she whispered, warning me with those hypnotic eyes. I licked my lips, coming so close I could see her freckles.

"Say my name again," I growled out, so low and husky I wasn't sure she would even understand what I'd said. I could tell by the look she gave me, she knew exactly what was going to happen.

"Jedrek," she whimpered. My response was instantaneous - second nature, really. I reached out and jerked her against me by her hips, my lips descending onto hers. She gasped and I took full advantage, slipping my tongue into her mouth to taste her. We both moaned as her nipples hardened and began brushing against my body. Fuck, I wish I hadn't worn this shirt.

I couldn't stop myself - more importantly, I didn't want to. I felt like I could finally breathe. With her in my arms, shit just made sense. My hands were everyone all at once as I broke away from her lips and finally got some of that sweet skin in my mouth. I was careful not to leave a mark - she'd kill me if I did - but it was so hard. All I wanted to do was sink my teeth into her and let everyone know where we still stood. This woman would always have a hold over me and there was nothing they could do to change that. I finally moved until I had her sweet spot in my mouth and doubled my efforts, all but whooping with satisfaction as her legs wobbled and she cried out.

I grabbed her ass in my hand once again and squeezed, thinking of how goddamn hot it would be to watch it ripple as I fucked her from behind. Or spanked it. Fuck, it would be so pretty swollen, red, and sporting my handprint.

She grew braver and sucked on my tongue. I grunted as I felt my cock leak in my shorts. Without thinking, I ground my dick against her soft stomach. Wrong move, moron. She abruptly shoved me away, catching me completely off guard.

Seconds later, she slapped a hand over her mouth as a look of disdain overtook her features. Fuck, fuck, fuck. What have I done? I promised myself I wouldn't drag her into this shit.

I'm such a fucking douche bag. How could I do this to her?

I didn't move from where I was standing as I tried to get my fucking head straight, but my other head was in complete control. He didn't give a fuck what the consequences were, he wanted us to follow Roxie up to her room and only stop once she was fully satisfied.

Part of me agreed with him. I cursed under my breath, I wasn't going to be able to do anything until I got rid of this goddamn boner. I sauntered to the bathroom just off the kitchen and plopped down on the toilet. I was so thankful no one was around to see my face heat with embarrassment as I pulled my dick from my shorts. I hadn't wanked off since I was a fucking teenager. If it wasn't for my lack of libido since Roxie left, I probably would've been doing it all the time.

Pushing my feelings aside, I leaned back against the toilet seat. I gripped my dick at the base and started pumping up and down. After a few minutes, I growled out in frustration. Maybe a hot shower will help work this shit out.

I hid my erection behind my hand as I maneuvered through the house - just in case I ended up seeing anyone, I never knew with my luck.

I locked Tori and I's bathroom door before stepping under the steaming water. The water helped add some natural lubrication as I gripped myself once again and went in for a second attempt. Closing my eyes and leaning my head against the cold shower tiles, I recalled Roxie's naked body. Fuck, the thought only made me harder. My hand tightened as my pace sped up. I thought about her beautiful tits with their proportionate dusky pink nipples, the little silver balls through them winking back at me. A groan left my mouth as I thought about how hot it would be to come all over her chest.

No - even better - her on the shower floor on her knees in front of me, my cock in that perfect mouth. The big doe eyes looking up at me like I'm the only man in the world. Her hand that's not cupping my balls wanders down to tweak her nipple before continuing down to the V between her thighs. She slips two fingers inside and moans around my cock.

I hissed and ground my teeth as my balls pulled up against my body seconds before I shot my load. I continued to grunt as I finished cumming. I pushed my wet hair out of my face and sighed, trying to catch my breath. I thought I was in the clear - just waiting for my dick to finally deflate - but he was being, well, a dick.

"Seriously? What the fuck? We can't have her! Now fuck off!" I growled at my dick as it taunted me, bobbing against my stomach as it refused to go down.

"Fine," I stated before shooting my hand out and turning the water temperature dial all the way down. I yelped as the water turned glacial before I could even blink. I stood under the icy spray, shivering as I stared at my dick expectantly. "C'mon dude, it's fucking cold," I whined. I finally gave up minutes later when I felt like I was going to catch a goddamn cold. I toweled off and slipped my shorts and shirt back on before walking back to bed and angrily throwing the covers back. I almost laughed as I settled down on my back and saw the major tent in the comforter.

Having must've woken up from the movement of me getting in bed, Tori turned towards me and lifted her head to see what I was doing.

"Did you change your mind?" she asked seductively while reaching her hand over to stroke the area of tented blankets. The second her hand made contact with my dick through the thick blanket, it finally started to shrivel up and go flaccid.

I'm glad we could finally come to an agreement I mentally said to my dick. Seeing my member recede at her touch, Tori huffed in anger before flopping back down on the bed without another word.

**

"James, get the door," Sandra ordered as we sat around the great room. I rolled my eyes at her high handedness before sipping at my glass of brandy. A few minutes later, the butler came back with a confused expression.

"Mrs. Spalding, there's a man here claiming to have relations to Miss Roxanne," he said. James immediately had my full attention - something everyone in the room seemed to notice as I made no attempt to hide it.

"Well, I guess-" Sandra started to say, but I was already up and out of the room, making my way towards the front door before she could even finish her sentence.

"Hey, how's it going?" the guy asked. I assessed him quickly as to not look like a total fuck head for not replying right away. Dammit, clean-cut and nice clothes. I just nodded my head once in recognition as Sandra and pushed around me to greet him.

"I'm sorry to say that Roxie didn't inform us of your impending arrival. How do you two know each other?" she questioned, eyeing him up and down as I had done previously.

"We're dating; have been for a few months now," he responded with an easy smile. Fucking cock sucker.

"Well, she didn't mention a boyfriend, isn't that delightful! If you'd like to follow me I'll show you to her room," Sandra boasted with a fake smile before disappearing up the staircase, the dude following behind her.

"Based on the expression on your face, I'd say you and him are going to be great friends," my dad murmured into my ear sarcastically. I gave him a sideways glare before staring back the way Sandra had gone.

"Well, she picked well. He's certainly handsome," my mom commented.

"Miranda," my dad scolded quietly. She gave me a sheepish look before mouthing, 'sorry'. I rolled my neck before massaging my jaw, it was aching from me clenching it so hard.

"Well, Roxanne's boyfriend has the same morals she does. He didn't have any qualms about telling me they were going to have sex just now. He practically shoved me out of the room!" Sandra exclaimed while coming back down the staircase. If she wanted to convince us all of her anger, she did a piss poor job as all that was conveyed was her joy at having something to gossip about.

"I don't fucking think so," I growled out under my breath before practically sprinting to Roxie's room. Coming to a stop in front of her door, I had to clench and unclench my fists a few times as I reminded myself that I couldn't solve this issue with fists. Not to mention the fact that it would upset Roxie.

Raising my fist, I knocked as gently as my jealousy would allow. There was a short pause before the door opened. If I thought I was going to blow up before, it was nothing compared to how I felt seeing the asshole shirtless with his pants undone. I swear to fucking God, if he touches her...

"Hey man, can I help you? We're a little busy," he said with a short chuckle, grinding my gears more than they already were.

"Her dad wants to know if she's bought a gift for the wedding yet," I lied, fighting myself to keep from putting my hands on the fucker. Just as I was through my third 'you will not put your hands on him' mantra, the voice that haunted all my dreams graced my ears. 

"What's wrong?" Roxie asked, walking up behind the man and wrapping her hand around his bicep affectionately. I had to bite my lip to keep from popping off. Balling my hands into fists, I had to focus all my attention on her beautiful face or I was going to do something horrible.

"If you haven't bought a wedding gift, your father is requesting you go with us to purchase one. We're leaving in ten minutes," I continued my lie. It wouldn't take but a single suggestion from me to go wedding shopping to change my lie to truth. I watched her eyes flit through emotions until her lower lip began to quiver and she looked away. Being this close to her and not being able to have her is fucking torture.

"I'm not buying you a goddamn wedding gift, Jedrek. I'm pretty sure you can afford your own fucking toaster," she hissed angrily before turning and storming off to the bathroom where I could no longer see her. Son of a bitch, I loved that temper. I love her.

"She's probably just close to getting her period, she always gets like this. You know how it is, women," the guy tried joking with me.

"The fuck did you just say about her?" I growled back, my fists itching to beat some goddamn manners and respect into this piece of shit. No one talks about my woman like that.

"Chill man, I was just joking around. We'll be down in a few minutes," he snapped back defensively before shutting the door in my face. My chest rose and fell rapidly with my anger. I wanted to stay posted outside their door so I could ensure no funny business went down.

"What are you doing?" Tori demanded as she wandered up behind me.

"We're going wedding shopping. I'm going to go start the car," I ground out before finally walking away.

**

I trailed behind them in the store, burning up with jealousy and envy as she laughed freely with him.

This. This is why I did what I did. This is why I have to continue silently suffering. So she can at least try and be happy without me.

But damn if it didn't hurt that she was moving on.

I was resigned to the fact that I wouldn't ever be able to be happy without her. It was a conclusion I'd come to not even six months after she'd left. Waylon often tried to be optimistic about the situation, about how I saved our family, kept those hundreds of jobs, helped our sister liver her dream. It was only ever enough of a sacrifice for about two seconds - and then I was struck with pain all over again.

"Why do you keep fucking disappearing?" Tori hissed, catching me off guard as I pretended to be looking at china sets. Examining the plate in my hand, and the ones surrounding me, I couldn't help but chuckle at what I knew Roxie would've said.

God this is fucking pretentious. No one even eats off plates like this. Corelle plates are so much better and so much more practical!

"Because the woman I always pictured myself wedding shopping with is currently running around do it with someone else and it's all your fault. Therefore, you're the last fucking person I want to see right now," I spat.

"You know, we could be happy together if you just tried-"

"That's fucking rich, Tori. Coming from you, who could've been happy with someone else if you just tried, but, instead, you had to steal someone else's," I snarked back, my tone condescending. I don't know what I expected her reaction to be. Guilt? Remorse? I don't know why I was shocked when she just sneered at me and rolled her eyes.

"Grow up. There are men who would die just to spend one night with me, not to mention marry me," she stated matter-of-factly.

"Then maybe you should've conned one of them into marrying you instead," I hissed.

**

I clenched my jaw and ground my teeth as I flicked on my turn signal, changing my route as we headed towards the one place I didn't want to go - all because Tori had to open her big fucking mouth. My stomach churned as I thought about what Roxie would think when she saw what I'd done. I was a flawed man - a very flawed man - and I was ashamed of what I'd done and why, however, there was no changing the situation or going back now.

The nausea I was feeling only grew more intense the closer we got to the house.  I tried to prepare myself for her reaction and recited what I was going to say to her over and over in my head. It did little to help.

I glanced in my rearview mirror and caught the exact moment she realized what was happening. The left side of her cheek puckered inward just slightly as she bit her cheek - a telltale sign that she was holding her emotions back - as she swallowed hard. Her eyes clouded with a mixture of anger and hurt. It made me want to kick my own ass. Fuck, this was such a bad idea.

My mom and dad spoke a few words of praise, something about how good the house looked, but I wasn't even listening. I didn't care. Seeing the way this was effecting my girl so deeply made me wish I had a bulldozer at my disposal that I could fire up real quick, knock out every last wall. Looking back up at the house for myself, it no longer had the glimmer it used to. I loved this house, loved what it represented, but suddenly it was just another house behind a gate.

We all followed Roxie's dad inside. Tori quickly assumed the role of a tour guide, but I hung back to survey Roxie's reaction. Was the real thing just as she imagined it would be? Was this was she had pictured that night? Did it live up to her expectations? As everyone else continued through the house, I stayed back. Resting my hand on the wall, I slid it down and examined my surroundings more closely. When I first pulled the plans from the protective tube, all I could think about was getting to have a piece of Roxie all for myself. Coming home to the place we thought up together; my surroundings a constant reminder so I never felt too far from her.

Sadly, I knew she wouldn't hear me out. I didn't blame her. I overstepped a line I never should have in an attempt to patch my own broken heart.

I saw her turn and disappear up the side stairs as we entered the kitchen and immediately knew I needed to follow. I had to try and explain myself. My legs quickly carried me after her. Entering the master bedroom, I saw her on her knees on the floor, her body racking with sobs.

"Shit! Roxie, are you okay?" I rushed out. I quickly made my way to her and pulled her into my arms before cradling her against my chest. She'd only gotten like this a few times during our relationship, but from those times I knew that she needed to be held and feel pressure against her body to come back to reality. However, I hadn't expected her to turn in my arms and press her face into my chest. I swallowed thickly as she pressed her nose against my shirt and took a deep breath. It was an action she did all the time. She used to say I smelled like home. Closing my eyes, I squeezed her just a little tighter as my heartbeat kicked up.

Fuck, I just wanted to believe that she was still mine - even if it was just for this one moment.

A few moments later she pushed me away as a sense of deja vu washed over me, reminding me of last night by the pool. She just stared into my eyes looking so betrayed and hurt. And I did that. I was the one who made her feel this way. Not Sandra. Not Robert. Not Tori. Me.

Man, didn't that make me feel like the biggest piece of shit? A heavy feeling of shame washed over me as I averted my gaze to my feet. I couldn't look at her and see that look of disappointment anymore. It killed me. She cleared her throat and that's when I knew she'd become pissed with my avoidance of the situation.

"How could you?" she finally hiccuped out,

"Roxie girl," I spoke through a sad sigh, wishing I could explain everything and make it all make sense.

"No! Don't you dare c-call me that!" she hissed. "This is our house! Did you think I-I wouldn't realize?" she continued, her voice breaking towards the end of her rant. She squeezed her eyes closed as her hands formed fists at her sides. Her throat bobbed up and down with emotion and I immediately knew she was reliving that night just like I was. That was one of the greatest nights of my life. At that moment, I was the happiest I'd ever been. I was with my favorite person in the world and we were planning our future. If only I knew how fucked up things would become.

When she opened her eyes once again, she scanned my own and I knew she could tell that our thoughts had taken the same turn. My hands twitched as I did everything in my power to restrain myself from reaching out and grabbing her once again.

"You wouldn't understand," I rasped out, feeling tortured. I already knew she wouldn't hear me out. I could see it written all over her face. While she was hurt more than anything, there was a gleam of defiance there. If I tried to push now, I would just make the situation worse.

"You're right. I wouldn't because I don't know who the hell you are anymore," she whispered before turning and running right into that fucker she brought with her. I growled quietly from anger as his arm wound around her waist and he sent me a death glare. Not another word was spoken before they walked away, leaving me standing alone in the middle of the room. What was supposed to be our room.

I gnashed my teeth together as my anger just continued to grow. I began pacing the room, noticing every single detail that Roxie painstakingly designed.

This was supposed to be our home. I was supposed to marry her. We were supposed to grow old together in this house. Roxie and me. Not Tori and me.

I was fuming, my skin feeling like it was practically boiling with anger when Tori and Sandra came up behind me.

"Where did Roxanne go?" Sandra asked with a haughty smile.

"She hates being called that and you fucking know it!" I roared, unable to hold back anymore. The sheer volume in which I spoke scared them both as they jumped and took more than a few steps back. "She's hated being called by her first name since before I can even remember, but I do remember her telling you this on numerous occasions. So either you're both just that fucking stupid or you intentionally love being huge cunts. My money is on both. However, I swear to God, if I fucking catch either of you calling her by her full name one more time there will be hell to pay. Am I fucking clear?" I yelled, getting up in their faces and making myself as imposing as possible. They both shook like leaves, terrified of seeing me in a way they'd never seen me before.

While I would never hit a woman or even think of laying my hands on a woman, I could find someone to do it for me. I'm sure my sister would help me out if I needed it - she hated Tori almost as much as I did. She also felt terrible for what my mother had done to Roxie.

Both women pathetically whimpered before nodding and slipping past me as fast as they could. I can't keep doing this... there's gotta be a way out that I just haven't thought of yet.

**

"So, I have to ask," Ezekiel quipped as he came up next to where I was seated at the bar. We were both pretty tipsy, him more so than I. We were supposed to be celebrating the official signing of our contract, but I wasn't in a celebratory mood. "How come you aren't wearing your wedding ring? I saw you wear it for maybe two minutes after your ceremony and then poof it disappeared. Haven't seen it on your finger since." I snorted before tipping back my glass and finishing my drink. I tapped the bartop when I got the bartender's attention, signaling for another glass.

"You know about the contract I have with Tori and her mother," I simply stated.

"Yeah. I sent it to my own lawyer this morning, by the way. Maybe he can find something you and everyone else didn't. However, in the event there really isn't a way out, are you going to start playing nice? Maybe try to make the best out of the situation?" he asked.

"Fuck no," I hissed quickly. "There will never be any good in this situation."

"You really do love her, huh?" he asked, his words starting to slur ever so slightly.

"You've met her." I began, rubbing a frustrated hand down my face. "She's...one of a kind."

"At the risk of sounding like a complete ass - and even though I have met Roxie and agree she really is one of a kind - is a woman really worth throwing away all your happiness? I mean, you're a multi-millionaire, man! You're one of the most successful architects and your empire is only growing. How could you be anything but fuckin' elated?"

"Because my success and how much money I have in my bank account aren't the criteria that I base my happiness on. It never has been. In ten years, who will remember me? Maybe the men I made business deals with. Maybe some of my employees. All I'll have to show are the buildings I created. I want more than that."

"What more is there?" he asked with a genuine look of confusion.

"Love. Family. Building a home with the only person who understands you better than you understand yourself. Holding your wife's hand as she brings your baby into the world. Seeing your kids take their first step. Hearing them say their first word. Hanging the pictures they draw of you up on the fridge. Cheering them on at their sports games. Being surrounded by people who truly care for you. There's so much more than just board room meetings and closing new deals, and I want all of it with Roxie." After I finished my rant, we were both quiet for a long time.

"So, how do you know?" he questioned.

"Huh?" I grunted, confused but also highly intoxicated.

"How do you know when you've found the right woman? How do you know when you're in love with someone the way you are with Roxie?"

"Things feel easy. Don't get me wrong, all relationships take work, but nothing ever feels...forced. Being with them is as natural as breathing. Their smile and their laughter trigger your own. Whenever something good or bad happens, they're the first person you want to tell. When your stressed, their presence helps soothe you. There's a constant want to be around them, to be with them. Your emotions eventually start to mirror their own. When they're happy, you're happy; when they're upset, you're upset; when they're stressed, you stress with them. You stop viewing things as "her and me" and starting viewing things as "us". You're a team. You tackle things together. You face every challenge and obstacle together. They make life worth living. They make you want everything life has to offer."

"So how come you let her go? If you were a team, why didn't you fight this obstacle together?" he finally asked. I hung my head, the familiar feeling of shame and guilt washing over me.

"Because I'm a fucking moron. I did what I thought was the only thing I could do. I was only twenty-three years old at the time. I didn't have any fucking life experience. I was fresh out of college and had this burden I shouldn't have had to bare placed on my shoulders. If I could go back and change everything, try to figure some way out I hadn't thought of before, I would in a goddamn heartbeat. But I can't, so I'm doing everything in my power now. I'm working harder than I ever have before because that's what Roxie deserves."

"She deserves to know the truth," he stated harshly.

"I'm giving myself a couple more months and if I can't figure this shit out, I'm going against the non-disclosure clause and I'm going to tell her." He nodded, sighing with a thoughtful look on his face. "So what about you? Where do you see yourself in ten years?" I asked.

"Before this conversation, I would've told you on a yacht surrounded by women and booze..."

"And now?" I asked with a slight laugh.

"I want a little boy or girl looking up at me with my eyes and nose. Or my hair. And a hot wife to go along with the dream, too," he joked. I just shook my head and knocked the edge of my glass against his own. As I finished my last drink of the night, I made a mental promise that I would have all that with my Roxie girl. No matter what it took, I wasn't done fighting for us and I never would be.

**

I sighed while grasping the bouquet of pink roses from the passenger seat of my truck. I nodded to the other few visitors I saw as I made my way through the cemetery, shocked to even see people out here considering how late it was. I slowed my pace as I neared the gravesite I was looking for. I felt like a sham standing here after having broken the only promise I made to this incredible woman.

"Adelaide," I began, clearing my throat as I took the final few steps up to the headstone. I placed the flowers inside the built-in vase, arranging them in a way so that they wouldn't cover her engraved name.

"A lot has happened since last week, mama A," I continued, using the nickname she'd insisted I call her when she was still here. "You would be so proud of your daughter. She's just like you," I choked out. "No matter what life throws at her, she handles it. She's so smart and resourceful, but you already knew that," I murmured with a smile. "I knew seeing her again was going to be hard, but wow. I've royally messed things up, mama A. You probably also already knew that. Matter of fact you're probably up there cursing me out..." I trailed off, hanging my head in shame.

"Designing and building things is my passion, but it's not enough. I can't keep going through life just taking it one day at a time and hoping shit gets better anymore. I have a selfish request, mama A. I know you're up there with the big man now, so I need you to put a good word in for me. I need all the help I can get in making this right. I'm willing to do whatever it takes. No man will ever love your daughter the way I do. She deserves to be cherished every single day. She deserves to be reminded of what an incredible woman she is. I can and want to be that man, but I need a little help to make it happen. Wish me luck, mama A, I'm going to need it. I'll see you next week," I mumbled pressing a kiss to my palm before pressing the same palm against her name.

I pulled my phone from my pocket and dialed the number I've known by heart since I got my first cellphone. It came as no surprise to me when the call immediately went to voicemail.

"Roxie girl, I'm so sorry for everything. I can't even begin to tell you how sorry. If I could go back and figure out a different way to go about this whole fucked up situation, I would. I would a million times over..."