Generation 5: Chapter 9

Author's Note: It's been a long five year hiatus, but I've learned so much since then and it feels really good to have finally found some much needed motivation that I've lacked for quite a while! The characters have gotten a few tweaks and things might look a tiny bit different, but everything's still pretty much the same. If you want to refresh yourself, of course, feel free to go back and reread (I had to do the same haha!)

Thank you to those of you who have continued to follow and support me and the story. It means so much to me and I'm so so happy to be back! I've really missed this story so damn much ;v;

🛑 This chapter is not suitable for anyone under the age of 18 🛑

It's been almost a month since Riley and I have seen one another since we've broken up, but we still keep in contact. She hasn't given up on me and I sure as hell haven't given up on her. Being apart from her like this, especially after confessing to loving her and being intimate with her, I couldn't get her out of my head.. I regret ever keeping my feelings about Alani from Riley in the first place, and after saying it all out loud to her that night, I realized I really didn't care about Alani anymore after knowing I was losing Riley because of her and I wished I had known that so much sooner. I always got angry or annoyed when people brought up the subject, so I never wanted to talk about it, and I think because of that, I just ran with the assumption that I still loved her. Talking about it with someone I actually did love, however, is what helped me realize that those feelings just aren't there anymore.. Maybe that's what Tavish and Pia have been trying to drill into my head over all these years, but I was too stubborn to listen.. Maybe I just wanted to hang onto that feeling of being loved and feeling important to someone, but now that I am loved and made to feel important by someone else, Alani just wasn't on my mind at all anymore.. I wondered how things would've turned out differently had I just told Riley the truth from the beginning.. I doubt I'd be feeling like such an asshole right now had I done that, and I probably wouldn't be in this position. 

I talked to Riley almost every night, texts mostly, since talking to her over the phone was harder and I knew she thought the same. Hearing her voice on occasion was nice, but, it still hurt both of us. I could hear it in the way she spoke that she missed me and I missed her. Riley has truly been the only woman on my mind ever since I've told her I loved her and she told me that she felt the same. I'm not lying this time when I say I don't love Alani anymore, there's no point to when I have someone as amazing as Riley in my life and who actually wants to stay, even though we're broken up.. It's nice knowing that even though we aren't together, she and I still make the effort to stay in contact because we love one another. 

This.. This is what love is, not whatever I thought it was years ago when I was just a kid and didn't know any better. I could feel it in my bones. She stayed and was still here for me, and that meant more to me than anything else.

Almost every night, I would usually fall asleep while texting Riley, and when I woke up, it was from my body jolting awake and immediately checking my phone to see if she had said anything.. Or, I would wake up from it buzzing and chiming from her actually doing so. This morning, however, after my body jolted awake and I checked my phone, there was nothing. Not something I'd normally worry about, though, since whenever she didn't have a text for me to wake up to, I'd send one to her.

I took a moment to gather myself after just waking up literally two seconds ago before I began my text.

• Hey, beautiful.. Sleep well?

I texted, then tossed my phone on my bed close to me as I rubbed my eyes and yawned.

There was a knock on my door and Tavish came in after the knock.

"Hey, you awake?" He asked, then smirked when he saw me sitting up in my bed, "Ready for the big day?" He wondered.

"To be honest, no, not really, but, that's not up to me."

"True, but, you can't be like this today.. Just because your love life is fucked up doesn't mean you gotta mess up Niko's by not being there when he gets married. You're the best man and if you're not there, it'll crush him," he spoke in a way where he was politely saying 'if you don't know that already yourself, you're an idiot' kind of tone.

"I know, I know.. I'm going, don't worry, it's just-.. As much as I want to see Riley, I also really don't want to see her.. It's gunna suck not being able to act normal around her. I don't want it to be awkward or anything.. I guess I'm just a little nervous, that's all," I replied, hanging my head.

"I don't get it.. You've told her already that you're in it one hundred percent with her, so why aren't you guys back together already?"

"I dunno.. Maybe because she doesn't believe me, and she has every right to be skeptical.. I lied to her.. She doesn't want to hear from me that I want her back.. If it was up to me, we never would've broken up in the first place," I shrugged as I looked up to him.

"Oh, I guess that makes sense.. I'm sorry you're going through this, I know it must suck, but, you need to stop thinking about yourself for once and focus on something else.. Today is your brother's day, not yours, so buck up and get ready and put your mind somewhere else, because today, that's where it needs to be," he gave me a bit of tough love, "After today, if you want me to do anything, I will.. She might not be around to see how much this sucks for you, but I do. The last time I saw you like this, or somewhat like this, well.. Y'know.. But, this time around, it's more serious, and I can see that. I can see that you love Riley more than you ever did anyone else. You're making progress, and if she doesn't believe you, she's gotta believe someone else.. If you want me to talk to her or put in a good word or something, I will," he tried to make me feel better.

"She doesn't know you. You've never even met her officially.. Why would your words matter more than mine at this point?"

"I don't know, but I'm willing to try if it will get you out of this slump," he was genuine, I knew that, but I still didn't think the words would do much good unless they were from AnneMarie or Niko..

"Don't worry about it.. I'll figure it out. Thanks, though, I really do appreciate it," I said with a smirk and he nodded.

"Alright, well, get ready. We leave in an hour and there's a lot of stuff to do. Your parents will murder us if we're late or not there to help," he replied and I laughed, nodding my head in agreement and Tavish left my room and closed the door behind him. I fell back onto my bed, staring up at my ceiling and letting out a heavy sigh. I really just wanted things to go back to normal. It was time I finally moved on from the past and started living again. When I win Riley back, all I was going to do was focus on her and the future. I hated that I had wasted so many years of my life pretending to be okay and keeping myself from being happy by just telling myself that I was.. It was exhausting, honestly, and I was ready to have a new view on life and experience it differently with a woman that I knew would never hurt me. 

I then heard my phone chime and I popped up almost quick enough to give myself whiplash, picking up my phone and seeing it was from Riley. She answered my text about asking if she slept well.

• Yeah. I'm still a little tired, but, excited for today! How are you feeling this morning?

I sighed heavily in relief and I smirked softly just at the fact that she replied to me. I was kinda worried she wouldn't, for whatever reason.

• Same as you. Tired, too, but also excited.
• Still missing you like crazy, too, babe.

I sent two texts back to back, unable to control my fingers and what they typed and I still wanted to type more. Having that little talk with Tavish inspired me momentarily.

• Riley, I can't tell you how sorry I am.. How sorry I still am. I can't stand not seeing you. All I want to do is hold you and-

I stopped myself from typing, deleting everything I had just typed out and I didn't send it.. The inspiration was gone just like that.. I tell her that same damn thing all the time and we're still not back together, so why would saying it again now make a difference? I didn't want to put that on her.. Not today.

• I miss you, too.. But let's try to keep today about AnneMarie and Niko.

She replied, saying the same thing that Tavish said and they were both right.

I was glad I hadn't sent that last text, but I still felt the need to say more, just maybe not what I had originally started to type out before. 

• Listen.. I know you haven't wanted to see me this whole time because of what I'm a fuck up for.. But, we're going to have to see one another. I don't want anything to be weird or awkward. I can just stay away from you all together, if that's what you want.. If you need more time..?

I replied, and instantly, I got a reply back.

• Luca, don't say that. You know I've wanted to see you. But.. You should also know that I still need time, and I know that you do, too.. I did what I did for a reason.

It hurt reading her text.. I guess I got my answer about not getting back together any time soon.. And I could also assume that when I asked her to be my date to the wedding, that wasn't a thing anymore, either. We were both going there single.

• Yeah, I know.. And you're right for doing it. I would've done the same in your shoes. But, still know that I'm sorry and that no matter how much you still might not believe me, I only think about you now. Only you.
• I love you.

I replied quickly without a single doubt in my mind, and I hoped she noticed that.

• I love you, too. But, let's just try to get through today.
• I look forward to seeing you.

I smirked softly again.

• Me, too.

After she didn't answer me, which I expected she wouldn't, I got up and got ready, grabbing my formal clothes I needed to dress in today and I went to the shower. When I got dressed in my suit, I put on cologne and deodorant and I was ready. I left my room and Tavish happened to meet me in the upstairs hallway, coming out of his room, as well, and looking the best I had ever seen him. It wasn't like us to dress up this nicely, so once we saw one another, both of our eyebrows raised in both surprise and a sense of impressed, and without another word, we walked downstairs and out to my car.

"So.. You okay?" He asked. 

"You know what? ..I'm.. I'm good.. I'm still nervous as hell, but I'm looking forward to it, too," I said with a smirk as I glanced over to him as we walked and I saw him smile, as well.

"Glad to hear it.. Now, let's get this wedding over with and get the party started. Have some real fun, yeah?" He egged on and I laughed softly. Both of us got into my car, starting it and backing out of the driveway to head towards the church where everyone was supposed to meet.

Not knowing what to do with myself when I'm nervous was a weird feeling. Most of the time, I'm able to hide how helpless and uncomfortable I might feel, but today, trying to hide these feelings was proving to be difficult. I stood alone outside of the groom's changing room where all the men were; my parents, my brothers, Tavish and a few of Niko's friends, not wanting to have to pretend to be happy at the moment around them all. All I wanted to do was see Riley and get passed the perhaps awkward encounter it could be. I stood there keeping to myself, being quiet, something I rarely do, but I couldn't focus on my brother's wedding day as much as I'd like to. Being forced into a situation I wasn't mentally ready for never had good results. Unfortunately, not being able to hide how I felt didn't go unnoticed for long. I looked over to see my dad coming out of the room and looking around for a second, then smiling when he found me. He walked over and put his hand to my shoulder in a comforting manner.

"Hey.. I heard what happened," my dad spoke about Riley and I's breakup, "Niko mentioned it."

I glanced over to him briefly and stood up a little straighter, "Oh, it's okay.. Not a big deal," I brushed off.

"You don't have to be modest about it. I know you liked her a lot. It must've hurt," he replied and a fake smirk slid over my lips.

"I'm fine, Dad.. It was mutual."

"Oh, it was?" He genuinely questioned, as if telling me he knew more than I was lying about, but didn't know how to accuse me of it.. Or maybe he questioned it because he was perhaps misinformed, but something hinted at me that Niko told him the whole story and he was being his classically kind self and didn't want to pry. I loved my dad and I usually always went to him for advice, but, this just wasn't the time to tell him how it affected me. I didn't want to make anything about me today and steal Niko's spotlight.

"I don't really want to talk about it," I answered, my view going back out the window.

"Well, if you ever do, you know I'm always here for you.. Maybe we can talk some more at the reception?" He expressed with a kind warmth that always radiated from him.

"Yeah, sure.. Thanks," I gave a soft smile, "I'm gunna go get some air," I added, watching him nod and he patted my back gently as another comforting gesture before I walked through the chapel and outside.

I step outside to where Niko and AnneMarie are going to be married in less than two hours, standing in the shade and looking to check and see if anyone was around before pulling out a pack of smokes from my pocket and lighting one up. I didn't smoke often, only when I was too anxious and nervous to deal with myself and they really did help calm me down a little. My parents hated when I smoked, too, but hopefully I could smoke this fast enough while still able to enjoy it before one of them noticed me.

I wondered if Riley was even here yet, but I then thought that was stupid to think since she was the Maid of Honor and of course had to be here with my sisters, Pia and AnneMarie, helping them with hair and makeup and their dresses. Not seeing her yet and getting this potentially awkward situation out of the way was eating at me and I wondered if I should go to the bride's changing room and see if she was there so I could pull her away for a few minutes to talk, but I wasn't feeling my normal, confident self and my mind kept battling with me on what I should do to get rid of this annoying, nagging feeling. 

When my cigarette was a little more than half way smoked, I heard the door to the chapel open and close and I looked over my shoulder to see Riley coming outside. Quickly, I took the cigarette from my mouth and flicked it over the stone wall that surrounded the property and hoped she didn't see me discard it. I acted as if I didn't notice her, making it look as if I hadn't heard her come outside, and out of the corner of my eye, I could tell that she noticed me and she was slowly walking towards me. My heart started to race and my hands started to get clammy, so I tucked my hands hastily into my pant pockets before she reached me.

"Hey," she spoke sweetly and I looked over my shoulder towards her, seeing a light smile on her lips and it caused me to give one right back to her.. I liked that she came right up to me instead of avoided me like I convinced myself she would.

"Hello, beautiful," I replied, trying to act normal and talk normal and trying to make it seem as if I didn't miss her as much as I've been telling her.. I don't know why I was trying so hard to play it cool.

Riley stopped close enough for me to reach out and touch her if I was inclined to do so, but I managed to keep my hands to myself. The silence that hovered around us after acknowledging one another wasn't awkward, per say, although it felt like it lasted so much longer than it did and it was a little excruciating. Neither of us really knew what to say next.

"Uhm," she began, letting out a quiet giggle as she seemed to notice the silence between us, too, "How've you been?" She wondered, knowing full well how I've been, acting as if we hadn't been talking at all this month, but it was still a polite thing to ask, I guess. She was always nothing but polite.

"As good as I can be.. Considering," I implied, although not in an 'in-your-face' rude manner as it could've been taken otherwise, "How about you?"

"I'm.. All right, I suppose.. Considering," she agreed with my words and I nodded, "You changed your hair a little.. You look really nice," she added, watching as she smiled and blushed softly as she brought her hand up to tuck a strand of her hair away. I knew that look and gesture too well and it was a hell of a struggle to keep a huge grin from spreading across my lips.

"Thanks. You look stunning, as always," I complimented back and she shied her eyes away from mine in an attempt to hide another blush.

"Oh, hush.. You don't have to be nice. These dresses are not what I would have picked out," she said with a giggle at thinking they were ugly, and, they were a little much and looked uncomfortable, but she made anything look good.

Another long silence poured over us before she spoke again, "Is this.. Weird at all?" She asked softly with a somewhat worried giggle, "I'm sorry.. I thought it would be easier seeing you after this long, but, I'm actually having a bit of a hard time," she expressed and I didn't really know how to interpret that. Did she want to leave and go back inside to get away from me? Or was she having a hard time resisting me?

"I, uh.. I dunno.. I was a little nervous about seeing you, but, now that I have, I'm actually feeling a little better," I replied. I didn't want our reactions to seeing one another to be so opposite and I wasn't sure how to feel about her response, but I wasn't going to be a dick about it.

I continued, trying to fix whatever was happening right now, "You're all I ever think about," I blurted out and my view going to the ground, unable to look her in the eye as I spoke how I truly felt, but this time to her face and not through text, "I never want us to be awkward around one another.. Kinda sucks hearing you think it's weird right now, though, I won't lie," I said with a pathetic chuckle.

"Oh- No, Luca," she took a small step closer, "It's not weird, I shouldn't have used that word.. It's just-.. Even though I know it's better for us to be separated at the moment, it's hard for me to not want to be with you when I see you now after all this time," she explained, my eyes meeting hers again and her words filled me with hope.. It felt good knowing now that she was having a hard time resisting me and not the other way around like I thought.

"All I want is to have you back in my life.. Like how things were.. I'm ready whenever you are, and if you're not ready yet, I'll wait and wait some more.. I know I've said it a lot over this past month, but, being away from you has made me completely erase everything in my past from my mind and I only want you.. You truly are all that I think about, Riley, and I really do only love you," I meant every word I said and I watched as a warm smile spread across her lips. Seeing her smile made me so much more at ease and when I then noticed her glance briefly at my lips, then back up to my eyes, it only made me feel better knowing she just thought about wanting to kiss me.. Should I kiss her?

Riley brought her hand to my arm in a comforting manner and opened her mouth to speak, but before any words came out, a man's voice I didn't recognize caught our attention and the both of us looked to who had the nerve to ruin the moment we were having.

"Riley?" The man knew her name and when I looked back to her, I could tell just by her body language that she recognized the man and was also completely terrified. Everything about her changed, and I especially didn't like how her hand gripped my arm because of how afraid she was, but then she quickly removed it.. Almost as if she didn't want him to see her touching me.

"J-Jeff?" She questioned and even though she never told me the name of her abusive ex, I knew who he was instantly because of the research Tavish, Pia and I had done on him. My eyes instantly narrowed towards the man and a slight sense of anger started to creep up inside of me.

"How you been, doll? Have yah missed me?" He spoke with a cocky tone, a devilish grin on his lips as if enjoying her reaction to seeing him.

"What are you doing here?" Her tone immediately changed to a horrified timid and I had never seen this side of her. I hated seeing her so visibly weak and scared when I only ever knew her to be a strong and confident woman.

"Yah made it pretty difficult to find yah, but, luckily I was finally able to," he took a step closer and I noticed her take a step away, "What? No hug?"

The tone he used was trying to sound genuine, like this was some kind of big romantic gesture instead of a psycho ex tracking her down like a hunter catching up to the prey he had shot and wounded. I assumed he came back so he could finish the job and all it did was make my skin crawl and my blood boil. The meaning behind his words seemed more sinister than he hoped, although I wouldn't put it passed him if he meant it to sound as scary as it did.

Jeff continued to approach her and she stopped stepping backward, as if she was too frozen to move. I didn't interfere because I didn't want her to think I already knew exactly who this piece of trash was, but I made it a point to never take my eyes off of him just in case I needed to step in. Jeff finally stopped a few feet away from her, close enough to reach out and touch her and that's exactly what he did. It infuriated me.

"Yah changed your hair.. Blonde, huh?" He said as he touched a strand of it and I watched her flinch, but didn't pull away far enough for him to stop. She was still frozen and he dropped his hand back to his side.

"It looks nice," he continued, knowing exactly what he was doing to her. Every word and physical gesture he did was a power play and she reverted back to being a scared girl that didn't know what to do to defend herself.. Far too frightened to, even if she wanted.

"Come on, let's go somewhere and talk," he added, reaching down and gripping her wrist, turning back to the way he came and pulling her, although she tore her wrist out of his grip and held a strong stance. Finally, she unfroze and stood up for herself.

"Don't touch me.. You aren't even supposed to be this close to me, anyways," she pointed out the restraining order she had mentioned to me before and Jeff smirked.

"Sweetheart, that order was only good for a year.. And it's been a little longer than that," he replied, fully aware of the details of the restraining order and even though she filed it for a reason, he still ignored the fact that she had filed one in the first place and thought that just because she had let it expire, it meant that he could come near her again.. Did I distract her too much to the point where she forgot to renew it?

"Please, just leave.. Don't do this here.. Or now," she pleaded, but the moment his face twisted in a way that he showed her that he didn't appreciate how she had just acted and responded, I couldn't hold back anymore and I had to step in. Seeing his hand twitch in anger as if wanting to hit her, though holding back from doing so in my presence, is what made me insert myself into the situation.

"Can I help you?" I asked, my hands still tucked in my pockets and I could tell Riley was glad I had stepped in, finally able to move and she took a step back so I was closer to Jeff than her.

"Nah, yah can't. Just came to talk to my woman," he answered with a fake, smug smile, then quickly wiping it from his face as he reached again for Riley, but I interjected and took hold of his wrist instead, stopping him from touching her again.

"I believe the lady told you not to touch her," I replied with my own fake, smug smile and he ripped his wrist out from my grip as Riley had just done to him, chuckling at my response.

"Who the hell's this joker, huh, Riley? Buttin' into our business?" He asked her, then looked back to me, "You fuckin' my girl or somethin'?" He questioned next and although I wasn't shy in wanting to respond 'she's my girl, and hell yes I am' just to see what he'd do about it, Riley spoke before me.

"Oh- For heaven's sake, Jeff, please.. Stop this and leave," she seemed to beg him, but just by the look in his eyes, I could tell he wasn't going to listen to any of her polite requests.

"Babydoll, it's-"

"-I think you should leave, like she asked," I cut him off, not wanting her to have to listen to this scumbag anymore and he stepped up to me, completely evident that he wasn't afraid of me. The joke was on him, though.. I'd be more afraid of a fly coming at me than this human shit.

Jeff raised his hand and poked my chest, "Why don't yah back off, buddy, and let me-" I grabbed his wrist, twisted him around and held his arm up in a way that I knew would cause him pain, pinning his hand against his back and holding it there, "-Ahh! Fuck!"

"Luca-!" Riley expressed in sudden surprise, not expecting me to react in such a way so quickly, but I was done with this asshole.

"Don't touch me or her again or else you'll be pulling back an arm without a hand," I threatened, hearing him let out soft grunts in pain from how I was pinning his arm and I let go by shoving him away from the two of us. He caught his footing so he wouldn't fall on his face and looked back at me, his eyes filling with a darkness that caused Riley to quietly gasp behind me and I wondered if this was the look he gave her every time right before hurting her. 

Come on, man, give me a reason to hurt you more, I thought to myself.

I watched as he faced us and coddled his wrist, trying to help ease whatever pain it was feeling now and a snarl of a smile crept over his lips. This guy really was a fucking creep..

"All right, I'll go.. Wouldn't wanna mess up that nice suit of yours," he took a few steps back and then put his attention on Riley, "We'll talk real soon, honey," he said in a threatening manner, causing me to instinctively take a step forward to separate him from her more and I waited to let my guard down until I knew he was finally gone from the property, watching him get into the truck he had driven here in and pulling away.

I turned to face Riley and I put my hand gently upon her arm, looking to her face that still held a bit of fear, "Are you okay?" I wondered and when she looked up to me, she let out a relieved sigh and nodded. I could feel her shaking.

"Who was that?" I asked as if I didn't already know.

"It's funny," she let out a sad chuckle, "Just when you get over your past, now mine's comin' back to haunt me," she replied in an ashamed manner, like that whole display embarrassed her and I could tell she was saying it in a way to avoid admitting how scared I knew she was.

"Your ex?" I questioned and she nodded again.

"Yeah, that was the one I told you about," she informed, "I didn't think he was out yet," she continued and I could tell she was doing some type of math in her head.. If it hadn't been a whole year yet on when he was going to be released from jail, he might've gotten off a little earlier for good behavior or something.. Did someone bail him out? ..Either way, I didn't want her to dwell on it.

"Well, he's gone now.. Come on, let's go inside," I gestured, putting my arm around her and guiding her back towards the chapel. It surprised me, however, when Riley then wrapped both of her arms around my waist as we walked, resting her head against my chest and my arm that was already around her pulled her in closer. I could tell by the way that she held me that she felt safe with me, proving to her right before her eyes that I'd never let anything happen to her and even if we were separated at the time, I'd still love her, care for her safety and protect her no matter what. I was always worried that this day might come when and if Jeff might come back into her life, but I was also completely ready for it and I wanted to make sure that she knew I'd be there for her if she ever needed me for exactly this moment, no matter what our relationship was.. I was actually glad that Jeff had shown up when he did.. I couldn't bear the thought of him finding her when she was alone and couldn't protect herself.

When we got safely inside of the chapel, I turned to her and I could tell that she was still a little rattled from the encounter we were just in, but she was getting better.

"Are you going to be okay?" I asked, reaching up and gently touching her face. I could tell she was starting to feel at ease again by how she welcomed my touch.

"Yeah, yeah.. I'm.. I'm fine," she replied, trying to muster up a smile that I could believe when she looked up to me, but she didn't fool me.

"I don't want you to be alone at all today, understand? I know he left, but, you never know for sure. If he shows up again, anytime, even after the wedding, don't hesitate to call me, too," I expressed in a serious tone and she nodded in agreement to my advice.

"I'm lucky you were there with me.. I don't know what would've happened if you weren't," she replied with a smile that I recognized as a genuine one, watching as she pushed herself up to kiss my cheek for a long moment and I savored every second of it.

When she pulled away a little and we looked at one another, a few seconds of silence went by and I felt as if I could hear both of our hearts racing. I watched as Riley's eyes then bounced between mine and my lips, both of us wanting the same thing and we simultaneously leaned back in for a kiss I think neither of us thought would happen today, but both of us wanted. I brought my hands to her hips and she wrapped her arms around me, pulling me and pushing our lips harder together. In the back of my mind, I wondered if making out was appropriate behavior to be doing inside of a church.. However, that's kinda what made it more exciting to me.

I wouldn't say being separated from one another for a whole month was causing us to forget what it was like being around one another, but instead, I think being this close again made us remember exactly what it was like and neither of us could deny wanting to feel it again. How much fun we always had, how the chemistry between us was undeniable and how much we cared about one another still being just as strong as it always was. It was like we were picking right back up where we left off.. I wondered if it had anything to do with how I'd practically just saved her minutes ago, like rewarding the hero with a kiss, even for how egotistical that may sound.. I gently pushed her up against the closest wall as our kiss grew deeper and so much more passionate, one of my hands sliding down her hip until it met the skin of her thigh at the bottom of her short dress. I missed her skin, her smell, the way she tasted.. Everything. My hand traveled up ever so slowly, my fingertips sliding underneath the bottom of her dress and dragging the fabric an inch or so up so I could feel as much of the smooth skin of her thigh as I could.

My hand was just about to reach the bottom crease of her ass so I could cup it, but we heard someone clearing their throat not too far from us and quickly pulled away to see my father, a smirk on his lips and one of his brows raised. Riley's cheeks flushed an embarrassed shade of red and she bowed her head gently, then straightened out her dress from being slightly tugged up from my wandering hand. 

"..Mr. Dubois," she spoke with a polite yet still slightly shaky and aroused tone from what we were doing.

"Riley," he acknowledged back and the awkward silence among us was deafening.

"Oh, my Lord-," she whispered to me and I couldn't help but snicker at her words before she walked away to my left, the opposite way my father was and going back to the bride's room.

My father cleared his throat again and I looked to see him upgrade to raising both of his brows now, as if wanting an explanation for our behavior.

"What?" I asked with a chuckle, as if I had just been standing there minding my own business and he hadn't just seen my ex and I hardcore making out in a church.

"So..? Are you two back together or something?" He wondered and I laughed softly. I couldn't even begin to fathom what the hell that kiss meant, but I knew it had to be good news.. Right?

"I, uhh.. I'm- gunna go check on Niko.. See if he needs anything," I replied, ignoring his question and reaching up to scratch the back of my head as I walked towards the groom's changing room, but he stopped me in my tracks by placing his hand on my chest.

"You got a little-" he gestured towards his lips and I took my hand from the back of my head and brought it to my lips, wiping them off and seeing sparkly pink lip gloss on the back of my hand from Riley kissing me.

"Good lookin' out, Pop," I said with a "please don't lecture me right now" smile and all he could do is shake his head and laugh as we both then continued to the groom's changing room together.

The remaining time we had left to get ready, I was back to my old, outgoing self.. So much more different than how I was when I first got here, and now, standing in the wedding, I was as happy as I could be. Everyone had taken their seats, the groomsmen in their places, Niko standing at the altar.. Everything was perfect. It was a little difficult to focus on the wedding as it was happening because Riley stood directly across from me and she was much more fun to look at. I always found weddings boring, anyhow, no matter who was getting married, so it was easy to get distracted by her. Once they kissed and were pronounced husband and wife, everyone stood and clapped and rejoiced. Niko and AnneMarie went first back down the aisle, then Riley and I followed, feeling her grasp my bicep with her hand and she looked up to me with a smile as we continued to follow the newlyweds. Everyone then gathered at the front of the chapel and watched the newlyweds wave and drive off.. There was an hour to kill before everyone needed to be at the location of the reception and I took this opportunity to talk more with Riley who stood next to me.

"So, uh.. Do you want a ride to the reception?" I offered.

"Sure. I'm in charge of grabbing AnneMarie's purse and her things and it's in the bride's changing room.. Would you mind escorting me there and then we can go?" She wondered back and I nodded.

"Of course.. Lead the way, beautiful," I agreed and she smiled as she walked towards the chapel and I followed behind her, our conversation in front of everyone that was attending the wedding seemingly innocent.. Hell, even I didn't know what was going to happen, but I was looking forward to being alone with her without any distractions or interruptions for a few minutes.. Maybe she'd even let me kiss her again.

We walked through the chapel to the bride's changing room and I stood in the middle of it, looking around randomly as I waited for her to gather everything, but my attention was caught when I heard her shut the door and lock it.

"What is it?" I asked, wondering if something was wrong as I watched her fidget where she stood.

"I can't be with someone that lies to me," she began and I hung my head instantly as I tucked my hands back into my pockets, my view going to the floor and I didn't expect to talk about this right now.

"I know," I agreed, my sorrowful eyes coming back up to look at her.

"If there's any shred of love for that woman left in you, I can't do this," she made a point and I shook my head.

"There's not, I swear," I tried to convince her, pulling my hands out of my pockets and letting them rest at my sides, wanting to go to her so badly.

"..If you ever lie to me again, Luca-"

"-I won't.. I won't ever again, I promise," I assured her, standing in a long silence as she observed my face, as if looking for any fault in it where I could possibly be lying or just telling her what she wanted to hear, but I knew she wouldn't find a shred of a lie anywhere on it because there wasn't one. The silence was killing me, but I'd wait for however long it took for her to eventually come to a decision. 

"Okay," she finally replied with a little smile and I raised my brows.

"..Okay?" I asked and I watched as she then walked up to me.

"Okay," she confirmed, wrapping her arms around my neck to pull me into her lips. My arms wrapped around her as well and pulled her close against me as our kiss grew intense and a little rough, feeling both of her hands then letting me go and trying to force my jacket off of me and down my arms to take it off. Fuck, I didn't expect this, but I wasn't about to stop any of it. I hastily helped her in removing my tux and as I did that, she undid my tie and tossed it aside, then began unbuttoning my shirt to remove that, too. I reached behind her and unzipped her dress as we continued to make out, Riley pulling her arms out through the sleeves and letting the dress fall to the ground so she could then kick it aside. 

I hooked my hands under her thighs and picked her up, setting her down on the makeup table and the weight of throwing around our bodies roughly caused it to creak. As we continued to feverishly kiss, my hands gripped her hips and my fingers then slipped under the edges of her underwear, quickly pulling them down her legs and tossing them aside. Hastily, I stopped our kiss as I fumbled like an idiot with my belt, button and zipper, then taking a hold of my hard self as we both panted in anticipation and sliding inside of her.

Riley let out a soft moan in pleasure, but to keep our rough romp quiet, I pushed my lips back into hers and I started off slowly so she could get used to the feel of me after a month of no contact. This was the last thing I expected to happen when first driving to this wedding and I never thought she'd forgive me as quickly as she did upon seeing one another, but maybe staying in contact with her this past month and constantly reminding her that I loved her is what changed her mind.. The love was always still there when we texted or called one another, but seeing each other for the first time after that long sparked something so much more and I missed the feel of her. Her hair, her skin, her lips, her.. Everything.. Her forgiving me and getting back together with me showed that she trusted me entirely all over again and there was nothing that could falter what we had. I'd never fuck this up ever again and I'd try my hardest to prove to her that she didn't make a mistake by forgiving me.

We'd been going at it for maybe only ten minutes by now, but we both were soon reaching our peak already just based on how long we'd been apart and how exciting this was.. How she breathed, the hot roughness that this was and how much I longed for her.. How much we longed for each other.. Riley leaned back as much as she could, separating our lips and I was privileged enough to watch her breasts bounce in her black and pink bra that I didn't even care to remove.. Hell, there wasn't even time to when we started this.. Every one of my thrusts and pushing her body around probably threatened to break the makeup table, but I wasn't about to stop anything I was doing knowing by the look on her face that she loved it. Our lips locked back together any time we thought our moans or voices got too loud, which they were starting to be more and more as we both approached our limits. With a few more hard and deep thrusts, I felt her insides squeeze tightly and a moan came from her throat as our lips were locked. A few thrusts later, I reached my release and stayed inside of her for a long moment, familiarizing myself again with what she felt like for as long as I could as we both then caught our breath for a long minute.

I slowly pulled myself from her and she sat up on the desk, one of her hands reaching to the back of my head and pulling me close to kiss my lips for a long moment before pulling away.

"I love you," I spoke first and I noticed her lips curl into a sweet smile.

"I love you, too," she answered and I smiled back as I then reconnected our lips, although I couldn't completely focus on her like I wanted to when I felt my phone buzzing in my pant pocket. I was fairly sure I had felt it buzzing in my pocket while I was fucking Riley, but of course, I completely ignored it and put all of my attention on her at the time. Now, I noticed it more, and Riley seemed to, as well, when she pulled away from the kiss.

"I bet people are wonderin' where we are," she pointed out and I pulled my pants up and fastened them.

"Yeah.. I was supposed to help do a little setting up before AnneMarie and Niko would make their grand entrance as husband and wife at the reception," I replied, pulling my phone out of my pocket and seeing that I had missed several calls from both my parents and one from Jiro, "So needy.. It's like these people think today's a big deal or something," I joked and Riley laughed as she hopped off of the desk and I called my dad back as I watched Riley get dressed with great pleasure.

I set down my phone on the table and put it on speakerphone as I called back my dad, "Luca, where are you? Is Riley with you?" He wondered and I bent down to pick up my shirt and tie.

"Yeah. Riley had to go back to the bride's room and get all of AnneMarie's things, like her purse and makeup and stuff.. I also wanted to check and see if Niko left anything behind, too, so I could grab it for him," I half lied, shrugging towards Riley and she giggled again as she slid her panties up her legs.

"Oh, all right. Are you two on your way now?" He wondered and I put my shirt back on, making sure to button it up correctly.

"Yeah, on our way.. Should be there in about ten minutes," I replied.

"Okay, good.. No more distractions, okay?" He advised and I could tell he had some sort of idea what we had been up to this whole time based on his parental tone at the end. Riley tried not to laugh as she slid her dress up her legs.

"Yup, no more.. Sorry, dad," I tried to get back on his good side, waiting a few seconds with a hopeful smile on my lips as I helped Riley by zipping up her dress for her.

"Alright.. See you soon," he accepted my apology, saying our goodbye's and I tucked my phone back into my pocket after hanging up. Riley and I couldn't help but laugh together like we were kids getting caught stealing candy, Riley turning around after I zipped her up and kissing me one last time before gathering all of AnneMarie's things and we left the chapel to head to the reception.

On the way to the reception, Riley holding my right hand as I drove, every now and then I'd pull her knuckles to my lips and peck them gently just to see the unforgettable smile she gave me each time I did it. We didn't say much, didn't really need to, but the tranquil silence was beginning to betray me and I couldn't help where my mind would venture to as I drove. I started to think about her ex, Jeff, and how he turned up out of nowhere, scaring the life out of her and remembering how I felt this anger within me that I had never felt before. The more I thought about it, the more I then began thinking about how she acted after he was gone.. 

Would she have acted the way she did and forgave me like she did had Jeff not showed up? Was she getting back together with me because she really did still love me? Or, was she just getting back together with me because she knew I'd do anything for her, including protecting her from her abusive ex that suddenly came back into her life? It seemed too convenient not to consider, but, was I just overthinking it? This is exactly what I wanted, to get back with her and for her to want to be with me again, but something still kept me from feeling completely happy like I thought I should be.

Some of me knew that it was stupid to question her love for me and wanting to get back together with me.. Another part of me considered that maybe I just hated the thought that she could only be wanting me back to protect her.. Even if that was the reason, I'd still be there for her, but.. I didn't want to be forgiven if she truly still didn't forgive me. I didn't want to get back with her and be on this intense high I was on of her loving me and trusting me again if she didn't. I didn't want her to think that the only way I'd be there for her to protect her from such a terrible situation was if we were back together.. Even if we were still separated and keeping our physical distance, I wanted to believe that she'd still call me first to help her in a situation like the one earlier, or any other situation where she needed me. I was never one to question a sudden make out or a sudden hook-up, but she meant so much more to me than the random occurrences like I've had before. She was different.. I wanted her to think I was different, too, and I wanted her to love me for who I was, not for what I could do for her.

When we arrived at the reception, I sat there in silence. I even forgot that Riley was next to me for a split moment while holding her hand still because I was so consumed by what all of this could mean.

"..Luca?" She got my attention and I snapped out of my trance and looked to her, "You okay? I feel like you've been in your head the last half of the drive," she asked with a worried smile and I tried to think of something to say.

"Uh, y-yeah.. It's just all kind of hitting me now-" I stopped, not wanting to talk about this right now, not about what her getting back with me could possibly mean, "Uhm.. That-.. That Niko and AnneMarie, you know? They've been together since before they were kids and they finally got married.. It's all settling in now, I guess.. Next thing you know, two months from now, she'll be pregnant, starting a family, getting everything he ever wanted with her and I just-.. It seems like it all passed by so fast now that we're all finally here, you know?" I brushed off how I truly felt, although it wasn't completely off.. I really did feel like that, but, not at this very moment. I had been feeling this about Niko and AnneMarie for a while, but, I was just relying on that now to get away from talking about what I was really thinking.

"Yeah, I know what you mean.. But, all we can do now is be there for them. Don't let it get to you too much. He's still your brother and you'll always still have him and vice versa. It's not like you'll completely lose contact with him, especially if they have kids.. You'll be an uncle.. That's something to look forward to, right?" She answered and that still made me unsettled. I didn't know the first thing about kids.. I knew she was trying to make me feel better, but her words only made me feel a little worse, and now the thing that I wasn't truly thinking about before was now coming back, only adding to my worries.. Distracting myself from talking about what I was feeling only backfired and drudged up more feelings about things I tried to block out.

"Let's just get out of the car and start helpin' out with the reception before they get here, okay? Maybe it'll take your mind off of the sad and make you happy for them again?" She suggested, both of her hands now holding my right one and I looked to her and gave a brief, fake smirk, then nodded and pulled my hand out of her grasp. I went to the handle of my car and got out, then went to the passenger side and opened the door for Riley.

"I'll see you in a bit, okay? ..Cheer up," she paused for a moment, reaching up to my tux jacket and looking at my tie before looking back up to me, "Today is a happy day. Be happy for your brother and AnneMarie.. And be happy about us," she was sweet and seemed sincere, so I tried to muster up a smile to show her that I would try to cheer up, and once she smiled back and kissed me softly before walking off, my smile then dropped from my lips as I watched her walk away. 

Fuck.. What was wrong with me? I really do need to cheer up.. Thinking this shit about Riley that I had no idea yet if it was true or not and ruining how I carried myself around my brother's wedding was fucking ridiculous..

After taking some time to myself and soon being alone in the parking lot after everyone had arrived, I kept quiet and to myself as I went into the venue and helped set up a few more things before Niko and AnneMarie would arrive, and when they finally did, I stood behind my family and watched as everyone cheered and celebrated. I could tell they hadn't gone off and fucked like I thought they would because AnneMarie still looked as innocent as ever and I could tell how on edge and antsy Niko was just by the look on his face.. She must be making him wait until the honeymoon.. Lame.

The reception and dinner went well. I had sat with my family and with Riley next to me, but after dinner, I mostly hung out by the open bar, still keeping to myself and not really realizing how much I was drinking. The night wasn't becoming a blur quite yet, it took a lot for me to get that drunk, but I definitely wasn't myself anymore and shouldn't drive. I needed to walk this off and get the fuck out of here for a while.. The music was starting, everyone was ready to have fun and dance, and all I wanted to do was be alone.

I slipped out successfully without anyone noticing, although I'm sure someone will notice that I'm gone soon, so I gotta make this quick and sober my ass up.. I wanted to be able to take Riley home if she needed a ride and end on good terms tonight, but I didn't want her to see me like this. I was buzzed and in a slump in a matter of hours and I didn't want to make an ass out of myself.. Thanks to the alcohol, I still couldn't pull myself back out of whatever was keeping me in that slump. Maybe it was a combination of the possibility of losing Niko even more than I had already, how behind I thought I was in life, Riley's ex having the balls to show his fucking face around here, Riley's intentions with me.. Take your pick, I guess. 

I was spiraling without really realizing I was until it was too late, and now here I am, walking around alone trying to sober up so I didn't make a fool of myself at my brother's wedding.. I bet everyone is expecting me to, anyways.. I always thought August was the black sheep of the family, he sure as hell loves acting like it, but, I think it's actually me. Everyone's probably waiting for me to give a semi-drunk speech and be sloppy, but, jokes on them, I actually have my wits about me for once, and I don't want to be 'that son'.. Not tonight.

After maybe a ten minute walk or something, I didn't know for sure, I came across a clearing to a small parking lot where I didn't see anyone but a truck parked.. A familiar truck, actually.. Jeff's truck. He was still in town, and this close, too? ..It was stupid of me to think he would actually leave, I should've known he'd keep close to Riley now that he'd found her, however the fuck he pulled that off.. He followed her from the church, he followed us from the church, and I didn't notice him tailing me, either.. I felt that rage all over again like I did before when I first came face to face with him and my legs continued to walk towards the lone truck in the parking lot on their own. 

When I got closer to the truck, I noticed he wasn't inside of it and panic shot through my veins, wondering if he'd already walked to the party and was there stalking Riley, but before I could quickly head back, a rustling sound that came from the bushes not far off caught my attention. I watched as Jeff came blundering out of the bushes, zipping up his pants after taking a piss, waiting for him to notice me and when he did, he finished doing up his pants as a confused look hit his face and he came to a stop next to his truck.

"You again? What are the odds? ..Listen, sorry about earlier, I don't even know you, man," he played it cool, "I'm sure if you were fuckin' my girl, you would'a been a gentleman and told me, but since yeh didn't, I can trust that yeh aren't, right?" He wondered, although I could sense the threatening tone behind his words and I knew if I answered 'yes', he might react violently like he's done in the past. What a bold way to start a conversation with someone you don't know.

"Must've just been a misunderstanding," I replied with no definite answer, watching as he looked me over and then reached into his truck. I felt myself tense up and I wondered for a split second if he was going to pull a knife or a gun on me, knowing his temper and violent nature, who knows what he was capable of, but I relaxed when I noticed him take out a bottle of beer and hand it in my direction.. Drinking and driving? Seems like something he'd do.. I guess I shouldn't judge him on that, though, since I'm guilty of that, too.

"You look like you could use a drink," he invited and I hesitated for a moment before continuing my walk and stopping at his truck a few feet from him. I took the beer and nodded in thanks, twisting it open and pitching the cap, hearing it bounce and tap on the pavement.

"What are you doing out here, anyways?" I asked as I took a long drink of the beer, finishing about a third of it and it felt good to be hydrated by the thing that could keep my buzz going.. Stopping to be responsible was never fun and was always difficult, it was so much easier just to lean into it, and in this case, I definitely needed one with the company I kept.

"I swear, it's pure coincidence," he said with a chuckle, acting as if he wasn't up to anything as he took a sip of his own beer. I looked over my shoulder and could see the glowing lights of the outdoor reception far in the distance up the hill, but it was still too close for my liking. I was sure he could tell by the look on my face that I didn't believe him, but he didn't even bother to explain himself and keep up the lie.

"Alright, yeh caught me," he said as he playfully put his hands up like I was a cop and he was a robber caught red handed, "Riley and I go way back. I was hopin' to go to her place later and have a talkin' with her, maybe win her back somehow, but I didn't want to interrupt the party, so, I'm waitin' 'til it's over.. Let her have her fun before I come in an' probably ruin it," he explained himself, and when he put it like that, he seemed like a much nicer guy than he was.

"It's my brother's wedding, so, I'd appreciate you not crashing it," I replied with a small threat.

"Younger brother, I'm guessin', by that response," he said with a cocky grin and it bothered me that it seemed like he could read me as easily as I'm reading him, like we were an equal match. I knew he was full of shit, and he knew that I had something to protect, but what I was protecting exactly was what he was still trying to figure out.

"So.. You and Riley go way back, huh? You two used to date or something?" I wondered as if I didn't know already, taking another sip of my beer and he nodded as he took another sip of his, too.

"Yeah, you could say that.. Last time we saw one another, we got into a pretty big fight.. I left and did some dumb shit, got caught and wound up in jail for a while.. Just got out a few days ago, actually.. I think she thinks I left her on purpose, which wasn't the case.. I tried calling her while I was in there, but was never able to get a hold of her, so I guessed that she left town or changed her number or somethin'.. I never got the chance to apologize, so, I tried to find her and I did.. I just hope I'm lucky and she'll hear me out.. Can't give up on the only real thing I've known, y'know?" He explained, and the way he said everything made me almost believe him. He was a really good liar, very convincing, and I think if I'd never seen for myself what he'd truly done to her, I really would've believed him. Was he delusional and convinced himself that it happened that way? Or, was he fully aware he was lying and put on a decent mask to hide that truth? ..I think I'm starting to see how Riley could be fooled by someone like him. He was good at manipulating people.

"Sounds like a true love story, big romantic gesture and all," I said with a soft chuckle and he nodded with a smile.

"Exactly! See, you get it.. I just hope she does, too," he replied and there was a long moment of silence after we'd both taken another sip of our beers.

"This is weird, right? Me, hanging out in this parking lot waiting for a party to end so I can talk to a girl?" He asked sarcastically with a laugh and I gave a fake chuckle.

"Yeah, I think it is," I replied jokingly and he sighed.

"Maybe I should just wait for her at her place.. Well, I mean, I would, but.. I don't really remember where AnneMarie told me it was.. The roads here are pretty curvy and confusin', I think I've already gotten lost about ten times now," he said with a laugh. I could tell he was getting at something and I already knew he had to be lying.. AnneMarie would never tell this creep where Riley lived. He was underestimating how much I knew about their situation just because I told him Riley and I weren't together.. It was actually kind of empowering knowing for sure now how much stupider he was than me. I can't believe I thought of him as an equal match before.

"You wouldn't happen to know where she lives now, do yeh? You'd really be helpin' a buddy out and I'd sure owe you one," he asked, his expression meaning well and looking a little desperate. He really was good at being something he wasn't and I was curious when he'd ask something like that. 

"Sorry, can't help you.. I don't know where she lives," I lied again, but I had to, there was no question about it. I noticed him get discouraged, even a hint of anger behind his eyes, like he was asking himself why he was wasting his time talking to me now when I didn't have any answers and couldn't help him stalk Riley. Maybe he got a new lease on life after jail, or maybe he's still the same violent scumbag that put his hands on Riley.. Either way, I'll never allow him to be alone with her ever again. I couldn't live with myself knowing I allowed it to happen and she got hurt.

"So, you just gave her the ride here from the church?" He wondered next and I hesitated a moment, observing his eyes and thinking about how he'd worded that. Had he been seeing through my lies just as easily as I had been seeing through his?

"..And?" I asked.

"Couldn't help but notice, too, that it seemed like you two were holdin' hands in the car, even thought I saw you kiss 'em a few times," he said with a tone that seemed as if he was rooting for me, like something Tavish would do. It was obvious he was trying to get as much information out of me as he could, and I didn't like where this was going.

"Must've just been wiping my nose or something," I brushed off with a shrug, finishing the beer I had.

"Yeah.. Or somethin'," he repeated back and I watched as he didn't stop looking at me as he finished his beer, too. This guy really was a creep and he definitely made me a little uneasy, his eyes always contained a sense of darkness in them somewhere, even when his facial expressions or how he spoke implied different. With that statement, too, he didn't really seem like keeping up the charade anymore that he believed any of my lies, and he didn't seem to mind anymore that it was obvious he was stalking her, or us. Who knew if he was even telling the truth about getting out of jail a few days ago.. He could've seen more of Riley and I's relationship than I'm aware of and comfortable with.

"I should be getting back, thanks for the beer.. Maybe you should sleep in your truck..? Wouldn't want to get pulled over drinking and driving," I suggested and he shook his head.

"Nah, I've only had two.. I'll be okay. Need to wait for my lady to be done with her party, after all.. Gotta keep a clear head if she lets me have a word or two with her.. Can't afford to let this one get away again," he replied and his entire answer made the hairs on the back of my neck stand up as I tried to hide how badly I wanted to deal with him right here and now.

..I can't risk this guy walking around like this.. Walking around so close to Riley, wondering where she lives to no doubt finish what he'd started.. It was only a matter of time before he'd eventually find out, too. She's not safe, and he was right.. I can't afford to let this one get away again.. 

"I know exactly what you mean," I replied and my body moved on its own, lifting my arm and stepping up to him before he even knew what was happening.

A loud pop of the glass bottle exploding over his head filled the empty parking lot with one hard swing and he staggered, trying to catch himself from falling by grabbing onto the truck. Before he could fully catch his fall, I was already on him again, holding the front of his shirt tightly and driving my fist into his face over and over as hard as I could. At first for a quick moment, he tried to fight back and block my fist, but once I found my way around it and had hit him again, he didn't show much sign of being able to fight back anymore as he was dazed. His legs gave out and he fell to the ground where I followed his body, continuing to hit him until my knuckles started slipping on his face from the blood that covered it. When I noticed that he was still conscious, although completely limp, I stopped my hitting, but kept a grip on the front of his clothes and stayed close so I could express my own threat before leaving him there.

"I know everything about you and what happened between you two.. Riley isn't just some weak woman anymore that you can manipulate, intimidate or hurt. She isn't alone, either. She has me now.. And, guess what? I lied before. We are fucking. She let me fuck her after the wedding before the reception," I threw in as an extra little 'fuck you' with a smirk on my lips, watching him still trying to breathe and recover from me rearranging his face, "Stay away from my girlfriend," I finished, standing up straight again from crouching over him, dusting myself off and turning back around so I could make the short walk back to the reception.

When I got back to the reception, the music still playing and everyone still having a great time not knowing I had left for a short while, I slipped into the bathroom unnoticed and went to the sink. I turned on the water and washed my hands of Jeff's blood, observing my knuckles that had inflicted the damage on his face and I could tell they were a little cut up and would bruise later on, but it wasn't too bad.. Nothing I couldn't hide until it healed, and luckily it was dark enough out that I'm sure it would go undetected for now so I could still enjoy celebrating my brother's wedding with everyone.

After washing myself up, I left the bathroom and not even five steps out of it I was met by Riley who had pulled herself from the dance floor when she noticed me. She wrapped her arms around my waist and I smiled when I saw how happy she was to see me.

"Hey! Where've you beeeeeen? I've been wanting to dance with you," she said in such a sweet yet playfully sad tone and I could tell she'd been drinking, too. I'm sure everyone had while I was gone.. Which was.. How long? ..A half hour maybe?

"Had to say hello to a few people, then got some air.. Had to come back to find you though so we could dance and I can grind up on that body," I replied with a grin as I pulled her close and she made a giddy laugh.

"Don't you dare, not in front of your whole family. Behave yourself, Mr. Dubois," she teased and I chuckled as I was then dragged to the dance floor.

As Riley and I danced with everyone else, I was present in the moment, however, I thought about what I had just done to Jeff on her behalf and he made me feel empowered in a way.. Accomplished, even. I protected my woman, installed threats into her ex, and even showed him a side of me that wouldn't be lost in translation. I laid it out for him plainly and clearly, and if he didn't get the message, then he truly was delusional and a monster that needed to be taken care of.. Part of me kind of wished I had killed him just to make sure, but, I believe in second chances.. Only time will tell if he's worthy of one.