"So, this guy is..." Rex asked, trying to sound casual as he leaned back on his couch, his TV remote resting uselessly in his hand. I know he wasn't planning on using it. He just needed an excuse not to clench his fist.

"A friend from middle school. I didn't live in Jasper then, and he was really the only one that wanted to be friends with me."

Which, by the way, none of that was a lie. Jax and I really did go to middle school together outside of Jasper, and he was the only one that wanted to be my friend. But I was a lot—different back then. Much less stable. People didn't like to be around me.

Rex was silent a moment as he tossed the remote easily between his two hands. "So, you two weren't..." He paused, those dark eyes glancing anywhere but at me. "You two weren't like a thing, were you?" The cautious, uncertainty in his voice left me puzzled.

I tilted my head to look at him from where I was sitting on the carpeted floor, a handful of textbooks scattered around me. The boys had left hours ago, leaving just Rex and I in his quiet apartment. It was Saturday night, and he was supposed to be helping me study for everything I was failing—which was more than I would have like—before we got sidetracked on the whole Jax thing again.

"A thing?"

He rolled those chestnut eyes. "Yeah, Roza. A thing. Like did you two ever date?" The words sounded hard, like he had to bite them out, and for his sake I tried not to let out how funny that question was.

But I laughed anyways.

"Oh God no. Jax is like a brother." I snickered and flipped through a couple more useless pages of my history book. "He helped me through a lot then." That was fine to admit, right? It's not like I told him exactly what Jax had to pull my sorry butt out of. I never wanted to think about some of that stuff again anyways.

"Besides," I continued while still snickering. Rex's tense shoulders had eased some and he even stopped tossing the remote around. "I don't think he was in a girl phase then anyway."

That grabbed his complete attention.

"A what?" He asked incredulously and placed the remote down on the couch beside him as those eyes finally snapped to mine. I shot him a sheepish smile.

"Um, yeah, a girl phase. Jax is bi'."

It wasn't necessarily a secret. I mean, he didn't go around broadcasting to the world that he liked both genders, but he didn't hide it either. Jax always just said it was his business, but he didn't care who knew. He was never afraid of anything.

Rex's gaze widened, and he leaned back in the couch with a shocked little 'huh'. "You guys go to the same gym together and you didn't know that?" I teased, even though I knew it wasn't something people usually brought up when they were fighting each other—like actual fighting I mean.

"I was in the same foster home with the guy for a while and I didn't know then. So much for my fucking IQ. Damn."

My pulse pounded so loudly in my ears I thought the drums would explode. "You guys were in a foster home together?" Oh no. Panic started coursing through my veins. What all has Jax already told him that I didn't know about? When were they living together? There was only a handful of times Jax and I were apart back then. Were we in the same house and I didn't even know it?!

No. No, that's not possible. I would have remembered him. Even as kids. There's no way I would forget ever meeting Rex Turner. No matter how badly my head was messed up. I forced down the painful knot that had grew in my throat and tried to act like I was still interested in the textbooks.

"Yeah, we were young though and it wasn't for very long. He had this sister or whatever he kept bugging everyone about. I think they finally kicked him out so they could be put together."

I let out the shaky, relieved breath that had caught in my lungs. Okay, so he didn't know. That was fine, I could work with that. "Y-Yeah," I started on a little laugh, if only to push the rest of the panic out of my system. "He was always really good at getting what he wanted."

"That better not be you." I heard Rex mumbled under his breath, or at least I thought I did, but he had spoken too low for me to genuinely process.

"What?"

"Nothing. Come here, I'm bored." And then, like I was a child, his strong hands were gripping under my arms and pulling me back and up the couch. I little out a surprised squeak as he placed me in his lap.

Well this was... new.

He never placed me in his lap before.

I liked it.

A lot.

"I didn't like you all the way over there." He grumbled and that dark voice of his sent goosebumps over my skin.

"You're supposed to be helping me study, you know. That's the only reason I got Luce off my back." I was sitting sideways on his thighs, my good hand nervously playing with the hoodie he was wearing as he reached for my bad one. I gave it to him without a word, and like usual he cradled it protectively against his chest.

"I'll take all your tests for you."

I laughed at that, and his dark eyes seemed to brighten at the action. "I really don't think you'll be able to convince the teachers you're me." He shrugged his strong shoulders as the hand that wasn't holding onto my sprained wrist played with the back of my shirt.

"I'll break into the school's computer system and change your grades."

My eyes widened at that, and my laughter faded away. Now that was something I knew he could—and would—do. "No, no. It's fine. I'll just study later." His dark chuckle filled the living room and sent little shivers throughout my body. "You're too easy." The tension that had tightened my shoulders slowly fell away. Then his smile faded, and his eyes grew serious once again.

"So, blondie is-"

"Jax. Were still on this?" I mumbled the last part beneath my breath, but I had a feeling he still heard. Rex ignored it though and continued.

"Yeah, I know his name. So, blondie is gay-"

"He's bi'."

"Saying he's gay makes me feel better." He grumbled as those strong fingers of his brushed just barely beneath my shirt. H-e-double-hockey-sticks, I would tell him every guy I knew was gay if it made him keep doing that.

"Anyways," He continued, those dark eyes narrowing. "So, there's not a chance he's—into you?" This was the first time I have ever seen Rex so uncertain, and my mind didn't know how to process it.

Was he—jealous?

"Nope, not one." I smiled and tugged on the fabric of his hoodie. "I told you we're just friends. Well, he's kind of my best friend, but that's it. Scouts honor."

Rex rolled those beautiful dark eyes, but his yummy lips pulled into a smile. "You were never a scout."

I pouted, and his gaze dropped down at the action. "You don't know that." I grumbled as his thumb brushed ever so softly against the edge of my shirt. The back was raised slightly from sitting on his lap, and every once in a while, I felt the soft pad of his thumb brush against bare skin. It made electricity surge across my entire body.

"Girls weren't welcomed in the scouts until 2018." He just had to pull trivia out of like that.

My pout grew and I grabbed my arm from his grip to cross them both over my chest. "Whatever. I'm still serious." He chuckled and leaned forward slightly until both of his arms could wrap around my waist.

"I know Roza, I believe you. Don't pout." But those chestnut eyes were still looking at my mouth and a sneaky thought popped into my head.

"I like that look on your face."

His gaze flickered up to mine, but the surprise didn't last long as that smirked pulled on his lips. "And what look would that be?"

"The one where you want to kiss me." I shot him a beaming smile, ignoring the heat surging up the back of my neck. I cannot believe I just said that! But I know it was the right thing to do, since Rex started laughing.

He shouldn't be so darn perfect.

"Alright, Sweetheart." He chuckled, his arms tightening around me until I was forced to fall against him. "What are you waiting for?"

My eyes widened, and the smile fell from my face only for the embarrassed heat to take over. "Uh, um, what?" I had just been teasing! After he said that at the boxing match I had been so flustered and he just laughed it off. I only wanted to tease him back. I didn't actually think he would tell me to kiss him!

His head tilted curiously to the side, that smirk still on his perfect face. "You know I want to kiss you, so do it."

"I don't... I don't know that! I was just messing with you!"

"I just told you I did, didn't I?"

"Y-Yes, but I—but I..." I mean I totally and one hundred percent wanted to kiss him! I just didn't know how to. Last night he had taken control and said what to do. I had no idea if starting the kiss was different or not.

"Do you not want to kiss me?" His tone was light and teasing, but when I dared to glance into those eyes, they were sad.

"No, I do!" And I barreled on like that didn't make my neck flame in embarrassment. "I just don't know what to do. Like, last night caught me by surprise and you had to stop and tell me what to do, and I don't know if starting a kiss is different than getting one and I-"

I had been too busy rambling to notice him lean forward and grip lightly at my chin. My words instantly died on my tongue as that soft, feathery touch brushed against my lips. "You're thinking too much, Roza." He breathed softly, his face pulling away just enough to gaze down at my wide eyes.

"Close your eyes."

So, I did, and tried not to hold my breath as his fingertips lightly brushed over my jawline and across my cheek. "All you have to do," Rex started softly, his fingers curling into my hair as his other hand wrapped back around my waist. "Is enjoy yourself."

Then all rational thought flew from my mind as his lips brushed against mine. My fingers automatically curled into his hoodie and I found it harder forcing myself not to push further into the kiss than being awkward about it. It was simple, and sweet, and he didn't take it far—but it was still enough to make my head spin in three thousand different ways.

"See?" He asked a little breathlessly when we finally pulled away. "You just have to let go."

I was never, ever, ever going to let him go.

I nodded and tried not to pout as he pulled his head completely away from mine. But then he smiled, and all sad thoughts fled my mind. "I'm not going to get used to that." He spoke softly, his tone endearing as his arms pulled me into his chest.

"Is that a good thing?" I mumbled as I cuddled down into his strong, hoodie-covered arms, my brain completely foggy from his kiss.

"Very good."

We sat like that for a while, the TV playing some old rerun in the background as he held me tightly against him. "Hey T'?" I asked softly a couple minutes later. I was going to take advantage of being cuddled against him and not looking in his eyes to force the question past my lips. I knew if I didn't it would eat away at my sanity. Not that there was much of that left.

"Mm?" He murmured into my hair as his cheek pressed firmly against the top of my head.

"What... are we doing?"

"Cuddling."

"That's not what I meant." I grumbled against him. "I mean what are we with the kissing. Friends don't-"

"God, don't bring up the fucking friends thing again." He groaned, and I could feel the sound reverberate from his chest. A frown pulled on my lips.

"I'm just confused."

"I know." He grumbled, though he didn't pull away. "I already told you I don't want to be your friend. I want to be more—be everything." He let out a soft sigh and readjusted his hold.

"You're my girl, Roza. Just mine, no one else'. I'll be whatever you want me to be."

Rune Evans was a business tycoon. Anyone, and everyone that went into the field aspired to be him. He owned half, if not all, of New England, the East coast, parts of California and Canada. He had a hand in nearly anything you could think of. Car dealerships, to property, to weapons, to food, etc. He knew what consumers wanted and made the products to supply it.

I stared up at the large skyscraper, the name Evans flashing boldly down its side. I had no clue if he would even fucking be there, or if they would let me in. But I knew that everything came at a price, and I preferred taking care of it myself instead of being punched by it later.

I had no fucking idea why one of the top businessmen in all of North America would care about bailing out my sorry ass—or how the fuck he even knew I existed—but there was a tight ball of stress in my stomach that kept gnawing away at my mind. It wouldn't go away until I figured out what the fuck he wanted with me.

"Can I help you?" A young, fairly attractive, blonde receptionist greeted as I stepped inside the building. She smiled up at me, hazel eyes flashing in the lights of the room.

Fuck off.

"Yeah, I'm Rex Turner, here to see Rune Evans."

She raised one sleek eyebrow, and her smile quickly turned condescending. "Mr. Evans is very busy. I don't believe he has time for social calls today."

"It's not a social call. I need to know what the fuck he wants with me."

Those hazel eyes widened, and her mouth opened slightly in surprise. I let out a haggard sigh. Yeah, fine, whatever. I didn't have the best conversational skills, but if people would just stop being fucking idiots, I wouldn't get so damn aggravated.

"Look, blondie, just get on your phone, send up my name and see what the big guy says, alright?"

That condescending tone dropped from her voice and she mumbled a quick 'okay' before picking up her phone. Fucking christ. If everyone just did what I asked the first damn time I wouldn't fucking snap at them.

A pair of dark, green, forest eyes flashed across my mind and I felt my shoulders deflate. Rose is always just curious, and I'm a dick. I had to control it better. For her. I couldn't stand seeing that big round gaze all red and puffy from crying. Especially because I was the one that fucked it all up.

It was Monday and I had Trey pick her up for school instead of me. I didn't want her to know any more about this shit than what she already did. I hated being in debt to anyone, especially someone as influential as Rune Evans. If I got shoved down a rabbit hole of absolute complete shit, like I usually do, I needed her as far away from it as possible. She was the only good thing in this world. And I refused to let my fucked-up life change that.

"Mr. Turner?" The blonde's now all of sudden timid voice caught my attention, and my eyes snapped to hers as she nervously adjusted her blazer.

"Mr. Evans will see you. Grayson will escort you up."

I was actually surprised that worked. I had no guarantee the guy was even in this building. He had a handle of offices scattered across the country and people say he often bounces around whenever the urge hits him. I tried to keep the smug smile off my face as Grayson, or one of the buildings fucking security guard, lead the way to an elevator hidden behind the receptionist desk.

"Mr. Evans has been very busy lately. I'm surprised he was able to squeeze a casual meeting in."

Fuck. The guy was a talker. I rolled my eyes and let out a quiet sigh but didn't bother biting the idiots head off. Waste of energy. My eyes stayed glued to the elevators buttons as we slowly, slowly rose through the floors. Or it felt that fucking slowly since they guy never stopped talking.

Evan's office was on the top floor of the building. Not necessarily the best place in case of an emergency, but I guess his helicopter pad on the roof made up for it. Grayson left me at the elevator, a wide smile on his lips and completely oblivious to the fact that I didn't give one flying fucking.

"Follow the hall until you hit the large door on the right. Mr. Evans is waiting for you." Then he disappeared behind the closing elevator door.

For the first time since I decided to come here, I felt a small chill run down my spine. It wasn't a feeling I liked, or appreciated whatsoever, but I knew better than to ignore it. The hall was huge and looked like it had been taken straight out of a Victorian era design catalog. Drapes covered the length of the walls and dark furniture sat pressed against it. There was even a deep maroon rug covering the entire floor.

No way I was still in that fucking building.

I walked slowly towards the door the guard indicated, the chill running down my spine once again as I stopped just outside a large mahogany door. I steeled my resolve and knocked against the wood.

"You can come in." A strong, firm voice seemed to boom through the wood.

I didn't give myself a chance to feel weary or concerned. I wasn't a weak-willed bitch like others. I pushed the door open and stepped inside the brightly lit office. My eyes landed on the man sitting behind the large desk taking up the whole back of the room, a bemused smile pulling at his lips. Everything inside of me flipped upside down.

"You have got to be fucking kidding me."