The thing about pain is it won't last forever. And it kills you right now, but with time it gets better. The thing about scars, is they all start to fade. Until nothing is left, of the cuts that were made. The thing about today is there's always tomorrow. And if you can't find your smile, I have one you can borrow. The thing about help is beside you it stands. But it won't know it's needed unless you reach out your hand. The thing about love is you can't feel it's touch. Until you let someone know, that this world is too much.

-♛𝕠𝕒𝕜𝕝𝕖𝕪 𝕔𝕠𝕧𝕖♛

I sat there alone in mine and Roland's office, distracting myself with all this work instead of facing reality. It had been three days since Roland woke up and he's recovering perfectly. He will still be on bed rest for two more days, unfortunately even after that, he won't be able to do much.

I hadn't gone to see him since he woke, I just couldn't. I knew I was overthinking and he wasn't the type to keep a girl a secret from me. But I was scared, scared that the one person by my side since coming to New York was a lier.

Pushing the papers that I held in my heads back down on the desk, I let out a small sigh realizing it's getting late.

Hearing the door slam open causing my head to snap to the sound. Ramsey stood there with a large frown. He had on a white button-up shirt and dress pants. I went silent waiting for him to speak.

"Oakley." He says quietly his frown turning into a small smile making me look back down at the papers I had just put down.

"Ramsey?" I question.

"He is asking for you again." I felt my heartthrob for a split second before I controlled my emotions. Turning my head back to him, who was sending me a pleading look.

"I'm working," I whisper making him cross his arms over his chest.

"You were working yesterday! And the day before that! And the day before that!" He groans loudly. "Trust me, he isn't cheating or talking to anyone else. He wants you, only you." I wanted to believe his words so badly.

"Then who is Olivia?"

"It's a sensitive subject to him. He wouldn't want me telling you, go talk to him." He says softly making me sigh.

"I'm busy." I huff out. "I've gotten a lead on the South that I can't let slip." Looking down at the photo of Ryan. I remember his curly brown hair from the day of the race, the dinner, and the time I was with them.

"What is it?" I frown softly at his question. They have loads of supplies coming through the south docks in a week and that made me nervous. They're getting bigger, they need to be shut down soon.

"Nothing you need to worry about." I lie with a fake smile making him roll his eyes. He starts walking back to the door causing me to turn back to my work.

"See him soon. He needs you." I hear him whisper making me close my eyes. I know he needs me because I need him too.

-♛

Shutting down my computer and making sure to clean up all my mess. I glance down at my wrist, checking the time. It was almost two in the morning.

As I stand up I stretch my stiff limbs, sitting in a chair is not ideal. I let out a soft sigh as I leave the office. Most of the lights were either out or dimmed. My heels clicked against the floor, they were a sweet red that matched the skirt I was wearing.

My feet carried me to his room. Where I stood for a couple of seconds just thinking. I should see him if anything. He is probably also asleep. With a huff, I push open the door quietly.

The room was lit softly from the lights of all the machines and a small light that was plugged in. He was laying flat on his back with his arm spread off the bed. I smiled at how much larger he looked in the small bed.

I move the chair so that I can sit near him. Placing my head through his soft brown hair. He moves slightly under my touch making me stop. I watch as his eyes flutter open making me look away.

"You came.." He mumbles softly, his voice raspy and deeper than normal. I felt his hand touch make cheek making me look back at him. A frown sat on his lips as he studied me slowly.

"I'm sorry I woke you," I whisper making him shake his head.

"I'm glad." He says as he lets his head play with a curl that feels out of the bun I had done. "Lay with me?" I nod slowly climbing off of the chair and into the small bed. He moves over giving me room as I wrap my arms around his chest. "Oakley, I didn't mean to call you her name. I was on drugs and not thinking clearly."

"I know," I hum softly. "Do you mind me asking who she is?" I ask quietly not knowing what he will say.

"Olivia. She and I grew up together. Her father was my dad's second in command. She was only 10, she had gotten kidnapped and killed by some low life wannabe mafia. My dad and hers killed every last one of those monsters." I could feel him tense as he explained making me take his hand in mine. "I thought she had moved for most of my life until I took over and the secrets were no more."

"I'm so sorry Roland." I hum sitting up so I can look him in the eyes. I lean over letting my lips brush against his, giving him a soft but passionate kiss.

"She had the same curly blonde hair." I watch as he shakes his head. "I'm sorry I said her name."

"Don't be.." I softly say giving his cheek a slow kiss. "I forgive you. It was a mistake and it's not like you were cheating." I dryly whisper.

"Oakley?"

"Hm?"

"Be mine, be my Queen." My eyes widen slightly.

"Like dating?"

"Yes, will you be my girlfriend?" He laughs softly making me feel his chest vibrate.

"I...um yes I will." I smile letting the biggest smile fall onto my lips. "Good." I heard him say as I rest my head on his chest letting my eyes close. "Let's sleep, i've known you've been working all day." I nod at his words letting myself slip into darkness.

-♛

Slipping on my school uniform quickly before I pulled my hair into a low bun letting most of my curls fall out. I turned to look in the mirror and at my face. The bruises from getting hit were unnoticeable making me smile.

I quickly put on shoes letting a small yawn pass my lips. I had to get up earlier since today I was going to go back to school. I knew all the leaders were attending and I need more answers.

I walked into the kitchen to see all the Ronan boys, except Roland, dressed in there uniforms just like me. "You're coming to school today?" I heard Reed ask. I sent him a small nod.

"I have business." I hum making him groan.

"Does Roland know?" Reyder said making me look at him with a glare.

"May I remind you, I am one of the two leaders of this mafia shit. Meaning i'm also your boss and should not be questioned!" I snap harshly. Before looking down. "Sorry i'm tired, ignore me." They all sent glares to each other but keep it to themselves. I was about to leave and just get food on the way to school at some cafe or something. When Roland limped through the doors making me walk over to him quickly. I slip my arm under his back helping him stand by taking some of his weight. "You still have one more day on bed rest. What are you doing?" I ask him softly as he looks down at me.

"I'm fine to work so I am." He whispers as he leans over and kisses my jaw making me blush softly. "Why are you in your uniform, angel. It's not safe."

"I have business." I hum not looking at him.

"It's not safe." He repeats with a serious tone. I pull away from him causing him to go take a seat with a groan.

"I'm going," I whisper with a harsh look. Turning to Roland. "I know I can't stop you from working but please stay seated or laying down. Your body needs to heal." I send him a look that says do what I say or else. I then turn on my heels leaving the room before he could say anything.

I called my brother to check in and everything seemed fine as he spoke to me. I said goodbye as the large school came in view. Parking one of the many old cars that the Ronans had said I could borrow.

Watching as all their eyes twinkled to me causing me to smirk. I held my head high as I stepped out of the car. The East and West leaders, and their inner circles, both stood staring at each other in hatred. With a sigh, I walk over standing next to both Elijah and Oliver. They had not noticed me yet, making me smile as they yelled at each other.

"Boys," I mumble making both their heads snap to me.

"Oakley.." They breathe out. I nod smiling at the three boys behind Oliver. Ares, Forrest, and Zayn all stood giving me a smirk. Then turning to the boys behind Elijah there faces all seemed down slightly making the sight of Grayson getting his throat cut come back into my mind.

I pull Colton and Harry's arms giving them a tight hug. When I pull away I pat Tobias's arm, not wanting to touch him that much.

I turned to see Ares looking for someone making me think of Hannah.

Speaking of her, I watch as she walks over here. "You feeling ok?" She asks, her hand slipping around Ares arm tightly. She kisses his cheek slowly making a faint smile fall on his lips.

I nod looking down. "I'm fine. I just need to talk with you two." I turn back to Elijah and Oliver. They nod, making everyone walk away. They crowd around practically ran once I looked around sending a harsh glare at everyone.

"They have a large shipment coming in," I whisper softly. "Four crates, south dock."

"What can we even do? Last time we tried to stop them, you got kidnapped and one of my men died." I heard Elijah say as he frowns tightly.

"But if we all go we could easily take out bad many as we can!" I whisper violently. "I have a plan."

"What is it? You have got to be kidding if you think i'm going to work with this fool." Oliver spit out as he crossed his arms. His green eyes stared down at me as his brown hair falls over his eyes.

"Would you rather South taking over all of our mafias leaving us with nothing?!" I snap at him. He sighs shaking his head. "Just please listen to what I have to say."

They glare at each other before turning to me and nodding there heads. "Good." I had been thinking a lot about what is the best thing to do. "We will offer up Paxton for a deal. Him alive and in exchange, they will leave us alone."

"They were one step ahead of us last time, we are going to walk into another trap," Elijah says looking down. "What happens if they don't want the deal? He is his brother but that man has no heart."

"We will be on our land not had, so we can monitor what happens. And if they don't want Paxton I can offer something they can't refuse."

"And what is that?"

"Me."

-♛

hope you enjoy part 27!!

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little filler chapter

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