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The minute Braden offers me his hand, helping me get out of the car, and I step out, flashlights flash, blinding me and catching me totally off guard. I wasn't expecting it, but Braden obviously did, because he has a tight grip on my lower back, keeping me close to his body.

He kisses my temple to reassure me and I blush slightly, knowing that this might appear all over the Internet tomorrow. But I don't care. I look at him and smile happily at him, thanking him silently for bringing me here with him. I feel important standing beside such an amazing and powerful man.

He leads me inside, holding me to him all the time while cameras go off and I hear people throw questions at him, some business ones, others wondering if I'm his 'girl' and if we're serious. Braden doesn't comment on anything. He keeps his chin lifted and his eyes straight, being the image of a powerful man he truly is. I admire him for the confidence he has, but then again, being as successful as he is at that age, he has all the reason to be confident.

We leave our coats in the resigned place before going inside. When I take my coat off, Braden's eyes again take my full form in. He has a smouldering hot look when his eyes rake back to mine. I flush as giddiness settles inside me. I suddenly feel like giggling like a girl being praised. God, I'm pathetic.

When Braden puts his hand back on my back, his hand touching my bare skin, he goes completely still and a small moan leaves his lips. My body feels that moan right in the very right parts. ''Jesus, Rory,'' Braden says under his breath. I look at him with big eyes. He looks at my open back and he closes his eyes for a long second, getting himself under control. ''I'm not going to survive this night,'' he says, opening his eyes and stares directly at me.

I smile to him, currently floating on a cloud nine.

Braden kisses my cheek and then leans in to whisper in my ear, ''I'm here with the most beautiful woman tonight. Watch every man wishing he'd be in my place the whole night.''

I feel like all breath leaves my body with his words and my chest gets too tight. I smile at him, showing my teeth and Braden puts his thumb at the corner of my mouth, his eyes shining. ''You're being silly,'' I say, still grinning up at him.

Braden shakes his head. ''Not at all. But on the second thought, they better not glance in your way if they don't want me to break their fingers. Or anything else,'' he threatens, but his tone is happy.

I roll my eyes. ''Stop being such a caveman. You'll be ogled by females tonight, too. Does it give me an excuse to fight them?''

Braden's eyes dangerously flash. ''Oh, I'd pay to see that,'' he comments with a low voice.

I snort. ''Take me inside,'' I command, trying hard not to full out laugh.

''Of course, my lady.'' He dramatically bows before me and gives me his arm for me to take. I happily place my palm on it.

As we come inside, a gasp leaves my lips.

Braden looks at me, smiling softly. ''You like?'' he asks quietly, for my own ears only.

I stare deep into his eyes. ''I love,'' I breathe. And I don't just talk about the whole decoration, which is a fairy-tale like.

Because of the chilly autumn air, the gala is held inside. And everywhere you look in the enormous room, you see blue. Literally. The lights are dimmed, making a dark atmosphere, but what makes it so magical are the blue lights. Whether there are blue balls hanging from the ceiling or the small lights on the wall and the floor, creating a path, everything's blue. It's beautiful.

There are a lot of people here tonight. And all are dressed extravagantly, men wearing tuxedos and women with gowns in all length and colours. I mentally thank Brooke, who forced me to wear this gown.

I feel like a princess standing next to Braden. He looks dashing tonight – he always looks handsome, but there's something about him tonight.

He's relaxed by my side. And even though his face is serious, his eyes are shining in happiness. This look suits him very much, I realise. I like seeing him happy.

A waiter comes by and Braden takes two glasses filled with champagne, giving one to me. He looks into my eyes expectantly and raises his glass up. ''To us,'' he says, his lips slightly pulled upwards in a small smile.

I'm totally drinking to that. I clink my glass against his, murmuring, ''To us,'' and taking a long sip.

Before any of us can say anything, a woman comes to us, putting her hand on Braden's shoulder in a familiar way. I glare at where her hand is connecting with Braden's body, throwing daggers at the spot. It doesn't help that she's gorgeous in that model-like way with a slim waist, long legs and blonde long hair. I hate her instantly.

''Braden, hi,'' she says in a honey voice that makes me wince.

She has her eyes only on Braden. ''Gabriella. Hello,'' Braden greets her back warmly. Wow, even her name is beautiful. I grip Braden's arm tighter, reminding him that I'm still standing by his side. Braden casts his glance at me and wraps his arm around my back. ''Let me introduce you to my friend. This is Rory Warren. Rory, this is Gabriella Lair, my old friend.''

I cast my shocked eyes at him. Friend. He said I'm his friend.

''Hello, Rory. Nice to meet you,'' Gabriella says, smiling at me, but I'm too busy gaping at Braden to form any kind of intelligent words. There's a lump in my throat and my whole body feels tense.

''If you'll excuse me, I need to use the restroom.'' I turn to Gabriella. ''Hi, nice to meet you, too,'' I say, plastering a big, fake smile on my face.

I can't escape from them soon enough. I gulp down the rest of the champagne and switch the empty glass with a full one, gulping down that one, too.

It doesn't take me long to find the restroom. I go in and check that it's empty and then I lean on the door, taking some breaths. I feel like I have a hole in my chest. Braden is introducing me to the model looking woman as his friend, meanwhile I'm holding myself back from screaming that I love him to anyone who'd want to listen. I feel so stupid right now. I knew this evening was going too good to be real.

I go to the sink and put my wrists under the cool water, helping myself to cool down and calm myself. I learned this trick a long time ago and it makes it a whole lot easier for people not to notice when you're upset. When I feel like I won't burst into tears when I see Braden and hear him saying I'm his friend one more time, I go out and search for him, draining two glasses of champagne on my way, now holding the third one since I came out of the restroom and it's already half empty. I already feel dizzy, but at least it's making me bold.

I find Braden shortly after and he's talking with yet another woman, a different one this time. I don't know why it makes me so bitter, but they're all so gorgeous and I'm a jealous person, I guess.

I come stand next to Braden – I more like sway to him. The event has not even started properly yet and I'm already on a good way to get drunk.

Braden spots me and smiles at me. I smile back at him, although my smile is forced. ''There you are,'' he says and tucks me to his side, making me stumble a bit.

I resist touching him. ''Hey, friend,'' I drawl out, the word friend leaving a bitter taste in my mouth.

Braden's smile falters a bit and he puts his eyebrows together, searching my face. He turns to the woman he was previously talking to. ''Excuse us for a bit, Mandy.'' He nods at her and without waiting for a response, he grips my arm and drags me away, making me almost fall if it wasn't for him holding me so tight.

Braden narrows his eyes at me, but he keeps walking. He dips his head and questions close to my ear, ''Exactly how much have you drunk?''

I giggle. ''I lost my count after three,'' I say to him quietly as if sharing a secret.

A man with a woman on his arm steps in front of me and Braden, greeting Braden in a business way. Braden looks at me. ''Excuse me for a moment, Rory.'' And then he quietly adds, ''Try not to get drunk.''

I shake my arm from his grip. ''I can do whatever I please,'' I hiss at him and sway away from him, a ball of emotions swirling inside me.

This is how all evening goes. The guests try to talk with Braden as much as they can, everyone in the room knows him or has heard of him and I just stay in the corner and drink the whole night. The only time we're together is when there's an auction going on and even then we don't talk much because silence is demanded in the room.

I'm in such a foul mood and I'd like nothing more than go home. I go to the bar and park myself on the stool, ordering a straight vodka.

I swirl my half empty glass in my hand, my throat burning from the drink when a man suddenly pulls a stool next to me out, sitting on it. I don't even glance at him until he speaks to me, ''Why is such a beautiful lady sitting all by herself here with a scowl on her face?'' his tone is rich and soft, filled with authority.

I lift my head his way, almost gasping when I fully notice him. He's ... wow. So handsome with deep black hair, dark eyes and dark eyelashes, his lips slightly full and dark pink. Jesus.

I smile bitterly at his question. ''Drinking my sorrows away it seems,'' I reply.

The stranger lifts an eyebrow, a smile forming on his lips. ''Do tell more,'' he says, inching closer to me.

I shake my head at him. ''Before I start spilling my life story out to you, I'd at least like to know your name.''

The stranger straightens up at me and smiles brightly at me, showing his perfect teeth. He must be in his early thirties. ''Of course, how rude of me. I'm Antonio Villega.''

My eyebrows lift up. ''Pardon my rudeness, but that's not a very American name.''

Antonio chuckles. ''My mother is Spanish.'' He shrugs.

I smile at him. ''Nice to meet you, Antonio. I'm Rory Warren.'' I offer him my hand and he takes it in a light grip, but tight enough to be acceptable, and shakes my hand.

''So, are you here with someone?'' he wants to know.

I just want to answer him, when I feel a hand on the low of my back and I instantly know who it is. ''Rory,'' Braden says in a mean tone. He only says my name and it feels both like a threat and a curse with so much possessiveness in it that it makes me shiver.

I don't turn to look at Braden straight away, I instead face Antonio and answer his question, ''Yes, indeed, I'm here with my dear friend.'' I put my hand on Braden's shoulder in a friendly manner, facing him now and looking him straight in the eyes to jab him back. ''And here he is. Braden, meet my new friend, Antonio.''

Isn't this world beautiful? Everyone's friends with each other this evening. Magnificent!

Braden's mouth pulls up in what seems like a snarl and he pushes me closer to him. ''Villega. We meet again,'' Braden greets coldly, his eyes never leaving him.

Antonio's mouth pulls up a bit in a mocking smirk. ''So it seems, Campbell. And here you are with yet another beauty I befriended. Man, do I know how to choose them,'' he says to his chin, grinning like a satisfied cat.

Braden's body tenses up and his grip on my back tightens. I feel anger vibrating from him and it's making me confused. Do they know each other?

''Watch it, you bastard.''

Antonio chuckles coldly and runs his finger up and down my arm. It makes chills run down my body but not in a good way. His touch freaks me out and makes me uncomfortable. I subconsciously lean closer to Braden. My protector.

''I wonder if she's as easy as Vic was,'' Antonio says, clearly challenging Braden.

With a move faster than lighting, Braden pulls me down from the stool I was sitting on, plants me on my feet and steps around me, going closer to Antonio's face. ''You can be sure that she's nothing like her,'' he snarls in Antonio's face.

Antonio just smiles at Braden as if he's satisfied by Braden's reaction. I sway on my feet and have to grip the bar counter to steady myself. What the hell is going on?

Antonio lifts a mocking eyebrow. ''Wanna make me test it out? You know, just so you can be sure ...''

Braden doesn't hesitate at swinging his fist back and punching Antonio in the middle of his beautiful face. A few gasps are heard, along of mine. Nobody moves for few long seconds before my drunken mind finally yells at me to do something and I grab Braden's arm, pulling him to me with as much force as I can muster, drunk and all. But being pissed at him gives me a lot of strength apparently because he almost crashes into my chest.

Braden straightens his jacket and brushes it down, before taking my hand as if nothing happened, and says harshly to me, ''We're leaving.''

I don't have it in me to object. Besides, I was ready to go home since the first fifteen minutes I came here. What looked like a promised night turned to a complete disaster.

Braden grabs our coats on the way out, rushing us both into the limo, basically pushing me in it. He comes in behind me and he sits down, putting some space between us. I can see from his clenched jaw and darkened gaze that he's pissed.

I glare at him. ''Oh, no, mister, you don't have any right to be mad at me,'' I accuse.

Braden sharply looks at me, his face not revealing anything. ''No?'' he hums disinterested, making my blood boil even more.

''No!''

He now fully turns his body to me, giving me his full attention. He even unbuttons his jacket, making himself comfortable. ''Well, you didn't have any right flirting with another guy. How about that, Rory?'' he barks right back at me.

I narrow my eyes at him and cross my arms. ''I'm sorry, I thought we were friends?'' I pull the dumb card, snorting at his loud exhale.

''Don't,'' is all he can say.

I lift my eyebrow up incredulously. ''Don't what, Braden? You said it so yourself, don't act so surprised.''

He leans his face closer to mine. ''Really, sweetheart? You want to have this conversation again?'' He levels me with his stare and I have to contain myself not to shriek away. ''You and I,'' he makes a motion with his hand between us, ''are not in any kind of relationship, other than friendship. We agreed on that and we also agreed of not sleeping with anyone else while this arrangement between us lasts.''

I take a sharp breath in and lean back away from him a bit, feeling like he punched me with his fist straight in the face with all the force he could muster. ''Huh. Interesting. I remember you telling me that if anyone asks me about us I have to say we're in a relationship. I guess this doesn't apply to you then, hmm?'' I challenge him with my eyes, then go closer to him and whisper it clearly, ''How hypocrite of you.''

''What do you want from me, Rory?'' Braden asks, suddenly sounding defeated.

''That you stop fucking making up rules about this arrangement all the damn time!'' I say, frustration clearly showing in my voice.

''Don't swear at me,'' he says lowly. ''We agreed to be friends first before anything. And someone has to put some ground rules in this arrangement.''

''And it obviously has to be you,'' I murmur, rolling my eyes. ''You know what? To be perfectly honest, this arrangement between us doesn't seem like a great idea anymore.''

Braden's eyes widen at that. He opens his mouth but closes it again. ''What do you mean by that?'' His voice comes out strangled. ''Do you want to end it?'' he whispers it as if almost afraid of voicing the thought out loud.

I look down, suddenly feeling very empty. I shrug. ''I don't know.''

''Rory ...'' Braden whispers brokenly. ''You don't mean that,'' he says, but he doesn't seem convinced. He lightly puts two fingers on my chin, making me turn my face to him and he leans his forehead against mine, closing his eyes. He places a soft kiss on my lips and when he sees I'm not pushing him away, he puts his mouth more demandingly on mine this time. I almost start crying at how tender he is, how lost he seems and in what situation we found ourselves in. I hate fighting with him so much. ''Don't put an end to us, Rory,'' Braden says against my lips, his hands moving to hold me close to him.

I bury my face in his shoulder, my eyes swimming in tears. ''Don't hurt me, Braden,'' I whisper in his jacket. He puts me on his lap, wraps his arms around my form, squeezing me tightly. He searches for my lips, putting his own on them in a sweet, tender kiss that makes me yearn for more.

He puts his hand on my bare skin on my back, pushing me even closer to him, moulding our bodies closer. ''I need you, baby,'' Braden whispers against my lips, breathing hard.

I'm hot for him and I don't think that'll ever change – him making me want him in only seconds. He wraps his hand in my hair, pushing back, making my head lift back, exposing my neck to him where he instantly puts his mouth, devouring it like he's a starved man. He nuzzles my neck, making me shiver in pleasure. ''God, I've wanted you since I first laid my eyes on you tonight. Fuck that, I wanted you since I first laid my eyes on you. Period.''

Oh, God. I moan at both his words and the feeling that travels down my spine when his lips move against my tender flesh on my neck.

He puts his big palm on my back, spreading his fingers. ''You're so gorgeous, Rory. You're killing me. I swear you're going to be the death of me, sweetness,'' he continues, still nuzzling my throat, putting butterfly kisses on it occasionally.

If he doesn't stop talking like that, it'll be me who'll die. I blindly search for his lips for another hot kiss, putting one hand on his shoulder for balance and the other between us to cup his hard, pulsing length.

Braden moans into my mouth, his hand tightening on my back. He slowly, oh so slowly starts peeling the dress off me, kissing the skin he's exposing. When he comes to my bra, he groans and literally rips it away from my body. I let out a surprised shriek at his sudden moves, laughing and then moaning when he uses his hand on my back to arch my back so his lips can attack my nípple.

I hastily start to undress him, too, getting frustrated when the jacket won't open and I start to tug. Braden's chuckle vibrates around my nípple, making my moves momentarily stop and a sound of pure pleasure comes rumbling out of my mouth.

''Patience, baby,'' Braden says, blowing against my now aching breast.

''Get it off,'' I command, tugging at his jacket again, this time more gentle.

Braden looks at me from under his lashes, a lazy smile playing on his lips, his eyes shining up at me, slightly darker than his usual chocolate brown. I can't look away from his mesmerizing eyes. I literally get lost in his look. The world doesn't exist when I'm with Braden. It's only us. Us against the world.

The phone ringing jolts me up from my lost thoughts and I jump up slightly. Braden closes his eyes and inhales sharply as I land directly on his impressive erection.

Braden takes his phone out and glances at it, groaning lowly. ''I need to take this,'' he says, his voice apologetic. I gulp down the disappointed sigh when he answers it.

But then a thought pops up in my head because I feel a little too daring with all the alcohol buzzing through my system. I graze my upper lip slowly with my tongue, watching Braden the whole time. I feel his cóck twitch in his pants and it makes me even hotter for him.

''The transition was already made. How much you said?'' Braden talks in his neutral tone, but his eyes never leave mine. I put my hand lightly on his chest and slowly move my hand higher to the first button. ''That's not that much and it ...'' And then, with the help of my other hand, I pull his dress shirt on the either side, popping his buttons and send them flying, baring his impressive chest to me. Braden's eyes widen and he becomes silent with his mouth partly open in shock. He was going to say something but I can see I shocked and surprised him with my action. I only smile at him and graze his stomach softly with my nails, licking my lips. I see his Adam's bottle bob as he swallows thickly. ''Uh ... it won't make a big loss,'' Braden finishes hoarsely.

He clears his throat and closes his eyes to calm himself down. I use that second to slide off his lap quickly, kneeling in front of him. His eyes snap open, his clouded eyes immediately find mine. When I put a lazy, sultry smile on my lips, his breath hitches. And when I bring his zipper down and put him out, he mouths a, ''Holy damn,'' in my direction.

''Yes, make sure to contact them,'' Braden says into the receiver, his voice slightly strained. I go closer to him and slowly, teasingly lick his head, making him shudder. I have to bite back a smile.

''I don't give a –'' I put his tip in my mouth, swirling the tongue around, ''damn,'' Braden half moans half breathes out. He closes his eyes as I take him to the back of my throat, as far as I can take him, and he breathes hard and fast, his body shaking.

He reopens his eyes and puts his hand on the back of my head. ''Fix it, Lombard,'' Braden says, his authority not lost.

There's something highly erotic in the act of giving a head to Braden while he's talking business on the phone. I like him losing control because of me. When I start to bob my head up and down, taking him whole with the help of my hand, Braden quickly says a hoarsely, ''I'll call you tomorrow.'' He hangs up and throws the phone across the car, not even bothering with it.

He reaches for me, pulling me upwards, back on his lap. ''Come here, you little vixen.'' He kisses me, his kiss wild and full of uncontrolled desire.

He carefully pulls the dress off me, teasing me with his slow touch he leaves behind. ''That wasn't very nice of you,'' Braden breathes against my neck and my whole body shakes in a wave of pleasure that rolls down right in the centre.

''It's not like you didn't enjoy it.''

He chuckles.

When the dress pools down at the car floor, Braden drops his gaze and inhales sharply and then exhales slowly, hissing out. He looks at me from under his lashes. ''You were bare the whole night?'' he asks in a crooked, unbelieving tone.

I shyly look at him. ''The dress slit is too high for wearing anything.''

He throws his head back, cursing. ''Christ, if I knew that before ...''

I lift my eyebrow, ready to comment something, but I don't want to destroy the moment we're in, so I just shut my mouth and push myself up and sink on him without as much as a warning.

Braden's hands grip my hips, stopping me when he's fully inside me. ''Fuck, Rory, are you trying to kill me?'' he grits out.

I wrap my hands around his neck, looking down at his desire filled eyes and sexily tousled hair. ''Right now I only want to fuck you,'' I whisper close to his face, biting his bottom lip softly.

Braden's mouth pulls up at the corners. ''You won't hear any complains from me.''

I lift up and sink back down on him and I do what we both want and need – connect us together.

And when we're finished, both sweating and breathing hard, Braden just does a decent job at dressing us both up and then he pulls me to his chest, not letting me down from his lap, and wraps his arms around me, hugging me close to his warm body.

And maybe this evening didn't start and went perfectly, but it ended in a more than a perfect way.

achillies- made this awesome cover for me. Thank you.