"Sometimes two people have to fall apart to realize how much they need to fall back together." - Anonymous

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Caden's POV

"Do I look red," I ask Silas, as I smooth my hands over my dress.

I probably look like a freaking tomato after what just happened.

I just yelled, kissed and cried at the same man in the span of ten minutes. And the worst part is, I liked it.

I liked every bit of it.

Well, maybe not the yelling part but definitely the kissing part.

Silas was surprisingly gentle. He cupped my face as if I was a porcelain doll and when his hands slid to my waist, a million butterflies burst in my belly.

But then his words sunk in. His cruel, mean words and it twisted my stomach.

I don't know how this man could go from being a jerk who called me stupid, to holding my face and kissing my tears away.

I swear, his mood swings are a mystery that no one will ever solve.

I want to kiss him again.

God, do I want to kiss him again. I want him to hold me again. Hold me like no one has ever held me before and tell me sweet things and make me smile and laugh.

What am I saying?

One kiss and I've already gone all lovey dovey.

He'll probably go back to his mean self by tomorrow, and this whole charade will be over.

It's probably the ball. He wants to be all Prince Charming for one night before switching back to the beast.

That was mean.

Whatever, I don't care about his feelings.

Yes, you do.

Shut up.

"No," he replies, not even giving me a glance.

Great, he's already going back to his usual jerky self. At least wait ten minutes after you just freaking kissed me!

Letting out an annoyed huff, I open the door and leave.

Good riddance.

I'm seriously over this man.

Not even ten steps and I'm stopped by a hand grasping my wrist. Great.

He forces me to turn around, and my gaze drops to the floor. I don't want him to know how much he's already affecting me.

"Look at me," he demands.

God, he's ALWAYS demanding things. Like seriously! And he doesn't even say please. Rude.

"Make me," I snap back. I don't know what's gotten into me lately but I am FIRED UP. And I refuse to be treated like trash any longer.

He goes silent and I feel like I've won... Until I look up to see him with a stupid, annoying, frustrating SMIRK.

"I can make you do a lot of things," he says, his face going smug.

"What is that supposed to mean?" I say, crossing my arms. God, he's so full of himself.

"You really want to get into the details?" he drawls on and realization comes over me. My eyes go wide and my lips part slightly.

He lets out a deep rumble in his chest that sends goosebumps all around my arms but I ignore them. I'm already done with this conversation.

He's baiting me to react, to explode, and I am just done with it. Done with everything.

I turn around again, aggravated and annoyed and continue down the hall where the stairs are located.

God, but he just doesn't give up, does he? He grips my arm again, making me face him, and again my eyes look to where my shoes are.

I got new ones. They're really cute. They're a nude set of heals that wrap around my ankles and-

"Will you look at me?"

I don't respond so he places his hand under my chin and lifts my head.

"What?"

"Why are you upset?" he asks, his voice softer than I've ever heard it.

"I'm not upset," I mumble pathetically.

"Mhm, sure you aren't." He takes one step towards me which prompts me to take one step back.

He takes another step and another, and I take two steps back. "Can you not?" I say, irritation now etched into my tone.

"Why do you keep stepping back?" Is he serious?

"Because I can," I huff out. "Why do you keep stepping forward?"

"Because I can." He smirks again, which just aggravates me even more.

"I'm sorry, Mr. Sanders, but I need to go back to the ball, because as you so kindly put it, I have to make sure this event doesn't turn into shit," I say with a fake nice tone and an even faker smile.

Turning around, I am finally able to see the entrance to stairs until... Well you already know who it is.

"I'm sorry," he sighs. His hand rides up my arm, begging me to turn around. "I shouldn't have said that." He lets go of my arm right before I say, "Are you actually sorry?"

I still don't turn around. Mostly in defiance but also because... I just don't want to face him. I don't want him to hurt me with his words again. And I don't want to to believe that he's a nice person. Or at least, a nice person to me.

"It seems to me that you're only apologizing because you've now understood how cruel your words were. Now. But when you said it, you meant it. And if you didn't, then you were upset about something else. But that doesn't give you an excuse to act like a jerk. Especially not to me when I haven't done anything to you. Good night, Mr. Sanders." Without glancing back, I descent down the stairs.

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Silas's POV

She gracefully goes down the stairs, her face slightly red, her palms running down the non-existent wrinkles on that godforsaken dress.

God, am I an asshole.

Hearing my words shoved back into my face like that felt like a hammer pounding into my heart.

Why would I say that?

It's not like I'm fucking dating her.

I don't know what gotten into me but I've become so fucking possessive over this girl, it's not even funny.

I have to stop.

But Jesus, I don't fucking want to.

No other guy should be touching her... Except fucking me!

I should be the one she smiles at and lays her head on my fucking shoulder. The one she'll go to if she's in trouble or trust when she's drunk. The one she'll go to when she's upset and will vent to me when someone annoyed her.

No, I WANT to be that guy.

I have known this woman for more than a month and not once has she smiled at me like she's smiled at Ryland.

And I don't want those fake smiles she just plastered onto her face a minute ago. Those never reach her eyes and her amber irises don't light up when they spot me.

I want a REAL one.

And dammit, I'm going to fucking get one.

My feet scurry down the stairs as I try to spot her.

Ah, there she is.

She's talking to Sage and Sawyer and I notice a hint of concern in their eyes as they mingle together.

And like the kiss ass that Sawyer is, he grabs her hand and dips his head, placing a small kiss on her knuckles.

God, that actions forces me to reminisce on when that bitch ass kissed her hand when he tried to "apologize" to her.

Some fucking apology.

She smiles at him when he's done and that boils my blood.

Give me that fucking smile, woman!

Quickly hurrying to where they are, I finally stand next to Sage who is busy checking out some girl across the room.

"Hello, brothers," I greet, which catches her attention.

Her gaze falls to my eyes before quickly diverting to Sawyer, whispering something in his ear.

He nods his head and Sawyer steers her to the dance floor.

Seriously, Sawyer? You're ruining my fucking plan.

Staring daggers into Sawyer's head, I am interrupted by Sage's annoying ass voice.

"Careful, brother, you're starting to look a little jelly over someone who bats for the other team," he chuckles into my ear.

I shove my elbow into his ribs which makes him groan and hold his torso. "Fuck off." He chuckles again before I add, "Who the fucks says jelly? You're a fucking child."

"Eh. At least I'm a child who knows how to make a woman smile." He smirks at me before continuing but my hands have already turned into fists. "You on the other hand are quite talented at pissing the one person who's trying her hardest to please you."

He circles me before standing to my right and gazing to where my eyes are training on. "Fuck off, bro, you don't know shit."

He laughs again and I swear, I'm this close to socking him in the nuts. "Oh yeah? Don't fucking act like you didn't just drag her to a room upstairs. And by the look on her face when she came down, not only did you piss her off, but you made her pretty fucking upset because she looked to be on the verge of tears."

My heart stops beating.

Why was she crying??

No shit, sherlock, because of you.

"You don't know shit, I saw her smile at you guys." I'm trying to replenish some fucking dignity in myself but the fact that she came to my brothers when she was upset by ME fucking kills me.

"Yeah, because Sawyer kissed her hand and complimented her dress." He places his elbow on my shoulder. "By the way, you have immaculate taste."

"I bet you don't even know what that word fucking means." I shrug his arm away.

"Yes, I do." His gaze turns to a girl in a short pink cocktail dress. "For example, that woman over there. Yeah, she is immaculate. And, unlike you, I'm going to give her a good fucking time. So long, big brother." Giving me a peck on the cheek, he saunters off, but not before I wipe my fucking cheek and slap him across his dumb ass head.

I roam through the dance floor before walking towards the DJ. "Change the music," I yell over the loud, upbeat song. "Something slower." He nods his head and I immediately hear the switch in music.

Sauntering towards Sawyer, I bring my mouth to his ear and whisper, "Go the fuck away."

He chuckles which catches her attention before she spots me and a frown immediately settles onto her lips.

"Excuse me, Caden, but I must excuse myself." He smiles at her which she returns and that's already got my jaw clenching.

Sawyer leaves us, but before I can even say a word, she's turned her back away from me and is walking away.

God, this woman will do anything to avoid me.

Taking two strides, I catch her wrist but I don't force her to turn around.

I want her to face me by her own choice, and fucking shit do I have to stop making that decision for her.

"Dance with me?" She doesn't respond. "Please."

She turns around and surprise is etched onto her face. "I'm sorry for what I said," I continue, grateful to have her attention. "I really am. It was cruel of me to say what I said. I understand you worked hard making this event and I realize now how your work went unappreciated. Thank you for planning this event and making it amazing."

She looks surprised. I'm hoping it's a good kind of surprise but I'm not sure because she gives me a curt nod followed by a small thank you then leaves me stranded on the dance floor.

What the fuck?

Did I mess up or something?

I thought I said everything fucking right, didn't I?

Leaving the dance floor, I'm pissed off and confused as fuck and I need another drink.

Grabbing the champagne from a passing waiter, I down the hole thing and it fucking tingles my throat like soda.

I hate champagne. It's fucking alcohol for pussies.

"You look lonely." A familiar voice drifts across my ear and I turn around to see Vanessa.

I chuckle. I felt like shit ditching her at the club so I got my team to locate her phone number and ensured that Wilson sent her an invitation. "Glad you could make it," I reply.

"Why so lonely, Silas? Your girl doesn't want to dance with you?" She smirks, amusement dancing across her eyes.

"You could say that," I chuckle. "Care to give some advice?" I ask.

"Sure." She grabs my wrist and leads me to the dance floor. The slow music continues to play so she places her hands over my neck while mine slide to her waist.

"I cannot believe a hotshot CEO such as yourself needs advice from me. Quite an accomplishment I must say."

"Shut up," I roll my eyes. "Okay, so there's this girl. Well, no, woman, that I really like, but I've been an asshole to her and I'm trying to be nicer and get her to like me but I think she thinks it's an act and that I'm going to go back to being an asshole even though I'm not so how do I convince her to smile at me?"

I look at her expectantly but she just stares with me with confused eyes.

"What?" I ask.

"Holy shit, you're gonna need to slow down for me to understand what the fuck you just said," she chuckles and I blush unintentionally.

"Okay, you like this chick but you're an asshole to her?"

"She's not some chick, but yes," I say before thinking. Vanessa's eyes widen in surprise before I give her a look telling her not to comment.

She takes the hint and continues without question. "Okay, so you're trying to be nicer and she doesn't believe you?" I nod again.

"What was the last bit?" she asks, a knowing smile on her lips.

"Nothing," I mumble. "It was just that."

She laughs again. "Oh no buddy boy, you said something. You want her to smile at you?"

"Piss off," I mumble, leaning my face on the side of her head, a flare of heat reaching my face.

Vanessa laughs again and I chuckle with her. God, I fucking sound like a teenager.

I know how to talk to women, dammit! I do, so why this one would be any different is fucking beyond me.

"Well, gaining a woman's trust takes time, especially if you've been a jerk to her," Vanessa says. "You can't expect her to be charmed by your niceties after having acted the complete opposite a day ago."

"Oh," I whisper.

How the fuck did I not know this?

"Gifts help sometimes. But not overbearing gifts like a-million-dollar jewelry," Vanessa continues, and I am soaking every word she's saying. "Try some flowers, or her favorite food."

"This is great advice, thank you,"

She smiles. "Any time. Also, you wouldn't happen to have a brother that is staring at us, would you?"

I turn my head to the side and notice Sage completely eyeing us. Or rather, Vanessa.

"Yeah, well, knock yourself out if you'd like, but just to let you know, he is a complete man-whore when it comes to women," I warn her.

She shrugs, though, completely unfazed. "Lucky for me, I happen to be one myself."

I furrow my eyebrows. "That's a weird thing to be proud of."

"I know you ain't judging me when you're over here asking me how to act around a girl," she smirks.

"Hey, I know how to act around girls," I say, defending myself.

"Oh yeah," she nods, her arms crossed. "Then go do it."

"Wait, right now?"

Fuck, I wasn't planning on speaking to her right now. I need a fucking plan!

"Yep, right now. You're the only who said you know how to talk to women. Prove it."

"Fucking fine. But don't go fucking around with my brother and telling him the shit we talked about," I warn.

"Wouldn't dream of it," Vanessa laughs, already making her way to Sage.

Rolling my eyes, I stare off to the back tables where I spot Wilson speaking with Izzie. She doesn't look upset.

Actually, she doesn't look anything.

For the first time since I've met her, her expression is completely unreadable, and it bothers the fuck out of me.

I've relished the fact that she reads like an open book. I know what she's feeling when I'm with her; if she's nervous, happy, scared. Even just analyzing her face when she's with other people.

But right now, it's like she has a mask on and I can't help but feel responsible.

No fucking shit, genius, of course it's because of you, you douchebag.

Making my way to her table, I notice her back stiffen and her shoulders tense up, letting me know that she knows I'm about to talk to her and she is not happy about it.

Izzie's concerned look is soon replaced by surprise and amusement before I send her a look telling her to leave.

Izzie looks between me and Wilson, and I notice Wilson silently begging her to stay with her eyes.

However, one more glare towards her and she ups and leaves, and I stifle a smile that is ready to burst out. No doubt, she's trying to find a way out of speaking with me but I'm not going to surrender.

"Hello, Ms. Wilson," I greet, taking a seat next to her.

She looks so fucking uncomfortable, it's comical but my amusement is quickly drained when her icy tone cuts reaches my ears. "How may I be of assistance to you, Mr. Sanders?"

Her indifference is getting on my nerves and I would do anything to bring some emotion into her face.

"No assistance needed, thank you," I reply, slightly peeved that she would think I would need anything from her other than her services. I mean, yeah, she works for me, but I can have a conversation with her once in a while.

I have had one, right?

"To show my thanks for throwing this ball, how about a dance?" I suggest casually, although my heart is running a mile minute anticipating her reply.

"Why would you want to dance with me?" She doesn't look my way, instead staring at the dance floor at no one in particular.

"To show my thanks," I repeat.

"No, I mean with me. You've made it quite clear you want nothing to do with me. I'm sure the incident upstairs was a result of some impulsive decision mixed with the buzz of alcohol." Her words rock me to my core but she doesn't allow me to say a word in edge wise.

"If you're looking to relieve some sort of awkwardness or tension in our relationship then you can stop now. It's fine. I've moved on. This strictly a employer/employee relationship, nothing else."

What the fuck is she saying?

It's like I've awoken a completely different person upstairs in the hall. She doesn't meet my eye, continuing to tense her back and fiddle with her skirt.

How bad did I just fuck up?

"Ms. Wilson, I can assure you I was not trying to do anything of the sort. My intentions remain honorable, I would like to show my thanks for your hard work this past month."

She just shakes her head.

God, show some feelings!

Anything!

"Okay, fine. Then I do have a choice in declining your offer, yes?"

My heart sinks at the cold rejection. I can tell my mask of charm and confidence is faltering at her words and it takes me a great to deal to recover.

"Okay, Ms. Wilson," I finally say, after taking a few deep breaths to calm the raging emotions stirring inside me. "Enjoy the rest of your evening."

Not bothering to look at her, I get up from my chair and sift through the partygoers, having had enough of this. Of everything.

We did the auction, we got the money, there's no fucking point in being here anymore.

So I opt on doing what I do best which is either punching the shit out of a punching bag or drink until I can't feel anymore.

I go for the ladder only because there's conveniently a bar right across from the ballroom.

What did Vanessa say? Gaining a woman's trust takes time? Well fuck that and fuck her. I don't want to be nice anymore.

I fucking tried and she rejected me.

So, whatever. I'll fucking spend the rest of the night drinking till I'm numb and fucking some curvy dark haired girl with blue eyes.

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