Gabriella point of view

I didn't want to admit it but I was beginning to have to face it. I was avoiding Saxon. Ever since he admitted to wanting to be in a relationship with me, I found myself putting distance between us.

Because I didn't want to be caught.

It had been nearly two weeks and across those two weeks we had said hello and shared a wave.

So as I stood outside his study with the latest books in hand I was beyond nervous to knock.

"You right there sweetheart seems you have your hands full." Blue was now standing beside me with a beer in hand.

"Um yeah I was just going to leave these for Saxon."

Blue twisted the door knob open and the door swung open.

"Just put them on his desk I'm sure he will get to them when he gets back."

"Gets back? From where?" I hadn't seen him leave.

"Went to Kelly last week should be back any day." Blue smiled at me then walked off leaving me with my thoughts.

No wonder it was so easy to avoid him! He wasn't even here! I dumped the books on his desk and walked out. You would think he could have spared a moment to tell me he was leaving.

.......

Normally I don't care about my appearance. Sure I whack on some makeup and maybe have a second glance at my outfit but it wasn't like I was one of those girls that drooled over every detail.

Until today.

Today, Saxon came back. In fact he should be pulling in the lot any minute. I was wearing a tight singlet, that rose up on my hip bones. As well as a pair of black short shorts. Matched with my hair dead straight and flawless makeup.

I was impressed with my abilities.

I had just stepped out onto the lot when the roar of motorbikes turned into the garage.

"Wow Hun I always knew you were sexy but darn." Ice's eyes ran up and down me.

"Um thanks I think."

I scanned the motor bikes as they lined up. Took me a few seconds but I picked out Saxon. His board back, masked half face and looking threatening as ever. I wanted to run over to him. But what was stopping me apart from the fact we couldn't be seen together was the fact there was a blonde on the back of his bike.

Who the hell was she!

"Um who's the blonde?" I asked Ice.

"Libby. Saxon's ex-wife or still wife, I don't know if they got divorced."

Wife.

What the fuck.

"Gabriella have you heard a word I've said?"

I looked back at Ice.

"Sorry what did you say?"

"I said do you have a date to tonight's brooze up?"

I stared blankly back at him. "Leigh would kill me if I did."

"I can take on Irish. Come on, come dance with the devil for a night." He put on a charming smirk that would have most girls on their knees.

I glanced back at Saxon. The blonde had her hand on his shoulder as she climbed off the bike. His hand wrapped around her back.

"I'll get back to you, how about that?" I stumbled out.

So now I had to put on a brave face. I couldn't let Saxon see how upset I was. Time to put that face on now. I walked straight past him keeping my head up high, I could feel his eyes on me.

"Hey Leigh." I smiled and wrapped my arm around him. He returned the hug, it took him a moment but he did.

"You're in a good mood and happy to see me." He gave me an odd look.

I pulled back and looked up at him smiling. "Missed my brother, you've been gone for agers."

"Yeah and last time I checked we weren't talking." Leigh shook his head at me, like I was crazy.

I shrugged my shoulders. "You know me. Can't be mad at you forever."

"Well that's a good thing. How have things been around here?" Leigh asked as we began walking.

"Um you know normal."

"Irish."

We stopped and I didn't want to but we had too. Because Saxon seemed to want to talk to Leigh.

So I slowly turned around and crossed my arms as I did.

"Yeah Sax?" Leigh smiled at Libby before looking at Saxon. "Oh wait Libby you wouldn't know my sister. This is Gabriella. Gabriella this is Libby Saxon's wife."

There's that word again.

"Ex wife." Saxon put in, trying to catch my eye. But I wouldn't look him in the eye.

I smiled awkwardly at her then she handed Saxon the helmet and engulfed me in a hug. Yep she's a hugger. I patted her back and then she finally let go.

"I didn't know Irish had a sister!" Her voice was sweet and kind. I was really hoping she was a bitch.

"Um well he does." I shrugged my shoulders.

"And you're so pretty! Seriously I would never have guessed you were related." She winked at me and Leigh shoved her lightly.

"Yeah yeah whatever you say Libby." Leigh rolled his eyes. "What did you want anyway Sax?"

"Can you give up your room for a bit? Maybe move into the cottage? Libby needs a room." Saxon undid his mask and hung the helmets on the handle bars. "I'd ask someone else but I doubt Gabriella would want one of the boys staying with her."

Leigh opened his mouth to answer but Libby cut him off.

"Don't be silly Saxon. I'll share with you. Nothing I haven't seen before." She slapped him on the chest. "Anyway I don't want to put anyone out and it will give us more time to talk."

I was literally grinding my teeth now, glaring down at my feet. So she was sleeping with him now as well?

Well wasn't that just great. Whatever Saxon and I had, was over.

I looked up for the first time and met his eyes. While his were the normal black dark holes not giving any of his emotions away. Mine were on fire, with hate.

"Well I better head in. Going to help Alex for tonight." I went to walk around Leigh.

"Oh wait I'll come I haven't seen Alex in agers and she is such a gem." Libby kissed Saxon on the cheek and to my utter horror began to follow me.

Well this was going to be interesting.

—

She went over details about the city, how she studied and did god knows what. Oh wait I would because she hadn't shut up since she followed me into the kitchen. Alex gave me basic instructions and then left!

And I was currently cutting carrots why she told how much she missed the small town life. Or should I say, how much she missed Saxon. Though she hadn't said it. I knew what she was getting at.

"So can I ask you something, just between us girls?" She stole a piece of carrot.

"Sure why not?"

"Is Saxon seeing anyone?"

I coughed and then immediately shook my head. "Um not that I know of. But why would I know. It's not like we're friends."

"Yeah but you would of seen him around the yard with someone."

I shook my head.

She grinned. "Good."

The kitchen door swung open and entered the one person I sure as fuck didn't want to see but Libby was in a fit of giggles.

"Hey Sax." She jumped off the counter.

"Can you give me a minute alone with Gabriella please Libby." His voice was strong as ever, and intimidating.

"Um sure." She gave me an odd look but walked out the door that Saxon was holding open for her.

I continued to cut carrots even when I heard the click of the door, locking Saxon and I in here. He should be careful I'm the one holding the knife.

"We need to talk." Saxon deep voice spoke behind me.

So he wanted to talk? About what? The fact his wife is here.

"About your wife?"

"Ex wife."

"Same thing."

"No it's not. Look Libby is just between things at the moment, her being here doesn't change anything." He was speaking the words but I wasn't believing them.

"She wants you back." I put the knife down and turned around to face him. "And you clearly have feelings for her otherwise you wouldn't have got married."

"You keep forgetting we also got divorced." He ran his hand threw his hair and took a step towards me. Immediately I took a deep breathe in. "Gabriella I don't want this to change anything."

My eyes dropped to the floor. "She's sleeping in your room."

"If it makes you feel better I'll sleep on the couch." His hand touched my cheek and he lifted my chin up, making our eyes connect. I could see the truth in his eyes. "Come on Gabriella, trust me."

My head was telling me no. My heart was thumping a huge yes.

"Ok." I sighed, "But if I see you falling back in love with her I promise you I will never forgive you."

He grinned, "I'm not planning on falling in love. Libby and I just have history."

"She's back here for you and it sucks I can't stake my claim."

"And how would you go about doing that?" He backed me against the bench and my hands automatically flung up resting on his shoulders.

"I'd kiss you." My hands linked behind his head. "In front of everyone like at tonight's bbq. Then I wouldn't let go of you all night. I'd also punch the bitch if she tried to make a crack at you."

"I like the sound of that." He dipped his head.

And I knew he was about to kiss me but I pulled back. "Saxon if I see you with her looking like a couple, I mean it I'm walking away from this. I don't want to be some teenage heartbreak."

"I promise you nothing is going to happy between her and me."

"Well you should know Ice asked me out tonight. I didn't give him an answer but he doesn't give up easily."

I felt his neck tense. "Just stay away from him."

"I'll do my best."

"Can I kiss you now? I've been waiting to since I saw you walk across the lot this morning."

Giggling I nodded my head and his head dropped down, stealing my lips. He kissed me with force, pushing me against the bench and my grip around him tightened.

Oh Saxon what are you doing to me.

—-

I was wearing a tight short black strapless dress with my hair pinned to the side. It was still hot outside. I walked down the cottage path to the lot. You could hear the noise of the party already so I wasn't shocked when I saw the lot filled with people. Women, bikers and kids. The boys had set up a jumping castle for the little ones.

Ice and Leigh had the pleasure of blowing it up and they complained endlessly. It was amusing to watch.

Talking of Ice I was going to try and avoid him. I didn't want to make Saxon jealous. After our talk I was hoping that we would have a happier ending. We just had to wait for Libby to leave.

I grabbed a beer and lazily walked over to my brother. It wasn't like I was looking for him. But when my eyes scanned the lot and spotted him it was just a naturally reaction to stare longer.

I gripped my beer tighter.

Saxon was laughing at something Blue had said, sitting in an arm chair with a beer in hand and Libby on his lap, his other hand was running up and down her side.

"What's up sis?"

I stopped at Leigh's side. "Nothing you?"

"Why you got that look on your face?"

"What look?" I took a sip from my beer.

"The look like you want to murder someone."

"I don't know what you're talking about." I took another sip of my beer. "Big turn out for a BBQ."

"This just isn't any BBQ miss, it is a family BBQ. Saxon puts them on every so often for the family to be together." Ice informed me, while handing me another beer as I just polished off mine.

"So Saxon is behind it all is he." I glanced over my shoulder and he was still touching her.

"Yep." Leigh nudged my shoulder, causing me to turn back around. "Now what's up with you?"

"I just spotted someone I didn't like that's all. Nothing to get upset about."

"Right." Leigh didn't believe me but I wasn't lying. I really didn't like Libby and I really didn't like her sitting on my boyfriend's lap.

"Hey guys."

Talk of the devil and it will appear.

"Hey Libby, Sax." Leigh was polite.

"Looking good as always Libby." Ice flattered her.

"And how are you Gabriella?" She turned to look at me. I was hoping to just stay out of this conversation.

"Great thanks." I went to sip my beer but it was finished. Two in less then ten minutes. Saxon was getting under my skin.

"Here babe. The way you're going you will drink us dry." Ice handed me another one.

"Does that mean you will be looking after me?" I challenged him. "Seeing as you're the one handing them to me."

"Of course babe." He winked.

"Or maybe you should just slow down." Saxon gave me a pointed look. He could look at me however he wants. As long as he was touching her I sure as fuck wasn't listening to him.

"He has a point." Leigh swiped the drink from my hand.

"Hey! I was drinking that!"

"Not anymore."

"So just because Saxon says it. You do it?"

"Pretty much." Leigh shrugged.

"I'm going to get drunk somewhere else." I went to storm off, but a tight grip on my arm stopped me.

"Yes Saxon?"

"You're under age. You shouldn't be drinking."

"You aren't my father."

"No but I'm head of this family and I'm telling you. Stop drinking."

"Everyone here is drinking! And a lot of them are younger than me."

"Yeah and they're with their parents."

"Well if it makes you feel better, my father doesn't care if I drink or not." I ripped my arm from his grasp. "Now why don't I leave you to care for your wife."

"Ex wife."

"Whatever you say."

"Actually Saxon that's what I sort of been meaning to tell you." Libby broke into our conversation. "I um well you see I never signed the papers."

The bitch says what!

"What do you mean you never signed them!" Saxon fired at her, and brushed her hand off his arm. "Libby I sent them for a reason."

"Yeah and like I said we had unfinished busy."

"We were finished. That was the whole point."

"Come on Saxon you don't just stop loving someone. Sure I wanted to move to the city but that didn't mean I didn't want to be your wife. I wasn't ready to give up and I'm still not. That's why I'm back. And I'm not leaving until you admit it. You aren't over me anymore then I am over you."

"I...."

"You what Saxon?"

"I need time to think." He turned around sharply and stormed off.

Why did I have the feeling whatever Saxon and I had was nothing on what he had with Libby.

Who was I thinking I could go up against her and win.

—

The BBQ went to the early hours of the morning. It was just after two when I called it a night and walked myself back to the cottage. I had been thinking of Saxon all night. I hadn't seen him again after he stormed off.

Libby however hung around.

I opened the wire door and closed it behind me. Leaving the night air to flow through the house. I flicked on the lights and nearly jumped through my skin.

"OH MY GOD! What are you thinking sitting here in the dark?!" I had my hand on my heart.

Saxon leant back on the couch, his eyes on me. "It took you long enough to finish up. I've been waiting hours."

"Well you could of told me you were up here waiting. I've been down there hoping to see you."

"Why?"

"To see if you made your mind up. Me or her. Simple question."

"Not a simple answer."

My heart thumped a bit harder. "So you still have feelings for her?"

"I thought she wanted the divorce. I thought we were over."

"But now she's back and wanting you."

"I thought she signed the papers. I didn't even bother to follow them up. The boys keep me busy. Shit here gets out of control. I just didn't give it another thought. I thought I gave her a fresh start like she wanted."

"But now she is back regretting everything and wanting you back." My heart was beating through my chest and my nerves were building up but I knew I was doing the right thing. "I guess there is nothing holding you back from her now."

"I still love you." He looked me dead in the eye.

"Yeah and I'll always love you too Saxon."

So this was how it ended.

"But you love her more and how could you not. She's been in your heart longer."

"I'm sorry. I promised you things wouldn't change."

"Don't. Don't apology. I get it. I'm just a girl and why would you want me when you have a woman who has loved you longer wanting you."

"I don't want things to be awkward between us."

He was hoping for something that was impossible.

"Well I'll keep doing your books and you can go back to treating me as Leigh's little sister."

"You're more than that to me."

"Yeah but not enough." I dropped my eyes. "It's better if you leave now Saxon."

I heard him get up and the next think I felt was his lips across my forehead.

"I was always bad news for you anyway. You deserve someone who can put you first. I could never do that."

I didn't say anything. I didn't tell him to stop. To wait. To give us a go. No I just let him walk away and I let him think that he had done the right thing by letting me go. Little did he know he had just pulled my worse self to the surface.

And when the wire door closed. So did our future.

—-

Three Weeks later.