It's December thirty first today. I feel a hundred times better then yesterday.

After I rubbed the fact that I made Heath cry into his face. He was getting really pissed off, but not angry. I also realized another reason I felt really cold was, because I was only in my bra. I swear my cheeks were probably bright as a tomato. He realized why I was blushing so hard, and immediately started laughing.

He teased me by saying that he was about to take my bra off too. So I retorted by saying "I wouldn't be laughing so hard unless you want me to perform some of my own surgery on you which includes no anesthetic, chopping off your dick, and feeding it to the seagulls." I know. Seagulls. Like what the fuck. I just stuck with it, because it actually kind've scared him.

A little while later we started talking and I asked him how he got this little house. He told me it was a friend's. After that, I took a shower. It was painful to say the least, but I was not going to get Heath to bathe me. Not in a million years.

The rest of the day went really slowly as I stayed in bed watching TV. Heath on the other hand went shopping for food, and even cooked. And then he apologized for a starting a fire in the kitchen and got take out. I appreciated the effort; though, after I laughed for about ten minutes.

It's around eight in the morning now. I told Heath that I'd be fine sleeping alone so he insisted on sleeping on the floor. I got stubborn, and forced him to sleep on the bed with me instead. I sit up with my back against the headboard. Heath shuffles around as well making me feel uneasy. I didn't want to ruin his sleep. He rests his head right below my stomach, and his hand wraps around my waist.

He was smiling in his sleep. I start fiddling with his hair as I think about yesterday.

I almost died, but I got a second chance. I wish I remembered my absolute last thought before going unconscious maybe it had something to do with me coming back to life.

It's weird. Funny, saying almost came back to life, because it's not very often you hear people say that. But I've gotten a second chance. I'm going to make the most of it, and not regret anything. I need to start living for myself, and for the people around me.

Heath's tears proved no matter how many times he has hurt me, he still cared and he always will. Maybe if we get out of this mess. Just maybe. I might actually have feelings for him, but I can't risk anything.

"Riley?" Heath asks in his croaky morning voice.

"Mhm?" I ask. My hands were still tangled in his hair. He turns his head to look up at me.

"Morning." He smiles.

"Morning." I smile back.

"What time is it?" He asks laying back down on my stomach.

"Eight."

"How are you feeling?"

"Better."

"Are you ready for today?"

"Yup." I smile. "We get to go shopping right? I mean it's a formal business party."

"Yeah." He laughs," Girls and their shopping."

"Hey, I feel like dressing up. I've been ugly for the last couple of days. It's starting to effect my mood." I laugh.

He turns his head back to face me again," You are the most beautiful, admiring, sexy, badass, classy, sassy, cute, elegant, gorgeous, hypnotizing, cheeky, humorous, adventurous, athletic, childish, yet mature women I have ever seen or known in my whole entire life. Don't you ever put yourself down again like that." He states. I swear my heart is hurting. Whow. He just complimented me like there's no tomorrow. His eye's were so light I could easily get hypnotized by them.

I nervously bite my lip not knowing how to reply, and he anxiously looks at them. Fuck. Pull yourself together. "Don't go boosting my ego, it might just get bigger then yours."

"Well, I wouldn't mind. At least I won't have to hear any disses on my ego then." He states laying his head back down. I let out a big breath. Change topics!

"Ah Heath?"

"Yeah?"

"I have to go meet someone." I state.

"Who?"

"If I wanted you to know I wouldn't have said someone." I state the obvious.

"I can't let you go alone. The guys are still probably out there. You won't be able to fight them off if they find you." Should I just tell him? I mean, I won't have to tell him the whole truth.

"I wanted to get a check up done by Dr. Bethany Roy. She's a gynaecologist." I state.

"Oh. I'll come with." Ahhh. Really? Wow. Most guys would be like, okay. I'll be at home.

"You sure? I mean you won't feel awkward or anything?"

"Ah no. I'll be fine. Unless you don't want me to go?"

"No ah it's okay, we could go shopping after." I state.

"Hey dude! Wha...t?" A guy around our age stood at the door wearing a black leather jacket and blue jeans. He had light coloured skin and blond hair.

"Hey man. What's up?" Heath asks. Ohkay.

"Ah... am I disturbing something?" He asks skeptically.

Heath turns around to look at me. I shrug," Nope." Heath says landing in the same position as before.

"Ohkay..." he walks in," I'm Liam." He stands on the edge of the bed and lends out his hand. I shake it with mine.

"I'm Riley." I smile.

"So you guys together?" He asks.

"No. Just friends." I state.

"Oh. So... ah what's up? Why did you come to New York so unexpectedly?"

"Business. Got into a mess with some fighters and they're after me now. We came to talk to the leader of their troop."

"Huh."

"You fight?" I ask Liam. He does look like a fighter with those bulgy arms.

"Yeah, sometimes." He states. He looks down at his watch after slightly pulling his sleeve up. "Okay, feel free to stay here as long as you'd like. I gotta head out for a meeting with some people. It was nice meeting you Riley. Bye man." They shake hands," Oh and call me if you need anything else." He mentions Just before exiting.

"So why didn't you mention you had friends here?" I ask as I play with his hair.

"I didn't think I would need his help." He states. I could feel his throat vibrating on my stomach as he talked.

"I think we should get up." I state feeling a little sad. The truth is I didn't want to get up. I was really getting tired of everything. All I really wanted is for Heath to stay in my lap forever so I can play with his hair, have civil conversations, and absorb the warmth that was radiating off of his body on me.

"It's only nine." He whines.

"And it's the thirty first. Stores won't be open for long. Neither will Dr. Roy's office." I mention.

He gets up letting the cold air cover his old spot. "I hate it when you're right." He says getting up. I was in awe staring at his tanned bare back. No Riley. Work first.

I uncover myself from the blankets. "The washroom's mine!" I yell running in and slamming the door in Heath's face.

"That's not fair! You should've at least warned me!" He whines from the other side of the door.

"Too bad so sad. Stop your whining, and use your time wisely by cooking us breakfast." I rub it into his face.

"You are so lucky you're hurt. Otherwise I would have tickled you so hard once you came out." He threatens.

"You're the lucky one, because if you did that I would've messed up your face so bad even Jen would have to do a double take in recognizing you." I stick out my tongue even though he can't see me.

"Bitch." He mumbles before I hear the bedroom door close.

"Hehehe." I grin. I feel so evil sometimes. I undress and jump into the shower right after setting the temperature.

After I shower, I realize that I had no clothes to change into. Fuck my life. I internally groan before wrapping a towel around myself and slowly opening the door. I check if Heath's there. Once I don't spot him I open the door fully, and walk towards our bag which was beside the night stand.

I put the bag on the bed, take out a pair of jeans and one of Heath's shirts just because his shirt would be more comfortable. "Breakfast is rea..dy." I turn around startled. His eyes widen as I tighten my grip on the towel. He turns around and scratches the back of his neck. I-I'm sorry. I thought you were..."

"Not practically naked." I state. He was feeling nervous which just made me smirk.

"Yeah..." He trails off not sure what to say. I walk closer to him.

"Are you nervous?" I ask teasingly.

"N-nervous? Nah." He gulps.

"Oh so you don't just want to rip this towel right off me?" I ask curiously when I'm only a centimetre away from him. I could see the lust in his eyes. I don't want to play with him, but I want to know if he feels the same about me as I do about him.

I bite my lip anxiously waiting for his reply. His nervous features turn into a calm one paired with a smirk. My forehead creases in question. He trails his warm hands down my left arm. What the fuck his he doing? Before I could question him, he pushes my arm back causing me to spin around.

I gasp as my hand lifts off of my towel, but Heath's hand catches it from falling by curling his arm around me. My back was pressed up against his chest, and the gun wound started to hurt because of the sudden movement.

His grip was tight on the towel, but I didn't trust him so I curl my hand over his. My heart was pounding against my chest. He uses his other hand to move my wet hair away from shoulder. The cold air made contact with my moisturized skin causing goose bumps. Soon I felt his hot breath trailing down my neck. "Mind repeating that question again?" He asks teasingly.

"He-Heath s-stop." Fuck my stuttering.

"Who's nervous now, Princess?" He asks teasingly. "What's this? A love bite." I could feel his smirk. "You know I want so many more all over your body. How pretty you'd look claimed by me." He states huskily.

Oh my god stop. Please. "I wanna do so much more then rip this towel off you." He states right before softly biting my ear. I gasp.

"S-stop Heath."

"Next time don't say something you'll regret." He states while chuckling. He pushes me away from him. I gasp as my towel falls to the ground just before I hear the door close.

I grab my towel off the ground and cover myself. I turn around to find myself alone in the room. My heart was beating like crazy, and even in this cold my cheeks were crazily heating up.

What the fuck just happened?...

*********

"What did the doctor say?" Heath asks concern lacing his words. I couldn't help, but notice the bag he was holding. He'll probably show me what's in there later or sooner.

"Ah she said she'll mail the results." We exit her office and walk down the streets of New York looking for a dress shop. What happened in the bathroom wasn't mentioned again between us; though, I could still see the amusement in his eyes. "So did you get the invitations?" I change the topic.

"Yup." He says pulling a card out. I snatch it out of his hand. I open it up.

"Mr. and Mrs. Collins?"

"Mhm. I guess we could be married for night. It won't hurt anyone now would it?"

"Nothing but your reputation." I state grinning.

"Ouch." He touches his chest. "That hurt." He mocks.

"I'm so proud of myself." I wipe a fake tear.

"Ha. Ha." He states dully. I roll my eyes. I spot a dress store down the straight so I decide to run to it, and leave Heath behind.

"Hey! Where you going?" I hear Heath's voice behind me. I turn around just before I enter the store and stick my tongue out at him.

"What does it look like smarty pants?" I don't wait for his reply as I enter the store. I'm stunned by all the flawless dresses hung around. I start going through the endless choices I had.

I looked around everywhere for a dress that would cover up my shoulder, yet still make me look a little classy. There's probably going to be a lot of rich people there and we need to fit in. "Boo!" I hear Heath from behind me. I jump two feet in the air and feel my face go pale. "Hahaha! You never fail to amuse me." He chuckles.

"Shut up!" I yell, but then my eyes land on the dress he was holding. It was a long peach dress. It had three quartered sleeves which were designed with some unique embroidery along with the upper part of the dress.

The dress didn't show much, and looked very classy to wear. It would also cover my shoulder. I walk up to it, and feel its soft fabric. "Wow."

"I know, right?" Heath smirks. "I want to see you in it." He states.

"You won't have to ask me twice." I chime as I take the dress from him, and head to the change rooms.

I immediately strip out of my close once I get into the change room. The dress fits perfectly, but I couldn't get the zipper up. I couldn't bring my left hand back because of my shoulder. "Hurry up, Princess we haven't got all day." Heath complains.

"Calm your man hormones. I can't get the zipper up." I state. I hear the door click open, and I sigh knowing he would do that.

I look at him through the mirror. His eye's, once again, were full of lust as he stares at me through the mirror. I feel my face heat up so I lower my eyes. I feel Heath's presence behind. His hands hover behind me on my exposed skin. He pulls the fabric close together before he zips it up. I bite my lip confused as to what to do next. I feel his hands on my shoulder as he gently spins me around.

My eyes stay down as I could just feel him intensely staring. I look up into his eyes and immediately see love, but just when he notices I'm looking his hands lift off me, and he steps back almost like he was scared. I feel my heart skip a beat.

Did I do something? I lower my face to hide the fact that his action hurt. "Ah.. You look very unique." He states. "Like always." He adds. I smile at his compliment.

"Thank you." It almost comes out as a whisper. I check the price tag. "Five grand?!" I gasp.

"So..?" Heath asks.

"So... we don't have that much money. We only have around three. And we need to save that." I state.

"I have my card Princess. It's no biggy, and my tux is almost the same price." He states.

I smile. "Thanks."

"This is compared nothing to what you've done for me. You literally took a bullet for me." He laughs.

"That's exactly what I did. I took a bullet. Just for you." I sigh. I bite my lip as I turn around and look at myself in the mirror. I haven't looked this pretty and felt this happy since. I don't even know.

"Ah I'll be outside." Heath says.

"Wait!" I turn around. "I... can't reach the... zipper."

"Oh." He says. I turn back around. Heath gently zips the dress down. His hands stay there for a while before I think he realizes something and rushes out.

I turn around and look at the closed door. What was that about? I think to myself. I sigh letting the thought go, and change back into my clothes. I walk out of the change room, and meet Heath at the cashier after I grab a set of matching earrings to wear with the dress.

He pays for the both of us, and I smile. "Thanks." I say as we walk out into the cold again.

"Yeah. Like I said before no biggy." He states. We walk silently for a while. "So... Mrs. Collins how has this gentlemen treated you so far?Honestly?"

"What?" I couldn't help, but laugh at his fake British accent

"Please. Mrs. Collins." He reacts like he's serious.

I clear my throat. "Well, Mr. Collins you have treated me wonderfully."

"I have?" He asks. He seemed so surprised that he broke his character.

"Well yes." I stay in character. "You have shown me how to have fun, take risks, and live without fearing the consequences." I state honestly. Heath stays silent for a while. "Ah.. did I say something wrong?" I ask in my voice.

"Ah- no! It's not that." He states. We get to our house, and enter after he opens the door. He was about to slip out to the kitchen when I stop him.

"Then what was it?" I ask.

"I don't know. What you said just seemed real." He shrugs not looking at me.

I cup his face in my hands. "That's because what I said was real. I'm grateful to have you in my life." I look straight into his eyes. Whatever emotion they were showing was unknown to me. He clenches his jaw, and peels my hands off. He turns his back towards me. "The parties in an hour. There's make up in that bag along with a ear phone, so that we can hear whatever the other person is hearing as well. Be ready on time. Also make sure to have your gun on you." He states before heading down the hall into a room.

What the fuck is his problem?! "Ugh!" I grab the bag, and walk into the second room. "Fucking piss off." I mumble to myself as I slam my door shut.

He can't just react like that! I fucking complimented him! COMPLIMENTED! Ugh! I angrily take my time to get ready.

As I angry as I was, I still concentrate as I put on some of the make up Heath had bought for me. I kept it simple, and professional as a business women would do at a business even like this one. I also wear black nail polish.

I put in my earrings after I put in my ear piece. I decided to keep it off until I get to the party. I put my hair up into a delicate bun. I made sure some of the pieces of my hair that were framing my face hid the ear piece in my left ear. The bandage on shoulder was also hidden by the embroidery on my shoulder. I came to decision of leaving the smile bracelet Heath had gifted me on. As it went well with the outfit. I sigh as I twirl in front of the mirror. I felt very satisfied with my look tonight. Twenty sixteen, Riley. I smile to myself. Make it your best. I slip on silver heels and grab the clutch which Heath also bought. Man did he know about everything I needed.

I tie the gun around my ankle with an elastic just to be on the safe side tonight. I open the door to my room to exit, but I stop as I see Heath with his hand in mid air. I look at it and laugh. He notices what I was laughing at, so he brings it down. "Ready?" He asks not looking at me. I pout my lips.

"Only after you look at me." I state.

"Stop acting like a child and lets go." He says angrily.

"Na- ah." I cross my arms.

"Fine. You stubborn ass." He says looking up. His eyes widen.

"What?! What's wrong?" I ask feeling paranoid.

"No. Nothing's wrong. It's just that... Wow."

I smirk. "Thank you."

"Yeah. Ah...-"

"Ah... what?" I ask curiously.

"I brought something for you and I." He pulls out a black box. He opens it revealing a black diamond ring. It was very uniquely designed. Nothing like you could find these days making me believe it's antique. I take it out of its box. I stare at it in awe.

"What's this for?" I ask curiously.

"Well, we're married." He states bluntly. "In front of everyone at the party." He adds. "So the rings will make it seem more real."

"Oh." I look down at the ring. I put the ring on and it fits perfectly. "Can I see yours?" I ask. And he lifts his hand. His matched mine except for the big diamond in the middle.

"Now shall we go, your highness?" Heath teases playfully. I smile.

"We shall." I state I link our arms together and we walk out the door. My mouth drops open in surprise as I see a limo standing outside waiting for us.

"You didn't think we were walking to the hotel? Dressed like this." He asks like it's no big deal. "Close your mouth, Princess. Don't want any flies getting in. I know you also don't want any CPR done by me." He smirks. I close my mouth and shoot daggers at him. He chuckles and walks down to the limo opening the door. "After you my lady."

I couldn't help but smile. I get in, and Heath follows behind. The limo starts moving. "Princess." He asks sounding serious.

"Mhm?"

"Turn on your ear piece. Make sure you always have your phone, and gun on you. I also need you to promise me that you'll try to stay safe."

I turn on my ear piece, and make sure that my phone was tucked into my clutch safely. "I can't promise you anything."

"Why?"

"Because I can't keep them. You're asking for too much." I state.

Heath doesn't get anytime to argue as the limo comes to a stop. And one of the ushers opens the door. Heath gets out before me. He lends out a hand and I take it as I step out of the car. We enter the hotel, and make our way towards the hall's entrance with our arms linked. "At least don't do anything stupid." He sighs.

"I'll try." I grin mischievously. Heath hands one of the guards our card. The guard looks at us suspiciously, but we keep our expression straight. He nods, and the other guard opens the door.

"Welcome Mr. and Mrs. Collins he states." We both nod at him as we enter the highly intriguing ball.

We get greeted by many unknown people. "Okay, Riley." Heath whispers next to me.

"Hi." I smile to an old lady.

"This ball is full of very dangerous people. My parent's killer included. As innocent as they look, they're all hiding their demons under their strategic ball gowns and fake smiles just like us."

I get more serious as he mentions we're hiding our demons as well. "The man you'll meet tonight will surprise you for many different reasons, but whatever happens tonight I need you to focus." I nod knowingly.

A couple around their thirties stop in front of us. "You must be the Collins." The man smiles. He lends his hand out and Heath shakes it, and I follow. "We've both heard a lot about you." He speaks for him and his wife both.

"Coming to the business meeting tonight?" He asks with a double meaning.

"Ah- no." Heath smiles.

"Well, then hope we can do some business together in the future." He states. Heath smiles before tugging me towards the bar with him.

"Those were the Sins. Just like their name they have committed a number of sins. Most of them hidden by the demand of money, or murder." Heath states. I gulp.

"A lime vodka, please." The bar tender hands it to me, but Heath grabs it off the table before I can.

I look at him. "You can't drink tonight. If you can't handle all this then tell me now." He states.

I shake my head," I can handle this." I state," I wanted to rub it in your face that I could handle this even if I was buzzed." I cover up the truth.

"Yeah." He says clearly not believing me. "Look there." Heath nods. I look past the various people dancing on the dance floor. I spot a door guarded by at least five guards. "That's where they're having the meeting tonight. Mr. Bad is attending. He's probably in there trying to seal his deal before anyone else can." He states.

"How do we get in?" I ask.

"I need you to distract them." He states. I nod.

"Why can't we just walk in as Mr. and Mrs. Collins?"

"Because the men in there aren't as stupid as the men out here. They know how the real us look like." He clears.

"So when do I start?" I ask.

"Now."

"In that case I'll need a drink first." I smile as I take my drink out of his hand, and gulp it down in one try.

"Just be careful." Heath sighs.

"You could say that again." I smile as I straighten up. I let out a deep sigh as I stride towards the intensely strong looking men. I go for the one that looks more gullible. He was much taller then me, but still looked weak.

I look back at Heath who was dancing with a random dirty blonde; though, his eyes were profoundly focused on me. I look back at the guy. "Hi." I smile charmingly at the guy. He raises his eyebrow," I noticed you've been standing out here for a while. I think you could use a break. Don't you agree?" I whisper into his ear. I bite my lower lip and he smirks.

"Well, that. I do." He states. He curls his arm around my waist. I stiffen at first, but loosen up once I know it's only going to last until I can break his hand in a room.

I look around at the other guards who were busy looking around at the guests. "Is there a room here some where?" I ask flirtatiously.

"Yeah, let me show you." He says. He starts walking us towards the end of a empty hallway.

"Well that took you no time at all." I hear Heath through my ear piece. The guy opens up a bed room door. He steps in front, facing me showing off his grin. He shamelessly scans my body. I smile at him just before I knee him in the balls, and press down on a pressure point on his shoulder. He instantly falls numb to the ground.

"Dick." I mumble. I shove his limb body into the room and close the door shut. I clean myself up. "Heath are you in?" I ask. I wait a couple of minutes, but no answer. "Heath?... Heath? Did you fucking turn it off?! Why can't I hear anything?! Heath!? Fucking hell." I mumble as I make my way to the door. The door was still left unguarded so I slip in.

The door led to a hallway. One end was a dead end and the other had an elevator. I walk towards the elevator, and press the button. I notice someone inside so I lower my head and walk in. I click the button for the highest floor, and the elevator starts moving. "Riley?!" I hear a very familiar voice.

"Luke?" I look up to see his baby blue eyes and blond hair.

"Riley!" He smiles and crushes me with a hug. "What are you doing here?" He asks just as the elevator goes dark and comes to a halting stop. Luke's phone rings, and he skeptically picks it up. "What?!... I can't believe it.... No I wouldn't, but I've seen the proof with my own eyes." He says eyeing me weirdly. "Just fix it. I'll be out as soon as possible." He states cutting the phone.

"What was that about?" I question.

"Nothing." He states.

"What are you doing here?" He asks.

"Ah... I- I came to visit a friend." I state as the elevator starts up again.

"A friend?" He asks not believing me.

"Mhm." I nod.

"You know this party is more then a party, and you are on a off limit part of the reservations." He states. I eye him.

"I could be saying the same about you." I state.

"Tell me the truth Riley." He demands. The door dings open, and I'm greeted by Heath on the other side. I wasn't really satisfied with the look of worry covering his face.

I walk out towards him. "What's wrong?" I ask trying not to panic.

He eyes Luke behind me. "We need to get out. He found out I was coming, and left the damn party after telling his guards to find and kill us." He states.

He grabs my arm and drags me down a flight of stairs. I look back at Luke who was on his phone now. What the fuck was he doing here? We get down to the same hallway as before and take the door which led to the party. The guard who I knocked out was met with my eyes. "Fuck." I mumble as he speaks something into his walkie talkie. "Run." I tell Heath and he wastes no time.

We run towards the main door, and exit out the hall. I could hear the heavy footsteps of the guards behind us. "Come on Riley! Faster!" Heath yells from in front of me.

"How fucking fast do you think I can run in these five inch heels?!" I scold. This why I hate heels sometimes. We exit the hotel exposing ourselves to the cold air of the last day of the year.

I stop panting for air. I turn around to see three very bulgy men running up behind me. "What the fuck are you doing?!" Heath hisses.

"Taking a break. Duh." I state. I grin as I see the car I stopped beside was unlocked. Just as the guy's were about to reach me I yank open the door. They crash into it hard. I laugh as I turn on the child lock and shove em all in. It wasn't going to be long until they realize that the other door's safety lock wasn't on, so I immediately take off my heels and carry them in my hand as I run up to Heath who looked more furious then a bull. He doesn't say another word as he grabs my arm and we start running down a dark alley once again.

The crisp ground full of ice and snow was numbing my feet. At the end of the alley we find ourselves in a huge crowd. I look around to see that we were standing in time square. We look back panicked at the sight of the three men only a few feet behind us. "Don't let go!" Heath yells over the crowds noise.

He drags me through the mass of people. Only a minute in we were almost at the middle of the area. "Ten!... Nine...! Eight...! Seven...! Six...! Five...! Four...!" The voices of the crowd echoes through my ears.

Heath comes to a stop, and yells into my ear. "I need you to trust me!" Before I could answer. "One!" He curls his arm around my back, and pulls up against his body. Then in a split second his lips crash onto mine.

A/N:

Whow! Intense. Long. Dramatic. Whow!

Longest chapter I've ever written in my whole life!!!

Hope you guys liked it?! Please comment letting me know!

Sorry for any obvious mistakes did not edit at all!!!

Only 7 more chapters left for this book!!!!

HOLY SHIT. This book just got ranked #824 in teen fiction & I am freaking out!!!! THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU SOOOO MUCH!!!!!! I never ever thought that this book would ever get ranked. This is a huge accomplishment for us!!! THANK YOU!!!!!!

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