The apartment feels empty without Bear.
I habitually glance over at the now vacant spot on the office sofa in search of the insatiable distraction her presence brought.
The first few days were testing whilst we let go of our clashing habits from living alone and settled into a joint routine.
My stomach twisted in the best way possible the moment I watched Bear enter the kitchen without makeup on. She looked beautiful either way, her rainbow bruises a temporary demonstration of her undeniable strength but, more importantly, it was a sign she was letting me in.
Her openness forced me to recall that awful night for her. I'd rather it was left in the past, but she had the right to know if she chose to.
After going over the night's events and answering any questions I could, I reclaimed every inch of her body as mine until the sun streamed in under the curtains.
Each orgasm was earned by spelling my name letter by brain fogged letter. Interruptions and mistakes were punished by spankings until she got it right and could think of nothing but a cocktail of me and pleasure.
After glancing at the time, I pull my glasses free from my face before pushing a hand through my tangled hair.
I've spent the day getting ahead on work. I want to take Monday off and surprise Bear. But I've been putting off getting ready for nearing an hour now.
It's this damned event tonight that's prevented me from seeing my girl today. I've never enjoy such gatherings, but my tolerance has greatly deteriorated since meeting Bear.
At least before I was partaking in their false world and war to stay ahead, so I couldn't afford myself such hypocrisies, but now I've axed my engagement and tasted sincerity and love, it's a world I no longer wish to return to.
It's certainly not something I want to drag Bear into.
I adjust my bowtie for the millionth time before releasing a deep exhale. It was fine the first time and if I keep going my hands will cramp.
With an arrival text from my driver, I grab my jacket and steel myself to head out of the door.
The journey takes just under an hour before we're pulling up to a grand old hotel. I'm certain the venue was boastfully chosen for it's luxurious reputation.
A waiter in a pristine uniform offers me a crystal flute of champagne upon entrance into the ballroom. I downed it in one as I inspect the space.
A domed ceiling, holding a stained glass window apex, floats above the select few dancing. Framed alcoves cut out of several walls feature extravagant fountains, one of which is dusting a woman shielding her hair in a fine spray.
Every inch and crevice of the walls are either intricately carved or painted in a show of overwhelming decadence.
Digging the palm of my hand into my chest, I stifle a cough. The air was molten, saturated with designer perfumes.
I set my empty glass down on the polished bar and order another drink.
"Don't get too far ahead of me!" A hand clamps down on my shoulder, giving it a squeeze as I turn.
George's familiar face greets me with a devious smile. The same dangerous smile has lead us on many wild nights since university.
"How've you been?" A small degree of weight lifts off me as I shake his outstretched hand.
It's been a few months since I last bumped into him, so he wastes no time before filling me in on his latest escapades.
"Seen anyone that takes your interest?" He asks, gesturing around the room with his glass. "Poor pickings if you ask me. Want to try our luck in the main bar?"
"Not tonight." Or any night, they wouldn't stand a chance of holding a shred of light up against Bear.
"The Empress got your balls in a vice? Never used to stop you before." He half laughs, waving us over more drinks.
"No, I'm done with that. I should've stopped that ridiculous proposal before it began."
"Damn!" George grins, slapping me on the back, "So, who took it better, her or your dad?"
I shake my head, forcing the grimace into a tight smile. "They seem to be in competition for that title. My Dad lost his sh*t and Rebecca had an unhealthy attachment to the ring."
Fortunately, I haven't had the displeasure of bumping into her again and I've been skilfully dodging my Dad's calls, opting for the explosive voicemails instead, whilst maintaining minimal communication with Mum.
"No psycho fiancé and a disappointed father, why are we not finding you a woman to keep you company in your hotel room?" George raised an eyebrow with his elevated curiosity.
"Because I've already found one. The one."
Shocked laughter spills out of George's slack jaw as he shifts his weight to lean against the bar.
"No way you've managed to tolerate the same girl for more than a few hours." He finally stutters after recovering. "How long did she have to chase you for? Or, was the sex just that good."
"Actually she was the one making me sweat. She even turned me down twice." I chuckle, realising I wouldn't have believed myself a few months ago either.
"She must be some woman. Don't f*ck it up." He tips his glass to me before getting distracted by something over my shoulder. "Duty calls, someone worthy of my time just walked in."
Rolling my eyes, I turn to trace his path with my gaze, wondering when he'll find the one that'll drop him on his head.
A petite woman, in a glowing silver dress, stands with her back to us, blissfully unaware of her approaching hunter. Strands of her hair catch in the light as they fall from her fiery updo. My blood begins to boil as I study her more closely.
I cross the space in a few strides, an overwhelming primal urge taking precedence over my racing thoughts. I halt in front of George, my clenched fists buried deep in my pockets to prevent me from acting impulsively.
"That's my girl." I near-growl to clear up the confusion plastered across George's face. He immediately throws his arms up in the air and backs away. 'Smart.'
But, what the f*ck is she doing here?
"Adrian, are you going to turn around and say hi, or are you going to continue to creepily lurk?" Ah, so that's why she's here.
I turn to face to face my sister, my pulse still drumming against my skull. Liz looks like she wishes to say something further, but I immediately direct my attention to Evelyn, who is looking at me puzzled.
"You shouldn't be here." I snap. It's not that I don't want to show off the woman that captivates me with every little thing she does, it's the people that I'd be introducing her to that I'm not proud of.
Her features quickly freeze over, shooting a chill down my spine. "Hi Adrian, it's nice to see you too. Would you like to drop the alpha posturing now?" She emphasised her distaste with an unmistakable glare.
"These aren't people you want to mix with." I state, fully aware that someone might overhear.
"I decide who I want to mix with. Besides, I'm just here to keep Lizzie company, she invited me and it has nothing to do with you." Bear pauses to take a deep breath before delivering the final blow. "If you're that embarrassed of me, I'll happily keep my distance from you."
I capture her hand, desperate to bring her back to me. "Let's talk about this at home."
"Yes, let's, another day when you've calmed down."
"Please." I give her arm a small tug which summons Liz forward, but Bear gives her a smile and she backs off.
I lead Bear out of the ballroom and into a long corridor. Once we've reached a quiet section she frees her arm from my grip and takes a small step back.
I push my hand through my hair to distract myself from the cold weight left behind in her hand's absence.
"Adrian, what's going on?" Bear asks with a defeated sigh, her eyes searching mine.
"That room, those people, they represent an ugly part of my world that I want to protect you from."
"They're just people. Good or bad, they're just like us. I meet a lot of people from different extremes and everything in between at work, but they all get the same care. I can handle myself." The emeralds in her eyes will me to reconsider, but I can't let her get hurt again.
"These people can be so senselessly cruel, amplifying every minute flaw. I don't want to subject you to that."
Bear strolls close enough to caress my cheek, the warmth radiating from her soft hand. "Trust me, I've got this."
I look away, my teeth clenched. I want to throw her stubborn ass over my shoulder and carry her home, but I know that'll only end badly. "Fine." I breathe, "But don't leave Liz's side!"
An appreciative smile reaches Bear's eyes as she wraps me in a hug. She pushes onto her tiptoes to plant a kiss on my cheek before heading back to the ballroom.
I watch the sway of her hips as she walks away. Her dress hugs her ass, begging for it to be squeezed. I bask in the image, a welcomed distraction from focusing on her destination. My shoulders sag as the tension ebbs away.
Once she's out of sight, I turn to find the exit, I desperately need some fresh air.