One year later

I wake up alone

No warmth or security around me. I sigh against the pillow and open my groggy and sleepy eyes. I lug myself up from the sheets for another day, but this days not like the rest. I stand, my feet touching the cold floor, and walk into the spacious bathroom, needing a shower to calm my nerves. I stare into my eyes for just a moment and sigh. Stripping from my clothes, I turn the shower to its hottest. I walk past the mirror refusing to look and I lean against the wall, watching the steam fill the bathroom and fog the mirrors, protecting me from my reflection.

I should be happy, today's Theo's court hearing but the night he was caught plays in my head. The muffled screams around me, the way I was dragged away and the look in there eyes. Slipping into the shower I let the warm soothing water heat my numb body and let it flow down my skin. Making sure the tears that were shed that night don't come pouring down my cheeks. I lost something that night and I'll never forget it....

I run my hands down my face and in my hair, the water falling down my face and ears, muffling the sounds around me. The sound of the three shots of the gun from that night echoes around me and I shake my head, trying to forget.

I lazily and slowly wash my body and hair, my heart feeling heavy at the thought of seeing him again. I get out, standing and shivering as I walk over and grab a towel. I wrap the towel around my body and dry off my dripping skin. I listen to the silence around me and frown, hating this feeling.

I walk out, grab my clothes and go back into the bathroom. I pull up my thong and clasp my bra, unconsciously my eyes catch with my reflecting in the now clear mirror. I frown at the one thing that catches my eye, the circular scar that is placed on my right side. The pink skin looks almost mangled, after only a year the scar tissue is still pink. A tear falls from my eye, I close them and look away, running a hand through my dripping hair. I lost the fear of him...but today it all comes back.

I feel two arms wrap around me and I jump and yelp in surprise. I look up in the mirror to see Vincent. He rests his head on my shoulder and frowns. His face has small beads of sweat and his hair drips on the skin of his forehead. I smile trying to wipe my tears as he hugs my waist, his bare chest sweaty but I don't mind. I missed him and I need him close right now "what's wrong?" He asks me

I sigh shaking my head "how was the gym?" I ask turning from my reflection and against his chest, facing him

His eyes are still on the mirror and when I turn around to see what he's liking at. I follow his eyes to my butt, showing completely with just my thong to hide it. I smile and wrap my arms around him, kissing his chest "do I need to get dressed for you to focus?" I ask

He slowly tears his eyes from me and down at my face "actually...maybe" he says and we both chuckle

"So the gym?" I ask, standing up tall and kissing his jaw

"It was good" he says squeezing me tight and I laugh trying to get out of his strong grasp

I sigh and lay my head on his chest, my eyes scan his tan skin, landing on his collar bone and shoulder...the place the bullet went in. I frown and hug him tighter "Adeline" he says against my hair

I don't answer though, I just stare at the scar and listen to his heart "Mrs.King" he says louder and at that I blush and look up at him, he's smiling down at me

"Not for another couple of months mister" I say

He pulls me back and takes my left hand in his, kissing the beautiful practically perfect diamond ring that sits in all its beauty on my ring finger, colorless diamonds line the band and a halo of more larger ones surrounds a gorgeous cushion cut diamond that literally sparkles under any light that hits it, like stars.

"You still like it?" He asks and I nod furiously

"Of course I do...but what I'm going to love most is being your wife" I say with a smile on my face

Three month after the arrest and take down of Theo's company I sent in and filed the paperwork for the divorce and a month later it was finalised. I was officially no longer Theo Taylor's wife, something I had been wanting and waiting to say for as long as I could remember being with him. We sold the house and I moved into the penthouse with Vincent, it's plenty of space for the two of us and I couldn't stand the thought of being in that house any longer...too many bad memories. I do miss Sofia and Sarah sometimes, Sofia's now working for Cara actually and Sarah's starting up her own makeup business. I try to talk to both of them as much as possible, it's weird not having them around.

Two months after the divorce Vincent got down on one knee and proposed to me right in the middle of Annie's shop, the first place he told me something about him that no one else knew and the first time he went in for a kiss.

I sigh imagining my wedding day, this one I'll actually be excited about. My mother, surprisingly enough, has helped a lot with the planning and my Father has insisted on paying. I've had to make sure my mother doesn't go crazy, I want a simple wedding, not many people, not a ball gown or fancy crown, just my family, friends, and the man I love waiting for me at the alter.

"If someone told me I'd ever be getting married in my lifetime..." He trails off shaking his head and chuckling

We go silent for a while and my eyes fall on his scar again "he'll be gone for good today?" I ask quietly tracing my fingertips lightly over the pink skin of the bullet wound

My eyes screw shut at the memory, Tommy shot three shots from the officers gun. The first hit Detective Bailey, it lodged itself in his leg and he needed two surgeries to get it out and his leg repaired. He's healed now and has held contact with us, well mainly me. Vincent doesn't seem to like him very much, but I've had coffee with him multiple times to talk about the case, we've become friends and honestly it's the least I could do after what he saved us from. The other bullet went straight through me, thankfully it didn't puncture my lung, kidney or any other organ but I did loose a lot of blood and almost had to have a blood transfusion but the Doctors stopped the bleeding fast enough and my body produced the lost blood, I was out for a full day after. But when the bullet went through me it hit Vincent in the shoulder, he was bent down behind me when it happened and if he had even started to stand up it would have hit him in the heart. He needed surgery to get the bullet out but made a full recovery after some rehab to help the motion in his shoulder, now it only hurts when he works out too hard, which is practically every day. He refuses to stop. The third shot hit Marie in the shin...it shattered the bone and ever since then she's had to sit in a wheelchair. Her bones are just too soft to heal completely, she has had surgery to make it better but it's not enough.

I frown thinking about Marie, she isn't doing too well. After the whole ordeal she went back to the home and her doctor evaluated her. He said that with the traumatic event she's even more skittish and afraid than before, which can can bring on more episodes and rages. I held Vincent's hand the whole time while listening, it hurt, both my hand, by his tight and furious grip, and also the thought of how much it hurts him. We've gone to visit frequently, once a week at least. Even though her conditions gotten worse she still remembers Vincent most of the time. Her grey eyes brighten when he walks in but other times she just rambles, Vincent tries so hard for her to understand.

As for Vincent's father he's lightened up, he no longer looks over every single deal Vincent makes and it's actually benefited him. Vincent's made very impressive numbers and partnerships this year. Edward has even come over for dinner a few times, and been nice! We don't know if it was learning about Annie and getting that off his chest or if it was the near death experience of his son that made him change; but we are thankful for it.

"Yes, he'll be gone for good" Vincent says clutching to me and kissing my head. He takes my fingertips away from his scar and brings them to his lips, kissing each finger pad. I back up to look at him as he lets my hand go "is that why you're sad?" He asks

I sigh a shaky breath "I just...- I never want to see him again" I admit feeling the tears raise, but I push them down

"You'll never have to again after this" he says holding my wrists and bending to look in my turned down eyes "I promise" he says

"After what happened....what Tommy did to us" again I look and touch his scar "look what he did to me" I say covering my scar with the other hand, ashamed

He takes my hand away, kisses it and shakes his head "Me and you survived the same bullet; literally and metaphorically, that pretty damn well describes our entire time together" he says holding my hand "we both survived Theo's shit and came up alive and together, that was our bullet...metaphorically" he tilts his head "I couldn't have asked for anything more in life than just being with you" he kisses my hand his eyes never leaving mine

"But-" I begin to say but I'm cut off when his full lips engulf mine and his arms wrap around my near naked body

"Do I have to prove to you how beautiful you are again?" He asks but doesn't wait for a response, his lips move sweetly and feverishly on mine, his mint tongue sweeping across my lower lip. His hand wraps around my leg and hoists me up, he walks us over and pushes me against the wall. I clutch my legs around him and my hand holds his neck while the other runs through his silk lush hair.

I groan as his lips trail down my neck and jaw "Bailey will be here soon" I tell him catching a glimmer of the clock on the wall. He's taking us to court with protected cars and police to follow, I said it wasn't necessary but he insisted.

Vincent groans in annoyance "no way do I want to hear you say his name while I'm about to fuck you" he growls against my lips and I nod, getting lost in his deep husky voice and the way he holds me, his deodorant and cologne swirling around in my senses making me feel weak to him, I lean into his body but he pulls away teasingly

He carries me out into the bedroom and lays me out on the bed, his hungry eyes scan me and my body flushes under his gaze. I swear he's the only man who makes me feel beautiful. He bends down and hovers over me, his gaze firry and intense, spewing lust from his golden orbs. The look making my stomach twist in anticipation.

His finger tips run down my neck and in between the valley of my breasts. Tracing the outline of my bra and causing chill bumps to spread over my skin. His fingers run down further, now sketching around my scar, my stomach clenches as he lowers his lips to my skin. He kisses the scar that matches his and when I lift my body to him he pushes me back down against the soft mattress.

"You are beautiful" he says against my skin, my hand grips his hair as his lips kiss around my stomach, his strong hands clutch to me, holding me tight

"You're bias-" I start to say but his lips on my skin stop and he looks up at me

He climbs up me and then hovers over me as I lay back "Adeline why can't you just listen?" He asks "You are the most beautiful woman I have ever seen" he places his hands on my cheeks and straddles my body, our eyes never leaving one another's

"You're the only one that thinks so" I tell him wrapping my arms around his back, pulling him on me

"Pay attention my dear, trust me I have to give a million dirty looks at guys who check you out...it's actually annoying, one day I'm just going to have to punch someone" he says and I blush, smiling up at him

"Well you're the only one that makes me feel truly beautiful" I admit to him "even with-" I look down at my scar

He cuts me off "every-" he puts a high level of emphasis on that word "part of you is perfect" he says and I smile "say it" he demands

"Every part of you is perfect" with a small smirk I cock an eyebrow

He frowns lowering himself on me, I'm a little surprised to feel his hard erection on my leg and the fire in me instantly ignites and burns as he ever so slightly moves. I close my eyes and lift my hips, needing him, but of course he pulls away "say it" he whispers horsily in my ear and I shiver, chill bumps spreading

I can hardly focus with him so lightly rubbing himself against me, his shorts and my hardly there thong separating me from him. I lean into his ear and bite his ear lobe "and if I don't" I ask kissing his jaw and down his neck, his body stiffening as my hands run down his back

He shakes his head and moves his hand done cupping me over my underwear, I gasp at the contact "there's always torture" I feel him smirk against my neck and a shiver runs down my spine

The moment his fingers begin to move I loose it. I buck my hips up to him, I forget everything, I forget seeing Theo, I forget the feeling of helplessness and I forget the feeling of the gun pressed to my head, the heaviness in my heart that plunged into my stomach knowing I'd never see Vincent again...never be with him. I forget it all because I am with him. Feeling his skin on mine, his lips on me, his breath fanning my neck and his finger tips running down my body all makes my heart swell with joy and love.

"Fine" I say breathlessly and gasp when he moves my thong to the side

"Fine what?" He teased kissing my cheek and trailing down my jaw

"I'm perfect in every way" I say out loud as he demanded. Admitting this to myself and out loud actually makes me feel good...like I said he's the only one that can make me feel the way he does, he makes me better in every way

"Good" he sucks lightly on my neck in approval and I sigh in ecstasy "My little narcissus" he bites down harder and chuckles

I giggle and roll my eyes slapping at his chest but he grips my wrists and captures my lips. He kisses me slowly and passionately, moving his hand down to where I want it most. His other hand reaches behind me and I lift myself up, allowing him to unclasping my bra. His lips are soft and minty as his tongue explores mine. I run my hands through his dark hair and trace them down his back, digging my nails into his hard muscles.

His fingers move around my flesh and I moan against his lips, when he tries to pull back I pull his neck to me and continue to get lost in his kiss. With much dismay his fingers leave me and I groan against him. I feel him pull down his shorts and I eagerly try to help. He rubs himself against me and I get lost completely in his movements and kiss as his lips moves against mine, becoming sloppy. I moan loudly against his tongue, so loud the neighbours could hear, but I don't care I can't keep it in.

I hear a faint knocking sound but my head's fuzzy with his touch and his strong amazing smell surrounding me. He reaches to take my bra off and then to slip off my underwear but the knocking gets louder and then a faint shout. I try to refocus but the fire burning in me begs me just to focus on his erection that inches closer to me.

A loud bang breaks us from the kiss and Vincent jumps up. He pulls up his boxers and shorts and I prop myself up on my elbows. Snapping my bra together I pull my thong up my thighs. My heart rate races as I stare at the door, my breathing quick from fear and from the loss of breath after kissing him.

"Adeline?" I hear a familiar voice call out my name

I look at Vincent and his face is coated with anger "you've got to be fucking kidding me" he growls and storms out of the bedroom and into the hallway, leading out to the living room

I quickly jump up and look around frantically for something to throw on. I see my robe hanging in the closet and I grab the pink silk. I toss it on but don't have time to tie it around me before I run out to get him.

When I do get out to the two men, I see Detective Bailey standing by Vincent's now busted down door. I gasp looking at the ruined piece of wood...did he do that? I turn my gaze to Vincent who's turned away from me but by the ways he's standing I know he's pissed. Baileys eyes turn to me and for a moment look down at my body. I wrap the robe around me tight and step by Vincent, who quickly pulls me to him and against his back.

"What the fuck" Vincent snaps

"I'm sorry" Bailey shakes his head, eyes wide from what he just did "I'll pay for that..." He trails off rubbing his forehead "I heard something and when no one answered the door I thought..." He trails off shaking his head staring at the door on the ground

"Obviously you're not used to the sound of a woman in pleasure" Vincent barks clutching to me as I peer around him, wanting to move "stand outside, we'll be out in a minute...after I finish her" Vincent says and instantly my face heats up with a firry blush

Baileys eyes widen and he raises his eyebrows, eventually pulling them together "sure" he says and looks to me, I mouth an apology and he nods walking out into the exposed hallway

Vincent grabs my hand and pulls me back into the bedroom, further away from Bailey. I can't help but smile a little as he paces the room, running a hand through his dark thick hair, his erection still visible through his shorts.

"Calm down he said he'd pay for it" I smile and walk over to him, placing my hands on his hard chest

He looks down at me "that's not what I'm pissed about" he says with clenched teeth

"Then what?" I ask, the mood before pretty much gone

"He kept looking at you, and you were in this damn thing" he lifts my robe off my shoulder a little

"You don't like it?" I ask looking down but he shakes his head, ruffling his dark hair

"No of course I like it, you look sexy as hell and down right damn fuckable, I don't like him seeing you in it" he clarifies, running a hand down his handsome face

"He wasn't looking at me like that" I laugh and lay my head on his chest and look up at him

"Of course he was looking at you, you're fucking beautiful" he groans pulling me to him, wrapping his arms around me "you don't even know" he says quietly against my forehead, pressing his lips to my skin

I smile and kiss his chest "what I do know is we have to get ready" I tell him, at the thought my heart quickens and I get nervous again

I begin to walk into the closet but he pulls me back to him "I haven't finished with you yet" he says, his voice instantly deepening making my body quiver, his breath fans over me and he presses his body against mine

It takes me a minute to recollect my jumbled thoughts and short breaths but I shake my head "we can't, he's right outside" I whisper yell, wiggling out of his grasp

He chuckles "so what" he asks "he deserves to hear us after knocking down my damn door " he says but I just laugh and shake my head

"I would rather pass on the embarrassment thank you very much" I say walking into the closet

"But I very much enjoy seeing you blush love" he says mocking me a little and coming up behind me, kissing my neck "you're right though, you're to loud, he'd be able to hear you moan my name all the-"

I swat at his chest, my ears burning and face hot pink "stop" I practically beg covering my face while smiling

"There's that blush" he says and I shake my head
*
We both finish up getting ready, not without Vincent trying ever two seconds to bring me over to the bed and 'finish what