Rule #1: Don't fall in love

Part 12

This man has the nerve to ask who I'm speaking on the phone with when he just had Ms. Floozy sitting on his desk showing him her cookie? Nuh uh, this is not going to happen.

"You're joking right now, right? You're actually going to question who I'm speaking on MY phone with?"

I can see the anger burning behind those beautiful green eyes of his.

"I'm very fucking serious right now Mika, have I ever not been serious with you? Do you really not see what you do to me every fucking day? Every time you go on one of these fucking dates that we all know you're purposely tanking. I've tried fucking other women to get you out of my head but you fucking live there. Are you really that fucking stupid that you don't see it?" Xavier is literally vibrating with rage as he pours all of his anger out in this elevator.

"How da-" I begin but Xavier interrupts me.

"I'm not finished yet Mika, I apologize for calling you stupid because that's the last thing that you are. I just cannot for the life of me comprehend how you cannot see how much I feel for you. So please explain."

Just like that I'm at a loss for words, which does not happen very often. This man, this Greek God of a beauty has feelings for me. I'd be lying if I say that I don't have feelings for him as well but how can I tell him my reasons for not wanting to be in a relationship or even pursue one.

"Xav, Kaleb is just an old childhood friend. Not that I owe you any type of explanation. Need I remind you that you are my employer; not just my employer but the brother of one of my best friends. This, us can not and will not be more than what it already is." For a moment I see his eyes flash pain rather than the regular arrogance they carry. "Am I suppose to feel privileged that you have sex with other women so you don't think about me? Am I suppose to thank you for sparing me a glance? You may have me confused with one these desperate women that you consistently surround yourself with but I am not the one for you to be speaking to like this."

Without another word I storm out of the elevator to my apartment with Xav not far behind. I purposely slam the door in his face. I hear him knock on the door. "MIKA OPEN THE FUCKING DOOR, WE WEREN'T FINISHED" Oooooh he mad mad. I don't even reply just go to my room while he continues to pound on the door.

A few moments later I hear silence, I go to press my ear to the door and I hear Kat speaking with him, my saving grace. "X, you're just going to push her further away from you, you need to fucking control yourself." Kat states in a stern voice.

"I know, I know. It's just .uhhh. She's making me lose it Kat. I'm fucking losing it sis." I can perfectly envision the look of hurt that must be on his face as he says this to Kat. Then just like that silence and all I hear is the sound of the elevator stopping on my floor, which I assume is to take Xavier up to his.

To my surprise the remaining part of the evening passes without even a single text or phone call from Kat. One thing I respect about Kat is she knows when I need to be left alone to think and tonight is one of those times.

Would it be so bad if I let Xavier in, let him know why I am the way that I am. Would he understand, or would he be just as dismissive as everyone else in my life that I have ever told this to? He continues to solidify my opinion of men; the anger, the possessiveness, the inability to keep his dick in his pants. I scoff at my thoughts as I prepare for sleep to take over.

I awake to Kat kicking my bed. "Why are you in my room Kat, the key is just for emergencies?"

"Your mum thought you were dead T, BOTH your phones are off and everyone has been calling you for hours. Do you even know what the time is? You need to get your ass in gear NOW or we're going to miss our hair appointments."

I glass at the clock on my left nightstand 12:11pm.

"What the fuck, how the fuck??!?! I never sleep past 9. Ok ok I'm up I'm up just let me shower."

"Quick or I'm leaving your ass"

I quickly jump into the shower without warming it up, the cold downpour helps to fully wake me. I create a quick lather and scrub myself, omitting my hair from being washed. What dirty hair is better for updos. I hop out and wrap myself in a town, when I get into my room I see that Kat has already picked out tights and a sweater dress for me. Did I mention I love this girl.

"Let's go, we're taking my car T, you were suppose to get gas this morning and we don't have time to stop."

I nod in agreement and we head to the elevator. On our way to the main floor, I try to refrain from asking how Xav is doing but my curiosity gets the best of me.

"Kat, um... how's Xav doing? Is he still coming tonight?"

I didn't miss the smirk on her lips before she replies. "He's fine T, he just doesn't know why you're so against being with anyone. I get it, you've told me but he doesn't. He's tried to get me to tell him but that's your story to tell, not mine."

"I just don't think he'll understand Kat, I really don't"

"The only way you can know for sure is if you open up to him T. His behaviour yesterday though was unacceptable and I apologize for the actions of my idiotic brother. I've never seen him like that before but there is still not excuse" Kat give me an apologetic smile before continuing. "anyway can we not talk about X and focus on getting day drunk at the salon please"

"Kat you'll get enough liquor in you at the party, only two mimosas until we get there deal?"

She rolls her eyes but nods in agreement as we get into her car.

After hours of primping, pampering and assuring my mum that I'm coming to the party Kat and I are on our way. She said that Xavier will come on his own. Not that I care or anything, ok maybe I care just a little bit.

My parents typically have their anniversary parties in their home but because this is the big 35 year one they've rented out a hall to make sure business associates, family, friends, and acquaintances can be here to celebrate with them. they've really outdone themselves this year. The typical bare pillars surrounding the hall have been decorated with lilacs, I cringe at the thought of how much that must have cost them. The tables scattered throughout the hall have alternating lilac and white table clothes with silver cutlery, and vases with floating candles as the centre pieces.

Kat and I make our way to the head table to great my parents and siblings. I'm expected to sit with them for dinner but I know I'll be out of that high visibility chair as soon as possible. I say my goodbyes to Kat and take my seat.

I keep my eyes trained on the door to see each guest file in and take their designated seat. That's when I see something that makes my blood absolutely boil; KK walking, more like stumbling in with that fucker Roger. This night is about to be a fucking shit show.

I look across the head table to see James and Marco physically tense at the sight of Roger and KK. Although my family doesn't know the extent of what happened between Roger and KK they know it was bad. Just as I was about to get up and rip KK from Rogers' grimy paws I see Xav walk in and he's not alone.

A/N: I'm hoping to get more chapters out within the coming days. Please vote and comment :)

-SJB