Rey sipped her tea, it was too sweet. Again. Was the new barista ever going to get her order correct? She was far too polite to complain so she forced the sugary liquid down her throat and grimaced. From his position by the café door her unwanted body guard looked at her with distain. Even with his trademark ray bans in place she could clearly see the irritation radiating from his face. She smiled at him and rubbed her stomach. Her lowered his sunglasses and rolled his eyes at her. She puffed out a breath. Why did he have to be so annoying? When her father had told her, he was hiring a bodyguard, she had pictured a retired CIA agent, complete with balding head and donut filled pot belly. The last thing she has imagined was the tall, lean but muscular condescending hunk with jet black shoulder length hair who was currently towering over her while she tried to pretend to enjoy her disgusting tea.

She knew her father was only trying to protect her but honestly, she was trained in every martial art on the planet, why did she need a glorified babysitter watching her every move? Not to mention that this particular babysitter made her insides turn to jelly every time he looked at her. Her father was taking no chances since the news had reached him of the assassination attempt on her cousin, it was no secret that the royal family were out of favour recently, but no one had suspected that things had reached such levels. Luckily her cousin had been under the protection of his own security detail and had survived the attempt, but it now meant that Rey was under 24-hour surveillance from one of the most sullen and intriguing men she had ever met.

'Why must we go through this charade everyday Rey?' Kylo drawled, 'You hate that tea. Its too sweet. Tell her.'

'It's fine, it's not too sweet. It's perfectly acceptable tea.'

Kylo glared down at her, making her feel like a naughty school girl again.

'If you won't fix this I will.' Grabbing the cup from her hand, Kylo strode off in the direction of the counter.

'Kylo! Come back here!' Rey hissed.

It was too late. He had reached the counter and from the look on the face of the poor trainee, it would appear he was in full Kylo Ren temper mode. She had been on the receiving end of this herself. It wasn't pretty, but she found it exciting and a bit of a turn on to fight with Kylo. She enjoyed pushing him to see how long it would be before he snapped. Which usually wasn't long. Pushing herself up from the table with a sigh she placed herself between the tearful teenaged girl and the formidable Kylo.

'I'm so sorry. My friend here was raised by a pack of wild wolves, he doesn't understand the concept of manners yet but he's a hoot when there's a full moon!'

The girl sniffed and gave Rey a half smile. Rey turned to Kylo,

'Let's go.'

Kylo scowled but followed Rey as she left the café grabbing her coat as she stomped for the exit.

The moment they were outside, Rey laid into Kylo,

'Kylo! I've had it with your attitude problem!'

'I have an attitude problem? When you can't even tell the waitress you hate your tea? How do you expect to run a country one day?'

Rey's mouth fell open but she composed herself when she noticed all the eyes watching them.

'Let's discuss this when we get back to the house.'

She said quietly lifting an eyebrow. Kylo nodded slightly. He held open the door to the black sedan and handed Rey her coat. She watched Kylo stalk around the vehicle and slide into the passenger seat. He had some trouble squeezing his long legs into the available space and despite her anger, Rey smirked.

'Let's go Finn.' She said to the driver knowing full well those were going to be the next words out of Kylo's mouth. He glanced back at her and shook his head slightly. She resisted the urge to stick her tongue out at him. Honestly he wasn't that much older that her, why did he have to act like there was a permanent stick up his ass? He needed to lighten up a bit. She was dying to know about his mysterious past. He never told her anything about himself so she was completely in the dark as to why he was the way he was. She knew he had been training to be in the armed forces until there was some sort of incident and now he worked private security gigs and she knew he was the best. She had seen his references from previous clients but there was something so cold and clinical about the praise bestowed upon him in the lengthy commendations. Rey could tell he had no personal connection with any of his clients and she thought it sad that he remained so distant from everyone he worked with. What was the fun of watching the world from behind a sheet of glass?

She studied The back of Kylo's head. She spent so many hours staring at the back of his head. He never sat in the back with her and he rarely turned around. As if he could feel her eyes on him, he turned his head and frowned slightly at her. Rey diverted her eyes and inspected the roof of the car, feigning an innocent expression.

'Rey, do you want something?'

'Other than the ability to get through one day without you starting world war three? No nothing.'

Kylo sighed,

'I was trying to be helpful...'

'By making a little girl cry?'

Finn snorted,

'You made a little girl cry?'

Kylo rolled his eyes. It was one of his favourite moves,

'She wasn't a little girl and she really will not learn unless someone corrects her...'

'Kylo! She doesn't want to be a barista all her life. Who cares if she never learns how to make a good cup of tea?'

'Ahah! So you admit it wasn't a good cup of tea?'

Rey lay back in her seat and covered her eyes with her hands,

'Oh brother.'

She heard Kylo clear his throat,

'Rey, can I just apologise for what I said back there? It was unprofessional and uncalled for and for what it's worth I actually think you would be a very empathetic and... understanding ruler. Should the time ever come for you to take the throne.'

Rey put her hands down and blinked in disbelief, Kylo had his eyes firmly on the road again and Finn wisely remained silent.

'Thank You Kylo. Apology accepted.' She said gently.

Then something happened that had never happened before, Kylo turned and fixed his eyes on hers and smiled shyly at her. It only lasted for a moment, but Rey thought her heart might beat out of her chest. How can a man who infuriated her so much make her heart melt with one look? How could a trained killer give her the sheepish smile of a teenaged boy? Who are you Kylo Ren? She thought as she tried to control her hammering heart.

Once they returned to the house, buzz kill Kylo was well and truly back in control. He had refused to look at her the rest of the ride home. Rey huffed. She had thought he was finally going to open up to her. No such luck. Finn whistled cheerfully as he exited the car.

'Will you need me again today Rey? Just I was going to go meet Poe down at the bar...'

'Go!' Rey waved him off. 'I give you the afternoon off.'

'Thank Youuuuuuu!' Finn shouted as he jogged down to the gates. Rey looked up at the mansion she called home, white columns hugged the imposing doorframe, the hallway was just as impressive with an extensive staircase and looming crystal chandelier. Rey rolled her eyes. It was all just too showy for her taste. She did enjoy the gardens. She had insisted her father planted wild flowers as far as the eye could see. He hated them. Said they were close cousins with weeds but Rey loved them, she loved that they grew in all conditions and environments. It reminded her that good things could be found anywhere.

Heavy footsteps behind her in the lobby reminded her she was not alone.

'Look I'm in the house so I'm safe right, isn't there somewhere else you need to be right now? Some kittens you need to shout at?'

Kylo rolled his eyes.

'One of these days mister, those eyes won't roll back. Then where will you be?'

Was that a smile? She thought she could the corner of his mouth edging upwards. Mmm. Intriguing.

'Well I'm going to make a sandwich.'

She started towards the kitchen and heard the footsteps follow.

'Argh! No! Just stay here.'

'With all due respect Rey, I don't work for you. I work for your father and he pays me to make sure you are safe at all times. Not just went you are drinking disgusting tea in coffee shops but all the time.'

'All the time huh? What about when I'm in the shower?'

What on Earth had possessed her to say that?! She felt her face start to flush.

Kylo's adam's apple bobbed as he swallowed hard,

'Then I make an exception but I do remain close by.'

Well that comment was loaded with promise. Rey fought the urge to bite her lip. Bloody hell this guy was something else. She entered the kitchen with her shadow in tow. She switched on the radio and let out a little squeal when one of her favourite songs came on. She started dancing around the kitchen as she collected the ingredients for her sandwich. Kylo stood in the doorway, with an expressionless look on his face but his eyes followed her around the room.

'Kylo lighten up would you? The doom and gloom act is getting boring. Why don't you have a little dance with me?'

Rey shimmied towards the fridge. Ahah! Definite smile that time!

'Got ya! Knew you could smile. Did that hurt?'

Kylo cleared his throat,

'I am capable of smiling I just choose not to.'

'Dear God Kylo, you aren't dead yet. Stop being such a grumpy Gus.'

'I would argue that perhaps you could do with adopting a more serious approach. It might save your life one day.'

'Isn't that what you're here for?' Rey said looking straight at Kylo.

'Of course, but a little bit of self control never did anybody any harm.'

'I don't need self-control. I have something better. I have Kylo control. Able to make minimum wage workers cry with a single look. My hero.'

She came towards him with her plate, but he blocked her path.

'Rey, you deserved better than the service they were providing you, I can't just ignore it when people are disrespecting you. It makes me so...'

Kyle stopped suddenly and Rey starred at him intently. Suddenly she realised, all the angry outbursts, all the lectures she had to endure, the countless times he had berated her for not following orders. It was all because he cared about her. He cared too much about her. More than he should. They looked at each other. Rey placed a hand on his chest. Kylo didn't respond but he didn't move away either. Heat flooded Rey's body. Finally Kylo broke the silence,

'Rey I...'

'Where's my little princess then?' Her uncles voice echoed through the mansion. Kylo stepped away from her, and the wall was firmly back in place. Way to go uncle Luke. Rey thought to herself.

'In the kitchen.' Rey called out. Her uncle appeared in the doorway and Kylo moved to allow him to enter.

'Well then, how are you two getting along? Much better I hope?'

Kylo was motionless.

'Much better Uncle, we'll be braiding each other's hair and having pillow fights before you know it.'

Luke chuckled heartily,

'Oh Rey, such a sense of humour. I'm sure Kylo can't get enough of you!'

She knew her uncle meant the comment sarcastically and she laughed as he expected her too, but the meaningful look Kylo gave her as she glanced at him made her suspect there was more truth to her uncle's words than he ever could have imagined.

That evening as Kylo lay in bed, he tried not to picture Rey in the room next door. He rubbed his hands over his face. What was happening to him? He never got involved with his clients. Never. When he agreed to take the job, it was as a favour for an old friend.

Rey's father was adamant he was the only man he would trust to guard his only daughter. He had pictured a prissy little stuck up princess, expecting the world to fall at her feet. What he got instead was Rey, a beautiful, infectious ball of energy and sunshine. Someone too polite to even return the wrong drink. Someone who always held the door for others and was never too busy to say hello to anyone who approached her. At first it had been nothing more than a pleasant discovery to find she was easy to get along with, it certainly made his job easier, but as his attraction to her grew, so did his anger at himself and he ashamedly began taking that anger out on her and those around them.

He began berating her for every little thing and she took all his lectures with such good humour, even seemingly enjoying the opportunity to spar with him. It made him want to fight with her more. He had always prided himself on being so professional. His rules were simple and finite, keep interaction to a minimum, don't share personal details and above all never engage in any intimate behaviour with a client.

He couldn't lie to himself and say that today's little display hasn't stepped over that boundary. If Luke hadn't interrupted them, he had been about to tell her everything, that he struggled to keep control around her, that from the moment he smelt her perfume in the morning to the sleepy eyed goodnight she gave him at night, he saw nothing but her. The world fell away but she burned like the sun, and he couldn't understand why he was the only one who saw it.

Kylo sat up, no point trying to sleep now. Picking up his phone he returned some texts. His finger hovered over the button that opened the mirroring tech. He wasn't supposed to use it unless Rey was in danger but he could monitor the situation couldn't he? Kylo shook his head. He was in deep anyway, what was one more rule broken? He pressed the button and his phone instantly mirrored Rey's. His eyes widened as he watched text appear on the screen. Despite the late hour Rey was awake and was instant messaging with her best friend.

God Rose, I don't know why but I can't stop thinking about him. Okay I know why because everything from his name to his steely sharp eyes fascinate me. I must know more!

Sooner or later you will have to address the sexy tall dark and handsome elephant in the room, and by sexy tall dark and handsome elephant I mean...

I know what you mean Rose! That isn't helping!

Sorry, do you think he feels the same way about you?

I don't know for sure, but there have been signs that he does.

Where is he right now?

In the bedroom. NEXT DOOR.

OMG, really?

Yes. It's part of his contract he has to remain close to me at all times.

Forever and forever until death do you part!

Rose!

Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha, sorry. I have to go Finn just fell in the door. I'm assuming he is in need of a black coffee and a scolding.

Ha ha, okay, don't be too hard on him, speak to you later. xx

Kylo turned off the app. She was thinking about him right now and he was thinking about her right now. He looked at the wall that joined their rooms. A thousand thoughts ran through his head. A thousand inappropriate thoughts. Thoughts that a bodyguard should not be having about the princess he had sworn to protect. Kylo lay back down. He was in way over his head, and he wasn't sure he could stop now even if he wanted to.

Much later when sleep had finally claimed him, Kylo was awakened by a loud bang. He leapt out of bed. The noise had definitely originated from Rey's room. Running out of his room and without knocking he burst through Rey's door to find her lying on the floor wearing only her underwear. He stopped dead and his eyes skimmed over her curves.

'Kylo!' Rey screamed, scrambling to cover herself with the duvet. 'What the hell are you doing?'

'I heard a bang! I thought you were in trouble!'

'I fell out of bed! Haven't you ever fell out of bed!'

'I didn't know that did I? Are you okay?'

Rey wrapped the duvet around her and plonked herself down on the bed. Kylo ran his hand through his hair. It was then that Rey realised all he was wearing was a pair of boxer shorts. Her mouth fell open and her eyes went down to his chest, then lower... she quickly averted her eyes.

'I'm okay. I'm sorry for waking you because of my own stupidity.'

'That's okay, as long as you are alright.' He said with a half smile. God what that half smile did to her, she suspected a full on grin would probably send her into heart failure.

'Well, here we are half naked and embarrassed...'

Why could she never stop her mouth?

Kyle snorted,

'Did you have to make it worse?'

'Apparently I did.'

'Well goodnight.'

'Goodnight Kylo, thank you for looking out for me.'

'It's my job'

'Of course it is.'

They looked at each other. Suddenly Rey didn't want him to leave.

'I had a bad dream you see, that's why I fell.'

'Oh?'

'Yes. We were mountain climbing you and I, and I fell, you grabbed my hand and you held me as long as you could but my hand slipped from your grasp and I felt myself falling through the air. It was terrifying until I landed on my ass on the floor over there.'

rey rubbed her behind and frowned at the spot where she fell.

Kylo walked towards her and sat next to her on the bed. Her heart thumped in her chest.

'Well that would never happen.'

'I know right? Me mountain climbing? I can barely walk down the stairs without tripping up!'

'No, I meant I would never let you fall.'

Rey looked at Kylo.

'Don't look at me like that.'

'Like what? This is just my face.'

'With those wide, innocent beautiful eyes of yours. Do you have any idea the affect you have on me?'

'No you're a giant enigma! You tell me nothing about yourself! And yet the little I do know about you makes me want to know you better than anyone else I have ever met.'

'Don't say that.'

'Why not?'

'You know we can't do anything about this.'

'About what?'

'This attraction we have for each other. Your father trusts me to keep you safe.'

'I would argue the closer you are to me, the safer I would be.'

'That's not how this works Rey.'

'How does this work Kylo? I don't understand. We like each other. What else matters?'

'Best case scenario? I lose my job. Worst case scenario? I lose focus, I become compromised and something happens to you.' He fixed her with an intense stare, 'If something happened to you Rey, I could never forgive myself.'

Rey saw past his words to the need within and lurched forward pressing her lips against his and wrapping her arms around his neck. For a moment Kylo stilled then he pulled her closer and kissed her back. Rey moaned against his lips, sinking her hands into his hair. Kylo loosened the duvet from her body and lifted her into his lap. She heard him groan as his hands cupped her behind, and he held her close against him. Then he pulled away from her, abruptly ending the kiss. With his eyes still closed he put his forehead against hers and rubbed her lip gently with his thumb,
'Just as I imagined. Like pure sunlight.' He sighed.
Without another word he placed her back on the bed and walked out of the room, leaving Rey very confused and very frustrated.

The next morning Kylo wouldn't even look at her. She ate her breakfast in silent fury. How on earth could he just walk away from her like that? She felt rejected and hurt. She wanted to run away and hide but she knew that would just create bigger problems. After washing her dishes she stomped up the stairs to her room to get dressed. Kylo followed her as always and stood outside the door which she slammed as she entered her bedroom.

Rey stood in her walk in wardrobe throwing clothes around and kicking at shoe boxes. One of the boxes she knocked over contained a pair of black leather knee boots with a high wedged heel she hadn't been able to bring herself to wear because they seemed a little risky. Well today she felt like taking a risk and maybe she could make him suffer a bit too. She picked out a short pleated tartan skirt and a simple black top. She dressed quickly and added some minimal make up and bright red lipstick. Pulling on the boots and zipping them up, she looked at herself in the full length mirror and felt a little thrill run through her. She fluffed up her hair and held her chin up high.

Let's see you ignore me now you ass. She thought as she opened the bedroom door.

Kylo's head cocked slightly to the side at the sight of Rey's shapely legs clad in leather stepping out of her room. He worked hard to keep his expression unreadable. She smiled sweetly as she passed by him. He watched her walk down the hallway towards the stairs. He chewed his gums to pieces watching her skirt sway from side to side against her thighs. Just ignore it, he told himself, you know what she is trying to do. Rise above it.

'Don't you think that outfit is somewhat inappropriate?'

Well don't Kylo. He congratulated himself. Excellent job.

She looked at him incredulously,

'What this old thing? I wear it all the time. The boys love it.'

She finished off her little performance with a wink.

Kylo's jaw jutted out. Rey braced herself. She knew him well enough to know when a storm was coming. She strutted into the kitchen with Kylo hot on her heels. Leaning over the counter she plucked a grape from the fruit bowl and popped it into her mouth. She stared at him as she chewed. As expected Kylo rose to her challenge.

'Looking at your schedule, it seems a little over the top for visiting sick children in the hospital.'

Rey winced inwardly. She had forgotten about that, but she couldn't back down now.

'It's fine. They don't care what I'm wearing. They're good kids.'

'There are also staff members at the hospital. Doctors and Nurses.'

'So there are! Hey, maybe I will bag myself a hot doctor huh? Bonus!' Rey popped another grape into her mouth.

Kylo's eyes narrowed,

'I know what you're doing you know.'

'Oh you do? What is it I'm 'doing' then?'

'This behaviour isn't very fitting for a Princess.'

'And you would know all about how a Princess should act mmm?'

'I know this isn't you but I know I'm partly to blame...'

'Partly to blame!' Rey exclaimed. She growled. 'Tell me Mr behavioural expert, How should one act when someone throws themselves at you? Practically offering themselves up on a platter?' Should you 'A' treat that person with respect or 'B' treat that person like a stray dog on the street?' She stalked across the room, until she was standing in front of him. Kylo looked down at her,

'Rey I'm sorry...'

'Save it. You made your choice last night. No second chances.' Rey turned on her heels leaving Kylo feeling lower than dirt.

'I assume you're coming?' Rey called from the hallway. 'Finn is out front.'

Kylo rubbed his forehead. He has a feeling it was going to be a long day.

Kylo tried hard to focus on the exits and entrances, he checked the nursing station for unfamiliar faces, watched the incoming visitors to the ward closely, but his eyes kept getting drawn back to Rey sitting cross legged on the floor, her boots discarded with a blanket over her legs a circle of children around her, laughing as they enjoyed the story she was reading enthusiastically. He watched her eyes flash with excitement as she leaned close to the little girl next to her who often attached herself to the young princess during her visits.

'Roarrrrrr!' Shouted the monster.

The little girl giggled delightedly and held her teddy close.

'But the princess was not afraid, she knew that all the monster needed was a friend.'

Rey's eye caught Kylo's and she blushed as she realised he was watching her intently. She cleared her throat and continued,

'The princess gave the monster a hug and his frozen heart thawed and the spell was finally broken and all the kingdom celebrated for they were finally free! The End. Now wasn't that a lovely story children? What did we learn here?'

The shy little girl by her side replied in a quiet voice,

'Sometimes you don't need to kill the monster, sometimes all the monster needs is...love?'

'Excellent April! Exactly right.'

The little girl beamed and Rey looked at Kylo pointedly and said,

'Sometimes all the monster needs, is a little love.'

Kylo couldn't keep the smirk off his face. He folded his arms across his chest and raised an eyebrow at Rey. She pressed her lips together to keep from laughing and Kylo was grateful that Rey had seemingly cooled off after their fight that morning, though he suspected he still had a long way to go before she would forgive him entirely.

Later when they were preparing to leave, Kylo helped Rey with her coat. From his position behind her he leaned close to her ear,

'For what it's worth, the monster is truly sorry for hurting the princess and he would do anything to make it up to her.'

Rey smiled, 'The princess will think about it.'

She felt his eyes on her as they left the ward, and his presence was almost overwhelming in the elevator.

When the doors opened Finn greeted them with a sombre expression.

'Finn what is it?' Rey asked.

'You're father wants to see you immediately. There's been another attack.'

Rey's hand flew to her mouth,

'Who?'

'Come on Rey, they don't tell me things like that. Let's go I will get you to your father.'

Rey nodded, letting out a shaky breath. Her heart was beating at a thousand miles a minute, it seemed this threat was getting closer and she was finally starting to feel that perhaps she should take it seriously. As Kylo helped her into the car he squeezed her hand and she squeezed it back with a grateful smile. Thank goodness for you Kylo. She thought to herself.

Rey composed herself as she entered her father's office. Kylo hesitated at the door but her father waved him in. Kylo entered and closed the door behind him. Rey's father smiled at her,

'Take a seat my dear.'

Rey sat down opposite her father, Kylo stood behind her. She noted the framed picture of her mother holding her as a baby on his desk. She felt a stab of pain in her chest as she always did when she saw that picture.

Rey was always regretful that she wasn't closer to her father, her mother had died when she was so young, and her father had the responsibility of an entire country on his shoulders as he tried to work through his grief. She understood why he had kept her at arms length, she understood why he found it hard to look into her eyes so similar to her mothers and she understood why she had been raised ever since by a revolving door of nanny's and babysitters. Yes, she understood, but that didn't mean she had to like it.

As the king's only child her life has been incredibly sheltered, which was both a blessing and a curse. She was never allowed to be alone but her father also encouraged her to stay out of the public eye as much as possible. Meaning now that she was old enough to look after herself, she had been allowed to live in their family home, while her father remained at the palace. They saw each other as much as possible but she suspected their relationship would always be somewhat strained.

Rey didn't remember her mother but there was a part of her heart that missed her terribly and she didn't think it would ever go away.

'Rey, there has been another attack. This time on my brother Luke.'

'Oh my god, is he okay?'

'He is. He isn't harmed, just shaken up. It appears the goal was to kidnap him and probably blackmail me.'

Rey swallowed hard, but a lump formed in her throat.

'Do the police have them?'

'No, they escaped.'

Her blood ran cold.

'So they're still out there?'

'For now yes. That's why I hope you can understand I'm going to ask you to restrict your movements to the house for now. I will increase your security detail of course but Kylo will remain as primary.'

Rey nodded.

'Okay, Dad.'

'Good girl. Thank You.'

Her father addressed Kylo,

'I don't have to tell you to remain vigilant do I?'

'No Sir.' Kylo replied.

'I have to attend an emergency meeting now, I will call you later with more details. Stay safe.'

Rey smiled and nodded as her father left.

Alone in the office, Kylo and Rey stared at each other.

'God Kylo, Luke? Who will they go after next?'

'Let me worry about that.'

'What if...I'm next?'

'I would never let that happen.'

'You can't watch me all the time...what if...'

Suddenly Kylo was in front of her, fixing her with an intense gaze,

'I would never let anything happen to you Rey. I would give my life before I let anyone take you.'

They looked at each other, the room was charged with energy. As if he just couldn't hold back anymore, Kylo pulled her to him and pressed his lips to hers. He held her face in his hands as he deepened the kiss. As he pulled away, Rey noticed his eyes were dilated he put his forehead against hers.

'Come on, I gotta get you home.' Kylo took her hand and reached for the door.

Rey nodded, her brain was cloudy and her thoughts were fuzzy. Had that actually just happened? Was she dreaming? She pinched her arm. Ouch. Okay, not dreaming.

Kylo frowned at her,

'I told your father I would keep you safe. That includes keeping you safe from yourself you know, so no more nipping.' He said rubbing her arm and kissing the mark gently.

Rey's mouth fell open. Kylo distanced himself from her as soon as they were outside of the office, which gave her a chance to clear her head and think things through. Apparently Kylo has decided that their relationship was moving to the next level despite all the risks and her heart stopped for a moment when she realised she was affective being put under house arrest with him as her only companion. She swallowed hard. Was she ready to have his full attention on her? Her head said no but her heart thumped yes, yes, yes as she headed out to the car.

Upon returning to the house, Rey felt butterflies form in her stomach. Kylo excused himself to do perimeter checks and brief the new staff. Rey used the time to lie on her bed and try to get her mind to think about anything other than the kiss they had shared that afternoon. Was he really telling her he was ready to let her in? Or would he become a robot again as soon as he realised he had displayed a hint of emotion?

A sudden sharp knock on her bedroom door made her jump. She got up to open it. Kylo towered over her with a sombre expression.

'I need you,' he paused, 'I need you to come downstairs.'

Rey swallowed. 'Okay.'

She followed Kylo to the living room. She was confronted by a tall, thin gentleman wearing an expression she could only describe as sickeningly smug.

'Finally I get to meet you, your highness. Your reputation proceeds you!' He gushed. He took her hand and kissed it. Rey fought hard to keep her hand where it was and not snap it back from him. Who was this? And why was he here?

'Rey, this is Hux. He has been sent to act as my second in command...'

'Or I shall act as primary if Kylo is ever... unavailable.' Hux interjected.

Kylo glared at him and Rey could feel the tension in the room. There was history there. Interesting.

'Okay,' Rey said trying to defuse the mood, 'Well, welcome Hux. Thank you for your assistance.'

'It is a great honour to be chosen to protect you.' Hux said with a bow. Rey caught Kylo rolling his eyes.

'Hux, could you do a perimeter check please?'

Without taking his eyes from Rey, Hux replied,

'Didn't you just do a perimeter check?'

'I did, but don't you think that since the threat level has increased we should all be extra vigilant?' Kylo said barely keeping his temper in check.

Hux looked annoyed,

'Very well.' He conceded and with one last sly smile at Rey, he left the house.

'Well he was very...interesting.' Rey said.

'That's one way of putting it.' Kylo muttered.

'What's the beef between you two then? Don't tell me there isn't a story there!'

'I don't think you need to know the details, suffice to say we don't get along.'

'That's the understatement of the year, I thought you were going to choke him with your bare hands when he answered back just then!'

Kylo shot her a look that told her this was a thread she better stop pulling. Rey huffed.

'I do not understand you, you're hot and cold all the time. You kiss me but you don't want me to know anything about you? How confusing is that?'

'We can't talk about that now, it might not be safe.' Kylo said, his voice low.

Rey dropped down into a chair and folded her arms.

'Business as usual then.' She grumbled.

Kylo opened his mouth as if to say something that closed it again.

'I'd better check the entry points.' He stated.

'You do that.' Rey said without looking at him.

Once he was gone, she felt like screaming. He was without a doubt the most frustrating man she had ever met! How on earth was she ever going to break through that hard shell of his?

A little knock at the window made her jump, she looked up to see Hux smiling at her. Her first instinct was to gag, then a light bulb went off in her head and she treated him to a little wave of her fingers. He looked delighted and pointed towards the door. Rey nodded for him to enter.

As Hux made his way to the entrance, Rey hatched her plan. If Kylo wasn't willing to admit his true feelings, she would force them out of him, using her new best friend as bait.

Kylo checked the windows and doors upstairs, occasionally stopping to inform his team that everything was fine. When he got to Rey's room, he hesitated. How could he get her to see it wasn't that he didn't care, but he had a job to do and that job has become even more difficult now that Hux was on his case. He knew Hux would be watching him for any signs of unusual behaviour. He would love nothing more than to get him removed from the assignment and take over completely. He couldn't allow that. No one could protect Rey better than he could. He was going to have to be very careful as his feelings towards Rey often became apparent without him even realising. He lingered in her room longer than he should have simple because it was hers.

Finally finished, he headed for the stairs and stopped when he heard Rey's laugh. He closed his eyes for a minute and let the sound wash over him. Then he realised she had to be laughing with someone and his mood changed instantly. He gripped the banister until his knuckles were white as he descended. As he suspected, there was Hux and Rey sitting on the sofa facing each other. Seeing them in such close proximity made his skin crawl.

'Oh hi Kylo, Hux was just telling me the funniest story about when he used to work security for the Russian mafia and they got him drunk on expensive vodka.'

'I was so drunk I started hitting on the bosses wife!'

Rey laughed again,

'Oh, don't tell it again, my stomach is aching. Remind me never to get you drunk!'

Hux smiled. He looked delighted at her attention. Kylo gritted his teeth. He knew this display was for his benefit but it still made his blood boil.

'Shouldn't you get back to work Hux?'

'I think the guys have it covered, plus someone has to stay and keep Rey company.'

Kylo shook with anger.

'I am the primary, I will watch Rey.' Kylo said.

'Well you can watch us both while we continue our delightful conversation.' Hux replied.

The two men started at each other. Shit. Rey thought. This wasn't good. Rey smiled at Hux,

'How thoughtful of you, but I probably have kept you from your duties too long.'

'No, not at all, they can spare me.' Hux said with a wave of his hand.

Kylo's eye twitched. Rey decided to stall for time,

'Okay, well I was just about to make a coffee, would you like one?'

'Yes please, milk, no sugar though, i'm sweet enough.' He said with a wink.

Rey faked a smile and stood and Kylo followed her to the kitchen.

Rey realised pretty quickly that she was in over her head. Hux was not going anywhere, would she be stuck with him all night? It seemed a hefty price to pay, plus she didn't realise Kylo was going to be so filled with fury. This was not going how she planned. What was she going to do? She was still lost in thought when Kylo grabbed her arm and spin her around so her back was against the wall. He held her hands over her head, not tight enough to hurt her, but just tight enough for it to turn her on.

'What are you doing?' He hissed.

I don't know! She thought, but she said,

'Getting to know Hux a bit better, what the hell do you think you are doing?'

'Do you know what happens when you start a territory war, Rey?'

'Who exactly are you calling territory Ky...' he cut her off by kissing her with the pressure on full. She really wanted to be able to protest against his caveman like behaviour but once he pressed his body up against hers and groaned slightly, she lost the ability to form words. He released her hands and she pulled him closer, wrapping her legs around his waist. He held her weight easily and ran his hands along her thighs to her behind, hitching her higher against the wall.

Their kisses were fast and hard, desperate and wanting. There was so much need and so much desire. They took what they needed from each other, both lonely, both cut off from the world, both searching for acceptance and belonging and finding solace with each other. Rey's heart hammered so fast she couldn't tell one beat from the other. The world fell away and there was nothing but him. Her senses were overloaded and her mind was flooded with lust. When they eventually pulled away from each other his eyes were wide and his lips were a vibrant red as the blood rushed to fill them. Rey ran her finger over them as she tried to catch her breath.

'Shall I come and help?' Hux called cheerfully from the living room.

Rey's mouth fell open and her eyes widened. She has forgotten Hux even existed. Kylo didn't flinch,

'No we got it.' He shouted back, not taking his eyes off hers. He lowered her gently to the floor and back down to reality.

'Don't provoke me again.' He said as he calmly turned around and clicked on the coffee machine.

Rey just stood and stared at him, dazed and incredibly turned on.

She has heard his words. She knew he meant them as a warning, but it was too late. He had ignited something within her and all she could think about was how she could get him to push her back up against that wall, and not stop for anything.

Kylo was glad of the distraction of making the coffee. It gave him a chance to collect his thoughts. Why did she have to be so God damn irresistible? He could feel her eyes on his back. He had to fight the urge to turn around and kiss her again. He has been moments away from shedding clothing until the cold shower that was Hux had brought him back down to earth. Kissing her and holding her like that had been heaven. Focus Kylo, focus. He finished making the drinks and turned to look at her.

He was surprised by her calm demeanour. She smiled sweetly at him.

'Shall I take those?' She asked.

'No I can manage.'

'I see you made yourself one too.'

'I'm the primary, my place is by your side.'

'No argument from me.' Rey said, her eyes fixed on him.

Kylo swallowed. She wasn't going to make this easy on him.

They returned to the living room.

'I thought you two had lost your way!' Hux exclaimed.

Rey laughed,'Sorry. Took us some time to find the coffee, didn't it Kylo? There is a brand I prefer. It's relatively new and a lot of people say it's too bitter, but I think it's the best.'

Kylo resisted the urge to glare at her and simply nodded. Nope, she was not going to make this easy on him. He placed the drinks on the table. Hux picked up the mug nearest to him and wretched,

'Rey! I said no sugar! How much did you put in here?'

Rey glanced at Kylo who was sipping his coffee with a smirk on his face.

Really? She thought. Boys.

'Sorry Hux, I must have mixed up the mugs.' Rey said glaring at Kylo who was still feigning innocence inspecting the inside of his mug.

The atmosphere was decidedly frosty since Kylo had joined the party. They sipped their drinks in silence for a while. Then Hux made a few flirty remarks and Rey kept her replies neutral and none committal. It was getting late and her eyelids were getting heavy, she didn't have the energy for the charade anymore and anyway it had had its desired affect. So when she felt a yawn she didn't suppress it.

'It's been a long day. I think it's time I headed up.' She said with a stretch for Kylo's benefit which didn't go un-noticed.

'Well, I better return to my post anyway.' Hux stated finally proving that he could catch a hint once in a while.

Kylo sat up smugly crossing his legs,

'Night Hux.' He drawled taking another sip of his coffee. Rey suppressed a smile. Only the primary slept in the house. Hux would sleep in a separate annex which used to be the servants quarters. He would also be included in the night shift rota for ground patrols. Hence Kylo's smug bastard expression, Rey thought to herself. She decided to leave them to it.

'Night boys.' She called over her shoulder as she climbed the stairs, and had to press her lips together to keep from laughing, when they called 'Night Rey' in perfect unison.

Rey put on a never worn red satin cami and matching shorts, which had been a expensive gift from a famous designer. She told herself it was just for a change. She knew she was a lying coward.

She lay in bed trying to think of reasons to knock on Kylo's door. She heard his heavy footsteps enter his room and close the door some time ago. She knew he would have checked the alarm and all the doors and windows before retiring even though he had already checked them a dozen times. Such careful attention to detail. It was one of the things she loved about him.

Rey froze, her heart didn't. Love? Was she really in love? She searched her feelings, and there it was a deep rooted, passionate affection for Kylo. The man who enraged her temper more than any other, but also enflamed her soul more than any other. Rey had never been in love before. She didn't know whether to laugh or cry. She felt exhilarated and scared. There were two important questions that needed answering. Should she tell him? And would he feel the same? She wasn't sure she was ready for his answer.

Kylo had thoroughly checked the house and allowed himself a moment to lie in bed thinking about Rey's smooth skin and how he could lift her with such ease. She fitted against his body so well and she tasted so sinfully sweet, he craved more. He couldn't help but wonder if she was a virgin. He knew about her relationships of course. He had been provided with a full background history, but he got the feeling none of those relationships had lasted long. Her father spoke of them all with such distaste. Could her father accept him as a suitor? Perhaps if he knew their relationship was serious... wait... was it serious? Was he actually thinking about til death do they part right now? He had to admit to himself that he was. Thinking of proposing marriage to Rey was a much more agreeable scenario then walking away from her when the assignment ended. He wanted Rey safe, but he feared her safety would mean his own heartache.

He heard gentle footsteps outside his door. Reaching for his gun, he moved across the floor silently and put his ear to the door. Someone was whispering outside. Rey. He could just make out what she was saying but she appeared to be rehearsing something.

'Kylo look...'
'Hi Kylo fancy seeing you here!'
'No that's stupid.'
'Kylo I don't know how to say this...'

She sighed and put her back to the door. She slid to the ground. Kylo crouched down on the other side, his ear still pressed to the door.

'I don't want you to leave me.' She said in a small voice. 'Please don't leave me.'
'Urgh that's awful! Have some respect Rey, don't beg!' She hissed at herself. She stood and Kylo followed suit. He felt her put a hand against the door and he instinctively mirrored the action. The next words he heard her say were clear as day to him.

'I love you.' She breathed. Then padded back to her room, unaware that she was leaving Kylo using all his strength to keep from crumbling to the floor in her wake.

He considered her revelation, as he paced the floor and ran his hand through his hair over and over. Part of him wanted to kick down her door, and show her that he would never voluntarily leave her. Part of him wanted to pick her up and run away with her forever. One thing was for sure, he had to speak to her. He reached for the door, but did he love her too? He thought for a moment, then a noise behind him caught his attention. The window had suddenly smashed and glass flew everywhere. The alarm went off simultaneously and Kylo walked over to the broken window carefully, as his feet were bare. With his gun pointing upwards he put his back to the wall and looked out. His men were scrambling to the scene but he couldn't see anyone who shouldn't have been there.

He looked around the room for the object that had broken the glass. He found a brick with a piece of paper attached. He removed the note and opened it. Just then, Rey came running into the room.

'What happened?'

kylo gave the red ensemble a quick once over and she blushed.

'Someone threw this.' Kylo said holding out the brick.

Rey covered her mouth with her hands.

'Oh god, was that meant for me?' Tears formed in her eyes.

'Shhhhh,' Kylo soothed gathering her into his arms and kissing her forehead. 'You know I won't let anything happen to you.'

He crumpled up the note in his hand behind Rey's back. It contradicted his words to Rey. For the note was badly scrawled but he had made out the words that were now imprinted in his memory.

You couldn't save him, and you won't save her.