AN- After I very long period of writer's block, I am pleased to present chapter 4. Enjoy! ~Lyn


Chapter 4

Peyton nearly tripped over the beagle laying in the foyer as she entered the house. She almost tripped a second time when the three year old dog sprang to life as he realized who else was home.

"Rex!" Katie yelled as the beagle ran to the girl. Peyton looked behind her to see the Katie kneeling on the floor with the dog licking her face.

"Uniform off before snack," Peyton reminded the girl smiling at the scene of the child and dog. Peyton was sure the girl had heard her, but Katie was laughing . "Katie Rose?"

"Yes Aunt Peyton. Come on Rex." Peyton watched the girl and dog disappear up the stairs and stopped Mrs. Sharpe to let the older woman know that Katie could have whatever snack the girl asked for. Peyton turned to go up the stairs herself, but was stopped by two men who blocked her path.

"What part of he's furious do you not understand?" Liam asked from behind her. Peyton didn't bother turning around.

"I'd rather he get it out and deal with me now than in front of Katie. Wouldn't you?" They were silent for a moment and Peyton felt bad about using Katie. Very rarely had Peyton and Riley fought since they were married and they had both sworn never to fight in front of Katie when they took the girl in having both grown up with their parents' indiscretion when it came to protecting their children from adult fights. Liam too had developed a soft spot for the youngest member of the O'Neil family having loved Darby's sister as his own Mother and being heartbroken when cancer had finally taken her. The men moved out of her way and Peyton gave Liam a small smile from over her shoulder. Worry filled his face and Peyton tried not to let it get to her as she ascended the staircase. Her hands shook as she made her way to Riley's study and knocked on the door.

"Enter," Riley called. Peyton took a breath and opened the door. Riley was seated behind the desk with numerous papers in front of him. He didn't look up at her and Peyton was about to say something when he spoke again. "I assume she didn't put up a fight when retrieved and is on the grounds since you're back Liam."

"She didn't need to be retrieved or escorted back," Peyton stated. "And if I did put up a fight do you really think I'd be back here already." Riley stopped whatever he was writing, but didn't look up from the paper.

"Get out Peyton," Riley demanded his voice a mix between hurt and anger. Peyton sat in one of the chairs across from him.

"Why was it decided that Gus would watch Katie while we were at dinner to celebrate my abduction day?" Riley looked up from his papers confused by Peyton's words.

"Abduction day?" Peyton was silent and Riley put his pen down. "Peyton I made the reservation for the restaurant because it's date night. I figured since you haven't been feeling well dinner might be the most comfortable and relaxing option rather than going over Darcy's house or doing some strenuous activity like sparing."

"And Gus babysitting?"

"Everyone is going to the Darcy's for a party tonight." Peyton stood.

"If it is between date night alone with Gus watching Katie or bringing Katie to make a family night I want family night," Peyton declared. "We both know he's trouble and an instigator. I don't want him around me or Katie especially with everything that happened with…" Peyton couldn't bring herself to say Aleksanders name. Riley got up to go to Peyton and wrapped his arms around her waist. She wanted to retreat from his touch but she knew better than to fight him especially since he was already annoyed with her. Riley kissed her gently on the lips.

"There is nothing in this world that means more to me than my family," Riley told her. Peyton looked now nervously thinking maybe Collin had been right about Riley siding against her. Riley put a hand under her chin. "Peyton you are my family and I will not let anything happen to you." His eyes become dark a look Peyton hadn't seen in a long time and his glance went into the distance. "Not again." Peyton wrapped her arms around his neck, but Riley removed her arms his eyes still tense. "This doesn't change what you did."

"I was rash," Peyton agreed. "But I would do it again if it means keeping myself and Katie safe." Peyton put a hand on his cheek. "I didn't want to do it Riley even if it was the way to keep myself and Katie safe."

"And running to Collin?" Peyton dropped her hand and felt tense.

"He is just a friend." Riley clenched his jaw annoyed by her answer.

"A friend you just happened to run to after leaving a note that said you were leaving me?" Peyton opened her mouth to argue she was only leaving for the night but shut her mouth and swallowed hard when she realized how furious he still was with her. Arguing would do nothing but lead to Riley feeling more hurt which would then add to his anger.

"I'm sorry for threatening you and taking Katie," Peyton apologized. She was actually sorry for hurting him even if she felt she had done the right thing. "I was scared and let that dictate my actions instead of trusting you." Peyton took a step towards him and ran her hands down his dress shirt. Riley didn't relax nor did he push his wife away. He searched her face as if trying to find the trick. "Riley you know I could never leave even if you allowed me to and would never want to."

"Do I?" he spat still angry. Peyton knew it was the fear of betrayal that was leading his anger now. Sure when she walked in he was furious because she had embarrassed him, but now it was the fear of rejection and loss. The same fears that he had when they first slept together on Prom night. Peyton let her fingers run through his hair.

"I'm your wife by choice," she reminded him. "A choice to accept you as my new and only family not out of fear but because I love you." She kissed him deeply even though he wouldn't return it. "Please forgive me Riley. I only love you." Riley stroked her face and Peyton saw the anger disappearing from his face. "I want only you." There was a brief flash of relief on his face before his lips tugged into a smirk. Lust replaced the anger in his eyes as he pulled the ponytail that held the upper portion Peyton's hair back so that her hair was entirely loose. Peyton shook hair out and watched Riley watch her. "You know Dr. Connor's said I didn't have cooties when I saw her earlier." Riley grabbed her roughly and pressed her against the table as he started kissing her neck.

"Then I can bite you," he growled in her ear. They ended up having sex right there on his desk. Peyton was breathless when they were done since Riley had gone harder and faster than he usually did. Riley laughed at her when he saw how breathless she was. "What are you a virgin?" Peyton licked her lips as she put her bra back on.

"I could ask the same thing with how much my legs are hurting." She looked for her underwear to see Riley swinging them off his pointer finger with a grin on his face.

"Maybe I just like the way you walk when you feel like this." She reached for them and he pulled them out of her reach. Peyton pulled the collard shirt he had been wearing over her head as she gathered her clothes.

"I guess you can watch Katie while I go shower," she said as she turned. Riley grabbed her hand and Peyton dropped the clothes on the desk before she pushed him into the chair. Peyton straddled her husband as the two continued to kiss. A few minutes later the two were at it again, but this time it was Riley who had to remain seated to catch his breath. Peyton gathered their clothes and got dressed.

"Be ready to leave by six for the Darcy's," Riley told her as she finished. Peyton looked at him in shock. They were quiet for a moment before Riley finally smiled and stood. "And if you could get Katie ready too so we don't have a repeat of when I dressed her in that lime green disaster I would appreciate it."

"You're such a jerk sometimes." Riley gently kissed her gently.

"Only because I love seeing you squirm." Peyton raised an eyebrow.

"Two can play at that." Peyton grabbed his clothes and left the room. Peyton ran down the hall laughing as Riley's laughter and yelling followed her.

XXXXX

"If I could be guaranteed a child just like Katie I might consider having a kid in the future," Kayleigh said as she sat in a chair to Peyton's left and placed a napkin on her lap as their table was served salads. Kayleigh had spent the last ten minutes making sure every of her one hundred and twenty guest found their seat at one of the white with gold trimmed tables. She had assured Peyton she would check on Katie before she came to sit down. "The child is a saint."

"She wasn't this morning," Peyton stated."So she's asleep?" Kayleigh nodded.

"The baby sitters said she helped get the other children to fall asleep before she did next to the Jones' daughter." Peyton smiled.

"She is Aunt Peyton's number one helper." The girls shared a smile and a moment later Peyton felt an arm wrap around her waist. Peyton looked over to right to see Riley had finally returned from the phone call he had taken during cocktail hour. She gave him a very pointed look. Riley kissed her.

"No more phone calls," he promised her.

"I'll deal with them, Peyton," a man in his early twenties with auburn hair assured her. Peyton smiled at the man who was her husband's best friend and Kayleigh's older brother.

"I know better than to ask that, Ryan," Peyton told him. Riley stood and held out his hand. "What?"

"Let's dance," Riley said as the band played a slow song.

"No one is dancing," Peyton countered unsure.

"Since when are we conventional?" Peyton took his hand not having a reply and allowed herself to be led onto the dancefloor. Riley twirled her before he placed his arms around her waist. Peyton smiled but her smile faded when she saw Gus.

You're nothing more than a pet. His words from earlier rang in her head. Riley kissed her deeply and Peyton forced herself not to pull away. He knew she hated when he made a spectacle of her.

"I'm sorry to kiss you like that in front of all our friends," he apologized as if he could read her mind. "You just look so incredibly beautiful in that dress." Peyton looked down to hide her blush. Kayleigh had convinced Peyton to buy the strapless blue mermaid style gown insisting that Peyton's wedding dress (that had also been a mermaid style much to Peyton's dislike) had been a stunning shape for her figure and Kayleigh insisted Peyton wear it tonight. It wasn't the first time Peyton had worn a fitted gown to one of parties she attended with her husband, but each time she one she felt less like herself.

"I'm glad you like it," Peyton said glad she had his approval if she felt uncomfortable. The band was cut off with Gus clanking his glass for the room's attention. The room felt silent and Gus handed Kayleigh a mic. The auburn gave Peyton an apologetic look before she brought the mic to her mouth.

"Before we dive into this delicious meal I wanted to thank you all for being here tonight and would like to say a few words on why we've gathered," Kayleigh began. "As most of you know, I've known Riley for my entire life. He's like another brother to me which has led to myself giving him many makeovers when he's gotten paralytic and passed out from drinking." There were laughs in the room and Peyton looked at Riley who was smiling.

"Pictures?" Peyton asked quietly.

"Never going to happen," Riley told Peyton. Peyton snorted at the challenge.

"Needless to say I went mad when Riley decided to come back home after spending a few years in the states. This excitement wore off when I saw this blonde American with him in tow." Peyton tensed and Riley took her hand with a smile. "Of course I didn't much like Peyton when I first met her for the pure reason that she had Riley's attention even if he didn't want to admit it at first and went after every other girl instead. I didn't trust her but I saw how much Riley liked her and how he confided in her over people he knew for years. I decided to give her a chance and…" Kayleigh gave Peyton a smile. "And I realized there was no better person in the world for Riley. I was so honored when she asked me to be her maid of honor and I know she is going to want to kill me for the "sappy love" as those yanks say." There were aww in the room and even Peyton felt her tension decrease. That was until Gus grabbed the mic.

"When my little sister arrived in Ireland with Riley two years ago this week I was nothing if not surprised," Gus began. "This little girl who didn't even grow up with our father had grown up to be this teenager who managed to capture the attention of Riley at Prom as if they were straight out a teenage romance movie. Although who could be surprised at her ability to catch the eye of the heir to the O'Neil industry when she looks as beautiful as she does in that style gown and being born to the mother she was." Peyton felt her temperature rise. Anyone would think the comment was directed at Julie's beauty, but those who knew Gus knew the intent of the comment. He was calling Julie a whore whose sexual choices had landed her in the right circles and accusing Peyton of following in Julie's footsteps. "My sister's marriage to Riley was the best choice her and Riley could make. It ensured the unity between our families that our fathers had built endured another generation while also giving all of Galwayif not Ireland the most beautiful couple of the century. I can speak for the entire O'Connor family when I say we are all so happy that Riley was able to accept Peyton for her flaws and that none of us can wait until the next generation of O'Neils and O'Connors are produced. I'm sure Peyton will look even more beautiful with that certain glow and a new wardrobe that will enhance her stomach curve instead of her current curves." Peyton looked at Riley furious and saw that he was laughing at the suggestive sounds some of the men were making in the room. Was he really going to stand there while Gus referred to her as a baby making trophy wife? Kayleigh seemed to be on the same page as Peyton and grabbed the mic back from Gus.

"To Peyton and Riley," she cheered as she raised her glass. "Who show each and everyone of us that love and friendship are possible with the same person and who have a love all of us want to find."

"To Peyton and Riley," the room cheered.

"And us without a glass," Riley whispered. He went to kiss her but Peyton stepped aside.

"I need to check on Katie." Peyton left her speechless husband on the dancefloor and walked out of the ballroom. She didn't stop until she felt someone grab her wrist.

"I am so sorry," Kayleigh apologized on the verge of tears. "Gus said he wouldn't say anything and I just wanted to say a few words since I'll be missing your anniversary since you two will be in the states."

"You should have known better," Peyton said before she went upstairs.

Peyton barely spoken a word to anyone (especially Riley) by the time she got home that night. She had been embarrassed by Gus' speech and having to pretend everything was okay for the two hours they stayed at the party. She was also horrified at Gus' ability to manipulate Kayleigh as easily as he did. Peyton's car door was open before Riley brought his car to a stop and she left Riley to wake Katie up. Peyton made her way straight to the bedroom she shared with Riley and changed into a PJ set with a hoodie. She then took off her makeup and washed her face before she made her to her room. She grabbed a tissue box on her way to open the balcony door and climbed onto the ledge. Less than a minute later Liam joined her on the patio. He kept his distance when he heard her sniffles and Peyton was grateful. She sat outside for an hour waiting for her husband unsure of how upset he would be with her, but not wanting to leave the serenity of the spot. The spot that served as her thinking place here in Ireland. Peyton smelled Riley's cologne before she saw him lean against the ledge. She heard the door to her room shut and assumed that Liam was giving them privacy.

"I carried Katie from the car," Riley informed Peyton. "She's asleep in her bed."

"Someone should get some sleep tonight," Peyton said before she blew her nose.

"Damn it, Peyton, I didn't come out here to fight again today. I came out here to see if my wife is ready to go to sleep." Peyton got off the ledge and leaned against it so she could look at Riley.

"Your wife or your trophy, Riley?" Riley went to say something but Peyton cut him off. "I'm guessing it's the later with everything else that's gone on today. I'm so incredibly sorry for speaking my mind and having feelings. Trophy's are inanimate objects after all."

"What the fuck do you want me to say? You offered yourself as debt to my family and I offered you a life not spent as a prisoner. You, a street racer from a poor apartment complex in the Bronx, chose to marry me of your own free will. You can't hold it against people that you are my property."

"I AM NO ONE'S PROPERTY! Peyton yelled raising her voice for the first time ever with him. "AND IF YOU EVER LOVED ME THE WAY YOU SAY YOU DO YOU WOULD HAVE GRABBED THE MIC AND RESTORED THE RESPECT THAT SHOULD HAVE BEEN SHOWN TO ME AS YOUR WIFE AND FRIEND INSTEAD OF STANDING BY JUST LIKE YOUR FATHER'S DONE TO YOUR MOTHER!" Peyton took a deep breath feeling nausea again.

"Apologize for that last part," Riley growled as he struggled to keep control of his anger.

"I won't for something I'm not sorry for." Riley took a step towards her and Peyton prepared herself for his fury. Riley's attitude softened when he noticed her eyes.

"Peyton you know I don't see you an object," he said as he stroked her face. "Sure I wanted you that way once upon a time, but you've proved your no one's property and will make your own choice no matter what anyone else says. You're my best friend and no one will ever know me the way you do."

"Then why have a not had a said in anything the last month as your partner and friend?" she asked as tears fell from her eyes. "I feel like I'm losing myself to everything you want." Riley dropped his hand.

"This is what marriage is suppose to be."

"No it's not," she cried. "We're suppose to be building an identity as a unified couple not as just what one of us wants. You know today was the first time in a month I spent time with Collin in person besides when I dropped off my car at the shop."

"He's a man," Riley said in a stern tone. Peyton crossed her arms across her chest.

"So then why is it okay that you spent all of last Thursday Bridgett? She's a female." Peyton watched the flash of surprise cross Riley's eyes.

"That's different she's just a friend."

"Bull shit!" Peyton was surprised by the Bronx accent coming out in her voice. "You've slept with her on more than one occasion and she would like nothing more than to be in my shoes."

"And Collin wouldn't?"

"No actually he is just a friend…a really good friend who could have hooked up with me on more than one occasion while we were all in Miami but didn't because he sees me more of sister than anything else." Riley snorted. "So why is it that I can't hug the only member of my family that I have left when you can hug the bitch who would easily steal you from me?"

"Because you are my wife."

"And you're my husband."

"I won't have people whispering about you possibly being in another person's bed." Peyton shook her head as she wiped her eyes.

"And you wonder why I don't why I don't want to go to California. That was the same thing your Father said to your Mother when she wanted her own room when they came for our wedding." Riley looked at her furious and Peyton felt a familiar sensation take over her. She turned around just in time for the vomit to go on the ledge instead of her feet. She tried to flip her hair back as the vomit came up but was failing miserably at it. She felt someone grab her hair and gently place a hand on the small of back. When Peyton finished throwing up, she turned to see Riley with a worried look on his face. Peyton leaned her head into his chest. "Please can we go to Australia?" Riley rubbed her back.

"We can't for a lot of reasons." There was a knock on the door. "Come out." Peyton looked to see one of the maids come out.

"Begging your pardon Master Riley, but Miss Katie woke up from a bad dream. She's askin' for Mistress Peyton." Peyton looked at Riley.

"She'll be there in a moment." The maid curtsied and ran back inside. Riley nodded to Liam and the door was shut once more. "Your words about my Father are unacceptable Peyton as were you're actions with Katie earlier." Peyton looked him in the eye.

"I am who I am Riley and I thought that was the part of me that led you to love me." Riley looked away from her. "If you're going to put me in the tower just tell Katie I was too sick to spend the night with her. I don't need her having more bad dreams because of my actions."

"You may spend the night with Katie but I expect you to be back in my bed as soon as the naseau goes away."

"I'm not sleeping with you until we get us figured out." Riley looked at her sternly.

"Sex is not something you will withhold because you're mad at me." Peyton looked at him sadly.

"Sex is suppose to be an intimate act between to people who love one another."

"My word is final."

"Then the word you'll want to use is rape. I won't be used and I sure as hell won't give you my body in an act that is supposed to be used with the heart." His eyes reflected the rage that was so common in the O'Neil and McGowan family.

"We leave for California in three days," he informed her. "Stay out of my sight until then!" Peyton walked to the door and opened it. She stepped instead and Liam went outside on the balcony. Peyton walked to the door that connected the bedroom to the hall and looked over her shoulder to the balcony. She saw the two men sitting on the balcony and noticed Riley had his head in his hands. Maybe comparing him to Darby had been too harsh. They were only kids trying to be adults after all.