A/N: Happy Holidays everybody! Well, here it is…the final chapter. I want to thank everyone for sticking with me through this story. I didn't intend it to be as long as it is but well, you know what they say about the best laid plans! Much thanks to my alpha/beta combo, BK2U, without whom this story would not have been possible. I hope y'all like this and I may be back!

xXx

When Nita pushed open the wooden door to the bathroom stall, Tris was at the sink, pretending to fiddle with her hair. Nita stood next to her and washed her hands. On the counter were some bottles of moisturizing lotion, and she squirted a bit onto her hands and rubbed them together. She caught Tris's eye in the mirror and they stared at each other for a long moment.

Tris smiled at her widely, with just a touch of a sneer. "Oh, by the way, Nita, I don't think I've ever gotten a chance to thank you."

Nita folded her arms under her breasts. "What are you talking about?"

"That salacious magazine article. It was the thing that brought me and Tobias even closer, and ultimately prompted us to get married," Tris said sweetly, enjoying the way Nita's eyes narrowed. Nita then took a deep breath and smiled.

"Enjoyed it, did he?" she drawled. She ran a hand across her hip, smoothing the dress. "It was one of my most popular spreads."

"Oh no, not at all," Tris said, honestly. "It actually pissed him off. He doesn't like cheap, obvious women who throw themselves at him."

Nita started to take a step towards Tris. Tris merely stood her ground, staring at her. After everything she and Tobias had gone through, if there was one thing Tris was sure of, it was Tobias's love for her. There was no reason to be concerned about the woman in front of her. Tris raised her left hand, and smoothing back a piece of hair, ensured that the light hit the huge emerald cut diamond with its matching diamond encrusted wedding band. She knew it had worked when Nita's eyes flicked to her hand. She smirked.

Nita sniffed, annoyed that Tris saw her look at the rings. "You'll never last. You will never understand what it's like to be as famous as we are." She looked Tris up and down with disdain. "I've seen it all before. Marry the sweetheart who knew you way back when, but get divorced before a year is out. Then, find one of your own kind." She smiled at Tris. "And I am one of his kind."

Tris stared at Nita for a moment before breaking into laugher. "You honestly believe that, don't you?" Tris shook her head. "That's really too bad for you, Nita, because that's just not going to happen. Tobias wouldn't choose you if he had a gun to his head. You are most definitely not his kind...not at all." Tris brushed past her. "If you'll excuse me, I should find my husband. I am on my honeymoon." She stepped out into the hallway, feeling as though she'd certainly gotten the better of the exchange. Her eyes swept the ballroom, looking for Tobias. Her face fell when she saw him coming towards her, his expression murderous. "Hey," she said when he reached her side, "what's wrong?"

"Come on, it's time to get the hell out of here," he said tersely, his anger barely contained. She nodded and he led her out of the room and to the elevators, his hand at the small of her back. Tris studied her husband, knowing there was something seriously wrong. They weren't alone in the elevator, so she kept quiet until the door to their room was safely shut behind them. Tris turned to him, placing her hands on his chest. "What's wrong?" she repeated.

Now that they were in the dark quiet of their hotel room, Tobias could feel the anger and tension draining from him. He leaned down and hugged her tightly, drinking in the calm feeling she gave him. "Not tonight," he said quietly. "Please."

"Okay." Tris pulled back and reached up to brush her lips across his. Tobias's arms pulled her close again as he deepened the kiss. "I have a surprise for you," she whispered, hoping to lighten his mood.

"Really?"

"Mm-hm." She snaked her hand up around his neck. "I picked it up when I went shopping."

Tobias pressed himself against her. "Oh, yeah?" His voice had gone husky with arousal.

"Yeah. Why don't we…" Tris broke off as the phone rang. Tobias groaned, figuring his mother had finally noticed their absence. Tris brushed her lips against his. "Go take care of that. I'll meet you in the bedroom." She walked back to the darkened room, pausing to pick up the small bag she'd left inside the closet. In the bathroom, she undressed quickly, hanging the dress up on a cushioned hanger on the back of the door. She pulled her hair down, combing it out with her fingers and wiped the makeup off with her cleansing cloths. A slow smile curved her face as she dressed in the barely there wisp of chiffon and Chantilly lace. Debating with herself for a moment, she decided against the lace briefs that went along with the baby doll nightgown. She didn't figure she'd be wearing them long in any event. She dropped them back in the bag and smoothed the nightgown down. The white triangular scraps of Chantilly lace barely covered her breasts and ended in a silky empire waist. Nearly transparent chiffon and lace flowed down to the middle of her thighs. She turned to the side, studying herself in the mirror. The nightgown revealed as much as it covered and her lips curved into a smile.

She opened the door to the bedroom, drinking in the sight of her husband. His socks and shoes were off and he'd discarded his jacket and tie. His white shirt was open, revealing his muscular chest. He looked her up and down, desire evident in his expression. "Jesus," he muttered.

Tris smirked and crossed the room to him, her hips swaying. "So, you like my little surprise?" She grasped his shirt and pushed it off his shoulders, her fingers trailing down to trace the ridges of his abdomen.

In reply, Tobias pulled her against him, his lips descending to claim hers in a searing kiss. Tris groaned against him, her fingers digging into his biceps as he walked her back to the bed. Tris broke the kiss when she felt the back of her legs hit the edge of the bed. She sank down, looking up at him seductively through her lashes. "Lose the pants, Mr. Eaton," she purred, leaning back on her elbows. "Slowly."

His eyes locked with hers as he slowly reached for his pants. He unbuttoned them, lowering the zipper to reveal the boxer briefs hugging his muscular thighs. Tobias let the pants drop to the floor, kicking them out of the way. Tris licked her lips, eyeing the bulge in his briefs. She nodded slightly. "Keep going," she said, her voice failing to conceal her excitement. Grinning at her, he reached for the waistband and lowered them to the floor. He kicked them out of the way, too, and reveled in the mix of love and lust he could read on her face. "Something I can do for you, Mrs. Eaton?" he asked with a smirk.

Raising her hand, she crooked her finger at him, beckoning him to her. Tris scooted back further on the bed, Tobias coming down on top of her. He kissed her slowly, their tongues languidly entwining. Tobias lifted his head after several long moments. He ran his hand across her lace-covered breast. "Where did you get this?" he asked.

Tris laughed a little, running her hands along his shoulders. "Just a little something I picked up at La Perla. Do you approve?"

"It's fucking sinful," he retorted with a growl, his fingers teasing her nipple through the lace. Tris arched her back, pushing her breast further into his hand. He bent his head, suckling her. Tris groaned, her fingers tugging on his hair. Tris reared up, pushing on his shoulder, reversing their position. She straddled him, trailing her nails down his chest. She leaned over him, licking his lips with the tip of her tongue. Before he could respond, Tris trailed her lips down his neck. She worked her way down, nibbling on his collarbone, swirling her tongue around his nipples, kissing her way across his stomach. His hands fisted in the sheets next to him as she teased him. She finally reached his cock, and taking it firmly in her hand, swirled her tongue around the tip. At his deep groan, she looked up at him and met his eyes. She smiled and took him in her mouth.

She worshipped him, speeding up then slowing down, his moans music to her ears. She pumped his shaft with one hand and fondled his balls with the other. Tobias gasped, his hands tangling in her hair, holding it out of the way so he could occasionally watch her. The combination of her hands and mouth were going to be the end of him. He closed his eyes, dropping his head back, using every ounce of energy he had to hold back.

When Tris felt his balls tighten, she released him, straddling him again and lowering herself onto him. She let out a moan, letting her head fall back, loving how he stretched her. Tobias twined his hands with hers, steadying her as she began moving over him. Tris raised and lowered herself, her hips undulating sensuously. Wanting to please her, Tobias released her hands and grasped the material at her hips. Together, they lifted the nightgown off her and Tobias tossed it off the bed. He sat up, pressing their chests together as he kissed her. Tobias lifted his hips to meet her downward thrusts. Their lips clung together, breathing each other's air as they moved. Tobias held her hips as she rocked up and down his shaft. "Oh God, Tobias," she moaned, her head falling back. Tobias traced her neck with his lips as he felt Tris began to shake around him. Knowing she was close to the edge, Tobias moved swiftly, flipping her onto her back. He bent his head and pulled her nipple into his mouth. He nibbled, licked, and sucked one, then the other. Tris's legs were wrapped tightly around his waist, her hips lifting in time with his. She was close, so close, she just needed a little bit more…

Tobias shifted his weight onto one arm, his other hand sliding down her body to circle where they were joined. He moved his fingers in counterpoint to his thrusts and it wasn't long before Tris let out a long moan, her nails biting into his shoulders as she lost herself to her orgasm. Tobias was right behind her, the strong squeeze of her muscles tipping him over the edge. Tobias grunted with the pleasure rippling down his spine. They collapsed together, both struggling for air. Eventually, Tobias withdrew from her and flopped onto his back, pulling Tris against his chest. They lay on the rumpled sheets, catching their breath, snuggled together.

Tris lifted her head and slid up slightly so she could kiss him. "Is it possible that we keep getting better at that?" she asked.

He laughed a little breathlessly. "It's not only possible, it's definitely happening." He brushed her hair away from her face. "I'm sorry we went to that stupid party," he said.

Tris shrugged. "You do that kind of thing for family."

Tobias shook his head. "She's not my family. Not anymore. You are."

Tris ran her fingers through his hair. "You want to tell me what happened?" she asked gently.

He shook his head. "No, I just want to be here with you. We can deal with everything else later."

She smiled and kissed him softly. Evelyn and her ridiculous plans didn't matter anymore, he decided. He'd chosen the life he wanted; it was right here in his arms, and always would be.

xXx

Tris gratefully dropped onto the edge of their bed. It had been over a month since they'd left Manchester for the wedding, and she was ridiculously excited to be home. As busy as they had been, Tris didn't think either she or Tobias had ever been happier. Tris was looking forward to beginning this next stage in their lives. She had another week before she started her new job at the gallery, and she knew Tobias would have to start training soon for the upcoming season. She looked over at the couple of bags she'd brought upstairs with her. She really should get started on unpacking and sorting laundry. Tobias would bring up their larger suitcase after he dismissed the driver of the private limo they'd taken home.

He still hadn't told her what had happened to upset him so badly the night before. She knew it had to be something Evelyn had done, especially since they'd had breakfast alone in their room rather than with Evelyn and Tobias's stepfather. Now that they were home, she hoped he'd finally be ready to tell her.

Tobias wheeled the large suitcase into the room and then dropped onto the bed next to her, flopping on his back. He closed his eyes and moaned. "Oh God, it's good to be home."

Tris turned, tucking her legs under her on the bed so she was facing him. "I was just thinking the same thing," she said. She studied him, noting the faint circles under his eyes. He hadn't slept well the previous night and had been unusually quiet all day today.

"I don't think I'm up for going out tonight, so how about we order in? That Indian place will deliver here. We'll do the grocery thing tomorrow."

"Okay," she said softly.

He opened his eyes and looked over at her. She was studying him with a concerned expression. "What's up?" he asked.

Tris reached out and toyed with the wedding ring on his finger. "That's my question. I left it alone last night, but I really want to know what happened. If we don't talk about it, you'll brood all night."

Tobias was silent for a moment, gathering his thoughts. Tris waited patiently, knowing he was working out the best way to tell her. "My mother invited Nita on purpose," he said finally.

Tris nodded. "I'm not surprised." She paused for a moment, considering. "She probably thinks Nita is a better fit for you."

He looked at her in surprise. "Yeah. How'd you guess?"

Tris laughed a little and stretched out next to him. She propped her head up on her hand. "Nita is beautiful, rich, and connected to an important government official. I don't think she could have created a better wife for you."

Tobias rolled on his side so he was facing Tris. A frown marred his handsome face. "Then she has no idea who I am." He shook his head. "She has this idea that I'll quit the team and come join her company."

Tris's lips curved into a smile. "After you ditch me, right?"

He sighed heavily. "Right. She's fucking nuts. Like I'm going to throw away everything I've worked for. Like I'm going to turn my back on the love of my life." As Tris had slept peacefully beside him the previous night, he'd given Evelyn a lot of thought. He didn't want or need anything from her. Tris loved him. Her family had taken him in as one of their own. He had his own friends, a career he loved, and had no need for her money. By the time morning rolled around, Tobias was content in his decision to cut Evelyn out of his life. "This is it, Tris. I'm done."

She nodded, reaching out to gently caress his cheek. "I know. But it doesn't matter anymore. She's in London and we're here. It'll be months before we have to deal with her again."

Tobias reached up and covered her hand with his. "No, you don't understand. I'm completely done. That limo ride was the last thing I'm ever taking from her. I told her last night."

Tris stared at him incredulously. "But, Tobias, she's your mother. You can't just cut her off."

"Sure I can." He squeezed her hand. "I told you last night. She's not my family. You are. I won't tolerate her disrespecting you or interfering in our lives. She can't stop herself, so that's it."

Tris sat up and shook her head. "No. I don't want you to lose your only other parent for me. I can put up with her shit. I know you love me, so she doesn't matter."

"I don't want you to have to put up with her shit." He tugged on her hand, pulling her against him. "You're mine and I'll protect what's mine," he teased. Tris rolled her eyes at his words, knowing he was kidding, and he smiled. "Seriously, though, it's not just for you, it's for me too. I don't owe her a damned thing, and she won't change. She's like fucking Marcus in a dress."

Tris let out a bark of laughter at the image. She hugged him tightly to her. "I just don't want you to give up anything."

Tobias ran his hand across her hair. "I'm not. I've thought about it, and I know this is the right thing for you and me both." He pushed her away just far enough to stare into her eyes. He tucked a piece of hair behind her ear. "You and me, Tris. That's all I've ever really wanted."

She kissed him fiercely. "You and me," she vowed. "Not to be cheesy, but forever," she said with a laugh and a wink. She snuggled into him, hugging him tightly, his chuckle echoing in her ears.

"Forever," he agreed with a contented sigh. He pushed all thoughts other than Tris out of his head and lost himself in her embrace. Forever sounded perfect to him.