Thank you everyone for commenting and reading, and lots of love to my beta jkane180 for helping.

Chapter Twenty One — Rosalie — Time

Although I'd put on the outfit thinking we'd do a little role playing with it, the way the night played out was much better. He held me in the most intimate position while we made love, looking into each other's eyes and kissing softly. He made me feel so beautiful and extremely loved.

The rose on his chest was a visible sign of the love I felt from him, and it was perfect. He was perfect. Happy tears ran down my temples while he moved inside me, asking if I was okay.

I told him I was amazing—I was in love and happy.

After we climaxed together, I drew us a bath and told him to sit so his chest wasn't soaking in the water. I sat silently as he joined me in the tub, realizing the only reason I knew anything about tattoos was because of Royce. He had them.

"You okay?" he asked, his hand wrapping around my upper arm and pulling me to him in the water.

I found comfort against his strong chest and sighed.

"I should tell you something," I whispered softly.

"What do you mean?"

I wished I could hold off the tears that were coming. Jake was a part of my life now, and he deserved to know—I just didn't know how to say it, or if I even should.

"Hey, hey, you okay? What's wrong?"

I bit my lip, turning into him slightly. "You deserve to know all my secrets... It's not fair that I can't bring myself to talk to you about..."

"What, baby?" He cupped my face with the most worried expression I'd ever seen on him before pulling me into his neck, where I cried.

It wasn't until this very moment I actually felt like I was letting out all the hurt Royce had caused me in the past. Jake shushed me and told me it was okay.

"I'm here... And I'm gonna be here when you want to tell me. You can't scare me away, mami. Nothing can..."

I held onto him tighter, and he stayed that way for me until I cried it out, sniffling a weak thank you.

"For what?" He smiled kindly, wiping my face with his wet hands.

"Being here... Holding me... I didn't realize how much I needed that. You're so special to me."

"And you're the most special person in my whole world... Although you and Aid do share the spot."

I smiled brightly and wiped my face as well, taking a deep breath.

"Feel better?"

I nodded.

"You'll tell me when you're ready?"

I nodded again. "Just not right now. Tonight was too good to ruin it with the past."

He kissed my temple. "Come on, mami, let's get you dry and into bed."

It had been an emotionally draining night.

We got out of the tub and dried off. He hugged me from behind and kissed my shoulder, asking if I had ointment so the tattoo wouldn't scar.

I applied some over the fresh tattoo and got onto my toes to give him a kiss.

Sleep came quickly, bringing with it bad dreams of Royce that turned into good ones of Jake.

I awoke to him kissing my neck and rubbing my hip.

I moaned sleepily. "Don't go."

"I gotta... You sleep in. I'll take Aid to school and make him something to eat."

"No," I moaned, finally opening my eyes to see he was dressed and looked ready for his classes. "I'll make you something."

"Just stay in bed... And save me leftovers tonight? I should be done with work around nine."

The bed was so warm and inviting that I listened and went back to sleep. When I awoke a few hours later, the apartment was quiet without either of my men here.

I cleaned up a little, got ready, and went to my class before doing some grocery shopping and picking Aiden up from school.

We took a walk along the beach, then came home and ate after I made dinner.

Jake got back just after I'd put Aiden to bed. He was dirty from work, so he took a shower before sitting down to eat.

"I got a call today."

I smiled and watched him while he ate. "Oh?"

"I have an interview in a couple of days—at this company. They're hiring for lower end work—just like checking other people's work in the labs and tests and stuff... I probably won't get it, but... whatever."

"Baby, that's so great." I was excited now. "I'm sure you'll get it. Why wouldn't you?"

He shrugged. "They're hiring college students who're majoring in a bunch of different science fields. It would be perfect because they seem really flexible with classes and shit... The work wouldn't be as tiring as at the shop, and it pays pretty well... Has chances for moving up in the company too."

I rubbed his knee and nodded. He was so young, and he already did so much. It was only normal he got tired sometimes. "You deserve to get it, baby. Is your resume updated?"

He nodded. "I already sent it to them with the application."

"You'll be great," I encouraged.

His smile was wide and happy—the way I liked it. "Thanks, mami."

"Of course... You want more tea?" I asked, already getting up from my seat.

He grabbed my arm and pulled me down for a kiss. "Cookies for dessert too?"

I laughed and kissed him again. "Let me go so I can get them for you."

He pulled me down into his lap. "Never. I'd rather just have you."

"You don't have to pick. You can have it all." I played with his dark curls and kissed his cheek, loving it when he had some facial hair even though it itched me when I kissed him.

"Okay, good, 'cause I'm hungry still." He slapped my ass when I got up, making me hurry over to the kitchen.

I grabbed him some more tea and the box of cookies.

It was eating at me to ask him again about what happened between him and his mom, but I respected that he'd talk when he felt like it. I was also super excited for his interview now too. I really hoped he'd get it. They'd be crazy not to hire him.

It was as though he'd read my mind, taking a long drink before he began talking.

"I had a fight with my ma yesterday. I was pissed off over it... Sorry I didn't want to talk."

"It's okay." I shrugged. After all, he didn't push me to talk.

"She's acting all crazy about... I don't know… us, I guess."

I nodded. "Maybe you guys can try avoiding me as a topic of conversation over there."

"She doesn't even know you. She'll come around..." I knew he wanted to add 'I hope' to the end of that sentence. "I told her it's you and me now. If she's not cool with that then too bad."

"But I don't want to be causing you two to fight."

He put his hand atop mine and shook his head. "Don't even worry. Nothing's gonna keep us apart, and nothing's gonna keep me and my family apart either... I think Jared really does want to steal you away from me though. Poor Ana."

I smiled and shook my head. "I'm sure Ana knows what she got herself into... What do you think about inviting your brothers and their girlfriends over here for dinner one night?"

He shrugged. "I really don't get to hang out with them a lot anymore. I'm sure they'd be into it."

"I guess we should hold off on your mom, huh?"

"Probably a good idea," he agreed.

I sighed but understood. Maybe she did just really need time.