A/N: Hey guys, I just want to say a big thank you to all of you for all the love that you showed in the last chapter and all the love that you continue to show the story. I can't thank you enough for the reviews and the feedback that you give. It gave me the kick I needed to write another chapter. Thank you to all the loyal and new followers of the story. Here is Chapter 26. Hope you all like it. Happy reading =)

• CHAPTER 26 •

Jeff and Trish were quick to turn their heads towards the open doors of the elevator and their loved up expressions dropped instantly the moment their eyes laid on the familiar face staring back at them. The warm fuzzy feeling that had circulated through Jeff's entire being disappeared quickly and was replaced with adrenaline pumping through his veins as his captivating smile was replaced with pressed lips, tense jaw and green eyes of fury.

"And to think I was this close to getting through this gala without seeing your face" Jeff said as he clutched onto Trish's waist tightly directing her out of the elevator, keeping her far away as possible from the man standing before them.

"I could say the same about you. My night was going perfectly well up until now" the man said with a smirk

"What do you want Jason?" Jeff snapped. It wasn't intended to come across as rudely as it did, but that's what Jason brought out of Jeff, aggression and frustration. Jeff couldn't stand Jason, ever since their encounter at the restaurant and his dislike for him only grew more by Jason's continual persistence to pursue Trish.

"I want nothing to do with you Hardy. If it wasn't for Adam and your brother I would dissolve this partnership between us immediately." Jason sneered.

"Well that makes two of us" Jeff replied protectively keeping Trish behind him.

"Yes well. Unfortunately for us that doesn't look like it is going to happen any time soon. So get used to seeing my face around Hardy…and your pretty blonde should get used to it too" he added winking at Trish.

For the first time since stepping out of that elevator Jeff left Trish's side and brought himself nose to nose with Jason. He furrowed his brows as he stared directly into Jason's face who stared straight back at him.

"Don't you dare mention her again you hear me." Jeff said through gritted teeth.

"I believe our partnership includes your little assistant over there, who by the way is looking absolutely amazing tonight. The question here is, who did she really dress up to impress…you…your brother…Randy…Adam…or me?" Jason replied knowing full well that he was going to hit a nerve with Jeff.

The fire had already been lit the moment Jeff laid eyes on Jason moments ago and now, he had just added fuel to that fire. Jeff grabbed Jason by the collar and pushed him up back up against the wall.

"I'm warning you Jay, don't even think – " Jeff aggressively said before he was cut off.

"Don't what Jeff? What are you going to do to me? I'm not scared of you Hardy. You want to hurt me so bad. Go ahead! I dare you!" Jason yelled back. That's all that Jeff needed as he quickly clenched his hand into a fist and brought his elbow back ready to strike.

"Jeff!" Trish cried out causing Jeff to pause in his tracks. He glanced over to her and saw the distress look upon her face. Her eyes were pleading with him to not do it. "He's not worth it Jeff. Please" she added. Jeff let out a big sigh as he released Jason from his grasp. Stepping back he exhaled once again. Jason also let out a deep exhale as he tried to collect himself.

Jeff walked over back to Trish as she wrapped her arms around his waist pulling him into an embrace. Wrapping his arms around her, Jeff felt an instant calming sensation. She always managed to have a calming effect on him. They both glanced over at Jason who was trying to avoid looking at the pair. He was pained with immense jealously seeing Trish embrace Jeff the way she did. How he wished that was him she was wrapping her arms around.

"Enjoy the rest of your night Jay" Jeff finally said. "I would stay far away from us if you know what's good for you" he continued before tightening his hold on Trish and together walking off in the opposite direction leaving Jason all on his own.

"Wanna bet." Jason whispered to himself as he watched the two walk away.

•••••

Jeff and Trish made their way back to the main room where the gala was still going strong. So many more elite faces had filled the room and everyone was happily mingling with one another, nibbling on some delicious appetizers and sipping on expensive beverages. As they made their way through the crowd towards the main seating area, they were stopped in their tracks by the older Hardy brother.

"Jeffro! Where the hell have you been?" Matt asked.

"Uhh…around." Jeff replied, keeping his answer short, sweet and inconspicuous. Matt looked at his brother, arching his brow in curiosity and then glanced over to Trish before looking back at his brother once again.

"What are you not telling me little brother?" Matt pressed on.

"Nothing."

"Jeff, you and Trish disappear for quite some time and everyone I asked had no idea where you had disappeared to. Now where the hell have you been?"

"Matt I told you – "

"Jeff was just showing me around the grounds." Trish interrupted. "The main room looked absolutely spectacular that I wanted to see the rest of the venue. Jeff was kind enough to tag along with me. I'm so sorry we didn't tell you. It was my fault." Trish continued. Matt looked at Trish with an unsure expression. He didn't quite know whether to believe her or not. He had this strong feeling that she and his brother were hiding something from him but he wasn't going to question her further.

"Oh…don't know why Jeff couldn't have said that in the first place." Matt responded.

Trish looked up at Jeff who gave her a slight smile. Even though he didn't say it, Trish could tell that Jeff was thanking her just by the look in his eyes. She replied with a little wink.

"Well, there are a few people that have been waiting to see you Jeff, so let's go mingle."

As Matt turned his back to lead the way, Jeff rolled his eyes causing Trish to giggle to herself. Jeff, being the private person he was, wasn't ready to announce that he had something serious going on with Trish, even to his brother. He wasn't quite sure himself about the whole relationship thing. It had been so long since he was in a serious relationship and the thought of potentially delving into another one scared him, which was a big deal for Jeff considering he wasn't scared of anything…besides snakes. Even though it was early days, he knew that this thing he had with Trish was something real, something that could potentially fulfil him completely. He didn't want anything to jeopardise it. He wanted to guard and protect their relationship the same way he protected Trish because it all meant too much to him. Everyone else's beliefs, opinions and views on their relationship wouldn't matter to him so there was no need to tell anyone just yet. He didn't want Trish to feel as though he was ashamed of her by not saying anything to Matt before and he made a mental note to make sure to tell her his reasoning behind everything at a later stage, but for now, as they walked behind Matt through the crowd, he gently grabbed Trish's hand and brought it up to his lips giving it a gentle kiss causing to Trish to smile to herself as her cheeks turned a rosy red.

Matt and Jeff spent some time mingling with familiar faces; people who all had a part in the success of their company NeroMoore. Trish was happy to step aside and allow Jeff to do his thing and spoke only when she was spoken to. Otherwise she was happy to look up at Jeff and just watch him in awe as he smiled, frowned, laughed, furrowed or arched his brows, pretty much every movement he made, Trish was happy to just stare captivated and memorized by it all. She could watch him all day. In her mind she questioned herself. What was she getting herself into? How could he possibly like her the way she liked him? Could it possibly work out between them considering they were so different from each other? She didn't want negative thoughts to cloud her mind, she was happy to see where things went between them and moreover, she couldn't wait to kiss those luscious lips of his once again.

Though Jeff was responding, he found it very hard to concentrate on the conversations that were going on. His mind was distracted by the beautiful blonde standing by his side and every chance he got he would take a glance to look at her, just to take in her beauty once again before returning his attention back to the conversation. He no longer wanted to be at the gala, he no longer wanted to mingle, he didn't care about the awards, the speeches and the after party that were still to come. He wanted to escape this world and return to his own little imagi-nation back in the comfort of his own home, but the difference this time, was that he wanted Trish with him. He wanted some alone time with her, away from business. He wanted to get to know the woman behind the glasses and corporate attire that defined her as his assistant. He wanted to get to know the real Trish Stratus. Jeff snapped back to reality when his brother elbowed him subtly in the arm, bringing his attention back to the present moment.

"Jeffrey here decided to show up this year" Randy's voice could be heard saying as he approached the group followed by two other gentlemen.

Jeff sighed heavily. "Just great…" he whispered to himself, anticipating what was to come.

"I did hear he was going to make an appearance." Adam said as he entered the circle of familiar faces followed by Jason. "Good to see you again Jeff." Adam continued extending his hand out in front of Jeff.

"You too Adam" Jeff replied shaking his hand. He turned to Jason and reluctantly offered him a handshake. It took every fibre in his being not to punch him in the face and Jason must have felt the same way as he gave Jeff's hand one shake before retracting it back immediately. Jeff's protectiveness crept in as it always did every time Jason was around as he inched his way closer to Trish, making sure that she was by his side.

Adam noticing Trish wasn't shy greeting her. "Trish, good to see you again" he said leaning in giving her a kiss on the cheek as a friendly greeting.

"You too Adam" she replied. Jeff stared at Jason, his eyes saying it all; warning Jason not to dare greet Trish in the same way. But of course Jason didn't listen. A smile came across Jason's face as he extended his hand out to greet Trish and pulled her in to give her a kiss on the cheek. He squeeze her hand stopping her from retracting back quickly, and held her in place long enough to whisper in her ear…

"Jeff can't save you forever...I'll be seeing you…"

A/N: What does Jason have up his sleeve? Hope you guys enjoyed the Chapter and hope I am doing the Jeff/Trish relationship justice. Do we like how Jeff is portrayed as the tough guy on the outside and soft guy on the inside? I am trying to stay as true to his character as I can. Let me know what you guys think in the reviews!