Later that night, me and Dave walked back to the apartment.

"Rose, I'm sorry if I have been a little edgy lately. But, you know the richest boy in New York won't be just waiting around for you to decide to go back. He's going to do something. That last time, they were looking for you Rose. I don't know what I would do if one day you just disappeared." David said softly.

"Mouth," I grinned, "It takes a lot to drive me away. The other boys now all see me as some invincible force. Why won't you? I am not stupid."

"Did I ever call you stupid?" He smiled a half smile.

"No, but I believe that is pretty close. Dave, here's the deal. People were looking for me since before I met you. I mean how could they not, I was the "apple of Tally's eye"" I laughed cynically.

"Why do you mean so much to someone who hated you?"

"Because I am a heiress. It seems to smooth all relationships into incredibly boring and proper reverent existence. Madame uses a "dowery system," to place her girls with husbands. We only met those with significant incomes. To prove that they have an income, a "visiting price" is paid each time. Then, Madame "chooses" the girl's bridegroom from those who "prove their love" by the amount of money they are willing to part with." I said laughing harder.

"So that is why you ran away?"

"Yes, and you want to know the funniest part? I was EXCITED! Oh yes, I wanted it all picked out and arranged to have a lovely husband. I WANTED to be 'sold to the highest bidder'! I live in anticipation for the fateful day, at least I did. That's when my friend, Ceclia, she ran to the Madame for help. It turns out, there was no fairytale. All I could see was the blood on her face. All I could hear was the cool voice of the Madame calling not the hospital but the husband! How could I be so stupid! At first, I thought I would find Ceclia. But nowww... oh now, I am only concerned with staying untouched." I raved. Angry at the world, at Madame, at men. I growled along with a face full of bitterness and finally crumbling to the ground.

I lay on the ground sobbing. I felt David's arms go around me, holding me. I just went on sobbing. Crying out tears of shame and guilt. I cried until I couldn't see straight. At last, I stopped. We sat there for a while yet when he whispered, "Better?"

I looked up at his face, and smiled.

...............................................................................................................................................

Lying in bed that night, I thought about David. He had been so close. I could have felt his breath on my face. I was safe. I could just melt into him. Fall into those eyes so like cliff edges. I had pulled back. This was no time to do something stupid. All night, I thought about the kiss that had hung in the air, unkissed, unheard. The sun rose in my open eyes. If only... and then I sighed. How could he be interested in someone constantly in trouble? Someone who is known by her thorns?

I rose to get ready for another day of selling papes. It felt like I was apart of a family again. I wasn't going to ruin it.

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"Dave, have ya done anything yet?" Race asked the next morning. "What's it been? A couple weeks? And you still look at her with this pathetic look. What are ya thinking?"

"Nothing." David responded.

"Nothing? That's right. Do I have to tell you twice? There are others who will gladly jump in, maybe even Brooklyn? Are you gonna let that happen?"

"Race, she's an heiress! What's a girl like that got for a guy like me? I'm just a brother."

"If that's how you want it, then that's how it goes Dave. Just don't break her heart in the process." Race added cryptically.

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In another part of the city in a darkened room, two shadows walked in, sinister large forms that set the form in the large cushioned chair to planning victory. Clearing his throat, the polished voice asked, "Are you the ones called Oscar and Morris?"

Yes, I am evil... and I can leave it here... the basics of course are borrowed from Disney, the rest is borrowed from my brain on loan. FYI... for those who read before this post I have put a chapter between The Finding and Poker Face to explain a few things. And as always... Reviews can't hurt.

TheAngryPrincess13 I will keep you in mind if such a spot.. he he.. opens up, don't worry, spot will not be falling for Rose at least. But I will be going back and forth between Dave and Bum. Thanks for reviewing.