Chapter Eight

Roya woke up and instantly grabbed her head as it felt like it had been run through a blender. Thoughts of last night slowly started to creep up on her as she clearly remembered everything that happened with Darren but anything after popping open the bottle of wine was blurry. She knew she spoke to Nikki and then the twins showed up to the hotel. Suddenly she looked around the empty room, she could have sworn that the three of them were sleeping in the bed together but maybe she was just dreaming. Slowly getting out of bed she made her way to the bathroom and cleaned herself up. Now freshened up, she made her into the living room.

"Jon? Josh?" Roya called out

"Good morning hun." Roya was surprised to see Nikki in the kitchen fixing a plate of breakfast

"Good morning, Nikki. What are you doing here?" Roya asked as she sat at the counter

" Well first the twins made breakfast and some hangover remedies for you," Nikki started as she placed the plate in front of her, "And they asked for me to be here when you woke up because they had some...business to attend to."

"Oh god, no they didn't. Please tell me they didn't head to Darren's hotel room." Roya sighed as she knew they would do this. Sure she hated Darren right now, but that didn't mean she needed them to beat up every guy that broke her heart. Plus they were wrestlers, they can't just go around beating up someone like this. The last thing they needed was a worldstar moment.

"Honestly Darren deserves every bit of an ass beating they give him. What he did is inexcusable." Nikki commented as she poured her some juice

"I just don't want to think about him anymore; I was trying so hard to make it work and basically pretending to be someone else just for him. I'm such idiot." Roya groaned

"Sweetie you are not the first woman to fall for the wrong man and won't be the last. Think about this as a chance to reevaluate what you want. Clearly being with someone that doesn't appreciate you for you is not someone you need to be with, so Darren's exit is hurtful but also a blessing." Nikki said

"Right now I'm still stuck on the hurt." Roya said

"Let it hurt and then let yourself heal. This is a chance to live life for herself; the best thing you can do is show Darren he did you a favor. There is a man out there that is going to love and adore you but most of all respect you for who you are." Nikki replied

Roya knew she was right, there was just a combination of feelings going through her right now. A part of her was hurt from what Darren did however she was also relieved that she no longer had to force herself to be someone just to make him happy. Plus he wasn't the man meant for her. Nikki was right, the man for her would love her for her and wouldn't try to change her.

Jonathan and Joshua were on a mission, the game plan was to have Nikki take care of Roya while they took care of Darren. Jonathan was ready to put his hands around Darren's neck. They made sure to get up early to catch him before he tried to check out. Standing in front of the door, Joshua took Roya's keys out of his pocket and prepared to bust open the door. Jonathan was ready to tackle him immediately. After a few seconds, Joshua pushed open the door and they rushed into the room ready to end Darren's life. But instead of Darren they found Tyler packing clothes. Tyler fell on the bed from surprise and nearly screamed,

"Sweet baby Jesus!" Tyler breathed, "Ya'll too cute to be scaring me like that." he held his chest tightly

"Tyler? Where is Darren?" Jonathan asked

"Probably on a plane and looking for a good dentist to fix his fucked up grill," Tyler paused as he looked over the twins, "I just want to say, ya'll are too hot when you're all angry and ready to beat someone's ass." Tyler fanned himself before he went back to packing Roya's belongings.

"You got into it with Darren?" Joshua asked

"I guess you could say that. I mean I am more of a lover than fighter, but for Roya I will beat a man's ass. My concierge boo helped me get to the room so I could "talk' with Darren. I was livid when Nikki texted me. Roya has been more than a best friend to me and is the reason I am comfortable with who I am. So because of that I have her back. And now Darren knows who is the better man. Just because I wear heels and get my hair and nails done doesn't mean I can't knock someone out." Tyler replied

Joshua and Jonathan walked over and gave him a first pound, "Your hands are so big..." Tyler mumbled, "Well I already started packing up Roya's belongings."

"We'll help," Jonathan sighed

"What's wrong hun?" Tyler asked

"I really wanted to kick Darren's ass; I literally had dreams about busting his shit open last night." Jonathan replied

"My apologies sweetie but when Nikki texted me what happened last night, I ended my date early and came by to have a gentlemen's talk with him." Tyler said

"Well as long as he learned his lesson but if I see him again I'm kicking his teeth in with an IOU." Joshua commented as they all cleaned up the room and packed Roya's things up. After everything was done, they all headed back to Jonathan's car and then proceeded back to the house.

After breakfast, Nikki and Roya continued to talk. More and more Roya started to see the good that could come out of the Darren situation. She could finally be herself. This was a great opportunity to figure out what she wanted for herself. Moving forward she would make her own choices in who she dated and stop letting her mom influence her decisions. Only she could truly know what was best for her.

"We're home." Joshua announced as the guys walked in carrying Roya's belongings

"Is he alive? The all black attire usually means you two went to bury someone." Roya commented

"Tyler beat us too it." Jonathan stated, "All puns intended."

"Tyler!" Roya scolded him

"Bitch, don't even. I broke two nails AND left a very hot papi early at dinner for you. So just say thank you and keep it moving." Tyler sighed as he hugged Nikki

"Thank you." Roya said, "I mean it."

"Girl you know I have your back no matter what. You mess with my girl, you catch these hands." Tyler said as he walked over to her and hugged her tightly, "And please remember we don't shed tears for losers."

"Hey Ro, we will put your things in the guest room." Jonathan stated as he and Joshua left the kitchen.

Tyler waited for them to be out of earshot, "Girl, when those two busted into the room ready to beat Darren's ass, I lost all my shit. I fell on the bed like Scarlett O'Hara. They can't be rushing in looking that damn good." Tyler whispered

"Stop." Roya laughed as she playfully slapped his shoulder

"It was like a fantasy, I was about to be like take me daddies." he said as he bit his lip, "They should not be allowed to be that fine. But look, I am headed to get my nails done and then have brunch with my papi. I need to make it up to him."

"I imagine you know just how to make it up to him." Nikki smiled

"Girl you know it. I put the fighter away and brought the lover back out." Tyler picked up his bag and took out his shades, "Later ladies."

"Have fun." Roya said as he left

"Hey, I was going to meet up with Brie for a spa day and I think you should tag along." Nikki suggested

"I don't know..." Roya started

"Go," Joshua said as he and Jonathan entered back into the kitchen

"I agree, you need a day like that right now. Plus Josh and I will help you unpack when you get back." Jonathan added

"I guess you're both right." Roya sighed, "Let me go get ready." she hopped off the stool and headed back to the guest room to get changed.

"I really wanted to kick Darren's ass." Jonathan groaned as he leaned on the counter

"You and me both brother." Joshua said as he picked up a bottle of water, "I'm going to sit outside for a bit and get some fresh air. Catch you later Nikki."

"Later Josh." Nikki smiled as she watched him walk away. Turning her attention to Jonathan she found him now deep in thought, "You okay Jon?"

"Yeah," he paused, "...Hey Nik, I need some advice."

"Sure, how can I help?" Nikki asked

"I am considering... telling Roya how I feel." Jonathan replied in a low voice

"Seriously?" Nikki said louder than she should have

"Shhhh!" he complained as she covered her mouth

"My bad." she said

"But yes seriously. I want to but I don't know if I should right now. Especially with the whole Darren situation. But this is the first time I actually have the balls to even attempt to be honest with her." he said

"That's a big step Jon. And her heart is really fragile right now." Nikki commented

"I know, that's why this is so difficult. I don't want to catch her on the rebound but what if this ends up being a missed opportunity? After sleeping next to her last night, I don't know how much longer I can lie to myself and pretend I just love her like a brother. I never want to see her hurt like that again..." Jonathan changed his expression as Roya walked into the room. He smiled, she was wearing light blue jeans, a white tank top and grey sweater.

"Don't you look adorable." Nikki commented

"So fresh and so clean." Jonathan said as Roya smiled

"Well it's time for us to make moves." Nikki said as she hopped off a stool

"Oh, before I forget," Jonathan said as he dug around his pockets,"Here are spare keys to the house. This is yours for as long as you need it. You already know our door is open for you always."

"Aww Jon." Roya teased, "What about the hoes and how I shouldn't have a key to just barge in."

"Don't be a smart ass, those were different times. Stop living in the past." Jonathan smirked

"Yeah, different times meaning no hoes." Roya said

"I'm five seconds away from taking the keys back." he stated

"I'm playing." Roya laughed as she hugged him. Jonathan hugged her back tightly. Nikki smiled, perhaps it was time for Jonathan to be honest with her.

"Have fun guys." Jonathan said as the two left the house. Alone in his thoughts, Jonathan started to think over how he would bring up the discussion with Roya. Maybe he could take her out on a date. Get dressed up, have a romantic dinner, some wine and set the mood. Then ease into the discussion of how he felt about her. Sighing heavily the stress of it was starting to rack at his nerves already. Unknown to him, Joshua was out by the patio having the same dilemma. He was texting Brie and asking for her opinion on what he should do. He too wanted to be honest and tell Roya how he felt. The fear of rejection weighed down on him, but he couldn't continue on like this. He loved her and wanted to be with her. The reward would be greater than the risk and he felt now was the time to make his move. Despite her being on the rebound from Darren, he felt he could be there for her through it and help her get over him. Brie agreed he should be honest with her and tell her how he felt. She encouraged him to be a little patient though and take things slow with her. Slowly give her hints; show her affection outside of the brotherly love she was used to, be there for her as a shoulder, comfort her and let her see a different side of him. Joshua sighed, he would try what she suggested but wondered how Roya would react to it.