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*** Vance's POV***

In the darkness, as I hold onto Karis, she cries. Silent tears pour from her closed eyes. I wipe them away as I try desperately not to disturb what little sleep she will consume.

I'm all too used to seeing this. As a child, I watched as she cried. She waited until she thought we were deep into our dreams of trains and piggy back rides. She wiped frantically as she exited the bathroom after an impromptu trip to "freshen her makeup". She cried.

My mom was a silent warrior. She never spoke of those things that weighed so heavily upon her small frame. A champion until dark, my mom cried.

Having no knowledge, at such a young age, of what possessed my mom to cry into the darkness, I just watched helplessly as she cried. When it became sobbing tears that lead to wails, I rubbed my tiny eyes as I fiend sleepiness. Crawling into her lap, I would use my head to rub beneath her cheeks allowing my hair to soak up the tears that ran down her cheeks. She didn't cry. She rocked me back and forth until her sobs quieted to steady breaths. Her heart would find a worthy beat as she hummed to me in her angelic voice. I would snuggle into her hoping that she knew how much I loved her. I prayed that my love would be enough so that she wouldn't cry.

Remembering the lessons from a childhood of dreams, I snuggle into Karis. I hold her hands clasped to her chest, praying that she feels the ties that are slowly binding us together. One day, I hope that my love will be enough that she will not have to cry.

Her breathing evens as the last of her sleeping tears dry upon her cheeks. Oh how I wish to kiss the worries away from her beautiful mind. In everything that Karis has seen, done and accomplished, she still finds fault within herself.

Today was not her best day. Unfortunately, a lot of her days become overwhelming. She powers through them. That is what she expects of herself. However, in the darkness, she cries.

When the morning light will shine again, I will spend the day pouring into a broken vessel. With tiny fissures that are on the mend, Karis will unknowingly accept the small gestures that I use to prove to her how fucking worthy of a fantastic life that she is.

Things would be easier. Healing would come faster. If Karis didn't seek to pay retribution to the man that destroyed her, my Karis wouldn't spend all night breaking. Instead, this beautiful woman answers the calls. She attempts to mend burned bridges. She works tirelessly to fill Christopher's voids from afar.

The man is a narcissist. He thrives in chipping away at Karis' progress. I have to bite my tongue the entire time she pleads with Christopher to discontinue contact. The phone goes both ways. In my opinion the answer is simple. Don't answer.

Easier said than done. Karis truly believes that if she can reach the unattainable, the bottom of sick Christopher's soul, she can help him find closure. That would work if he was actually looking for closure. He is not. He has his claws inside of her. Instead of fully retracting them, he slowly pulls them out before sinking them deeper into her metaphorical flesh.

Case in point:

"It's not that hard. Here, I will walk you through it." Karis paces before me while holding her phone out on speaker. She looks through Google to explain the simple instructions on the wireless speaker. He could just call Geek Squad.

"Yes, just reset the connection. I think it's HDMI 3. I don't know just go through them one by one. I know you can't remember. I'm trying to help." Karis gets frustrated as her hand swipes across her thigh. He is getting ill, the tone of his voice drips with impatience.

"Christopher, I can't help you if you won't listen. I know. Just hush for a moment. I'm trying to help. I'm sorry. I didn't mean to yell. I know you're not technically savvy. It's okay. I want to help. No, please just let me help." Here we go to the place where she asks for forgiveness for his stupidity. I can taste the metallic fluid as my teeth pierce my tongue.

"Let's try this one instead. Okay? Here, just turn off everything. Yes the speaker and the Bluetooth home. I will wait." Karis stares at the ceiling impatiently while Christopher stumbles around trying to unplug the electronics. I wait, in irritation, as the fool drags the steps out.

"Okay. Now turn on the home. Don't do anything else. Wait ten seconds, press the small blue button used for pairing on the home box. Then walk to the speaker and press the blue button on the back of the subwoofer. The power will automatically come on." Karis waits again while my blood pressure skyrockets. This man can not be this inept. It's impossible.

"Now, try pressing HDMI 3." As the sound to the television blares through the speakers, I find relief. Finally.

"Have a good night Christopher." Karis hands up the phone after finally realizing that Christopher is happy. He doesn't offer his gratitude. Karis is awarded with the sound of silence as she looks to me with wary eyes.

"You're far better than I am." I push a chuckle from my chest where a growl would rather be released. That man is awful. He gives humans a bad name.

The night was spent with me doing literally anything to distract Karis from self-depreciating. She is so sensitive. She is so loving. Even when someone's only ambition is to tear her down, she stands there trying to help. It's noble. But, it is also stupid. At some point, sooner rather than later, she is going to have to put herself first.

I pull my Karis into my arms even tighter, if that is possible. I lay my lips against the crown of her head, pleading with God to give this woman mercy and wisdom. My heart fills with wishes of everything that Karis deserves. It doesn't take a psychic to realize that Karis believes she has earned this hand in life. She couldn't be more off of the mark.

As Karis settles into a tearless sleep, I close my eyes. My whispered prayers disappear into the night as I find myself finally slipping into a realm of dreams. In my dreams Karis doesn't cry. She smiles that breathtaking smile that paints my skies with pleasant colors of vibrant yellow and enchanting blue.

I groggily move my arm as Karis shifts. She mumbles apologies while removing herself from the bed. I watch with squinted eyes as she takes herself towards the bathroom. Her oversized shirt clings to her hips as she quickly closes the door behind her.

Looking at the alarm clock I notice it is only five a.m. This will be a long day considering the short hours of sleep that I have achieved. I do not mind. I will lose sleep every night to secure Karis an evening of rest. Maybe one day we will both sleep peacefully, together.

Standing up, I pull my t-shirt on. I grab my cell phone, checking that nothing important transpired in the hours where I was lost in dreams of what I hope will be my future. Of course, those dreams revolves around this woman who has nestled her way into my heart as well as my arms.

I turn the coffee maker on. I quickly whip up eggs and toast. At least Karis has allowed me to stock the fridge with more than water bottles and green tea. I don't even think she has ever drank the green tea. To me it is disgusting. I assume she feels the same as I notice that the bottles never deplete.

"Good morning." Karis whispers the words into my back. Her arms wrap around my waist. I sigh in contentment at the feel of her willing embrace. Stopping what I am doing, I turn to greet the beauty properly. I shift her so that her head is on my chest. I hold her peacefully against my beating heart.

"Good morning, doll. I hope you are hungry." I smile down on her as her beautiful blue eyes meet my sight. A small smile plays on her lips. She nods her head for me. I could stare at her forever. She really is a sight to behold.

"I have work today in the office, the club is open this evening. Looking at your schedule, it appears you have a few events. If you need me, please do not hesitate to call." I move around, plating her breakfast before setting it down with a cup of coffee.

Karis mindlessly nods as she takes a sip from her mug. She immediately begins eating. I love that she trusts me enough to eat in front of me. God knows that is nothing short of a small miracle.

"So, I will be working all day. But, that does not mean that I do not look forward to hearing from you. Are you understanding? Karis, I am never too busy to hear about anything you have to say. If you see a bird that makes you smile, text me, call me. I want to know. Please don't think you are ever bothering me." I swipe my thumb over her cheekbone delicately. This young woman could tell me about her feet hurting. I would listen until the new pair of shoes I have delivered reach her feet.

"Vance, if there is one person in this Universe that I trust, that is you. I promise not to leave you wondering all day. I'm okay. I'm fine." Karis turns her face so that a soft kiss reaches my palm. I hold her face like the precious gem that she is.

"Thank you, sweet girl. On that note, when would you like to go back to the club. Rex is throwing hissy fits. He misses you." I chuckle while removing myself from my precious China doll.

"He saw me the other day. Rex is spoiled." Karis giggles. She picks up her dishes as she walks them to her sink. I help to clean up before gathering my belongings. I really need to get my day started so that I may enjoy more hours with her.

"Not the point." I wink at Karis. With a roll of her eyes, she kisses my cheek.

"This weekend will have to do. I have a full itinerary as you are well aware. Please tell Rex that I miss him. My phone does work. He can stop by the kitchen later and taste test my eclairs. I hear they are to die for." Karis walks me through the living room as she grabs her purse. I kiss her lips softly before taking a moment to sink into her mouth. I delve into the spaces that I have become all too familiar with. Karis drops her purse at our feet. I tuck her into my embrace, dipping her back to deliver the best goodbye kiss that I can muster.

When I am almost satisfied, I straighten her body. My fingers slide down her back. I take a handful of her ass to kneed in my fingertips. I can not wait until this weekend. I'm going to show Karis a special way of relaxing. It is time.

"Have a great day at work, Vance." Karis blows me a kiss. I reluctantly pass through her door. She follows behind me, locking up as she leaves. I walk her to her car, withholding from making us both late. I do not pin her against the car as I wish. Instead, I act responsibly. I go to my vehicle and leave.

Making my way to the club, I remember that I really have a full day. I will be lucky to get out before the club closes. I love my business. Just, at the moment, I love being with Karis more. Knowing that she has a business to run as well gives me a tiny amount of motivation. It is only fair that I help her develop her company. I can not do that if I am continually distracting her. Yes, motivation.