What do you say when you've just experienced a kiss that blew your defences away?

That too from an infamous playboy?!

Who has hidden intentions?!

Do you deserve such divine kisses when you are a person with an imperfect past and hiding intentions too?

Rose kept trying to open her lips to speak with much resolve but they kept closing a few seconds later everytime with doubts clouding her face.

Matt seeing and sensing her inability to express what she truly felt said, "Babe, you can take whatever time you want. I look forward to whatever it is you decide."

The smile on Matt's face was the easiest that Rose had ever seen but it still burdened her.

"Matt, I'm flattered by your honesty and the fact that you find me intriguing. I don't date much less decide who to spend the rest of my life with in less than a week."

"I admit that the pull we feel towards each other is electric but I don't have the time or inclination to test if it survives or burns out."

That's the best you can say to keep him away?!

After mauling his lips like a starved nymph?!

It was so difficult putting those words out when Matt's fingers held her chin, his thumb brushing her lower lip, his lips within a pounce if she so decided. She closed her eyes for a few seconds praying for some divine strength and gently removed his fingers away.

"I would understand if you don't want me to collaborate with you on Regalia." Rose spoke softly in almost a whisper as if saying it out loud may turn it into reality.

Decide woman, do you want him?! Don't you want him?!

Matt stood up and away from Rose in one fluid motion as if nothing had happened. Rose's eyes widened momentarily at that.

That's it?!

Two statements and he doesn't want me anymore?!

Were you expecting Mr. Moneybags to grovel at your feet just cz you didn't say yes now?!

A most placid smile played on Matt's lips and he responded as if he had all the time in the world, "I'm not expecting a yes today or sometime in the foreseeable future, Rose. In regards to Regalia, you and I are working on it whether it makes you uncomfortable or not. I don't mix business and pleasure but you are one pleasing business I want to make a habit of enjoying."

The last statement made Rose blush vividly as it brought back visions of them from moments ago.

Placing his hands on either side of Rose's chair and bringing his eyes to her level, Matt whispered, "It's going to be a pleasing business for you too."

Standing upright he held out his hand which Rose cautiously accepted. They moved down to his car not breaking that hold as if it were the Victorian ages and holding hands was all they were permitted. Both knew the potential of what could happen if their touches wandered elsewhere.

Neither spoke anything throughout the ride as if all heat had just been dampened. Reaching Hyde Park, Rose stepped out of the car before Matt could reach and open the door for her, seemed like she was avoiding any possibility of proximity with him which made Matt's lips twitch with delight.

Rose turned once she'd climbed the steps to the front door and said, "Goodnight Matt!" Her voice was so husky she wondered if it belonged to her. Matt responded, "Goodnight, babe," with a longing stare which made him look like he were a 15yr-old dropping off his first date home.

Crash!! It was the sound of smashing glass which made Rose turn towards the house with surprise since she didn't recall Sicilia ever being careless in the kitchen. Matt followed after her into the house without preamble.

One could hear the commotion was from the first floor near her room. By the time Rose and Matt reached, Dad, Sam and Sicilia were standing outside Rose's room blocking the view. As soon as they saw her they tried stopping her from entering the room.

"What is it? Sicilia, did you drop something while cleaning up?" Rose asked good-naturedly.

"It's okay, I'll help clean up," Rose said making her way into the room but the sight wiped the smile off her face.

All the pink roses that Matt had gifted were ripped from their stalks and on the floor strewn and stomped on the carpet and a single vase lay broken near her window which overlooked the front porch. On the wall opposing her bed was written in blood red paint

               "I'll rip him if he gets close to my Rosey"

Matt could be heard exchanging some heated words with Robert outside, "How could this happen?! Where were you?!"

Robert's responses were barely audible but it was clear he was following Matt and his men were again evaded by the guy who did this as he escaped using the backyards of neighbouring properties.

Matt thundered, "I think I should hire him since he accomplished better than you."

Ashen-faced Rose turned and enquired Dad and Sicilia, "Are you guys okay?"

Dad moved Rose away from Matt's earshot, "The security system didn't throw up anything. He must've been in and out within two minutes tops. If he wanted he could've easily hurt any of us. The timing is what's surprising me."

"How did he know you and Matt would be here by the time he's done here?"

"Pete or whoever did this, they definitely had help. Do you recognise the handwriting on the wall?"

"It's Pete's handwriting, Dad." Rose murmured.

"Damage to property, hurting people, sadistic memorabilia, this is not the Pete we knew up until a week ago or atleast we thought we knew."

"I think it's best if your brother handles this. It's become a shitstorm too large too soon. We need our bearings about us."

"You know how protective he's been since the school incident. Him here would draw undue attention for all the wrong reasons especially since he doesn't want to show himself to anyone else."

"That's the very reason we'll have him as our invisible black knight."

With a deadpan expression Rose said, "He's related to you and I by blood, Dad. Stop trying to make light of this situation. It's not some chess game we're playing now!!"

"Sure we are and here comes the white King!"

Rose turned at that very moment to look for Matt who walked over to her with the most solemn look and said, "You're coming with me, Rose."

A/N: Drumroll!!!!!! Twist and turn! I hope it's right when the story needed it.

Any comments, thought and opinion is most welcome.

I hope this update finds everyone in better health than ever.