MADISON

Jess got a lot typed out tonight. September is the month I chose. Three weeks away. I'm worried about the waiting list for caterers and tailors. My Lily reminded me that Jace's money will talk. The only thing left unchecked is the venue. "Banquet hall, outside wedding or tent?" I weigh the options as I lay on the couch with my squad. 

"I thought you wanted a tent wedding?" My mom passes around glasses of wine.

"I did....but now I'm wondering if it'll be big enough."

"Jace doesn't have a big family." Lil clarifies.

"Yeah, but grandparents, aunties, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews. We have to invite everyone on his and my side. That may be over 300."

My mom nods. "That's true. I underestimated the guest list at my wedding. Especially in-laws, the extended family sneaks up on you. Trust me."

"I didn't even think about that." I frown. "Yeah, I think a tent won't be big enough."

"What about the island?" Jess types this in the destination section. "It's beautiful and far from the press."

Why didn't I think of that? It's the size of a damn state; that's plenty of room. "Oh my god, Jess, I love you!"

"Hey, stop coming onto my woman!" Lil deepens her voice like a guy.

I giggle at her sturdy man's face. "Can't help it; she's amazing." I wink.

"Aww." Jess holds her heart.

"I totally blanked. The island is perfect!"

"Now all that's left is the RSVPs." My mom raises her glass. "We've done a lot for one night. We'll tackle that in the morning." We all toast our glasses. I take a deep gulp. I realize it's midnight. Wow, did that much time pass??? Geez. So crazy. I haven't seen Jace either. Where's my love bug? My stomach wakes with flutters. Omg...did I just discover my pet name for him?! I smile to myself and twist my waist side to side. My eyes become trance-like and bubbly.  

"She's thinking about him. Aww, look." Jess outs me by pointing a finger.

I cover my face and chuckle. "Stop."

"Say you love him." Mom teases me.

"No..."

"Think of it as practice for your vows. You'll have a crowd watching you share your affection." She moves my hand from my face.

"I'll rather wait to be embarrassed." I blush and drop my gaze.

"He he he, okay, I'll stop making you shy."

After the drink, I say goodnight and go to his room. I hear the shower as I close the door. Oh...I should sneak in. I grin devilishly and slip out of the dress. This is payback from the last time he didn't let me see him in the shower. I whisper the word under my breath. The wall parts at the middle. Jace's entire body is lathered up with fluffy bubbles. The white color waters my mouth. The hanging dick is a work of art made of suds. It dangles to his thighs. I lick my lips. My thirst heightens. I almost drool. He's turned away, so he doesn't know I'm here. This advantage gives me all the time I want to scope out his glorious ass. The crack line is calling me. I want to fist him. I know he'll love it.  

I inch forward as quietly as possible to set out my goal. He was wrong about me being innocent while eye-stalking him. I thought about my knuckles invading his juicy booty. My eyes flame erotically. I teasingly wrap my arms around his waist, then guide my hands to his love handles. Jace faces me. I expect the same fire to be in his eyes. I find different. He's...unhappy. Troubled. Something's bothering him. This is the most exposed his soul has ever been. The weakest it's ever been. Worse than the night I considered leaving him.  

My feisty demeanor jumps to distress. My thumbs caress his tensed brows. "Tell me what's wrong." He presses me into his chest for a deep hug. Why is he so quiet? What's going on? "Jace?" My tone goes hectic. "Talk to me." I pull away to analyze his face. What could possibly have him this upset? He needs to talk to me. "Please tell me?" 

His eyes lower. "Not tonight...we can talk tomorrow."

Oh, wow...his voice is lifeless! Why?? "Why not now?"

"It's late."

"Look at me," I demand softly. His olive eyes meet mine. "This won't work if you're not honest. That's what we agreed on. Remember?"

"I'll tell you tomorrow...I promise."

"You promise?"

"Yes." He smiles, although his eyes are still dismal.

"Tomorrow then." I kiss him slowly.

He sighs, closing his eyes to savor my touch. "Sleep in my room tonight."

My eyes widen. "I thought that was forbidden since my fam is here."

"No...not anymore. From now on, we'll always share a bed." He kisses me once. His large hands rub soap into my chest. He scrubs me down my breast to my knees. I wrinkle my nose when he smooches behind my ankles. I reach for his ass and scrub it with both palms. He stands to return the favor. His irises light up. Jace is back to looking like himself. "I'm more than my ass." 

"No, you're not. You're all ass."

We shower off the suds. I love how he dries me with a towel like I'm a kid. I return the favor. Jace selects a turtleneck, long sleeve sweater from the closet. "This is my favorite..."

It's the black one he wore at the expo. I feel honored when he wiggles it over my head. "You did look sexy in it on TV." I flirt.

"You just couldn't keep your eyes off me, could you?"

"Guilty..."

"The Nobel Prize for the most historic stalker goes to Madison Hart." He mimics an awards announcer.

I bow. "Thank you, thank you. I feel so honored."

He puts on silk pajama pants; I'm sure they're Kashmir. We snuggle into bed. Every inch of my skin ignites when against him. I rest my head under his chin. The same fiery dream haunts my mind. Why am I here again? The day was perfect...so were the days in Paris. Maybe it's just a random dream from an overactive mind. It doesn't relate to what's going on in my life. Nothing is burning....and the sky isn't clouded with dooming smoke. This is weird. I wake up a little shocked. Why am I scared? I want to wake Jace, so his voice can restore my safety. But I let him sleep. He's already working something out; I'd rather not burden him. 

I search the fridge for something cold for my anxiety. I spot iced tea. I take a cup from the cabinet and fill it. "Morning." My mom hugs me. "Oh, that's a fancy nightgown!" She surveys it closely.

I guess his sweater does look like a gown. Jace is 8 inches taller than me, so it stops at my knees. "It's his shirt." I cheese.

"So...did you two rumble in the hay?"

"Rumble in the hay, mom? What year are you from." I silly laugh. "And no...we haven't."

Mom gives a Pikachu expression. "What? But you two were in the most romantic place in the world."

"It was still amazing without sex. Although we did try. I overestimated my pain tolerance."

"Pain?" She tenses. "I hope there's nothing wrong down there. It shouldn't be painful."

"We didn't have a condom or lube. I think that's why."

"Oh, that makes sense...of course, it's going to hurt." She shrugs. "I'm honestly shocked that Jace is so patient."

"He loves me." My cheeks radiate.

"And...? What about you?" She beams.

"You really want to hear me say it, huh?"

"Yes. So, I can be super proud of you."

I peer to the side and shift my weight. "I love him."

"Aww!!"

"Now, don't make me say it again." I hastily pick up the glass and drink the tea to avoid embarrassment. There's running from down the hall. We both stare to see who it is.

"Maddy!" Lily jets to me with her phone out. "You have a fanbase!"

"Huh??" I squint at the phone screen. It's the trending page on Twitter. Number 1 is #HartLine. It's either a play on the heart line found on a person's hand. Or heart line in the sense of the medical study term. I'm sure it means life support, though I'm not sure. There are 8 million tweets below the tag. No way!! I have that many people supporting me?? Complete strangers?? This is unbelievable! An affection I've never felt rattles my heart. I feel as if I have guardian angels...invisible protectors. 

"8 million??!" My mom exclaims.

"You have to respond! I bet the ring reveal made them convert over. You were badass."

I look down at the other trending tags. #Jace'sHart. #CutOutTheHart. "You think I should? That crazy tag is still popular. I don't want to get attacked."

"You definitely should. I'll block those assholes for you. You need to embrace your fans."

"What do I say?"

"Whatever you feel."

"I think you should." My mom pats me on the back. "There's nothing but misinformation needing cleared up. If you communicate with fans, they'll see who you actually are."

They're both not wrong. But this seems too good to be true! I know how wishy-washy social media is. How do I know these so-called fans won't judge me even worse than the news? Or am I overthinking? It would be nice to have more people in my corner. "Okay...I'll try to think of something to post." 

The elevator dings. Someone just boarded it downstairs. We all look to it. "Who's coming up?" Mom queries.

"Probably one of the guards," I assume.

"But why would one of his guards be downstairs?" Lil is skeptical.

"It's a big building." I shrug.

The floor numbers count from 1 and build towards the 18th floor. It'll take a while until the doors open. Dad walks into the kitchen with groggy eyes. "Oh, shoot! Sorry dear, I got to chatting. I'll make omelets and coffee." Mom kisses him.

"Morning, dad."

"Morning Princess." He yawns and sits at the bar. His robe is hilarious. Plaid, black, and red like the logo of Brawny paper towels. He had to be a lumberjack in a past life. Jess joins the mix, rubbing her eyes. The kitchen is the hotspot today. Everyone waits on my mom's breakfast. She takes out eggs, cheese, butter, and milk, then powers on a mixer. Lil pours orange juice for everyone. I'm so amused when I see Jace. Everyone is filing into the kitchen like ducks. I skip to him. "Hey, you," I say low enough so only he hears. 

He grins and leans to whisper in my ear. "Hey, you." A ding from the elevator throws him out of the sweet moment. The mechanical doors open. His eyes harden. There's a delay in me turning around. I'm wondering who could possibly make him this cold. I twist to see. Five people exit the elevator. All are in formal attire. Suits, and polished shoes. I recognize one of them. Kim. His radiant sister peers down at us as if we're peasants. Raised chin and belittling eyes. His mother resembles an uptight judge. His father isn't any better with his stern disposition. The two brothers mirror the father. They're the complete opposite of me and my family. Wealth and entitlement versus carefree. 

His mother, a dark-haired woman, takes a few steps up and clears her throat. "Oh, please...make yourselves at home." Her superior tone scolds. The silence that follows could cut steel. Jace's mother eyes me down, so does his sister. Kim really does have his eyes...it's hard to throw back the dirty look. I can't hate someone who has his eyes. The resemblance of Jace is throughout the bunch. Pieces of him live within all of them. If only they were as inviting. How is it they all glower at me in the same way? 

My mom paces from the mixer to stand before me. I sense her mama bear mode activate. "Maybe you should take your own advice and join us. You can start by showing my daughter some respect!" She hisses.

Mrs. Harrison grins coldly. "I will...once she respects herself."

"Now, wait just a minute!!" My dad stands from the bar. His size, compared to the rest of the men, is intimidating. I sense fear.

Mr. Harrison scowls. "You have no right to be offended after what you've raised."

Dad balls his fist. My mom grabs his arm. "No, dear, let's not stoop to their level. They're too prejudiced to comprehend common decency."

"How dare you?!!" Jace's mom flares her nostrils. "As if you have an ounce of decency!!" She zeros in on Jace. "How can you allow them to speak to your family this way? Defend us!"

Jace huffs out air behind me. "Maybe if you all didn't make fools of yourselves, I would. First impressions are vital."

"Yes...they are." His mother's eyes ridicule each of us one by one. How can someone be so bitter? So hellbent on their high status to disrespect good people? We're good people...but there's no point of trying to convince stone walls. They're all so unyielding. Immovable objects. 

His father steps past mine, giving a harsh side eye. I'm scared my dad will fight him. He's roasting in fury. "You need an intervention, son."

I peer at Jace. He gives Alonso, who stands in a corner, a loaded look. It's not comprehensive to me, but it is to Alonso.

"Please follow me, Harrison Family." Their attention dart to him. The big bodyguard nears the hall. I watch them file after him. We glare at them in a stare down. Us against them. Old money versus new money. I don't hold back my aggression. This time, my wrath matches theirs. We're nice...to a certain extent. They don't know who they're messing with. We can get just as ugly. It's best that they don't push us to drop to their level. 

When they're down the hall, Jace shares an apologetic look with us. "I'm sorry, I didn't know they were in the city."

"Don't be...it's not your fault." My mom comforts him. "They seem set in their ways."

"They are." He admits. He wasn't joking about them being critical! "I'll straighten this out. Excuse me."

I don't like how agitated he is. His family managed to crawl underneath his skin. He doesn't even meet my eye before he strides off. My dad is just as pumped up. I go to him and hold his arm as mom is doing. "Just forget about it."

"No...they need to behave as adults and speak respectfully."

"Your dad's right. You're our child; they can't treat you however they want!"

"It's already too stressful; please just forget it." 

"Because they made it that way." Lil folds her arms. "I wanted to call them what they are, whining bitches. But I held my tongue, Jace was going through it."

"He was." Jess sighs. "I see why. No one wants a family like that."

"They win this battle only because Jace didn't need the headache. Next time, they won't." Lil's eyes are made of steel. My mom and dad nod.

JACE

I sit at my throne, knowing I'll have to play a power move. That's the only way to deal with these people. My mother and sister sit in the armchairs, my brothers stand before my desk. So does my father. "Why wasn't I made aware you all were in the city?" 

"Why, so you can deactivate our jets?" Kim retorts sensitively.

"That was wrong of you to do to your sister. Apologize." Father commands.

"I will...after you all apologize to Madison and her family."

"You mean the moochers?!" Mother laughs hard like a psycho .

"I mean my future wife and in-laws."

"Steven, I think you need to knock some sense into him!"

Oh...he's done enough to bruise my life. "You started this by not only disrespecting them, but ridiculing my house."

"You allow them to use your home as if it's theirs."

"I know how to run my household."

Mother rolls her eyes. "Jace, you've never had one. How about taking advice from someone who has?"

I ignore her and focus on my father. "If this behavior continues, I'll have no choice but to have you and them escorted out."

"We are not children, Jace." He gets offended.

"Are you sure?"

My oldest brother, Tom, shakes his head. "You're the one acting adolescent. We wouldn't be so cruel if you chose a better woman. She shames the family name and image. Haven't you seen how not only your stocks have dropped but ours too? Wake up and read the facts!"

"I have the facts; you all have rumors and misinformation!"

Kim gives me an incredulous glare. "I'm confused...wasn't that her in the video??? Or was that an identical twin?"

"And if it was all false, why did you have the video wiped from existence?" Tom grills me.

"I don't have to explain myself."

"You do, son." Father walks behind the desk. A power move. He can't fathom me being in control. It eats him up inside. "You're a businessman. You've made smart choices until now. Why?"

I stare him down and compose myself from cursing him out. I won't be as nasty as him...or the rest. "Make amends or be escorted out. That's final."

"So, you'll cut off your own family for strangers???" Mother is appalled.

"I won't repeat myself. If you all continue to protest, don't bother attending the wedding." My father pockets his hands and stares at his wife. Kim tightens her lips. Tom is unmoved by the threat. I'm surprised Sam, the middle brother, hasn't spoken. He's usually the one who goes along with being rude without meaning it. Has he finally broken free? "I mean it."  

"No hard feelings." Mother stands and moves to lean over my desk. "This Madison is just a naughty phase of yours. It won't last. So, leave us off the guest list and remember who to thank when it all comes crashing down."

"We'll see." I hold a menacing gaze with her. I don't blink or waver my sight. She's a lioness waiting for a sign of weakness to celebrate her victory. Good thing I'm a lion. "Alonso." The office door opens immediately. "Escort my guests out to their cars. They're leaving." They don't deserve to be called family. The bunch in my kitchen are more family than they've ever been. 

Father ticks his tongue disapprovingly. "Well...your guest will be at the Hilton until you wake up from this nonsense."

Mother draws closer to kiss my cheek. "Consider our words, Jacy. We're honestly concerned for you." She withdraws and holds my face.

I'm unmoved by the gesture; it's not rooted in kindness. It's a game of chess. All she wants...all they want is to save their businesses. That's the only reason my family flew back to America. For selfish reasons, dressed up as concern. It's shitty. I slightly jerk my head to the side, signaling Alonso to escort them out. "Send in my fiancé," I say this loud enough so they all can hear. I don't care if they don't like her. It is what it is. 

MADISON

We make ourselves extremely at home just to piss off his family. We're eating on the couch, as relaxed as ever. Cuddled together as a true family should be. The TV is on an action movie. Transformers. Lil hears walking from down the hall. She gets on her knees so the snobby family can see her. Their chiding looks have gotten worse. Jace must have struck a nerve. Lil deliberately holds the remote up and increases the volume to the highest level. The loud music and mechanical noises of the robot fight boom the living room. Her hazel eyes taunt them to challenge her. Like steaming pots, the family chastises her. Lil sips her coffee and turns away slowly.  

Alonso is amused. He summons me over with a transparent glance. He must have learned some sort of eye language from Black Ops. He's a piped piper. I get up and head over. His mother loathes that I'm in Jace's sweater. I tug the collar closer just to get on her nerves. "Your fiancé wishes to see you." His tone is double handed. It's clear he's on our side. The ice in his voice is undeniable. 

Okay, I see you, Alonso! You want a piece of the drama. "Does he?"

"Yes."

I cockily eye his mother. "It's best I give him what he wants." I pace down the hall with a sway to my hips. When I step into his office, Jace has his head in his hands. My baddy mode vanishes. I close the door, worried now. Lily wasn't wrong...Jace is going through emotions. I wish he had a better family who would accept me. He's hurt. I rush to the desk to hug him. "Are you okay?" 

"No..."

I kneel before him, sliding his hands from his face. He's crying. I've never seen him cry before. Aww! I bustle like a teapot, my anger explodes. "Fuck them! You're the only good person in the family." I wipe his tears away. "I don't like how they make you feel. You're not in the wrong." 

Jace closes his eyes and exhales. "I banned them from our wedding."

"As you should have."

"I shouldn't have to."

"Look at me...." My thumbs caress his eyelids. Jace opens them; his gem eyes are so glossy. "You don't have to fix this."

"I do...you don't deserve that kind of treatment."

"They'll learn to like me."

"How, if they're not at the wedding?" He bickers.

He has a point. I shrug and sigh. "Do you want them there?"

"Yes."

"Okay..." I swallow my pride and rage as I saw my mom do with the paparazzi. Mom was the bigger person then, and in the kitchen with his parents. I can do the same. The wedding day isn't just about me. Jace has to be happy too. It wouldn't be amazing if he's not as joyful as I am. "I stand by you on this. I'll try to tolerate them." 

Jace kisses me delicately. "Thank you."

"I can't promise anything."

"I know."

I hold his hands. "Whatever you wanted to tell me can wait. I don't want to burden you; today was too much."

"You're being perfect."

"From now on, I'll do what my mom would."

"Like mother like daughter."

"In more than one way..." I brag. "I can get just as cold as her. So don't worry about my feelings getting hurt." I hug him again. Jace lifts me into his lap to cradle me. "We'll overcome this."