Aubrey couldnât tell for sure, not even months after the wedding when she would think back on the events that had transpired, why did she choose Bass to help her out of that situation. It wasnât like she was directly aiming for that outcome either; it was like, she was doing her best to keep her head above water although it was already blurring her vision, caught in her throat, choking her to death, but she was staying behind for a lifelong friend she felt deserved for everyone to stick it out, just for that one day. But once he took her by the hand and twirled her around his arms, it was like a lot of that guard had melted away just by his mere presence. Maybe that was a telltale sign of just how much Aubrey still couldnât truly distance herself from her emotionsâ although she did have a good way of pretending that she did. Maybe some people were simpy closely knit by them, and it wasnât like it was her choice who she got attached to. But in the present situation, she still had it in her to fight it off. Or rather, act like she did.Â
ââIt doesnât matter where he is now, whatâs done is done,ââ She said as she shook her head, her cheeks wiped off in just the right moment by his own thumbs. The gentle gestures would only come back to haunt her later on, when she would think about them at 2AM, unable to truly fall asleep. Another reason for the response, of course, the fact that she didnât want Bass to go there and wreck havoc when she tried so hard and did so well to keep it together and ensure there was no scandal. Happy to learn that he dropped that topic as fast as heâd brought it up, she nodded, only then realizing her clutch and shawl were left there. ââUhâââ She started, trying to think. ââYes, I left my clutch and my shawl at my table. I was sittinâ with Wes, dâyou know where that is? Orâ maybe I can help you search for it.ââ She was grateful for the care and attention, but she didnât want to be a burden either way, especially not when she was already a sniffling mess.Â
He caught her a little by surprise then, pressing his lips against her forehead. When it felt like her world was falling apart around her, threatening to come dangerously close for the ground to open up before her feet and swallow her whole once again, it was the gesture heâd made that stopped it from collapsing. Closing her eyes, even just for a moment, she felt her heart skip a beat, an undoubtedly sure sign of what was already there when she herself refused to admit it. And if there was any other moment at all, she wouldâve probably commented on that heart of his, but instead she managed to simply muster out a nearly-silent âThank youâ as she watched him hurry off back to the venue. She herself, on the other hand, lifted that dress around herself, careful not to get caught into any of the car parts and took a passengerâs seat. Dropping the sun visor for a bit, she wiped off the excess mascara and eyeliner from the eyes that were now smudged and tightened up the bun in the back so at least it didnât look like her hair was about to fall apart. She absolutely hated the fact that the otherwise amazing day had come to such an abrupt, nasty ending for her.
Pulling it back up, Aubrey tapped the well manicured fingers onto the dashboard, eyes scanning over the meticulous car interior; everything almost sprinkled with his scent, the cologne he was wearing, and it was then that she realized sheâd never actually been anywhere near his own personal space in the way she was now. She wasnât going to pry of course, but the fine leather under her fingers made her want to. She didnât know how much time had passed before she could see him approach from the distance and she instantly knew something was wrong. Whereas she thought he simply couldnât locate her stuff that easily, it seemed like something a lot more sinister had happened. Squinting a little, as the frown engraved into her forehead, she realized that he had a busted lip â or something of the sortâ and knew that he got into trouble. Pushing the car door open, she went out to meet him halfway, steps a little panicky at that, not knowing what had happened, at least not the details.
ââAre you serious right now?ââ She asked him, a mixture of worry and upset lacing her voice. ââWhat happened, what did you do?ââ
        Sebastianâs only response to Aubrey had been for her to stay there. In the parking lot by his car, where they could peel out the second he got back. He already knew what he was going to do and Bree couldnât be present for it. She wouldâve only tried to stop him or talk him out of it and as much as she probably would hate him when he came back, Bass convinced himself going after Jacob was worth it. He certainly hoped that wouldnât be the case, with her hating him, but he knew Bree and even if someone wronged her, he doubted revenge in any physical form would be deemed necessary in her eyes. To be frank, she was probably right. Bass picking a fight with Jacob resulted in injuries, it would take days maybe even a couple weeks to recover from completely. He was still alive but, clearly worse for wear by the time he made it back to his car. He had blood all over his shirt, could still taste the copper in his mouth. His throat was hoarse from laughing, egging Jacob on. His shirt was pretty much ruined. The left side of his face was swollen and Bass wasnât entirely sure but his whole body felt like it had been run over by a truck. He probably shouldâve sought medical attention but, heâd sure as hell refuse to if Bree even attempted to suggest it.Â
        The plan was to slide into the driverâs seat and take off before Bree could get a good look at him. The fading light of the sun wouldâve helped to obscure some of the damage. But of course, Bree had to get out of the car. She picked up on whatever happened before she even got a chance of seeing him up close. Bass wasnât sure whether to be grateful or not that he hadnât gotten a chance to look in the mirror yet. Judging by Breeâs expression and the instant worry and disgruntleness that laced her tone, she wasnât pleased with him at all. Once again, Bass knew that would be a risk going into it. Alas, looking into her bright beautiful emeralds now, he wasnât so sure the risk was still worth it. The thought of losing Bree wasnât something Bass ever considered. Some days he tried to convince himself that her walking away from him would save them both the trouble they were headed directly towards anyway. Being around her only meant his care for her would continue to grow. Most days he was annoyed that he couldnât stop it. He didnât want to like her but deep down, he knew the fate of that had already been decided for him. She would be the death of him. His inclination to defend her and avenge her honor was telltale proof of that. âWe should go now.â Bass attempted gentleness as he urged Aubrey to get back in the car while promising they could talk about what happened later. Granted, when the question rose up again about what happened, Bass simply rolled his tired eyes. Not to mock Bree or belittle her concern. Both sentiments he appreciated but he didnât set Jacob off to gain her sympathy. As he told the trailer park trash himself, Bree was not a means to an end. Hell, Jacob insinuating as much had pissed Bass off. Bree was the type of girl you wife up, not snatch, fuck and then discard. âI wouldnât worry about it, love. Letâs just say I got hit by a dumpster truck. But listen, Iâm like the devil. You canât get rid of me. Besides, it may look bad but it doesnât even hurt.â That wasnât an entire lie. Bass felt stiff and sore and his throat was so dry from all the blood that it was uncomfortable to speak. He needed to get home and wash his mouth out, clean up his cuts and heâd be in much better shape. Most injuries always looked worse than they actually felt. âCan we talk about this once weâre inside? Unless you hate me now and prefer I take you home? Though Iâd really like for you to come inside. I promise Iâll behave.â They were sitting outside of Bassâs apartment in Downtown, Wilm. But so far neither had gotten out of the car. Bass didnât want to force Aubrey to do anything against her will, including hanging out with him alone in his apartment.Â