Chapter 9: Burn it Ash

The vacation time period was over so quickly. They had already been and set the hotels for where they would be working. The bunk houses was mainly a medical unit, office and other mandatory things they would need. There were little private hotels scattered randomly in the forest next to the mines and the ocean. It is about forty minutes from Vincents home. It was just almost or barely over and hour to the main city with the new head quarter office. Many people came and got their rooms. Of course Ana got her own. She was away from the guys. The six other rooms were on the other side. The Inn keeper thought she would like space away from the men.

Smiling looking over all the check off list Vincent couldn't stop smiling. He's been on cloud nine ever since he confessed on the train. He thought nothing could be better than listening to her confession of liking him back at the last spot they had. But all of this is so much better. "There he is the man who was able to capture the beast." Dylan said loudly hugging his friend. Not be offended by the term that was her nickname by many from all over the world. "I can't believe you. You of all people chained down Vee." Daxton said his hands still rubbing his face.

"Seriously how did you do it?" Killian asked him with a glare. "Bro I swear your dick gotta be made of magic." Jaxon added. "Watch your mouth." Killian and Vince both snapped at the same time. "I know how you play boys are. You need to know it aint like that here with this guys like us." Damien added looking around as they all nodded. "My bad man." Jax told him hugging him too. "It's been a while you guys al settled?" Vince asked looking at them as they seem to be getting ready to head out. "Don't go changing the topic now man." Dallas teased.

"Hey where is boss lady anyway haven't seen here since she gave me our keys yesterday." Eli asked him looking around. "She's coming finishing up some things in the office. Some inspector came out acting like an idiot. No badge. No I.D. No paperwork. He has some suspicious claims about not being able to go forward tomorrow." Cici told them as she popped out of no where. "Hey what you doing out here?" Vincent hugged Cillian as she smiled back waving to the guys.

Holdin gup her picnic basket. "Made me and Jordi lunch we going to go head to the beach." She said blushing and smiling. When the loud sound of a door being slammed open and a man going over the railing. Vince and the guys looked in shock for a moment. "You know this is exactly how I met her the first time." Vince said as no one took their eyes of the scene in front of them. Ana and Jordan slowly walking out the trailer office. Walking over and leaning down to the man lifting his head back by his hair.

"I don't know who sent you and quiet frankly I don't give a crap. If I see you on site again. You will not be walking out of it. You go back and tell your boss whoever they are. They waste my time over some stupid ass shit like this again. Then I will surely show and demonstrate the word regret in a fashion they have yet to imagine. Get the fuck out of my eye sight." She said slamming his head back down. The man quickly jumped up with a hop. It was visible he had a limp, busted lip, black eye a cut on his cheek and a bloody nose. He was angry and went to run up behind her.

Jordan kicked him in his stomach before he got to far. "You don't get to touch sister." He growled out eyes almost black. The man was quickly escorted out by security. "I'm sister today?" She teased him. "Cici still here than? Sometimes I get lucky to be called cousin when she's not around." She said rolling her eyes to him. Grabbing her by her arm as Vincent was coming up to them with Cici in tow. "Call yourself whatever you wish. You are my family. No one get to fuck with you but me." He lowly growled to her. Over the years they have fought verbally, mentally, psychologically, physically. It was truly a strange relationship. It was a love hate relationship that was getting better the older they got. Their past made things more difficult then it really had to be.

With Cillian in Jordans life he was coming more around to Avianna's side of things and later down the road they both knew they would be fine. Colton normally would play referee. However his relationship with Ana was no more strange than Jordans. No matter how bad things would get between them. They could never walk away from each other. In the end they were all they had left. No one else besides Landen and Cici could ever understand them and the dark path that got them there.

"Are you alright?" Drew asked her while the guys looked her over. "Another competitor sent a fake as inspector to slow progress down. Didn't work out to well." Jordan said with a smirk to Vee. "Well they had it coming." She mumbled like a child in trouble. "Hey don't forget we got the mixer tomorrow." Cici said happily. "Please tell me you looked over the playlist." She added. "What mixer?" Vincent asked her. "It's the tri-company mixer. Where Stone, Solomon and Jamison companies get together and Celebrate working in unity every year." Jordan said sarcastically.

"The heads like us Sienna, Colton and Landen get together and put on performances there are four. Each company performs and in the beginning we do one together. The them this year is Sinners and Saints. We wanted to spice it up. SO you either wear dark or light colors." She said happily. "Normally my uncle picks a song that we all hate to do together. That's why Vee switched it up and now we get to watch his face as he freaks out when the other older board members of Solomon company freak out." Jordan was laughing hard. Confused looks wen tall the way around. "Ignore him. I made a joke about something and ironically it's what we got to go with." Ana told him brushing it off.

"I told you last week remember we got company party." Ana told him as his eye lit up. "Yeah I just didn't think it would be so big." He said scratching the back of his neck. "You didn't even go anywhere to practice anything are you sure you're ready for that?" He was confused. "We never practice we are all so used to each other we just wing it most of the time. It's actually contest. The best act wins and of course gets bragging rights. Jamison has won every year since we started but this is my year I feel it." Cici said dramatically with her hands pumped to her chest making everyone smile to her.

"It sure is babe." Jordan said supportively hugging her into him. "See you tomorrow." Jordan waved off as they left. "You guys ready for dinner?" She smiled. The crew laughed until they cried. Ate until they were stuffed. Vince didn't realize how much he missed this with her and the guys last couple of days. He loved seeing his friends again. Spending time and helping Nana around the house. Being around Ethan. His time alone with Ana. It was crazy after a few short months just how much people he let in his life that he can't see not in there anymore.

He went from wondering how can he get a job to help his family. To building a bigger one in just one day. By helping one person on the street. He always tried to help those he could but now he was thankful for whatever Karma God was watching. Late in the evening. Vincent walked her to her room as he was sharing with Damien. "You know where I am in case you get too lonely." She told him putting her room door code in his pocket as he wrapped his arms around her waist.

"Be good. It's hard enough not being close to you the way we been." He told her with a kiss to the nose and then the lips. "Don't stay up to late. Rest early." Kissing him sweetly again. He walked away. Opening her door. Kicking off her shoes. She sat on her bed and leaned back on her hands. *Knock*Knock*Knock* Happily she sprang up from her bed opening the door. "Did you miss me already." Her smile dropped as soon as she saw him standing there. "Yes. I did. If you're truly asking." Smiling to her. Looking around to see if there were any cameras.

She knew how much he didn't care if paparazzi followed him. But she hated them. His philosophy is if they are going to follow him no matter what he did, it didn't matter what he did. He refuse to stop living his life afraid of what might be on the headlines tomorrow. Although he was collective, smooth and classy she still hated the reporters. "Why are you here Stone?" She asked Landen just looking down at her like she hung the moon.

"Are we just going to stand her talking in the door way. Now Ms. Alderman where are those manners?" Making her smile a bit. He was still her good friend. He went to come in like he normally would when her hand pushed against his chest to stop him. Confused and worried he looked around and down at her. "I don't think it's really appropriate for me to let you in my room at this hour." She told him as she thought hard about how to put that into words.

"Vee, it's me. You never kept me out before. What's the big deal." He was sounding a little hurt. "I never really had a boyfriend before. I don't want anyone telling him I let another man in my room late in the evening. I don't want any teasing talk that may embarrass or upset him. We can talk outside there's benches over there. "What you don't think people won't talk meeting up with a strange man on a bench in the middle of the night." He grumbled to her. She knew she hurt his feelings. "It's not the same as entering a woman's bedroom alone." She snapped back.

"Look I don't really know how to act being a girlfriend I'm new at this late in life and I just want to treat him how I want to be treated and I know for a fact I don't want no girls in his room late at night. SO the bench it is." She told him as she nudged him over to it. "Am I supposed to just change everything we do because you go ta boyfriend now? Any other rules I should know about?" Landen scoffed at her shaking his head feeling offended. "That depends on you now doesn't it. If you are my real friend nothing changes. If you are actively seeking something deeper then that. Well I guess that answers enough doesn't it. Why are you here Landen?" Ana asked him getting tired of his attitude.

Looking at her for a moment it was silent. "Landen it's late. Can we please hurry this up. I am very much looking forward to the threesome I am about to have with that blanket and pillows in there." She groaned out. Laughing at her hard. "You never change you know that Vee. I sometimes think you never think before speaking because sometimes you like to surprise even yourself with whatever comes out of that mouth." Landen made her smile. "My parents are pushing again. They wanted me to come get you to be my date tomorrow night. They've been missing you. I've been missing you too." He told lightly putting his hand over hers.

"I've been worried about you. Last week at the board meeting you were there. You didn't come to me once and I waited for you. I looked for you everywhere I had the jet ready. I had a bag for us packed… and I couldn't find you. You wouldn't answer your phone. I felt like I couldn't breath. Went back to your office in a last ditch effort and low and behold there you were. Like it was where you supposed to be." He told her making her confused.

"I wanted to go right up to you and shake you. For the worry and the weight you put in my heart and chest. I wanted to ask you what the hell. But you were so serene. So content. You were in your own little world. You weren't hurting, angry or sad. You weren't waiting for me to piece you back up from the floor. I realize the day finally came and then I understood the only one hurting left was me. It was our own little tradition after so many years. I shouldn't have been feeling that way towards you instead I should have been insanely happy you were ok." Landen told her in a shameful voice.

"What are you going on about Stone?" "Last board meeting. Thursday? Vee? Honey it was your parents anniversary and death anniversary. We go to put flowers on them every year. Have a picnic out there tell them all about our year." He felt confused until he saw her eyes go wide and fill with her tears as her breathing shortened and her chest got tight. Springing closer to her he got ahold of her. "Vee. Look at me. Stay with me. Vee. Breathe. It's ok just breathe with me. No! No. No. Look at me stay with me. Feel me I'm here." He said as she grabbed behind his forearm following his breathing movements.

"I-I. I forgot. I forgot them. I-I didn't show up." She was starting to shake. "Fuck. Vee I'm sorry. I shouldn't have said anything. I'm sorry." Landen was now cursing himself. "It's not your fault. I'm fine. I'm ok. I will be. I just feel so ashamed of myself. I forgot like that. I didn't even tell Vince he would lit some candles with me." She held her head down. "I'm sorry I made you panic that day. Thank you for remembering. I am a shitty friend and worse daughter." "Don't you ever say that stupid crap again. You are amazing. Ana it's fine if you didn't make it out. You will and can always go later. I was just trying to say I was excited that you were finally stepping forward in life and in happiness. Your parents would be so proud. I know we all are." Landen said kissing her forehead softly.

"Relax. You did nothing wrong." Nodding to him. "Now about tomorrow." "I'm sorry Land I have a date. I'm going with my honey. It's first time going so if you see him looking a little lost please help him out." "You are taking him out to the mixer. In the middle of the public eye in one of the biggest parties of the year. Is he ready for that kind of intrusion of privacy. I mean what if they go nuts and start digging all into his background is that what he wants? Can he handle it?" Landen was rushing so many questions out.

"He is a lot stronger than you think he is. I wouldn't even dream of taking anyone else. Yes I'm introducing him to all of them as well if that was your next question. It's going to happen sooner or later. I can handle them and it will be fine. Besides we are so busy over here they won't be looking to do anything major anyway. What's the worse thing they can do to me? You guys handle everything in the office and I do the manual labor. It's the way of our life." Landen flinched at that. "Landen. I didn't mean that." "Yes you did. You did and you know what its ok I honestly have it coming because no real men in your life who say they care for you would have let all that happen to you without pushing back." Looking back up to her sad eyes starting ot glisten.

"I'm sorry Vee. I'm always so sorry." "Landen it's fine." "It's not. I promise you though you will never fight your battles like that with them again." "Of course I won't." She laughed in a scoffing voice wiping her face. Getting up and starting to walk away. "Because all but one is dead." Heading inside he watched her open her door and shut it. Looking down and getting back up he saw him holding a bag in his arm while his hands were in his pockets. Looking at him like he was going to kill him. Getting angry Landen got up as the other man met him in the middle.

"What did you do to make my woman that upset?" Vincent asked him trying to keep his calm. "What goes on between me and her is between me and her. You may be with her right now. But don't start throwing ourself where you don't belong." Landen warned him. "You don't know the first thing about her. How is it possible that you think you can be the man she needs." Landen growled out to him.

"I know enough about her to know I'm exactly what she needs. You know why don't you. Because I am nothing like the men in her world already. I can hold her down in a way you can't. I get threw to her in ways you can't ever reach. She reaches out to me as much as I reach out for her. If you know what she needs so bad than why is she always seem like she's cut open and bleeding whenever you big shots come around her? I am more than enough for her in whatever way she needs me because she tells and shows me I am. Take that however you want. Just think about something for me since its obvious since you been harping for her forever now. If you could anyway be what she really needs than wouldn't she with you already?" Vince asked him striking a nerve and knowing it.

Landen anger flowed off him in waves. "You don't understand shit. It's not that simple." "It is though. It is man. She is that simple. If she wants something she goes through hell and high water to get it. To make it happen. Either she wants you or she doesn't. Either you're friend or you aint. It's really that simple bro. I would appreciate it in the future if you would visit her at a more appropriate time of day. Instead of coming around late at night making her cry. She has a big day tomorrow and now she isn't going to be able to get the rest she needs. If you really cared for her you can feel her heart breaking from here. Please refrain yourself from making her cry in the future. I will only be nice about so much but that aint one of them. Take it easy on the way home." Vincent was walking up to her door.

"If you are as special as you think you are to her. Than why would she hold back so much from you. Maybe her heart doesn't trust you as much as you think. Can you take that gamble on her. Can you even begin to wonder about the skeletons in her closet. Knowing the personality she has when she's angry with others. What makes you think you can stand by her when the roof comes in and the truth comes out." Landen asked him questioning him almost as a man. Pushing past him he looked over his shoulder.

"She tells me what she needs to. When she's ready to. I stay right by her until she is ready. Her personal guard dog of her emotions and her heart. I will fight off her demons with her because she knows I'm the kind of man that will be whatever strength she needs me to be. I have no fancy name. No fancy job title. No fancy home, car or family. I am rich though. I come from a family that never leaves anyone behind or in pain. We love unconditionally."

"Judging by your conversation earlier you can't say the same. You can't give her that. You can't lay everything on the ground just to be with her. I will. When the roof caves in I will keep it lifted for her long enough to make sure she can find a way out. Maybe you should have learned to do the same." Vincent walked away. Landen got in the car and peeled out driving fast and turning down the way. Looking at the door handle knowing she wouldn't want to talk about things now. He took the high road and left the bag of sweets and drinks on her door handle.

Walking away texting her the bag is there and to have sweet dreams. He went into his room Damien passed out he decided to lay down and think about the long day ahead of them. Who the hell were these older people and what the hell did they really do to his precious girl. She is always so hard because she had to be. She is so soft to those close to her. Whenever someone brings up the older trustees the look on her face looks like she is preparing to go to war. It's the only thing Landen, Colton, Cici, Sienna and Jordan can ever agree with her on. They band together so quickly. It's almost beautiful however when they aren't around so much mixed blood flows everywhere. Don't worry my sweet angel. I will be your side. I will always be right here.

All of Anas crew wore the same black pant dress slacks a nice dark black thin blazer and a the darkest black shirts Vincent has ever seen. They all were wearing there black/grey wolf necklaces as they never took them off. Also their blazers had matching wolf cufflinks in them and the best pair of matching sun glasses Vincent has ever seen. They looked like they could have made a sexy calendar wearing the same thing. Vincent looked around at the guys.

"Don't freak out man Killian makes sure we are always on point at these things." Dylan told Vincent with a smirk. "Yeah we gotta represent." Daxton said proudly popping up his collar playfully. "These things always look amazing to the media. In reality behind the scenes it's very hard on the young masters of the companies. The heirs if you will. It's such an emotional and mental torture they go through. So we always look our best and stand next to our girl. Showing her a true family and her emotional support system." Damien told him with a sad smile.

Killian walked up to Vincent it still has been a little more cold with him since the news of his relationship got out. He hasn't been mean or overly bitter but more like a proud animal in a corner licking his wounds. "This night comes once a year and we never look forward to it. Vee going to need everyone in her corner who is loyal to her and only her. Chloe is matching up with us tonight and I sent Ethan a matching suit like ours. It's important for this family to make sure she knows she really isn't alone. I don't expect you to understand everything. Hell we don't really either. I do expect you to pay close attention to her tonight and know when you need to step in since you already took another important role with her. You need to know when you need to be the one in command. When you need to take the lead. She is still human and can only be strong for so long." Killian told him in a low deep voice that sounded more friendly than he thought it would.

Vince wasn't dumb he knew how important she was to all these men. In reality for most they were all each other really have left. None of their lives would be as decent or good as they are without her. It warmed his heart to see them like this. Every single one of them sent his grandmother and family flowers, groceries, balloons, food delivery service when she was recovering. Not to mention the postcards they took were just photo selfies saying get well soon. It made Vincent a little more nervous and on guard thinking about the events that might unfold this evening. What could make all these strong laid back peaceful men on guard like this.

Once they got there they all rushed the back of the stage while they were standing by getting ready. All the girls had matching red dress slit up the sides that would twirl gracefully with them. A red halter top for Avianna. A one shoulder strap for Cici. A sweetheart tube top for Sienna who definitely showed with her hair and make up she went all out. Avianna went for a natural look and she effortlessly out shined them all. Cici looking every bit of the princess they all treated her to be. All the men were in black suits similar to Ana's crew.

They all rushed to her as she happily met them with a smile. Hugging and kissing her forehead each one. "Just the luck I was needing." She told them. Ethan and Chloe shoved Vincent over before her got to reach out for her. "Welp here it is." Ethan teased making everyone laugh. As they moved Vincent smiled coming up to her looking at her beautiful hair half up and half down with curls and some twist in it. "You look so beautiful tonight. Is this the before dress." He asked as the both took a step back for him to see. She nodded excitedly. "Look it has secret pockets!" She told him happily as she showed him making everyone smile to her.

"Perfect." He told her coming back to hug her tightly again. Giving her a sweet kiss. "Good luck babe." He whispered in her ear making her blush and only nodded. As they all left they heard walking over to the lighting guys. "You remembered what I told you." They all nodded. When she went back to her dancing group who were making polite conversation until they came. "Don't you all look so beautiful." Mrs. Stone said looking everyone over. "Yeah they look the theme." Jordans Uncle said bitterly.

"So the group performances who is dancing with who I get so excited every year." Mrs. Solomon asked looking around. "Well I figured Jordan would with Cici. Colton would with Sienna and Landen would go with our little Vee." Mr. Stone said happily looking to his daughter and son. "I think that's perfect." Jordans uncle and Sienna's father agreed. "I think Sienna would actually be better if Colton danced with Vee." Sienna's mother spoke up with a smile just wanting her daughters happiness knowing that's Landen. "I think so too." Colton spoke first. Jordan and Landen agreed.

"I'm ok with that." Sienna spoke quickly. "I think the first order was perfectly fine." Landen spoke loudly along with some of the other trustees. "What does Vee want?" Mr. Stone turned to look at her with a soft fatherly smile. "I don't have a preference. We are all close with each other. We all know each other well. Since it seems to be at some silly stand off why don't we just do both. I can start the first half with Landen and end it strong with Colton." She shrugged looking over to the group who all were just smiles. Everyone got their own way a little bit but they were willing to take an inch.

"That's our little Vee always doing the right things." Mrs. Stone said coming up smiling and hugging her. "What song are you going to do this year. Did you pick from the list I sent?" Jordans uncle asked. "We went with something a little more todays theme and todays sound." Cici told them with a smile. It wasn't going to be a doubt it came from Cici and Sienna thanks to Avianna. "Ok good luck and may the best talent after win." Mrs. Solomon spoke smugly. Jordan leaned whispered into Ana. "Don't worry we always do." Making Colton and Ana bust out in chuckle hurrying to fix themselves as they all got a glare.

The crew was five rows back to get a good look at the stage. They were on a platform that looked a little down onto the stage better. When Knox came walking out. "Hello and good evening all you wonderful people. Thank you for coming out and being apart of our working in unity mixer. Tonight like every year we celebrate the top three business companies world wide across the globe. It's because of the business like these that give out thousands of jobs every year. Helping many countries over world wide. Always striving to make tomorrow a better place for our children and families. So give yourselves a big hand for all the hard work you the back bone of our companies do every year to help make all these amazing things happen every year. These places would be nothing with out you." Knoxx said loudly and proud as they whole stadium went up in roar and cheer.

"Now Jamison Enterprises. Solomon Incorporated and Stone Enterprises would like to welcome you to a night deemed Sinners and Saints because ewe live in a world where everyday we are both. Am I right?" Everyone went into a loud cheer again. Now tonight our first act as always will be of our strong leaders showing years of true friendship and working strongly together. Please welcome Sienna Solomon. Landen and Cillian Stone. Avianna Alderman. Jordan and Colton Jamison in true Sinner fashion as they start us off with the group act." Knoxx said his arm lifted wide as he pointed and made his way off the stage.

As the music started they noticed the lights went off and the spot light only hit with the words to each group as they each got a turn. First light went to Cici and Jordan who were back to back where ethe audience could see both as each pair was standing this way. "Like a river." Cici voice rang first. The light turned to Sienna who had Colten at her back Standing on the middle of the stage. "Like a River." She sang form her core. The light went to Ana with Landen at her back. "Like a river." She sang as everyone got chills. The light went to all three as the men turned to face the woman with both people putting their hands above their head touching the palms and slowly pushing them down to the side out from the body as the girls sang together. "Shut your mouth and run me like a river."

The light went straight back to the middle of the stage. As Sienna started with Colten their dance. During each person when the female sang the spot light would go to them and their partner. When the chorus hit they all danced in the lights together.

(S=Sienna, CS=Cici, A=Ana, J=Jordan L=Landen, CJ=Colten,E=Everyone)

(S+CJ) How do we fall in love?

Harder than a bullet could hit you

How do we fall apart?

Faster than a hairpin trigger

(CS+J)Don't you say, don't you say it

Don't say, don't you say it

One breath, it'll just break it

( E ) So shut your mouth and run me like a river

Shut your mouth, baby, stand and deliver

Holy hands, will they make me a sinner?

Like a river, like a river

Shut your mouth and run me like a river

Choke this love 'til the veins start to shiver

One last breath 'til the tears start to wither

Like a river, like a river

Shut your mouth and run me like a river

(A) Tales of an endless heart

Cursed is the fool who's willing

Can't change the way we are

One kiss away from killing

(CS+J) Don't you say, don't you say it

Don't say, don't you say it

One breath, it'll just break it

( E Landen and Colten toss Sienna and Ana in air to switch partners. )

So shut your mouth and run me like a river

Shut your mouth, baby, stand and deliver

Holy hands, will they make me a sinner?

Like a river, like a river

Shut your mouth and run me like a river

Choke this love 'til the veins start to shiver

One last breath 'til the tears start to wither

(S)Like a river, (A) like a river

( E ) Shut your mouth and run me like a river

Like a river, like a river

Like a river, like a river

Like a river, like a river

Shut your mouth and run me like a river

Hey! Oh, oh-oh-oh, oh!

Hey! Oh, oh-oh-oh, oh! (like a river)

Hey! Oh, oh-oh-oh, oh, oh!

Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh! (like a river)

Like a river

Shut your mouth, baby, stand and deliver (like a river, like a river)

Holy hands, will they make me a sinner? (like a river, like a river)

(Landen slides on ground and reaches Ana before Colten who was shocked but quickly took Sienna and caught her in a slide) Like a river, like a river

Shut your mouth and run me like a river

Choke this love 'til the veins start to shiver (like a river, like a river)

One last breath 'til the tears start to wither (like a river, like a river)

( CS+J) Like a river, ( S+ CJ) like a river

(A+L) Shut your mouth and run me like a river.

The dance itself was sexy and clean at the same time. It left the audience and their parents and trustees happy. Colten, Sienna were fuming inside at Landen who switched back at the last moment. As they all bowed their heads. Sienna went quickly as she was changing into her other dress as she was the first act she was finished right when she noticed on the other side of the make shift dressing room was Colten and Landen. "What the hell was that Stone?" Colten asked him bitterly.

"What was what?" "Don't give me that shit man you switched us out last minute. Sienna could have taken a hard fall." "It wasn't on purpose bro I over shot the slide and ended up on the wrong part of the stage. It was honest mistake. Besides luckily you caught her. She's fine. Accidents happen. I will apologize." Landen told him from the bottom of his heart. "You really think I'm going to believe that from you right now?" Colten stepped up to Landen nose to nose. "I'm telling you now back off Vee. She is here with someone else. You need to get yourself in check. I won't have you ou there making things difficult for her tonight. We both know she don't need no more help in that area." Colten warned him.

"Does it bother you as well. Come on I know it does. Tell me how it's not eating at you that she's here with someone that's not one of us." Landen told him in a choked up tone. Looking at him showing no emotion. "I'm ok with it as long as it's not you. I don't know where this guy and here will end up but I will be right by her side the whole way. That's my place. If it fails it fails. I will be there with her like I always have been. If you can't be there for her the way you should be right now than you need to step aside and give both of you some space until you can calmly be around her. Don't fuck yourself over so bad you lose her completely." Colten told him in a warning tone.

"You should really give Sienna a shot you know how she cares about you." "Things with me and Sienna are how they are meant to be. Nothing will happen between us and besides if things keep going they way they are. You really shouldn't be saying things like that about your fiancé. You know how the boards get with 'open marriages'." "Sienna and I aren't engaged. After tonight it will be apparent that neither will you and Ana. Especially when she introduces him to them tonight." Colten smugly smiled back. "It's too soon she he won't be man enough to face those lions tonight. Even if he does it will just be motivation for Stone to step up their game." Landen told him with to much attitude.

"Let's just go watch whatever Sienna doing." Colten told him dusting off this conversation. They changed quickly and went to the front where they sat in chairs. Sienna was in a beautiful white strapless dress. Cillian was in a beautiful princess styled yet fitting to her body a pink and purple dress. Ana was in a halter topped pure black slit up both sides to her middle thigh dress that felt smooth like silk. All the guys were still in black suits. They all got to watch each other on the stage. Cheering each other on in friendly competition.

Knoxx welcomed Sienna who covered the Mandy Moore's version of Only Hope. It was sweet and she sang it beautifully a lot of people cried when she finished. The crowd was dancing and loving the vibe and environment as Landen and Cici danced together to Elvis Presly's Devil in Disguise. Walking back to the stage Knox stood proud. "Now I'm not going to lie it's time for the last act that I personally always come for Avianna Alderman- Jamison, Jordan and Colten Jamison mixing it up a bit with a song from todays music. Need A Favor.

(A=Ana, J=Jordan, C=Colten. E=Everyone) They all move around together on stage as they sing.

( E )I only talk to God when I need a favor

And I only pray when I ain't got a prayer

So, who the hell am I, who the hell am I to expect a savior?

Oh-oh-oh

If I only talk to God when I need a favor

But God, I need a favor

( C ) I know Amazing Grace

But I ain't been livin' them words

(J ) Swear I spend more Sundays

Drunk off my ass than I have in church

(A )Hardcover King James

Only been savin' dust, on the nightstand

And I don't know what to say

By the time I fold my hands

( E) I only talk to God when I need a favor

And I only pray when I ain't got a prayer

So, who the hell am I, who the hell am I to expect a savior?

Oh-oh-oh

If I only talk to God when I need a favor

But God, I need a favor

Amen, amen

(A )Yeah, I owe you more than one

And beggars can't be choosers

( C ) But I'll pay for all I've done

(J+C) Just, please, don't let me lose her

( E ) I only talk to God when I need a favor

And I only pray when I ain't got a prayer

So, who the hell am I, who the hell am I to expect a savior?

Oh-oh-oh

If I only talk to God when I need a favor

But God, I need a favor

Amen, amen

Amen, amen

( A)Hangin' in there, just barely

(C+J) Throwin' up prayers, like Hail Mary's

( C )If You're still there, Lord, spare me

(J+A)Oh my God, oh my God, Hail Mary

(J) Hangin' in there, just barely

( C+A)Throwin' up prayers, like Hail Mary's

(A) If You're still there, Lord, spare me

(E ) Oh my God, oh my God, Hail Mary

( E ) I only talk to God when I need a favor

And I only pray when I ain't got a prayer

So, tell me, who the hell am I to expect a savior?

When I only talk to God if I need a favor

God, I need a favor

Amen

God, I need a favor, whoa

Amen

The crows went nuts roaring, screaming, clapping, shouting, chanting JAMISON! As all three acts stood on stage. Taking a bow Sienna, Landen and Cici all started clapping for Jordan, Colten and Avianna. As Avianna was sitting on top of Jordans and Colten shoulders as they all were shouting happily back to the crowd holding their trophy. As they all took their leave off stage three security guards came Infront of Avianna crew. "We need you to come this way Mr. Cheng." The biggest one about his size said. "Where are we going?" He asked nicely as he could. "Your presence is being requested in the back." He told him not showing any emotions.

He just nodded see you guys in the banquet hall." They all nodded to him. "This way please Mr. Cheng." He followed them to the back where AN elegant waiting room was he stood in the middle as other men in all black suits stood by the walls and door ways. As he stood waiting for Ana he heard and saw it get crowded with a few elder ladies not past 55 though and older men. "That was lovely." Mrs. Solomon said as everyone agreed Most of them were dressed in light colors most men where dressed in dark ones though. After a few minutes of trying not to hear their innocent conversations. He heard a man approach him. "Excuse me could you go ask the others how long they plan to be?"

Vincent looked at him confused. "I'm sorry sir I'm not security I'm actually waiting for someone." Vincent said politely. "Oh I'm sorry. Who are you waiting for?" He was now getting curious. "My girlfriend asked me to meet her here." The whole room got quiet as they all had their heads turned to the man now. "Girlfriend really?" The man asked him getting slightly angry for some reason. "Who's you girlfriend?" He added. "Vincent I want you to meet my father Jonathon Stone. Dad Meet Vincent Cheng Avianna's boyfriend." The whole room gasped a little bit and shock felt like it slapped everyone in the face.

Vincent smiled proudly and held out his hand. Looking down at it he took lightly and shook once and let go as the door opened and Ana smiling face with the others right behind her. "Well this night just got good." Jordan whispered with a little too much attitude as Cici smacked his arm. "I hope your ready for this." Colten told her in a whisper. "I've been ready for this for a long time now." She whispered back. "Yeah but has he." Colten fired back.

"Look at him the man looks a knight wielding his shield and sword for battle. Looks like he'd fight your war." Cici whispered in admiration. "Are you ready for this kind of fight so soon. It could all go up in smoke." Colten whispered to her lightly. Taking one last around the room and the man she's falling deeper and deeper for everyday. It was becoming clearer and clearer there was no turning back anymore. Looking at him proudly she told them. "I'm ready to burn it all to ash as long he is willing to still stand with me."