Confessions.

Bain arrived with a few of his men and they were quick to clear the mess and the dead bodies. Marylynne couldn't take her eyes off Gwen.

" Why do you have a gun? " She finally spoke but her voice was shaky. She stood before Gwen and held her hand. "Why?"

Gwen had always imagined what it would be like when she told her family the truth. How she'd provided for them. A house , car , necessities...

" Marylynne , I can explain-" Bain interrupted the tense silence.

" I'm talking to her , Bain. I'd appreciate it if you don't say anything. " Marylynne shot him a glare that made him silent.

The night was chilly and Ruth was in nothing but a bikini. She sat on the edge of the pool and let her feet play with the water. Leo watched her for a while. He had to admit that she was eye catching. Her slender figure accompanied with the right curved here and there. No wonder she expected men to be crazy about her. He checked the work they'd done and all the shots were top quality. It was time to pack up and leave but she was lost in her own world dabbing her feet.

" Aren't you tired? You should head home. We've had a long day and we'll have an even longer one tomorrow. "

She looked up at him and smiled. The lights from the pool made her skin shimmer. She was beautiful. Leo frowned at his thoughts.

" Am I not attractive to you? " She but her lip as she asked. Leo didn't answer because if he said no then he'd be lying but he didn't want to raise her hopes by saying yes.

" You should get home. It's pretty late." He turned to leave but she stopped him.

" I was watching you today. You didn't even look at me once during the shoot. I was revealed and showing alot of skin. Most men would kill to see me like that. Why not you ? "

He chuckled. Wow! This girl really thought alot about herself. " Ruth , don't expect me to drool all over you. I harbor no such intentions. "

" You know...since I was young , I've always been the centre of attention. Youngest kid , only girl , daddy's spoilt brat...I've always got the attention I need and deserve. " She helped herself up and placed her cold hands on his broad chest . " Why don't you give me attention? "

Leo was at a loss for words as her green eyes searched his. He took her hands off his body and distanced himself. " You should get home. "

" But..."

He walked away and as she watched him leave , a tall figure crossed paths with him. They nodded at each other briefly. Derek didn't take his eyes off Ruth as he walked to her. Her had a striking appearance that made all girls stop and take a second look. His tall structure and we'll built physic always made several ladies flustered , Ruth being one of them.

His perfect eyes burned on her skin and she swallowed. She knew how intense his love was but she also knew herself. She couldn't be a one-man woman. She didn't have plans to settle now or anytime in the future.

" I'm here to pick you up." He took off his coat and covered her bare shoulders. " It's too cold out here...you'll catch a cold. "

Ruth could only smile at his care for her. He was too good for her. She'd only hurt him.

Marylynne didn't say anything. She was breathing deeply and rage was clearly burning through her. She glared at Gwen before storming out. Bain glanced at Gwen before following Marylynne out.

Gwen rubbed her temples and sighed. All Alec could do was hug her. This was their family matter so he had no right intervening.

" It's okay. " He caressed her hair as she hugged him back. He wished he could do more but he couldn't. She'd eventually have to tell her family the truth...At least this chapter would be done.

Bain came to where Marylynne stood. The air was chilly and she hugged herself for warmth.

" Mary-" He was stopped by a swift slap across the face. He expected it. She was angry.

" Why did you involve her?! I told Marcus and you that I didn't want the kids taking any part in your stupid gang bullshit! " She tried her best not to scream at him.

" I...I'm sorry. " Bain didn't have anything to say in his defence. She was right. He broke the promise he'd made.

" His involvement in the gang cost him his life. I don't want my children's lives in danger if Gwen follows in his footsteps."

Bain was quiet but he always had burning questions for Marylynne. He clenched his fists. " She wouldn't have to do anything if you'd just use the money Marcus left you. "

" I don't want that black money!" She retorted. She knew Marcus had a large amount of money saved for the kids but she didn't want anything from the gang.

" Well , you didn't want the money and at the same time , you cut yourself off from reality. What did you expect a teenager like Gwen to do , huh? " Bain was speaking through clenched teeth.

" She had to take care of you and little Louis. What did you want her to do?"

Marylynne felt suffocated. The guilt was suddenly eating her from within.Gwen had to do so much for them while she just made things harder.

" I've watched Gwenie grow into a beautiful responsible woman. Despite the surroundings , she kept her morals and worked hard to care for her family. " He turned Marylynne to face him.

" In my opinion...you have no right to question her choices. " He left her and walked into the house.