The Man Between Us

She had long known most elite families in the country. Despite the two families' closeness, this was the first wedding between them. However, Rhodes seemed to have messed it up. Joan Wester also died before the ceremony. How unfortunate, truly.

The mother then smiled at her daughter. "Have you given out the invitations for Father's birthday? Travis must have told you to finalize it."

The daughter shook her head. "We still haven't gotten a signed contract from Ring Garden about the venue. I don't think we should send invitations while that is ongoing. Why don't they just take what we offer? There's no reason to push back. I wish there were other hotels in Menorosa…"

"I'll speak to them again tomorrow. For now, find a way to add Rhodes to our guest list." The mother chuckled, attracting her child's curiosity. She laughed. "What? I just want to see him."

"You never saw him during his awards nights and all…" Kathy frowned at her smiling mother. "Is something happening? Why do you want to see him so much, Mom? Don't tell me he's tickling your fancy. He's a madman… not to mention newly married to a dress…"

The mother waved her hand. "Don't think ill of me, Kathy. I just want to meet him. I want to see the kind of man Desiree and Vincent left for the world to witness."

…

Sunlight poured into the window, its thick curtains drawn. Rhodes stirred awake that morning. Opening his eyes, he saw Lionel buttoning up last night's clothes. He stared at the man's back, the hints of bloodlust surging. However, the sunlight hit Rhodes's eyes again. He groaned and rolled over, avoiding everything. The sun felt like telling him the dream was over.

Last night, Lionel came over and claimed something he didn't deserve. Rhodes didn't care about it. It was a defense mechanism ingrained in his body. Instead of Lionel's warmth and vigor, Rhodes remembered Vanya's laugh and touches more. When Lionel obtained his version of heaven, Rhodes was sent to a dream in Vanya's manor.

Not only did the doctor have a subtle promenade with the elegant man with a fedora. He also got to take out his anger on those 'troublesome plebians'.

Saying he was happy could be an understatement. However, translating the feeling into a smile before Lionel would be a mistake. Rhodes could only wait for Lionel to leave. Even if the other man got to kiss Rhodes's neck and shoulder, at least they were the last ones.

"Whole day in the hospital again?" Rhodes didn't bother to get dressed. He just wrapped the blanket around him and leaned on the wall. His eyes were on Lionel's back as the other person sat on the inside porch, putting on his shoes.

"Yes, I have three surgeries today. You won't be there to consult, but…" Lionel finished and got back. He stepped closer to Rhodes and stroked his head. "You have given me a lot of good luck.

"I'll see you again later, okay?" Lionel kissed and sucked on Rhodes's exposed neck. Rhodes even moved his head to allow him to latch onto him more. However, the stimulation didn't reach Rhodes's eyes. He would even avoid Lionel's gaze.

After one more forced lip kiss, Lionel left the unit. 

Rhodes shuddered and gagged on his way to the bathroom. He showered for a full hour, scrubbing his entire body red. He also washed his hair three times. Who cared about healthy ways to clean one's body? If Rhodes could take off the skin Lionel touched, he would shed like a reptile.

The next few hours were spent packing up. Rhodes was on the phone with Gardo, discussing the fate of his apartment. He also wanted to leave his trophies and other things in a storage unit. Gardo would handle all of those for him. It might not be his job, but what were easy favors if he received compensation? Moreover, he was helping a client move on with his life after a loved one's death.

No one said the loved one had to be someone else, not the client's former self.

When it was time to leave, Rhodes called Deresita to confirm their meeting place. He didn't even tell the hospital where he was going. His resignation was only filed—not even accepted. However, every relevant question was directed to Gardo. Aside from this lawyer, no one else was allowed to contact Rhodes.

Perhaps Lionel was still a little lucky. Rhodes left a little note for him. He could find it pinned on the door if he could return that night.

[The next woman I'm putting between us… is me. I don't want a relationship with you. Let me go.]

…

Familiar scenery passed him by. The only difference was that Rhodes first saw these from the navigator's seat of Lionel's SUV. This time, he watched them again through the backseat window of Deresita's limousine. The woman had a driver so she sat with Rhodes in the backseat. She watched Rhodes get lost in the passing scenes, the light and shadows on his face drawing a breathtaking picture.

If Giles, her husband, accused her of cheating, she might as well do it. This man next to him was too beautiful to be left alone. However, she loved her husband more than anything. If he did accuse her, she might just force Rhodes to beg with her.

She stared at Rhodes far too long that the doctor caught her looking. He said nothing but waited for her to say something… or stop altogether. A smile curled her lips. She said, "Sorry, I'm lamenting for all the women. Are you sure you don't want to look for a girlfriend? I mean… your wife… your wedding…"

"It's okay. I'm looking for something else." Rhodes didn't smile back. "I'm also worried about your family. What if your husband found out? After all, your driver came."

"Oh, I already told him where I went after you agreed to help us. Heheh, well, I did get scolded over the phone. I just…" Deresita fiddled with her fingers. "He scolded me while almost crying. After all, the city was still dangerous for any woman. I also didn't tone down my clothes. I still looked rich. He was so scared it made my heart flutter."

"…I think women like things like that…" Rhodes awkwardly chuckled. If his partner scolded him, he would feel bad… not more in love. Regardless, it was good. He wouldn't affect their family dynamics. He would rather be an outsider than a team member.

Deresita saw her phone and remembered something. "Rhodes, I hope you don't mind. I also gave him your phone number if he needs to settle things privately."

Rhodes nodded. He glanced at his new phone when she mentioned 'number'. He changed his number without anyone else but Gardo knowing. His old phone was destroyed in the accident, so he went to get a new one after Gardo told him to do so. The lawyer also helped him get a new number to fend off Lionel and the Wester family. 

He smiled after Deresita sought his gaze for a verbal answer."It's okay. I plan to do that if we don't reach an agreement the first time."