Working With Temptation

Final Chapter

Dear Readers, we've finally reached the end of Working with Temptation. Thank you to everyone who has read, liked and commented on my story. It has been a pleasure writing for you and it's because of all your encouragement that I've managed to finish writing this story. I decided to write an epilogue. It's already written so you can expect to read it next week or earlier if people cannot wait that long. Thank you for all you patience. Enjoy!

At the sound of the door, Rose's eyes snapped open just in time to see the look of utter horror on Uncle Max's face. James swiftly lunged at him, forcing him to the ground and knocking the gun from his hand. He straddled him ensuring he couldn't get back on his feet.

Another man whom Rose did not recognize, disarmed the gun and moved Rose away from the fight.

"We've called the NYPD, they should be here any minute now. You're safe," he coaxed, trying to ease her tremors. She hadn't noticed she was shaking.

It was at this moment that Rose realised that she wouldn't die on this day; she would survive this ordeal. Sean assessed Rose, trying to determine whether she had been physically injured. Her eyes became transfixed on where James and Max fought. Or more like, how James repeatedly punched Max with robotic like movements.

"Stop James!" Sean shouted. With every second that passed, Max's face became more and more bloody. Sean pulled James off Max's withering body, holding James arms tightly behind his back like he was the criminal.

"Get. Off. Me!" James's face was murderous as his glared Max. He tried unsuccessfully to shrug Sean off, but this only made Sean tighten his grip.

"Listen to me," Sean demanded. "Max is no longer a threat and I know you're angry but Rose is safe and she needs you. She needs you to hold her and tell her everything is going to be alright. Can you do that?"

After a few moments of silence, James nodded. As much as he wanted to murder Max he wanted Rose in his arms even more.

Her eyes were on James with a blank expression on her face. He felt her tremors ripple through her body as his arms engulfed her. He breathed in the scent of her, allowing her fragrance to calm his own anger.

"I've got you," he whispered. "I've got you."

Rose descended into a pool of tears.

_

James tucked Rose into his bed and smothered her hair.

"Are you sure you don't want me to get you anything?" She nodded her head and James made a move towards the door.

"James?" she crocked, "Could you stay with me until I fall asleep?"

"Of course." He sat beside her and remained silent until he heard her soft snores. Only then did he leave the room. He needed a hot shower, although no shower could wash away the events that had taken place.

The police had come shortly after Sean had pulled him from Max's body. They went to the station to give their statement before going to James's place. Rose couldn't bear the thought of going back to hers after what had transpired there.

The paparazzi had a field day and Roses phone had blown up with concerned calls from family and friends. After a brief call to his sister, he had turned his off. His whole attention needed to be on Rose.

She had been deadly silent since leaving the NYPD. Asking him to stay until she had fallen asleep had been the first full sentence she had said. He wasn't worried that she would get through this; Rose was strong, stronger than anyone he knew. However, he did worry about what impact this would have on her, the scars she would now carry with her. Nevertheless, he intended be there to help her whenever and with whatever she required.