Speak To Me

(Rylan)

***One Week Later***

I opened the door for Tilly, hearing the sound of soft chatter drift towards us as the aroma of food followed soon after. Of course, Bruce had to reserve a table at the most prestigious restaurant in the city. Is a Michelin-star five-course meal really necessary?

I have a feeling this is something we will be having to get used to now that Bruce is in Tilly's life. Well, he said Tilly would have to get used to it..in fact, he didn't even want me to come to begin with. No way in hell was I going to let that happen though. And when Tilly told him about our marriage..I swear I could feel the disapproval from here. What the hell could he have against me?! I have been nothing but an angel..for the most part.

After finding out the truth..Tilly took a couple of days to absorb everything fully before reaching out to Bruce.

Obviously he wasn't thrilled when we told him about Shaina's lies either. But I assured him I had it taken care of. I told Shaina if she ever came near Tilly again, she would lose everything. And I meant everything..job, house, car, friends..all of it. I mean, she already lost her family. You would think that would be enough..but she was more upset about her friends finding out than anything. Which showed her true colors even more.

"Matilda I presume?" A woman suddenly asked, making me and Tilly share a look before nodding yes.

"Your grandfather is waiting right over here, please follow me." She added cooly before turning and walking towards the dining area. "Grandfather already huh? He isn't messing around." I whispered to Tilly, making her scoff before nudging me playfully.

"Be nice." She whispered and I just gave her a big smile. I wasn't going to make any promises.

I'm so fucking tired of people trying to get between me and my wife..and if Bruce is another one, I might just lose it..for real.

"Just for you, I will be.." I bent at the waist, whispering against her as I couldn't help but drag my palm down the small of her back.

Ugh..how can she look good in everything? I mean..the dress is just as conservative as the first one I saw her wear..but her body is what makes it sinful. Knowing I had her writhing beneath me not even an hour ago doesn't help either..I wanted more. I needed more. As soon as we rounded the corner, Tilly suddenly stopped in her tracks, making me almost barrel into her.

"What's wrong?" I asked, glancing up as I realized exactly what it was right at that moment..not only was Bruce here..but her father as well.

"That...he..." She began, making me nod before reaching down and grabbing her hand.

"Is this too much too soon?" I rushed, not wanting her to be overwhelmed. She has had enough surprises in her damn life..

"No..it's not." Tilly responded as Bruce and Roger glanced towards us...and then Roger stood.

Wow..they look a lot alike. I mean..obviously they are father and daughter..but the face shape and mouth..Tilly was a few shades darker complexion-wise, but you could tell they were definitely related.

Roger slowly rounded the table, his gaze locking onto Tilly completely as I watched his eyes gloss over. Okay...maybe I felt a little teary-eyed too..but this is the love of my life meeting her dad for the first time..who wouldn't be emotional!? "Matilda..it's so lovely to meet you." He stated deeply.

I won't lie..it was a little weird that Tilly's dad was only ten years older than me..and he looked like he was in damn good shape too. So when he went to reach forward and pulled Tilly into a hug..that stupid Neanderthal part of my brain flooded with jealousy. "Wow, you are so beautiful." He whispered and I chanted "Don't punch him in the face" over and over again until they finally separated.

"I know he didn't tell you I was coming..but it was a last-minute thing." Roger explained as Burce walked up next. I saw the way they regarded Tilly with so much affection already as they quickly led her towards the table..leaving me in the dust. "Thank you." Tilly whispered as Roger pulled a chair out for her. Then I saw her gaze begin to search for me as I walked over and went to grab the one next to her.

"Rylan, why don't you come sit beside me." Bruce suggested rather firmly.

"No thanks, I prefer to sit beside my wife."

No chance in hell I am staying away from her.

I pulled out the seat next to Tilly and took my place before reaching down and grabbing the bottom of her chair, pulling it close to me smoothly. Then I proceeded to wrap my arm around the back of her as she naturally leaned into my side. Yeah..I'm her safe space..and these ass...guys, better realize that soon.

"Would you like something to drink? Some wine perhaps?" Roger suddenly rushed out nervously.

"Um.." Tilly began as I spoke for her.

"She isn't twenty-one yet. Not for a few more months." I explained as Roger nodded in understanding. But Bruce..he just glared.

"Okay, let's get straight to the point." I suddenly said, not wanting this dinner to be full of fucking hostility.

"And what point would that be?" Bruce asked, his distaste for me even more noticeable.

"Tilly and I got married because we love one another. There are no ulterior reasons and I'm not some rich spoiled prick who will do nothing but cheat on her. I plan on being in Tilly's life for as long as I am alive..so if you have a problem with me, I suggest you get used to it." I spat, making Tilly stiffen for a moment before reaching under the table and grabbing my hand.

Roger and Bruce just shared a look before bending down and grabbing something.

"Well, if you can explain these, then it will all be water under the bridge." Bruce said while flipping the first page over.

Of course it was a picture of me mid-fight..I was slamming my fist into my opponent and blood was spraying from his mouth.

I glanced towards Tilly who just blinked down at the photo in surprise. I swear I saw her cheeks start to flush and I couldn't help but chuckle..she was turned on.

"Easy..I used to be an amateur boxer."

That was more of a flex than anything..I mean..that's pretty badass, right?

"Okay...and this.." He began, flipping the page as another picture popped up. Fuck..okay..this one wasn't good.

It was a picture of me in a club with two bottle service girls dressed in bikinis as they poured liquor down my throat.

It was my twenty-third birthday okay!

"Yeah, I used to go to clubs..I remember hearing a few things you used to do Mr. Remington..but you don't see me bringing the receipts." I muttered, seeing Tilly frowning at the picture now.

"And this one.." He added, flipping the next one as my eyes widened.

Of course it was me and Madison kissing..of all the girls I dated why did he pick het?!..but maybe that's a good thing..since Tilly knows about her.

"Can I just remind you gentlemen of one thing?" I said calmly, reaching forward and grabbing the photos.

"All of this.." I motioned to the pictures. "Was before her. Obviosuly I was trying to fill some type of void..no..it's more than that. I was trying to find that piece of me that I knew was missing..but the second I locked eyes on Tilly. Everything snapped into place. So yeah I was a huge douchebag before..I won't deny it..but Tilly means everything to me. And this..this is nothing." I said while ripping the pictures in half.

I saw Tilly's gaze snap the the now shredded pieces before looking up at me in awe.

"We both found what we had been missing that day." Tilly added, glamcing towards Bruce and Roger now.

"So if you want us to have any type of relationship..you will have to realize that my husband isn't going anywhere. He is my priority.." She explained, making Bruce go quiet before leaning back in his chair.

I swear I could've jumped up and clicked my damn heels on that moment. My wife just said that...about me none the less!

"Very well. We won't question it further. But if you do end up hurting her in any way. We will have you killed." Bruce added us I burst into laughter..but when I realized he wasn't laughing...I stopped.

"I wouldn't expect anything less." I grumbled, making Bruce laugh now as I tried not to show any form of intimidation..which was a little hard.

But soon enough we went on with the meal..I watched as Tilly told Bruce and Roger about her life..and even learned a few new things of my own..and when it was Roger's turn to tell his story..I swear we were all almost to tears by the end of it.

I guess Roger was diagnosed with some type of rare testicular cancer when he was twenty..the treatments he had to take caused infertility. After that, he never really settled down or got married because most of the women he dated wanted a family of their own someday. So him having Tilly..it's almost like a miracle..he never thought it would be possible to have children of his own.

I couldn't help but lean back as I watched my wife smile and laugh..the warmth and happiness that radiated from her was enough to fill my soul. Her happiness is even greater than my own..I'm realizing that now.

With everything that has happened in such a short amount of time..I can't even predict what might happen next..but I know where I want to start.

I want to help Tilly fulfill one of her life long dreams..I realized that babies can wait for now. As willing as I am to have one..I know that Tilly still hasn't experienced much..

So for now, my current goal in life is to get my wife dancing again..and when I buy Tilly her own studio..nothing can stop her.

I can't wait to see how high my Angel can fly.