Asya/KaBhi: A Second Chance

So I'm running a high fever and I don't know if this story makes any sense. This is one of the stories that was begging to be written in my mind when I was writing Something Fierce. This idea is entirely mine and please overlook the sensitive subjects. I tried to make this as family friendly as possible. I really didn't want to end it hence the abrupt ending. If you guys want bonus scenes, I'd be happy to write them! This continues on below as I couldn't fit it into one box. Yes, it's that long! Enjoy! XOXO

P.S. - I'm not a Mommy, so I have no idea how a mother-child relationship really works but hope you like some cheesiness.

ASYA/ KaBhi OS: Their Second Chance

I walked as fast as I could staring over my shoulder every few seconds in fear. My heart was pounding and my feet were sore. My world has become a portal of never ending darkness. I clutched the heavy bag against my chest almost stumbling over my feet finding my Camaro parked under the tree. I ran a bit faster towards it and yanked the boot open throwing the bag inside, my eyes scanning my surroundings; every movement and every noise making me jump. My hands didn't leave my car while I walked around in fear that this was going to be where I got caught. I opened the passenger door and a fluff bubble wrapped monkey jumped at me.

"Mommy" My baby flung his arms around my neck, his tiny legs wrapped around my waist in a vice grip. My breath left me in a whoosh, I kept forgetting that he was growing up fast and he didn't realise that his mother couldn't handle his monkey jumps. "Mommy, I'm scared." My heart cracked in two hearing his cry.

"Shush baby. Mommy is here. I'm sorry baby. I won't leave you again. We can leave now. We can go to Uncle Hunter now; he's going to help us." I kissed the top of his hat and placed him back into his car seat my eyes going over the dim streets, it was going to get dark soon; I needed to get us out of here. I kissed his nose wiping his wet cheeks; his face has gone red from crying. I quickly got inside the car and drove off as fast as I safely could without putting my boy in danger. I pulled out the banana milkshake I grabbed for him from my pocket with one hand. He rubbed his nose pulling his bottom lip in a pout, I felt bad for putting him through this. Everything was going great until it wasn't. I hate seeing him in distress, more so I hate it when he catches on when something is wrong with me. I always tried not to let myself cry or get worked up in front of him but my little boy was perceptive. He was just over four years old and he was the love of my life. He owns my f**king heart. There was nothing I wouldn't do for him. Maybe that's why I am taking him back to the town where he was conceived. The town I left behind held the horrors of my childhood but it also held my child's safety. Five years and it still feels raw.

"Nana milkshake. Thank you mommy" He grabbed the carton from me and my heart burst inside of me. Yeah he still struggled with saying banana. I stopped at the traffic lights and touched the side of his face; he gave me a toothy grin sniffing trying to keep his nose from running. He is always a hot mess when he cries just like his momma. This little thing gives me so much strength when I feel like I will crumble.

As I drove out of the city towards the home that I vowed I would never return to, I couldn't help but feel saddened that I was being chased away again. I spent the last five years trying to make this place a home for me and my little miracle, our hiding place. But life is unpredictable. And when it's unpredictable, it hurts like a bitch!

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Pulling into the carpark of the cosy Inn that I decided we were going spend our night in before we went in search of my brother - I sigh a breath of relief. We were here. I have been driving for the past ten hours and lots more before we made our stop the night before. I was exhausted but my sleep wouldn't come tonight. Being back in my hometown brought back memories that I wanted to forget; the good, bad and the ugly. I stared up at the Inn owned by the Jones' couple. They were the most adorable pair and loved each other dearly. They were an example of true love and how it can be nourished over long years of understanding and togetherness. I wasn't surprised that this place was still open but it was the only place I knew I could gather my thoughts before surprising my brother after eight long years. As soon as he turned eighteen, he joined the military. After graduating, he was deported. He didn't message, he didn't call, he didn't check to see whether his sister was alive or dead. In my anger, I didn't leave my whereabouts for him to find if he ever returned. I missed him and loved him dearly. He was my pillar of strength until he wasn't. His departure triggered the events three years later.

I wiped my face with my cold hands before putting on a mask that I had become so good at putting on over the years. I glanced over at my son snoring away softly; I pulled his hat off and ran my fingers through his smooth shiny brown locks. I grabbed my purse and took out a small shoulder bag from the car boot placing it on one shoulder before grabbing my little monkey. He stirred slightly pulling his head back and blinking at me tiredly, a frown on his face. His eyes were a mix of colours, very rare, very beautiful. Along with his brown locks, he was the spitting image of his father. Any person with two eyes in this town who saw the combination at once would know who his father is. A father that doesn't know he has a son. I shook my head to clear my thoughts and pulled the hat over his head before soothing his back. He dropped his head back onto my shoulder satisfied that it was me holding him.

"Shhh, baby" I awkwardly patted him, he wasn't as light as he used to be and with my shoulder bag, I felt like I was going to drop. I walked towards the main door of the Inn and pushed it open with my backside holding my boy's head against my neck to stop any nosy towners from seeing his face. I hoped being here at 5 a.m in the morning would mean I would get to avoid the usual guests here. There was a popular pub down the road and a lot of towners who couldn't be bothered making the walk back into town stayed here. But I had no other choice; this was the only friendly place I was familiar with. It was very homely inside, slightly modernised from what it used to look like 5 years ago. They kept the corner with beautiful paintings done by their daughter who passed away nine years ago. I walked up to the reception area; I could see the light was on in the small office behind it. Mr Jones' habits had not changed: always up at the crack of dawn. I smiled fondly.

"Excuse me?" I called out dropping the shoulder bag to the floor.

"Who is it?" I could hear Mrs Jones's voice in the background.

"Shut up so I can go see woman. My days, could you go make some breakfast? I'm starving." Mr Jones pushed his wife towards the kitchen when they both exited the office together. Mrs Jones's eyes lit up when they fell on me.

"Oh my. Zoya dear, is that you?" She bustled around the reception desk and stood in front of me. "My my girl, it has been five long years. 5 a.m in the morning, is everything okay?" She eyed my son's back. My eyes darted away from her to her husband.

"Elizabeth, leave the girl alone. You need a room honey?" Mr Jones came around and picked up my bag and made me release my handbag as well without waiting for a reply from me.

"Just for today." I nodded towards his back, he was already heading upstairs.

"I'm going to make you some breakfast." Mrs Jones announced happily. I was about to refuse but then thought about my ten hour journey here. I nibbled on a few chocolate bars every time we stopped not having the stomach for anything else. Mrs Jones smiled softly. "Go freshen up."

"I'm just going to put him to bed and I will be right down after a shower. Thank you" My lips trembled but I tried to hold it in. "Do you need me to sign anything, let me pay for the room now. My purse..."

"Silly girl, there's time after. Come on." Mr Jones called from the stairs. I followed him into a large bedroom with a queen-sized bed. There were walnut coloured cupboards and a vase of fresh sunflowers and lilies. There was certain warmth in the room that made me feel at home. Mr Jones placed the bags on the floor before turning around to face me.
"Now you tell me if you need anything sweetgirl. Put your boy to bed and come down. You look like you need Beth's food in you." He smiled warmly before leaving the room closing it shut behind me. I placed my son on the bed before unzipping his large coat to reveal his Ironman PJ's.

"No Mommy, I'm cold." He complained when I pulled his hat off and then quickly pulled the soft white duvet over his body. He curled into a ball and fell right back to sleep. I kissed his forehead and waited a few minutes to see if he will stir. I pulled my clothes off and walked into the bathroom. I stared at my reflection; I did not recognise the girl staring back at me. The last few months have been a nightmare. I don't know where I went wrong. It just hit me that I have left my apartment, my job and my friends behind without a single word. Just like I did five years ago.

I stepped under the hot shower letting it soak off my last two days' worth of dirt and worries, the months of nightmare was something a shower couldn't wash away unfortunately. I let myself cry for two minutes not knowing what I was going to face today; whether my brother will listen to me and help me. I refused to believe he wouldn't because I remembered the boy that would stand up for me, not the one that left me as soon as he could turn eighteen. I turned off the shower and wrapped a towel around my body while I walked out of the bathroom. He was still sleeping in the position I left him. I pushed myself into a pair of black skinny jeans and a white jumper. I put on a pair of boots and dried my hair with the towel to the best of my ability.

"Mrs Jones?" I peered into the kitchen where she was sat drinking a cup of tea with her husband. She jumped up seeing me and dragged me inside.

"Sit now dear. Eat" She placed a plate full of breakfast in front of me. I felt sick but my stomach rumbled seeing the eggs, hash browns, sausages, beans and roasted tomatoes. "Coffee? Tea?"

"Black coffee please. I need it. Thank you" I dug into the food soundlessly while Mrs Jones placed a cup of black coffee in front of me. Mr Jones read his newspaper without a care in the world while Mrs Jones sat on her chair staring at me.

"You've changed dear." She observed.

"Five years is a long time to stay the same." I tucked my hair replying wistfully. A noise from the kitchen door startled me.

"Mommy" My son called standing barefoot rubbing his eyes trying to get rid of his sleep.

"What's wrong baby?" I got out of my seat and rushed towards him. His hands were busy scratching his body now. His top was half up his body while he furiously tried to stop the itching on his belly.

"Mommy, I am itchy. All body. It doesn't stop." He whined. I placed my hand against his forehead; he didn't seem to have a temperature. Not yet anyways. I caressed his body with my cool hands trying to give him some relief. "Mommy, I'm hungry!" He stopped his itching to smell the food; he peered up at Mrs Jones flicking his hair back from his face looking all adorable.

"Zoya honey, make sure you take him to the doctor. There's bloody chicken pox going around this town, that Jamieson kid spread it at school I heard." Mr Jones's loud voice startled him.

"Mommy, what's chicken pox? Am I going to turn into a chicken?" His bottom lip trembled; I brought his head to my chest.

"No baby, that's not what he meant. You'll be fine." I soothed him while Mrs Jones glared at her husband.

"Hello there young man, you want some egg soldiers and toast?" Mrs Jones cooed. His head snapped up, a smile lit up his entire face with excitement.

"Egg soldiers" He fist pumped jumping into the air before looking at me solemnly. "Can I have some please?" I nodded at him ruffling his hair. I picked him up not missing the look on the couple's face as they looked adoringly at my son. I placed him into a high chair while he eagerly waited for his egg soldier's kicking his feet back and forth. Every now and again, he itched his body. I may need to take him to the doctor. I don't know how I would handle it if he fell sick; it was a torture seeing him crying in pain. I grabbed my coffee and took a sip trying to list everything I needed to do. I haven't slept a wink in the last 24 hours and I don't think I will be able to until I meet Hunter.

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I parked up outside the large garage nervously while my son fussed in his seat. I had wrapped him up again trying to protect him from something more than the weather. It wasn't even cold and he was dressed as if it was snowing. I didn't want anyone to ask any questions, not until I was ready. I just needed my brother to see us and help us. He was the owner of this large garage now where he worked as a mechanic when he was just a teenage boy. I spoke to a friend of mine, Charlie, who had helped me to get out of this town when I needed to. He was surprised to hear from me after so long but when I begged him to tell me if Hunter was back, he explained he was the owner of HRA Mechanics and had come back a year ago. He didn't explain anything else, just gave me the address and wished me on my merry way.

"Are we here yet?" His annoyed voice asked me. He was still fighting with his coat, his dinosaur figurine long forgotten under his legs.

"I'll be back in two minutes." I told him. He looked at me panicked.

"Please don't leave me Mommy" He stretched his arms out at me over the gearbox wanting to jump into my arms. I pressed my hand against my chest trying to stop my beating heart; everything was going to be fine. I got out of the car and squinted up at the two floor building, it was larger than it was five years ago. I saw the movement of bodies inside the busy garage while I gathered the courage to face my past. My son thrashed inside the car in fear that I was going to leave him inside. I opened the passenger door and his red squishy face blinked up at me. See what I mean, hot adorable mess. I smiled at him unzipping his coat; he had his cream coloured knitted jumper over his cotton white shirt. He wanted to look his best for his uncle. I held my hands out to him and he flung himself out at me as fast he could, hooking his legs around my waist and hiding his face in my neck. I kissed the side of his face and pulled the hat over his head. He grinned and placed a thank you kiss on my lips before hiding in my neck.

I could hear my boots clicking with every step I took inside the garage, I don't know if it was my ears but the noise was slightly dimming until it stopped completely. I think there were at least fifteen workers gawking at me, those not gawking recognised who I was and blinked a few times to see if I was really here. Geeez.

"What the hell is going on out here?" A loud voice boomed, it seemed almost deafening inside the quiet room. I swallowed and met my brother's startled eyes while my son clutched onto me tightly. I struggled to breathe, my eyes misted while I swayed on my feet. This only encouraged my son to strengthen his grip further like he wanted to get back into my womb.
"Zoe?" He hesitated unsure if the image was real in front of him. He had changed so much; he was more built now, his face more mature, his eyes darker than they were before. I pressed my lips together to hold in a sob. He looked like he was struggling to take a step towards me.

"Hunter" I whispered softly controlling myself, there were too many emotions running through me. Everything was catching up to me and all I wanted to do was curl up and sleep. Hunter strode towards me before stopping a few feet away. His eyes went over my son's back. "Hunter..." I started but my son's ears perked up hearing the name.

"Uncle Hunter" He wiggled his body for me to let him down so I gently placed him on the floor, he had a huge smile on his face but his eyes, they were hesitant. I pinched his cheeks and turned his body around to face his uncle. My brother couldn't mask his shock once his eyes landed on my son's face, specifically his eyes. My son strained his head back to stare up at his large uncle who hadn't moved a muscle since his eyes fell on him. He stepped back against my legs before turning around and holding his hands out to me. He blinked a few times which meant he was going to cry.

"What's wrong baby?" I picked him and held him against me. He didn't say anything, just placed his head at the curve of my neck and wrapped his arms around my neck. I soothed his back, my eyes scanning the audience. I glanced over at my brother who coughed to get my attention but also to control his emotions. He glared at his workers before wrapping an arm around my shoulders and smashing me against his chest. He held me tightly guiding me towards an elevator. I didn't say a word until we came onto the first floor and he led me into a large room that was big enough to be a company boardroom.

"Zoe." My brother faced me; his hands caressed my face affectionately. "Where have you been babygirl?" He held me in a one arm hug kissing the top of my head. I tried not to cry. I really did. But instead a sob broke free. And then I was a mess from there. I fell to my knees but my brother lowered with me so that I did not drop my son.

"Mommy" My son released his monkey grip on me and stumbled back. His bottom lip quaked seeing me crying, he glanced at his uncle and then me trying to figure out what to do. "Please don't cry. I'm sorry." He stood there thinking it was his fault I was crying. I shook my head.

"Your mum is just happy to see me" Hunter joked rubbing circles on my back.

"No!" My son snapped. "She's crying because of the bad man. She said you are going to help us. Are you helping us not, Uncle Hunter?" My son stared up at Hunter with wide eyes full of trust. My son's world was full of Hunter stories; he adores his uncle whom he never met before.

"What bad man?" Hunter glanced at me questioningly, his jaw clenching. I looked into his eyes pleadingly before grabbing my son and holding him against my chest. My hands rubbed his shoulders. Hunter let it go for now but his eyes promised me that this conversation was not over.

"Of course I'm going to help you bud. You are safe with me. Both of you." Hunter understood the reasons I came back without me having to tell him. He knew I needed my brother's protection. My son released himself from my arms and stood up straight smoothing his clothes out before focusing on my brother. Hunter watched him quietly before stretching his hand out to shake my son's hand. My son tilted his head.

"Families don't shake hands Uncle Hunter, they hug" He said as a matter of fact before launching himself at my brother. My large brother did not flinch easily catching him in his arms like he caught a ball and held him lovingly caressing the back of his head. He met my eyes, it's as if I brought him a gift he had been waiting for all his life. I wondered about my brother; what he has been up to, whether he is with anyone. Yes I was angry at him for leaving me in a hellhole with my stepfather but the little boy who cuddled me when I was down was the one my heart chose to see. The distance between us these eight years has just made me that much more eager to be around him again. But my son and I cannot be found.

"We need your help to disappear" I whispered. His forehead crinkled in concern, his stubborn eyes vowed to never let me go again.

"You didn't need any help last time." A deep masculine voice came from the doorway. My heart stopped beating, my breath left me in a whoosh. He was not meant to be here, he was meant to be far far away from Hope Springs. I closed my eyes as all my emotions threatened to barricade me at once. That voice I have dreamt of every night, I listened to those whispers in my ears and I felt his warm breath as I fell asleep every night for the last five years.
I smiled every night knowing he was out there fulfilling his dream. I prayed it was so because I gave up mine. I left my heart behind the day I left him here without a word. It wasn't that I didn't trust him; I didn't trust my unpredictable life. The voice I devoted my last five years to did not have an ounce of love in them, they sounded bitter. Could I blame him? No. I expected it. I just never thought I'd face him again. Maybe not this soon. How long is not too soon Zoya? I berated myself.

I couldn't look at him, I was such a coward. His presence in the room was so overpowering, every hair on my body stood steel straight, every inch of my body reacted to his nearness. My mind was swirling. What was he thinking of my son? No, our son. Has he seen him? Should I hide... No No NO.

"Wow you are so big Uncle Hunter" My son came out of my brother's embrace. He poked at Hunter's muscles before his eyes moved over to the new male figure entering the room. "Wow you're big too just like my uncle!" He exclaimed excitedly. In the last five years, I have only dated a handful of times. I never let it get past a date or two. My son has never seen any of those men, they were not good enough. I knew he'd react like this seeing Hunter. But I wasn't prepared for his interaction with his father. "Who are you?" He asked curiously, his hands distractedly itching his neck.

"Baby" My voice cracked but what ripped my heart out was the fact that I felt him turn at my call. His eyes bore into the side of my face before moving away to his little clone standing below him. If I knew the father of my child as well as I know the air I breathe, I would tell you that he had no idea how to interpret any of this. His mind is still playing catch up with his heart. His heart that I could faintly hear. Maybe I was imagining things; maybe I never stopped loving him.

"Who are you little man?" He asked my son in wonder, the rumble of his voice vibrated deep inside me. But I felt it even if I didn't see his expressions. Emotions. He saw his eyes. All he needs to do now is see his hair and he would be transported to his childhood. My son didn't disappoint him.

"My name is Reed Jnr" He introduced himself proudly just the way I taught him. I heard the sharp intake of his father's breath. "My uncle was Reed older" He smiled widely informing his father who he got the name from. He knows baby, he knows. I smiled sadly; if I've ever done anything right in my life, it was telling him where his name originated from and taught him to wear it with pride. I knew my brother was affected by his name too. Reed and Hunter were the best of friends. "You look like me."

My son was not done with his revelations yet. He needed to show the man in front of him who he really was if he had any doubts. He ripped his hat off and threw it at Asad's feet making him fall back a bit. My son was trying to keep cool but he was getting agitated. He was rubbing his legs with his hands and then whimpered. "Mommy, I feel scratchy real bad. Make it stop." He went red clumsily unbuttoning his knitted sweater. I crawled over towards him while Hunter muttered "shit" in the background. My eyes latched onto his momentarily, he looked like he had been struck by lightning. I winced. This was never meant to happen like this. Hell I didn't know how it was meant to happen but this.was.not.it. I lifted the white shirt over Reed's head and frowned, there were red lumps starting to form over his tummy with certain parts looking like a rash. I am an idiot; he had been feeling slightly uncomfortable for a few days now. In my state of paranoia, I missed all the signs.

"Baby, don't itch it. It will be fine." I held both his tiny little hands in mine while I tried to scan his body properly blowing over it to provide him with cool air. I was panicking. He was too distracted before with meeting his uncle but now that he was focusing on what the itchy feeling was, all he wanted to do was scratch himself to give him relief. This was one of those mommy moments where I was freaking out having never had chicken pox myself but wanted to help my boy as much as I could. Motherhood wasn't easy and I spent every day of the last five years constantly learning and freaking out over every little thing related to him. My brother and my son's father muttered something under their breath.

"Mom-my" Reed hiccupped, "I'm turning into a chicken. Make it stop." He cried pitifully. My emotions were running high as it was but hearing his heartbroken voice at the thought of himself turning into a chicken was the last straw. I burst out laughing, half crying on my knees in the middle of the floor in front of my ex- lover and my brother. Reed's eyes were red, his nose running while his bottom lip quivered. His cheeks had turned pink. He was a mess like me.

"Mom" hiccup "Mom-my" My son cried as if I betrayed him. My laugh turned into a full blown cry, not sleeping for the past 24 hours, driving for over ten hours with the fear of the monster we left behind catching up with us, facing my brother and the man I left behind, my son falling ill was taking its toll on me. Large hands wrapped around me and my head turned into his chest.

"I don't know what to do" I whispered.

"We'll take him to the doctors; the walk in at the hospital should be open now. Right Asad?" My brother suggested. I shook my head in a no.

"No!" I hissed, he'll find us that way. "No. Does Mrs Violet Rose still practice?" I asked instead ignoring the silent interaction between the two men. Reed had gripped onto Asad's jeans staring at me with wide teary eyes.

"She retired last year. She's still in town." Hunter replied.

"Give me the address." I stood up on shaky legs stepping forward to pick up Reed.

"I will take you both" Asad's stern voice hit a sore spot inside me. I straightened my spine facing him head on.

"No."

"I didn't ask." He snapped. "Hunter, you delegate everything here and meet me at yours. We all need to talk" His tone left no room for any argument. My head tilted back and my eyes scanned his handsome face. Those eyes were mesmerising, they still hold the power to bewitch me. He had matured with age, his looks more rugged and if anything, he had gotten hotter. His ripped arms and tight muscles under that fitted black top left nothing to imagination. He wore a pair of battered wash blue jeans and white sneakers. My eyes flicked back up to meet his eyes after appraising his body, his lips curved into an animalistic grin, he was mocking me. He ran his hand over his stubble and my mind flashed back to the times when I enjoyed him running his prickly face down my naked skin.

I stepped forward again to pick Reed up but Asad had lifted him into his arms. Reed's legs wrapped around his waist and his arms went around his father's neck. He then rubbed his nose into Asad's neck, squirming in his large arms.

"My name is Asad little man. You know my dad always used to say families hug. Is that you giving me a hug bud?" My son stopped squirming moving his head back and blinking at Asad.

"Wow" My son's jaw dropped, "Cool. My daddy says the same things."

"Really?" Asad's eyes moved towards me, his tone mocking me. He was pissed off at me. I didn't blame him. I also understood Asad's silent question; replaced me?

"I've never met him." Reed sighed sadly. Hunter placed his hand over my shoulder in a comforting gesture. "But mommy says he is awe-some. And he really loves me. He looks like me. He has my eyes. He has my hair too." My son listed everything I told him about his father as Asad led them out of the room before flinging a folder on the table.

"Zoe. Please give a man some warning." Hunter whistled low. I glared at him over my shoulder.

"You think I planned this? I didn't even know he was in town." I growled.

"I don't think plans work out little sis. And a lot has changed in five years. But I'm going to promise something to you right now." He turned me around to face him fully. He brushed my hair back with his deft fingers, an act I used to hate. "You two are not going anywhere. Whatever this is that you're running, I'm not going to let any harm come to either of you. I made a mistake eight years ago when I left you. I know we have a lot to talk about. But I promise I will fix everything." He pulled me to his chest and I closed my eyes briefly. "I missed you little bug." He kissed my head. "Go on, go get my nephew seen by a doctor and bring him home. Damn I have a nephew" He sounded astounded. Everyone looked up at us when we exited the lift; I kissed Hunter's cheeks giving him a meaningful stare.

"I missed you." I whispered softly walking out of the garage. The sight before me almost made me lose my footing. Asad stood near his black Range Rover with Reed against his chest while he rocked side to side awkwardly but I knew he wouldn't calm like that. He was definitely coming down with a fever. So suddenly that it made my mind stir. Reed's eyes caught sight of me and he stretched his arms out towards me. I put my arms out hesitantly trying to read Asad's mood but he passed him to me. Reed's face immediately went to the curve of my neck, a small smile graced Asad's face. Maybe he was remembering how that spot used to be his favourite too. He shook it off as quickly as it came. "I brought my car." I said to no one because Asad wasn't listening as he held the door open for us. I struggled to get inside, his hand touched my back and a spark shot through my body. Once I got inside the car with my monkey wrapped around me like a pretzel, Asad pulled the seatbelt over both of us. I tried not to close my eyes having him lingering so close to me, his scent sent my insides dancing in a frenzy. His face was centimetres from mine, his eyes flicked to mine. His eyes darkened slightly, he had so many questions for me and he was also trying to hate me.

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"Use cool wet compresses or give baths in cool or lukewarm water every 3 to 4 hours for the first few days. Make sure you pat the body dry and not rub. Put calamine lotion on itchy areas, and avoid the face area. Mostly just let him rest at home until it goes. There is no cure for this if I am honest." I shushed Reed on my lap; his face was in between my breasts. His sudden temperature was scaring me, my poor baby was heating up and fast. His face looks red and I know it will just get worse over the next few days. "Zoya dear, you've never had chicken pox. Have you?" I shook my head in a no. "It's contagious. I wouldn't be surprised if you get it too. This whole town seems infected right now. If you have never had it, you're more likely to get it. Just rest." Mrs Violet Rose brushed her hand over my son's head. "You're not turning into a chicken okay? I'm a doctor. You will just be itchy. You listen to mommy and you will be fine son." Reed didn't look up; he whimpered burying his face further into my chest.

I thanked her profusely as Asad led us out of the house. My eyes blurred slightly when I neared the car, my head was spinning. My stomach grumbled but I needed sleep more than food right now.

"Hungry?" Asad glanced over his shoulder at me.

"Tired more than anything. I haven't slept all night." I mumbled, he narrowed his eyes trying to read me. He must have seen something in my expression that told him how exhausted I was, he turned around and helped us inside. His hand went over Reed's forehead.

"Shit. He is hot." Asad cursed raking his fingers through his hair. "Let's get him home to bed." No, I will not read too much into that sentence.

I didn't observe how big my brother's house was or how much security he had. I walked blindly into a bedroom with Asad following closely behind me knowing I was going to drop any second. I tried to put Reed down but he clutched onto me tightly.

"No Mommy" He whispered, half unconscious. I searched Asad's face for comfort; he looked as stricken as I did. He seemed to have gotten worse in a matter of hours; how is that even possible?

"Can you wet a face towel for me?" I asked him quietly, he nodded marching into the bathroom and came out seconds later passing it to me. I awkwardly crawled onto the bed with effort and leaned against the headboard, Reed's grip did not loosen. My breaths came out in short pants; I was barely holding it together. Asad leaned forward onto the bed and held Reed's head while I tried to shrug off my jacket revealing a low chested white jumper top. Feeling hot, I pulled that off too not caring that I will be in my vest top. I placed the wet flannel on Reed's forehead, running soothing circles on his head. I rocked back and forth in a daze. "Shhh" I leaned my head back, Asad was staring at me intensely. With that one look, some of the weight lifted off my shoulders and my eyes closed on its own accord.

I stirred awake feeling a movement somewhere beside me, I shot up on the bed in panic. Reed was snoring softly next to me; I moved the blanket off him to let the cool air caress his body. I don't remember when I fell asleep or how Reed moved out of my arms, I remember Asad's silent vow to take care of us before sleep overcame my need to stay awake. I found our bags on the floor next to the dresser; I grabbed a pair of soft cotton shorts for Reed and removed his jeans. I didn't put anything on top but left a vest top next to his pillow. I freshened up in the bathroom pulling on a pair of shorts and loose t shirt. I tied my hair up into a high bun and walked out of the room down towards the sound of voices. They both quietened hearing my light footsteps. I leaned against the doorframe looking into the large living room where my brother sat drinking a bottle of beer and Asad straddling a chair. They both glanced at me warily.

"Let me grab some coffee. My head hurts so bad." I mumbled pressing my forehead with my hand. Hunter pointed me in the direction of the kitchen, a small grin on his face. I rolled my eyes. "Yeah thanks, anyone else want one?" I padded bare feet towards the kitchen. "Did he stir at all? I have never been so out of it ever. His every movement usually wakes me up." I commented loudly.

"He stirred once or twice." Asad replied. I didn't know what to think. I haven't confirmed or denied his role in fathering this child, but his concern today towards him made me regret keeping him a secret from him for all these years. He may not have wanted a child or maybe he already has kids? Does he already have a family? Am I disrupting his life? The thought made my heart ache.

"What's taking you so long kid?" My big brother yelled reminding me yet again that he is older than me. What he gets out of it I have no idea. "What the f**k?" He cursed.

"He's sleeping you dick!" Asad hissed protectively.

"He is my nephew and I do care you know. He can't hear me." Hunter grumbled.

"Well keep it down."

"Okay, dad." I froze whatever I was doing. Asad mumbled something under his breath. I grabbed my coffee and joined them in the living room. I took the other free large sofa to myself while both of them watched me silently.

"Thanks for picking up our stuff." I sipped my coffee ignoring their looks. Hunter coughed loudly.

"Not that I am not glad to have you back sis, but you need to tell us what's happening." Hunter urged seriously.

"Are you going to order some food?" I asked my brother, but my eyes were on the man next to him.

"Zoya." My brother warned. "Well you might as well get that out first." He sighed.

"Get what out?" I countered defensively. I heard Asad growl.

"About the fact that I have a son? Or maybe the fact that you kept him away from me for five f**king years Zoya." He moved off the chair so fast it went spiralling backwards, I almost spilled my coffee. "You were never intending on telling me or him, were you?" There was no question about it; he knew Reed was his son. But as to why I kept him away? I don't have an answer.

"I didn't plan any of this."

"Plans?" He laughed sarcastically ignoring my brother's silent warnings, "Where you going to plan for us to meet five years later or ten years maybe? Were you going to hunt me down and tell me I had a son? That I missed his first words, first steps. I missed his first every f**king thing!" Asad roared. "Why did you hide him from me?" He asked finally.

"I didn't hide him from you." I simply said. "Neither did I run from you Asad."

"What were you running from? Why did you leave everyone?" My brother asked me. I ignored him. I couldn't tell them. They wouldn't understand me. I couldn't tell them how weak I was. Maybe I still am.

"I didn't know I was pregnant until I left and found myself alone in a big city. I wanted to come back and tell you, but you had so many dreams. You were going to leave Hope Springs and pursue your lifelong dream to play in the NFL's. You didn't plan on having a child then. I didn't know what to do. I left without telling you, I thought you'd never forgive me anyways. But I didn't want to ruin your dreams either." I said quietly. "We all changed after Reed's death. You vowed that you would do it for him." And trash like me would have ruined your life anyways. I closed my eyes trying not to remember my stepfather's taunts.

"Dreams change Zoya, I loved my brother and I still do. You were having my child for God's sake. My baby. Mine. I had a right to know. I know I don't know the first thing about being a father but I had a great example Zoya. I would have learnt and I would have taken care of both of you." But I didn't have the best example Asad, why don't you understand? An alcoholic mother and a stepfather after a long line of boyfriends my mother went through the years.

"I know and I am sorry" I said softly.

"f**k. That's all you have to say? Sorry? No justification? No real explanation?" Asad cursed, panting heavily. I didn't cry. No I wouldn't cry. I wouldn't tell them what I had to go through after my brother left. I can't tell him how helpless I felt. He will feel guilty. I can't do that to him. I can't do that to both of them.

"Is he around? James?" I asked instead.

"No, he hasn't been around for years." My brother replied, he looked at me suspiciously trying to figure me out. "So what made you come back to Hope Springs sis? Tell me what's wrong." I breathed shakily; Asad was still fuming behind the sofa my brother sat on.

"I uh I worked as a part time designer from home." I started, "I visit the office a few times in a month. I have a few friends there who have been trying to get me to date for a while. One of the days, they wouldn't let me leave their sight without agreeing so I did." I heard a distinctive hush from my brother in the background. "He works in a different department, higher up. I don't know manager maybe."

"What do you mean you don't know maybe?" Asad snapped. I glared at him. "You were going to bring him in front of my son-"

"Don't" I warned. "I don't f**king know okay? They said he was a nice a guy so I said yes. This was three months ago. These were my friends." He muttered "some friends" under his breath and I clenched my hands. "He messaged me a few days later and arranged to meet at a hotel" I sneered in Asad's direction to shut him up, "Hotel bar!" My brother snorted. I placed my head in my hands. I wanted to march upstairs and just go to sleep than deal with these two bulls.

"Just saying sis. You don't drink"

"Did I ask you to comment? Maybe I do."

"No you don't." He countered knowingly. I sighed.

"Yeah I never did so much. I stopped completely when I was pregnant and then when I was breastfeeding Reed." They looked at me weird. "It's normal. I'm going to leave right now." Hunter held his hands up defensively in mock surrender while Asad waited impatiently for me to continue. "I only saw a picture of this guy. Reed was being really fussy that day and I didn't go; I couldn't leave him when he was being like that. I wouldn't survive an hour." Asad's face flashed with pride for his son, I mentally rolled my eyes. "I didn't want to go on a date with this guy anyway. So I cancelled. He messaged me a few times that night." I paused. "And then the next evening. And then after that for three weeks straight. I declined politely." Asad's jaw clenched together, and his hands fisted by his sides. "He turned up at my door one day unannounced with flowers and chocolates. Reed was playing behind me on the floor, he eyed my son weirdly. He complimented his eyes and asked me out again. I declined again." I grabbed my coffee cup with shaky hands and took a sip. "I started receiving weird cut-out messages about being a family. There were pictures of Reed in them. While he is playing outside at school. While we are out shopping. While we eat on the balcony. I reported it but they didn't really do anything. There were no threats being issued apparently. Just pictures. I became paranoid. Reed was starting to receive gifts at school pretending to be from his... dad." My lips quivered, "Few days before we decided to come here, I left Reed with his sitter when I was going to pick up some grocery. I usually take him with me on Fridays." My voice wasn't coming out at this point remembering the incident as if it was happening in front of me again. If Reed was with me that day... Asad's face crumbled, he rushed around the sofa and wrapped an arm around me. "Someone... he grabbed me into the dark alleyway. He said some stuff. About wanting to be a family one day. That I was his. And that I would regret not bringing Reed with me that day." I broke off on a sob. "There were no bruises on my body, no fingerprints when he almost strangled me in that alleyway. I think he may know people in the law enforcement. I don't know. He isn't just obsessed with me. He's obsessed over my baby too." I cried into Asad's chest.
"I don't know if he followed us... but we somehow got out of there. I called Charlie and he said you were here Hunter. You were always my protector, my safety net. Both of you." I added quietly. I relished the few seconds I was the in the arms of the man I loved before pulling back. Five years of not having a shoulder to lean or cry on has made it difficult for me to enjoy more than a few seconds of his arms offering me comfort. Hunter was kneeling in front of me; he took my hands into his, a murderous look on his face.

"No one is coming near you or Reed; I swear it on my life. You hear me little bug?" I nodded rubbing my face the back of my hands. "You trust me?" I do. With my life. So I nodded again. "Reed and you are going to be safe here." His eyes moved over to the man sat next to me.

"I won't let them out of my sight." Asad vowed.

"What?" But they both ignored me.

"What about your new project? You said you'd be gone for three months this time." My brother asked, but there was no real concern on his face.

"f**k the project. I own the shit. I gotta be here." Asad said solemnly.

"No you don't" I tried to follow the conversation here. Asad looked down at me, his expression a blank mask. It was if he was telling me to stop my bullshit, nothing is getting past him.

"You both going to move in with me?" He asked me straight up, my mouth fell open but nothing left it but a horrible squeak. My brother chuckled softly. "No, I didn't think so. So I'm moving in here. I need to be close." His eyes roamed towards the stairs. "I also need to make up for lost time." That shut me up and any protests died inside me. To be honest, I knew he'd be crazy protective of Reed when he met him because he was always that way since we were young. He was only a year younger than Reed and Hunter who were the same age. But we tagged along with our older brothers together. It didn't matter that I was younger than all of them and they would rather be caught dead than be seen with me. They kept me under their protection; no guys had the courage to throw comments at me. They just couldn't stop the girls from being bitches. Me and my brother didn't come from a very rich family or hell, even a loving one. We didn't know who our father was; we had a mother who was an alcoholic since we were young. We brought one another up or rather Hunter did. He protected me from the flow of her boyfriends that frequented the dump we used to call home until a man decided to actually marry my mother's sorry ass. James. Let's not go there Zoe. My point was that, after knowing about the stalker we were hiding from, Asad's protective instincts would have been soaring. If both of their eyes were anything to go by, I feel like they had already planned the demise of the man after us. What would they do when they found about the reason I left Hope Springs?

"You got a picture of this guy or any details?" Asad asked me.

"I got rid of my phone and got a burner. I backed up the pictures to my email. It might not even be him."

"Everything will be fine." Hunter assured me, Asad's arm did not move from my shoulders. I didn't say anything but nodded. It had to be. Because I was tired of running. I was tired of being scared. I was tired of feeling helpless. I was tired of being alone.

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The first few days were very uncomfortable for Reed, his rising temperature scared us. He whined and cried endlessly throughout the nights, the painkillers given by the doctor did not help much. He wanted to lie on my chest but felt discomfort doing just that. He used to love baths but not while he had chicken pox. It was even more difficult when I applied calamine lotion to his body, he'd look at me like I have burned him with something. That tore my heart out. Asad watched us every day trying to make him forget even for a few minutes that he had an itchy rash all over his body. The days the spots turned into blisters, they looked horrible and fluid filled. Reed did not appreciate it at all. I tried to keep him covered but every time his eyes fell on a spot on his hand or legs, his bottom lip would tremble. Two weeks had passed by in a blur.

"Mommy, I want to be normal." Reed sniffed and told me. I caressed his head softly.

"You are normal baby." I told him gently. "These will disappear soon. And you will have clear skin again and it won't hurt anymore. I promise." I kissed the top of his head. He stared at me with wide eyes which had filled up but he hadn't released them yet.

"You promise?" A single tear fell from his eyes while he bounced the dinosaur around him on the sofa. I looked up when the front door open and in came Asad holding a few large plastic bags full of shopping. He was dressed in a pair of black jeans, white t-shirt and a black leather jacket. He put the shopping on the table and removed his Ray-Bans.

"How's my little man doing today?" Asad smiled widely. Reed's ears perked up hearing his voice, his head snapped towards Asad's direction. He jumped off the sofa and ran towards him launching himself at him from a few feet away. Asad stepped forward and caught him gently. He caressed his son's cheeks minding the spots on his face knowing it made him upset. "You feeling good my man?"

"Mommy said it will stop hurting and itching soon and I will be fine again." Reed smiled brightly.

"That's right. Mommy is right." Asad glanced over at me, his eyes raking my trampy sight. I had on a pair of pink pyjama shorts and a large white t-shirt that had seen better days. My hair was a tangled mess on top of my head. I think I showered this week sometime. I had no idea what my face looked like right now but I didn't dare look at a mirror. But his eyes were warm and shining after his appraisal was done. Was I meant to blush? Why do I feel so hot all of a sudden?

"I'm just going to make some lunch." I mumbled, excusing myself from the father son conversation. I think his eyes followed me inside the kitchen. I still haven't spoken to Reed about his father, to be honest, he has been struggling with his health to be aware of anything else. But he played with Asad like their relationship didn't matter. There was a connection between them that didn't need to be clarified or voiced.

"I'm hooome little bug." My brother chuckled entering the house. It was only lunchtime but it was normal for him to pop home to check on us.

"Kitchen" I shouted back smiling. I liked it here.

"Something smells good in here" Hunter jumped onto the counter top biting into an apple with a loud crunch. I stirred the sauce for the Spaghetti Bolognese I was making. I hummed a response removing the baguette from the oven and placing it on the cutting board. I sliced it into even slices and then with a basting brush, applied the butter mixture before placing them on the baking sheet. I was making garlic bread. "You were always a good cook." He adds slowly. I snorted.

"We never had anything to cook." I commented sarcastically. We were always scrounging for food at home when we were younger; our selfish mother never stocked up and spent whatever money she received from the state on her booze. I placed my hands on the kitchen counter top; he had a very beautiful kitchen. I always dreamed of having a big kitchen in which I could cook and feed us all. "I try to cook everything for Reed. Every single meal rather than feeding him packaged foods. I want him to be used to his mother cooking for him. Show him it's normal for a mother to want to cook and feed him. And also, that he never has to go hungry." I breathed in through my nose and let it out through my mouth. I repeated this process a few times. It was soothing; I didn't want to lose myself to my horrible memories. I looked up to find Asad standing there staring at me, my eyes brimming with tears.

"Those days are over little bug." Hunter threw his eaten apple stem towards the bin and missed. I glared at him but he just shrugged and walked out of the kitchen muttering "women."

"You need any help in here?" Asad asked quietly, well as quiet as his deep voice could go.

"Yeah, could you just take those plates and glasses to the dining table? It's almost done." I brushed my hands over my face discreetly. Asad stepped further into the kitchen, I could hear Hunter making Reed giggle in the other room. I couldn't stand the silence between us. "How is your dad doing?"

"He's good. He wants to meet Reed and... you." He added gently. "I told him to wait a bit."

"Reed will be well enough to go out soon." I nodded placing the garlic bread into the oven. The heat of his stare was making me squirm. "What is he doing nowadays?"

"He's managing the Steakhouse by the river."

"Alan's?" I asked, surprised. The place was a hoot in our teenage days with us spending most of our time there. It was also the place we went to for our first date. Anyone with two eyes in this town knew that we were totally gone for one another. So no one batted any eyelashes when we went out, to them it was normal. For us, it was our new beginning.

"Yeah, we brought it three years ago." His voice held a note of pride. I paused rinsing the spaghetti and glanced over my shoulder.

"That's great." I smiled softly. "You own the garage too?"

"With Hunter." He replied. "I own the bar in town too." He added. He didn't sound cocky. His voice was genuine. He was trying to have a conversation with me. He was trying to tell me about his life without trying to think about the fact that I was supposed to be with him throughout his every accomplishment.

"That's great." I was genuinely very happy for him. I poured the spaghetti into a bowl and passed it to him. Without letting the bowl go, I searched his eyes. "What happened to football, NFL?"

"Dreams change. I got into construction. I own the construction company just outside of town. I enjoyed building homes better than being on the field. Football was a hobby. My love was something else entirely." He took the bowl from me and walked out of the kitchen. I followed with the garlic bread and sauce a few minutes later. I served Hunter and Asad first before attending to Reed who was fussing. I tucked a napkin into his top placing him on a high chair courtesy of his father. I eyed the mountains of toys on the floor in the living room and then glared at Asad.

"Seriously Asad? What am I meant to bribe him with now?" I whisper hissed.

"Why bribe him? He's a good kid." Asad shrugged while my brother hid his laugh behind a cough. "Anyway that mountain lego is not from me." He pointed with his fork before stuffing his mouth with food. Hunter suddenly seemed very interested in his food.

"Mommy, feed me." Reed whined for my attention. He was not usually like this; only when he was unwell he would cry for every second of my attention. The last two weeks have been very testing.

"Yes Mommy, feed my nephew." Hunter prodded at me from the other side. I shook my head muttering "children" under my breath. Getting impatient with the small bites I was giving him with the fork, my son decided to be a two year old again and grabbed the spaghetti with his hands and stuffed it into his mouth dropping half of it on his clothes and smearing his face with the sauce. He grinned up at me, twitching his nose making yum noises.

"Reed" I grumbled.

"Good kid." Asad praised while Hunter howled with laughter. After a few handfuls, Reed looked around the table with wide eyes.

"Mommy, I feel sick." He confirmed what I had already guessed.

"What did I tell you about grabbing food with your hands Reed?" I scolded. "I told you before you will feel sick if you do that, you have to slow down with your food. You're not feeling well either. I won't make anything you like until you feel better now. You want medicine food?" I was being mean I know. Mash, soup, peas and anything soft, squishy looking he called medicine food because I used to feed it him when he was unwell. He obviously wasn't very fond of it. I grabbed a glass of water and made him sip it. I wiped his face with the napkin and stared at the two men gawking at me. "What?" I barked. Reed looked like he was going to cry any second. Hunter got up and lifted him out of his seat.

"I got you buddy. Ignore the angry woman." My brother mock glared at me taking my son with him. I sighed into my hands.

I struggled to take a deep breath while I sat there for God knows how long. Was I slowly losing it? I got out of my seat. Maybe I have.

"Is that clothes boutique still open?" I asked Asad who had stopped eating looking all glum. It's like I had scolded him too.
"Monique?"

"Yeah."

"Great." I nodded with determination. "That's good. You know where my keys are?"

"Why, where are you going?"

"I need a bit of fresh air. And some clothes that are clean." I muttered cleaning up the mess.

"I'll clean up. You go shower. I'll take you there and then you can stop by the Steakhouse. I'll show you the bar as well." I was surprised as hell at his offer. Why would he do that? Reed came tumbling down the stairs and skidded to a stop in front of me. I stepped back slightly startled, he had changed into some clean clothes and his hair was brushed back. He looked as handsome as his father.

"Sorry." He looked down at his feet. "Please don't make me eat medicine food."

"You going somewhere?" I asked instead crossing my arms.

"Yes, can we go out Mommy?" He tilted his head back and blinked up at me with those innocent eyes. I glanced at Asad and then at the miniature version of him. I guess he was done being cooped up as me.

"Okay." I caved heading up the stairs.

"What about medicine food Mommy?" He suddenly remembered.

"You be a good boy and I will think about it." I replied.

"Oh boy" I heard him say dramatically. "Never mess with mommy" He advised his father.

"I know little man." Asad replied. And then my boy went on to explain what medicine food is with noises.

I showered and rummaged through everything I had packed. If you could even call it packing. I had no decent clothes. I packed everything for Reed and a few bits from the apartment that I couldn't bear to part with. All my clothes were dirty and even then, they were not fit for wearing out of the house. I grabbed a pair of denim shorts and put them on before heading for my brother's room. I heard him downstairs a bit go so I was going to raid his wardrobe. He was at least a hundred sizes bigger than me so oversized fashion day it is. But I met Asad there instead; he looked up at me startled by my presence but more by my appearance. I glanced down at the thin vest top I had on under which my pathetic bra was playing peekaboo. I coughed trying not to put my arms in front of me to cover myself but hey, he has seen everything before.

"I need a white shirt." I said coolly strolling up to the cupboard and removing a white shirt. I turned around to find him in the same position, his eyes pinned on me. "I'm just going to get ready." I walked out with my head held high. I put the shirt on and wrapped a thin tan coloured belt around my middle. I found a pair of knee length strappy sandals in tan colour deep inside my bag, I put those on and glossed my lips. My wet hair was on top of my head in a messy bun. My face was bare.

I walked down the stairs slowly and stopped at the door finding Asad on his knees helping Reed into his shoes. I tried not to let those tiny little things get to me so much. But they did. Hunter whistled from the other side.

"Who's wardrobe did you raid?" He asked smugly. It was obviously a man's shirt but I thought I wore it damn well. He could take a hike.

"It's yours, are you blind?" I walked into the room, Asad's eyes didn't stray from my son's feet but he was unusually still. "But it's mine now. I've got lip gloss on it" I shrugged flipping the collar in what was meant to be a nonchalance move. Asad coughed standing up straight, his back still to me. Reed tilted his head to get a good look at me.

"Mommy, where are your pants?" I glared at my son's innocent question, he couldn't see the jean cut-offs I had on as the shirt was a bit longer. I lifted it slightly and pointed.

"They are shorts baby." I answered; Hunter was choking on his own laughter. Dick.

"That shirt has a different collar to mine. I don't like it that fitted." Hunter smirked taking Reed's hand and walking him towards the front door. Looks like we are all taking a field trip together.

"Wait, what do you mean?" I shouted suddenly. I glanced at Asad from the corner of my eyes and then it hit me. I took it from my brother's room though. I guess both of them were sharing this house long before we came.

"You wear it better than me." His eyes darkened with lust as he took me in from top to bottom. He lingered on my tanned legs and then the shirt. There was a time I used to live out of his shirts and hoodies. He always acted like a caveman while I was cloaked in his clothes. That was one of the many things that apparently showed his claim on me. His words, not mine. He stepped closer towards me taking the collar between his thumb and forefinger. His lips curved in a seductive smile full of memories. I held my breath searching his eyes... for something. And then I found it. An expression full of hurt and longing flashed across his face. "You always did." And with that he left me standing in the middle of the living room trying to cope with the memories that I dug up.

"Baby!" I called out to the field. He turned at my call, he always did. I twirled around and showed him the back of my jersey top with his name and number printed on it. It was his spare, but I owned it. "Good luck!" I saw the way his eyes had darkened, his eyelids hooded with unadulterated lust.

He cupped his hands over his mouth and yelled back. "You look hot!" And then pointed at me and banged his chest; mine, all mine baby.

I grumbled and crossed my hands across my chest like a stubborn child when I got inside the car. Who knew that I was a mother to a four year old?

"I don't like this." I told them both again.

"Tough luck" Came my brother's reply. Both the giants plus a little giant followed me inside the boutique and critically analysed every piece of clothes I brought. When I removed a load of cash to pay with, Asad pulled out his card and swiped it. He then glared at me, snatching the cash off me throwing it into my bag. When he questioned why I had a bag full of cash, I told them I cleared out my bank and destroyed the card. I didn't want my effing stalker to find me. At the mention of my stalker, both men started snarling about something.

"I can pay for my own stuff" I replied angrily at my brother. I was about to say I can take care of myself, but then I wouldn't be here though would I? "You guys don't have to act all cavemen about it. I can afford it."

"No matter where you stay, I will pay for you and my son." Asad's voice interrupted my thoughts. Go figure, the man has finally something to say. Acting dominating and shit when he feels like it.

"No you won't!" My sharp reply startled Reed who was busy with his Iron Man figure. I caressed his head. "I don't need you to pay for us."

"I want to pay." Asad went on like I hadn't spoken. "I missed out on a lot of it. But from here on, I will be there for him." I cringed when he reminded me that I kept his son away from him. Hunter seemed uncomfortable with where this conversation was going.

"If you want to pay for him, then go right ahead. But for me, no." I hurt saying those words. Asad hit the steering wheel in frustration.

"For God's sake Zoya, stop being so goddamn stubborn for once. We get it that you can take care of yourself; you proved your point for five years. But let me fuc-" He broke off.

"Mommy, why are you all shouting?" Reed whispered softly peering at all of us picking up the tension.

"Because your daddy is a bloody caveman." I blurted out in answer. Everything inside the car went silent, only my words ringing in the background. Asad took a sharp left turn and jerked the car to a stop. I glanced out of the window to find that we were parked in front of the Steakhouse. My heart was beating rapidly. I slowly moved my eyes over to my son who was staring at me with wide eyes. Shit shit shit. I wasn't planning on telling him like this. Hell, we hadn't even planned anything yet.

"I have an appointment at the bank." Hunter jumped out of the car as fast as he could shutting the door behind him. He looked amused as he whistled his way away from the car while we all remained to deal with the results of my big mouth. Traitor. Asad was sat ramrod straight, his hand curled around the steering wheel, his eyes on me in the front mirror. My tongue swiped over my lips, my throat suddenly very dry.

"My daddy?" My son whispered finally in wonder and shock. Go you Zoya, my inner self mocked. I found the best place to reveal his father; in front of his grandfather's restaurant.

"Let's go eat. I am starving." I smiled weakly rushing to open the door but my son's hand on my leg stopped me cold. I turned in my seat to find Asad had also turned around, his hand too on my knee stopping me from leaving the car.

"Mommy" My son stared up at me with a look that tore my heart in two. A look that would make me cross any ocean or climb any mountain for his happiness. It was a pleading look as well as hope. My four year old looked older than his age in that moment in time as he patiently waited for his mother to remove the giant stick from her ass.

"Asad..." I whispered for help, my tone begging him for his support. Asad removed his seatbelt and got out of the car. My eyes followed his every movement in panic but he just moved with fines. But I could see the strained muscles, he was as nervous as me. He removed Reed from his car seat and placed him on the ground before holding his hand out. Reed's hand instantly clutched onto his father's before dutifully following him into the restaurant glancing at me over his shoulder. They both waited for me to catch up near the entrance. I froze when I saw Asad's father coming towards us, a huge smile plastered on his face. His greying hair and full beard hadn't reduced his beauty. The man was beautiful, warm and kind. He was a fatherly figure to all of us four kids when we were young. He had accepted me and Hunter as his own children when ours failed to acknowledge that she had any children.

"Asad" He greeted his son with a shoulder pat before gazing down at his grandson, "And who is this you have with you today boy?" His eyes twinkled. Reed looked exactly like the pictures of Asad when he was a young boy hung on the walls of his family home.

"My name is Reed." My son smiled at him cautiously, his mind still mulling over my comment in the car and wondering why we are all ignoring it.

"Reed?" Kieron Senior repeated with emotion remembering his oldest son.

"Yes sir" My son nodded seriously.

"Well Reed, my son was also called Reed." Keiron slowly got on his knees to get to Reed's height. Reed's eyes lightened up like a bulb. Keiron observed with quiet awe at the familiar set of eyes beaming at him. It took me a while to get used to it too.

"My uncle was also called Reed!" He said excitedly like he always does when he introduced himself. "Wait, is my uncle your son sir?" My son inquired before spinning in a circle to look at me. I met Keiron's eyes and smiled sadly.

"You both haven't told him anything yet?" Keiron questioned us. Asad knelt beside his father. Looks like we are going to finally have that unplanned moment.

"Reed was my brother little man."

"Wow so many Reed's" My son grinned. Asad shook his head.

"You were named after my brother Reed bud." Asad sighed knowing how difficult it was for a four year old to keep up. Asad wasn't going to beat around the bush. He took a deep breath. "I'm your daddy little man." He waited for that to sink in. My son sucked in his breath loudly.

"You're my... you're my..." He struggled with words, his mouth opening and closing. He started crying tilting his head back to look at me. "Mommy" He called me and I nodded biting onto my bottom lip to stop the tremor.

I stepped forward. "Remember when Mommy told you that your daddy has the same colour eyes as you." My son touched his face, "And hair." He glanced at Asad and his hair.

"Mommy, we look the same." He said finally. He knew before just never questioned it.

"Yes little man. We look the same." Asad nodded, a raw emotion etched on his face. Keiron Senior was struggling too.

"Wow, you're my daddy." Reed spoke astounded before a full blown grin spread over his face. "I always wanted to meet my daddy." Reed hurled himself into Asad's open arms. He was engulfed in his father's embrace, Reed squealing with happiness and Asad trembling slightly. He kissed the side of his son's head meeting my teary gaze. Speechless. Reed squiggled free and then held his father's face in his tiny hands. "Mommy said you love me. Do you love me?" The conviction with which he asked the question stole my breath away.

"Yes I do bud" Asad answered instantly.

"You know I love you too." He kissed his father's forehead in a gesture that made my stomach twist. He adored his father. Of course he had asked me why his father wasn't in our lives. And I told him that no matter what, his father loved him. I told him stories about his father's antics with Reed and Hunter. Some he remembers, some he doesn't. And I willed for him to hold onto that, until he sees his daddy so that he can tell him that he loves him too.

Asad kissed the palm of his hands and turned him towards Keiron. "This is your Grandpa. My daddy." He introduced.

"It's so wonderful to meet you. We are family. So give me a big hug young man." Reed stepped forward and wrapped his tiny arms around his neck while Keiron's arms held him tightly. "You been unwell I hear?" Keiron lifted him with him when he got up.

"I got spots." Reed pouted pulling his top up to show his stomach to his grandpa before shyly pushing it down looking around. He avoided calling it chicken pox after his meltdown regarding turning into a chicken. "Not here" He whispered at his Grandpa. Keiron rumbled with laughter.

"Come on son. Let me get you a special table and you can tell me all about it." Keiron walked off with Reed, "Turn the sign to closed. We are opening an hour or two late today." He barked an order in his gruff voice while going to find some colouring things for Reed. We both watched in silence.

"Well, I'm hungry" I broke the silence between us stepping forward to follow them both.

"You told him everything about me?" I turned around to face him and nodded.

"Neither of you are a secret Asad. My biggest regret will be keeping him away from you for all those years. I will never forgive myself for that. But when I left here, I wasn't running from you. I wanted our son to know how amazing you are. And even though you didn't know about him, you love him because he is a part of you." I closed my hands in a fist to stop myself from reaching out to touch him. "And I, I know that if you knew about him, you'd want to be in his life." And mine. "He wants you in his life. I tried to be both parents for him, but I can never be his father. His father is you. I'm sorry if I am disrupting your life-"

"Disrupting my life?" He interrupted me, confused.

"It's been five years Asad. I know everything has changed; your life is different to what it used to be. The last thing you would have wanted is to find out you have a son-"

"You don't know the first thing about what I want" He stepped forward with a menacing scowl. I stumbled back a few steps. "Because if you did, we wouldn't be standing here having this conversation Zoya." He stepped into my space, his breath warm on my face as he tried to control his anger towards me. "We'd be a f**king family." He walked around me. I closed my eyes breathing in short gasps of air, my heart was beating rapidly at his words. We had been ignoring the elephant in the room for the past two weeks, just getting by with little snippets of conversations that would have been classed as being civil. He was trying not to remember the past but how could he when I am here to remind him of our unsaid goodbyes five years ago. It took me a few minutes to pull myself together and pretend I had it all together before moving towards the table. But damn, I was falling apart inside.

"Hey baby, you decided on what you want to eat?" I ran my fingers through his hair sitting down next to him. He had his head down colouring the shapes inside the book. He lifted his head and gave me a grossed out look.

"Can I order anyfin Mommy? No medicine food?"

"Anything you want." A lone tear trailed down my face, I quickly wiped it away. "Anything you want." I kissed his head. Satisfied with the answer, he went back to his colouring. I leaned in and kissed Keiron's cheeks.
"How you doing pops?" I asked him.

"I'm good sweetheart, great in fact. He is precious." He admired his grandson. "Thank you."

"I'm sorry."

"Don't be sweetheart. We all have our demons. But you came back. That's all that matters."

"Only because I have new demons." I smiled cynically.

"You are stronger around family. Don't ever forget that." He reached over Reed's head and patted my shoulder. "Let Reed be your second chance."

"He is my second chance." I replied.

"Then let him be your third, fourth and fifth chance. Let him be the light to guide you towards your happiness." He paused glancing at his son engrossed on his phone to the point that it felt pretend. "You see the thing with demons dear, you have to fight it. You need to have courage. You need to have hope. Because if you listen to your demons, they will take over every goodness in your life." He held onto my gaze, there was something in his eyes that warmed my heart. "Hunter has his own demons. How can he not when he survived and Reed did not. He blamed himself for his best friend's death. He is fighting with that guilt every day." Keiron's words made me understand my brother a bit better. Hunter suddenly spiralling out of control and enrolling to be listed in the military. I was so focused on everything going on in my life, I failed to realise my brother's grief was eating him away.

"What's up Charlene?" Asad connected his phone to the speakers in his car. I was sat in the passenger seat with Reed sleeping on my chest, his limbs tangled with mine.

"Asad, I need you here. Something isn't adding up." Charlene replied. "The bar is quite busy today but these invoices do not match up and it's worrying me. Can you come here now?" Asad glanced over at me. We decided against going to the bar having spent almost four hours at the Steakhouse with Keiron chattering nonstop with Reed. It was nice. We felt like a small family. Reed was exhausted and promptly curled up against me and drifted off to sleep having done too much on his first outing since falling ill.

"Is there a back entrance?" I asked him.

"Yeah." He replied.

"Let's go." I urged him.

"You sure?" He sounded uncertain with Reed sleeping in my arms.

"I'll sit at the back while you sort it out. The front of the bar will have to wait for another day." I assured.

"Hello?"

"Yeah Char, I'll be there in a few. Hold the fort." Asad disconnected the call.

Parking up on the side street, Asad came around to help us out. I followed him inside with his arm wrapped around my shoulders protectively. A large man opened the back door and ushered us inside. He was slightly taller than Asad and built like a wall. I guessed he was security.

"My office is through here. I'm hardly here though and Jack manages it. I don't think you will remember him. I will get you to meet him another day." Asad explained opening the door and turning the lights on to his office. I took in the space; it was quite cosy and very well designed. But what else could I have expected from a guy who had his own construction company? How on earth does he manage everything? Asad grabbed a folded blanket from the shelf and walked over towards me. He shrugged off his jacket and folded it a few times to put it under Reed's head. He then unravelled the blanket that I used to use back in college when I went to his games. He bundled our son with it and then put the fire on. Satisfied that we were comfortable, he sighed.

"Okay, I won't be long. Stay here." He instructed and then pointed towards a fridge, "There's drinks in there and water bottles too since you don't drink. If he wakes up and cries, find Khalid outside and tell him to come find me." With a nod, he closed the door behind him. I sighed getting up from the sofa and snooped around his office. It was clean and smelled great. My fingers trailed over his collection of books, not everyone knew this fact but Asad was a secret bookworm. Yeah, a large football player who was sexy as he was popular, a guy who should have been interested in chasing skirts than read crime novels or romance books. But I appreciated it. He was romantic when he wanted to be. I caressed the top of his seat before planting my ass on it and giving it a few spins. We used to be so free around one another. And now, we were walking on thin shells around each other. The Asad I knew would kiss me whenever he felt like it or take me against a goddamn wall. We were always sure of each other.

I warned myself no but my fingers had a mind of its own when it pulled the drawers open. The first one was full of folders. The second one was full of junk and stationary. Third was one was full of... me. I slipped off the chair and kneeled on the carpet. I rummaged through my stuff and found a framed picture of us. Asad in his football gear bending down while I planted a big wet kiss on his cheeks. His arm was wrapped around my waist plastering my front against his side, I wore his Jersey, my face painted with black marks. He had the biggest smile on his face while he posed for the camera. I was so proud of him; they had won the game that day. My fingers trailed over his smiling face. My baby. In my reminiscence, I didn't hear the woman that entered the room until I heard her shrieking voice.

"Who's filthy child is this?" She spoke disgusted. Oh hell no. I jumped to my feet scanning her head to toe in one go. Blonde, 5'4 with a large rack, leather skirt and a bright pink coloured crop top. Her face was caked to perfection. She was startled when her eyes fell on me and I could tell a surge of jealousy shot through her. She sneered at me. I stepped forward and dismissed her.

"That's my child" I nodded at Reed. "Get your fake ass out of this room right this instant before I rip your fake extensions out for regarding my son as filth." My fingers itched to punch her in the face. She recovered from her shock.

"I think you're mistaken honey. This is Asad's office and I am his girlfriend. You shouldn't be here." She crossed her arms across her chest pushing her boobs out further. "Khalid" She screeched like a hyena startling my boy. I rushed over to him before he could react from being woken from his deep sleep.

"Mommy" He called to me sleepily, wrapping his hands around my neck. I held him against me, his legs wrapped around my waist.

"Get her and this kid out of here." The blondie ordered Khalid who had turned pale seeing the scene in front of him. I was furious and was barely holding onto my anger by a thread. Asad's girlfriend?

"I can't do that Missy. You need to leave right now." Khalid warned her. "Boss won't like you being here without his permission."

"Without his permission" She yelled in her high pitched voice, I shushed my son, "Who the hell is she?"

"What is going on in here?" Asad barked entering the room and his eyes roamed over the faces before meeting mine. I growled, I physically growled.

"Baby" Missy went towards Asad but he stopped her with a flick of his hand. She pouted. You know how I felt? My insides cringed.

"What are you doing here?" Asad asked impatiently.

"You haven't called me in weeks." She raised her hand to touch his chest but he grabbed her wrist.

"I don't owe you anything. You were a casual f**k." He said it so openly like he didn't care.

"But I thought we had something. You even called me more than the once." She whined.

"You were eager. And easy. I told you the once that it was for one night. Just because we had another night does not make you my anything. Now get out of here before I get you removed." Asad let go of her wrist.

"What?!" She screamed. "You liked f**king me, you bas***d. You can't just toss me away like I am not worth anything." She swivelled and threw a death glare at me. "Is it because of this wh**e and her filthy child? You-"

"Don't you f**king dare Missy!!!!!!!!"Asad stepped into her space raging like a bull, "That's my child that you just called filthy. I will count to three, get your nasty ass out of here otherwise I will forget whatever my mother taught me about not raising my hands on a woman" He roared.

"Mommy" Reed mumbled tightening his arms around my neck.

"It's okay baby" I soothed his back.

"Damn she got you with a kid?" Missy laughed hysterically. "Why didn't I think of that?" My furious eyes pinned on her face, I was breathing heavily. The only thing keeping me ripping her hair out is my son. I wasn't the same girl all those years ago. I wouldn't have held back if my son wasn't in the room. The sounds "wh**e", "bitch" and "trash" from my memories clouded my mind.

"She didn't need to get me." Asad replied calmly, but I didn't dare look at him. "Because she's always f**king owned me." His tone was ice cold. My eyes snapped towards him.

"Baby, she'd never be able to give you what I can give you." Sissy purred making me vomit in my mouth.

"Respect yourself and get the hell out of here. Go prey on another rich ass. I was never on the market." Asad stepped closer towards me but the blondie wasn't going to give up.

"I don't want your money, I just want you. We had something good." She pouted, batting her eyelashes. That was some perfected shit I tell you. I wanted no part of this bullshit.

"We never "had" anything. Get out of here. NOW" He commanded, Khalid came between him and Sissy nodding his head towards the door. None of them would raise a hand on her or touch her, they were never those men. She continued to glower at me without moving from the spot. I gotta give it to her, she had balls. But I was the pissed off mother of an unwell four year old.

"You going to move or do you want me to kick your ass?" I scowled, "your pathetic face is starting to piss me off. I swear if I was not carrying my son right now, I would have hauled your ass off to whatever hell you came from." I spat seething, Asad's hand touched my shoulder but I shrugged it off. Sissy left with Khalid following behind her.
"You going to take us home or should I call Hunter?" I asked with attitude grabbing the blanket from the couch. I felt his hand on my elbow stopping me from moving forward.

"I'm taking you both home."

"Hey" Hunter opened the door with a wide smile but his face fell seeing my glum expression. My son decided to sleepily look around and then focus on his uncle. He couldn't find a better time to wake up.

"Uncle Hunter" He reached for him sleepily. Hunter hugged his body close taking him into the house. "I met my daddy." He mumbled.

"That's right bud!" Hunter's eyes softened caressing my son's head. He took Reed towards the sofa he was lounging on.
"You want to sleep with me tonight?"

"Sleepover?" My son was suddenly tired no more.

"Yup!" Hunter nodded eagerly. He was a bigger child than Reed.

"Can I Mommy, please please please?" He pleaded.

"Hunter, he's still not fully well. He won't let you sleep properly." I reasoned with my brother. Reed's excitement dropped.

"You let me worry about that." Hunter winked, "Anyways I think you need a good night's sleep more than any of us." He said seriously. Maybe I looked worse than I felt.

"Well, wake me up if he troubles you." I waved a hand going upstairs to change. I flung the door open and threw my bag on the bed. I hopped on one foot trying to remove my knee length sandals. Right and then my left one when he decided to stroll into my room with arms full of shopping bags. "Can you not knock?" I almost fell flat on my face. I threw the sandal across the room; his eyes followed it before landing back on me. He walked up to the cupboards and dropped the bags slowly turning to face me. I stood with my hands on my hips; my face twisted remembering the incident from tonight.

"What?" He met my stare head on, the arrogant ass.

"Nothing." I replied my voice dripping with venom.

"What is your problem? Out with it" He demanded in a firm tone which rubbed me off the wrong way.

"I don't have a problem. Get out of my room." I went to walk past him into the bathroom dismissing him. He grabbed my arm slamming me against the nearest wall. He obviously doesn't like being dismissed.

"What the f**k do you want from me?" He hissed painfully, "You're so wounded up tight. Get it out now." I pushed against his solid chest, almost hammering him.

"I just told you nothing" I gritted out. "Get off me you stupid ass." He held my chin roughly and held it up so that I could meet his eyes. There was fire in them.

"Something obviously crawled up your ass." He smirked. I wanted to punch him. I struggled against him but it only brought me closer to him. I could feel every hard line of his body through my shirt and I struggled to think or hold on to my anger. "That woman was not my girlfriend, just a casual f**k." I reared back, my face went pale.

"I don't f**king care about your hook-ups. Just keep your weekly ass away from me and my son!" I fumed. The thought of another woman touching him or moaning in pleasure from his caresses made my insides burn in agony.

"You care... oh my is that you burning with jealousy?" He taunted, I raised my hand to slap him but he grabbed my wrist and pinned it over my head. My upper body pushed against his chest, my chests heaving, my nostrils flaring. His face inched closer.

"I.am.not.jealous" I grated my words out to him. "But I don't want your goddamn women around my son." I repeated insanely. His free hand came around my throat lifting me slightly; I struggled with the pressure he pressed against my chest, not my throat. His knee parted my legs; it took everything within me to not succumb to the burning desire inside me.

"You think only you care about Reed? He is also my son... a son that you kept away from me." He breathed harshly over my face. His hold on my wrist tightened above my head, "There will be no other woman around him. Is that what you wanted to hear?" His lips went to my ears, "I won't f**k another woman again, I won't touch another woman because you're back." He taunted into my ears, "I couldn't think straight when you left me. I couldn't commit after you abandoned me. There would be no other woman for me. Is that you want to hear Zoe, is it?" He breathed heavily, "Is that what you want Zoya, for me to admit that you're the woman for me. That there would no other." He lowered his head and gently ran his nose along my throat. "Did you want me to admit again... that you still f**king own me..." He whispered pressing kisses on my chest leaving a stream of goose bumps in its wake.

"No" My voice came out barely above a whisper; I pushed against his chest making him release his hold on me. "I don't need you to admit anything. Get out of here." I said with more strength than I felt, my knees were shaking. My lips trembled, my eyes were blurry. My f**king heart was screaming how much it wanted him. It wanted to tame the monster it left behind.

I tried to run for the door when the first tear rolled down my face, but I couldn't do anything. My body was flung around; I didn't have the time to react. In a heartbeat, his lips were on mine, his arms wrapped possessively around me, pulling me snugly against. My knees went weak, my heart was pounding, my head screaming. But there was something else there; something stronger than butterflies that zapped my body at the feel of his lips on mine. Every fight left my body in that moment. With a groan that echoed through our mouths and vibrated down my entire body, he licked my lips and nudged my mouth open. His tongue aggressively pursued mine and then took everything I gave. The desperation and intensity of the kiss was like anything I'd ever felt before. My hands dug into his hair as he grabbed a handful of mine and tugged my head back further to where he wanted me. I whimpered feeling desire flow from him and wrap around me. My legs parted on their own, his other hand caressed its way down to my ass before hiking one leg over his waist. I jumped and curved both of them around him, only breaking free from his lips to tilt our heads and latch on with a moan.

We stayed like that for a long time, grabbing and groping. Pulling and needing. When he finally released my mouth, he sucked on my bottom lip and released a hungry groan. He pushed my forehead against his panting, both of us out of breath.

"I missed you Zoe. I missed you baby." He closed his eyes in agony. He looked pained yet so relieved to have me close to him. "You still own me. You always have." My hand released the death grip from his hair and caressed his jaw. My fingers trailed over his kissed lips in awe. My eyes greedily took in every inch of his face trying to commit any new changes to my memory. His eyes fluttered open, and my heart burst with the intensity of it all. I couldn't speak. I held his face in between my hands and just stared at him. I leaned close and brushed my cheeks against his stubble.

"I only ever wanted you. I never wanted to hurt you." I told him, my voice hoarse. "But I did. I hurt you. I am so sorry." Tears seeped out of my eyes.

"I searched for you." He tells me slowly walking towards the bed and sitting down, my legs straddling him. My chest against his like we were one. He wipes away my tears first and then pushes the loose strands of my hair out of the way. "It was my fault, really. You must have felt so alone. I failed as your boyfriend if I couldn't help you when you needed me the most - if the need to run from your fear was the easier option." His thumb brushed my cheek. "I understand baby. I do. And I wish to God that you told me whatever it was that was hurting you. I promised Hunter I'd take care of you. I failed that too." He shook his head in shame. "But most importantly, I loved you with every beat of my heart. You were mine to protect and cherish." He sighed kissing my forehead and then pressing his face against the curve of my neck. I wrapped my arms around his shoulders and held him. I thought I'd never hold him again or ever be held by him. A shaky breath left me.

"Don't let go." Of this. Of us.

His answer was to hold me just a little bit tighter.

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"Mom?" I heard a door creaking open somewhere in the distant. I yawned stretching my limbs but I couldn't move. My eyes opened to find a load of brown shiny hair in my face. Asad was glued to my side, his face resting on my right shoulder while clutching me tightly against him in his sleep. He looked like a little kid afraid to let go just in case I disappear. I didn't blame him for feeling like that. My other child, the real one, pushed the door further open and padded over towards the bed on his tiny feet. "Mommy" He tried to whisper but have you heard a four year old whisper? Asad stirred beside me but he hadn't fully awoken yet. Reed stood staring down at us both in wonder before a small smile crept on his lips satisfied with the sight before him. "Mommy, I'm hungry. Uncle Hunter is still sweepin like a baby. I don't want to wake Daddy so I'm whisper-in. My stomach is going grrr grrr." He rubbed his stomach.

"What is it doing little man?" Asad lifted his head, amused. The morning look really did wonders for him. His husky voice always made my insides stir. We were both still fully clothed from last night, we did not part to even change. We clutched onto one another and fell asleep like that. Asad's hand crawled under my shirt caressing my stomach while he waited for a reply from his son.

"Grrr Grrr." Reed repeated with a pout. Asad chuckled before glancing down at me with concern.

"You feel warm" He removed his hand from my shirt and placed it over my forehead.

"My head is seriously pounding. Just exhausted I guess." I shrugged trying to get up but my body felt so heavy I gave in. "Eurgh. I think I need more sleep." Asad tried not to laugh; he lifted the shirt collar and grimaced. "What?" I slapped his hand away.

"Hey little man, I think your Mommy is turning into a chicken" Asad cracked up grabbing Reed and pulling him onto the bed. My son peered over at me, a frown on his face.

"No daddy, please" He blinked really fast pleading.

"No baby, I'm fine. Just getting really red and spotty like you. It will go soon." I caressed his cheek glaring at Asad. He took my hand and held it to his chest.

"Does that mean I gotta take care of you now?" My son asks me.

"You don't have to munchkin. I will be fine." I smiled.

"But I want to take care of you." He said stubbornly. Asad kissed the top of his head.

"Then we are going to take care of her just like she takes care of everyone else." Asad got off the bed with Reed on his shoulders.
"First things first, breakfast for Mommy and my little man." I watched them with a smile on my face. My heart felt so full seeing them together. Asad placed Reed on his shoulders and ran out of the room.

"Slow down... Daddy" Reed giggled with laughter, "Vroom Vroom!" I could hear him squealing. I rubbed my eyes clear. I felt so emotionally drained but despite being so ill, I had never felt lighter. I prayed with my heart that there were no demons for any of us. Yeah I knew we still hadn't dealt with the old or the fairly new ones. But I wanted to hide in this cocoon my brother and Asad has created for me and my baby. This, I should have done a long time ago. It was okay to lean on them because I knew without a doubt, that, they will cross any lengths to protect what is theirs.

---

ASAD

Hearing the word "Daddy" coming from Reed's lips made me feel ten feet tall. I would climb any mountain to hear that word again and again. I watched my little man make himself comfortable in his chair. He grinned at me digging his spoon into his cereal and then stuffing the spoon into his mouth, the milk spilling all over him.

I still couldn't believe I helped make this little creature. I mean he looked exactly like me when I was just a little boy, heck, he had my eyes and my hair. Having kids was something I never considered, maybe because the only woman that I wanted a family with left me without a word. It's not that I never wanted them, a part deep inside me did. My father was a great man, he raised me and Reed alone after my mother passed away. Seeing Reed, I wanted to be like my father. I wanted to be this little man's father, someone he looks up to and respects. His eyes lock on to mine and the look he gives cripples me. He is looking at me like I've literally f**king hung the moon. If I could love anyone more than the girl sleeping upstairs, it's this little man. He owns half my DNA. He f**king owns me like his mother.

"Can we take care of Mommy now?" He wiped his face with a towel. The mess on the table forgotten. I tilted my head and observed my son. f**k, my son. Still makes my bloody heart pound. My son looked older than his four years. Yes he had his moments when he whined and cried but that was because he was unwell. And what kid didn't harass their mother wanting their comfort? But my son, there was something different about him. And then it hit me. Hard. He had no one else apart from his mother all these years. A mother who worked her ass off to provide for him and care for him alone. They looked out for one another. I vowed right there and then that I would never ever lose them again. I will give them the world; I would cross any motherf**ker who looked their way.

"Yeah bud!" I turned the stove off and plated the omelette which I knew she wouldn't eat. She was the worst patient ever. I poured a glass of juice as well as a mug of strong black coffee. I grabbed a sunflower from the vase sitting idly on the kitchen window. Probably her idea.
"You want to hold the flower for her?"

"Yes!" His face brightened at the thought of him having a job to do. I ruffled his hair and carried the tray upstairs. "Mommy?" Reed peered inside, calling out to her softly. We both stepped inside the room and rounded the bed to find her curled up fast asleep. She had both of her hands tucked under her head, a peaceful expression on her face.

"I think we should let her sleep, what do you think bud?" I placed the tray on the bedside table and stood beside my son who was watching his mother. I admired their bond.

"Mommy never sleeps." He tells me quietly. He crawls up onto the bed and places a soft kiss on her cheek. "Goodnight Mommy. I love you." He whispers before turning around to face me. "I will take care of her laters when she wakes up from sleep. She's very very tired." He jumps off the bed. I don't move a muscle watching him place the flower near her head and then he casually strolls out of the room pulling his pyjama bottoms up scratching his bum.

"Zoya" I whispered sitting on the edge of the bed. Without the little "everything is fine" mask she on most of the time, I saw the exhausted woman who was tired of running. Of being alone. I tried to hate her. I tried to forget her. Every opportunity to do so was a fail. I searched for her when she left me without a word. I thought it was a mistake. A bad nightmare. She told Charlie that she would be heading for Chicago. And I looked for her but she didn't want to be found. I was scared for her. But that fear turned into anger at myself. I was her boyfriend and I failed her. If she ran, then there must have been a reason why. That anger slowly turned into resentment for her. She left me. She didn't trust me. She obviously didn't love me. I resorted to casual f**ks to wash away the pain. To help me forget. But every time I took a woman to bed, it was her face that I saw. She haunted my dreams, she haunted my days. She haunted my every waking moment. I prayed, yes me... I prayed with every beat of my heart for a second chance with her.

After Reed's car crash, I sought out to do everything that he wanted to. I enjoyed Football and dreamt of someday playing in the NFL like my big brother wanted to do. Zoya supported me through every game. Hell, we were glued to each other since the day I found her twelve year old self following her older brother. We both started following our elder brother's around. I only had a year difference between me and Reed. Zoya and Hunter had a three year gap. But the way he used to protect her despite everyone laughing at him for allowing his sister to tag along everywhere remained with me. I wanted to do the same. Both of them haven't had the best of luck with their childhood. Their father was a no show and mother an alcoholic. Their stepfather was a deadbeat too. I went to knock his head in the day she disappeared but he had packed his bags and left town. I had a feeling he was the reason she left. If only she would tell me.
And this stalker she left behind in New York. I couldn't do anything five years ago, but I would protect her with my life this time. I would keep them both safe. I won't give her the chance to leave me again. I wasn't lying when I told her, she has possessed my soul. And I was a lucky f**ker because I owned hers too.

My fingers trailed over her forehead revelling on how beautiful she was. She was always the looker; with her long dark brown her hair that I spent most nights tangled around my hands. Her green eyes were mesmerising, her lips were lush pink. She had this natural aura that made her shine no matter where she was. Her body was curvier now. But there wasn't a single inch that I hadn't familiarised with. But most of all, I loved the ability she had to make you feel cared for and loved when she hasn't had that growing up. She could make me laugh without reason and smile like a damn fool when she wasn't around.

I pecked her nose which made her twitch it slightly. I covered her with the soft duvet and walked out of the room towards mine to shower. I could hear the television on downstairs and Reed singing along to the music. I shook my head in disbelief. I had my own family. As I grabbed a towel out of the cupboard, I thought of my empty home. I designed and built it with Zoya in mind and our future family. Despite my resentment, my heart held onto that tiny little hope that one day this nightmare would be over and we'd create a family together. I would make her my wife and fill the home with our children. Never did I think that it would actually come true. I hated going to that house and most often than not, I used to crash at Hunter's to avoid feeling lonely.

-

"And the moon said to the sun, don't worry I won't stop shining." It has been three weeks since the morning I woke up with Zoya in my arms. And it had been three torturous weeks as she pushed me out of bed every evening. She was a grumpy patient. She wanted to cuddle but then she'd feel agitated. She kicked me out of the room one day when the chicken pox attacked her full force; her whole body had been covered in spots, her face not so much. She warned me not to look at her but how could I not? I wanted to spend every moment memorising her every movement, every sound. Every second of her beautiful picture feeds my soul.

Both me and Hunter stopped near the doorway to the living room watching Zoya with her legs wide open on the sofa with Reed tucked between the V of her legs as they both went through the pages of the book. My eyes trailed over her hair which was plaited to one side, her white top falling over her shoulder revealing some of the marks on her body. She had on a pair of pink pyjama shorts putting her long tanned legs on display making me crave her. And then my little man leaning against his mother's chest following the story. That is the sight I wanted to come home to every night. And I'm going to make that sight permanent for myself. Soon. I promise.

"She's a natural." Hunter commented watching his sister. For someone who's never had a real mother or idea of what a mother should look like. He wanted to add but didn't.

"She had you man. She had you to protect her and love her."

"f**k lot of good I did!" He muttered. "I left her behind like a coward. Someone was preying on her and I left her. Why else would she disappear like that? Man, I thought I'd come back to you two playing happily family." He snorted, obviously remembering how he should have punched me in the face for touching his sister. "I thought she'd never forgive me."

"She could never hold a grudge against anyone." I mock grimaced. I ignored everything else he said. I had a better now. I had her. I had our son.

"The le phant" Reed struggled with saying elephant, "said to the ant, I won't st-o-mp on you if you do not bite me." He gave his mother a toothy grin finishing his sentence. Zoya kissed his head and turned the page.

"And then" She felt our presence and lifted her head to find us both listening to her story carefully. Her lips curved up into a smile. Reed followed her gaze and jumped off the sofa with excitement. The little man ran as fast lightening jumping into the air knowing his father would catch him and I did. "Daddy!" He kissed my cheek. I smothered one in return.

"You guys hungry?" Zoya hugged Hunter tightly and he kissed the top of her head. He was acting slightly weird today. I needed to talk to him. He had asked one of his military buddies to look into the name Zoya gave us. He also put him on the town's sheriff's list to notify us if he passes by. But I had a feeling it wasn't the man Zoya was meant to go on a date with. The stalker was someone else entirely.

"Starving." Hunter rubbed his stomach sniffing the air. Go figure. Giant's always hungry.

"Shall we order something?" I asked but I knew her reply. Because I could smell it.

"I cooked" She beamed. And my heart kicked itself.

"Why?" I frowned walking over towards her.

"Who said I needed a reason to cook?" She raised her eyebrow throwing all that sass at me.

"You're not meant to cook when you're unwell." I told her off. She narrowed her eyes.

"I am fine. Chicken pox aint got nothing on me." She flicked her braid over her shoulder sashaying into the kitchen. I stood there, drooling. If there wasn't an audience, I would have showed her how much I liked her sass over the kitchen counter.

"So" Hunter cleared his throat, Zoya spoon-fed Reed glancing over her shoulder at her brother. But his eyes were pinned on me. His expression blank, both of his hands interlaced in front of him. I swallowed the piece of chicken in my mouth, narrowing my eyes. Zoya cut into her chicken, the only noise in the room apart from Reed speaking to himself and the dinosaur in his hand.

"What?" Zoya asked distractedly not hearing Hunter finish his sentence.

"Are you going to make an honest woman out of my sister?" He asks bluntly. Zoya spits the juice she drank across the table, right at me before closing her hand over her mouth in shock.

"What the heck Hunter?" Zoya recovered from her shock. I grabbed a napkin and wiped my face with it, not fazed by her reaction or his question.

"You think my sister deserves to be treated like one of those women?" He continued while Zoya threw death glares at him. I didn't react. I knew my friend. I knew my brother.

"She's special." I tell him with every ounce of honesty within me.

"Hunter..." Zoya started but he didn't stop. His laser eyes remained focused on my face, his expression serious.

"So what are you going to do?" He asks me. Any other guy, I would have punched his face. But with Hunter, I reply calmly.

"What do you want me to do?" I wanted to shout that I wanted marry her and claim her for good. I watched Zoya struggle on the other side.

"I want-"

"Stop it both of you!" Zoya finally snapped, Reed stopped playing and looked up to find his mother in distress. I didn't like it at all. She pushed her chair away from the table making it go flying back; Reed flicked his gaze between all of us. "Hunter, if you need us to leave then say so. But stop f**king throwing me at him. Stop these games" She tried to walk away from the table. Heck if I was going to let her. I pushed away from the chair with ease and then rounded the table in a flash to grab hold of her shoulder and spin her to face me. She was breathing heavily, her panicked gaze met mine. My heart tore at the broken state of her. She was struggling with something deep within her. Help me help you baby. I held her face in between my hands, my thumb brushed over her cheeks.

"Hunter is a dick" I whisper so our son doesn't hear, I kiss her forehead. She struggles to control her breathing. "Marry me." The words flow from me. "You deserve flowers and sweet words, but then you are my Zoya. You always preferred to be blunt and honest. Hunter did me a favour, I was waiting for perfect timing. You don't wait for time baby; we gotta make it perfect for us. So in front of our son and the d-bag that's sitting over there who we love so much, I'm asking you to be mine. I'm asking you to give me the family I dreamt of since the minute I laid my eyes on you. My ploy was always to make you become my best friend and then make you fall in love with me." Hunter pretended to barf, "I have been waiting five goddamn years to ask you this. I have been praying and hoping that one day, you'd come back to me. That you'd give us a second chance, then a third and a fourth. I want to be your every chance. I want to give you the whole goddamn world. I want to love and cherish you. I want me, you and Reed to be a family. We can include Hunter if you want." I added gently not removing my eyes off her. She had tears streaming from her eyes. I stepped closer to her, rubbing my nose against hers. "Please say yes baby. Please." I plead desperately.

"Yes." She answers pressing her lips against mine, her hands wrap around my neck pulling me against her. I growl slipping my hand around her waist to anchor her against me.

"Oh god. Close your eyes bud." I distinctively hear them both leaving the room with Reed shouting eww. But I don't listen; I brush my tongue over her lips feeding off her taste slowly getting drunk. Wanting more of her, I force my tongue into her mouth and she parts it with a moan. My sweet girl. I part her legs with my knee and lift her up against me. Her legs wrap around me tightly while I devour her mouth, our tongues tangled, lips meshed and our bodies melted into each other.

I am going to marry this sweet girl. She was always mine. She used to call me a caveman. I was. I am. She's mine to love, mine to protect, mine to cherish. Anyone threatening that will not know what's hit them. I have gotten a second chance and I will fight like hell to honour it.

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"Uncle Hunter, Uncle Hunter" We heard the excited but frantic calls by Reed from a mile away. Hunter looked up from the paperwork and smiled widely. I was still annoyed at him for ruining my perfect proposal but I was grateful for him giving me the opportunity to do it sooner rather than later. A few days after the proposal, I put a giant rock on her finger. She fought me a losing battle on that one. I took her to see our home. Her reaction was not one I was expecting. She broke down, completely. I offered to build her a new one but it will take slightly longer. She dared me to before kissing the life out of me. I can't wait to marry her and bring them both home. Our home. That didn't mean that I was going to leave her where she was. We were getting married and then moving out of Hunter's together. To hell with what he thinks.

"I didn't know they were coming here" I said getting up from my chair when the door flew open and my little man came barrelling inside with Zoya following closely behind. I took a moment to appreciate my fianc looking all sexy in a white sundress and sandals. Her hair was flowing over her shoulders, her lips stained red. My heart stalled and then kick-started itself again. The woman never fails to knock me off my feet.

"Hey bud" Hunter lifted him into the air and kissed his forehead. "You came to spend some time with me huh?" Zoya came further into the room.

"Sorry, I didn't know if you guys would be busy. I needed to do a bit of shopping and was wondering if you can keep him here for an hour. He's been bugging me to take him to you both" She looked apologetic. I stalked over to her wrapping my arm around her waist and kissing her temple.

"That's cool with us baby. Don't worry." I ruffled Reed's hair with my free hand.

"Er, guys. Have you heard anything from... you know." Zoya asked cautiously. My hand on her waist tightened slightly; if she felt it then she didn't say anything.

"Don't worry about anything." Hunter stated firmly, his jaw clenching together.

"Oh lookie a family reunion." An almost drunk voice came from the door. But what alarmed me the most was Zoya, she went still as a statue and almost cold. My eyes scanned over the side of her face, she looked pale as a ghost. I glanced over her shoulder to find a skinny man, a long unkempt beard but it was his dark eyes that I recognised; James. "How are you doing son?" He staggered inside, his hand holding a bottle of beer.

"What are you doing here?" Hunter barked, holding tightly onto Reed.

"I came to get my right boy. I was told business is doing well. You owe me" His tongue went over his lips. His eyes fell on Reed and then Zoya, for a fraction of a second his eyes turned wide in alarm.
"Is that my grandson?" James' eyed Reed again. Zoya started shivering pushing her back against me. Her frantic eyes looked everywhere but at James. "Zoya darling, you came back" James' hand went towards his jeans to pull it up but Zoya moved to push me in front of her. "Why are you hiding dear? I'm your father." He smiled wickedly. Zoya's hand fisted the back of my shirt in a death grip.

"Tell him to go please." She begged in a whisper, "Please."

"Get the f**k out of here James." Hunter warned, "You're just a loser our no good mother married." He placed Reed on my chair before stepping forward with a menacing growl. "You want me to kick you out myself?" He grabbed hold of his shirt and pushed him backwards. James looked like a tiny kid in front of Hunter's large frame.

"You good for nothing children. I did so much for you all" He tried to swing his bottle at Hunter.

"You did jack all" Hunter pushed him out of the room; he stumbled back before his eyes landed on my woman who was hiding behind me. An evil smile spread over his face.

"I did a lot for you Zoya. Didn't I? I was good to you." He licked his lips sniggering. He looked like an addict trying to get his next fix.

"Mommy?" Reed called out to his mother. Hunter yelled for Gareth and had him removed. I slowly turned to face Zoya but she stumbled back in a daze before her empty eyes met mine.

"Zoe?" I put my hand forward but she reared back in fear. Something crushed inside of me. Hunter rushed forward but she cowered against the wall curling into a small ball shaking her head.

"I won't tell anyone. I promise... just don't hurt Mom" Zoya was gone into a dark place. I prayed she would let me go there with her so that I could pull her out.

"Mommy?" Reed called again, this time hesitantly.

"Don't touch me please? I won't tell anyone about you. Don't hurt her. Please don't hurt her." She begged. I crawled onto my knees carefully. James. The bas***d. What has he done to my sweet girl? Is this why she was always reluctant to go home? After Hunter left, she was slightly distant. She was reluctant to go but she used to go home to check on her mom. I hated leaving her when I was away on games. After her mother's death, she stayed with me that full week before she disappeared. Why have I never noticed that there was something wrong? Was I that f**ked up to not notice that my girl was going through rough shit?

"Baby?" I called her softly; she had her forehead on her knees crying softly. "It's me Asad. I won't touch you. I won't hurt you. Look here." I'm surprised my voice sounded so calm because my insides were shaking with rage. She lifted her head slowly, her eyes red. Her eyes flicked to my hand as I held it out to her. She stared at it longingly, various emotions flashing on her face. She grabbed it suddenly and launched her body into my arms. I held her tightly as she sobbed into my neck.
"Grab that son of a bitch!" I ordered over her loud sobs. I heard Hunter take Reed to another room and then bark something at his workers. He came back and paced in the room. He was itching to hold her or avenge her. He cursed up and down the room.

"I saw him do things. He made me do things" She tells me in between her sobs, her face hidden in my chest.

ZOYA

"My stepdaughter everyone!" I froze entering the living room. My eyes went over my stepfather and his friends. A fear like I've never known shot through my soul. It was like someone had ripped my shield of protection when Hunter left to join the military. He has never done this in our home before. Not when Hunter was around. Not for a while after Hunter left until my shitty mother fell ill. Until now. They were all sniffing coke and drinking all sorts. My eyes took in the perverted men in one gaze before I backed out of the room and ran upstairs into my room.

"Hey little girl" I heard them yell for me. But I held my hand over my ears and crawled into bed fully clothed. I prayed for Asad to come home and take me away. I hated it when he was away on games and I couldn't join him. I had nowhere else to go, he was my safety net. I was a poor trashy girl who had no one but a brother who had abandoned her. Asad made me feel good, he made feel like I was worth something.

I don't know what time it was when I heard the creak of my door opening. I closed my eyes shut tightly. Please God no.

"Hey there beautiful" His slimy fingers went over my face, when it went down to my neck my eyes snapped open. I crawled away from him and fell off the bed.

"What the hell are you doing?" I held my hand over my chest protectively.

"What do you mean you little wh**e, don't act innocent. You want it don't you?" He rounded the bed. "You have been teasing me for years." He bent down to breathe into my face. I held my breath, disgusted. He grabbed a fistful of my hair, "But you know what, I won't give it to you you dirty little bitch." He sneered touching his junk with his other hand. "You don't think I see you with your boyfriend. You think I don't see the way you flaunt your sexy little body at him. He will drop you like the trash you are once he is done with you. He is going to play in the NFL's, you think he'd want to be seen with a little poor thing like you. He will leave and then you will come begging for me." I stared into his delusional eyes, has he f**king lost it? I whimpered when he pulled at my hair. "You mention a word of what you saw downstairs, I will give it to you rough and hard after I torture your sick mother in the other room. You get me bitch? You go anywhere without telling me, I will punish her." His nasty breath made my skin crawl. He let go of my head and it hit the wall, hard.

His taunts didn't stop there. He made me serve his buddies when they partied but when I could, I hid away in Asad's arms in fear of what would be waiting for me at home. My no good mother, no matter how bad she was, she was the woman that gave me birth. Maybe it was wishful thinking, I always had hope that she would come around one day. 18 and a half years later, I am still praying. It's been two and half years since Hunter left. It's been six months since my mother fell ill. And I am holding on.

I questioned my worth every day. I debated telling Asad. I debated calling the police. But then my sick mother would call to me. Asad's growing dream makes me wake up. They say hope is the only thing that can stop you from falling into complete darkness. What happens when you have no hope? When you can't think of an escape? You drown.

I tried every single day to supress those memories. I have grown a backbone since then. I have learnt to fight. I have learnt to be happy. I pull away from a stone cold Asad and find Hunter's murderous figure looming over me. I could hear them trying to control their breathing. Hunter mentioned how important it was in the military to always be in control. But these two men, my shields were far from their own control. They looked like they were ready to set the world on fire. But I continued to give them a glimpse of the past I tried so hard to leave behind.

It was my nineteenth birthday two weeks ago. It has been 3 years and two weeks since my brother left me. It has been a week since my mother passed away.

I continuously looked over my shoulder filling up a bag with my things. I have been staying at Asad's all week. I decided to leave this shithole and crash with Asad until I could figure things out. I needed to tell him everything. My mind was making so much noise, it wasn't until I heard the click of a door that I realised someone else was in the room.

"Where do you think you're sneaking to?" He threw his empty bottle on the floor. I didn't move my eyes off him.

"I'm moving in with Asad." I replied calmly.

"Do you think he will want a filthy girl like you?" He stepped closer, his eyes were so dark. He unbuckled his belt while nearing me. I stood my ground. "You're trash just like your mother. You and your no good brother. He will forget you just the way your own brother did. He won't take you into the limelight with him..." He continued to move closer to me. My eyes searched for something to grab onto. He tried to get hold of my top but I moved away only for him to snag the back of my hair and pull me back. I went flying off to the side of my bed. I remembered the nights he would torture me with his words while I helplessly allowed him to pray on my weak mind. While I feared for my mother's safety. While I feared that he would ruin Asad's career. While I feared he would one day, act on his words and violate me physically. Something snapped free on the day my mother died. I was free. I didn't have to worry. He removed his belt and opened his pants kicking my legs apart. I winced from the fall. My hands went over my brother's weights while he tried to come on top of me. I lifted it with all the strength I could muster and hit it against his head making him fall to the other side. I scrambled my way towards my bag. And I ran. Away from him. Away from this hell. Away from my childhood. Away from the memories of my alcoholic mother. Away from the place that my brother abandoned me. Away from the one good thing in my life in the hope his future would look more promising without me in it.

I hugged my knees with my arms while I rocked back and forth. There. They knew. They knew how weak I had been. They knew what I did to stop him from hurting my sick mother. A mother who had never once in her life cared for us. But I held on to the woman that gave birth to us. I didn't want anyone to hurt her because of my actions. She was an alcoholic and was wasting away, she may have gone beyond saving point but to me, she was breathing and that meant she was alive. As horrifying as it sounds but she gave me a gift before she left. Her death was a gift to me. It gave me my freedom. Me and Hunter were holding on to that woman because we shared her DNA. She had this invisible rope attached to us that didn't allow us to break free from her, from the harsh words of the town looking at us like we were trash. But the rest of what I went through was my fault. I realised that. I had been weak. I let him manipulate me. I hid everything from everyone. I was ashamed.

"Motherf**ker" Hunter punched the wall with a roar. I didn't flinch. But it was Asad's deathly calm that forced me to meet his eyes.

"This was all my fault." Asad's pained filled voice made me shake my head. But in his eyes, I read the hurt I caused him by hiding all of this. He must have been remembering the times we made love when I was going through all of this. He didn't understand that those moments were what I cherished.

"I was weak. It's my own fault." I whispered. Hunter dropped onto his knees in front of me and then held my face. The gentle way he did this made my heart cry.

"It wasn't your fault little bug. You hear me. He preyed on you. It was his fault. You're my strong girl. You're my innocent sweet girl. I failed you. I left you behind with that bas***d. I should have known better." He kissed my forehead. "I've got my men on it; we are going to punish this asshole for what he did." He wrapped his hands around my shoulders pulling me to his chest. Just like he used to when we were younger. I nodded against his chest. He was a giant who was my hero; soft teddy, brother, mother, friend, protector all wrapped in one.

"You were coming to me..." Asad's voice made us break free and look over at him. He was sat back, his hands on his knees watching us both. I crawled over towards him spreading his knees open and placing myself in between the V of his legs. My hands wrapped around the nape of his neck and then I placed my head against his chest.

"I love you." I closed my eyes.

ASAD

"What's wrong Hunter?" I opened the front door only for him push past me into the house. Me and Zoya were getting married in two weeks and I had come here to set up the place. My son needed his bedroom done. I wanted to make sure my little family had everything they could wish for. The last month has been difficult in terms of walking through our past and healing each other. Zoya had gone through an ordeal and still blamed herself for being weak. But she wasn't. My strong girl - she was fierce and had fight within her. Maybe that's why we are here today. Because she fought and overcame it all. She was a wonderful mother, a loving fiance and a caring sister. And now she was going to be a designer. She was opening her own boutique and starting life afresh without fear, without the burden of her past. I get to make her my wife soon.

Glancing over at my friend, I didn't think he came here for a friendly chat or to help me with building his nephew's new play den.

"What's up?"

"I have some new intel. I don't think it was the asshole she declined to go on a date with. There is nothing suspicious on him. Do you know who this guy is?" Hunter threw the folder at me. I caught it and flipped through it in one glance. There was a blurry picture of a man that seemed familiar.

"He seems quite familiar. I can't place him though. Why?"

"I think that's the f**ker following her. He used to be a cop until they kicked him out for being aggressive. I can't find the link though." Hunter pressed his forehead in frustration.

"We need to talk to her." I bit out.

"You know how she gets when she talks about her stalker. She has been through enough." I knew and I didn't like it either. I stared at the picture again.

"Give me a pen man." I held my hand out, Hunter checked his pockets and shrugged. I sighed before rummaging through the kitchen drawers and grabbing a pencil. I then drew circles around the guy's eyes and then held it in front of me. "f**k me. I remember this guy." I shook my head in disbelief. "You sure he got kicked out for being abusive?"

"Yeah man. Who is it?"

"It's that geeky little kid that used to sniff around Zoya in high school. He wasn't there for long. I can't remember his name but he used to give me those weird looks like he would have laser beamed my ass with his eyes" I laughed but then grew serious. "You think he's after her?"

"He must have been into her." He shrugged, "He's changed from the way he used to look in high school." He removed his phone. "I'm going to call Zoe bug." The endearment when he speaks Zoya's name always outweighs his rage. He would never say her name in anger. I loved the guy for loving my girl the way he does. He held the phone to his ear and takes the picture from me.
"Hey little bug, I'm just going to put you on loud speaker." He holds it in front of me.

"Hey baby" I smile.

"Hi guys." She replies quietly, our eyes clash at the tone of her voice. "You guys need anything?"

"I" I move my hand in front of my neck in a gesture to tell him to stop. "You okay?" He asks instead.

"Yeah. You guys stay away. Me and Reed are just going to spend some quality time together." I hear the tremor in her voice. "We might take the car and go see the lake." She adds forcefully, every one of my instincts go off inside me. We both rush for the door and get inside the car. I drive while he continues to talk to her. "I uh, I love you" She says, yes she loves her brother but that was not for him. It was for me.

"I love you too sis." Hunter places the phone between us and removes the glock from his holster. I forget that the man is ex- military. I tightened my hands over the steering wheel driving as fast as I could. My insides were burning but I was calm. I don't know why because my mind was racing. Maybe I knew that I would never let anything happen to them. Maybe thinking of a reality without them hurts too much. We both jump out of the car before it even stops scanning the house for a break in. We both walk around the outside of the house.

"Mommy" I heard Reed's cries.

"Move!" I heard the bas***d's voice.

"Shhh, it's okay baby!" Zoya soothed him. "Calm down will you, I said we're coming. You're scaring him." She says bravely. I hide behind the bushes while the guy in the black holds his gun at Zoya with one hand and kicks the wooden gates with his foot to fit them through it.

"Send the kid through first." He shakes his gun.

"Saf, he's a child."

"You should have thought of that when you ran from New York. When you took him from me." He spits angrily.

"Took him from you? He's not your child!" Zoya snaps which was a mistake because he pins the gun to her forehead moving his face closer to her.

"He would have been if you didn't sleep with that f**ker!!!!!!!!!"

"You are crazy!" Zoya whispers stepping back cradling Reed's head against her stomach.

"You moved away from him. You left him for me. You even accepted a date with me. But why did you have to stop seeing me." He looked like he was going to cry wiping his face with one hand. "I even helped you punish James. I called the f**ker into town."

"Don't tell me you went crazy for me after one date?" She asks in disbelief. "I didn't even know you before that."

"Haha. I knew you wouldn't recognise me."

"Recognise you?"

"You always ignored me because of Asad. He was the footballer and I was a geek. Of course. I should have shot him in the head. Maybe then you'd think of me and our little family." The creep stares at the back of my son's head.

"What the heck? Safwan? Safwan from high school?" She blinks a few times. Yeah baby, I didn't recognise him at first either. I move slowly towards them hiding behind the bushes, I meet Hunter's eyes across the yard. He nods.

"Let them both go Safwan." I come out of my hiding place. Both of their heads turn towards me in unison. And then everything happens really fast but it still feels like a slow motion movie. Safwan's gun spins towards me. I heard shots being fired but it was Zoya's beautiful face in front of me that kept me grounded. I didn't know how but one second his gun points at me but she blocks my view. It takes me a few minutes to recover and realise that she was falling forward. I catch her limp body and stare at her smiling face. Her eyes flutter open but my breathing stops.

"Damn, I really wanted my second chance with you baby." She touches my warm cheeks and slowly closes her eyes.

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I hated funerals and just the whole mourning thing. But I needed to be here. I needed to be supportive.

"She was a wonderful woman." I hear someone say. Half of this town hated her so I don't know why they turned up to show fake sympathy. I placed the glass of white wine on the piano top before moving my way towards my fussy son. He looks up from his grandfather's lap.

"Daddy, I hate my suit. It's too tight." And it was probably true, my big growing boy. "And I need a wee very bad." He crosses and uncrosses his legs. I kneel on the floor and release his tie. I then take off his waistcoat and loosen some of the buttons on his shirt.

"How do you feel now little man?" I ruffle his hair. He smiles at me.

"Thanks daddy." He kisses my cheek. My girl taught him manners. He was a wonderful kid. My eyes scan the room full of people before it lands on Hunter shamelessly flirting with Karl's sister. Karl was one of the guys managing HRA Mechanics. I released Reed who went running up the stairs as fast he could without tripping over his feet. But he has mastered the stairs of our home so I wasn't worried.

"How are you doing son?" My dad asks me.

"It's been a tough week." I replied. My father understood. Without his support, the last five years would have been difficult. When Zoya disappeared, it was him that guided me and helped me to carry on with my life. When NFL wasn't a dream anymore, he told me to go find new dreams. Because dreams were free. I'd have to do the work to make it a reality. I would forever be grateful for his support and because of him, I am here today. Literally. This home was my dream. I scramble to my feet hearing my son's insistent calls. My heart panics. I rush towards the stairs finding him literally flying off them and into my arms. I hold him against me trying to calm my beating heart. The thought of anything happening to him tears me apart. I put him down on his feet.

"What's wrong?" I ask caressing his face. He tries to catch his breath. The whole room has fallen silent waiting for his answer.

"Mom" He pants, "Mommy..." He breaks off.

"What's wrong with Mommy?" I almost have another panic attack but I see my wife rushing down the stairs, her face flushed.

"We need to take Mommy to the ospital. She's preg-nant. Dad, I swear Mommy has pregnant. She was sick and everything. I asked her what was wrong and she says that. Please." My five year old stuns me to silence. I blink at him before raising my head to find my blushing wife come stand behind him. Her eyes wander around the room before landing on me.

"Wooop!" My stupid brother in law hollers in the background in the silent room. Zoya bites her lip to stop the smile from breaking free.

"It's not confirmed yet guys." She shrugs her shoulders before glancing over at Charlie apologetically. It was his mother's death gathering at our home after all. I pull her against me and plant a chaste kiss on her lips.

"But there could be a mini you in there" I place my hand over her stomach, she hides her face in between my jacket.

"Can we all please talk so that we can pretend we aren't listening to them talk?" Hunter laughs. My brother in law, the joker. "Reed, buddy. Let me explain what being pregnant means."

"Hunter!" Me and Zoya both warn.

"No faith!" He says dramatically scooping Reed onto his shoulders and takes him outside in to the back garden. My father winks at me across the room.

"If there isn't a baby in there, I'm going to work extra hard tonight to make sure there is one." I whisper into her ears. She coughs a laugh turning bright red. I tuck strands of her hair behind her ears and kiss her forehead. "Let's make sure this one is a girl."

"We can't make that happen. It could be a girl OR a boy" She tells me, my innocent wife. I had a dirty come back for her comment but she would have a fit in the middle of the living room. She loved my dirty talk in the bedroom but even then, she blushed furiously. I was absolutely shattered this week from the busy hours at work but having her in my arms eased all stress.

"I don't think I told you how beautiful you look today." I caress her jaw. She tilts her head and flutters her delicate eyelashes at me. A serene expression on her face. I pray for that look every day. "And I love you."

"I love you too handsome." She grins before slowly laughing until she was hysterical. "Damn your caring son. I haven't even done the test yet." She pouts looking all adorable and shit. My heart couldn't stand it.

"Let's go and do the test now. I'm sure I saw a stack of them a few weeks back."

"Where?" She frowns. She's so cute.

"I'll tell you where" I guide her up the stairs.

"Oh my God, you were intending to get me pregnant for a while weren't you?" She gasps like it's even a surprise.

"You're so cute baby."

"Mom, please calm down" Reed hugs her while looking around awkwardly. Even I would do the same thing if my hysterical mother was making a scene at the airport.

"Mom?" She cries, "What about Mommy? You are going to forget me just like that" She clutches onto him tightly. Reed helplessly looks towards me for help.

"Dad, please." He mouths.

"Honey, let him go. He's going to miss his flight." I pry my wife away from my son. She dramatically wipes her tears.

"You call me, you hear" She tells him. Reed nods solemnly before planting a quick kiss on her forehead and giving me a side hug. I pat his back. I was damn proud of him. He has grown really fast and now going off to University. He's going to make his dreams a reality. He turns and waves at us last minute, for a split second his expression falters seeing his mother's upset state. I give him a reassuring smile hugging Zoya close to me. He nods and turns into the terminal.
"What am I going to do now? My child has gone so far" She stares into the distant. I guide us both towards the exit.

"Why are you worried honey? You have three more to nurture at home until they go off. Well, one of them isn't going to leave us until she's 40. We'll be fine." She pauses and places her hand on her hips giving me the death glare.

"Now now you Mr need to stop being such a caveman. If Maya wants to go away to a University far away then she can. If she wants a boyfriend, she can have one." Maya was the youngest of our children, our only girl.

"Okay honey." Over my dead body. Yeah she can go university, I aint holding her back. There's just going to be a shitload of security around her in the form of Hunter's military buddies. With all the f**kboys around, my princess needs all the protection she can get. My little girl was beautiful just like her mother; I can only imagine what I'm going to face in the coming years when she turns into a teenager. But we will deal with that when it comes to it.

For now, we were going to enjoy every moment together. Our second chance would last our lifetime.

XOXO

Currently writing (just in case you wanted hints - as soon as my fever goes): Owned (A Dark Mafia Love story - yes a love story. What's a story without romance? Even bad guys need some love)

Mine (Ghost's story from Something Fierce. Asad as Ghost of course)

take care of urself dear..n get well soon
=============
res mine

res for all

arpu
dillu
ashi
addu
anchal
somu
tehs

n all readers

Originally posted by: shweta_yadav

take care of urself dear..n get well soon
=============
res mine

res for all

arpu
dillu
ashi
addu
anchal
addu
tehs

n all readers

Thanks Sweetu 🤗

Awesome as always...!!!👏

Originally posted by: shweta_yadav

take care of urself dear..n get well soon
=============
res mine

res for all

arpu
dillu
ashi
addu
anchal
somu
tehs

n all readers

😃

Awesome OS

Res 😊
****
Unres
👏
Awesome buddy...!!
Loved Zoya n Reed's love n connection...!!...beautifully written... ❤️
I liked Hunter's character...a good person , a good friend , a good uncle n above all a n awesome brother..!! 😊
Asad's character is strong yet soft...!! 😊
Zoya suffered soo much but atlast she got all that she deserved and which was rightfully hers... 😊
Hunter n Zoya's parents were the worstest..!! 😡
And the stalker was their claasmate... 😲
At one point you made me believe that Zoya got shot n is no more...but what a twist buddy... 👏
And the end was...mind blowing..!!
Asya got married... 😳
I loved Asad's possesive behaviour towards his only daughter...!!
Loved n enjoyed it thoroughly..!!!
Thanks for the pm n keep these pisces coming...!! 😊
Loads of Love n 🤗
Nik

BEAUTIFUL STORY DEAR ...!!!
VERY WELL WRITTEN ...!!!
LOVED ZOYA'S N REED'S BOND ... THEY ARE SOOO CUTE TOGETHER ...!!!
AND LITTLE REED ... HE IS SUCH AN ADORABLE BABY ...!!!
ON THE WHOLE , LOVED IT SOOO SOOO SOOO MUCH ...!!!

WAITING FOR THE OTHER STORIES ...