"Wasn't that the definition of home? not where you are from, but where you are wanted.

But, what if...what if you're no longer wanted anymore?"

*************

Nikolas's POV

My eyes were only on her, studying her expression, her body language, and embracing myself for the worst. She blinked, the shock wrapped up with the bitter realization as she gazed at him, her lips parted, out of words, and in a span of a second only, all of that faded away and was replaced with utter disbelief and anger.

"Natalie," Ronald breathed out, still very much in shock to make sense of the situation.

His voice fired her up more, the blue of her eyes darkened, the bag in her hand fell to the floor as she angrily marched forward and without uttering a single word, her hand went and harshly collided with his face, the slap resonating with an echo into the silent house. My eyes slightly grew wider, not expecting this much hostility from her side. Alex's mouth dropped open, "What the-," He mumbled, gaping at the scene that played ahead of us, so unaware of the facts behind it.

Natalie didn't say a thing, but she was panting, her rage sucking all the oxygen away from her lungs and I wanted nothing more than to step forward and take her away from here, away from him, shield her from the truth that is her family and whatever connection they have to my messed up life.

A stuttered breath tore up her throat, her rage eluding her of any control as she brought her hands and fisted them over his shirt, "You..." She grated out, and her lower lip trembled, giving me more reasons to just kill him already, "You..." She couldn't form words, her anger so much more intense than her pain as a soft groan parted her lips and she punched his chest with her small fist, trying to push him away as she drank into the feedback of his presence.

I moved forward, unable to witness her get hurt over this more, my hand going to her arm and gently pulling her away from him and into my embrace. Ronald's eyes flickered from her to my hold over her arm and his jaw ticked, understanding as his wild eyes shot to mine, "You son of a bitch," He grated out through clenched teeth before he marched forward, his hand going around Natalie's arm and harshly pulled her away from me before he grabbed at the lapels of my jacket and pushed me backward into the wall.

I stopped his lame attempt, my fingers squeezing at his flesh as I removed them away from over me; he is really making me lose my patience now, "What the hell do you think you are doing, Nikolas?" He snapped, his voice bellowed, slamming into the four walls, the white of his eyes was practically red with all of his anger, the nerves over his neck popping out due to his exasperation for what happened first with Nathan and now with Natalie, "What do you want from her?!"

With my tight grip over his wrists, I twisted them down, wanting him to feel whatever pain he made her feel multiplied by a thousand. My other hand went to his collar, pulling him closer, "The only reason you are alive still is her," I hissed in his face, my nose almost touching his as I warned him one last time, "Don't make me change that now."

Bewildered by everything, he was past making sense of anything, a loud groan rumbled from his chest and he used all of his power, every trick he learned at the HEX as he bent down, slamming me in the stomach with his shoulder, furiously pushing me away, gaining that step over me and breaking free before he pulled his gun out, aiming and firing without thinking twice.

Even when he was trained for years on how to do this, on how to get himself out of these situations as the winner. Even when I wasn't trained like them by professionals, even when I am the one who taught myself what I know, I was still better than them, still faster, my brain operated more rapidly than theirs. My reflexes, the one controlled by the instinct to defend and survive in a world like this, they expected him to make such a dirty move, and the second he was about to fire, my hand circled over his arm, twisting it away making the bullet hit the wall, one millimeter away from my head only.

The anger rushed to my chest in loads at his action, at his audacity to aim a gun at me yet again and I kicked him so hard, the push had the gun scattering to the floor and I moved forward, a man on a mission as I pulled him up, my fist instantly colliding with his jaw, wanting to break it as I let go of my frustration over him. I slammed my fist into his face again, the skin breaking apart, the blood spurring forward and dripping down, tainting both of our skins.

I didn't stop. I didn't want to. Red veiled my side...anger, so much anger because he left her, all alone, young, and hurt. He just left her to follow Isaac and whatever messed up plan he had in mind at the time. Anger, because he keeps cooking up plans behind my back, he keeps trespassing his limit, forgetting who he is and who I am.

I wrapped my fingers over the back of his hair, my other hand going to his wrists, pulling them to his back as I slammed his body against the wall. With my tight grip over his hair, I pushed his head forward into the wall, twitching to smash it and just get rid of him once and for all.

The only thing that stopped me was the soft fingers reaching for my arm from the back, "Stop," Her choked voice had me whirl my head around, my gaze falling onto the tears uncontrollably spilling down her face. They shook me back in, I immediately let him go and backed away.

Her fingers tightened more over the sleeves of my jacket, so scared, so confused, unaware, unable to comprehend what's happening, flailing to stand still on safe grounds, terrified to even understand. Her tight touch screamed that she needed me, and I didn't need more than that as I moved to her, my arm going around her small body, pulling her to my side, engulfing her, and the need to keep her tucked far away from all of this only intensified.

She was too innocent for this, and after bringing her into a life like mine, I am the one responsible to protect this innocence at all costs.

The side of her head pressed into my chest, her hand clutching into me and I lowered my head, pressing my lips over her hair, and pulling her even closer, her pain doing things to my chest that didn't make much sense to me now and I decided to think and analyze them later.

My gaze went to Ronald as he wiped the blood from over his mouth, from over the mess I did and he looked at her, his eyes flickering to my arm around her, then to my face, unable to comprehend the thought of her and me together yet.

"What do you want from my family?" He grated out, his voice lower, so tired and on the verge of breaking over.

He thinks that Natalie is just another plan, that I would...hurt her. No, just no, I know it deep down in my bones that she will be the last person I'd ever want or even think of hurting.

"I am not your family," Natalie was the one to answer. She didn't even look at his side as she talked, the words tumbled from her mouth as a whisper as she snuggled closer into my body, not ready to let go yet.

Ronald's gaze fell on her, the look in his eyes was of pure puzzlement and...hurt, "Nate," He started to say but before he could say more, she tugged at my shirt and I looked down at her as she requested, "Make him leave, please."

I nodded, my gaze going to him, "Get out," I grated out, ready to beat him up again if he as much dares to defy me this time.

His eyes didn't leave her, his throat bobbed heavily before he leaned down and picked up his gun. He walked forward toward me, his bloodshot unconquerable eyes on mine, "This is not over, Nikolas," He said, his tone neutral but the look in his eyes giving a hundred different promises, "You will pay for all of this."

With that, he moved away, his shoulder brushing mine before he stormed off.

"Okay, can someone explain to me what the hell just happened?" Alex said, grabbing my attention to him as he stood across from us, arms crossed, his eyes suspiciously moving from me to Natalie then to the door that led Ronald out.

"How do you know Ronald?" He added, his eyes on Natalie, the confusion radiating off him in waves.

"He is her brother," I mumbled on her behalf and Alex's eyes grew wide, "What?" He mumbled in shock, his eyes on the tensed-up Natalie in my arms, "Holy hell-" He mumbled, "So, she is..." He started to say, thinking something through and his eyes widened more in realization as he tried to connect all the dots together.

"Oh wow," He mumbled under his breath, "I didn't know I am that good," He added, probably addressing how he is the one who forced me and Natalie to meet up, and then she turned out to be...well, how can I put it into words; My father ex-lover's daughter? My father adopted son's sister?

The situation is just so...messed up, just like any other thing in my life. Did I really expect this relationship thing to be...simple? Yeah, maybe, but look who is laughing now...

Alex's eyes found mine again, blame and a hundred different emotions swirled in them. He rushed a hand over his face, ready to come forward and punch me; scream at me that the kid's life I had placed in danger, was my girlfriend's very own brother. Instead of making a fuss out of it now, his jaw tightened, "We need to talk," He said, his tone very serious now, very unlike him. His eyes went to Natalie and he added, "Later."

I nodded, already dreading the talk, knowing very well where he stands and where I do. Alex's eyes flickered behind me and fell into someone. He rolled his eyes, "And that's my cue to leave," He mumbled, more to himself as he backed away. I turned around, my gaze falling on my mother, standing in the mid of the stairs, her fearful eyes on us, the gunshot's sound shook her up a little, probably expecting it to be Isaac.

Alex didn't waste a second and was gone right after, running away from the very uncomfortable situation. I looked back at my mother, gave her a reassuring nod, and mouthed that it's fine, but nothing was fine. Air pushed out of my chest and I focused my attention back on the girl in my arms, the one who clutched into me with everything in her, her hurtful gaze lost somewhere as she analyzed the whole situation, trying to make sense of who he actually is, of what his relation to my world is and to say I am scared, terrified even of her reaction toward this, would be an understatement.

Yeah, me, scared, of her...the thought would be hilarious any other time, but not now, not when it feels like I could just lose her, and I am not ready for that yet.

I used my other hand to gently wipe whatever tears were left over her cheeks. Her skin was so soft and tender against my hard calloused fingers. My delicate girl, she was everything that I am not. That beautiful ray of sunshine, annoyingly bright but needed just as much. And yeah, I hated to admit it but I needed her, wanted her...in every way known to humanity.

She looked so small and tiny, all tucked up to my side. I pulled in a deep breath and I could smell her, all that sweet innocence filled up the well of my lungs. The memory of the way she tasted, the way she felt invaded my consciousness and overwhelmed every last one of my senses. My hand tipped her chin up, forcing her to look at me, needing to understand what was going through her little head at the moment.

Her puzzled eyes met mine, a very soft blue, an endless sea with so many possibilities, so much yet to learn, so much to see and experience...and I selfishly wanted to be the one who will do that, show her the whole world, be the only one who would hold her like this when she needed to, the only one she could lean into, the only one who has the power to soothe her. Fuck it, it was stupid but...but I wanted her to need me just as much. It's messed up, I know, but with me, it always is, isn't it?

"Do you want to talk about it?" I suggested, my thumb brushing the skin under her eyes and she shook her head, "No," She mumbled, a bit breathless and she swallowed hard, "Not now."

I nodded, understanding and she moved, breaking away from my embrace. I resisted the urge to sigh at the empty space by my chest that she was occupying. She wiped at her face with the back of her hand, slowly getting back to herself, "I should...go home," She mumbled, ready to march out of here but my hand over her arm stopped her movement.

Gently, I pulled her back, "Don't," I said, "Stay here," I offered, a bit softer than I'd like to admit. Damn this, "I mean, if you want to of course," I shook my head, my jaw tightening at my lame words, "I just...I don't want you to be alone now."

She stared up at me, for a long second, and it sucked that I couldn't read her mind, know what she is thinking, understand what she wanted or needed. Before I could dwell more on the decisions I make in this life, she gave me a nod, accepting the small offer.

Her enthusiastic self had faded away and that pulled at my heart. I wanted her teasing smile, the one she gives every time she makes a sexual remark. I wanted her laugh, that's too loud sometimes, like today's morning at the hotel, when a small little kid passed by us, looked at me, purposely stepped over my feet, stuck his tongue out, and ran off. I found it rather annoying, but she, for some reason, found it adorable and kept laughing, mocking in my ear words like killing kids is frowned upon, and that I shouldn't be considering it at the moment.

Oh, the irony.

"Can I take a shower?" She asked, looking around with that lost gaze of hers, searching for the bathroom.

I nodded, "Come with me," I rested my hand over her lower back and led her way up the stairs, taking her to the master bedroom with the en-suite bathroom. She was about to get in but paused in her steps and facepalmed, "I forgot my things in the car...I..." She sighed, so tired, "Can I just wear something from you?" She asked, so softly.

I nodded my head and pointed at the closet, "Pick whatever you want," I wanted to suggest that I can go down and bring her bag if she wants but decided against it when I remembered that first day I brought her to my house, and how she looked wearing my shirt, and how badly I wanted to just grab her into my lap, and do things that I probably shouldn't.

She opened the closet and rampaged through it, going through my things before something seemed to grab her attention the most. She pulled a specific one out, a bit curious as she unfolded the black t-shirt before she turned it around, showing it to me. Her eyes down on it, reading the words written in bold white letters, "Big boss Mafia," She said, her lips twitching, fighting a smile, especially when she read what's written on the back, "The godfather and the world's least favorite uncle," She added, not able to hold her low laugh, pointing at the godfather logo drawn behind.

My lips pressed into a thin line, "I am hoping my expression alone can show you that I didn't buy this."

Her eyes still looked tired and full of a hundred doubts but her lips pulled up, fully, giving me my beautiful smile as she said, "It's Alex, isn't it?" She said with a low laugh and if I had known this could finally make her expression shift and take her mind off things, I would've framed the t-shirt on every wall of the house.

I nodded my head, "Who else," I mumbled, feigning annoyance as I stepped forward, admiring that beautiful curve at her full lips. She stared down at the shirt, smiling still as she pointed at the logo in the back, "Did you watch it?" She asked.

My eyebrows pulled closer, "Watch what?"

Her eyes narrowed at me, assessing my expression, "The godfather?" She paused, "Al Pacino?" She asked and my clueless expression had her sighing and she rolled her eyes, "Yeah, of course, of course you didn't understand the reference," She mumbled to herself, huffing out, "You are so behind on our culture, it's an embarrassment."

Ouch.

"We should watch it together," She added, hugging the shirt to her chest and claiming it already, "It's about...well," She pointed at me from up to down, "Your world," She shrugged, "Maybe you can tell me which is real and which is not."

I nodded, edging closer, "If watching it together will keep you smiling like this, then yeah, we can," I mumbled, my hand moving to her face, my fingers hooking under her chin and stroking the corner of her mouth.

It felt like my words took her by surprise, like she wasn't expecting them and that had me frowning; Does she just expect the worst from me that she always gets shocked every time I say something remotely nice?

She licked her lips, wetting them and I followed the movement of her tongue, the innocent gesture taking me back to last night and my whole body acted in ways that defies logic...or at least my logic. It reminded me of how it moved and wrapped around mine, how sweet it tasted, how that moan leaving those same lips undid me, unraveled something vicious inside me, how I am more than ready to throw her on this bed right this moment and just-

My jaw ticked, shaking myself back and stopping my thoughts from taking such a dangerous route. Natalie's smile had dropped down by now, her gaze reflecting so many thoughts, about me, about this, about Ronald, about lying, about knowing...about everything and nothing. Her throat bobbed heavily and she took a step backward, my hand falling away from her soft skin.

She pointed at the bathroom, nervously, "I will just," She held the shirt up high, "Thanks," She mumbled before she awkwardly stormed into the bathroom.

I rushed a hand over my face, my nerves on edge still, my mind lost as to what to focus on at the moment; this, her, Ronald and what he could possibly do, her taking a shower, Isaac and how he is planning to retaliate, my mother who I stole away from him, her taking a shower, Alex who is mad at me, Christian and all those kids in there that are depending on me now, and again Natalie taking a shower...Too much, too much to keep my mind busy all night long.

I sat down on the bed, hefting out a long tired breath, lost in my many thoughts, waiting, and trying my best not to think of the water running inside, of the girl in my bathroom, under the hot steamy water, her eyes closed, her hands in her hair, the water dripping, and...well, most of all, naked. I groaned and facepalmed. Get a grip for god's sake. If I could punch myself, I would've, just to shake these thoughts away, to stop myself from being such a hormonal teenager, from barging in and delving into all types of irrationality.

I pulled my phone out, going through my missed messages and calls, trying to busy myself with anything, anything but this. Minutes and minutes later, Natalie finally stepped out. My gaze drifted from the screen and damn me, I should've just gone and brought her clothes. Fuck. My gaze went down, noticing how the shirt fell short on the top of her thighs, leaving nothing for imagination. One small move and I could just see everything, feel everything, and...well, every part of me was dying to touch her again. She almost broke me back at New York, the little minx had unleashed something wild in me and I can't fucking stop it now.

My eyes went back up to her face, to the towel in her hand as she dried her wet hair, totally oblivious to me and my thoughts. My eyes traced down her features, memorizing everything. First her deep blue eyes and the little lines between her eyebrows, an evidence of her troubling thoughts. Her small pointy nose. So small. So adorable. Then her lips, pouting a little, pink and full and...I scratched the side of my neck and pulled at the collar of my shirt, needing some fresh air all of a sudden.

She moved forward, maybe heading for the bed, purposely not meeting my gaze or not on purpose. I didn't know and I definitely didn't think when my hand went forward, fisting over her shirt and pulling her to me. She fell into my lap, gasping and startled. My arm went around her waist, my palm pressing over her lower back, pulling her closer. Her knees fell on the mattress one in between my thighs, the other beside my leg, her hands on my shoulder, anchoring herself and her wide eyes on mine as she breathed out, "Nikolas."

My name, when she says it...it's just, I don't know.

Is this a punishment or the opposite, I can't see the difference because.

"Can I kiss you?" I asked this time because...what if she didn't want to, what if she is thinking I lied to her about Ronald; which I did, what if she doesn't want my kisses anymore, what if she is rethinking our relationship, what if sh-

Her lips descended on mine, so fast and hard, her hand going to the back of my head, wrapping over my hair so tightly, her other arm wrapping around the nape of my neck. Something about her movement was aggressive, like she wanted to let all of her frustration out and it fired me up more. My tongue pushed at her lips, parting them, invading and taking what's mine, tasting as my mouth consumed hers whole.

My hand caressed down her spine, her position had lifted the shirt up, and I was going crazy because, with both her knees on each side of my leg, she was bare over my leg, just the very thin material of her panties and I was seconds away from flipping her over the bed and taking full control. Patience, Nikolas. Patience...A groan rumbled from my chest when my hand reached down, my palm landing over her ass, squeezing at the soft flesh before my finger teased at the edge of her panties, dying to feel more.

She tightened her fingers deeper into my hair, a soft moan parting her lips, driving me toward insanity when she bit at my lower lip, "Do it," She said, reading my mind. As she heaved for each breath, her breasts crushed into my chest, and her lips moved against mine as she talked, "Just...touch me," Maybe she wasn't begging, but her breathless strained tone felt like she was.

I didn't need more, I was already all out of control, hard and pulsing, and needing to feel every inch of her. I hooked my finger on the elastic and pushed it to the side. She was...fuck, she was way too ahead, considering we barely did anything, all swollen, plump and so fucking wet, "Fuck," It parted my throat as a painful hiss, "Natalie," My mouth was dry, her forehead resting over mine, my eyes open, watching hers, "Why are you so perfect," Left my mouth as my fingertip sank so easily between her folds, parting them and gliding back and forth, the burn coiling in the bottom of my stomach, stretching out as Natalie whimpered, the not-so-innocent sound ruining me again.

I was a gone case. This woman...what the hell is she doing to me?

Every cell in my body strained as I teased her entrance some more, my index finger pressed on her clit and her hips shot up as if she had been struck by lightning, throwing her head back and pressing her eyes shut, "Oh..."

Oh indeed. I rubbed tiny circles around the sensitive flesh, gentle but firm, because if I lost it now, there will be no coming back. A groan rumbled out of me as I slid my finger inside of her, so fast and I buried my face into her throat, my teeth grazing her skin, kissing, sucking as my finger stretched her out, the inner muscles clamping around it, and when I pushed another one in, the sound leaving her mouth triggered a bolt of heat to sizzle up my spine.

She was making a total mess out of me, and I was letting her.

"Nate," I rasped out, and her eyelids glided open, her hazy gaze on me, her full lips parted as the air pushed in and out of her lungs and I've never seen anything more beautiful than this, than her, "I am gonna lose my mind, you're so fucking tight," A rattled groan rumbled in my chest, reverberated from my mouth because I was thinking how good it was going to feel to be all tucked up inside her, to take her all night long, over and over again...

The soft whimpers parting her lips became more intense as I pushed in and out, exploring her all, finding the exact spot that will drive her crazy. Her nails dug into my shoulders, scratching the side of my neck, "Nik, please," She tried not to scream and I increased the pressure, increased the pace. Loved the sounds she was making, loved that I was making her feel this way. I found that sweet spot and I pushed and moved, wanting her to unravel between my arms, wanting to see the pleasure wash over those beautiful eyes.

I felt it hit, the crashing waves that broke over her. She breathed my name in the sweetest melody I've ever heard, and I want to hear it more, every day, every night, every...all the muscles of her body constricted and she squeezed her thighs, tightening over my fingers, killing me some more. She wheezed, trying to rake her fingernails down my back, holding into anything as she fell down from that high. The pleasure pushing and pulling in her gaze didn't tame the animal in me, it only triggered him more.

And he wanted to devour her, eat her alive.

She rested her hand over my cheek and looked at me like she never...never wants to be away. Maybe thinking what I am thinking, needing what I am needing. Maybe we were both in this mess. Maybe it's too late to back away. Maybe this will ruin me and her. Maybe she will...she will be the one to ruin and break me down. If she keeps looking at me like that, she might.

My heart damn near exploded and I grated out, "Natalie, I..." Like you? No, it was bigger, more intense, crazier, deeper; it's more like: I...don't want to live without you. I don't want that day to come. I don't want you to know. I don't want you to leave. I don't want you to not like me. I don't want you to hate me. I don't want anything to come in between us. I want to be good for you, for me. I want to be okay, you make me okay. You make sleeping easy, you make waking up easy. You make everything so effortless. I...I just...I don't know.

The longer she gazed at my eyes, the heavier her breathing became, and the tears gathered up and glistened, her uncertainty shone in her sad gaze and I shook my head, my hand going to her face, "No, please, don't cry," I mumbled, lines etching my forehead.

She shook her head, so confused, "I don't know why am I crying, there are so much...so many things in my head, so many questions and I don't know," She choked out, her gaze falling down, "I don't know...I just..." She lifted her gaze up to me, "I hate him, I hate him so much," She said, and the tears fell, one after the other, "I wish I didn't see him, I don't want to see him," She sniffled, her lips trembling, "Seeing him just reminded me again, of how many days...months, years I cried, how I was so alone, I was so alone for so long, Nikolas," She cried some more and I hated how I didn't know what to do.

"I had no one, no family, no friends, it was just me for so long, I had no one to talk to, no one to cry to, no one to lean into, and I...I taught myself that I didn't need anyone," I kept wiping those tears and they kept coming back, "And now you, you are here, and somehow I made myself need you, so much, it's crazy, it's not okay, and I don't want that-" She pushed herself into my arms, burying her face into my throat, crying there, "Don't make me need you, please," She cried some more and I tightened my arms around her, my hand cradling the back of her head.

"You can need me, Natalie, it's okay," I mumbled, "No matter how this thing between us goes, I can always be that one, the one you can talk to, you can cry to, lean into, anytime you want," I whispered, meaning every word, even when...that day comes, I will still want to protect from everything and everyone, "You will never be alone again, never, that much I can promise you...if you let me."

She sniffled, her hot breath brushing my neck as she struggled to calm herself down, "Let's talk about this tomorrow," She requested over a plea, "About him...and how you know him and all that, now I feel like I could break down if we talk more and that we would fight over it and...and I don't have the energy for any of that," She mumbled, her voice so weak against my skin and I nodded, running my hand through the wet strands of her hair.

She shifted, keeping herself tucked up in my embrace, her head buried into the crook of my neck, "Will it be too bad if I stayed like this for a while?" She whispered and I shook my head, "It's not bad at all," I said as I backed into the bed, resting my back over the headboard, my arm under her knees, fixing her up in my arms so she can be more comfortable.

I kept running my hand through her hair, threading my fingers through the soft strands. She smelled like me, like my shampoo and my soap. My other arm wrapped around her waist and my hand rested over her bare thigh. She kept silent for too long and I didn't say a thing, giving her the peaceful moment she is wishing for.

I felt her hand move, her fingers a feather-touch over my neck. Ever so carefully, they reached the scar, and hesitantly she ran her fingers over it. I bit the inside of my cheek, my eyelids dropping down immediately, breathing...in and out. After I composed myself, I opened my eyes tipped my head slightly, my gaze falling on hers. She looked at me, all soft and sorry, and I shook my head, showing her that it's okay. I can't expect her to give me all of herself when I only give her bits and pieces.

"A knife?" She asked and I nodded. She placed her index finger on the beginning of it, "It went from here," She said, imagining it as she lowered her finger down, tracing the scar that reached my chest, under my shirt, "Till here?"

I nodded. She blinked, looked at it, blinked again before she looked at me, "Your uncle?"

I nodded again. True it was Alex's hand holding the knife, but it was Frank moving it.

"How old were you?"

"Nine."

There was a brief moment of silence, before, "When I was nine, I got married," She said, out of the blue and my eyebrows pulled closer, "We even made a whole ceremony in the school's playground," She added, "His best friend officiated the wedding and everyone was in tears when he placed the candy ring over my finger."

My lips twitched and her eyes slightly lightened up, "I ended up eating it and breaking the whole engagement the day after," She sighed, "My first husband, I wonder what he is doing these days."

My eyebrow raised and she added, "I always had a very high demand in the market, I told you."

Her words had me questioning something that didn't cross my mind before, "Did you...I mean, how many," I cleared my throat, hating this, "How many relationships did you have?" I asked and again, I sounded so lame, "Before me?"

Her lips twitched, the tease spreading over them, understanding my uncomfortable situation at the moment, "I lost count after twenty-something," She said, her tone very serious as she pretended to count them in her head.

And here it is, here comes the urge to kill everyone she ever went out with.

I shot her a glare and her serious expression shifted, a low laugh escaping her mouth, "I had a boyfriend in high school, we stayed together for almost a year before the accident happened," She said and I embraced myself for more, "At college, I went out with a guy for like three months and that was it, and after graduation, I flirted around with some guy but it never got serious, so maybe two relationships, or two-ish."

She still played with the skin of my neck, moving her hand there, caressing it as she talked, "True I have high demand, but I am quite picky."

"You picked me," I said and her gaze flickered to my eyes, she nodded, "You picked me too," She said, "After being a pain in the ass about it, of course."

True, I tried to fight for reasons, many reasons. She sucked into a deep breath, preparing herself, "Okay I am ready, here it goes," She said, wincing slightly at the thought, "Your turn, how many relationships, I know you were married once, but what else?"

I shook my head, "Just that one."

Her eyebrows pulled closer, "You want me to believe that you had one relationship, and you married that one girl only," She narrowed her eyes at me, "What's so special about her?"

I bit the inside of my cheek to stop myself from saying that it wasn't a relationship. It wasn't normal. It wasn't what she expects. It's all types of fucked up. It's my biggest regret ever.

"It's not like that," I mumbled, my tone showing that it's better if we don't open this conversation now.

She stared at me for a long second and decided against asking more. Her jaw moved, fighting her curious self and she let out a low breath. She rested her head over my shoulder again, burying it into my neck, "Am I heavy?" She mumbled, closing her eyes.

"I barely feel you," I said.

"Good," She mumbled sleepily, "I can stay here till I fall asleep, then?"

I leaned down and left a kiss over her head, "Goodnight, Natalie," I mumbled into her hair.

"Goodnight, you big boss mafia," She said, mocking the shirt she is wearing before she slowly fell deep into her sleep in my arms, while I couldn't close my eyes the whole night, already dreading all there is about tomorrow.

**************

Isaac's POV

I marched into the house, slamming the door open. All of my senses heightened, my heart beating way too fast and my mind busy analyzing this fucking situation. The second they informed me what happened, I got on the plane, making my way back to London without thinking twice about it.

Alastor was the first to see me, "He is okay," He informed right away, probably reading the furious look in my eyes, "He is inside," He added and I was already making my way there. My eyes fell into him, sitting on the couch, all small and...scared.

His gaze lifted up from his lap, looking at me and his eyes grew wide. He immediately jumped off the couch and ran toward me so fast. I crouched down as he came crashing into my chest, his arms wrapping around my neck, so tightly, "You're here," He said, burying his face into my shoulder and I felt the wetness of his tears against my neck.

I brought my arms around him, "Yes, I am," I said, trying to calm down my erratic heartbeats.

"Please don't go away again," He mumbled and I pressed my eyes shut, "I won't, I won't," I breathed out, "I'll take you with me everywhere I go from now on, I promise."

He backed away, his hazel eyes full of tears and I brought my hand to his face, wiping them away, "You're okay, right?" I asked and he nodded, bringing his fist to his face and rubbing at his eyes, "Yes, but I was so scared, there was fire everywhere," He mumbled, "I couldn't breathe."

My jaw tightened, and a more dangerous fire raged in my chest...who the fuck did it? Who dared to? I kept him tucked away and far from everyone's eyes on purpose. No one is supposed to know about him, not now, not yet.

I will be coming for the most precious thing you own, things you hide away from everyone's eyes, I will find what that is. Nikolas's words from that day rang in my ears, loud and clear. Does he know? How could it be possible? I fucking made sure of it!

And when I do, I promise you to kill that too.

He wouldn't dare. I would fucking destroy him, even more than I intend to if he dares to breathe Nathan's way. He has no idea which lines I am willing to cross just to see him back to where he was. All alone and miserable. I will make sure of that again.

My hand caressed Nathan's face, my eyes double-checking, making sure he is okay, "You still have a bit of fever," I mumbled, my eyebrows pulling closer as my hand rested over his forehead, "Are you still sick," Air heaved out of my chest, the worry eating me up with each day he spends it away from me, "I will get the doctor to check on you again, okay?"

He nodded, his eyes looked so tired, his eyelashes brimmed with tears, and redness coated the area under, suffocating me some more. I brushed his hair from over his forehead, "Don't worry my little wolf, no one will dare to hurt you again," Alive or dead, I will make sure of that.

He pushed himself back into my embrace, needing the reassurance and I gave him all I could. I waited for the doctor to come and check on him. He prescribed him some more medicines, saying he will be better soon. Sighing in exhaustion, I sat by Nathan's side on the couch and he plastered himself to my side, unwilling to let go of me just yet. He rested his head over my arm, his hands playing with the pocket knife I once gave him, he kept opening and closing it, lost in his thoughts as he mumbled, "Dad?"

"Yeah?" I answered, moving my arm to wrap it around his shoulders and pulling him to me.

He looked up, "Do I have brothers and sisters?" He asked and I knew that one day he will be asking this so I nodded my head, "You do," I said, moving my hand over his arm, "One brother and one sister."

His eyes lightened up in astonishment, "A sister also?" He asked in shock and I nodded, not understanding his sudden interest.

His eyebrows pulled closer, "Why am I not with them?"

A low sigh parted my lips and I rushed a hand over my face, "Because, remember what I told you before, about the accident," I said and he nodded his head, listening intently, "When your mother...passed away," My jaw ticked, the memory fresh in my mind as if it was only yesterday, "They were so young, they were hurt, and there is no way they would've been able to take care of you," I shook my head, "They might've taken you away from them, and God knows with which family you could've ended up with, and I just...I couldn't let that happen to you."

"I needed to make sure you're okay."

His head tilted to the side, "But will I ever meet them?"

"Do you want to?" I asked and he nodded in full excitement, pushing a smile over my face, "Then, you will, just not now, okay?" I said, "Let me make sure everything is settled down and there is no danger on you and then...then you can meet them all you want."

A big grin pulled over his mouth, satisfied, and relaxed back into my arms, "You're the best," He said.

I lowered my head and pressed a kiss over his hair, "For you, I will be."

After a few minutes, his relaxed state had him drifting away, sleeping in my embrace, finally feeling safe. Alastor walked into the room, waiting for my order, "I need to go back to the US, now," I said, my jaw tightening at the thought of Nikolas figuring this out, "I still have so much to do." He thinks he can take Leya, the one I'd rather have dead, but she is my winning ticket still; does he think he can get away with that?

And now, if he is the one responsible for the fire, then god knows to which extent I will take this.

My gaze drifted down to Nathan, fast asleep and I brushed his hair away, feeling that his fever had passed, "I will take him with me," It's not safe anymore. I lifted my gaze to Alastor, "You know your job well."

He nodded, "Of course, sir, I will protect him with my life."

I nodded, my mind busy thinking of the next step and a smile threatened to spread over my lips; he will regret this, and I know just how.

***************

Emma's POV

It was mostly silent. In my head, it was.

The sound of the water running down, dripping, and washing over my ching body was the dominant one, followed by the faint sound of the bubbles forming as Roman ran his hand through my hair, washing it with the shampoo. I wanted to tell him that I hated the smell of this specific shampoo with passion but I stayed silent, watching him as he massaged his fingers through my hair, as he gently scrubbed the blood off my body, cleaning me up, and just...taking care of me.

After what happened down there, Roman brought me up to our room. I was a mess, a bloody mess, all weak and writhing, shaking with both rage and pain. The man was mutilated, I didn't leave a part of his skin I didn't let my knife pass through. I wasn't aware. I still am not.

I didn't even speak as he led me to the bathroom, as he carefully took my bloodied clothes off, as he turned on the hot water and let it wash over me, as he gently moved his hands over my body, my arms and hands, letting the soap take away the metallic smell from over me, wash away my sins almost as if it's just that easy.

I didn't say a thing. He didn't either. The worried lines forming between his eyebrows were enough, the darkening in his eyes, the tightening of his jaw, and just the way he touched me, so soft and tender, the way he looked down at me, like no one ever looked before. I tried to think if it's possible, if it's true that he could actually...love me this much.

He turned the water off, moved to the side, and grabbed a big towel. He wrapped it around my body, his arm going around my back, pulling me to him, keeping me all safe and tucked up to his side as we left the bathroom and he led me to the bed.

I sat down, so energyless, immobile, and expressionless. I allowed him to do to me whatever he pleased, he could pull a gun now and shoot me, and I wouldn't even stop him. Although he wouldn't, it wasn't possible, not when he crouched down in front of me like that, not when he used a small towel to dry my hair, not when he looked at me like he wanted to take all of my pain away, like he wanted to fight all of my monsters, and maybe die trying if it will just let me be free of them for once.

He went to the closet and came back with one of my baggy t-shirts and like a little kid, he helped me wear it, moving my arms and head as if I was just incapable of making that simple task, and truth be told, I was incapable at the moment. I just wanted him...I wanted him to just hug me and I wanted to sleep, just sleep so I won't have to think and face my feelings.

He sat down beside me, fixed my t-shirt, and pulled my hair from under it. His eyes looked at mine for a long second, his hand on the back of my head as he leaned closer, his lips pressing over my forehead in the softest kiss ever and he held my body so close. My eyes closed and I tried to breathe, I used my position to inch closer and plaster myself to him.

My eyes drifted to the nightstand, where the cake I made was still there, "You didn't finish the cake," I mumbled, my voice so low I didn't even know if it belonged to me or not, "I am sorry I ruined your birthday."

His arm around me tightened, urging me to lift my gaze up and stare back at him, "You didn't," He said, shaking his head. He leaned closer, his hand over my cheek, brushing my skin, his nose almost touching mine, "What do you want me to do?"

He sounded more than ready to give me anything I'd ask for. Anything. But, he can't.

"Can we go back to the US, tomorrow?" I asked and without hesitation, he nodded his head, "Yeah, of course."

My head was on his shoulder and I rested my hand over his bare chest, my fingers gently fluttering over his skin, "Can you hug me and just...hold me all night long?" I asked and his gaze softened more as he pulled me so close, "Emma, if you let me, I will keep holding you for the rest of my life," His words held so many meanings and for once I actually believed them...I did.

"Promise?" I mumbled as I closed my eyes.

He nodded and I trusted him at this moment, more than I trusted my own self, "I promise, my crazy girl."

**************

"You want to go see Nikolas first?" Roman asked, his hands on the steering wheel as he turned to my side, waiting for my answer so he can take the right turn.

The moment we woke up, I got ready and we got on the plane right away. We arrived here only fifteen minutes ago and I haven't even told Nik that I am coming. It wasn't the main reason I am here.

"Actually, can you drop me at Alex's house first," I mumbled and the confusion wrapped up his expression as he tried to understand my motive. He just nodded his head after, failing to make sense of my request.

He pulled the car into the main road and took me there. He dropped me off and we agreed he'd come and pick me up later, I pushed him to go and not wait for me, just so he wouldn't come down with me, not now at least. He didn't dig more into it and I appreciated it.

I rang the bell and waited. Footsteps came closer before Alex opened the door. His eyebrows pulled closer, "What are you doing here?" He asked, already annoyed.

"Hello to you too," I said back, not a bit of humor in my voice.

He crossed his arms over his chest, his eyes narrowing at me, "I think you're confused, this is not Nikolas's house."

I nodded, "I know," My gaze drifted inside, "Is Cara here?"

His eyebrow raised and he stood in front of me, blocking my way, "What do you want from my wife?"

I sighed, "I am not gonna kill her, don't worry," I said in mockery and he shot me a hard glare, "Look, first your brother annoys me and now you, I really don't need this right now."

"Alex, who is it-" Cara's words died as she came into view, her eyes falling on me.

"Can we talk?" I asked and it took her a full second before she nodded her head, "Yeah sure," She stepped closer, pushing Alex out of the way, "Come in."

"What the-" Alex mumbled, looking at his wife like she grew another head but ended up getting elbowed in his stomach for whining.

"Alex, go and keep an eye on the kids," She said and his eyes widened, "Hey, I need to go to work, I have an important meeting," He said back and she rolled her eyes at him, "You always go late, today won't be any different."

She walked inside, leading my way to one of the rooms and Alex huffed behind us, "You want that bimbo to shout at me again, don't you."

His voice faded as we walked into the living room. I sat down and Cara followed, sitting on the couch across from me, "Did Roman come as well?" She asked, starting up a conversation, "He didn't tell me."

I nodded, "It was a last-minute decision, he said he will drop by later to see you and the kids," I mumbled and she nodded.

I swallowed hard and fidgeted with the zipper of my jacket, getting nervous for some reason. I didn't know how to start this, talk about it or even explain, "You said if I...uh," I looked down at my lap, hesitating whether I should just leave and ignore this, "That if I wanted to talk about it, I can come to you," I lifted my eyes up to meet hers, "Are you still up on your offer?"

Understatement flashed in her gaze and she nodded her head, "Of course, I am," She said and I gulped down, hating this and hating everything, but needing just someone...anyone who could tell me how can I do this, how can I deal with it. She leaned forward in her seat, giving me her full attention, "Did something new happen?" She asked.

I nodded, "Yesterday, I saw the man who did it and I killed him," I mumbled, "But after that, I kind of had a meltdown, and those water things came out of my eyes," I mocked myself and her head tilted to the side and she listened to me, "It's just I felt so much at once, and I never," I shook my head, "I never felt this much before and I don't know what to do with it or how to..." I was just rambling on, failing to put my thoughts and feeling into words, "Every time I think back to it, it hurts, everywhere hurts, and those stupid tears keep trying to come back to my eyes, and I just.." I tried to breathe, my chest heavy again, "I don't want it to hurt anymore, I want to deal with this so I can put my head back in the game, so I can stop him," My jaw tightened, "So he can never do this to anyone ever again."

Her eyebrows pulled closer as she looked back at me, her eyes softening the slightest and it wasn't till then that I felt some wetness over my cheeks. I brought my hand and wiped at them, the anger coming back at my weakness, "I don't want to cry anymore, what should I do," I looked at her, so helpless and desperate, "It's like I opened something inside me and I can't close it now, I can't stop it, what should I do-"

The next of my words came out muffled as I felt her by my side, her arms going around me and my forehead pressed over her shoulder, "You need to feel it all, Emma, or else it will never go away, you need to let it hurt, it's okay, it's the way it should be, you need to go through this grief or else you will never be free from it," She tightened her arms around me and the intense emotions pressing over my chest had me letting it out, I didn't hold the tears back anymore.

"Take it from me," She whispered, "I excelled at running away from the pain, but believe me, it has its way of sneaking back at you, so if you really want it to go, you need to feel it all," She backed away, looking at me, "It will hurt like hell, I know, but we are human, Emma, we have feelings, and it's okay if we break down once in a while," She shook her head, "It doesn't mean we are weak, and you know yourself," She shook her head again, somehow her words genuine, "You know that you are not weak."

"I just never had anything to lose before," I mumbled, wiping at my face, "And now, it feels like I lost and I could lose more."

"If we gonna keep living like this, as if waiting and dreading the day we will lose something we love, then...it's not called living anymore," She explained, and I wanted to hear more, I wanted her to explain to me more, to teach me more.

I stared back at her, taking a full second to comprehend this, "I was mean to you," I mumbled, "I called you names," I added, "I was willing to hurt you and now, you're...you're comforting me," It didn't make sense, "You could've used this moment to throw back in my face everything wrong I did toward you or your brother, but you didn't." Why?

A small smile pulled at her lips, "I am just not like that," Her eyebrow raised, "And even if I don't like you, we are family in a way," She said the word so effortlessly, a small word, offering me a place to belong to. She rested her hand over mine, "And I mean it, Emma, when it comes to this, whenever you need someone, you can come to me, when you feel like you can't take it anymore, my door will always be open, I will listen to you and I will try to help if I can," She gave my hand a small reassuring squeeze, "Despite all of our difference, I won't turn my back on you in a hard time like this."

I nodded, not knowing what to say, how to reply to this, how to show that I needed this, that I appreciated this, that I never had this and I want it, so bad, I need it, "I-"

"Cupcakes, come and take Max," Alex's words interrupted us, "He spilled food all over me, I need to change now," He added in annoyance and Cara facepalmed, sighing in exhaustion, "Just a second," She said, giving me an apologetic look, excusing herself as she headed out of the room.

I used that time to compose myself, wiping at my cheeks and regaining my control. Light footsteps neared me, I lifted my head up to see Lilly taking a pause, looking at me with narrowed eyes, as if trying to remember who I am, "Emma," She said, remembering and she smiled so widely, happy that she did, "Hi," She said, so excitedly and waved her hand, even though she is standing right in front of me.

I nodded, not knowing how to talk to her; how old is she anyway, she looks small. Her eyebrows pulled closer, "Why are you sad?" She asked, noticing my tears and I shook my head, "I am not sad," I mumbled, still lost as to how to communicate with this small human.

She looked at me for too long, as if thinking something through before she suddenly whirled around and ran off. She is a weird little thing, isn't she?

It took her a minute only and she was back, panting as if she ran the whole house. She stopped by my side and extended her hand, "Here," She said and I saw the wrapped ice cream cone in her hand, "What is this?" I asked, confused as I took it from her.

She pressed her hands over the couch, climbing up. She groaned as she struggled so I helped her. She smiled back as she settled down, dangling her legs in the air, "It's ice cream," She said, the r letter leaving her as w, "Because you're sad."

She inched closer and placed her finger over my mouth, "But shush, don't tell mommy," she whispered, her brown eyes wide in fear, "She doesn't let me," She added, whispering still and I found myself smiling, she was so close and she smelled like flowers and candy.

I nodded my head, "Okay, I won't."

Right on cue, Cara walked back in, "Sorry for that," She sighed, holding baby Max in her arms, "But an advice, if you plan to have two kids, make like a ten years age gap between them," She added, huffing out in tiredness and I found myself relaxing down for some reason.

Alex stood by the doorframe, his suspicious eyes on me, still not getting why I am here. I rolled my eyes in return and he shot me a glare before he looked back at Cara, "I am leaving now," He said, "Also, Lilly made a mess in the kitchen."

Beside me, Lilly's eyes widened, "No, I didn't," She defended herself.

"Yes, you did."

"No!" She shot out before she jumped off the couch and went to his side, "Daddy, don't," She said, pouting and he took her up into his arms before he walked away. I heard her add, "We're same team, right?" She asked and he chuckled, "Yes, we are."

I turned to Cara and nodded, "It's okay, go see what happened," I said, my eyes going to Max and I swallowed hard before I added, "I can uh, I can hold him for you till you finish."

"That would be great," She said, coming to my side and handing me the small kid, I took him from her and she gave me an appreciative look, "It won't take a minute," She said before she scurried away.

It took me a second or two to compose myself and look down at him, he weighed nothing, like a feather in my embrace. He was trying to stuff both of his hands into his mouth, sucking at them and I chuckled at his failed attempt. He lifted his eyes up to me and made that baby laugh, amused as well.

I tried to be careful, not to move, and have him fall or something. I felt like he's made of glass and he could just break any second. I carefully brought my hand to his face, brushing his hair away, "I am your aunt, do you know that," I mumbled so lowly and he let out another noise, I pretended it meant...yes, I do.

With the back of my finger, I ran it over his soft cheek, "Your eyes are just like his," I whispered to myself, still unable to comprehend that he is actually Nik's son, "But it doesn't matter," I shook my head, "You have a great family here," A small smile lifted the corner of my lips, and something warm engulfed my insides, "You will be just fine."

I leaned closer and did what I was dying to do last time I saw him, I pressed my lips to his temple. God, he smelled so good, like soap and baby and him. Somewhere deep down inside me, I still felt immense pain but at this moment, I realized that there was still good in this world, and my job could be...to protect this good.

What's gone can't ever be replaced, but I can focus on what is left over here, on the few people that are becoming part of my...family. I can do it, I have it in me to be strong and protect them from Isaac. I won't let him hurt any of them like he had hurt me.

***************

Nikolas's POV

I stared ahead at the tall building before I stepped in. The hot atmosphere inside, totally opposite to the low degree just outside that door, it engulfed my skin and air pushed out of my lungs, heavy and strained.

Natalie went to her work very early in the morning, she said she will stop by her father's after and then I can drop by her place so we can...talk. I am already dreading all there is about that talk.

As for now, there is another talk I also have to make. I hefted out a low breath and my eyes fell onto Ashton at a distance, talking with one of his employees, pointing at things in the file in his hand. Already hating that I will be forced to interact with him as well, I made my way forward, my jaw tight with my annoyance.

His gaze drifted from the guy in front of him and fell on me, "Where is Alex?" I asked, going right into the topic.

His jaw ticked and annoyance flared all over his face, "God, do I miss the days when you weren't part of my life," he mumbled under his breath but I heard him nevertheless. I rolled my eyes, "Is he in his office?"

He nodded, trying to make it short before he went back to talk with the guy. I kept standing, my stance impatient and he turned back to me, huffing out, "What?" He asked, rolling his eyes, "Do you want me to escort you there as well?"

"You can make one of your..." I looked at the young guy ahead, "Your minions do it, I don't know where his office is."

Ashton's jaw ticked, he handed the file to the guy and asked him to remind him of something later before he started to walk toward the elevator. I followed, debating whether I should pull my gun and make a scene at his behavior or not, "I am not risking one of my employees losing a hand or a leg just because they looked at you the wrong way," He said as he pressed the button and the elevator closed, "I will be the one standing in federal court not you," He added, mockingly.

My jaw ticked. It's just me and him in the elevator, I can just kill him and no one would see.

"Very funny," I said, running my hand over my chin, "You're lucky I am not in the mood to kill my brother's friend."

"Best friend," He corrected and I shot him a glare.

"What the hell is your problem with me?" I said as we exited the elevator. He halted in his steps and whirled around, blocking my way. I tried to move past him but his hand over my chest stopped me. Again, it's just me and him, I can kill him. He surely has some guts on him.

"You dare to even ask," He grated out, his tone serious now, not just trying to trigger me.

"Are you still bitter I took your wife and son once," I said, so unfazed and his gaze fired up even more.

"That's a whole other story," He grated out, not dropping that matter anytime soon.

"Then what is it?"

"I was there when you took everything from him," He said, "I just don't plan to stand and witness you take more."

My jaw tightened, he was playing on my nerves now, "If he had forgiven me, then I don't see the point of what you're saying-"

"Alex is good, I am not, maybe he forgave you for some of the things you did but I didn't forgive you for all that you did to him," He added, "I know that maybe you care about him in your own fucked up way, I am not saying you don't, but this life you live will always threaten to take someone from him, it will always put him in danger," I wanted to be able to defend that but couldn't, he was right in that sense and I hated that.

"I can protect him from that part of my life-"

He didn't let me continue, "Can you, really?" He questioned, "Put your ego aside for now, and maybe you can understand that it's not actually in your hands to do so," He said, spitting facts I didn't want to acknowledge, "Maybe you can see that he is better off far away from you."

With that done, he walked past me, leaving me standing in front of the door that had Alex's name written on it. I didn't move yet and my jaw ticked under the aggression, the idiot's words kept pulsing through my head, twisting my thoughts and changing most of what I came here for.

With everything I am planning to do next, Isaac will be standing on my door, ready to fire back. If I am willing to cross that limit, bend my morals, that if i have any, in order to reach what I want, then maybe...maybe it's better if Alex doesn't agree on it, maybe it's better if he stays mad at me and far away from all of this.

With one last look at the door, without any hesitation, I turned around and walked away, leaving this place and went back to get my real work done.

I can only prove Ashton's words wrong when I get rid of Isaac for real; he is the only threat that can endanger everyone close to me and everyone I care about.

*****************

When the night came and I was sure Natalie must be back home, I got into my car and drove there, ready but also not so ready to deal with the consequences of this.

Fucking Ronald, he was already such a pain in the ass, and now he is playing with my relationship. Who would blame me if I got rid of him after all of this...

I knocked on the door and waited for her to open. My eyes fell into her face and tried to read her body language, to give myself some head-ups before our conversation starts.

Her hair was pulled into a messy bun over her head. She was still in her work clothes, a proof that she just got home as well. Her eyes looked...tired, a bit distanced and I couldn't miss the very faint redness under. She cried today as well.

"Hey," I mumbled, my voice low and so uncertain.

Her gaze drifted away as she moved, giving me space to enter. Her whole being vibrated with a negative energy and that fear from yesterday rushed back again, overwhelming all of my sense.

She closed the door but she didn't move after, still there, her gaze on anything but me.

"Natal-"

"You knew," She mumbled, interrupting me, "You knew he was my brother and you didn't say a thing, for how long did you know?"

"Not for too long," I answered.

"And I didn't say a thing because you asked me not to," I said, because it was one of the reason. Reason number one was to protect you from the truth.

Her gaze lifted up, her eyes held a look I've never see her wear before, or maybe never directed at me before, "Maybe because when I said not to bring him up, it never crossed my mind that he is part of your world!"

"Natalie, loo-"

"I can't do this anymore," her next words were enough for me to shut up, a bit taken aback as she added, "I thought I can, but I can't," she shook her head, her tone was bit hard, as if holding herself from slipping down and saying more, "I thought I am strong enough for everything that comes along with your life, turns out I am not."

The muscles of her jaw worked, and I stared back at her, speechless at what to say back, "I don't think we should see each other anymore."

She rubbed a hand over her throat, looking away, and taking a defensive step back, "It's better if we just end this here and now."

***************************************

Hello!

What's your thoughts on this chapter? ;)

Who wants to soothe Nik now through his first real breakup? *sends him a bucket of ice cream*

Anyways, don't forget to leave your opinion!

See ya next chapter! :) Love y'all <3