"One word from you could conjure the heavens back to my earth."

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Nikolas's POV

As the moonlight bathed the room in its silver glow, I sat there, silently by the bedside. Hours continued to tick by with my eyes locked on the little figure beside me. I haven't left his side since the doctor bandaged his wounds and left. I couldn't have it in me to leave him alone again in such a state. He has been lying here for hours, his young form deep into the tranquil embrace of sleep.

Each soft, rhythmic breath he took was a whisper against the chambers of my conscience. I couldn't help but feel the weight of guilt pressing upon me, an unbearable burden that no words could ever truly convey. How had I allowed this to happen?

My gaze lingered on his face, still marked by the scars of the attack. Those marks, etched deep into his skin, were a testament to the darkness that had threatened to consume his innocence. Having lived through such a childhood before, I had hoped to succeed in shielding him away. Capturing and locking him far from Isaac didn't mean that I wanted to steal his childhood and taint his young self. I wasn't Frank, I wasn't about to commit the same sins. I was sure of that.

My hand smoothed his hair back, as tenderly as possible, with the utmost care, as if my touch had the power to shatter him further. It's my curse, I'm aware, the one woven into my very being, where everyone I hold close ends up wounded. Everything I come into contact with seems to wither away.

A low pained moan vibrated from Nathan's chest when he tried to move his body around. His eyes were still pressed shut, still deep in his sleep as the pain meds locked him far away from this cruelty. He wriggled slightly, yearning for some warmth, nestling closer to my body, his hand reaching for something till it curled tightly over my shirt, needing something to hold onto, someone to rely on, searching for security and safety.

The weight on my chest intensified and I lowered my head down just slightly. My hand was still in his hair and my lips brushed gently against his temple as I whispered, "I will fix this, I promise." My determination surged, more than ready to track down those responsible for this and ensure they faced the worst consequences.

I heard the main door open and then close, signaling Ronald's arrival. I had ordered my men to leave and keep their distance, and not to show me their faces until I had a chance to figure out what to do with them and how to handle the situation. I had called Ronald here, as I needed his assistance in dealing with this mess. His footsteps drew nearer, and the door to the room clicked open as he popped his head inside, his questioning gaze initially landing on me.

I nodded my head inside, silently urging him to step further into the room. As he did, his eyes fell upon Nathan beside me. Shock rippled through him, evident in the tremor that passed through his body. He hurriedly moved to the other side of the bed, breathlessly sinking down to the edge as his wide eyes darted over the boy, trying to make sense of what had transpired. His bewildered gaze eventually lifted to meet mine, and he asked, "What happened?"

My jaw clenched tight and I shook my head, unable to form coherent words. A low breath pushed out of my lungs as I said, "Let's go talk outside," I signaled, not willing to disturb the kid further. My hand carefully curled over his, gently removing it from over my shirt and allowing it to rest by his side. I brushed his hand soothingly before I backed away from the bed.

Ronald's terrified bewildered gaze remained fixed only on the kid, caressing his wounds and scars as he struggled to process what had happened, "God, Nathan," He whispered softly as he brushed the side of the boy's hair. His jaw clenched, and his fingers curled over the blanket as he fought for control. He briefly closed his eyes, then leaned closer to his brother, planting a kiss on his head before rising to his feet. He joined me at the door, and as I closed it behind us, I could feel the tremors of unease, fear, and concern emanating from him in waves.

"What happened?" His eyes, wide with alarm, became fixed on mine now, "Nikolas please say something before I lose my fucking mind," He added, not a hint of blame in his words, almost like he believed I could've never been responsible for that.

As I explained the details about my phone going missing and the unusual orders my men had received, I could see the confusion and concern deepening on Ronald's face with every word.

"I just don't understand who could've done this," I added, my jaw clenched as I continued to search for possible answers.

"It's fucking Joseph, Who else?" Ronald blurted out with fury, but I shook my head, finding that possibility highly unlikely. "No, I don't think so," I explained, "There's no way Joseph could have discovered Nathan's existence, let alone that he's with me. It's just not possible. First, Isaac did an excellent job of hiding this kid's identity, and second, well, Joseph isn't that smart."

Ronald nodded in agreement, acknowledging the logic in my words. Frustration welled up within him, and he ran a hand over his face. "Then who the hell could've done it?" he muttered in exasperation.

I shook my head, my own frustration mounting. "I have no idea," I admitted, my voice edged with frustration. "But we'll figure it out. In the meantime, we can't leave Nathan alone. One of us—either you, me, Natalie, or maybe even Jeremy—should always stay here with him. I don't trust anyone else."

Ronald nodded firmly, his expression grave. "Yes, definitely, we can't risk it again," he agreed.

His eyes stayed focused on mine, as if wrestling with words and thoughts he needed to express. "Nikolas, please tell me that I can trust you," he implored, shaking his head in frustration. "That you could've never been the one to have done this." He had one last theory that he needed to put to rest.

My fury flared, and I shot him a piercing glare. "He's just a kid, Ronald!" I retorted angrily, the accusation cutting deep as I strode forward toward him, "I would never hurt him."

"Okay, okay," Ronald said, raising his hands in surrender and sensing that I was ready to put his head in the nearest wall at his misplaced doubt, "I just had to be sure," He clarified his position, taking a step back as I crowded his space.

I rushed a hand over my face, rubbing at my eyes tiredly, "For now, I want you to go and bring Natalie here," I asked and Ronald's eyebrows pulled closer, "I would've gone and gotten her myself but I think it's...better this way," I said, unable to be the one to break such news on her. I had promised her to keep him safe and look at what I did-

He understood and nodded his head, "Okay, I will be back in a bit," He mumbled as he pulled his phone out, ready to call her and learn her location, "You'll stay here?" He asked, needing reassurance and I nodded my head, "I am not going anywhere."

Ronald left to pick up Natalie, and I returned to Nathan's side, settling beside him and watching over as I waited for their arrival. I braced myself for the storm of emotions that would undoubtedly accompany Natalie's arrival. I know that she will have every right to express her anger and blame after seeing Nathan's condition.

After about an hour, I heard the main door open again. I left Nathan's side and made my way there, my eyes immediately falling on Natalie as she pushed past Ronald and entered the house. The wild look in her eyes added an extra layer of intensity to the already fiery emotions that were brewing within me.

"Where is he?" She demanded, her tone raw with anger, worry, and as expected, a touch of fear.

I nodded toward the room behind me. "He's inside, but Nate-" I replied, but before I could say anything else, Natalie pushed past me, her determination palpable. "Get out of my way!" she demanded, her breaths coming out in sharp, tense puffs. My jaw clenched and I stepped aside, allowing her to have a few moments alone with the kid.

Ronald's eyes flickered from her retreating back and to me. He let out a low sigh, "Since you both are here, I will go and try to dig around, maybe I can find something," He said, knowing he couldn't stay still when there was apparent danger threatening his brother. I nodded my head, "Jeremey was working on it too, check with him first," I informed and he nodded his head.

"Call me if you find something," I added.

"I will," He said before he gestured his head inside, "Good luck with Nate, she is no piece of cake when she's angry," His lips twitched and he sounded slightly pleasured at that fact. I shot him a glare, grumbling out, "Just leave."

He gave me a wink before he turned around and left. The way this guy tests my patience...Unbelievable!

I waited for a bit, hoping that Natalie's anger was gradually subsiding. After inhaling deeply, I cautiously reentered the room. My eyes remained fixed on her as she took my previous spot beside him, her gentle touch tracing his hair and face. She carefully inspected every wound with tears welling up in her eyes as the seconds ticked by.

A couple of them escaped, brokenly tracing down her cheeks. She quickly wiped them away with an almost furious motion of her hand.

"Natalie," I softly called out to her, cautiously testing the waters before approaching further.

She didn't turn to look at me, her focus solely on him. Her silence made it clear that she had no intention of acknowledging my presence. Respecting her need for space, I retreated to the couch at the far end of the room, positioning myself by the window. There, I waited, giving her the time she needed for her anger and worry to cool down.

I was on my phone, checking on everything and chatting with Jeremy as he filled me in on what he was able to find. He's been trying to retrace my steps in hopes of figuring out the location of my phone. That device was our sole lead, a potential clue that might shed light on the mystery of what had transpired here.

Midway through my conversation, I felt two specific eyes on me so I lifted my head up, my gaze meeting Natalie's anguished one. She delicately wiped away her tears and, sniffling softly, rose from her spot beside Nathan. With a heavy heart, she made her way toward me, each step laden with sorrow. I pushed my phone away and straightened myself up when she was near.

The palpable anguish emanating from her body only intensified my own heartache. Extending my hand, I gently beckoned, "Come here." Without hesitation, she inched closer, settling down in my lap. She curled herself within my embrace, her arms tightly encircling my neck. I tucked her closer, securing her between my arms. My fingers traced soothing patterns through her hair. I pressed a tender kiss upon her head when I felt her tears dampen my neck, softly crying into my skin.

She pulled back slightly, her eyes brimming with tears. "I'm sorry," she mumbled, her voice filled with remorse, "for shouting at you when I first got here." She offered her apology, and I gently shook my head, my fingers tenderly brushing away her tears, "You have nothing to apologize for Natalie," I said, "I am sorry that I couldn't keep him safe as I promised."

Her eyes welled up with emotion as she spoke further, her voice quivering. "When Ronald told me, I got so scared. I just got him back, Nik. I don't want to lose him again."

I cupped her delicate face and nodded my head, "I know, which is why I promise I would never let anything happen to him," I gave her my word, "If I have to keep him with me every second of every day, then I will," I shook my head, reassuring her, "I will never let anyone harm him again, in any way."

Her gaze flickered all over my face and she rested her hand over my cheek, nodding her head and believing in my words. Her fingers brushed gently over my skin before she leaned in, her lips tenderly brushing against mine in a brief, somber kiss. Her fingertips traced my lower lip, her eyes holding a depth of emotions, the blue in them concealing a world of feelings.

"When is this going to be over?" She whispered her question, the weight of worry, stress, and fear palpable in her words. The constant hiding, the torment, when would it all come to an end?

When Isaac meets his end, I hope. "Soon, very soon," I vowed. The culmination of this ordeal, Isaac's reckoning, was within grasp. I could almost taste the inevitability of it. The blood I will shed; his blood, I could feel it, a fiery sensation on my fingertips.

Natalie's silence stretched, hanging in the air like an unfinished thought. It seemed as though she was pondering over something profound in that little head of hers. I felt the need to lighten the mood so I commented, "Wishing you never met me, huh?" I raised an eyebrow, injecting a hint of playful sincerity into my words, for I knew I had stolen away her sense of normalcy.

The corner of her lips tilted up just slightly and she shook her head, "If I hadn't, I would've probably never met Nathan or seen Ronald again," She said and my eyebrows pulled closer, "So, that's the only reason you are with me?" I questioned, my tone playful still as I feigned hurt.

Her smile grew wider and she shook her head at my silly assumption, "You know exactly why I am with you," She whispered the words, her tone thick with emotions, and god, I wanted to hear her say it out loud. Needed to hear that word come out of those lips.

"Why?" I asked, going on with her and hoping for the answer I wanted.

Her face was so close to mine, so I didn't miss the slight shift in her eyes, the one where she understood exactly what I needed to hear; the one where she was so scared to let those words out yet; something holding her back still.

Natalie is smart and she more often than not understands things before I say them out loud. Right now, I was almost too sure she saw through me and read what was surging in my troubled mind. So, she opted to turn the conversation playful instead, her expression shifting from anxious to teasing in a flash, "Well, first, you are so handsome," She said, and I understood her hesitation so I didn't question it further, "Like drop-dead gorgeous," She added playfully, "I mean like the hottest man I've ever been with."

I gave her a modest nod, "I know that," I said, "But please tell me that you are with me for something other than my looks?"

She chuckled lowly and nodded, "Also, you are like really really good in bed-"

My eyebrow raised in annoyance, "Anything not physical?"

She smiled and nodded her head, her fingers brushed over my cheek and her tone shifted from playful to sincere, "The thing is, no matter how scary it gets out there, when I am with you, I feel so safe," She whispered, tilting her head as she gazed at me, "And I know, actually I am sure that you would never hurt me, that you would rather hurt the whole world, but not me," She added as she brushed her finger under my eyes, "I can see it in the way you look at me," She shook her head, "No one ever looked at me like this."

"Like I could kill you with one word only," She whispered the truth etched into my being, "But like I can also bring you back to life with a mere syllable."

I nodded my head, my voice tight with my own messy feelings, "Natalie, one word from you could crumble my whole world to ashes," I said, my thumb brushing her lower lip, "And a solitary whisper from your lips could conjure the heavens back to my earth."

Her eyes welled up with a complex blend of emotions, those of adoration but also those of pain, almost like my words had hurt her somewhere deep. But before I could question it, she carried on, "I am with you Nikolas, because you make me feel things I've never felt before," She shook her head, "And I am sure no one, literally no one could ever make me feel like this again."

She'd just rather not associate that specific feeling with a one-worded title.

"You've ruined me for every other man," She added, and if that meant she would never be with anyone else, then I am glad. Never thought ruination could be good up till now.

"I like how you're so soft when it comes to me," She added, and tease fluttered all over her eyes, "All mushy and whatnot," She added and I grimaced at the specific adjective, "Also, how you are so clingy at times and-"

"Hey!" I shot out, not sure whether she was complimenting or insulting me anymore.

She chuckled, loving how she was playing on my nerves, "I also like your grumpy side, the one who glares at me every time I annoy him," She added, "But I know that he secretly likes it, he likes it when I challenge him," Told you, she can read my mind, "He also likes how, even though he is this big bad boy, I am never scared of him."

My eyebrow raised, "Big bad boy?" Where does she get these damn adjectives from?!

She nodded her head, "Yes, my mushy big bad boy," She said before she edged closer and adorably pecked my lips.

"You're so lucky you are cute," I commented while glaring at her.

She laughed softly and lightly slapped my arm, "Shut up, you love me," She wasn't exactly aware of the words that escaped her lips but it was too late when she realized. She tensed in my embrace and I wanted to scream that yeah, fuck yeah, I do, but her hesitation to utter those words out loud previously got me hesitant as well; slightly scared of her reaction.

It felt like if I said them she would go running for the hills and I can't have that. I just got her back again. Her presence is one of the very few things that's keeping me going.

So I brushed the topic off, my eyebrow raising with a hint of tease as I asked, "So, do you want to know why I am with you?"

She narrowed her eyes at me, warning me to say nice things only, "Enlighten me."

"First, you are so hot," I imitated her previous words, my hand coyly moving over her bare thigh, "Like drop-dead gorgeous, I mean that fake blonde hair of yours is top tier-"

She chuckled at how I always tease her about it. She slapped my hand away from her thigh, "Shut up," She said, but I carried on, "Second, you're like really really good in bed," I used the same tone she did and she threw her head back laughing softly. Her laughter, like a soothing stream's refrain, washed away my worries, my sorrow, and my pain. I reveled in the fact that I was able to drift her mind off the messiness for now, "I mean that mouth of yours could do wonders and-" She pressed her hand over my mouth, shushing me, "Stop!" She said, smiling still, "When did you grow a sense of humor, huh?"

I kissed her palm. She narrowed her eyes playfully and removed her hand away from my mouth, "I always had a sense of humor," I pointed out, "Just never had the chance or the time to use it."

She smiled at me wholeheartedly, like the whole world was aligned on one side and I was on the other; almost like she would just leave everyone behind and come join me on my drifting island. She looked at me in a way that made me question what good could I have ever done to deserve this.

She breathed out a low sigh and her shoulders relaxed down, her body sinking further into my embrace. With my hand caressing the top of her cheek, I edged closer, breathing the same air as my lips sought hers. I kept her face anchored to mine as I sank into her sweet delicate taste.

When she was this close to me, everything wrong felt right. So damn right. For a man who had committed my sins, I believed that only hell awaited at the end of the line. Yet, in the presence of this woman, I found a fleeting glimpse of heaven. And god, did it feel good.

She melted into me, her fingers going through my hair, grasping at the strands in the hope of staying anchored to the ground, because with no doubt, like me, she felt like she was flying.

When we broke the kiss, she pulled back just slightly, her uncertain eyes falling on mine as she spoke, "Promise me it will be okay," She sought reassurance, "Because everything feels like it's spinning out of control, Nikolas."

"Everything will be okay," I assured her with an underlying vow, needing to ease her distressed nerves in any way I am capable of, "I will burn the whole world to the ground if it dares to touch my delicate girl," I added, my words drawing a beautiful smile over her lips.

She shifted around, allowing her face to rest against my chest, "My mushy big bad boy," She said and I shook my head at her silliness, wrapping my arms around her as it seemed like she was slowly losing her energy.

Her eyes drifted back to Nathan, who was still deep in his sleep, "He will be okay, right," She said and I nodded, "He will be just fine."

She sucked into a deep breath, "I will be able to give him a normal life, right," She wasn't waiting for answers but I gave them to her nevertheless, "Yeah, we will," I said, because I was willing to do all of this alongside her.

Her cheek pressed into my chest and she wrapped her arm around my waist, "What did you do today?" I asked as I kissed the top of her head, "Tell me all about it."

She went on, speaking to me about her work, about her father and how he is much better, about Sarah and her troublemaker kids. She spoke and I just listened. As she spoke, I simply absorbed every word, realizing that what I yearned for more than anything was this; to hold her in my arms at the end of each day, listening to every little detail of her life. I wanted it more than I thought possible.

And like that, she peacefully fell asleep, and I could do nothing but lean back against the couch's headrest and gaze down at her beautiful angelic face. After a while, I felt like someone was looking at me, which prompted me to drift my eyes away from Nate. My gaze fell on Nathan, who had woken up, his hand resting below his cheek and he was looking at us.

"Hey," I said, unaware that he had been awake.

"Hey," He said back softly, his eyes going to Natalie in my arms, "Is she okay?"

I nodded my head, "Yeah, she is just asleep," I said as I straightened my body. I slid one arm beneath her legs and wrapped the other around her back, lifting her gently. "Let me put her on the bed," I said as I headed toward it, and placed her down with uttermost carefulness, ensuring that her head rested comfortably on the pillow.

I pulled the blanket over her body and Nathan assisted me, pulling the other side of the blanket up and tucking it below Natalie's neck. I moved from her side to his, bending down as I gazed at him. My hand rested over his arm, "How are you feeling now?" I asked, keeping my voice low for Nate's sake.

Lines etched his forehead, "There is still pain everywhere," He mumbled with a helpless tone. His eyes flickered around him, "But I don't want to stay on the bed," He mumbled lowly, his eyes falling on me and asking me to take him anywhere else.

I nodded my head, "I have gotten you something to eat for when you wake up," I said, "So, let's go inside, you can eat a little and then take the medicines the doctor left, they will make the pain more bearable," I suggested and he nodded back, agreeing to my plan.

I extended my hand, "Here, take my hand," I suggested and he pressed his hand over mine, grasping into it as he pulled himself up from the bed. The movement made him wince and my jaw clenched again, the anger coming back in waves, "I can carry you there if you want," I suggested. He paused and looked up at me, he shot me a glare, "No, I am a big boy."

I couldn't help but smile, "Yeah, you are."

He succeeded in getting up, "You can keep holding into me if you want," I said and he nodded, using my hand as an anchor as he moved forward, taking one step at a time till we exited the room and reached the living room.

I guided him toward the couch and he dropped on it, feeling exhausted as his young body failed to carry him longer, "I will bring you the soup, okay," I said and he nodded his head, backing into his seat and catching up his lost breath.

I made my way to the kitchen, retrieved the bowl of soup and the prescribed medicine, then returned to his side. Shifting the table nearer to him, I carefully placed the bowl on it. "Thanks," he mumbled gratefully as he accepted the spoon from me and began to eat.

Seated beside him, I observed as he slowly consumed the soup, his lack of appetite evident. Nevertheless, he was aware of the necessity of his medication, so he managed a few more spoonfuls before surrendering, too drained to continue. After taking his medicine, he slumped back onto the couch, his gaze scanning the room, searching for something.

"What are you looking for?" I asked, curiously.

His light gaze fell on me and he questioned, lines etching between his eyebrows, "They're not here?"

I shook my head, my jaw ticking, "No, they will never come near you again, I promise," I said and he gazed at me for a second too long before he nodded his head. His gaze drifted away from me and settled on the TV unit across the room.

I followed his gaze, the one staring at the chessboard placed on the shelf. My eyebrows pulled closer, "Do you know how to play?" I asked.

He turned his head to me, "Yes," He said, "Do you?"

I nodded, "Wanna play?" I suggested and that appeared to have sparked some enthusiasm in him, as he nodded with a small smile, replying, "Yes."

I got up from my seat, retrieved the chessboard from the shelf, and returned to his side. Placing it on the couch between us, I began arranging the pieces. "Isaac taught you how to play?"

He helped me with arranging the pieces, "Yes," He answered, "Did he teach you too?"

I shook my head, "No, my mother did," I said.

Nathan's eyes scanned the board, displaying youthful curiosity. His eyes, still filled with innocence, darted across the pieces as he considered his options and we started to play.

He reached out with small, delicate hands to move the chess pieces without hesitation. I couldn't help but smile, it was weird but I was growing more fond of him by the day. He was...different. Something about was just different, the good kind of difference but I couldn't pinpoint exactly what it was.

"Natalie is your wife?" He asked, out of the blue, apparently curious about what relationship bound me to his sister.

I smiled at his innocence and shook my head, "No," I shifted my pieces and waited for him to make the next move, "She is my girlfriend."

"Oh," He said, his gaze drifting to the board and with a strategic look, he made his move. He looked up at me, "Do you...love her?"

I nodded my head, "Yeah," I said, "I do."

He stared at me for a second too long, "And Ronald is your friend?"

I grimaced at the given title before I shook my head, "God, no!"

"But he told me that he is your best friend," Nathan added and I rolled my eyes; of course, he'd go broadcasting that to everyone, "Truth is, he keeps forcing himself on me but I don't really like him," I informed him, clearing his head of Ronald's lies.

Nathan smiled, amused at my so-called relationship with his brother.

We carried on playing and I was the one to ask this time, "What about you, you got any friends from school or something?"

He shook his head, "Not really," He said, "I don't go to school, I study at home," He added, a little sadness woven into his words, "So, I never had a chance to make friends."

My jaw tightened, knowing the answer but I asked, "Why do you study at home?"

"Because dad says it's dangerous outside," He said it almost like he believed it himself, that goddamned man had brainwashed him entirely, "There are people who would want to hurt me, so it's better to stay inside."

"You never go out?"

"I do, just when dad comes home," He said, "He takes me to different places sometimes."

So, Isaac practically imprisoned him, No wonder he doesn't complain much about staying locked inside here. He's been used to it, "I was homeschooled too," I informed him, and that seemed to grab his attention, "Really?"

"Yeah, Isa...my father said the same thing to me," I told him, "That it would be dangerous," Right before he threw me into danger himself. The hypocrisy on that man.

My fingers clenched around the wooden chess pieces, a familiar unease settling within me. Whenever the subject of Isaac came up, it had a way of throwing me off balance.

"You know," I tried to shift the topic away from me, "I know a kid that you could be good friends with," I said and Nathan smiled, the idea seemed so interesting and new to him, "Really, who?"

"Someone I know, he's probably the same age as you," I said, smiling, "And he also doesn't have much friends, I have a feeling you two will hit it off."

"What's his name?"

"His name is Chris," I answered, "But he is in another city now," I added, "I plan to bring him here though, so maybe you can meet him when I do," I suggested and Nathan gave me an innocent excited nod. Leave it to Isaac to deprive the kid of his basic needs.

We resumed playing and I kept the conversation going, "Do you know who your mother is?" I asked, heading there to see what Isaac filled his head with.

Nathan's hand movements paused and he looked up at me, he gave me a small nod, "Yeah, I know."

"Do you know what happened?"

He nodded, sadness enveloping every feature, "Yeah, she...died," He mumbled, his throat bobbing, "Dad told me," He added with a soft voice, "He told me that those dangerous people hurt her."

He resumed playing, making his next move before he went for the trigger, "What about your mother, where is she?"

My heart felt like it could splinter into a million pieces as I muttered, "She died as well."

That seemed to shock him, his eyes grew wide a bit, "Did those dangerous people hurt her too?"

Oh, you have no idea...

It was stupid maybe, but at this moment, considering the kid's weakened state, it didn't feel right to tell him that Isaac did it. It didn't feel right to ruin the image of the only man he believed in like this.

So, I lied, "No, it was an accident."

A low breath pushed out of his chest, his shoulder slumping down slightly, his eyes on the board as he spoke, "Do you ever wish she was alive?" He asked wistfully, "Because I do," He looked at me and shook his head, "Because I don't know what it's like to have a mother."

I wanted to tell him all about it. Despite all of her mistakes and wrongdoings, having her around was the only thing remotely close to peace when I was young.

"You know something," I said, swallowing past the rock lodging my throat, "I've been told that Natalie looks exactly like your mother, inside out," I offered him a small smile, a little hope, "So, maybe if you give her a chance, you can know what it feels like."

He smiled, content with that, "I like Natalie," He said, "She is nice."

My smile grew wider, "Yeah, she is the best."

"I like Ronald too," He added, "He is cool."

My smile dropped, "I don't exactly associate that adjective with him."

Nathan chuckled, "I like you, too," He added, "You're cool too."

He likes me?

He looked back at the board and made his last move while I was still assessing his previous words, "And you missed your chance," He said ever so confidently as he knocked down my queen, "Checkmate!"

True I gave him the chance to win, but I won't deny that he was smart and strategic in every move he made. Well, Isaac taught him well, I guess.

I feigned shock, "Well, well," I looked at the board with a helpless look before I faced him. I extended my hand forward, "Congrats, you won fair and square," I said and he smiled genuinely as he placed his hand in mine and shook it.

We played another round, chatting here and there about random things and it was heartening to witness him smile without any signs of discomfort, likely due to the medication taking effect.

When we were finished, I gathered the pieces and placed the board back on the shelf. Nathan struggled to get up from the couch so I inched closer to him, "You want help?"

He shook his head, his jaw set tight with determination as he tried to stand still on his apparently injured leg. The effort he placed added more pressure on his leg and when he tried to stand still, he failed. His leg shook and he fell down. I was close so I rushed to him quickly. A groan of pain rumbled from his chest and he angrily slammed his little fist on the ground, frustrated at his weak state.

I helped him get back up, holding him close so he won't crash down again. He curled his hand over my arm, grasping into me and I noticed the helpless tear that trickled down his cheek. I brought my hands forward, holding his face up and urging him to look at me. Tears brimmed his eyes, "Hey Nathan, look at me, it's gonna be okay, I promise, I will find those who did this," My jaw tightened, "And I will make them pay."

"I will never let anyone harm you again," I assured him and he sniffled, his face a mixture of pain, anger, hurt, and fear, so much fear I couldn't comprehend its origin, "I will never leave your side again," I added.

His lip trembled slightly, literal terror in his eyes, "You promise?"

I nodded my head and whispered, "I promise."

It's what Isaac did to him, filling his head with stories and myths, frightening him to the extent that he believed he should rely solely on Isaac. God, I knew the man could never be a normal father. It's not in his DNA. He will mess him up with time just like he did to us.

Nathan gazed at me, and in a sudden burst of emotion, he threw himself forward into my embrace, his arms going around my back, clutching into me yet again. I tensed, my body stiffening, not expecting this at all. Gulping down, I cautiously brought my arms around him, hugging him back.

I tightened my grip, sensing that he needed the reassurance. My chin nestled on top of his head, and I lowered my gaze. While I had managed to earn his trust over time, the looming question remained: How could I ever erase Isaac from his mind?

He is trusting me because I promised to take him back to Isaac; what will he do when I don't? What will he do when he learns that I am the one who ended his so-called father?

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

Emma's POV

Do you know why Roman is the best husband in the world?

Yup, he is. He is the most awesome husband in the whole big world. And no, I am not drunk while admitting this.

He had tied Matilde to a chair for me, he placed her in the middle of the darkest room we have in here, also just for me. He even brought me various types of toys I could use to spill her blood and play with her skin any way I pleased. To add to that, he bought me my favorite vanilla milkshake.

Told ya, he is the best idiot in the world. If I believed in love, I'd admit to loving him more than life itself.

I sipped on my milkshake before I placed it away. I licked my lips as I fixed my cloves, "Not gonna taint my hands with your blood," I said, casually addressing the topic, "You probably have STD or something," I grimaced at the thought before I looked at the collection ahead of me, trying to decide where to start from.

"What do you think we should start with?"

When she didn't answer me, I lifted my eyes up to her and facepalmed, "Ah sorry, forgot you're mouth is taped," I moved to her side, "Oppsie," I said with a wide smile as I pulled off the tape.

She glared up at me and spat out, "Once I get out of here, you're gonna pay for this, Emma!"

I chuckled, "It's so funny that you think you will ever get out of here," I said with a silly shake of my head, "Here is what will happen, Let me give you a brief recap," I started, "First, I will use every torture technique you taught me, you know the basics, cutting your tongue, breaking your knees, cutting off your fingers, et cetera, et cetera," I counted them on my fingers, "Anyways, after that, I will leave you in this room," I turned my body to look around, describing it, "You see, when I turn off the lights, this room becomes pitch black, just like the one you used to lock me up in, remember?"

I faced her again, "Then, I will leave here for days and days. Then, I will come back and resume my work; and after that, I will leave you here again, for weeks and months till you wonder if I am ever coming back again, you see this will keep going and going till you beg me to kill you."

Her jaw ticked, a low groan vibrated off her throat and I added, "Oh, also, I found out that you have a daughter," I added with an enthusiastic tone, "She looks just like you, moving around the HEX like she owns the place, it's funny how she followed into her mommy's footsteps," I moved back to my toys and picked my first one for the day; a thumb screw with spikes in it, to break her fingers one by one. This is gonna be so much fun.

I prepared it and inched closer to her, her eyes wide as she understood what was about to happen, "Oh," I looked up at her, "I killed her, your daughter, I forgot to mention, sorry."

Her eyes grew even wider and aggression pressed deeper into her face, "You bitch!"

I smiled, ever so evilly, "I am the bitch you made," I said as I leaned closer to her, my fingers resting over her chin, "Today you will witness what it's like when the student becomes the master," I added.

"I will get out of here, Emma," She grated out, believing in the power she hold, "And when I do, I will kill you and that husband of yours."

Okay, that wasn't very nice.

My hand moved to her neck, wrapping over her skin so tightly, ready to crush her pipes within my grip, "You wanna threaten me, go ahead," I grated out, my tone lethal. I edged my face so close to her and applied more pressure, her face was turning red and purple unable to catch her breath as I hissed out, "But if you dare to come near my husband, I will show you the real bitch I am, you get that?"

I let go of her neck when her eyes seemed to roll back inside her head. The sudden rush of oxygen pushed her head forward and she started coughing loudly, like she was suffocating and I wasted no time. I pulled at her hand, forcing her fingers in between the metal rails and I pressed down with not an ounce of remorse, the spikes penetrating through her skin and bone, and the screams that erupted from her and bellowed into the room were pure music to my ears.

I carried on, nonstop, and after the sixth round, was it, she passed out from the pain. I checked the time and realized there was no reason for me to stay there any longer. I will resume my work later at night. I left her side and discarded my gloves. I picked up my milkshake, turned off the lights, and exited the room, locking it well behind me.

I placed the straw in my mouth and pleasurably sipped on my heavenly drink. I don't know what the reason was but it tasted so much better after I broke all of her fingers. As I made my out, my gaze fell on Roman, who was already making his way toward me, all done with his workout. I smiled giddily at his sight, my mouth watering when his lips broke into the sexiest smile in the world.

We met halfway and I removed the straw from my mouth, licking my lips as I placed my drink away. Roman's arm went around my waist and pulled me to him, "I must be sick in the head, but I am so turned on right now," He mumbled as he dipped his head into my neck and kissed me.

I chuckled at his words because I knew exactly what he meant. I was wearing normal shorts and a white shirt, my hair high up in a ponytail, sipping on my milkshake with the blood of my victim splattered on my clothes. Yeah, I get it, "I think we are both sick in the head because I want to jump your bones right now," Having sex after I had just tortured my long-lost enemy? Yeah, the epitome of pleasure.

Roman nibbled at my neck, his mouth moving up my chin before he captured my mouth, his hand going down and cupping my ass. I hummed into his lips, kissing him back before I pulled back, slapping his hand away before this could accelerate, "We can't have sex now, we don't have time," I pointed out and he groaned in utter annoyance as I added, "We need to go to the church."

He rolled his eyes, "Yeah because we are such god-preachers."

I wrapped my arms around his neck, "No, because it's Sunday and your mother asked us to join her," I pointed out, my words adding more annoyance to his expression.

"And since when do you like to hang out with my mother?" He asked with an arched eyebrow.

I rolled my eyes, "Since never," But after he told me about her the other day and what was troubling him deep inside, I felt that he needed to spend more time with her, get used to her presence, and maybe figure out a way to adjust to her. So, when she asked us to join, I accepted on Roman's behalf, "But we need to do some normal things from time to time," I used that as an excuse and Roman didn't seem to buy it.

"Also, having sex in a church is on my list of places I wanna do it in," I added ever so seriously and Roman chuckled before he pecked my lips, "Okay, you little priestess," He finally agreed, "Let's go home and change first."

I looked down at my bloodied attire and agreed; Yeah, definitely needed a change.

We took a quick shower and changed quickly in order to catch up and not miss it. I wore the only type of modest attire I owned. The weather was also good today so opting for a summer dress worked well on my side. The dress has a soft, pastel yellow color with delicate white floral patterns, and the neckline is a modest round neck with a subtle white lace trim, adding a touch of sophistication. I smoothed my hair down and allowed it to fall around my face as I applied basic daily makeup without exaggeration.

Roman entered the room, adjusting his sleeves and freezing in his tracks as his eyes locked onto me. He was clad in a perfectly tailored light grey button-down shirt paired with sleek black slim-fit trousers. Despite the understated elegance of his attire, my insides churned with desire. My stomach jumped and tumbled; God, I wanted to rip his clothes apart and then do all types of sinful things to him.

With a deft touch-up of my soft-colored lip gloss, I closed my makeup bag. I shifted my attention to him, smiling as his gaze flickered hungrily all over me like a wolf who had just cornered his favorite prey.

"Woah," He breathed out when I stopped right ahead of him.

I rested my hands under my face, sweetly fluttering my eyelashes at him, "I pull the good girl look very well, don't I?"

He grinned, his hands finding their place around my waist. "Honey, you could convince angels that you're one of their own," he remarked, leaning in to plant a kiss on my lips, accidentally smearing my lip gloss onto his own. I chuckled and used my thumb to gently erase the gloss from his lips, "When in reality I am what?"

"My little devil," He dropped a kiss over my cheek, "The one that I will follow to the gates of hell without looking back."

"Well," I said as my fingers fluttered over his collar, "You should know that this little devil would raise hell and move heavens and earth just for you," I sincerely admitted and he nodded his head, his smile making my heart feel so messy when he pecked my lips again, "You have no idea how much I love you," He whispered into my mouth, "But we should leave now or else I am tying you to the bed and never letting you go."

I chuckled at his words and he playfully smacked my ass, "Come on."

God, I've hit the jackpot with this man, didn't I?

After leaving the house, we got into the car and drove to the church. Upon our arrival, we parked and stepped out. Roman guided me, his hand resting on my lower back, as we approached his mother at the entrance. My gaze briefly met Cara's on her other side, who appeared somewhat surprised by my presence. However, she quickly regained her composure and greeted me with a smile, "Hey."

I returned the smile, "Hey."

"Uncle Rommie is here!" I heard Lilly's voice before I saw a little thing speed toward Roman and hug his leg. Roman chuckled and he bent down, picking her up into his embrace, and kissing her face multiple times, "And here is my favorite girl," He said as he planted a last big kiss on her cheek.

She giggled and wrapped her arms around his neck, kissing his cheek as well before her eyes flickered to me, "Ah, Emma, hey!" She waved her hand at me excitedly and I couldn't help but smile, waving my hand back, "Hey!"

She looked down at my dress, "You are like me," She commented in astonishment, curling her hand over her own very cute little yellow dress, "We are both yellow!"

I nodded and looked down at myself, "Yeah, we are wearing the same dress."

Her smile widened, "Yeah, we're pretty," She said ever so confidently and I chuckled; I really like her little weird self, "Yeah, we are, aren't we?"

Roman's smile was so heartwarming and he kept one arm wrapped around Lilly while the other snuck around my waist, keeping me tucked so close, "Shall we go inside," He suggested and his mother nodded her head, "Yeah, let's go."

Cara inched closer to Roman, extending her arms to take Lilly but the girl refused, clinging to Roman with all her might, "No!" She shot out and Cara narrowed her eyes at her girl, "Always stick with the men you, huh," She commented and Lilly rested her cheek on Roman's shoulder, getting comfy.

"Hey, she missed her uncle, Leave her," Roman commented, loving the attention and pushing Cara away so he could keep Lilly with him.

We settled down in our seats, beside me sat Roman and Cara took the spot on my other side. Lilly comfortably settled in her uncle's lap, her youthful curious eyes flickering all around us as the mass started.

When it was over, "Go on peace, the mass has ended," The priest said before leaving. Soon after, everyone started to take their exit as well. I leaned closer to Roman, "I will go the bathroom, and then we can leave," I whispered and when he nodded, I dropped a kiss over his cheek before I headed to the restroom.

When I finished, I turned to the mirror and began fixing my hair. That's when I noticed someone else entering the restroom. His mother. Our eyes met in the reflection, and she greeted me with a warm smile as she approached the sink beside me to wash her hands.

After drying her hands, she continued to look at me, and I gave her my full attention. It was evident that she wanted to speak but was holding back. Finally, she asked, "How have you been doing?" Her head tilted slightly to the side as she continued, "I haven't seen you both since, well..." Since we were at her house and I got attacked. Yeah, I remember.

I swallowed hard and nodded, "I am doing fine," I said, my tone neutral.

Her eyes fell down before she asked, "What about Roman?"

My eyebrow raised, "You can go and ask him yourself," Now, I am getting angry, now I wanna bash her hand into the mirror and teach her how to be a mother.

She gave me a helpless shake of her head, "Yeah, it's not like he indulges me in conversations," She remarked and I narrowed my eyes at her, taking a step closer, "Well, then try, try harder," I said, "You missed like what, twenty-five years of his life, do you want to miss more?"

She shook her head, "I try, but every time we talk, it feels like he is talking to me because he has to, not because he wants to and I don't want to force on him something he doesn't want. I've hurt him enough as it is."

I facepalmed; Stay calm Emma, she will be the only grandma to your kids, don't kill her yet, "God, it's because he doesn't know you!" I remarked, "He doesn't, so maybe try and make him know you," I added, "He lost his father, and it nearly destroyed him, so believe me, he needs you but he just doesn't know how because he never had you before."

"Look, I can't be the one to teach you how to be a mother when I never had one myself but-" I added with frustration in my tone, "But make an effort, force yourself on him, it's okay, just get to know him," I shook my head, "I get it, okay, you had to give him up and all that bullshit," Although I still believe she had a choice, but who am I to judge, "That's in the past, you can't change it, but he is here now, he is right here and I don't see you doing anything."

Hurt consumed her expression and tears gathered in her eyes. I get it, okay, she is a mother and this is hurting her too, but she has to fix it. Roman isn't the one who should make the effort here; she should.

"Just please, talk to him," I added, my voice lowering, my frustration subsiding, "You are a mother and I am not questioning your love for your son, I just...I just want him to be okay, I don't want him to lose both of his parents yet, he doesn't deserve that."

She sniffled and nodded her head, bringing her hand up and gently wiping at the area below her eyes, "You are right."

Hell, I am.

Her eyes fell on me again, a soft somber smile pulling the corner of her lips, "Still claiming you are not head over heels with my son?" She recalled what I told her before.

I gulped down at the insinuation. I anxiously shifted on my feet and brought my hand up, tucking my hair behind my ear, "He is my husband," I said, "And I just want him to be happy." Because in a weird messed up way, he makes me happy too.

She nodded, gathering herself together, "Yeah, well, he is so lucky," She said with uttermost sincerity.

"Are you coming?" She motioned towards the exit, but I shook my head, needing a moment to collect myself.

"I'll join in a bit," I replied, feeling the need to regain my composure.

She nodded and left. I let out a deep sigh, running a hand over my face. What was happening to me? Before I could contemplate further, one of the bathroom stalls opened, and Cara peered out, "Is it over? Can I come out now?" she asked, catching me off guard with her presence.

"You heard all of that?"

Cara nodded as she approached to wash her hands, her expression reflecting her discomfort. "Yeah, I was going to come out, but it got awkward so fast that I decided to hide instead," she admitted with a horrified look.

I rubbed a hand over my throat, "Look, I know she is your mother but," I started to say so she wouldn't go blaming me for talking to her in that way. But before I could explain my situation, Cara shook her head, facing me as she spoke, "Oh no, it's okay, I get it, you are looking after Roman."

"And yeah, I've noticed how he couldn't connect with her at all," She added with a helpless low sigh, "And I get it's hard on both of them, I just hope they will be able to bridge the gap and find a middle ground because Roman is the best," He is, my idiot husband, "And our mom is a great woman, I would love for him to see her for who she really is."

I nodded my head, "I hope so."

We decided to put an end to the stressful conversation there, and Cara and I exited the bathroom together. Just as we were leaving, she interjected, "Oh, by the way, Katherine and I are planning to meet for coffee after this. Would you like to join us?"

Her words had me slightly tense, not used to being invited to gatherings as such. I never had...girlfriends. I never had what they call a girls' night. I don't know what girls talk and gush about when they sit alone. And as much as the thought used to repel me, I still wished to have it. To have someone, of the same gender as me, who could understand part of the things I am going through.

Cara read my hesitation, "I mean if you don't have any plans," She added, "We'll just hang out for a bit."

I found myself nodding my head, "Uh, yeah," I said, "I also know Katherine, so-" I added with a raised eyebrow. Cara nodded in understatement, "Oh yeah, you used to meet with them when I was dead," She added with a roll of her eyes, recalling the bad old days.

I smiled and nodded my head, "Yeah, back when I used to hit on your husband."

Cara groaned in annoyance and I chuckled.

When we reached Roman's side, Cara was the first to speak, "Uh Roman, Emma will come with me, we will hang out with Katherine, and you can come pick her up later," Her words had the smile drop from his face, his shoulders slumping down, almost like he never wanted to be away from me. Ah, the idiot.

"So, can you please drop mom at her house," Cara added and I wanted to pat her on the back for the nice plan, "Because it's gonna be in the opposite direction for where we are heading to."

Roman's throat bobbed heavily and he turned to his mother, nodding his head, "Yeah, sure," He said with a neutral tone.

Lilly left her uncle's side and I walked closer to him, tiptoeing to kiss his cheek, "It will be quick, okay," I said, because I also didn't want to leave him for long.

He nodded his head, "No problem, just have fun," He said as he sweetly pecked my lips.

After that, we parted ways, with Roman and his mother heading to his car and Cara, Lilly, and I going in the other direction where Cara had parked her own car. Once they were out of earshot, Cara turned to me and winked. I couldn't help but smile and raise my hand for a high-five, saying, "Nice job!"

Cara chuckled warmly as she settled Lilly into her car seat and fastened her seatbelt securely. I found myself glancing back from a distance, observing Roman helping his mother into the car. His gaze roamed around, and I knew he was searching for me in the crowd. Eventually, our eyes met, and a spontaneous smile graced his face. My heart swelled with affection, and I responded with a smile of my own, sending him a flying kiss.

Watching them drive away, a mixture of hope and anxiety settled in my chest. I hope they will have the chance to talk. I hope for this to bring them closer somehow and heal the rift between them. I hope that he will be okay.

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

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