Redemption

By: Francette Phal

Copyright 2012 Francette Phal

Smashwords Edition
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Dedicated,
To the love of my life. Thank you so much for your patience, love and everlasting support.

Table of Contents
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
Chapter 22
Chapter 23
Chapter 24
Chapter 25
Chapter 26
Chapter 27
Chapter 28
Chapter 29
Epilogue

Chapter 1
Ten years later...
Dina Holbrook was contentment itself. This, she realized, could arguably be one of the best days
of her life and it was all thanks to God. Thered never been a day in the last ten years that she hadnt
thanked the good Lord for bringing her Eleanor back to her. Itd taken them a very long time to get to
this point, but here they were. She and Phillip were completely immersed in every aspect of Ellies
life.
And to think they wouldve missed out on so much more had they allowed their stubborn pride to
interfere a second longer. Thered been precious time lost already, precious moments she would
never regain, but Dina took heart in the fact that she was here now. After so many years of
estrangement, Ellie had finally forgiven them.
Dina's remorse was plentiful, her sorrow great, her shame she wore like a brooch, a constant
reminder of her stupidity all those years ago. The pain she'd caused continued to eat away at her till
this day. And despite that Ellie had forgiven her, despite that they now shared that precious
mother/daughter connection shed always wanted, Dina knew she'd failed Ellie. The cross was
cumbersome, but it was hers all the same and she would bear it for eternity if that's all how long it
took to forgive herself.
"Nana, look at me!" Dina raised her head from the paper plate she'd stacked with various
snacks and smiled at her granddaughter. Life was good and so much more than she could've ever
asked for. Now, Dina happily thought, she could contend to be the greatest Nana that ever lived.
"No Nana, look at me!" Her gaze shifted to the jumping little boy that was her only grandson.
"Look how high I can jump, Nana!" And he did jump, his small body hurtling against the cloudless
sky. His laughter rang loud and clear, cutting through the subdued chatter of adults milling about the
backyard.
"Dylan Christopher Holbrook! How many times do I have to tell you not to jump so high?" Dina
abandoned her plate on the long picnic table and trailed behind her fuming daughter.
She had the look plastered on her too pretty face. The very same look of annoyance known and
practiced by all mothers and Dina knew her grandbabies were in for it now.
Deciding to help without interfering, she reached over the iron ring of the trampoline and
grabbed her granddaughter. It was too late to save Dylan, but Isabella she could take away from the
line of fire.
"But Moooom"he whined.
"Don't but Mom me. Get down here now!" Annoyance belied the tremor of apprehension tainting
Ellie's voice, Dina instantly empathized. The minute to minute job of worrying about a child were
limitless, one prolonged blink could have devastating effects.
"But.."
"Dylan!"
Contrite as any nine year old could be, knowing they'd disappointed their parent Dylan's head
wilted to his chest. He walked to the trampoline's edge each bouncing step bringing him closer to his
supposed doom. Socked feet came at a standstill as Dylan waited his punishment.
Ellie hooked a finger beneath Dylan's chin raising her son's head to meet her gaze. "Look at
me," Hazel eyes, darker in shade than her own mirrored back at her and as distraught as they
seemed, Ellie knew the same episode would be repeated, if not immediately nipped in the bud.
"Why do I always have to tell you things at least a hundred times before you listen to me?" Her voice
had gentled now, annoyance no longer evident.
Blue polo adorned shoulders lifted and dropped down. "I just wanted to show Nana how high I
could jump." He mumbled in his defense.
"That's all well and good trying to impress your Nan but disobeying me to do something you
know I've specifically asked you not do isn't. And you know this isn't the first time either."
"I'm sorry He murmured.
With a sigh, Ellie took his hand and helped him to the ground. "I know you are." She said. "You
know I yell because I love you right?" At his nod, Ellie continued. "You and your sisters are my life. If
anything were to happen to any of you, I'd be so lost." her children were her beacon of light, without
them, Ellie's world was cast in interminable darkness.

Disaster evaded, Dina knew it was safe to approach her own daughter. "Hey, Mom," She hadn't
had the chance of properly greeting her parents when they'd arrive a half hour ago. Shed been
preoccupied with the overflow of guests and taking birthday presents to the long table they had set
up in the backyard for exactly that purpose. Ellie barely had enough time to make her way through
the throngs of giggling children and their well-wishing parents, before spotting her son doing
something he had been warned against doing.
"Where's dad?" She leaned over to drop a kiss on her mothers cheek.
"With the birthday girl, amusing themselves with Sophie's present." Ellie saw the sparkle in
Dina's eyes and she groaned.
"Oh Mom, you didn't!"
"Well actually your father did."
Ellie rolled her eyes as they made their way back to the picnic table. "Yeah and I'm sure you tried
really hard to stop him." She said wryly, seating Dylan down on the bench.
"You know how your father gets when he sets his eyes on something--- me saying 'no' wouldn't
have made a difference."
Ellie snorted, turning her attention to her son. "Liam and Eric are inside; you can go play with
them until it's time to cut the cake." He looked at her with eyes that rivaled Christmas lights.
"Really?" he asked, sure that he'd heard wrong.
"Yes." Ellie replied, and then watched as he took a careful look behind her shoulder.
His eyes strayed back to Ellie's smiling face and conspiratorially asked, "Do I have to take Belle
with me?" It wasn't cool to have your sister tag along when you just wanted to play with the boys.
Dylan had never appreciated his twin being foisted on him when hed just wanted to play boy
games and today was no different.
Understanding where her son was coming from, Ellie took pity. "Not if you don't want to."
"I want to play with Liam and Eric too, Mommy!" Bella piped in wiggling free of her
grandmother's arms she stomped over to where her mother sat with her brother.
Dylan glared down at her. "No." he said firmly, then stuck his tongue out at her.
Quick to curb the fight she knew would ensue, Ellie spoke to her daughter. "I want you to stay
with me sweetheart so you, me and Nan can help bring out the cake for Soph.
"Can I lick the frosting?"
Well see.
Ellie set Dylan down and Bella was quick to claim his spot. "I don't want to catch you jumping too
high on the trampoline again, Dylan, I mean it. If I do, it's curtains to it. Got it?"
"Got it." With a firm nod, he spun on his heel and took off across the yard, making a beeline for
Gabe and Ronnie's little tykes.
Dina had to admit that Ellie had the parenting thing down to an art form. Watching her was like
observing an artisan at work as she manipulated and molded the daily problems of her children into
oblivion. She had the firm hand that kept tantrums, tears and pouts at bay and the gentle smiles that
brought joy, understanding, and contentment. At only twenty eight Ellie seemed far too mature for her
age, but then one had to be when faced with at the adversity of raising three children alone.
She sighed, that was a subject for another time. Today was a day of celebration and so they
would celebrate.
"I can't believe you got Soph a puppy, Mom." Of course Sophie had been going on and on about
wanting one for the past year, but Ellie had stayed firm in her decision in adopting one.
Twelve year olds had no business owning dogs. The responsibility was far too much and Ellie
had her hands full enough with her three hellions without needing to worry about a fourth. Because no
matter how many chores Sophie did to show her mother that she was responsible enough, Ellie
knew taking care of the dog would ultimately become her responsibility once Sophie lost interest.
Sophie always lost interest. Three dead goldfishes and the neglected gerbil in the den were
proof enough.
"It'll be good for her, teach her responsibility."
Ellie stared at mother, before sighing resignedly. "I hope so." It wasn't like she could demand
they take the puppy back, doing so would only bring about weeks of silent treatments. Ellie had
never been able to withstand those treatments from her eldest and always caved in after a few days.
It wouldn't be different this time around.
"It'll be okay sweetheart, you'll see." Dina patted Ellie's shoulder reassuringly. "How've you

been?" they rarely had a chance to see each, except on holidays or special occasions, due in great
parts to geographical location of their homes. The phone was all well and good for getting updates
on her grandbabies and such, but every now and then Dina just wanted to know how her daughter
was doing.
Ellie shrugged, distracted by the mess Bella was making. "To tell you the truth Mom, I've been a
little stressed out with planning this party for Sophie." she raised her head, looked at Dina and
fleetingly smiled. "But it's been worth it. I'm glad you and Dad made it." The sincerity on her face
almost brought tears to Dina's eyes.
It had taken them years to rebuild broken trusts and regain this level of sweet familial comfort
that sometimes Dina was astounded by the reality of it all. So fortunate to have a daughter whose
benevolence knew absolutely no bounds. Ellie was one in a million. Many mothers could boast that
about their own children, but for Dina it was a simple matter of undisputed truth. Anyone who's ever
met Ellie could attest to that.
"Are you crying, Nana?" Brown eyes with flecks of gold regarded Dina with curiosity, wisdom far
beyond her tender years gleaming through.
When shed been born at six pounds five ounces, Isabella had been wide-eyed and aware of
everything around her. Shed been a sweet child, rarely cried for anything. Dina had been present at
the hospital and had been one of the first to hold the twins. The very moment shed placed Bella in
her mothers arms, Ellie had silently wept. Her gaze never leaving Bella's perfect little face, she'd
pressed a kiss to her little head and christened her Isabella.
"No, sweetheart," she ran a hand beneath her eyes before turning a smile to her worried
daughter and granddaughter. "I'm fine. More than fine. We are so pleased that you've invited us."
"Mom! Mom! Look what Grandpa got me!" The birthday girl herself, barefooted and grinning
from ear to ear hurried towards them, a ball of copper red fur in her arms. Liam and Eric, Gabe and
Ronnies children trailed after her with Dylan at their side.
Liam was older than his brother by a year. With a mop of chestnut brown hair and mischievous
dark brown eyes, he was a livewire with the curious nature of a cat. That curiosity always landed him
in trouble and poor Eric was always there to take the fall, although their parents knew who the
mastermind was.
Seven year old Eric was the complete opposite of his brother. Where Liam was loud and
rambunctious, Eric was more subdued, calm, with a ready smile for everyone. His hair, a lighter
shade than his brother's, was cropped short to his head. He had Ronnie's eyes, light brown, caramel
in the right lighting.
"Mom, look!' Sophie's exuberance drew Ellie from her reverie. She blinked a few times trying to
see beyond the ball of fur Sophie had shoved in her face. Bella squealed and reached for it, but
Sophie pulled it back.
"It's a puppy!" she bounced on Ellie's lap, looked up at her mother's face and then back at
Sophie and the puppy and squealed once more. "We have a puppy! We have a puppy!"
"Yes," she looked at Sophie's hopeful face and rolled her eyes. She was such a sucker. "We
have a puppy."
And it was like Christmas again. Bella jumped from Ellie's lap and stood in front of her older
sister. "Can I pet her, Sophie?"
"Okay Belle, but be careful." Sophie warned before falling to her knees, right at Bella's level so
that she could touch the puppy. Liam, Eric, Dylan and the few other children whod gathered around
Sophie, profited from her generosity and petted the puppy.
"What are you going to name it, sweetheart?" Dina asked.
"Let's call her princess!"
Sophie grimaced, before glaring down at her hopeful sister. "We are not calling him princess. I'm
going to call him Grayson." She looked up then, straight at her mother and it was all Ellie could do in
trying to get her heart to peel itself off her ribcage, where it had slammed itself seconds ago. Sophie
continued to stare at her, her look telling.
"Grayson...Grayson. I like that name." Bella nodded her approval, and Sophie smiled down at
her.
"I like it too." She said quietly.
There'd been meaning behind that gaze. What the hell was her daughter playing at? For God
Sakes, that part of her life was ancient history. Sophie shouldn't have even remembered anything!

"Honey, are you feeling okay?"

She just was overreacting! Finding meaning where there was none. Ellie told herself. Sophie
had only looked at her for approval that was all, nothing more.
"Im...Im fine." Nothing more. "I'm fine, Mom." She said again much more convincingly this time.
There was a brief flash and then another. Ellie blinked a few times to rid her vision of the
orangey white globs before focusing on Gabe's grinning face. In his arms he held the cutest little
munchkin of them all, sweet little Sabrina Akers.
Rina redefined the word adorable, with her tufts of ginger blond hair, mountainous apple red
cheeks, little button nose, cheery red lips that greedily hugged a pacifier, and perfectly round body,
decked out in white and pink floral number that looked way too cute for words.
Ronnie whacked her husband's arm, and then stooped down to plant a kiss on both Ellie and
Dina's cheeks, respectively. "Hey Ellie...Dina." She greeted. "They weren't too much trouble for you?
" No matter how many times Liam and Eric spent the night over Ellie's home Ronnie always asked
the same question. Ellie resisted the urge to roll her eyes. As if she didn't have her own hell-raisers
to keep them distracted.
"They were perfect little angels." She said, taking Rina from Gabe's arms. "Hey there baby
girl...aren't you just so cute in your little dress?" Ellie cooed.
"Yeah right and I'm Brad Pitt." Gabe said wryly, setting his camera down.
"Dream on lover, dream on." Ellie laughed as Gabe grabbed Ronnie around the waist and
jostled her about, both their laughter ringing clear.
"Shes right Gabe; you're more like a Johnny Depp type. Where's my dad?" Everyone seemed
to have congregated to their little group, so Ellie figured her dad should've made an appearance
right about now.
Knowing that this was the signal, Dina stood up. "I'll go get him." And the cake! Everyone
nodded and watched her disappear. Ronnie claimed Dina's seat beside Ellie.
"Hey, squirt," Gabe said in greeting, tugging one of Sophie's pigtails. "I see your grandfather
finally gave you the husky." He greeted Dylan and Bella with hugs and kisses.
Sophie grinned up at Gabe. "Yeah, isn't he cool?"
"His name's Grayson!" Bella added, mindless of the meaning behind that name.
And it shouldn't have had so much meaning behind it but it did.
Gabe's eyebrows flew to his hairline, eyes wide he chanced a look at his goddaughter, only Ellie
refused to look at him. She didn't seem bothered but then again, appearances could be deceiving.
"Why Grayson, Soph? Why not buddy? Or Captain beefheart?"
Sophie shrugged. "Grayson sounded like a cool name for a dog."
"You sure you don't"
"It's a good name, Gabe," Ellie interceded, giving a Gabe a look that indicated he should drop
the subject. "Grayson's a good name for a dog."
Gabe grinned; there was double entendre if he'd ever heard one.
"So Ellie, where's Dev?" Ronnie asked.
Devlin Westport was Ellies boyfriend of three years. They'd met at a parent-teacher meeting.
The physical attraction had been astounding, but it'd taken Devlin some four months of wooing
before Ellie conceded to a date.
Devlin had been the epitome of a perfect gentleman and as guarded as Ellie had been during
those first few months of dating him, Devlin eventually wore her down. She hadn't expected anything
serious to come out of those dates, but to her surprise, they'd managed to make it last three years.
Even after all this time, Devlin still made her stomach do flips.
Gabe, like herself, had been wary of Devlin at first, believing no one deserving of his
goddaughter. But he'd eventually warmed up to him when he realized Devlin had been no kid with a
dick that needed to be satiated. At thirty three, Devlin pretty much had life figured out, with a good
and focused head on his shoulder. All he'd wanted to do was make Ellie happy and after witnessing
that for himself, Gabe gave his complete approval.
Ronnie for her part had been glad that Ellie finally found someone who could love her like she
deserved and the fact that Devlin adored Ellie's kids and treated them like his own was an added
bonus.
"He had some business he couldn't get out of. But he promised he'd be over later tonight with
Roan."

Roan was older than Sophie by three years; he was as tall and broad as his father and at times
just as domineering. Sophie hadn't particular liked him during the first few months of Ellie's fledgling
romance. Now they just ignored each other to make their parents happy.
"Happy birthday to you... happy birthday to you...happy birthday to you..."Everyone turned their
heads towards the back entrance of the quaint two-family Victorian home and watched as Dina and
Phillip walked out together carrying a large two tiered ice cream cake between them, faces split in
happy grins.
The cake was an extravagant beauty of Sophie's latest obsession. Guitars. Of course when
Devlin had promised he'd take care of the cake details, Ellie hadn't imagined hed take it this far. It
was monstrous! So lifelike! Even the candles had a certain flare to them---all twelve of them!
Everyone gathered around Sophie chiming in their versions of the birthday song as she stared
wide eyed at the cake.
"Blow out your candles, Sophie!" Bella said anxiously, face so close to the candles that Ellie
scooped her away.
"Don't forget to make a wish." One of Sophie's friends added.
Sophie closed his eyes tight, her face hidden in Grayson's copper coat.
She wanted the man in the pictures her mother kept hidden away to come back to them. She
had liked that man. That man had made her mother happy.
The festivities continued late into the afternoon, with games and turns on the trampoline. With the
dying sun Ellie sent off the last of her guests with a smile and a "thank you for coming." Closing the
door, she leaned back with a drawn out sigh.
Today had been a good day, stressful yes, but good all the same. Her kids had been happy. Ellie
smiled as she remembered Sophie's joyful face as she'd unwrapped present after present. There'd
been a variety of clothes, a very expansive electric red Fender from Ronnie and Gabe and the puppy
she'd received from her grandparents. The laptop Ellie had gifted her with was a perfect
accompaniment to the iPod Devlin bought her. Spoiled did not began to describe Ms. Sophie Grace
Holbrook.
Ellie was grateful to her parents for giving a helping hand in cleaning the backyard before
leaving. Gabe and Ronnie had hung around for a bit, before they too took their leave, their brood in
tow. It was now just Sophie, Dylan, Bella and herself. The family of four that they'd always been.
They were now all upstairs, taking turns in the shower. Ellie would go up in a few minutes to tuck
them in and kiss them goodnight. It was ritual that was never missed.
The sound of the doorbell had her jumping from the door, recovering quickly, she turned to open
it. He was formidable, huge, could easily be mistaken for an athlete if it weren't for the clean cut way
he wore those designer suits. He was cut like a Brahma bull, all hard lines, rippling muscles and one
hell of aEllie cleared her throat. Heat rising to her skin, she stepped aside and allowed Devlin
entry.
"Hey, Dev." She greeted, closing the door behind them. "Where's, Roan?"
Devlin wrapped an arm around Ellie's waist, drawing her supple frame against his hard one and
plundered lips that were made to be devoured. "I've missed you." Devlin rasped moments later,
voice of pure sex had Ellie's knees buckling. Her hold on broad shoulders the only thing keeping her
from crumbling.
"Missed you too." Oh yeah, she missed him a lot. Mindful of the fact that her children could come
down at any moment and catch them doing things that should otherwise be kept behind closed
doors, Ellie reluctantly pulled away. "We can say how much we've missed each later. Where's your
son?" She threaded their fingers together and walked with him to the kitchen.
"With his mother for the week. How was the party?"
"Great, but not the same without you.
I missed you.
"It's only been a week, Dev." She reasoned, despite the rush of heat prickling along her skin.
Devlin closed the distance between them, cornering Ellie against the kitchen counter and his
hulking frame. "A day is too much." He framed her face with his hands and leaned in for breathstealing kiss. Ellie opened to him, her lips parting under the assault, giving of herself as she'd
wanted to do in his week long absence. Soon they lost themselves in lips, hands and everything in
between, coming apart only when Devlin scooped Ellie off her feet and settled her on the kitchen
counter. He splayed her out then, like some decadent feast at Dionysus's table, ready to be

devoured by the ravenous.

"Mom, can Grayson sleep with" their ardor instantly cooled with the arrival of Ellie's oldest
child.
Ellie pushed away from Devlin, who immediately turned away, facing the kitchen sink, he ran the
water and grabbed himself a cold glass of water. Straightening herself Ellie jumped off the counter
and peered at Sophie's unsmiling, disapproving face. All at once, Ellie felt like she was the child as
a blush crept to her face. She couldn't have felt worse if the situation called for it.
"Umm...can you give us a second, Soph? You can bring Grayson with you; I'll be right up, okay?"
"Yeah." She murmured, spinning on her heel to take her leave, without so much as a "Hello." For
Devlin.
"I'm sorry," Devlin began. "I should've had more control. Maybe I should leave"
"No!" Grabbing his big hands, Ellie brought them to her lips. "Don't leave, just go to my room and
make yourself comfortable. I'll be in as soon as I can." Devlin was a part of her life-a good part of her
life that Ellie wanted to keep. She just had to make sure that her kids understood that before things
went further.
He cupped her cheek, leaned down and kissed her forehead. "I love you." He wasn't the type of
person to share his emotions Ellie knew, but Devlin always managed to whisper those words to her
when Ellie most needed to hear them.
Ellie stood on her toes and tenderly kissed him, needing the contact, before saying. "I love you
too."

Chapter 2
It was silly to say that she was avoiding Sophie's room, but then that was exactly what Ellie was
doing as she lingered a little longer than necessary in the twins' room. Once she'd tucked them in,
Ellie picked up after them, putting away toys and tossing dirty clothes in the hamper. She set out their
clothes for tomorrow morning and hung them in the closet, when there was nothing else to be done,
Ellie resignedly left the room. The walk to Sophie's room, a door down from the twins' room, was
plagued with apprehension.
Honestly it wasn't like she owed Sophie an explanation. She was the adult here and by God if
she wanted to give into her baser instinct every now and then like some amatory teen then she would
do it. But then again getting caught doing the horizontal tango on the kitchen table by your very
impressionable preteen daughter wasnt exactly good parenting.
When it all came down to it, Ellie knew she should've exercised a little more caution. With a sigh,
she opened Sophie's bedroom door and slipped inside.
Sophie's room was the second largest bedroom in the house. When they'd moved in six years
ago, it'd taken them nearly a week to peel off the tacky wallpaper that had covered every inch of the
Victorian home. Once the wallpaper had been removed, Sophie had opted to paint her room a
butter cream yellow with a violet accent wall, where she'd collected an assortment of Indie rock band
posters over the years. Posters of her favorite band of the moment, Carousel, dominated the
majority of the wall. The queen size bed dominated the majority of the room from an obsidian fourposter bed frame. Seated in the small alcove that housed a large bay window, Sophie's gaze was on
the laptop screen, the ubiquitous white iPod headphones dangling from her ears.
As though she'd sensed her mother's presence, Sophie turned her head in Ellie's direction, her
face expressionless.
"Hey, Monster." Ellie greeted after clearing her throat, the pet name from childhood having stuck,
held nothing but affection. "Can I sit?" At Sophie's one shoulder shrug, Ellie flopped down on the
upholstered bench, mindful of Grayson huddled by Sophie's side. The muffled chirps emitting from
the headphones filled the ensuing silence. "Did you enjoy your birthday?"
Sophie nodded, the slightest smile tugging on her lips despite herself. "Yeah, I'm glad Nan and
Grandpa came. It was good seeing them."
"Yeah," Ellie agreed with a smile of her own. "It was good seeing them." She sighed after a
moment. They couldn't really dance around the situation anymore. "Soph, what you saw
downstairs
Sophie blushed. "Say no more, Mom, I see stuff like that on T.V. all the time. You don't need to
explain."
That brought a frown to Ellie's face. "I'm putting parental block on all those channels." There was
no way she was going to have her children growing up before they were good and ready. If Ellie
could prevent the process from occurring prematurely than damn it, she would do her parental duty.
"Soph, I know you're not fond of Devlin but I appreciate the fact that you've been trying hard to be
respectful of him and not to fight with Roan anymore. It means a lot to me."
"You're welcome, Mom. I know they won't be in our lives much longer, anyway." She said with a
surety that astounded Ellie.
"What makes you think they won't be in our lives anymore?" Ellie inquired, trying to wrap her
head around the situation and whether or not she was really having this conversation with her twelve
year old daughter.
"Because you don't belong with him." Sophie responded with a secret smile, petting Grayson's
fur.
"Who do I belong with?"
Sophie tilted her head to the side, fixing Ellie with a look that clearly showed exasperation.
"You know who."
I really have no idea.
Nicholas Grayson. There went Ellie's heart again, slamming itself against her ribcage like
some blind mole rat.
"I think it's time for bed." She abruptly stood the sudden need to escape the room an urgency.
"I saw the pictures, Mom." Sophie said softly, closing the lid to her laptop she followed her

mother to her bed. "In the black chest, in the back of your closet. There was one of you, me and
him."
"Enough, Soph. Bedtime."
"I remember him, Mom." She said firmly, refusing to drop the subject.
"We're not having this conversation, now or ever. Lights out in five minutes."
"But----"
"One more word and Grayson comes with me." That did it and with one last lingering glare at her
mother, Sophie fell back against the mattress and turned her back to Ellie.
That gesture alone hurt more than silent treatments, it was a damn slap in the face. But Ellie
refused to give in this time. Pout or not, the subject of Nicholas Grayson was off limits.
With a sigh, Ellie kissed Sophie's temple. "Despite what you may think, Soph," Ellie whispered
by her ear, "Devlin is a good person and he makes me happy. It hurts me that you can't to see that.
Night, babe and Happy Birthday." The light clicked off as she closed the door behind her.
~*~*~*~
How had this day come to be about Nicholas? She'd gone months without thinking about him
and just at the mere mention of him today alone had Ellie ready to unravel. Was it too much to ask
just to forget him?
It was with a heavy heart that she managed to make it downstairs to her own bedroom. She felt
ill, but Devlin would remedy her ailment. His touch, his kisses, his presence alone was exactly what
she needed at the current moment. Devlin was good at making her forget.
She entered the room and closed the door behind her. Devlin waited for her, lounging on her bed
with a mound of pillows propping him up. He'd hung up his suit jacket in her closet, the periwinkle
dress shirt he donned was open, revealing pecs and abdominals Ellie had kissed and licked many a
times.
"C'mere." He invited his smile sexy and welcoming. Ellie needed no further persuasion as she
hastened to him. Crawling across the bed she straddled his hips and planted a kiss on Devlin's
awaiting lips. He tasted of chocolate raspberry and Devlin, dark and sexy with a hint of sweetness
that drove Ellie crazy with want. Their kiss was an exploration of mouths, a teasing of tongues and
teeth. It was running hands in hair with a sort of languid patience that made foreplay seem like child's
play. It was toying with smooth, barely exposed hot skin with a promise of pleasures to come.
"I'd forgotten how addictive the taste of your lips could be." Devlin said, all deep baritone voice
infused with enough sex that Ellie dipped her head for a second helping. The need for oxygen was a
secondary concept; it became completely inconsequential in their burning urgency.
Devlin feasted on the tender flesh of Ellie's lips, her throaty little mewls championing him to
continue. "I could kiss you forever." Breath scented of lust, Devlin whispered his want against Ellie's
wet lips.
"I think," Ellie purred, hazel eyes darkened to a dark brown by desire, she raked fingernails
down the length of Devlin's chest, eliciting shivers. "Forever could be spent doing other things
besides kissing." Emboldened by Devlin's obliging smile, Ellie pinched and toyed with his nipples,
grinning when he bucked beneath her.
"Like what?" Devlin asked, voice a low rumble in his chest. He folded his arms behind his head
watching Ellie through hooded eyes.
"Like," It was with full knowledge that Ellie knew it was a fantasy of Devlin's to see her strip,
confessed after a rousing round of lovemaking one night months ago. "You...watching
me...get...naked."
"Naked is always a good thing. You naked is a marvel."
Ellie laughed, dodging his hands as he made to grab her, she jumped off the bed then let instinct
guide her as she slowly unbutton her blouse. Seduction in every movement. She threw the blouse at
him and Devlin caught it, setting it by his side he held on to it, while his blue gaze remained focused
on Ellie.
Arms snaking through the air in sync with gyrating hips, Ellie listened to the music only she could
hear while shedding the rest of her clothes. There was nothing and no one in her mind but Devlin.
Exactly how it should be.
Devlin's throat worked, throat suddenly dry as he looked on. Watching Ellie dance could make a
man extremely parched and the only thing that could possibly quench that thirst being a healthy fill of
anything Ellie. She was voluptuous, curves in all the right places. Delectable Caf-au-lait skin made

him want to lick at her skin until she was squirming beneath him. Perfect, round breast stood pert for
him, dusky nipples swelling with desire beckoned him to lick, to suck and devour to his heart's
content. Ellie was made for dancing and being the possessive man that he was, Devlin rejoiced the
fact that this was solely for his viewing pleasure. No other man would lay eyes on this side of Ellie.
Painfully aroused and gripped with animalistic need to lay claim and fuck, Devlin sat up from the
bed. He clasped a hand around Ellie's wrist when she came within touching distance and tugged her
onto his lap. "You're so impatient, Dev." She chided only to gasp when lips accompanied by a hot
tongue nibbled at her ear.
"You expect patience when you gyrate around like that?" he licked a path down Ellie's neck, the
five-o'clock shadow that made him both rugged and sexy, teased and tickled until Ellie thought she'd
go crazy. Ellie leaned back, unable to help herself, Devlin's large sturdy hands at the base of her
spine the only thing keeping Ellie erect as those wondrous lips wrapped around her nipples. Tongue,
hot, wet and merciless, flicked to and fro across the hardened tips, evoking pleas from Ellie's lips.
Drawing away only to divest the remainder of his clothes, Devlin was on Ellie in mere seconds,
allowing her only the briefest glance at his glorious cock. With his avid ministrations, it did not take
long for Ellie to beg for more.
"Devplease." When he finally conceded to her vociferous cries, he kissed Ellie, long, deep
and hungry. Ellie tasted herself on his tongue. "Need you."
Incapable of denying her anything when she looked like that, Devlin reached over the night stand
and grabbed the silver wrapper. Ellie took it from his hands, ripped it open and inserted the
strawberry flavored condom between her lips. Devlin hands fisted at his sides and he ground his
teeth when her warm mouth wrapped around his cock as she slowly slid the condom on him.
"Christ, Ellie"
"Fuck me, Dev." There was seduction in her voice and the heated look she fixed Devlin with,
seating his blood on fire. That look, those big beautiful eyes, made him fall impossibly deeper into
the heaven that was Ellie. A man could go to his grave with that look embedded on his soul and
never be left wanting.
"Anything for you." Devlin was not a sentimental man, but for Ellie he found, he could write
sonnets.
They made love then. Sweet and tender, a languid love that was all flesh and all heart. Their
shadows moved like waves against the walls of the bedroom, each movement, a dance as old as
time itself where Devlin took the lead and Ellie followed meeting him thrust for thrust and kiss for
kiss.
"Loving you is an addiction." Devlin breathed along Ellie's neck, propelling his hips forward
elicited a moan from Ellie.
"Are you addicted?" Ellie asked, fingers gripping Devlin's shoulders.
"A veritable junkie."
"Good." She brought his face down and kissed him. After that, only the sounds of lovers emitted
from both their lips, reaching bliss together.
Ellie's soft laughter brought a smile to Devlin's lips as he brought the plump chocolate covered
strawberry to her lips. "I can't believe she saw that video of us." She wrapped the sheet around her
body, taking another bite of strawberry from Devlin's fingers.
Devlin made a face. "That's what she gets for snooping through my things."
Devlin's abhorrence for his ex-wife did not come as a surprise to Ellie, knowing the grief she'd
put him through. Natasha was a spiteful woman who lived to make Devlin's life a nightmare. She'd
taken him for all he was during the divorce, despite that she'd been unfaithful to him. Ellie wasn't
surprised that Devlin had trust issues. Something they'd had to work on in their three year
relationship.
"So," deciding a subject change was in order, Ellie popped a grape in her mouth and tilted her
head to Devlin. "Last I remembered you went to Tokyo to schmooze up some big time CEO right, did
you talk him into investing?"
Devlin affectionately smiled, he knew Ellie hated business talk, but it seemed for him, she was
always willing to make an exception. It was an endearing quality. "We're still in talks. I'm to return to
Tokyo next month for another meeting. I think we're wearing him down. If this all works out, Elle, I
could be a very rich and powerful man."

Ellie frowned. "You're already rich and powerful."

"True, but his investment could mean better opportunities for Westport Industries. along with its
employees. With him by our side, we could go global. He has a lot of pull in the international
markets, one word from him and Westport industries. could be huge!" He said with fervor. Just
imagine, Ellie, if we get this deal I could give you the world if you asked for it. You would want for
nothing. "
Ellie sighed, snaking her arms around his neck. "I already want for nothing. I have everything I
could possibly want right here." Devlin dipped his head, feathering a kiss along her cheek, until
finally claiming her waiting mouth.
"Come," Devlin said, breaking their kiss. "Come and sit I have a surprise for you." He guided
her to the bed, sat her down and walked away.
Riffling through the pockets of his suit jacket he returned soon after, something held tight in his
fisted right hand. Looking all the worlds like man sentenced to death by guillotine, Devlin took a
fortifying breath and fell to a knee before Ellie. The black velvet box he unfurled from his hand rested
dead center in his palm.
Ellie's hand shot to her mouth, staring in stunned silence at the marquise cut, canary yellow
diamond ring glinting back at her from its velvet prison.
"I think I knew I would spend the rest of my life with you the moment I saw you in that classroom,
Ellie. You're probably the closest I will come to perfection. Waking up to you, seeing your face every
morning is a blessing I hope to never be without. I can't imagine life without you and the last three
years of being with you has opened my heart to so many things. All of which I want to share with you
for the rest of my life."
He nervously smiled, though his gaze remained locked with hers. Sincerity and love within every
word he spoke. Taking the ring from the box, Devlin's hands noticeably shook. He took her left hand
within his own. Soft, warm, welcoming, Devlin's held the ring over her ring finger. "Will you do me the
honor of sharing life with me? Eleanor Holbrook will you marry me?
She wanted this. A part of her was as sure of that as she was of her own name. So why then,
Ellie wondered did she hesitate. This was her happily ever after, provided to her by a handsome
man who made prince charming seem like hopeless fop.
Devlin had all the makings of a fairy tale prince, perfect in all the ways that counted. And had
there been a dragon that needed slaying in order to rescue his damsel, Ellie knew Devlin would've
come running- broad sword in hand, battle cry at the ready. Sure he lacked the pristine button down
ensemble that every prince worth his salt was warranted, but-finely bronzed skin was also
acceptable. After all, Ellie was no blushing princess and damsel in distress she was not. So why then
did she feel she needed rescuing at the present moment?
This is ridiculous, her mind cried, you're in love with this man. Start acting like it and say yes!
"Ellie..."
She stared owlishly. "I'm sorry what?"
Devlin gaped, and then laughed disbelievingly, his nerves hooking him by the balls. "I've just
asked you to marry me Ellie and you go into a daze."
The love and uncertainty radiating off him burnt Ellie's skin. She stood then, taking the sheet with
her, she began to pace. "Thank youI mean, I'm flattered and happy that you've just proposed to
me"
"Ellie"
"I mean this is what I've wanted for so long and we can finally live and be together now...for the
rest of our lives. And our mothers would be so happy because we're happy and my mom loves you,
Dev, she does and"
"Ellie....!"
"She's been nagging me to get you to ask the question for so long now and bam! You come in
here, on Sophie's birthday no less and ask me to marry you. Its great. I know its greatyoure
great"
Devlin did not bother calling Ellie's name a third time. Instead he walked in her path, gathered
her in his arms and kissed her words away. Kisses, in Devlin's experience were incredibly effective
in staunching panic attacks.
"Wha?"
Devlin's laughter a deep hearty rumble reverberated against Ellie's chest. "Is that a yes?"

"Dev"
"Say yes Elle and I'll spend every hour of the rest of our lives making you a deliriously happy
woman."
Ellie bit her bottom lip her gaze flitted across Devlin's smiling face. Devlin was a good man. He
was reliable, loyal, loving, doting, sweet, caringand wasn't she doing a marvelous job attributing
him to a dog?
Love shone in those blue eyes like a beacon of a lighthouse, guiding Ellie through the fog of
uncertainty and safely back to harbor. Devlin was her long awaited chance at happiness and Ellie
knew she would be a fool if she allowed this chance to pass her by without seeing it for what it was.
Ellie Holbrook had stopped being a fool ten years ago.
"Ellie?"
"Yes." She exhaled her answer in a great whoosh of air, as though someone had squeezed her
stomach to release it from her lips.
"Really?"
She nodded. "Yes really. It would be my greatest joy in accepting your hand in marriage Devlin
Westport." Devlin was her future and she would do well in keeping her mind from lingering too far
into the past. The past was dangerous territory and Ellie was finished with dangerous.
She squealed and wrapped her arms around broad shoulders as Devlin scooped her up and
twirled them around. "God Ellie!" Devlin breathed looking up at her, his own arms tightly wrapped
around Ellie's waist as he held her above him. "You have made me the happiest man on the planet! I
love you! I love you so much." Ellie's body slide against Devlin's own, their nudity making the contact
all the more delicious as their lips met in the sweet and lingering greetings of the affianced.
"It fits." Just as Ellie knew it would, the moment Devlin slipped it in place. She looked down at
her left hand the golden flicker of light stroked and caressed the ring as a lover would. The
diamond's facets gleamed approval like well satiated nymphs.
It was perfection in its entire grandiose luster. A beautiful platinum ring that fit perfectly and left
Ellie feeling as though she'd just committed the greatest sin of her life.
She took Devlin's hand with a smile and led them back to bed. "It's beautiful."
He joined her on the bed. Bringing her hand to his lips he kissed the back of her hand. "Youre
beautiful," He had her where he wanted her and while she surrendered to the power of his kisses, he
settled between her thighs. "And your mine." The possessiveness of the words caused a shiver to
run down Ellie's spine immediately followed by a gasp as Devlin sheathed the entirety of his
impressive length to the hilt.
Devlin grunted and groaned above her and all Ellie could focus on was the strange ache she felt
deep within her chest.
"I love you."
"I love you too, Dev." The ache ebbed as she fully participated in the act of showing how much
she loved this man whose wife she would soon become.
~*~*~*~
Paris, France
It was said that when Alexander the Great saw the breadth of his domain, he wept for there was
no more worlds to conquer. Nicholas Grayson did not weep. He did not celebrate. Alexander had
been limited by land, Nicholas was not. The luxury of high-powered jet planes gave him freedom to
search out new worlds to conquer, new acquisitions to possess. In no way did he deny the claims
that he was a self-possessed megalomaniac, he was after all the son of the late Charles Grayson.
But whereas those afflicted with his ailment rushed and brutalized their way to world dominion,
Nicholas believed in more tactful maneuvers. Patience and avid research could go a long way in
attaining whatever one needed. Attack the enemy from the inside out and then go for the jugular.
He appraised the blustering man seated across from him. The mahogany veneer inlay
conference table the only thing protecting Nicholas from the shower of spittle spilling forth from thinly
lined lips. If he wasnt careful, Nicholas dryly mused, the fat fuck would fall into an apoplectic seizure
on his floor. His staff would no doubt want extra compensation after cleaning him off the floor.
"The offer is more than fair. Just think, filling for bankruptcy would be a thing of the past."
"You little shit"

"Honestly Leland, let us not revert to childish name calling to settle this. I'm offering you a chance
to wipe the slate clean and start new with your family somewhere warm. I am by no means a
philanthropist, but for you and your lovely wife" here, eyes as chilling as fog stared up and he
derisively grinned. "I am willing to make an exception and have my men escort you out of the country.
Ten million dollars, yours to do with as you please."
"You can't do this! You're fucking blackballing my company!"
"Sign the papers, Leland."
"I'm not signing a damn thing!" He stood from his chair and slammed his hands on the table, his
rotund form causing the sleek high back to roll away. "You cocky little shit! You're not getting your
hands on my company, not for as long as I live!"
Nicholas leaned back against his chair and simply stared. "I'll make sure to keep your wife
company at your funeral." Nicholas was a patient man. He hadn't worked his way to the top by being
brash. Men like Marcus Leland only needed the right incentives to buckle. "Your daughter," He was
by no means beneath good old fashion threats to get his point across.
Watery blue eyes glared daggers at him. "Stay the fuck away from her, Grayson."
Nicholas smiled blithely. "Extremely bright young woman, was just accepted to Stanford, yes?"
"I'm warning you,"
"It'd be a pity if her acceptance letter was to suddenly be a rejection. Negated by less than stellar
GPA"
"You don't have that sort of power."
"Try me. Be stupid enough to underestimate me and I promise you that your daughter's future will
be reduced to neon lights and a pole." There was nothing like the aroma of victory to bolster ones
spirit. It was so much better than a good cup of coffee.
Cornered and not the least bit sure of how to get himself out of the situation Marcus Leland,
owner of what had been one of the world's leading corporation in pharmaceuticals reclaimed his
seat and picked up the pilot custom pen that was more than the average man's salary and quickly
scrawled his name on the x marked line.
"Very wise of you."
"You get those men off my tail. I don't want them coming after me or my family. Where the fuck is
my money?"
"With Vinny there." Nicholas cocked his head to where Vinny Valentino made the effort to blend
in with the contemporary dcor of the office. A black briefcase dangled from sausage fingers. "He
will accompany you and your family to the airport." Knowing he'd just been dismissed, Marcus
muttered a few choice words under his breath while rising from his chair. With one last heated look
for the dark haired man who'd quite literally just attained his company for pennies, Marcus spun on
his heel and vacated the room, Vinny steps behind him.
Nicholas Grayson was as revered in the world of business as he was feared, for there was none
more cunning, more ruthless and merciless. His ingenuity was renowned, his persistence
unmatched. Having proven a countless many wrong upon inheriting the majority of his father's shares
in Grayson Corp, he'd gone on to amass a fortune of his own, expanding the Grayson Corporation to
the point that it now surpassed its predecessor. The pursuit of greatness had been the driving force
behind his success and remained still to this day. As empty as the rest of his life was, his work filled
the gaping loneliness that at times threatened to suffocate Nicholas to an early grave.
~*~*~*~
"Strip." He said laconically around the glass tumbler he held in his hand, his acute silver gaze
assessing every detail. She was perfect. But then of course he'd known she would be. The right
amount of money had assured that.
Her honey complexion was flawless. Fine enough to run a tongue across. She had the walk
down. The hair, the round face, the delectable mouth, she could almost pass for the real thing.
"Cheri," Her voice was silk on dick. She crept between Nicholas's parted thighs, naked except
for the black, thigh length, lace trim stockings and matching stilettos. "Je vous ai manqu." Hazel
green eyes, made possible by contacts stared at him. Falling to her knees between his parted thighs
a slow smile curved her sumptuous mouth.
Emilie liked being on her knees and if she didn't? Who the fuck cared? She was getting paid
quite handsomely to love being on her knees. Nicholas, many in the brothel knew was a well-paying

client. Too bad for them that he always asked for Emilie.
"I missed you too." His dick missed her more, but Emilie already knew that.
Nicholas took a sip of cognac, the taste a welcomed comfort on his tongue. When she reached
for the tumbler, Nicholas gave it to her without much protest. He wasn't quite drunk yet, but hed been
making good headway. Through hooded eyes Nicholas sat back in the winged chair and watched
his dick disappear between coral red lips slick with saliva. It was an incredible turn on.
Her head bobbed enthusiastically between his legs and suddenly Nicholas wanted his dick
appearing and disappearing in another hole. As if attuned to his thoughts, Emilie released him with
a loud smack of her lips and straddled him. With all the expertise of a seasoned pro she impaled
herself on his rock hard dick and began to ride him.
Nicholas's eyes closed completely now and as he was wont to do for the past ten years, he
fantasied about one woman while he reaped the benefits of her hired doppelganger.

Chapter 3
-FlashbackEyes feeling gritty, Ellie knew it was time to put the psych book away. No amount of studying
was worth being sleep deprived. Besides, she knew the material. Two weeks of intensive cramming
for tomorrow's midterm had been more than enough time to learn the psychoanalyst, behaviorist and
cognitive theories of the personality developments. Anymore of Freud's premises and she'd no
doubt start pulling out her hair. All she had to do now was learn to relax and get a good night's sleep
to ensure a passing grade in her amateur psych class.
Struggling to stand Ellie scooted out of her chair at the dining table and headed to the kitchen,
protruding stomach and all. She took her water bottle out of the refrigerator and while she drank her
eyes caught sight of the clock above the microwave. She was mildly surprised to see it was nearing
2 A.M. shed been going at it since seven and with her body in desperate need of some rest, Ellie
knew it was time to call it a night. Waddling back to the dining table she began to organize the
mountain of books scattered all over the place.
Among the mess, her silver spiral Five-Star notebook lay open, her chicken scratch writing
littering nearly every corner of the pages. Though it probably would've taken linguist years to figure
out exactly what her notes consisted of Ellie was very proud of the fact that her notebook was
organized. Notes were highlighted in fruity scented colors, each subject with its own color. It'd
become her little fixation---these scented markers, a fixation Ellie was chalking up to pregnancy and
hormones gone awry.
A small smile pulled at her lips as she picked the notebook and brought it to her nose. There
was elation that came with the sudden flood of artificially scented fruits and Ellie closed her eyes
content to bask in the aromas.
"I'm going to pretend that this is not the weirdest thing I've seen all week and just not ask."
Gabe's crabby voice pulled Ellie from her highlighter high and she had the good grace to turn pink.
She snapped the notebook shut and lowered it to the table.
"What crawled up your butt?" Ellie inquired watching Gabe pour himself a glass of milk. She
smiled sweetly at him when he shot her a glare from the glass rim.
"Being pregnant is the worst thing ever." He sounded like a petulant child and knowing that he
did, made Gabe want to hit something. This was the main reason why Ronnie had kicked him out of
bed. There could only be one grumpy person in their bedroom and as far as Ronnie was concerned
that right did not belong to Gabe.
So Ronnie kicked him out of bed to find comfort with the couch. It was with pillow in hand that
Gabe had trudged down to the kitchen to find something to help him fall asleep.
"I have no sympathy for you," Ellie said, maneuvering around the table in the attempt to organize
her books. "Ronnie on the other I sympathize with implicitly. Be happy that you're not the one carrying
around a watermelon sized cargo everywhere with you."
"I'm suffering too." He indignantly rebutted. "No sex, crabby girlfriend, weird cravings, and the
mood swings!"
Ellie scrunched up her nose and tried not to laugh. "Okay first of all, Ew to the sex thing. That's
an image no child should ever have of their parents. It's just.... Ew." She closed her eyes and
shuddered, laughing when Gabe threw an abandoned bottle cap at her. "Secondly, Gabe, you need
to stop being such an ass and just be there for Ronnie. It's not easy going through a pregnancy
without having someone there to help you" She quieted and Gabe wanted to kick himself for
conjuring up thoughts on her recent breakup.
"Ellie" It'd been almost nine months since shed come home that fateful night crying and
shattered. But Gabe had hoped that Ellie would've been over the breakup by now.
It was bad enough that she had to be reminded on a daily basis of how much Nicholas'
presence had affected her life with the twins on their way, but now Sophie's mournful cries of wanting
him back did not help at all.
"Ellie"Gabe called again unsure of what to say now.
"I'm alright." She reassured. "Gabe I'm fine, really."
"I know." He pulled her to him as best as he could with the round belly in the way, and caressed
Ellie's hair when she dropped her head against his chest. "I know you're fine. But it's okay if you

aren't sometimes. Ron and I will love you even if you fall off the 'fine' wagon. We'll always love you,
Ellie." Ellie only wrapped her arms around Gabe's waist a little tighter and sniffed.
The very second she drew away a pain unlike any other shot through her lower abdomen
bringing her to her knees. She blindingly reached for Gabes hand while trying to breathe through the
pain. "Gabe," She whispered, holding on with unbelievable strength. "Gabe!" she wailed as another
bout of pain wrenched through her.
"Ellie, what is it? Is it the babies? What's going on? Ellie!"
"Callcall the ambulance!" Ellie managed to gasp, hand falling to her stomach as pain laced up
from the tips of her toes, up her legs and fired off canon sized blasts in her lower abdomen. On her
hands and knees now, she groaned as contractions wracked her body.
Gabe returned in a beat and was instantly at her side. They're on their way, Ellie. They're on
their way baby, hold onoh God!" He caught sight of the blood reddening Ellie's pajama bottoms.
Gabe paled, breaking out in a cold sweat.
It took this exact moment for his fucking anxiety attack to happen? Now? Gabe's mind was in a
rage as he desperately attempted to calm himself down. "FuckRONNIE!"
Footsteps were heard, and Gabe wanted to yell at his girlfriend not to run---it wouldn't do to
prematurely induce her own labor now. It'd just be his luck if Ronnie did follow Ellie into labor! God!
There was so much fucking blood!
"GabeOh God, Ellie." Refusing to panic, Ronnie appraised the situation before making a
quick dash for dish towels and the roll of paper towel on the kitchen table. Handing the paper towel
to Gabe, she slipped the dish towel over the pool of blood between Ellie's parted legs. "Hey
sweetheart it's okay. It's alright, Ellie. Everything's going to be okay. Just relax and breathe. That's it
sweetie just like that." when she looked up Ronnie met Gabe's ashen face and the grim expression
on her face was mirrored back at her. "Gabe did you call the ambulance?"
"They're on their way." No sooner had he finished the sentence, they heard the familiar wails of
sirens. Relief should've pooled in their veins, but Gabe and Ronnie did not allow themselves the
luxury, they werent out of the woods yet.
"I'll go open the door for them...." Gabe stood on wobbly legs, the jellyfish effect causing him to
stumble. But once he found his footing, he hastened to the foyer. He led the two EMTs to the kitchen
and watched as they maneuvered a pale Ellie on the stretcher.
Face contorted in pain, Ellie held onto Ronnie's hand as they carried her away. "Don't leave me."
She sounded so much like a child in that moment that it brought tears to Ronnie's eyes.
"Never." Ronnie replied emphatically walking alongside the stretcher as the EMT's questioned
her on Ellie's contractions, then her age, date of birth and so on. Ronnie answered as best as she
could until Gabe returned.
"You ride with her, Ron. I'll take the car and follow with Sophie." Humbled in being given the
opportunity to stay by Ellie's side through this difficult situation Ronnie fell even more in love with her
raven haired lover. With a shared kiss goodbye, they separated. Ronnie hopped in with Ellie in the
ambulance and Gabe ran to the ridgeline.
~*~*~*~
By the time they made it to the hospital and she was admitted, Ellie had lost a copious amount
of blood and was going into shock. The situation went from bad to worse when it was discovered
that the twins heart rates was dropping. With a caesarean inevitable, Gabe, Ronnie and a sleeping
Sophie waited in limbo for news to come.
Two hours later, a nurse emerged from the O.R to report that the twins had been safely delivered.
Fraternal, the girl weighing in at six pounds five ounces was older by a few minutes than the boy who
weighed an ounce less than his sister.
Gabe and Ronnies joy was fleeting as they discovered that Ellie was still in danger.
The Doctors are doing all they can to stabilize her. She was gone after that leaving Gabe and
Ronnie in a perpetual limbo of worry. With the hours creeping by and still no news Gabe, on instinct
decided to give Dina and Phillip a call.
Not trusting himself not to yell at them, Gabe did not tell them much, simply that they needed to
get their asses here as soon as was possible.
While they waited for news, they haunted the halls like unsettled specters, refusing to leave. So
they were given a room, a bed for Ronnie to recline on and one for Sophie to get the sleep she was
being denied. Hospital food, still as deplorable as the last few times they had been there, tasted like

gourmet sawdust. But Sophie loved the applesauce and so they allowed her to eat it. The waiting
added to the agony of not knowing---worrying. The only uplifting thing was visiting the twins in the
maternity ward. They were pink little bundles of flailing arms and legs, poking from the pink and blue
blankets that were wrapped around their tiny little bodies. Sophie always managed to giggle a storm
when Gabe pointed out her little brother and sister.
"My bwotha and sishta!" her little face remained glued to the glass panel, her chubby hands
touching the window.
"Yeah, squirt, that's your little brother and sister. They need to sleep and you and I need to get
back to Ronnie, okay?" Gabe saw that she wanted to protest, but seemed to think better of it.
Sophie had been very good for them since they'd come to the hospital and he was glad that she
continued her good behavior as they made their way out the maternity ward. Temper tantrums were
not needed right now.
They found Ronnie napping when they entered the room with the T.V on the stand set to mute.
Gabe dropped a small kiss on her forehead before taking Sophie to the solitary chair in the room.
He sat with her on his lap and watched the images flashing across the television screen.
The hours ticked away at a snails pace, Ronnie awoke and they distracted themselves with a
game of thumb wars, which Sophie got a kick out of it. News finally came in the wee hours of
morning.
"We've managed to stop the bleeding and she is now in the process of receiving blood
transfusions. While we've done all we can, there were serious complications and we fear that Ellie
may no longer be able to bear children. This delivery put a great amount of stress on her body, and
it's a miracle she's come out of it relatively unscathed."
Relatively unscathed? Ellie would be devastated to hear that she could no longer bear children.
"But she's okay? Can we see her?"
"Yes, she'll be all right. She just needs a few more hours to recuperate. Like I said, she's lost a
great amount of blood and so we need to give her time to rest so that her body can replenish all the
blood lost. Nancy, the night nurse on duty will come and get you when she is ready for visitors." He
left once he was assured that they had no further questions for him.
~*~*~*~
Dina and Phillip arrived around ten that morning, both looking haggard. Although Phillip hid it far
better than his wife, who appeared as though she'd shed buckets of tears in their long journey. Her
navy blue pea-coat was open enough that Gabe saw the black cardigan she had on over the knee
length skirt. She'd gathered her dark hair into a tight bun, the severity of it making her appear far
older than she was.
There were age lines that hadn't been there before, mostly around her almond shaped eyes and
her pale pink mouth. When she attempted a smile, the deep lines stood out more and as she
approached Gabe was gripped with the strong urge to gather in her in his arms and comfort her as
best as he could. It'd been close to five years since he'd laid eyes on her. Seeing her now, Gabe
wished hed done more in keeping contact with them.
Dina and Phillip had been his best friends in high school, but more than that, they'd been the
closest thing Gabe had to family. His mom had been a drunk who did just about anything for a pack
of smokes and his dad walked out on them even before the Doctor cut the umbilical cord. There'd
been nothing steady, loving or remotely homey in the trailer park he'd grown up in. Dina and Phillip
had been Gabe's escape from his harsh reality.
Phillip had been their moral divining rod being raised in a family of Mormons and all and Dina,
well Dina had been the buffer between them when the testosterone ran a little too high. Over all
they'd been great together and even when Dina and Phillip started seeing each other, the dynamics
of their relationship hadn't changed that much.
High school had been the best time of Gabe's life as well as the first two years of college. He'd
dated Ronnie off and on in those two years, breaking it off truly when life had interfered and he'd
been unable to pay for school. Gabe had dropped out, falling in with a bad crowd soon after that.
When Phillip first told Gabe about going on a mission, Gabe had been boosting cars to sell their
parts. Their relationship suffered a blow after that and while Phillip and Dina moved on to greener
pastures, graduating college, getting married and having a baby of who Phillip named Gabe
Godfather. Gabe had been busy avoiding the law, graduating from misdemeanor to felony and finally
getting caught in a burglary/murder attempt that had put him away for almost ten years.

During those years in the Pen, he'd managed to keep in touch with Dina, and Gabe had
welcomed every care package she'd sent him. The pictures of Ellie had been the best, always
keeping a smile on his face. Those pictures, along with the letters they'd exchanged he'd kept close
to his heart. They'd continued on much in the same way with their friendship until Phillip had
forbidden Dina from seeing Gabe anymore. Despite the pain it caused him, Gabe had thought it
best, seeing as their friendship was threatening Phillip and Dina's marriage. Dina no longer came to
visit him. The care packages, the letters along with the pictures of Ellie stopped coming.
When Gabe was finally released, he only contacted Dina one time to let her know where he was
and that was a few years after being out in the world. Having moved to a new town, with nothing but
the shirt on his back and the two dollars he'd had in his pocket when he'd been locked away, Gabe
literally had nothing and nowhere to go. If it hadn't been for old man Mike who'd given him a place to
stay and a job working at his restaurant as a bus boy, Gabe would've probably ended up back in
prison or worse.
That one opportunity had been all he'd needed to get his life back on track and though the
journey hadn't been easy, Gabe believed he came out alright. As luck would have it, Gabe having
worked his way from bus boy to manager of the restaurant had been quite shocked when Old man
Mike left Splendor to him in his will when he'd passed. Brody Wallace, who Mike had described as a
spoilt, self-serving, incompetent man, had been Mike's only child and rightly so, Brody contested the
will for years after. But Splendor had remained in Gabe's competent hands, thriving even.
The last time Gabe had heard from Dina had been a few weeks after Ellie arrived at his home
and over the course of their conversation, Dina had joked that one day they would all eat at Splendor
and reminisce over good desserts and laugh at their own stupidity. Gabe was still waiting for that day
to come.
It had been years since Gabe laid eyes on his estranged friend. Phillip still looked the same, but
older. The lines of time pulled at his eyes, creased the area around his mouth and wrinkled his
forehead. In dark eyes, Gabe saw weariness, the sort that was associated with having lived with
certain burdens that were far too heavy to be carried on the soul for such an extended period of time.
His hair had the same tousled, windswept look from when they'd been younger although it was
longer now and still inky black, with only a dusting of gray at the temples.
"Where is she? HowHow is she?" Dina hesitantly asked.
Gabe sighed before running a hand through his hair. "She's fine, stable."
"That's goodthat's good." This from Phillip and Gabe looked at him; they locked gazes for a
moment before Phillip averted his eyes.
"When can we see her?"
"Probably soon, the doctor wanted to give her some time to rest first and that was"
"Two hours ago." Ronnie stepped closer to Gabe, Sophie at her hip, stomach looking as though
it was ready to burst at any second. Dina's eyes widened.
"You'recongratulations, Veronica. I'm happy for you." Gabe and Ronnie's relationship back in
college had been too precarious for Dina and Ronnie to have become friends, but they both knew
each other.
"Thank you." Ronnie said with a smile, hand automatically moving to her five month belly.
Dina's eyes glistened as she looked at Sophie. "Can Ican I hold her?" In that instant, Gabe
almost felt sorry for her and his heart broke when Sophie shied away from Dina, her little arms
fastening around Ronnie's neck, face hidden.
"She's shy around strangers." It hurt to realize what he'd just said was true but the sad fact was
that Dina and Phillip were virtual strangers to Sophie. It wasn't the little squirt's fault that she didn't
know her grandparents.
"She delivered safely...she had twins." Ronnie said quickly to alleviate the pained expression on
Dinas face.
"Twinsoh goodness, Phillip, twins!" Dina grabbed her husband's hand and held on tightly as
they shared a look.
"Yes," Phillip gently patted her hand. "It'll be great having twins in the family." His voice held
warmth andcontentment? From Phillip Holbrook? Surely the sky was falling. Pigs must've sprouted
wings and hell of course definitely froze over. For surely there was no way in hell, that Phillip
Holbrook would ever say something like that about his daughter having three children out of
wedlock. It just wasn't comprehensible. Gabe wondered if the world was coming to an end.

"Are you all here for, Ellie?" they all turned around and faced---Gabe looked at her hospital
badge---Nancy McCormick. "Hi I'm Nancy, and I'm one of the nurses looking after, Ellie." She
paused for effect and added a small smile for good measure. "She woke up half an hour ago and is
coherent enough now to talk to you. But it's going to have to be one at a time and each visit can be
no longer than ten minutes each."
Gabe volunteered to go first and took Sophie along with him. When they entered the room, the
first thing they saw was Ellie swallowed up by the bed and several hospital sheets, wires coming out
from her body were attached to beeping machines. She looked small and so tired, her eyes were
open and her lips lifted in semblance of her usual smile when she saw them approaching.
"Hey sweetheart," Ellie croaked, grimacing when she attempted a smile and winced instead.
Sophie began to cry as she wiggled in Gabe's arms, reaching for her mother. "Sophie stop,
you've been a good girl so far, why are you being such a bad girl for your Mom?"
"Mama shick! and she go bye bye... Nicky go bye bye too." she bawled.
"No," Ellie cleared her throat before continuing. "No monster, I'm okay. I'm not sick anymore."
Gabe saw how much it pained her to speak, but Ellie's face remained joyful for Sophie. "Mama's just
a little tired, I'm not going anywhere. I promise okay?" the Nicholas comment was not acknowledged,
because it did not bear acknowledgement.
Gabe hurried the visit along, telling Ellie of her twins all the while preparing her for the sight of
her parents.
"I can't believe they actually came." She whispered in mild astonishment.
"They love you and I think they're ready to show you how much." Gabe sighed. "This is a step in
the right direction. It'll take time, but I'm sure its time they are now willing to sacrifice in order to
reconcile."
"I don't know if I can forgive them, Gabe. I'm not even sure I want to."
Gabe leaned over Ellie and placed a small kiss on her forehead. "Baby steps."
He left the room after that, allowing Ronnie some time with Ellie. That visit lasted only a few
minutes, with Ronnie wishing Ellie well and giving a parting kiss on the cheek.
Her mother was the first to enter her room. It felt like decades since Ellie had last seen her.
"Eleanor," The utterance of her name was both bittersweet and disheartening, Ellie didn't know
whether to cry or tell her mother to fuck off. It was a crying shame that it had taken being on the brink
of death for them to give a damn. Her father Ellie didn't expect shit from, but her mother? Her mother
should've been her backbone, the force that kept her erect when life's troubles threatened to beat her
down.
"Hi, Mom." the endearment sounded odd, it'd been a while since she'd called her that.
"Oh Ellie," She sounded pitiful. The remorse of a bishop's wife smeared across her too perfect
face. She approached Ellie's bedside, hands held in front of her. "How are you feeling?"
"A little late on the sentiment, Mom, but I've been better." Childish of her to throw in that low blow,
but damn it! She was fucking entitled! What the hell would've happened to her had Gabe not taken
her in? She had trusted them to care for her! Love her for God sakes! And all Ellie had received was
an ultimatum to abort her child or leave.
"I'm so sorry, Ellie"
Ellie sighed, and bit back the urge to rant and rave, to scream at this woman until her voice
cracked and her throat split. No matter what their issues, no matter how heavy the
baggage, this woman gave her life. Being a parent herself, Ellie knew how horrible she'd feel if
Sophie and now her twin babies ever treated her like scum. Ellie couldn't offer absolution just yet, but
compassion she could share in spades. If there was to ever be harmony between them, steps had to
be taken in order to achieve it.
"I'm glad you're here." Ellie grabbed her mother's hand, and squeezed. Like Gabe said, they had
taken the first step; it was up to Ellie to meet them halfway.
Dina silently wept. "Thank you. Thank you for this." There was so much meaning behind that and
they were both very aware of it. She squeezed Ellie's hand back.
Later Ellie was told that visiting hours were over which was probably a good thing considering
her dread of the inevitable reunion with her father. Her mother was one thing but the bishop was on
another level. Ellie's nurse tumbled in after her mother left and administered painkillers that lulled her
fatigued body into a dreamless sleep. With the mindless thought of what her twins looked like, Ellie
surrendered to the night.

~*~*~*~
"There aren't words that could begin to explain how horrible I've treated you. I've allowed pride to
influence my behavior for far too long. I've preached unconditional love, and love for family and
neighbors and yet when it came to you, Ellie," Phillip sniffed, nose congested, his eyes beginning to
blur.
Ellie continued to fake slumber while listening to her father poor his heart out..
"I'm a hypocrite and I've been living the life of utter hypocrisy. I can't even begin to say I'm sorry.
But I am sorry Ellie, I'm so very sorry for what I said. For treating you so abominably."
It was too weird hearing her father sobbing. Never in a million years had Ellie believed she'd
ever hear her father utter those words. Into those quiet moments, listening to her father weeping over
her as if she were dead, something washed over Ellie. A sensation so strong that she visibly
shuddered and too soon she realized she was also crying. The tears slid down the side of her face
soaking the pillow beneath her head.
Man wasn't made to be perfect and even the good old Bishop Holbrook could fall from grace
every now and then. But sins could be absolved. If Ellie had taken anything from his Sunday school
classes, it was that redemption was always an option, no matter how grievous the sin committed.
"I'm glad you and Mom are here, Dad." Ellie murmured to an empty room only seconds after her
father left, the hospital room door closing quietly behind him. Wistfully she smiled, knowing that
things were going to be ok, she succumbed once more to slumber.
~*~*~*~
"She's so beautiful, Ellie." Her mother handed the pink bundle over, once Ronnie arranged the
pillows behind Ellie for her to sit comfortably.
She was a tiny bundle of perfection, with light brown eyes that made Ellie weep as she stared
into their depths. This was Nicholas's Isabella and Ellie knew immediately that no other name was
meant for her. She was simply Isabella. Beauty personified.
"My little, Isabella." She softly cooed pressing a kiss to her little dark head.
Her son was an extremely happy newborn. Ellie couldve sworn he was smiling at her. He was
golden all over with big hazel eyes that captivated and dazzled.
"I'm going to call you Dylan, do you like that?" A gurgle was heard, followed by a fart and
everyone burst into laughter. "Dylan it is."
-End FlashbackThe road to mending their broken family had taken them years to fix into a happy family. They all
had needed to heal together and the birth of children had helped the healing along. Her parents had
proven over and over again to Ellie, and to Gabe and Ronnie that they'd wanted to change, they'd
wanted to be a part of Ellie's life. They'd wanted to just be there for her.
Trust hadn't come easy, but it did return and it had taken Ellie almost three and a half years to
look her parents in the eyes and tell them that she forgave them. Forgiveness led them back to love
and that was where they were now; a plateau of blissful contentment that was just about to get a lot
happier.
Ellie glanced down at the ring encircling her finger and her grip on the phone tightened.
"Hello," Dina answered after four rings.
"Hi Mom!" Ellie greeted a little too cheerfully.
"Good morning, Honey, how are you? How are the kids?"
"I'm fine...the kids are fine..." Oh very nice Ellie, way to avoid sounding suspicious. She rolled her
eyes and settled back against the headboard.
"Is everything alright, dear, you dont sound yourself.
"Everythings great, in fact I think its about to get better." Ellie bit her bottom lip trying not to
fidget.
"Well out with it, Ellie."
"Dev came over last night andand he proposed. Mom, Im getting married!" She announced
then frowned seconds later when she heard something shatter. "Mom, are you okay?"
"It's just a glass," was Dinas nonchalant reply. "Married? Devlin proposed?"
"Yeah, last night he" Ellie stopped when she caught sight of Sophie and her crestfallen
expression.

"Oh Mom, you cant marry him! You just cant! she took off then, tears in her eyes.
"Sophie!" but she was gone even before Ellie opened her mouth to scream. "Mom, I'll call you
back later." She hurried her mother off the phone and hurried after Sophie.

Chapter 4
Mergers and Acquisitions was all his life consisted of these days. He saw the inside of his
bombardier jet far more than the interior of his Penthouses. Home was in the air, presidential suites,
or the often purchased condos he would use if business provided him to do so. Lovers he had by the
dozen and like the adult version of a Pez dispenser they always came when he beckoned. Enemies
were perfectly disguised friendships lying in wait for him to slip up and reveal his Achilles heel. So he
didnt do friends and those he considered as much were kept on his payroll to maintain his
happiness.
It was an arduous task pleasing a man who had everything in the world and still demanded
more. The problem with wanting more was that eventually one could gorge himself to an early death
if not cautious. Nicholas Grayson could use some lessons in exercising caution.
But then again his life had never been anything if not calamitous, so why start playing it safe
now? It wasnt as though he had much to lose. It wasnt as though life would cease to exist if his very
existence was snuffed out from the world. People would go on living, never knowing the afflictions
that had plagued Nicholas the man or the regrets that were never too far from his conscience.
The guilt, the agony, the utter weight of his loneliness took a portion of his soul as the days
passed, leaving him emptier than the day before. He owned the world but had no one to share it with.
He had no one to mourn his departure if he ever passed away. There would no one to whisper
endearments in his last moments of life. No one would be by his side except the vultures that would
circle the skies in anticipation of his death ready to tear apart the empire hed worked so hard to
amass. They would peck at it and his fortune until there was nothing left but a legacy of bad
memories and dried bones.
Morbid, yes, but Nicholas always took these moments, when the city died down to a droning,
tolerable hum to contemplate the train wreck his life had become. Here, seemingly above the world,
standing in front of the floor to ceiling windows of his skyscraper, he looked down to the city at his
feet. This expanse was only a portion of what Tokyo had to offer, with it gleaming lights, bustling
streets full of citizens and tourists from all walks of life. Here, Nicolas allowed himself to become lost
in morbidly sentimental memories that were otherwise locked out of his daily routines.
The hardened man that was Charless heir was taken off the clock and locked in the closet until
dawn breached the sky and he was let out to wreak havoc once more on the unsuspecting fools who
dared to underestimate him. But between the hours of midnight and five forty-five, when insomnia
permitted him to do nothing else but sit and stare at the four walls that cornered him Nicholas
allowed the idealist in him reign to mourn lost love, wallow in self-pity and regret and wonder, futilely,
whether second chances were only for protagonists in movies.
It had been there. Hed tasted it, became irrevocably addicted to it. Better than the finest wine,
greater than any exotic food that had ever touched his tongue and far more satisfying than sex.
Happinesslove.it had been in his grasp. For a moment in time it had taken hostage of his heart
and forced it in a vise. It had bled from him laughter, smiles and unmitigated happiness. Hed
belonged to someone, for that ephemeral moment in time Nicholas had been loved by someone.
Years ago, Nicholas had understood the reason why crooners sang of love songs. The lyrics of
besotted fools had finally made sense to his enamored eighteen year old soul. And hed rejoiced in
it. Hed rejoiced in the gift of smiles. Hed savored the marrow deep yearning of submitting to her.
Nicholas had worshiped the profound connection hed shared with her. Theyd been one unit, a
singular entity, where she began hed ended and together theyd moved as one. In those last hours
of happiness, when hed been so hell-bent of shattering them both, hed loved her with desperation.
Nicholas had experienced love, beautiful, untainted love that had driven him into delirium. But
love, sweet, sweet, love had been a double edged sword hed used to impale himself on. The scar
remained now, with the wound festering just beneath.
Fear had stopped him from running after Ellie all those years ago and still to this day its
chokehold persisted, preventing him from running to where his entire being longed to be. Nicholas
had left to protect her from himself, yes, but along the years cowardice had taken root inside his
marrow. The world hailed him a business king, astute, ruthless and fearless. But in truth, Nicholas
Grayson was a craven man who hid behind the mask of the underhanded, cynical tycoon because it
was easier to face than reality.
It was easier to believe that he was being missed, that love still awaited him a safe return home,

that ten years of life hadnt been spent wanting something that he was finding out was not exactly
what he needed or even wanted anymore.
To get over lost love, he had thrown himself, headfirst into the world that he had been born to rule.
Excelling top of his class at Princeton had been a breeze. Becoming CEO of his fathers company
had taken little to no effort. His first hostile takeover and acquiring a multi-million dollar account had
happened on the same day.
Days before his twenty-fifth birthday, the joyous news had come that Charles had been
repeatedly raped and murdered in his cell. Nicholas had been in Rome when hed heard the news
from his mother. As fitting of an heir whod essentially committed patricide, Nicholas had celebrated
in kind, with a small, very private party of four. Three leggy lingerie models, himself and the worlds
finest liquor. His twenty sixth, twenty seventh and twenty eight birthday, Nicholas acquired his first
billion through less than scrupulous means---itd been a bittersweet victory.
He had dealings with unscrupulous men who did not exactly fear him, but respected him
because of the extent of his power. But ultimately, respect, money and power did not equate the
wealth of a man. The love and appreciation of family was what made someone wealthy. What
Nicholas had were meager substitutes. Possessions acquired to make the world believe he had
everything, but really, he was bankrupt of anything resembling love or happiness.
It was a sad and pitiful existence he lived. One that hed fabricated and molded with his two
hands. Each year that had passed had been of his making. Refusing to run back, refusing to
acknowledge that maybe, just maybe if he had shared his fears, if he had spoken about the
deterioration of his mind and allowed Ellie to help him, maybe life wouldnt have taken these turns
and become what it was today.
And maybe Nicholas wouldve found solace in the welcoming arms of the only woman whod
ever showed him the true meaning of happiness. But those were the fanciful musings of a
condemned man. Absolution would never be granted to him. The chasm between him and Ellie was
far too wide, far too deep. The hope for redemption had become bleak and unreachable.
These few moments, where he could stand sober, head clear of anything but memories and
dreams, Nicholas imagined himself the forgotten lover of a hazel-eyed beauty who put to shame
every imitated whore Nicholas had ever slept with in the past ten years. If he closed his eyes and
gave into the game of what ifs he could imagine himself husband to a happily content Ellie and
father to her children and Sophie. Sophie, a small smile tugged at his lips. Ellies daughter still held a
special place in the hollowed ruins of Nicholass heart even after so many years.
Nicholas imagined lazy Sundays where he would chase his children around their home, laughing
and playing childish games that would be the highlight of his days. They would be rambunctious,
guileful children who would be shameless in taking advantage of the love their Dad had for them.
They would be filled with life, eager and ready to learn all the things that their Dad could teach them-- show them.
They would be excited over family dinners, chattering on and on about the things that made their
world go round. They would plead for he and Ellie to read them bedtime stories when it came time
for bed and finally they would whisper to them I love you Mommy and I love you too, daddy before
lulling off to dreamland. Afterwards Nicholas imagined himself sweeping his wife off her feet, going
into their room and playing extremely grown up games of their own, where only the whispered sighs,
stifled moans and the tempestuous rhythm of lovers could be heard orchestrated against the walls of
their bedroom.
Life would be, in all sense of the word, perfect. No pain, no tears, no regrets, just him, Ellie and
their children, living their version of a fairy tale. He wanted that. There wasnt a day in the past ten
years that Nicholas hadnt yearned for that life and always he told himself that he was ready to go get
it, ready to ask for forgivenessready to love and be loved in turn.
But fear was a powerful opponent, one that continuously left Nicholas feeling weak and stupid for
even daring to contemplate the idea of a life with Ellie again. So he remained stagnant, his days
falling into mundane routines that had him playing the role of cynical mogul, while his nights were
plagued with regrets and remorse. Only when it became too much, only when he was unable to
remain afloat within the waves that threatened to take him under did Nicholas seek out the pleasures
of whores who were paid to look like the lover he had abandoned. Masochistic yes, but then,
everyone was allowed a vice, this was one of many for him.
Thoughts having taken him away from the window and onto the Aubergine colored leather couch

the interior decorator had said was the in color of the moment, Nicholas allowed his head to flop
backwards as he limply held onto the short scotch glass containing the amber liquid of choice. He
could bring the glass to his lips and began the steady process of inundating his misery to the furthest
corners of his mind. He could tip the glass back and allow the slow burn of single malt whiskey to
eradicate his memories into a drunken haze of numbness. He could get very drunk, very, very fast
and have an Ellie look-a-like on her knees in less time than he could utter out her name in agonized
plea.
But he wont. No matter how tempted Nicholas was, he would no longer imprison himself with
alcohol and sex. The emotions he was feeling needed to be felt. It was real, it was raw and it was
entirely his own fault. So if the ache in his chest did not abate when thoughts of what couldve been
bombarded him, Nicholas allowed himself to feel every bit of it. If tears pricked at his closed eyelids,
and snaked from between his lashes and slithered their way down his cheeks, Nicholas was
determined to let them fall.
Pride had no place here. Only the agony of a man who had loved and lost and was coming to
grips with the debilitating fact that he was a scared and lonely man who had amassed nothing in life
but meaningless crap that was to keep him company until the day he died. He would leave this world
as loveless as he had entered it. Emulating his father to the very end.
God! Insomnia could be such a bitch! Nicholas thought morosely as he stood from the comforts
of the couch and made his way to the contemporary styled kitchen he rarely used. He poured the
contents of the glass down the drain and did so with an almost liberating smile. Crying, he realized,
could have that effect on people.
The rapid ascension of dawn towards the darkened skies prompted Nicholas to search out his
shower. Demons temporarily exorcised to the back of his mind, he was given momentary reprieve to
be the bastard once more. This was his last day in Tokyo. Loose ends had to be set in order before
he left for the states. Of course he would return next month for his meeting with executives of Sato
international, where he would also have to give audience to some up and coming tycoon who was
much too eager to strike up a merger with Grayson Corp.
His PA was working on amassing a background portfolio on the man. Everyone who dealt with
the CEO of Grayson Corporation underwent close scrutiny. Nicholas made it a necessity to have the
upper hand in all business transactions and if that meant digging up family history then he had no
qualms in doing so. Underhanded tactics was what made the business world go round.
~*~*~*~
She was on the swing, head bowed low as she swayed back and forth. She felt more than saw
her mother slip into the second swing belt, the chains squeaking at the added weight.
Devlin had built the swing set last year because Bella had whined for one for weeks. Devlin was
nice like that. Always giving them things they didn't need but ended up keeping because it made
their mother happy. Devlin was big on that too. Buying their mother's happiness through them.
At first Sophie hadn't minded, she was used to it after all. The men who had come and gone in
the past had always deemed it necessary to buy things for them to get in brownie points with their
mother. The thing Sophie liked about those guys was that they didn't last long. Sophie always made
sure of that. A few embellished lies here and poof, the gullible idiots were no longer heard from
again.
In those days, Sophie had been her mother's protector, saving her from scum until someone
more deserving came back. But then Mr. Tall, dark and cheesy had come along and much to
Sophie's disappointment Devlin had been a lot smarter than the other morons who'd dated her
mother. Every attempt to get rid of him had ultimately backfired, with Devlin grinning at her each time
he foiled her plans.
Those patronizing smiles he always tossed her way made Sophie want to kick shins. Devlin's
would've done quite nicely. Especially now.
They sat in strained silence until Sophie sighed. "You cant marry him."
"Soph"
"You can't marry him, Mom. Its gonna ruin everything!" the sudden leap from swing to grass
startled Ellie but she recovered quickly and watched in puzzled fascination as her twelve year old
daughter began to pace.
What do you mean it's going to ruin everything? Baby, talk to me, what's going on?"

"I know you always get upset when I bring him up. But I want to talk about him, because
because I want him back. How can we be a family without him?" despite the tears forming in her
eyes, she stared resolutely at her mother, fist clenched at her sides, waiting.
Ellie toed at the beaten path with her sneakers to put a stop the gentle swaying of the swing, with
fingers wrapped tightly around the looped iron chains she breathed deep. She wasn't going to get
upset, she told herself even while trying to decipher the best way to begin this dreaded conversation.
Any attempt made over the years in ignoring or hoping that Sophie would eventually forget Nicholas
had never happened.
Sophie remembered him, had never forgotten him in fact and that right there was the problem.
They weren't even blood yet the attachment Sophie had to Nicholas seemed unbreakable. Ellie
sighed, this was delving way too deep. Delving deep were Nicholas Grayson was concerned was
never a good thing.
"Come here." Sophie approached her mother. Still seated on the swing, Ellie pulled her
daughter further between V of her thighs and locked her ankles to keep her there. She gave a small
smile before brushing Sophie's hair behind her ear. "Alright, you want to talk about, Nicholas? Let's
talk about Nicholas."
Sophie licked her lips, hope in her teary eyes. "Really?"
"Yes, really. Here and now is your chance to ask me anything you want and I'll try to answer it as
best as I can. But after today, there won't be any more mention of him, deal?"
Quickly bringing her left hand behind her back, Sophie crossed her middle finger over the index
and nodded. There where ways of outsmarting your parents without being bogged down by guilt.
"Is he Dylan and Bella's dad?" she didn't waste time as she took a seat between Ellie's thighs,
leaned back against her mother's chest and lifted her legs off the ground as they oscillated.
Ellie snorted and rolled her eyes. Of course she started with the difficult questions first. But then
again, she hadn't put any stipulation on the Q&A, so really, Ellie had no one to blame but herself.
"Yes." She said after a minute.
"I knew it." There was a smile in her voice. "Mom?"
"Hmm?" the warm breeze sweeping over their faces as they steadily swung higher gave Ellie a
slight bit of comfort. She squeezed her thighs to keep Sophie firmly settled in place, before pumping
her legs further.
"Tell me about him."
"What do you want to know?"
"Everything."
"I thought you remembered him."
"Only how I felt when I was around him. I saw a picture of him but..."
"But?"
"It's not the same. Tell me about him....please?"
How do you begin to describe Nicholas Grayson to a child?
It took a moment for Ellie to find the right words. "He was sweet but only when he really wanted
to be. He was very unpredictable. You couldn't really tell what he was thinking and the minute you
thought you had him all figured out he'd always surprise you with something completely different. He
loved to draw; he was extremely good at it too. He used to own a tattoo shop"
"Really? That's so cool! Is he the one who gave you the tattoo on your back?"
The green and black dragonfly on her right shoulder blade, done years ago, still looked as
though it could rip free of Ellie's skin and flutter away. Devlin had seen it, had asked questions and
Ellie had always given him some vague response. The first months they'd made love and Devlin's
lips had tenderly swept over the dragonfly, Ellie had felt the gut wrenching feeling of betrayal. She'd
given into her body's absurd need for an hour long shower, where she'd embarked on the desperate
process of scrubbing her skin raw, especially the place where the tattoo was positioned.
In the privacy of her bathroom, Ellie told herself the tears she wept were because of the pain she
had unintentionally caused herself and not because she had somehow managed to betray a
memory. To Devlin and the rest of her family, it had been done on a whim, by some random tattooist.
The dragonfly held no meaning, just a random picture that had grabbed her attention at first sight and
had been chosen for her first tattoo. No one knew the truth and Ellie had hoped to keep it that way.
"Yeah," Ellie brushed her feet on the ground as the swing slowed. "I was really scared, you
should've seen me." The memory flew across her mind's eye like a living thing.

"Did you hold his hand?"

Ellie couldn't help the short laugh that escaped. "I couldn't, but he did try to distract me from the
pain."
"What did he do?"
Things that no twelve-year old should know about, Ellie wryly thought. "We talked, about you
mostly." not exactly a lie since the majority of the conversations they'd ever had revolved around
Sophie. "Nicholas adored you," and that was the truth. "He loved you to pieces and spoiled you
rotten too. I remember when you were going through your Legos stage and you saw a picture of the
empire state building, you wanted to build it so badly, but"
"But I couldn't because I think I didn't have enough Lego pieces?"
"Yeah, so Nicholas went to the store, bought an entire bucket of new Lego pieces and stayed up
all night just to build you your own personal empire state building. He even added your favorite colors
as the floodlights."
Ellie remembered Sophie's joy for weeks afterwards and whenever they came into the living
room and saw the plastic-brick building looming it all its colorful glory, Sophie would always look up
at Ellie, beam her smile and proudly declare that her Nicky' had built that just for her. Ellie had been
choked with tears that someone else could be filled with that much love for her daughter that they
would go through so much trouble just to make her happy.
That had been one of the many sweet things Nicholas had done for Sophie, not because he had
wanted to get brownie points in with Ellie, but simply because he had wanted too, wanted to do it for
the little girl who loved him like he was her blood.
Despite all that had ever transpired between them, Nicholas's love for Sophie had always
remained unaffected and for that Ellie had been thankful.
"The first time he met you, he was so scared, you'd think he had been sentenced to the electric
chair or something. But I think he was happy to have met you."
"So why'd he leave us?"
And wasn't that the question of the century?
"I thinkwe grew apart." A diplomatic answer as any. No need to delve any deeper. The point of
resurrecting the memories of Nicholas was to give Sophie closure. Give her a way to move on from
the tightly leashed fixation she had over a man who she believed was the father who would eventually
come back and give them a happy ending. And as much as Ellie hated destroying her daughter's
hopes and dreams of an eventual reunion, Sophie was going to have to face reality and realize that
there would be no happy reunion in their future.
Ellie had Devlin and Devlin did everything in his power to make them happy. He put his family
first above all other things and soon that family would include Ellie and her children.
Nicholas had been her past. Hectic, wild, and unpredictable but Devlin represented her future.
Safe, secure, and happy. She and Nicholas had created Isabella and Dylan during their last month
together, the best gifts any parents would be proud to call their own, and with Devlin they would be
guaranteed a serene familial environment in which they would grow and be loved by two stable,
loving and happily married parents.
"Did you love each other, Mom?"
"Yes, but it wasnt enough." They'd been children dabbling with things they believed they'd
understood. Theyd been up in the notion of being in love with love and the consuming passion that
had come with it. It swept them both off their feet and left them to free-fall to the hard terrain with
nothing to break their fall but the harsh truth that love did not conquer all.
"Dodo you love him still?"
Ellie sighed, tired of this conversation. Even thousands of miles away, with the gap of years
between them, Nicholas still managed to have devastating effects on Ellie's equilibrium. She
grounded her feet, moved forward so that Sophie stood and turned her around. "I love Devlin, Soph.
I've loved him for the past three years now and I want to marry him. He's a good man and he'll be an
even greater father to you, Bella and Dylan. If I didn't think that he was right for this family, I would
never have stayed with him for as long as I have."
Sophie was shocked at the sudden tears brimming in her mother's eyes.
"Mom...Mom, don't cry," she cupped her mother's face in her smaller hands and thumbed her
tears away, then bumped their foreheads together. "I'm sorry for pushing. I...I promise not to do it
anymore. I won't talk back to you, I'll listen. I promise to be happy if you want to marry, Devlin. I won't

bring Nicholas up anymore. Even in her attempt to comfort her mother, Sophie's tears fell hot and
wet down her cheeks.
Ellie wiped at her cheeks feeling silly for crying. She hadn't meant for the tears to pour and she
certainly hadn't intended to wheedle promises out of her child just to make her stop crying! For
heaven sakes she was a grown woman!
"Listen, Sophie," She pulled her into a hug. "I don't want you to promise me anything. I just want
for all of us to be happy. Like I keep telling you guys, you are the best things in my life. Having you,
your brother and you sister is the greatest of joys and I would never ever trade it for anything. We're a
family, we've been there for each other and we've helped each other grow and now I think it's time to
grow even bigger with Devlin and Roan." Dropping a lingering kiss on Sophie's cheek, Ellie smiled
reassuringly at her daughter. "This is going to be good for all of us, you'll see. Just give it a chance,
yeah?"
"Yeah." Sophie smiled halfheartedly back as she took her mother's hand, nodding at the offer of
chocolate pancakes and putting her thoughts on the back burner for now. There would be plenty of
time later to figure out how she was going to play 'Parent Trap'.

Chapter 5
Sundays were family days in the Akers home, when Gabe and Ronnie could devote time to each
other and their children. The grand opening of Eos last November had forced Ronnie to seek out her
then elusive husband and force him into a pact in which Gabe promised that no matter how busy he
got, weekends, Sundays especially would be reserved for his family. Restaurant business could be
handled by the very expansive manager he'd hired. It'd taken Ronnie almost leaving with the children
for Gabe to realize that no business was worth his family.
The pact had been made and sealed over lingering kisses and tangled sheets. Ronnie forgave
Gabe his negligence and had gained an even more devoted husband and father for her children.
Watching him now, tossing his daughter in the air and catching her in a flurry of white and pink polka
dotted clothes and joyful giggles, Ronnie had to smile at how lucky she was. She had a wonderful
family, a very loving husband and a beautiful home that she enjoyed taking care of on a daily basis.
Every day she counted her blessings, thanked God, and lived every moment appreciating all that she
had. There were only a rare few who could honestly comprehend what she and Gabe shared while
the rest yearned for it.
"Careful babe, you might blow a fuse if you think so hard." Gabe teased as he leaned over and
planted a wet kiss on Ronnie's cheek.
Sabrina giggled and slapped a hand on Gabe's head. "Oh yeah, defending your Mommy
against me? We shall see about that, my little butterball!" Gabe's hands became a battalion of
tickling fingers waging war on his daughter's stomach. She laughed a storm, her face turning such an
awful shade of pink that Ronnie had to jump to her rescue.
Ronnie grabbed Sabrina from Gabe's hands and hugged her, then stuck her tongue out at her
husband. Not one to stand there and be mocked, Gabe put on his most threatening face, shrugged
up the sleeves of his shirt and prepared to do some serious damage.
Ronnie's eyes widened upon realization and slowly she backed away with Sabrina in her arms.
She tried to warn off her advancing husband. "Gabe stop, I was just playing"
"You should run."
Smile unable to leave her lips, Ronnie continued to back away, not knowing whether to laugh,
flee or surrender. "GabeI have, Rina."
Gabe shrugged as he glared at his wide-eyed daughter. "Oh don't you worry, the little butterball
will get hers too."
"Gabe!" Ronnie fled the minute Gabe lunged for them, her and her daughter's laughter ringing
throughout the first floor of their two-story home. Gabe chased them through the living room, across
the dining room where Liam was teaching Eric how to play a new game. The two boys looked up as
their parents came storming in, with Ronnie taking coverage behind their chairs.
"Dad, what's going on?" Eric asked, rising excitedly to his knees on the chair he watched his
Dad's face, which was red from all the running.
"Your Dad is being a bully and won't leave us alone," Ronnie met Gabe's dancing eyes as he
tried to maneuver around the table and chairs. "I think we should gang up on him and teach him a
lesson," her eyes fell back to Eric's grinning face. "What do you think?"
"Yeah I wanna be on Dad's team!" Liam descended from his seat, video game forgotten on the
table, he ran to his father's side.
"Come on, Mom," Eric jumped from his seat, excitement causing him to grab Ronnie's hand and
pull. "Let's go and find something to get them with." Ronnie was led out of the room and couldn't help
but make another face at her husband, who looked like he was ready to tackle her to the ground.
When involving the kids, things are always bound to get a little messy, proven parental fact #56.
Ronnie and Gabe knew this, but honestly they didn't care, because no matter how messy the
situation, the only thing that mattered was that they were having a great deal of fun with their children.
So instead of it being three kids and two adults chasing each other around the house, there were
three children and two very big kids representing Mom and Dad who wielded their respective water
guns. The teams where slightly unfair and maybe that was the reason why Gabe and Liam were
soaking wet from head to toe, while Ronnie, Eric and Sabrina remained dry. They aimed their
cocked water guns at their opponents.
"Surrender?" Eric asked as he pointed his gun at his brother.
Liam pouted as he looked up at his father. "Dad?"

"Son, it is a known fact that we Akers men never, ever surrender in the heat of battle. We live
strong, we love long and we die fighting!" Gabe's short speech was followed by gladiator cry as he
and his eldest son trudged forward, rushing his wife, Eric and Sabrina. Their water guns squirted as
they tackled their opponents to the ground.
On their backs and now just as wet as their adversaries, Ronnie and Eric reluctantly conceded
defeat. "You fought a brave battle, but the victory is ours." Gabe announced as he sat astride
Ronnie's hips, a happy and wet Sabrina in his arms. He placed a kiss on the side of her mouth
before turning laughing eyes to Ronnie. "And as my prize I demand a kiss."
"Anything the brave knight wishes." Ronnie replied. Keeping her eyes on Gabe's descending
face, she reached for his abandoned water gun and moments before Gabe's lips met her own,
Ronnie brought the gun to up and squirted water in her husband's face.
Eric rolled over with laughter. "Good one, Mom!"
"Daaaad you're not supposed to kiss the enemy!" Liam whined in exasperation.
They all turned their heads at the sound of the doorbell. "I'll remember that next time." he stole a
kiss anyway before sitting up and relinquishing a squirming Sabrina to Ronnie. "I'll see who it is."
"Alright my little ducklings, time to get cleaned up and maybe if you're good I can convince your
dad to take us to Coopers." Coopers was a relatively new Pizza and arcade restaurant located
downtown. They catered to the fickle pallets of toddlers and preteens alike.
"Yes Coopers! Can we get a triple cheese pizza, Mom? And play in the arcade? Can we Mom?
Can we?"
"Like I said we'll go and do all those things only if you're good, now let's go upstairs and all get
cleaned up."
Gabe listened to the retreating footsteps of his family, before walking to the door.
"Hi Gabewhat the heck happened to you?" Elle greeted taking in Gabe's damp attire.
"Ronnie and Eric happened. Hey little squirts, give your uncle Gabe a hug." Gabe teased and
laughed when Isabella and Dylan dodged his advances.
"No way!" They chorused, dodging his advances.
Ellie stepped into her godfather's home and closed the door, her children not too far behind her.
"Where's Soph?"
"Devlin took her out for the day, something about bonding."
"How'd you manage to pull that?"
Ellie shrugged, refusing the offer of a beverage she flopped down on Gabe's LazyBoy. "I didn't
pull anything. It was surprisingly Soph's idea. Believe me Dev and I were just as shocked as you are.
But I'm glad she made the offer."
"That girl of yours surprises the heck out of me every day. But you're right; it's good that she
came up with the idea, shows that she's growing."
"Or that she's up to something."
"Uncle Gabe, where are Liam and Eric?" Dylan asked, his patience having worn thin three
minutes ago.
"Upstairs, you can go up if you want and while you up there can you ask your Aunt Ron to bring
me a shirt when she comes down?"
"Sure!" Dylan jumped to action, ready to run his way up the stairs and find his best friends.
"Wait for me I want to come too!" Bella stood from her seat next to her mother and ran after her
disappearing twin.
"So, what makes you think Sophie's up to anything?"
Ellie shrugged again. "Just a feeling." Ellie wasn't stupid enough to believe that their little talk
this morning had taken effect so quickly. Sure, her daughter could be trying to appease her by trying
extra hard in liking Devlin, but again, Ellie wasn't born yesterday. Someone who'd been obsessed
with something as long as Sophies been obsessed over Nicholas did not simply abandon their
ideas for new ones.
"Do you want me to talk to her?"
"No," with a small sigh Ellie's shoulders hunched forward and she began to fidget. "I actually
came over to tell you guys something."
Gabe frowned, taking in Ellie's demeanor, worry instantly overcame him. "Are you alright?
What's going on?"
"Oh, Ellie what a nice surprise." A freshly clothed Ronnie entered the room and handed Gabe a

clean shirt. "What's going on?" her smile disappeared she looked between Gabe and a fidgeting
Ellie. "Gabe?"
"I don't know, Ellie said she had something she wanted to tell us."
"Ellie?" Ronnie implored.
Suddenly nervous Ellie rubbed her clammy hands along her jeans before giving both her
guardians a wide smile. "Devlin proposed." She raised her hand and flashed the ring.
Ronnies reaction was instantaneous as she assailed Ellie with a congratulatory hug and
questions that Ellie had barely enough time to answer.
Jeez, Ron, give the girl a break. Gabe chided, pulling her away from their flustered
goddaughter.
"Oh, Ellie! Sweetie, this is great news! I'm so happy for you!" She said after a beat, beaming
with pride.
"Is this what you really want, Ellie?"
"Of course it's what she really wants, honestly Gabe what sort of question is that? It's about time
Ellie married and moved on with her life and Devlin proposing is by far the best thing that could've
happened." Ronnie thoughts mirrored Ellie's own. It was wonderful to hear her words spoken out
loud, put things back in perspective.
"Ellie?" Gabe sure as hell didn't believe her.
"Of course this is what I want, Gabe! God I'm going to get married!" She squealed then turned
and hugged Ronnie, who shared her squealing with enthusiasm of her own.
You didn't live with someone for the majority of their lives without learning their mannerisms.
Gabe knew when his goddaughter was truly happy, he knew when Ellie was sad, and he knew what
pissed her off. He also knew when Ellie told the truth and when she was just shoveling a pile of crap.
Right now, his goddaughter was ankle deep in shit and Gabe wanted to call her out on it, but he
knew it would only result in an argument that would piss off not only Ellie, but Ronnie as well. Gabe
was not in the mood to rekindle his affair with the couch and his left hand tonight, or the rest of the
week for that matter.
Gabe had nothing against Devlin, matter of fact he liked the guy. He did well by Ellie and her
kids, he wasn't hung up on himself and he was a hell of a lot smarter then all those other fuckers Ellie
had dated in the past. Seeing them together, anyone could tell just how deeply Devlin loved Ellie, but
the question was whether Ellie loved him just as deeply? Gabe wanted to think so, but he couldn't
shake the feeling that Ellie wasnt being completely honest with herself.
"Just as long as you're happy and it's really what you want." Ultimately it was better to see her in
the arms of a man who loved her, then in the arms of some rat bastard who didn't know how to
appreciate her. "Congratulations, Ellie," Gabe whispered against her temple. "You deserve this."
Ellie smiled, tugging on Gabe's shoulder length hair before saying. "Thank you, it means a lot to
me that you understand how much I need this. That's why I'd like it if you and Dad gave me away
together."
"EllieI don't know what to say...."
"Say yes."
Lifting her off her feet, Gabe twirled a screaming Ellie around. "Of course it's a yes!" He settled
her back on the ground. "So when's the big day?"
"We haven't decided yet, but probably soon."
"This is incredible, I still can't believe you're going to get married, Ellie! There's going to be so
much to do, planning for everything, and not to mention your engagement and bachelorette party!
You remember how Gabe and I had ours combined?" How could she forget?
The night she'd witnessed her guardians drunk off their asses, naked and having sex on the
hood of her brand new car was an image Ellie wouldn't soon forget. The image was forever
imprinted on her brain and every time the subject was brought up, Ellie found herself blushing to the
roots of her hair.
Gabe and Ronnie didn't know to this day that she'd seen them that night and Ellie chose to keep
it that way.
"No strippers for Devlin or myself, that's all I ask."
"But they're the best part!" Gabe bleated and received a punch on the arm for his effort from his
scowling wife.
"Just how many bachelor parties have you attended to know that strippers are the best

part, Hon?" Ronnie asked, face deceptively calm.

Knowing that road led to nowhere but trouble, Gabe wrapped his arms around Ronnie waist and
attempted to pull off the best Puss-in-Boots impression that he could. "Only ours and you
were the best stripper there was. I did love that sexy cop uniform you had on. Do you still the
handcuffs?"
"Oh, Ew....God just Ew!" Ellie protested glaring at the two people who'd forgotten she was in the
room.
Ronnie pinched Gabe's arm as she pulled away, a very prominent shade of rouge tinting her
cheeks. Gabe waggled his eyebrows at his smirking spouse and chuckled. "Be lucky that I love you
so much."
"Every day, sweetheart." He planted a kiss that took both their breath away.
"God you guys are seriously giving me a cavity here. I hope Dev and I don't become this sappy."
Looking at them, in each other's arms, so utterly besotted with each other after so many years, Ellie
couldn't help but envy them their profound love.
She fingered her ring, wondering whether she and Devlin had what Ronnie and Gabe shared?
Of course they loved each other and of course the sex was great. But was it a necessity? Was there
a deep rooted fear of not being able to survive without each other if one was to ever leave? Was
their passion so volcanically hot that when they made love it surpassed all things physical? Did they
balance and ground each other when it counted most?
Ellie wanted to think so, wanted to believe that she and Devlin shared those things, but the fact
of the matter was that it wasn't so. But, she was positive that it would come later. Gabe and Ronnie
had been together for years before achieving this level of intimacy. She and Devlin would have that;
it was just going to take time.
The soft touch on her arm drew Ellie from her thoughts. "What?" She smiled to soften the
sharpness of her tone. "I'm sorry, what did you say?"
"We were justEllie, are you okay?"
God, what the hell was wrong with her? Ellie agonized. This shouldve be one the happiest
moments of her life yet here she was trying to butcher to death a marriage that hadn't even begun!
Who cared if she and Devlin weren't as perfect Ronnie and Gabe? Who in the world was? Those
two lucked out in finding each other and she'd lucked out in finding someone who could tolerate the
fact that she snored just a little when she slept.
"Actually I was just thinking of how I was going to break the news to Mom that Devlin's mother
already has a location for our engagement party." It wasnt a lie, since that very thought had been
plaguing Ellie since they'd announced the news to Miranda Westport this morning. Who'd gone on to
insist that they have the engagement party at their country club. Not having the heart to deny Miranda
when she'd told them of her preparations, Ellie had not mentioned the fact that her own mother would
be slightly disappointed. But, Ellie would console her with the rights to plan her wedding. Her mother
had a knack for details when it came to these things.
"She works fast. Ronnie remarked wryly. But no worries, I'm sure Dina will be happy helping
you plan the wedding."
"Dad! Could we go to Coopers now?" Liam bellowed from the stairs.
"Get your jackets and meet us outside, your Mom's coming up to get Rina!" Gabe yelled back at
his son, and then to Ellie he said. "We're going to Coopers and you're coming too."
"Aye, Aye captain!" Ellie saluted.
"Smart ass!"
~*~*~*~
The three week in which Devlin stayed in town went by relatively quick and uneventful.
Overlooking the numerous calls they'd received from friends and co-workers alike congratulating
them and requesting an invite to their engagement party, Ellie had to say that life had gone on as per
usual. Mornings were spent getting the kids and herself ready for school. Sophie she dropped off at
junior high, while she, Dylan and Bella continued down a few blocks to the elementary school the
twins attended and she taught in.
The convenient factor came in after school when Sophie remained in school for Field Hockey,
while Ronnie came by to pick up Dylan and Bella. By dinner time all the kids were home and Devlin

and his son would drop by to catch a home cooked meal. Roan, ever the helper always insisted on
setting the table or loading the dishwasher when they'd finished dinner. Some nights, Devlin spent
the night and Roan slept upstairs in the guestroom.
Life was great overall, a little mundane yes, but it worked for Ellie all the same. Miranda had
called Ellie a few days ago to let her know the date of the engagement party. Friday April 13th a
week after Devlin was scheduled to arrive back in the states from Japan.
Ellie, not the superstitious sort hadn't minded the date overly much. What she did have a
problem with however was the long guest list Miranda had shown her. Ellie didn't know what she'd
expected, but six hundred plus people hadn't been it. To top it off, these people were the upper
echelon of the city. The Westports' had connections, their name alone held certain pull, but Ellie
didn't know how much until she saw the list.
Renowned Doctors, politicians, business moguls and the like would be attending her
engagement party. Ellie had wanted small and quiet, a family and close friend affair without all this
pomp and circumstance. What she was getting was a circus.
"You're doing that thing again," Devlin absentmindedly remarked, his fingers gliding over the
dips and falls of Ellie's back, his lips pressing a soft kiss every now then.
Lying on her stomach on the massive bed they shared, with her elbows propped up, Ellie turned
her head and looked at her fianc. "What thing?"
Devlin reached out a finger and traced Ellie's mouth. "When you're thinking really hard, you stick
your tongue out just the tiniest bit."
"It's a bad habit." She licked her lips, her tongue running across his thumb.
He sucked in a breath. "Tease." He said thickly, holding her gaze. "I could take you again."
Ellie shook her head and smiled. "Give me a few minutes, my body's still recovering."
"If I must." Devlin captured her chin and brushed a kiss on her mouth. "So, tell me what you were
thinking about."
Ellie sighed. "Are you sure you can't talk your mother into decreasing the guest list? I'm really not
going to be comfortable with all those people and the kids"
"I know it's a little extravagant, but the majority of those people are partners in my father's
company. Some are close friends of the family while the rest could be potential investors."
"I didn't realize our engagement party was an opportunity to network." Ellie bit out, coming to her
feet.
Devlin sighed. "That's not what I meant."
"Sure as hell sounded like it."
"Let's not do this tonight, Ellie. I don't want to argue with you. I leave tomorrow and I want to
spend the rest of the night loving my fianc, not squabbling over a petty guest list that I've told you
countless times cannot be changed."
"Cannot or won't? Dev, this is not petty! It's important to me!"
"Keep your voice down, you'll wake up the kids."
Ellie scowled, grabbed her pillow and threw it at Devlin's head, before jumping out of bed. "For
the last three weeks I've let you and your mother control what was supposed to be the guest list
to our engagement party. I've kept my mouth shut just to appease you both, but I can't do it anymore!
This is supposed to be our engagement party, Devlin! Ours! Our guests, our friends! Our family! But
it's turned into damn circus"
"Ellie!" he bellowed, putting an instant halt to her rambling. With furrowed brow he advanced on
her, grabbed her by the arms and settled her on the bed. He fell to his knees with a long sigh. Im
sorry for yelling. He began, interlacing their hands. You know I'd do anything to make you happy,
Ellie. I'm sorry for not realizing how much of a big deal the list was, and I'm sorry if I made it seem
like the engagement party was nothing more than a business deal. It means more to me than
that. You mean more to me than that."
Ellie leaned down, smiled and kissed him. "I know, and you can spend the rest of the night
proving just how much I mean to you."
"That," Devlin responded, "is something I can definitely do."
"Good." Ellie whispered spreading her thighs. Devlin's body would expel the burgeoning
thoughts of a certain silver eyed man who refused to give her peace.

Chapter 6
Life experiences have taught the ex-wife of the late Charles Grayson a few lessons from which
she's gained a wealth of wisdom. Through her vast range of knowledge, Sonya has come to
understand that nothing worth having in life is easily gained. Her happiness for example had not
come easily. Living the majority of life fearing and hiding from manipulative, domineering, lecherous
men hadn't exactly been the road to a blissful existence. Being in the eye of the public hadn't helped
either. But having gone through those experiences, Sonya could now say she knew the true meaning
of joy and love. Terran and their son had done that to her.
Ethan Xavier Jacobs was his father through and through. Looking at him now, his gaze
enraptured by Terran's actions, the little seven year old boy emulated his father. Right down to the
way Terran reached out for his morning cup of coffee, eyes intent on the contents of his newspaper,
Ethan followed in kind. Reaching for his milk filled mug, he took a generous gulp, mindful of any
stains and set it back down on the coffee table, his dark gaze returning to his own literary work.
Catching his mother looking at him, the corners of her generous mouth lifted in semblance of a
smile, Ethan's eyes danced with childish merriment, before dropping back to the intriguing read of
'Sebastian and the Caterpillar'. A book her husband had indignantly sniffed at while Sonya remained
adamant on buying for Ethan, arguing that a simple childs books would in no way diminish their
sons intellect. A fact that Terran could not come to terms with, but was trying which that was all
Sonya ever asked from her husband of eight years.
They had a perfect marriage. That of course was in comparison to her previous marriage, which
by all accounts had been a disaster of epic proportion. Charles was a veritable saint when it came
down to caring for his wife and child.
It hadn't always been this way. Sonya could remember a time when the idea of jumping into
another marriage had been the furthest thing from her mind. But Charles's threats from beyond
maximum security prison bars had finally convinced Sonya to propose marriage to Terran, if for
nothing else than his protection. She had yet to regret that decision.
Love hadn't come swiftly for her. It'd been a slow progression from adoration, to appreciative
awe for the man who had become her protector. Beyond the brooding, temperamental Heathcliff
exterior, Sonya found a man who was as gentle and sweet as a new born colt. Behind the dourness,
Sonya got a glance of the man who she'd overlooked for the better part of her life. The man who
she'd wanted to know and she'd set out to unashamedly seduce. Shed received a passion unlike
any in return; a passion that continued to burn strong and bright to this very day.
"Something funny, dear?" Sonya shook her head, belying the amused smile on her lips. She
continued to riffle through the stack of mail in front of her. She felt his gaze on her person for the
stretch of a minute before he returned to his paper, as she knew he would.
Terran was a creature of habit. Took his coffee sugarless with just a drop of cream, then found a
comfortable spot in the blue room, the business portion of the newspaper in hand, he lounged back
and read. From Monday to Friday, he went to work, came back home and groused about the inept
and vacuous co-workers to his wonderfully attentive wife. His meals never changed, his clothes
remained the atypical corporate America uniform. Suit, tie, dress shirt, slacks and shoes. He had a
very odd sense of humor which Sonya only just learned to appreciate. The man had his faults, but
Sonya realized that those faults were what made her Terran so precious---so undeniably irresistible.
Their marriage had been rather scandalous! Some even believed she and Terran orchestrated
the entire mess with Charles so that could carry out their sordid affair freely. Socialite Sonya
Grayson had once again shamed herself so disgracefully. Itd been nothing new so Sonya had
allowed them their field day, allowed tongues to wag.
But it did not last long, refusing to be shamed, she had accepted every viciously veiled invitation
to a garden party here or a gala there, and attended each one with head held high and husband at
her side. People had talked, naturally, gossiped, the pages of magazines splashed with pictures of
them both, but Sonya hadn't cared one wit and that was probably why everyone eventually shut their
traps. That and the help of the only person who had remained a true friend to her.
Miranda Westport, like Sonya had married into money and while they'd never quite been close in
the past, they'd found a kindred spirit of sorts in each other over the last few years. Miranda stood by
Sonya's side through those trying times, defending her to any and all who would listen and everyone

had taken notice. The speed at which theyd changed their tune gave Sonya whiplash.
First she'd been their glamorously outrageous queen, then the scourged pariah and with
Miranda championing her, Sonya rose from the ashes of her plight; the downfall of her infamous
husband spurring her popularity. Charles had been the villain and poor darling "Sony" the brave soul
whod survived an ordeal and Terran theyd cast as her savior. The rich, as Terran was prone to say,
were full of shit.
Sonya took a moment to reread the invitation in her hands and wondered what she would have
to promise to get Terran to accompany her to Miranda's son's engagement party. This engagement
would probably the most exciting thing to happen in their circle since that disastrous Elsa
Worthington wedding two years ago. As much as Sonya hated mingling with the anally pretentious,
she was rather curious who Devlin Westport has chosen for a fiance.
Devlin, unlike her son, had remained abroad for the greater part of his life, being kept away in
ascetical boarding schools and then colleges. He'd grown up knowing what hed wanted to do and
for who he was doing it for. It wasn't until recently, over the last two years, since the inheritance of his
father's company did he become the constant talk of their circle.
Even his ill-fated marriage to the gold digging bitch, Natasha Belokova, had been kept hush,
hush. Sonya was only aware of that little bit of gossip because Miranda herself had divulged it over
a luncheon one afternoon a few years back. Having only met the charmingly handsome man on only
a handful of occasions, Sonya had taken him to be a goodhearted person, just like his mother.
Whoever had managed to capture his heart could be called lucky of that she was sure.
Sonya wanted to wish them the best and in order to do that she had to appear in person.
Miranda would never let her live it down if she didn't go.
"Terran, darling," she began, making sure to keep her voice steady, she continued. "You
remember how we've been saying that we needed a night out?" elusive discussions they've had in
bed, minutes before succumbing to the ardor of late night kisses and tangled limbs.
Terran carefully folded his paper in half, settled it against his stomach and gave the entirety of his
attention to his wife. As lovely as a hothouse flower, even after so many years, he was still plagued
with the need to ravish her where she was seated. Of course he wouldn't, such behavior was not
permitted so openly in the manor, let alone in front of his impressionable son. Denying his baser
instinct had done him well so far and now would not be the time to acknowledge them. "Of course."
he smiled complacently, urging her to continue, although he had a vague idea as to what would come
next.
"Well, here is our opportunity," she flapped the invitation open and Terran was only able to make
out a few words, before it was closed. "Miranda..."
"No." he said simply, stretching just a little to grab his mug while handing Ethan his own.
Sonya blinked. "No?"
Taking a moment to take a sip of the tepid caffeinated drink, he swallowed before answering.
"Correct."
"You don't even know what I was going to say."
"Anything you say that involves that woman's name should not be acknowledged." Terran had
learned that lesson years ago.
"You're being unfair."
Terran remained silent and continued to look at her.
"Fine then," she said, gathering the mail and coming to her feet. "I'll just have to go alone...or
better yet," her smile was long and held very little humor. "I'll just take someone else. I'm sure I can
find Julian Sullivan's number somewhere." Of course she was lying through her perfectly white rowed
teeth, but Terran didn't need to know that. Sometimes a man simply needed the right incentives to
get him to cooperate. Manipulative it was, but Sonya was always up for a little harmless
manipulation...if the end results were good.
"You are not going anywhere with that man." Terran practically growled. Sonya tamped down a
smile and counted to ten. "I'll accompany you."
"Thank you, love," she pressed a kiss to his cheek and grabbed her son's hand. "Come , darling.
Let's go and see if we can get cook to make us some of father's favorite cookies."
"Mine too, Mommy?"
"Of course, darling." Terran watched as Sonya shepherded their son out of the room, astounded
that this woman, the very same who had just played him like a finely tuned Stradivarius was his wife

and the caring mother of his child. It seemed like a lifetime ago since he'd first met her and even
longer since coming to the realization that she hadn't been the vapid trophy wife of a deceased
sociopath.
Sonya had come a long way, even her mothering skills had improved immensely. It was no
secret that she hadn't exactly been the best mother to her firstborn, a failing that constantly weighed
on her soul, but with the birth of Ethan, both Sonya and Terran believed that she could make up past
wrongs.
Surprisingly it was exactly the birth of his half-brother that had brought Nicholas back in their
lives. Months after Ethan's birth, a twenty four year old Nicholas reappeared at the manor, gift basket
in hand and a simple nod for his godfather he went upstairs to see his mother. There hadn't been
words of apologies, no loving words of regrets, just a small kiss on his mother's cheek and a caring
smile for his baby brother before leaving for a business trip overseas the following day. But he did
return months later, and in what turned out to be a bi-monthly thing. Nicholas always returned with a
new gift for his brother and a kiss for his mother. He spoke very little, but his actions were enough.
He'd forgiven his mother.
Nicholas did maturity very well, so well in fact that Terran felt a certain pride towards his godson.
When he was lording over his personnel, Nicholas was a completely different man, brutal, succinct,
and demanding. But when he was with Ethan, everything changed. He was patience itself, sweet
tempered and attentive to a fault, this was the side of him that Terran and Sonya had the privilege to
see.
Gone was the volatile youth whod been angry at the world and in his place stood a man who
knew who he was, who continued to fight his demons and understood pain and sorrow. He knew the
rewards of hard work and the efforts it took to run a billion dollar corporation with enough pressure to
have a normal man graying at the roots. His godson was a brilliant man and Charles's child he
might've been, but Terran knew that this man was his son, blood or not.
"Terran!" Terran sighed as he rose to his feet, the wife bellowed and of course the husband was
expected to come running. Terran didn't run. Running was not something he was programmed to do,
so at his leisure he made his way to the kitchen, the scent of cookies causing him to lengthen his
strides.
~*~*~*~
From the cool interior of his bombardier, Nicholas gathered his Rhett long coat and tossed it
over his left arm. He cordially smiled and accepted the briefcase handed to him by his personal
assistant, before exiting the private jet. Locating his driver just a few feet away from where he stood,
Nicholas made his way towards him. Broderick Sterling, a man who had proven that he was more
than apt to handle the job of protecting the Nicholas Grayson, despite his diminutive stature, had
gained the position of both bodyguard and chauffeur, almost three years ago now.
Nicholas had yet to regret keeping him. He stood at attention, spine ramrod straight while he
held the door open for the young businessman. Nicholas spared him a brief nod, before sliding into
the sleek interior of the black Phantom. His PA followed and sat across from him, the door closing
behind her. Minutes later the almost inaudible sound of the engine purred to life and carried them
away.
Samantha Harris, prim, blond and the best damn PA he's ever had dropped a few blocks of ice
into a tumbler, poured him a generous amount of Scotch before handing him the glass with a small
smile. She'd been in his employ longer than Broderick, knew him far better than he was comfortable
with at times and had the unnerving talent of giving him advice when he needed it the most.
With a Masters in international business and mind far more brilliant than most men he
associated with, she was probably the best of his assets. She was irrefutably beautiful, no matter
how hard she tried to hide behind the shrewish faade of tight chignon, rectangular cut designer
glasses and oversized, bland clothes. Nicholas knew the truth. He was after all a rumored
connoisseur of beauty. So why hadn't he seduced her to his bed yet? God only knew she would
follow like a lamb to slaughter, if her pretty blushes were any indication of her interest in him, all he
need do was snap his fingers and he would have her.
So why hadn't he? Almost five years of knowing her, why had he never made a move? The
answer was simple. Nicholas was no longer a reckless boy who followed his cock like an explorer
followed his trusted compass. He had pricey whores to ram through the mattress if the need ever
struck him. Demoralizing virgins didn't do it for him anymore and besides, he viewed Samantha as a

sister, and the idea of sleeping with her would be like committing incest. He hadn't reached that level
of depravity yet and god willing he would be shot on sight if her ever did.
"Was the portfolio on Westport, helpful?" Her voice pulled Nicholas from his thoughts.
He lifted the glass to his lips. "To a point."
"I could have him followed. Plant an emissary in his personnel to gather more information." It
always amazed Nicholas that such guile could come from such an innocent looking woman. But then
he remembered how intelligent she was and wondered what else lay behind those benign amethyst
eyes of hers that he wasn't privy to.
Before going into his meeting with Westport this morning, Nicholas had poured over the brief
information Samantha had gathered for him, which hadn't been much at all. The portfolio listed all the
things Nicholas already knew, and the very few things that he didn't know were only advantageous to
him to a certain degree. Upon meeting him, Nicholas's first impression of the oil tycoon was that he
seemed far too sure of himself. He hadn't allowed himself to be easily read, guarded in a way that
Nicholas was all too familiar with.
In the expanse of their two hour meeting, beneath well practiced business mumbo jumbo,
Nicholas learned not to underestimate the man who seemed eager to strike up a business venture
with him. Pride was one thing and foolishness another. With Devlin Wesport, he needed to tread
carefully, this wasn't a foolhardy, curmudgeon who he could wheedle out of his stocks and blackmail
into submission.
Devlin could either be a worthy adversary or a lucrative asset to the Grayson Empire---Nicholas
had yet to decide where to place him.
"That won't be necessary," he answered dismissively before continuing. "How does your next
Friday night look?"
Samantha regarded him with a wary smile. His gaze bore into her, brilliant silver eyes searching
her features for something only he knew. Unable to hold his probing stare for much longer, she
averted her eyes, color staining her cheeks. "Uhmy Friday night?" Oh very smooth Harris, try
sounding anymore cultured why don't you? She chastised herself as she cleared her throat. "Well I
do have all those fun and lengthy documents to review in front of the TiVo. Ben and Jerry of course
will be there, with a generous serving of Chunky Monkey. It's going to be one hell of a good time."
and how many ways can she die of mortification she wondered. Hadn't her mother always told her
she rambled too damn much?
Nicholas chuckled, setting his glass down he settled his arms on his knees, the action bringing
him closer to a rather flush Samantha. "Well, do you think I could steal you away for a couple of hours
to accompany me to an engagement party?"
"I don't know, Ben and Jerry are pretty damn tempting and not to mention the fact that they can
get pretty damn jealous." Oh dear god, please strike me down now!
"I'm pretty sure I can handle them. I'd really appreciate if you did this Samantha, Westport has
invited me and I'm only attending because it might present an opportunity for me. We'll attend strictly
as business affiliates."
Like a cowboy reining in a wild stallion, Samantha tried not to show her disappointment. Of
course it was only business. Nicholas Grayson was always about business, foolish of her to think
him asking would've been for anything but business. "I don't really have anything to wear." she feebly
made her excuses.
"Which is a problem easily rectified." He countered smoothly, handing her his cell phone. "Burke
is on speed dial, call them and set up an appointment for tomorrow. I'm in town for the next few
weeks, I can take you."
Countless women dreamed of this, yearned to be Nicholas's flavor of the month. Samantha also
dreamed, but her dreams extended far beyond the 'flavor of the month' status. She saw a Princess
cut diamond ring on her left hand. She saw a lovely home in the Berkshires during the holidays and a
sprawling estate in Ibiza during the summer. She saw kids, silver eyed dark haired children who
were as handsome and witty as their father.
Samantha saw the unattainable, but each moment she spent in Nicholas's company, each
moment she associated with him was an effort towards her goal. She would become Mrs. Nicholas
Grayson because it was the only thing that she'd ever truly wanted.
"Are you sure?" of course she seemed determined to accomplish her goal, but sometimes her
own insecurities and doubts were her greatest adversaries. She hated that she was painfully shy.

Shy people did not become the wives of billion dollar men. She'd be wise to remember that.
Nicholas's hand on her knee had Samanthas heart racing. "Of course, besides, you deserve a
night out and I'm more than happy to be the one to give it to you."
Give it to you? The man could give it to her anyway he damn well wanted! Samantha twitched in
her seat, swallowed a few times before opening her mouth to speak. "Yeahyeah okay. I'll go with
you then."
Nicholas's smile, all pearly white teeth and full of charm, almost melted Samantha to the fancy
leather she sat on. Keeping her composure around him had become increasingly difficult over the
last few months. Something told her if she were to throw inhibitions out the window this very second
and pounce on her boss---her very sexy boss, whose voice could be classified as a weapon of mass
destruction, she would not have a job to return to come morning.
So good-naturedly, Samantha Harris lassoed her secret desires and pocketed them for a rainy
day when she could sit in her tub, with a romance novel in hand, candles all around and pretend that
Nicholas was a strapping Viking lord coming to sweep her off her feet and do wicked things to her.
"Are you alright, Samantha?" the poor girl looked as though she would keel over any moment,
Nicholas worried for her. "Maybe it's best if Broderick drives you home so you can unwind and rest
for the weekend." Jetlag could be such a bitch; Nicholas knew this for a fact.
Samantha shook her head. "No its okay, I'll go with you to the downtown office, I have to pick up
a few files anyways and my backup laptop is there." Any excuse just to stay in his company longer,
she wouldn't see him until Monday and the weekends were always bad for her.
Nicholas nodded, handing her the manila folder he'd been leafing through. "Before you leave for
the weekend I want you to call Hughes and let him know that we're not settling. Reschedule my
morning appointments on Monday for Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. Clear my Tuesday and see
what you can do about arranging for that gift I ordered for Ethan." His little brother would no doubt get
a kick out of the very expensive telescope Nicholas had purchased just before leaving Japan.
The little tyke, Nicholas silently mused, would more than likely embark on the amazing process
of taking it apart and discovering what made it work, it wouldn't be the first the time. Terran helped of
course, but only when his son asked for it, and rarely was there a time that the little snot nosed
genius asked for it. Ethan always managed to astonish his older brother and Nicholas adored him
for it.
Looking up from her iPad, which she had taken out the moment Nicholas referred back to
business, she smiled triumphantly before saying. "Actually I had it shipped to your mother's home
yesterday while you were in meetings. It should've arrived by now."
Nicholas's cell phone rang just then and Samantha handed it back to him with a small blush on
her cheeks. Nicholas took the phone with a grin and brought it to his ear. "Grayson."
"You bought him a telescope." Terran deadpanned from the other line.
Nicholas grinned. "Hello to you too Terran and yes, I bought Ethan a telescope, I thought it fitting
since he seems to be so intrigued by the constellations." Ethan's voice could be heard in the
background, no doubt eager to speak to his brother.
"A simpler telescope would've sufficed."
"And who said I ever did things with simplicity?"
"Your mother isn't pleased."
"When is she ever? Please put Ethan on the phone." There were a few ruffling noises of the
phone being passed, before Ethan's voice was heard.
"Nick! Thank you so much! This is the coolest thing ever!" so very articulate for one so young,
looking at him one would not be able to know the intelligence that lay dormant beneath charcoal grey
eyes.
"We can set it up tonight if you'd like." Nicholas was never foolish enough to undermine his
brother's intelligence and speak to him as though he were a simple child.
Nicholas could imagine Ethan's eyes widening. "You're back?"
"For the time being, yes, I just need to drop by my office and pick up a few things. I should be
arriving at the manor in an hour or so."
"Will you be staying in the cabin?"
"Yes."
"Then I'll wait for you there, has Daddy told you that Mommy isn't happy?"
"Mother can be placated; one simply has to know how. I'll have Samantha order her some

azaleas." Before Nicholas could make the request, Samantha held up her thumb as she brought her
own mobile to her ear.
"Yeah, she'll love those."
"Which is exactly why I'm buying it for her. Tell your father I'll be there soon."
"Okay we'll see you soon." Nicholas hung up the phone once the other line went dead and
smiled.
There were only a few things that kept him coming back to the states and Ethan was one of
those things. Seeing him, talking to him, was like inhaling a cool breeze after a torrent of summer
rain-refreshing and invigorating. His innocence helped Nicholas remember that the world hadnt
gone completely to hell.
Never had there been a time when Nicholas wasn't happy that his father was no longer on this
earth. Charles's fucking up Ethan's life as badly as he had his own son, wouldn't have been
something Nicholas would've enjoyed seeing. If there truly was a God who was judge, juror and
executioner than the being that was once Charles Grayson would be eternally damned in the darkest
corner of hell, suffering the worst of Satan's depravity. Nicholas desperately wanted to believe in a
God who meted out justice.
"Were here." the luxury car finally came to stop. Nicholas gathered files back into his briefcase,
before waiting for Broderick to open the door, back to business as per usual. The jetlag hadn't
caught up to him as of yet and he would take full advantage and get things done.
Like a well-trained spaniel to its master, Samantha hurried after the Nicholas, eager and ready
to do whatever he commanded.

Chapter 7
Devlin arrived as scheduled, but that was probably the only thing that went according to plan in
the course of the week before their engagement party. Thered been problems from the start,
beginning with the caterers on Monday, the band on Wednesday and finally the country club just
yesterday, whod called last minute to inform them that there was a minor problem with the electricity
and that it wouldnt be fixed until early morning Friday. Thankfully, Ellie hadnt had to deal with any of
it and Miranda, saint that she was, had tackled each issue with precision.
But Ellie was in a panic. In just a few hours shed be presented to all of Devlins friends, family
and associates as his fiance and the stress of that inevitable introduction was weighing on her.
"I have a bad feeling. She said out of the blue, chewing on her bottom lip. Why does my
engagement party have to be on Friday the 13th? Who does that? I mean who in their right mind
plans one of the happiest days of their lives on such an unlucky day?"
"People who aren't so superstitious?" Gabe's attempt to help presented him with three matching
glares from the occupants of the room. They'd all arrived at the country club a few hours before and
were now in Ellie's dressing room, her anxiety the reason for their appearance.
"Ellie you need to calm down or you'll give yourself an ulcer." Ronnie chided watching the
hairstylist Miranda had hired put a flat iron through Ellies curls.
"Ronnie's right sweetheart, everything will be fine. Miranda has taken care of the last minute
details, so you don't need to worry about anything. This is supposed to be a fun event, just relax and
enjoy yourself tonight." Dina soothed running her hand across Ellie's back.
"But what if I screw up? What if I say the wrong things to the wrong people? What if I embarrass,
Devlin? He'll never forgive me!" She abruptly stood from the chair and the stylist sighed in
exasperation, fed up with Ellie and her erratic moods. Ellie ignored her and began to pace. "I can't
do this..." she was nearing hysteria.
"Ellie, dear you're being irrational. No one is expecting anything from you except your happiness,
for heaven's sake it's far too early in your engagement to even be getting cold feet! This is supposed
to happen on your wedding day, not on the night of your engagement party." Ronnie again, always
the voice of reason came to stand in front of a tearful Ellie and pulled her in for a hug. "You'll be fine,
just stay by Devlin's side and everything will be fine. You'll have us there too...the kids...you just have
to relax and stop trying to psych yourself out."
Ellie sighed, sagging in Ronnie's arms. "Your right, I'm just being silly."
"You're entitled, believe me, if I had a mother-in-law like Miranda I'd be a little hysterical too."
Ellie chocked out a laugh. "She is a bit much."
Ronnie smiled and brought her index finger and thumb inches from each other. "Just a bit."
Pulling out of Ronnie's arms, Ellie walked over to his mother and enveloped her in a warm hug.
"Sorry for worrying you."
"Worrying is what a parent does best, sweetheart. I'm just glad youre okay." Dina looked at her
as if to confirm that she really was okay now.
Ellie nodded. "I'm good," She took a deep breath before smiling at them all. "I'm ready for this."
"Good, then we'll see you downstairs in a little bit right? You won't pull a runaway bride on us?"
Gabe joked and received a punch from his wife when he made to hug Ellie.
"You're not as funny as you think you are. Come on, we need to get ready too." Pulling him along,
Ronnie smiled at Ellie one last time before closing the door behind them.
Dina kissed Ellie's cheek and squeezed her hand. "I have to go get ready too, but call me if you
need me for anything before then okay?"
"Thank you Mom, I will." Ellie watched her go, and then turned to her hairstylist with an apologetic
smile. "I'll be good."
It took the stylist, Roxanne, an hour to finish Ellie's hair. The end result was a chic, side-swept
chignon with fresh white orchid pinned in for the final touch. Ellie excused herself to slip into the gown
she and Ronnie had purchased a few weeks ago. It'd taken them hours to find this one dress, but
when Ellie had laid eyes on it, with its intricate rose decal pattern and plunging back she'd fallen in
love.
"You look amazing!" Roxanne brought her hands in front of her, staring at Ellie as she stood in
front of the floor length mirror.
"Thank you." She said quietly, taking stock of the woman staring back at her. She did look

good. The smoky eyes Roxanne had given her complimented the side-swept hair. The ivory color of
the dress did wonders for her mocha skin, while accentuating every bit of her curves. It was sexy and
elegant all at once and Ellie loved it.
"Are you ready?" Was she? Ellie wondered, staring down at the ring on her finger. The diamond
winked at her as if giving her its approval. She'd fretted for weeks and this was the end result. This
was the beginning of her new life. There was no going back now.
Ellie drew in a deep breath, her heart hammering against her chest. The woman in the mirror
looked beautiful, but ready to run.
"As I'll ever be." she murmured, stepping away from the mirror. "Yeah, I'm ready."
~*~*~*~
Never had there been a time when the phrase, arriving in style' epitomized a moment more than
it did tonight. Arriving as fashionably late as the occasion permitted, the illustrious members of high
society descended from their luxurious lacquered vehicles and steadily made their way to the country
club. The women, with their glittering diamond trinkets and fetching evening gowns walked on the
arms of their equally attractive gentlemen escorts. The air was alive with intrigue and excitement.
Awe emitted from the hushed murmurs of the guest as they ambled up the granite staircase.
Stepping through a concave archway just above the second entrance, the guests were
transported to another world. It was an enchanting world where the country club's grand ballroom was
transformed into a dome of shimmering lights. The translucent crystals embedded in the chandeliers
above their heads danced with the abandoned glee of fire sprites, spraying their gold pixie dusts
upon their unexpected guests.
It was a world where the line between fantasy and reality blurred. Where ladies became the
belles of the ball and gentlemen became their gallant princes. It was a fairytale dream, where colors
like gold, reds, oranges and cream exploded onto the senses like the opus of a master painter. This
was not a run-of-the-mill fete thrown by another society mother wishing to draw attention to her plain
Jane daughter in order to catch a husband. And it wasn't another fete thrown on a whim to alleviate
the humdrum of the everyday, for the rich and beautiful.
No, this fete was in a stratosphere of its own. It was what would probably end up being the
celebration of the year, filled with enough pomp, glamour, and beauty to have them all talking for just
as long. And it was all done for her son and the love of his life. Miranda gave without limitations,
planned without inhibitions and the results had turned out exactly as she had imagined.
Standing in all her regal glory, like a monarch surveying her constituents from her position above
the majestic grand staircase, Miranda smiled prettily to all who called her attention and descended
with enough grace and poise to have many wondering how someone as far gone in age as she
could manage it. Let them wonder, she silently acquiesced, the twittering fools always needed
something to keep their tongues wagging. If it wasn't one thing, it would be another and she was
more than happy to provide fodder for them.
"Miranda, darling, you've certainly outdone yourself this evening." Angelique DuPont, a woman
who looked as though she had been bred from the finest horses this side of Langston, was all teeth,
pinched face and large eyes as she reached out lanky arms to embrace Miranda. "Yours shall be the
event to aspire to." False pleasantries were something these women excelled at, and Angelique, in
her floor sweeping black chiffon gown, that did nothing to enhance her emaciated form, was without
a doubt the top student of her class.
Gossip and jealousy were the fuel that ran through her veins, kept her going when her own less
than perfect existence seemed incredibly dim by comparison. She was a covetous bitch who
Miranda cared very little for, but as a member of their society, she had to learn to play along, pretend
to be cordial so that she could guarantee her son business partners.
"I aim to please." Cheek to cheek they kissed, before Miranda pulled away and smiled, all
plastic of course, at the prissy women who queued behind Angelique. One of them was Selene
DuPont, Angelique's debutante daughter. The poor darling was as pretty as she was dim, lucky for
her that she was bred from money. "A son's engagement is an event to celebrate to the fullest."
"And where are the affianced I wonder? We are all curious as to see the woman who's captured
Devlin's heart." Of course they would all be. Miranda had planned it that way.
She had adored Ellie the first moment she'd seen her and it was in that moment that Miranda
decided to keep Ellie Holbrook's name from the gossipmongers who read the tabloid rags. There
was no way that she would've survived the scrutiny that came with being a member of this world.

Miranda had paid good money to keep Ellie anonymous and in turn her life and her son's life had
remained blissful. But the news of their engagement had changed everything and now it was up to
Miranda to ease the poor lamb to the slaughter that was the beau monde.
But she would not let them take Ellie. Miranda would protect her like a tigress protected her cub,
just as she had protected her own son. Ellie would be a Westport in less than a year and it was a
known fact that all Westports looked after their own, her Bruce had preached that fact and Miranda
made sure she lived by it.
"They should be along shortly." She moved them along, accepted congratulations and kept an
eye out for the one person she really did want to see. Sonya had RSVP-ed and said she and her
cantankerous spouse would be coming tonight. Miranda could not wait to introduce them to Ellie.
"I hope for Devlin's sake that this marriage won't result in another divorce. It wouldn't do at all to
have another money hungry whore at hand, isn't that right mother?" Selene's crass input received a
chilling smile from Miranda and a discomfited cough from Angelique.
"What Selene means to say is that Devlin is such a fine young man and he deserves a spouse
who will be able to see his full worth."
"Of course that's what she meant and I guarantee you that he has done exactly that. Ellie loves
Devlin because of who he is, inheritance or not." With that said she left them to their devices and
moved along, for she feared that had she stayed longer she would've done something that she
would've regretted the next morning. This night would be perfect and damned be anyone who would
dare screw it up.
~*~*~*~
She felt beautiful, all dolled up from head toe, Samantha knew she made an impact with her
honey gold locks trussed up with beaded pearls in Grecian style. Her dress, a satin number that had
cost more than her monthly mortgage, felt like heaven against her skin as she walked.
The color, a beautiful hue of imperial topaz, accentuated the fairness of her complexion and
dipped low enough to be risqu but not tacky. At her feet, she wore Roberto Cavalli stilettos that
clicked and clacked against the travertine marble as she walked. With glittering brown sugar
diamonds, Nicholas had insisted on buying for her twinkling from her ears, neck and wrist Samantha
felt amazing.
This was a dream she never wanted to wake up from. Samantha stared up at the man whod
made it all possible and fell even more in love with him.
He was impeccably dressed. The fitted, black stripped two button peak tuxedo he donned
screamed sophistication. Dark as night hair had been freshly cut, trimmed low to soften hardened
features. Samantha beamed at his side. Their entrance garnered stares, nothing Nicholas wasnt
used too, but for Samantha it unnerved her. But she took it in stride, emulating Nicholass easy
confidence.
As if hed sensed her brief moment of unease, he looked down at her and smiled. Relax."
Looking up at him with violet eyes and flushed cheeks, she ducked her head to conceal her
excitement. "People are staring."
Nicholas chuckled. "Cant say I blame them. Youre stunning. Any man would be lucky to have
you on his arm."
"Including you?" The makeover was more than likely the reason behind her sudden boldness,
because surely, shy and coy Samantha Harris wasn't capable of flirting with her boss.
His smile wasnt quite in reaching his silver eyes. "Ah, but I'm not like most men."
Too true. There was no one else like Nicholas.
"I don't think the world could handle two of you." her heart lightened as she heard the soft
laughter from the powerful man at her side.
"Which is why I killed my duplicate." there was dark humor in the way he uttered those words that
made Samantha realize that it wasn't the least bit funny anymore. She had heard that exact wry
cynicism in his voice over the last five years and each time she heard it, the sudden onslaught of
goose bumps rising against her arms and back always sparked an impulse to run as far away as
physically possible and hide from this man.
His past, what little she had learned from her searches, was cagey at best. She knew he was
bred from money, had been the son of the late Charles Grayson and had been reckless in his
teenage years, but what teenager wasn't?
Facts had been elusive and when shed believed shed found answers, more questions arose.

For months it had continued this way, until the day Nicholas had called her to his office and told her to
cease her searches or she would need to find other employment. Samantha had wisely chosen to
stop. Her curiosity still hungered for answers and she wondered how she was going to go about
appeasing that hunger.
"What do you mean?" asking never hurt anyone right?
"Nicholas, I didn't realize that you were invited to attend this engagement." Turning them around
to face his mother and her unsmiling husband, Nicholas stepped away from Samantha's side, before
leaning across to give a kiss to his mother.
Samantha had heard of Sonya Grayson, had seen a few of the movies she had starred in a
while back ago and she had to say that television did not do her flawless beauty justice. Dressed in
a floor sweeping, off the shoulder russet gown, she looked like a woman in her thirties, beautiful and
vibrant. Her hair, a thick mass of dark curls, was piled high above her head with only the tiniest bit of
tendrils falling against the pale column of her graceful neck. And as though it was all the rage to carry
one's brooding husband on the arm like a gloomy black cloud, Sonya held onto hers like he was one
of her most precious accessories.
Perusing the glowering man beneath the blaze of golden lights, Samantha had to admit that the
old man did clean up pretty nicely when prompted to do so. Or maybe it was that, standing next to
Sonyas vibrant beauty, even a beast's dark elegance could be mistaken for handsomeness.
Whatever the reason, there was no doubt that they made a striking pair.
"Strictly business. He drawled. Mother, Terran, this is Samantha Harris, my personal assistant
and escort for the evening." With his hand settled at the base of her spine, Nicholas ushered
Samantha forward to receive his mother's and Terran's hands.
"It's pleasure to meet you Ms. Harris, you look beautiful." Samantha flushed at the complement.
Taking a step back to once again take her place at Nicholas's side, she smiled her prettiest of
smiles before answering. "Thank you so much, Mrs. Jacobs"
"None of that my dear, please call me Sonya."
"Sonya, please feel free to call me, Samantha."
"Well now that names and pleasantries have been exchanged may I ask what you and Terran
are doing here?"
"Miranda invited us."
"But of course"Reaching inside the double satin besom pockets of his jacket, Nicholas pulled
out his vibrating cell phone. "Please excuse me for moment. This is a very important call." He gave
Samantha an apologetic smile. "I'm sorry Samantha, but I have to take this alone. It'll only be a
moment, stay with my parents." With that Nicholas walked away, cell phone held against his ear he
disappeared into the increasing crowd of guests.
~*~*~*~
Sophie sat on the stone bench in the garden and took a deep breath. She'd done it! Looking out
from her hidden position, between trimmed rose bushes, she saw that no one had seen her make
her escape. Her mother, godparents and grandparents were busy schmoozing it up to those boring
rich people to notice she'd left. And Roan, the stupid jerk, she'd managed to evade the entire night,
hopefully shed succeeded in putting him off her trail. Dodging through the crowd of guests with their
heads so far up their asses to know who she was, Sophie ran out of the ballroom, finding solace in
the small garden.
She sighed with relief, content to be away from the overwhelming crowd for a while. She tilted
her head back and the stars twinkled back at her from their celestial heaven. She was instantly able
to locate Orions belt, with Ursa Major just a bit away. Her mother had taught her how to locate the
constellations when shed been nine on a mother/daughter camping trip. Itd been just them and
nature for one whole week, Sophie had loved every minute of that trip.
Theyd done so much during that one week, fished, roasted marshmallows, doing the latter far
better than the former. Theyd hiked and swam through that private lake and when night had fallen,
together theyd lain beneath the blanket of stars and her mother had pointed out the constellations.
Each night had been uniquely different and Sophie remembered them fondly.
It wouldnt be like that anymore. Her mother was being taken away from her. Sophie sighed
again, toeing the ground with her heels. She wanted to like Devlin, she really did and if it were in any
other circumstance, Sophie wouldve liked him. Sure he was a nice guy, but he wasnt the guy for her
mother. Nicholas Grayson was the man her mother should be marrying. Ever since Sophie could

remember, shed felt this unbreakable connection to this man who wasnt even her blood. It was odd
and could she stop it, she wouldve done so a long time ago knowing how much it hurt her mother.
But she couldnt stop, shed never forgotten about him and the moment shed seen his pictures
in her mothers things, she knew that Nicholas was what they needed. He was their family and as
much as her mother denied it, Sophie knew there was a part of her that still loved Nicholas. And that
part, no matter how small it was, was good enough to give Sophie hope.
Hed left them, yes, for reason only he and her mother understood. But Sophie needed to hope
that hed needed them, missed them just as much as theyd missed him. She was desperate to
know if he remembered her. Shed been young when she met him, but to Sophie, Nicholas was the
only father she knew. He was important to her and she wanted to hope that he was just as important
to her mother.
Hey, stupid, what are you doing? Sophie nearly jumped from her skin, heart racing, she turned
to glare at the intruder.
Roan Westport stood there in his tuxedo and that self-assured smirk on his face that made
Sophie want nothing more than to reach over and punch him. She refrained, choosing instead to
ignore him she gave him her back hoping that hed take the hint and leave.
I asked you a question, brat.
Leave me alone. She said through gritted teeth.
Cant. I know youre up to no good and I want to know what youre doing.
Sophie looked back at him with a frown. Why, so you can go and snitch?
The smirk turned into a full smile. Of course, I live to see you miserable.
Well youre going to get your wish if you dad marries my mother.
What the hell is that supposed to mean?
Nothing. She said, coming to her feet. Look, Im not doing anything I shouldnt be doing as you
can see, so do me a favor and go away.
Standing at an arms length now, he reached out without warning to touch her face. Sophie
smacked the intrusive hand away, taking a step back. What the hell is wrong with you?
Why the hell are you crying?
Swiping at her cheeks, Sophie wiped the remnant of tears away. Its none of your damn
business.
Roan scowled. Youre such a brat.
And youre an ass
"You goddamn idiot, I don't care how you do it, but I want it done immediately! The barrage of
foreign dialect put an immediate halt to Sophies insult. She turned to Roan but found that he was no
longer at her side. He was on the bench, peering over the hedge on the other side.
What are you doing?
Shh. either get up here or shut up.
Cursing him under her breath, Sophie hiked up her dress and climbed up next to him.
You will fix this situation before the night is out, or don't bother coming into work tomorrow." The
man snapped his phone shut before releasing an expletive that had both Sophie and Roans ears
burning.
He had his back to them as he silently fumed but then as if sensing their gazes he abruptly
turned to face them. They ducked, having been spotted, they both jumped from the bench, but with
her dress hindering her movements, Sophie fell in a heap. Her pained yelp had Roan instantly at her
side as well as the man whod been on the phone.

Chapter 8
The phone call hadn't been what Nicholas had expected. The details hadn't been what he'd
wanted to hear and the fact that he had an incompetent moron on his team of associates irked the
hell out of him. He paid these people six figure incomes to do a simple job. One would think that
would be enough incentive to work a little harder. He didn't abide anything less than perfection from
himself, so Nicholas expected the same amount of effort from those in his employ. Imbeciles and
incompetency were not what he needed. His company could do well without them and this man,
family or not, was becoming a hindrance.
He sighed, suddenly very eager to leave. Aiming to do just that he turned and caught two curious
faces peering at him, they ducked behind the hedge before he could say anything.
With a grin, he turned to leave but stopped at the pitiful yelp he heard moments later.
He found the two children whod been spying on him on the floor, the boy looked at him with
anxious eyes. What happened?
I think she sprained her ankle.
Finding himself on his knees, Nicholas reached for the girls foot, but she whimpered and pulled
away. Can I take a look?
Raising black as night eyes from her bruised ankle she met his gaze and they both gasped.
"You're"
"Nicholas." His name came out as nothing more than a whisper, but it felt like a claxon blaring in
his ears and Nicholas staggered backwards, landing on his ass.
He gaped, in utter shock at the sight of the little girl who wasnt so little anymore from memories
never forgotten. She looked the same and yet so much older. The eyes were still the same obsidian
hue, but instead of shining with the exuberance of childish mirth, Nicholas saw the webs of
adolescence lying in wait for puberty to strike.
"Oh my God! You're here!" shocked into silence, Nicholas couldnt say much when he found his
arms full of a sobbing preteen. She clung to him like a life line, an overwhelming amount of emotions
pouring out of her. Please dont let this be a dream. She uttered against his shirt. Please dont
leave.
Incapable of doing anything else, Nicholass features gentled as he gathered her in his arms and
returned her embrace just as fiercely.
As if the years hadn't created a chasm between them, time reversed and Nicholas was eighteen
again. In the living room of that quaint two-family home he remembered meeting this little girl.
Nicholas remembered the connection they had made the very first time he'd picked her up and
Sophie had offered him her bottle. He remembered moments when they'd all been together and the
mere thought of seeing Ellie and Sophie's smile had been the only thing that kept him going.
Nicholas remembered it all and damn if the memories didn't threaten to unravel him just then.
I'm not going anywhere, Kiddo. He reassured, pulling her back into an embrace that was a
comfort to her as well as himself.
Roan watched the scene unfold with puzzled frown, unsure of what to make of it. Sophie? he
didnt know this man, but it seemed Sophie did and was incredibly happy to see him. But with that
knowledge he also knew that he needed to get her inside so they could look at her ankle. Sophie
we need to go. Sophie reluctantly pulled away, but fear that Nicholas would leave kept her at his
side. When he asked whether she could walk, she shook her head and smiled when he scooped her
off her feet. Roan followed at a more sedate pace.
With her gaze boring into him Nicholas looked down with a smile.
What?
She shook her head with an answering smile. I cant believe youre here. She murmured. I
wished for you.
Sophie, what are you doing here? He asked suddenly, wondering why Ellies daughter was at
this engagement party.
My mom is
SophieJust before they cleared the threshold of the front entrance they all turned at the call of
Sophies name.
Eyeing the handsome dark haired man holding her granddaughter, Dina thought he looked
familiar, but couldnt place him. But then he flashed Sophie a smile that was all too reminiscent of her

Grandsons and Dina knew. She chocked on a gasp as her mind worked to refute what she already
knew to be the truth.
There was no denying it when the evidence stood before her looking dapper in his tailored suit.
She realized that this was how Dylan would look when he got older. The resemblance between father
and son was that uncanny.
On numerous occasions, Dina had inquired of the children's paternity, but Ellie had refused to
talk about him. No one asked about it, no one talked about it and eventually everyone just forgot. But
not anymore, Dina wouldn't have to wonder anymore, because standing only a few feet away from
her was the answer to all her unanswered questions.
Finally noticing that he held her granddaughter in his arms, Dinas cry of alarm had her by his
side. What happened?
She sprained her ankle. Nicholas informed. We need to get it looked at. Is her mother around
by any chance?
Uh---yes, but shes a little preoccupied at the moment. Lets take Sophie upstairs and Ill get her
looked at.
Lead the way.
Was she a betting woman, Dina wouldve put very good money on the chance that her daughter
had no idea the father of her children was present.
The children. Dina wondered if he knew about them...had her daughter told him? Was her Ellie
capable of keeping such a secret for so long? Did this man even realize where he was? What this
occasion happened to be?
"Mr. Grayson, finally I've found you." Devlin rounded on them. He was like one big ominous cloud
hanging over them. A cloud with a charming personality that could do no wrong, a cloud who doted
on her lovely child as if she were some reincarnated deity sent here on earth for his worshipping
pleasure. Ellie and Devlin loved each other and soon their marriage would cement that fact, Dina just
prayed they made it to the altar without any interference.
"Sophie, are you alright?" genuine concern flashed across Devlin's face as approached
Nicholas.
"I think I sprained my ankle."
Alright, lets get you upstairs and take a better look. He turned to Roan. See if you can
scrounge up some ice.
Yes, Dad. He was gone in a flash.
With Devlin leading the pack, they headed upstairs. Roan returned with the ice a few minutes
later and once theyd assured themselves that she would be all right, Dina stayed behind while
Nicholas and Devlin headed back downstairs.
I take it you know who that man is? Dina inquired of her eldest grandchild while applying the
ice packed towel to her ankle.
Sophie nodded solemnly. Yeah.
Dina sighed. Hes going to be trouble.
~*~*~*~
So the four horsemen weren't galloping at her side, inauspiciously awaiting her demise. Ellie
had to admit she did carry with her the nagging propensity to exaggerate things. But to be fair, it only
happened when it came to things she had no control over, like this party for one. Despite how it
began, she was having a great time. The guests were a bit much to handle but Ellie handled them
just fine. She found herself laughing and genuinely enjoying the company around her.
One person in particular she found absolutely charming went by the name of Theodore Yates. He
was around Ellie's age, had a love for animals and he was quite handsome underneath the mop of
shaggy chestnut hair. In a way, he reminded Ellie of Maddie, with his easy smiles and open
friendliness. The gears in Ellie's head began to spin. Hed be perfect for Maddie. Sure, the red
haired woman was overseas right now, going crazy over some newly discovered fossils and couldn't
be bothered to leave her site. But Ellie figured that was why they invented cell phones. She would
give Maddie's number to Theodore, Theodore would call and voila! Match made in Ellie heaven.
They were perfect for each other and it was about time Maddie found someone to settle down with.
Six years ago, they'd reacquainted, settled past feuds and agreed to always be mindful of the
other. Friends had to trust each other, no matter how jealous, angry or upset they got, and if the
situation ever proved to be particularly disastrous, talking was always the best way to go. They'd

been children, they'd made mistakes and as adults they'd been big enough to realize it, and so Ellie
and Maddie forgave and moved on, never once looking back. That had been years ago and though
Maddie spent the majority of her time out of the country, they always kept in contact. Maddie hadn't
been able to make it to the engagement party, but she had promised to come back for the week
long wedding celebration they were having on Ellie's behalf.
"So, Theodore, are you seeing anyone?" He'd be a perfect wedding date for Maddie.
Taking a sip of his drink to hide his blush, Theodore responded with. "I d on't think you're my
type."
Ellie had to stop herself from coughing out her laughter. "As smooth as you may be Casanova, I
wasn't asking for myself. I have a friend---"
"Hello soon to be wife." Devlin greeted, wrapping an arm around Ellies waist. Did I tell you how
beautiful you look tonight?" With a passing guest stealing Theodore away, Ellie didn't feel terribly
guilty when she favored Devlin with her attention.
It bears repeating, soon to be husband.
"Well then, you are by far the most amazingly beautiful woman I have ever seen.
And you are a bad liar. She said with a smile, stepping into his arms and winding her arms
around his neck. But I love you for being so sweet. He made her feel cherished, especially tonight
when his attention had been solely on her, never leaving her side unless necessary. Hed been the
perfect gentlemen, the adoring, attentive fianc, introducing her to family, friends and co-workers
alike as if she was the most precious thing in the world to him.
He was unabashed in his love for her, showing all in attendance how much he adored her and
continued to do so now as he lowered his head and kissed her, his full mouth upon hers, a sweet
seduction that had Ellies body responding instantly.
Stopping before they got carried away, Ellie pulled back with a smile, swiping her lipstick from
his mouth. This is a great shade on you. He laughed and leaned forward to kiss her again when the
clearing of someones throat put an instant halt to his action.
Ellies heart stopped, quite literally ceased to beat in her chest. Breath squeezed painfully in her
stilled lungs as her stomach muscles contracted with dread at the sight of him.
Oh hell. Her eyes closed, feeling faint, she held onto Devlin for dear life, refusing to contemplate
letting go. Fate was cruel.
Anger, guilt, anxiety and the briefest wave of happiness snowballed into one large
unrecognizable mess that left Ellie feeling like she would retch.
There was so much she wanted to say, but in that singular moment, Ellie lost her ability to speak.
She wanted this to be a nightmare, a terrible nightmare from which she would soon wake from. Ellie
wanted a lot of things in that moment, but most of all, she just wanted Nicholas Grayson to
disappear.
Freeing himself from Ellie's vise-like grip, Devlin gave her a curious stare, before wrapping an
arm around her waist. "Are you alright?"
No, she damn well was not alright.
"Yes." It was whisper soft, but it seemed Devlin heard it. He smiled down at her, kissed her head
before moving forward to make introduction, unaware that Ellie and Nicholas knew each other far
more intimately than names went.
"Nicholas Grayson, please allow me to introduce you to my future wife, Eleanor Holbrook. Ellie
this is Nicholas Grayson, the investor I was telling you about." Devlin nudged her forward to accept
Nicholas's outstretched hand.
Ellie did not move to take it. Nicholas however didnt miss a beat as he reached for her hand.
His touch was electricity that sent a jolt through Ellies core. She wanted to withdraw her hand, but he
held it firm. The impression of his lips as he whispered an intimate kiss along her knuckles, just
below her engagement ring, sent her heart thundering.
"It is an honor, Eleanor, to finally meet you." When he looked at her with those piercing silver
eyes, Ellie didnt miss the challenge in that gaze that dared her to make a scene.
Fire pooled at the base of Ellie's abdomen but she aspired for decorum when she maneuvered
her hand out of his unyielding grip. "Likewise, Mr. Grayson." She coolly replied, before disregarding
him completely. Im going to find my mother, Dev, Ill see you in a bit
"Actually, Westport, I was wondering if it would be too forward of me to request a dance with
your fiance?"

"No."
"Of course." Devlin said breezily, his smile wide for the venerable Mr. Grayson. "Ellie would be
honored, wouldn't you, Ellie?"
"Dev"
"Please, Ellie." He murmured against her cheek.
Dev, theres something
Just one dance, baby. I really need you to do this for me.
With a resolute sigh, Ellie nodded. Ok.
He kissed her and with a grin he handed her off to Nicholas. Ignorant of what he'd just done. "I'll
be back soon. Take good care of her, Grayson."
"You have my promise on that." With a last lingering kiss, Devlin left Ellie with the Devil.

Chapter 9
With more than hundreds of people in the room, Ellie should've felt safe. It should've been a
breeze for her to keep her composure under the circumstances. But how, she wondered could she
keep any sort of equanimity in the constricting clutch of a python? She lost the ability to breath as the
arm around her waist drew her audaciously close. The pressure of his thighs, the strength of his
arms, the expanse of his chest, right down to his abdomen radiated heat, the force of which
smacked into Ellie's body with unrepentant energy.
She tried to move away but the shackle of flesh situated at her waist did not yield. Sweat formed
along her skin, gathered and snaked a languorous path down her spine, like a lover's tongue. The
erratic staccato of her heart drummed against her sternum, so loud that Ellie feared the man holding
her would hear it. In her attempt to calm herself she found a target on the opposite side of the
opulent room and gave it her undivided attention, refusing to acknowledge that she was dancing with
her ex-lover. The father of her children. The man who had so thoroughly shattered her heart ten years
ago.
People watched them yet Ellie noticed very little, blood rushed to her head and she felt incredibly
lightheaded as they spun around the room.
"Are you alright, Ellie?" His voice had taken on a gruff quality that did not fail in affecting her and
silently she cursed her body for its betrayal. Steeling herself, Ellie met his gaze and glared.
"I was, up until the very moment I saw your face."
The throaty chuckle further incensed Ellie and she was in the good mind to pull free of his hold,
but any attempt made was instantly countered as wolf grey eyes stared down at her, unapologetically
consuming her in the process. "I'm glad I can still have some sort of effect on you."
She scoffed. "Don't flatter yourself, Nicholas. Any effect you had on me died a very long time
ago. Furthermore the only reason why I'm even speaking to you let alone dancing with you is
because my fianc"Ellie gasped when Nicholas cradled her closer, panic gripped her instantly
realizing the treacherous swine had lead them in a shadowed corner of the ballroom, just behind an
ivory pillar.
It was at this moment that Ellie fought in earnest to free herself from Nicholas's grasp. Only his
hold remained firm and being that he outweighed by a few good pounds, he easily restrained her,
using both height and weight to his advantage. He had her pinned against the pillar, his body holding
her hostage even as he captured her wrists above her head.
He stood so close, overpowering, all Ellie could see was him and nothing else. The emotions in
the depths of mercury eyes roiled like thunderclouds.
Though anger ruled her, coursed through her veins like liquid fuel, Ellie was not immune to
Nicholas. After so many years, after all that had happened, she would be a hypocrite to say that she
didnt find him still so devastatingly handsome. Time had been kind to him. Those deep set silver
eyes were still just as arresting as they were back then. His mouth, so wicked was still temptation.
Visions of just how wicked that mouth could be danced across her mind and Ellie flushed. That
savage male magnetism that he'd tried wielding as a teenager, swathed him now like a shroud.
"Are felicitations in order, Ellie?" There was nothing genteel in the way he acted in that moment.
Decorum had taken a much needed vacation and all that was male pride reigned supreme. His
breath was like liquid fire against Ellie's cheek, deceptively languid eyes focused and perforated.
"You'll have to forgive me. I didn't bring a proper engagement present for you." He derided. He
leaned close, lips barely touching in kiss. "But let's improvise, hmm?"
The kiss, dear the heaven, the kiss was detrimental. And her body quivered appallingly in
response. He kissed her with masterful precision, melting Ellies bones and erasing all her thoughts.
There were years of unbridled passion infused in the sweep of his warm tongue, in the way his large
hands roamed her body. It was a kiss that held so much meaning. It was Ellie and Nicholas,
cocooned for a moment in this full bodied fever that consumed them completely.
He still knew her. Knew how to incite a response from her and Ellie groaned and quivered in his
arms as he mercilessly staked his claim. That was what he was doing, staking his claim on a woman
who as much a part of him as he was of her. And the embarrassing thing was how appallingly
receptive she was to his claim. Clinging to him with desperation, her body yielding so completely.
"StStop..." She wrenched her mouth away in anguish, heart racing painfully against her chest.
Ellie felt wanton, every inch of her waited in anticipation of what that kissed promised.

God, Ellie, you dont know how much Ive missed that. He huskily murmured, his hand framing
her face, thumb gliding over her kissed bruised mouth. Ive missed you
You bastard. She vehemently whispered, using every ounce of strength she possessed to push
him away from her. Dont for one second fool yourself into thinking this kiss meant anything. In fact,
let me be completely honest here and say that you have absolutely nothing on Devlin.
His jaw tightened and for a moment Ellie rejoiced in the fact that shed touched on a raw nerve.
"Tell me, Ellie," he countered smoothly, the emotion hed displayed gone now. Does he know
about us?
She scoffed. Youd have to mean something for me to talk about you. And lets face it, Nicky,
you havent been a thought for a very, very, long time.
"That's too bad, because there hasn't been a day that's gone by that I haven't thought of you." he
said carefully, reaching out to touch her crimson cheek. Your emotions are showing, Elle.
She smacked his hand away. Whatever business you have to discuss, I advise you to keep it
strictly between you and my fianc. And while youre at it, do me a favor and go to hell. She walked
away then before anymore words could be exchanged.
She was shaking, every part of her rattled from the encounter. She was grateful that her legs
were able to carry her away without incident. She lengthened her strides, eager to escape him and
the agonizing emotions hed forced to the surface. Ellie wouldnt be persuaded she wouldnt be
stupid enough to fall for the unbridled magnetism. Matter of fact, shed do well to steer clear of
Nicholas Grayson altogether. There was nothing there but bad memories and
Mom, weve been looking all over for you! Bella came running. Mindless of the overzealous
crowd, she fought her way through the throng until she reached her mother.
She looked exceptionally pretty tonight, with bouncing curls and smiling face. Shed picked out
her own outfit the week before, a dark red cocktail dress with a large bow in the back and black
Mary-Janes to match. The ruby bracelet Devlin had gifted her still thankfully wrapped around her
wrist.
Hey, sweetheart. Ellie hugged her close, running a hand through her curls.
Bella tilted her head back to stare at her mothers flushed face. Are you sick, Mom? Your face
is all red.
Ellie gave her a halfhearted smile. No, sweetie, Im just a little hot. Where are your
grandparents?
"Nanas with Sophie andMom theres a strange man looking at us.
Ellie bit the inside of her cheek so hard that the coppery tang of blood coated her tongue. In her
mind she screamed and howled, but on the surface she forced herself to keep her composure. It
wouldn't do for everyone to come to the conclusion that Devlin Westport was marrying a lunatic.
Ellie wouldn't allow Nicholas Grayson to ruin her life again. After so many years of heartache,
she'd finally found happiness and true to nature, Nicholas came in with his charismatic exterior,
dimpled smiles, heated looks and stupid, stupid kisses and suddenly Ellies life was a mess.
For ten long years, Ellie had kept the paternity of the twins all to herself, with Ronnie, Gabe and
Maddie the only ones who knew the truth. There'd always been heaviness in her heart because of
the burden she'd carried. During the first few months after the twins had been born, shed sat alone
in her room to pen letter after letter to Nicholas. In each shed written of her desire to be a family.
She'd written that she would forgive him everything if he would only come back to her.
Each letter had been the same, ran along the same pitiful yearning of lost love and each time her
eyes had never remained dry. Putting pen to paper had helped Ellie write her feelings away, sealed
her love for Nicholas in hundreds of envelops, now locked and hidden deep in her closet, never to be
seen by the person they were meant for.
Hed hurt her so severely, practically ruining her for anyone else. But shed never meant to keep
this secret for so long. What shed done, keeping the twins away from their father was by far the
most selfish thing she couldve ever done. Ellie could admit her mistakes and by no means made
excuses for them. Ten long years, despite what Nicholas had done, was still ten long years without
knowing of his children. Shed agonized over this for countless sleepless nights too afraid to face the
inevitable consequence, shed chosen to ignore it for this long.
But now fate was at hand, demanding retribution and Ellie was not ready to pay up.
Cupping her face so that she was no longer staring at the 'strange man', Ellie stared into her
daughter's eyes and gave a reassuring smile, as not to alarm her of the brewing storm. "Bella,

sweetie, do Mommy a favor and go find your Nan. Can you do that for me?"
Bella nodded, but remained where she was, her eyes drawn to the man now steadily
approaching them. He was staring right back at her too and Bella frowned. "Mom?" She found her
mothers gaze once more. "Do I know him? He looks like the man in the photo Sophie showed us.
She informed, mouth puckering into a contemplative pout. "Sophie told me and Dylan that he was
our "
"Ellie!" Ellie raised her head and groaned in dismay as her mother hastened towards them with
Sophie and Dylan in tow. The situation was spiraling out of control, cementing this night as one of
the worse in her life.
"Do you believe that the business of our children is also something I need to discuss with your
fianc, Ellie? Or can I safely assume that this is a matter that needs to be discussed between us
both?" he derided, voice chilling her to the core.
Gone was the smooth talking, guileful man whose kisses had melted her bones, and in his
place, just a few feet from where Ellie stood, was a stranger she hardly knew.
With her heart now lodged in her throat, Ellie turned to look at him, his grim expression further
inciting her need to run as far away as she could. He stood motionless as though movement of any
kind would shatter him. Ellie braced herself. Scrounging up whatever courage she had, she headed
his way. "We're not going to discuss this now. Tonight is my engagement party, Nicholas, and I intend
to joy what's left of it. If you want to talk about Isabella"
"Isabella?" The haunted look that flitted across his face resonated in Ellie.
Nicholas felt gutted. Face ashen, lips thinning, the small vein on the side of his head raced
almost as fast as the pulse in his neck. He looked as though he would either retch or fall to the floor
crying. Ellie's heart broke. "You named her Isabella, Ellie?" His voice sounded strange, as though his
throat was too full to form proper words.
"In memory of her..." Ellie feebly offered. She'd believed at the time that it'd been the right thing
to do. No other name had seemed to suit her. Ellie hadn't even contemplated that it would hurt
Nicholas so much for doing so. That hadn't been her intentions at all. "It suited her, Nicholas." she
attempted once more to explain but hed ceased to listen as he approached the two children now at
Ellies side.
The crowd that had formed around them broke into waves of whispered disbelief as they
watched the debacle that was Ellie's life unfold right before their eyes. Their voices paled in
comparison to the crashing of blood that rushed in her ears. She felt sick. With her heart beating too
fast in her chest, Ellie prayed for the travertine floor to stretch wide and swallow her down.
Her eyes found her mother's above everyone else's and Ellie pleaded for her help as the tears in
her eyes blurred her vision. Ellie watched her mother shoulder through the crowd to make her way to
where Nicholas was gathered with the children. Dina tried to grab hold of their hands, but the look
Nicholas gave her immediately halted her action. He looked mean enough to kill and furious enough
to a carry out the threat. Ellie ran to her mother's rescue.
"Nicholas, you're making a scene. Let's go upstairs and talk about this like two rational adults."
"How long did you know about them?"
"We're not discussing this"
"HOW LONG!" His bellow brought about a deafening silence. It raised goose bumps along the
flesh and froze the blood in the veins.
"I'm not going to talk to you about our children in front all these people, Nicholas." She refused to
be cowed by his wrath.
He turned abruptly towards her face revealing leashed fury. "If you insist. Let us take this matter
to a more private location. The children are to follow." It wasn't made out to be a request and Ellie
didn't fool herself into thinking otherwise.
The crowd parted and let them through, their eyes and whispers felt like crawling maggots along
Ellie's sweat dampened flesh and never had there been a time when she wanted a shower more
than that moment.
"Nicholas?" She stepped in their path, all pretty blond hair, big concerned violet eyes and a
dress to kill. She was beautiful and terribly besotted with the bane of Ellie's existence.
"Not now!" Nicholas bark caused her to flinch as he swept by her as if she were nothing more
than a wraith.
Ellie didn't know who the woman was and in that moment she didn't much care. She held onto

Bella and Dylan's hands as though they were her lifelines, while futilely she wondered whether they
would manage to keep her afloat long enough to survive the turbulent storm that was their father.
~*~*~*~
A few weeks ago he'd been in Japan making hopeless wishes and fantasizing about a world
that had seemed unattainable, a world in which the idea of married life was beyond his reach. And
now? Well now, Nicholas was trying to come to terms with the monumental reality of his progeny
staring back at him.
With his anger ebbing, shock stood at the forefront of his mind. There weren't even words to
describe what he was feeling. His emotions ran rampant, his mind racing in attempt to understand
what was happening. If in fact, this entire evening was real.
Maybe, Nicholas rationalized, he had imbibed too much cognac the evening before along with a
few little white pills and this was the aftermath of his stupidity? But then that scenario didn't seem
plausible to him considering hed put a stop to his pill popping days a few years back and hadn't
been foolish enough to drink spirits with prescription drugs since then.
So, this scenario was entirely too real. Wishes of course didn't come true, he was old enough to
know that, but this was as real as they came and Nicholas was flummoxed.
Like a fool, he stared at his children and he knew that he smiled. Like a joyful fool who had just
learned of his fatherhood, Nicholas genuinely smiled. He stared at the boy firstDylan.
Nicholas had seen pictures of himself at that age. Eight years old and callow to Charles's
cruelty. He had only kept his rose tinted glasses on for another summer after that before the
disillusionment of the world began to creep in. But his son--the word sounded foreign to him and
Nicholas realized that it would take him sometime to wrap his mind around this, around the
staggering fact that he not only had a son but a daughter as well.
The only features Dylan had inherited from Ellie were the hazel eyes, in everything else he was
Nicholas from head to toe. Even the way he carried himself. Curious and yet slightly guarded, hair in
place, little tuxedo fitted to perfection and eyes a mixture of brown and green stared back at him
unapologetically, almost challenging Nicholas.
His brow furrowed as if he wanted to tell Nicholas to buy a ticket straight to hell and the
expression very nearly made Nicholas laugh. If he'd had any doubt before of Dylan's paternity, it was
dashed away by the unmasked sneer on that gamin face! In that moment, Nicholas understood what
made most father's ruffle their sons' hair, because suddenly his fingers itched to ruffle Dylan's hair.
"You look like him."
Nicholas's heart clenched as he brought his gaze to the beautiful little girl standing beside her
brother.
Isabella.
She wasn't his first child, Nicholas knew this and yet he couldn't help but wonder. Would this have
been the picture she painted had she survived? Personifying her name right down to the cute button
of her nose? Would she have spoken so sweetly as if every word was a gift just for her father?
Would this much pride, this much love, have clogged his core if everything had happened differently?
Would the windows to her soul have been as innocent and as pure as they were now, staring back at
him as though he held the answers to the world's most complex questions?
She wasn't his first daughter and yet looking at her, Nicholas knew in his heart of hearts that this
little girl--the one he and Ellie had created was the true Isabella. She was their daughter, exactly how
it should've been. He wanted to reach out and touch her, pull her delicate frame into his arms and
inhale the essence of her. Nicholas wanted to assure himself that she was real, real and here in front
of him.
They were both real. They were both his and they were both unequivocally the reason for the
burgeoning tears in Nicholas eyes. He stood from his knelt position on the floor because the
emotions were becoming far too much for him to handle. He hadn't cried in years and yet in just
these last weeks, tonight would be the second night in a very long time that he had been brought to
tears and only Ellie and now his children had accomplish that feat.
The door to the small sitting room opened behind Nicholas and even before Ellie opened her
mouth to speak, Nicholas knew it was her. "I've asked Devlin and his mother to give us some time to
talk, before I call them in." Ah yes, the loving fianc who had swept Ellie off of her feet. A sour taste
coated Nicholas's tongue and jealousy, he realized, was not something he did well.
Shed betrayed him so utterly that Nicholas did not know if he could forgive her for that. The fury

from before rose anew from the very depths of his soul to spread like a dense fog through his entire
being. As much as it pained him to do so, he reined in that fury, unwilling to put it on display in front of
the children he hardly knew.
"This has nothing to do with them." He said curtly. Cordial was the last thing he wanted to be, but
he made an effort.
He watched her, stalking her every movement as she headed to her, notheir children. Hed
been stunned when hed seen her in the arms of Devlin Westport. There had been no doubt in
Nicholas mind that itd been her. The distinct dragonfly tattoo hed branded her with had given her
away immediately. She hadnt been an illusion and shed looked so good that his very first instinct
had been to have her in his arms. The kiss had been on impulse and just as he knew he would, hed
instantly craved for more. But then reality had set in and now Nicholas teetered on the edge of blind
fury and aching need for the woman who had hurt him so thoroughly.
"Hey you two," she seemed to have gained a knack for ignoring him. "Your Nan and Sophie are
waiting outside for you guys."
"But, Mom"
"Dylan this is not the time to be testing my patience, now do as I say and go."
"Bella says he's our father. Is he our father?" his obstinate gaze meet hers, something in them
begging her to refute the question.
This hadn't been the way Ellie had planned on telling them. And she had planned on telling them,
itd just never been a good time. "Yes," she said finally. Ellie knelt between her two children and
looked at Nicholas. Beyond the shadow of anger, pain contorted handsome features as he
poignantly gazed upon Bella and Dylan.
Shed done this, Ellie thought morosely.
"Nicholas, I want you to meet Isabella and Dylan, your twins." The guilt and sorrow consumed
Ellie like a tidal wave. She hadn't meant to do this out of spite. Back then, after all shed experienced
with first Tony and then Nicholas, all Ellie had wanted to do was protect herself.
The last thing shed wanted or even needed was for Nicholas to be around her when hed so
soundly stated that hed wanted nothing to do with her. And so for her own peace of mind, for her
own sanity, shed kept the only thing that reminded her of their love selfishly to herself. And now she
regretted it, more than anything Ellie regretted this.
"Bella, Dylan, this is your father, Nicholas Grayson."
Almost like the day he had been introduced to Sophie, Nicholas approached the huddled figures
on the carpet and dropped to his knees. It was awkward and frightening all at the same time. His
heart raced at the rate of an Olympic sprinter and Nicholas found it peculiar how quickly he could cut
down men twice his age in boardrooms without a second thought to nerves or fear and yet here and
now in front of these little ragamuffins, he felt like a hunter confronted by a predator far bigger and far
hungrier than himself and sadly he was without his shotgun.
"Hello," he said gruffly. "It's an honor to meet you both." His words fell from his lips like the
sluggish downpour of molasses. Nicholas held out his right hand, his gaze caught the small tremors
passing through his fingers and it hit him, struck him blind as he understood the magnitude of the
situation. He understood exactly what this moment, what this introduction meant and lord help him if
he feel like weeping.
"Nicholas?"
His eyes wavered and found Ellie's own and in those luminescent hazel depths, Nicholas
searched and found hope. It was a flicker, barely brighter than a Dollar mart candle, but flicker it did
and it was the only hope that Nicholas needed. As angry as he mightve been with her, theyd created
these children. Dylan and Bella were theirs and whether she liked it or not, they now and forever
shared a bond.
"I'm fine." he finally reassured.
Bella drew away from Ellies side and approached him. "Does this mean you're going to stay
with us now?" she guilelessly inquired of him.
"If that's what you want." Of course now that he knew of them, nothing on God's green earth
would keep him away from his children.
She nodded, tawny ringlets bobbing. "Yes, I'd want that very much. Isn't that cool Dylan? We'll
have two dads now!' her enthusiasm did not live a long life as her brother glared at her and then
turned a glower that had taken Nicholas years to perfect on him.

"I don't care what anyone says, he's not our, Dad." He seemed so firm in that belief.
"Dylan" Ellie began, but was shut off by his daughter's loud cry of.
"He is too our dad!"
"No he's not! Devlin's our Dad!" Ellie heard Nicholas's indrawn breath and felt the verbal slap
just as deeply.
"Alright you two, that's enough. I want you to go outside and wait with your sister, now." Dylan
glared first at Ellie, then at Nicholas and finished off with his sister. He walked away with all the
affronted pomp of a Grayson brat and Nicholas did not know whether to feel proud or ashamed.
"I'm happy you're back," Bellas smile eased the constricting ache around Nicholas's heart. Her
simple words of welcomed acceptance dulled the rejection of his other child. Hesitantly she moved
into Nicholas's arms. Slim arms diffidently wrapped around his neck, her head fell softly against his
cheek. "Can I call you, Daddy?" her hushed inquiry broke the dam and the tears came silently. He
did not permit them to fall and that in itself was no small feat.
"Yeah," he choked out, his eyes meeting Ellie's over her small shoulders. "You can call me,
Daddy." He pulled away and brought his hand to her downy soft cheek.
Ok, babe, out with you. Go and find your brother and sister." Ellie shooed her away after one
last hug for Nicholas.
The closing of the door brought about a silence wrought with scalding bitterness. He stood at
length, a flicking glance from diamond hard eyes overflowed with contempt. You were pregnant the
night you came to see me. he stated.
Yes.
And you didnt bother to tell me.
No.
Why?
I she faltered, uncertain of her reasoning now. II didnt know how. She said weakly.
You didnt know how. He mocked, eyes blazing, he approached. Ten years, Ellie. Jesus
Christ! Ten fucking years and this is how I find out that I have children! After all that happened with
Maddie, youd think he trailed off, turning away from her. He raked a hand through his hair and
cursed, then speared her with those diamond hard eyes. Did you ever plan on telling me?
Ellie couldnt think let alone speak in that moment and he took her silence as answer,
condemning her further.
Christ, Ellie. I didnt know you could be so cruel. He soberly whispered.
Id wanted to tell you. I wrote you so many letters, so many times, every day that I was pregnant, I
wrote you. She said fervently, her hands on her chest, pleading for him to understand. But you hurt
me so deeply, Nicholas, so damn deeply, that I couldnt even look at you. I know its no excuse, but
you have to understand. We went through so much, TonyyouI just couldnt do it anymore. You
said you didnt want me, the babies were all I had left of you.
I wouldve been there. He said stonily.
And you wouldve resented us later. You were hell-bent on breaking us up, determined to
destroy not only yourself but me as well. If Id stayed, if Id told you
I wouldve been a father to them, Ellie.
Did you even know how? the moment it left her mouth Ellie instantly regretted it wishing it back
proved futile.
He looked at her as if shed struck him. Thats below the belt.
Nicholas, Im sorry. She went to him because she couldnt bear not to, but he took a step back
from her, shielding himself from her.
An eye for an eye, right, Ellie? I broke your heart, you break my will.
She shook her head. I didnt
"Do you have any idea what its like to look at those children--my children and not even know
when their birthdays are? To look at them and wonder what their first words were or even how they
began to walk? You can't even begin to comprehend the agony of hearing Dylan say that I'm not his
father?
Ellie gasped as Nicholas advanced on her, grabbed onto her arms with the desperation of a
madman. "It hurts to the bone. He grounded out. How could you keep them from me?
Ellies heart broke all over again, shattering at her feet when she saw the evidence of tears in
dove gray eyes. Anguish punched through his anger to flay at her and bit her lip to keep her own

tears at bay. Im sorry, Nicholas. I truly am. I was only trying to protect myself.
From me.
Yes, from you.
Relinquishing his hold as if scorched, Nicholas stepped back. The tension in the room kindling
to their burning match.
"Ellie?" the door opened and Miranda stepped through, not too far behind her Devlin, Dina and
Sonya followed. They entered the room and assessed both occupants to see if they'd managed to
damage each other.
Devlin lengthened strides immediately took him to Ellie's side and he enveloped her in a brief
hug. He pulled back and cupped her face. "Are you alright?" no doubt he was still angry with her for
the secret that she'd kept, but that was conversation for a later date, Ellie had promised him as
much. There were many things Devlin knew they had to discuss before they headed for the altar. God
only knew how much he adored Ellie, but if the foundation of their relationship was based solely on
lies than things would need to change.
She leaned into his touch, taking whatever comfort she could. "I'm fine. We were just finishing up
here."
"We are far from finished, Ellie. You will not keep me from my children again."
Miranda gasped as she looked at her son and then at Ellie. "Children? Ellie what is going on?"
"I don't intend on keeping you away from your children, Nicholas. You have every right to be in
their lives."
"This has gone on for far too long. Now Mr. Grayson we understand the circumstances in which
you have found yourself, but please try to understand that nothing will be resolved this evening. This
is my son's engagement party and we would like to get back to it. Tomorrow, we will discuss this
further." Miranda, always the diplomat, gently tried to allay the situation.
"You can bet on that." Just as torrentially as he had swept in, Nicholas walked out of the room
and closed the door behind him.
~*~*~*~
Her mother was going to kill her, of that Sophie had no doubt. But she needed to see if Nicholas
was alright. Shed just gotten him back. There was no way she was going to let him leave again. She
dodged through the crowd, making sure to avoid her family, she snuck outside. The valet attendant
was in quick showing her where her uncle Nicholas Graysonss car was parked and with Sophie,
quick as Bee, hoped in the back seat of the luxury car to wait for him.

Chapter 10
The assembly of guests parted ways as they made their way through. Whispered words rang
loud and clear, seemingly inconspicuous hand gestures were clearly seen and the gawking eyes of
hundreds pierced their flesh like a heated knife through butter. At least that was how Samantha felt
as she and Nicholas trekked through the mire of invited guests. Trying to emulate Nicholass
imperturbable faade was a task for easier said than done. Samantha managed, but only barely,
losing her composure when she suspected the guests were looking at her a bit differently now that
the cat had been let out of the bag.
She hadn't been there to witness the scene, but her ears worked perfectly well and as deafening
as the whispers were, she'd heard everything. Every little piece of sordid gossip slipped from the
flapping gums of the matronly to the eager ears of fascinated debutantes and vice versa. Everyone
was aware, everyone was flabbergasted, but none as much as Samantha.
She'd been curious of Nicholas's past, enthused to discover what little secrets lay beneath the
beautiful exterior of the man she dreamed of one day calling husband. But in all her intricate
imaginings, shed never imagined this. The ex-lover, Samantha had expected, after all, it was
Nicholas Grayson. But the tawny haired, bright-eyed children were a stunner.
It was crazy!
The entire debacle was outrageous and yet the cruel, naked truth forced her to believe the
impossible. Nicholas had fathered children with this Ellie person and as far as Samantha could tell
their relationship hadnt been a quick one night stand.
From beneath the veil of her mascara laden lashes, Samantha chanced a look and was not
surprised to see that tension still lingered beneath the layers of Nicholas's tuxedo. Years of working
close to him had made Samantha almost an expert in figuring out Nicholas's moods. Simple little
actions spoke volumes in the way he comported himself but right now she didn't need years of
experience to know that his world had been knocked off its axis and the only way he seemed to be
dealing with it was withdrawing within himself.
He hadn't said a word since leaving that room hed disappeared into with his Ex. He'd briefly
spoken to his mother, unable to ignore her desperate pleas for answers, Samantha figured, and it
was only during that short talk did she manage to understand a little bit of the chaos that had
happened.
"Nicholas." She lengthened her strides to match his longer one. "Nicholas," she called again,
breathless. "Please stop." Maybe it was the tremor of imploration in her voice that finally put a halt to
his hurried steps, or maybe it was the subtle pressure of her hand on his bicep, whatever it was
Samantha was glad for it when Nicholas turned around to face her.
"Are you alright?" She knew he had no reason to share anything with her. She was after
all only his assistant, but she couldn't just quietly walk beside him and watch him suffer while she did
nothing but agonize over the fate of her blistered toes.
"I'm fine." Never had there been a bigger lie told but Samantha allowed him the luxury of clinging
to his pride. He looked like it was the only thing he had left to him. "I'm sorry." He pulled his arm free
of her grasp. "I haven't been the best escort." He tried to give her that dashing smile, the one that
could light up a couple of football stadiums and melt hearts in the same breath, but it sadly lacked
charm.
There was a distinctive chill in the air the moment they stepped outside, Nicholas shrugged out
of his tuxedo jacket and guided a shivering Samantha into its satin lined comfort. She smiled in
thanks and inwardly relished the clinging scent of Nicholas's cologne, realizing that this was as close
as being wrapped up in his arms. "Thank you."
He gave a one shoulder shrug. "It's nothing." He looked worn, dejected even. Samantha felt for
him.
"Look, I know I don't have the right to be saying this. But I sort of figured knowing you for as long
as I have, I think that we've transcended that line between boss and employee and become friends.
So, as your friend, I just want to let you know that I'm here for you, Nicholas. No matter what it is
you're going through just know that I'll always be around to listen." Nicholas drew Samantha to him as
several guests headed their way, artfully avoiding disaster. But before Samantha could delight in the
sensation of having Nicholass arms around her, their car took exactly that time to pull up to the curb.
Nicholas ushered Samantha into the warm interior and closed the door behind them.

As the black Rolls Royce began its ascent up the curved pathway, he opened his mouth to
speak. "I appreciate the fact that you"And stopped the moment his gaze caught sight of Sophie's
prone form nestled against the leather seats.
Samantha followed his gaze and gasped. "Who is she?"
Nicholas did not immediately respond as he approached the slumbering girl, a barrage of
questions pummeling his brain. He focused on just one, curious as to why Ellies daughter was in the
back seat of his town car. "Sophie?" he shook her gently, whispering her name as not to alarm her.
"Sophie? Nicholas, who is she?"
"Someone very dear to me. He murmured with a smile. "Sophie."
Bleary eyes fluttered open and upon the realization that it was Nicholas she was looking at, she
hastily sat up and nervously grinned at him.
"I'm guessing you probably want an explanation as to why I'm in your car?"
"That would be a start, yes." He said with mild amusement.
She chewed on her bottom lip for a moment a habit that was so reminiscent of her mother,
before turning jet black eyes on him. Are you leaving again? She asked in a small voice making
her sound so much younger than she was. The question tugged at Nicholass heart, the emotions on
Sophies face doing nothing at all to in making him feel good about himself.
Sweet little Sophie. Shed suffered in all of this. His relationship with her mother, Nicholas
mused bitterly, had taken no prisoners.
No, he began. No, Im not leaving again. In fact, I think Ill be sticking around for a very long
time.
Her smile, like before, brightened his otherwise dreary existence and for that small unwitting gift
Nicholas was grateful.
Just dont leave again, ok? At least not without saying goodbye first.
He reached over to draw her to him, the embrace comforting them both. You wont need to
worry about that.
Samantha witnessed the scene in silence, awed by this side of Nicholas shed never been
allowed to see. Dread shot through her, aiming for that dream Samantha had clung to for five
desperate years now.
Ellie Holbrook and her children were a threat to her dream.
~*~*~*~
Roan Westport had made it a point to dislike Sophie Holbrook. Why? Because she was a
spoiled brat who failed to appreciate all that she had.
Her misbehavior was constantly overlooked. She was irrational and stupid, quick to interfere in
situations that did not concern her. She took advantage of her kindhearted mother and exploited the
love she knew would always be there.
No one saw through that angelic 'but I'm a good girl and only want to help' bullshit, but Roan did
and soon everyone would see it too.
Sophie did not deserve half of the things she had in her life and her mother's constant devotion
was one of them. Roan had wanted Ellie to be his mother since the first time he'd met her. Ellie was
kind, patient, loving and caring, everything that his own mother was not. When Ellie and his father
began dating, Roan couldn't have been happier. Life had been bliss for the first month, but then Ellie
introduced them to her children. Dylan and Isabella, Roan had taken a shine to and vice versa, but
the little hellion named Sophie, hed instantly despised and still it continued to this day.
Therefore as devoted president of the I hate Sophie Holbrook club, it was his duty to expose
her for the little rodent that she was.
She was up to something. But what was what he wanted to know. He watched her from the
shadows as she climbed into the interior of one the queued cars. He waited for her to get out and
when she failed to reappear ten minutes later, Roan did not know whether to run after the car that
was now pulling away from the curb or go tell his father and Ellie.
The latter won out. Spinning on his heel he raced for the stairs.
~*~*~*~
What the hell just happened?
Wishing and wishing and wishing, that was all Ellie had done since her life exploded in her face.
She was once again left to pick up the pieces one at a time hoping to salvage a little bit of what she
had left.

Devlin was angry, had every right to be and Ellie felt the brunt of that anger in the small room that
had become her confessional. Shed lied by omission, keeping her past with Nicholas private,
locked safely away in that dark little place in her heart. She hadnt thought that shed needed to tell
him that little piece of history. So shed kept quiet about the whole dirty saga and it now her silence
was coming back to bite her in the ass.
Her secrets were now out in the open for everyone to witness. Shed wronged so many people,
had caused so much damage that she didnt even know where to start the mending process.
Nicholas and I she began but faltered, needing a moment to find the right words to explain
her and Nicholas.
"How do you even know Nicholas Grayson?" He asked flatly moving over the liquor cabinet to
pour himself something solid.
We went to school together. She sighed. Our relationship was doomed from the start. But he
meant everything to me. I loved him completely, but in the end he didnt want me. So I ran.
And the kids? he prompted.
He didnt know about Bella and Dylan. She admitted with a wearied sigh.
He regarded her through narrowed eyes. Why didnt you tell me?
Ellie gave a one shoulder shrug. I didnt think it mattered.
Setting the glass tumbler down, Devlin approached her. He didnt immediately close the
distance between them but waited, settling dark blue eyes on her in search of something only he
seemed privy to.
"You know what hurts the most, Ellie? Ive shared everything with you, and yet you couldnt bring
yourself to tell me about this part of your life. And I cant help but wonder why. So Im going ask you to
be honest with me here. Is he someone I have to worry about? Are you still in love with him?
Ellie fervently shook her head. "No! she was so tired of this. Of course I dont still love him.
"Then why the hell didn't you tell me about him? You told me about Sophie's father and I
understood. Why couldn't you tell me about Bella and Dylan's?"
Ellie swallowed hard. "It was wrong of me to not tell you about him, I admit it, Devlin and I am so
sorry for that. I loved Nicholas, yes, more than words could begin to explain and he used that love to
hurt me. That pain isn't something you easily forget, or the person who caused it. I didn't tell you
about him because even after all these years it still hurts. I wanted to forget about him and move on
with my life, dwelling on what he did would've only kept him alive and I didn't want that."
She went to him then because being apart, having this rift between them was torturous. Taking
Devlin's fisted hand within her own, Ellie unclenched the tight digits and laced their fingers together.
"Loving you, having you in my life has helped me in more ways than you can ever know. Nicholas is
my past, Dev and my love for him will always remain in the past. I've moved on. Youre who I want to
love. Youre my future.
Dark blue eyes held her own for a span of eternity before large hands cupped her face and
whiskey wet lips crashed against Ellie's pliant ones. Devlin punished with the same breath he gave
absolution, tender and yet merciless, he staked his claim and Ellie allowed him to.
"Don't ever keep secrets from me, Ellie." He whispered hoarsely against Ellie's dewy lips.
"Promise me."
"I promise Dev. No more secrets." And the promise was sealed with a kiss.
Tragedy avoided, their kiss was broken apart by Dina's abrupt arrival. She still looked panicked
and Ellie wondered if the dark haired antichrist was the reason for her frenzied state now.
"Mom?" She stepped away from Devlin and went to her. "Mom, what's wrong?" Before Dina
could respond, Gabe crashed into the room, just as grim as her mother. "Gabe, what? What's going
on?"
"Sophie's missing." Why did Ellie even think of trying to get her life in some semblance of order,
when the universe conspired with the fates to bring about discord and pain?
"What the hell do you mean she's missing? I just saw her." She looked at her mother. "Right,
Mom? Wasn't she with you?"
"She said she was going to go outside for a minute, but that was a half hour ago. We looked
almost everywhere. Miranda has the staff out looking for her too, but nothing so far."
"I'm sure she's just in the garden playing with Roan," And as if the utterance of his name
conjured him, Devlin's only son knocked and then entered the room. Devlin reached Roan first, Ellie
not too far behind. "Roan have you seen, Sophie?"

"Yeah," there was a collective sigh of relief from the occupants of the room, but his next words
heightened the panic once more. "I saw her sneaking into a Rolls Royce a while ago. It drove away
before I could stop her."
"A Rolls Royce? But whose? And why?" Dina posed the question that only Ellie had the answers
to.
"Should we call the police?"
"No, there's no need for"Ellie pulled out her cell phone and looked at the unknown number
flashing across the screen, she flipped it open and rested against her ear.
"Tell me Sophie's with you?"
"She is and she's fine." was the even toned reply.
"Put her on the phone." It was a demand that would be meted out if Nicholas knew what was
good for him.
Too bad Nicholas didn't care much for his health. "I can't do that."
"Why the hell not?"
"She's afraid you'll yell at her."
Of all the fucking nerve! "She's my daughter, if I want to throttle the living daylights out of her,
she'll sit there and take it! Now put her on the phone, Nicholas or I'm calling the police."
She heard a sigh. "Go easy on her, Ellie, she feels bad enough as it is."
"Nicholas, pass her the phone. There was a few crinkling noises of the phone being passed
over.
"Hello She sounded terrified and Ellie knew that she had to calm down or else she would say
something she'd later regret.
"Are you okay?" She was choking on her anger.
"Yeah."
"I don't know what you thought you would accomplish by pulling this stunt tonight, but I want you to
get your butt home this very second, do you hear me, Sophie?"
"Y-yes Mom."
"Pass the phone over to, Nicholas."
"Mom, I'm sorry."
"We'll talk about it when we get home, pass the phone to Nicholas."
"Hello?"
"We're leaving the country club right now and should be home in a little bit."
"Ellie"
"Please just drop her off, Nicholas.
"We'll be there in fifteen minutes."
"Thank you."
There was no explaining the anger that boiled through Ellie's veins, all she knew was that her
daughter had deliberately gone against her wishes and opened a can of worms that Ellie thought
long buried.
"Mom, can you and dad drive me back home?"
"Of course sweetheart, I'll just go get your father and the twins and meet you in the front
entrance."
"Am I going mental or did I just hear that Nicholas is back?" Gabe silently asked the minute both
Dina and Devlin left.
Ellie sighed. "He's back, he knows about the twins and Sophie is on some warped crusade to
get us back together. My life has once again gone to hell."

Chapter 11
Ten years in a maximum security prison had taught Tony Carlyle a few lessons that even now,
months after being released, resonated. Lesson number one, in prison, much like in life, you were
always expected to keep on your toes. Relax an inch and youd find yourself the personal bitch to a
bear size man who would mercilessly rip into you until your blood became his lubricant. Lesson
number two, invisibility was a skill that one needed to acquire if one was to evade the brawny fists of
pussy hungry bear man and his numskull cronies. Which led to lesson number three. Pissing off said
numskull cronies was a mistake you didnt want to make, because as stupid as they may have
looked, they didn't need brains to utilize your body as a punching bag.
Lesson number four, this particular lesson was Tony's favorite, one that had kept him fueled with
hope when everything else had seemed to be a melting pot of shit. Always, always remember that
revenge was the best sort of optimism. It was vengeance that fueled Edmond Dantes to return as the
Count of Monte Cristo and decimate his enemies. It was the same burning vengeance that now
blazed a path through Tony's veins. The sadistic joy he took from fantasies of wreaking havoc on the
lives of those who made his life hell all these years had festered and fledged into this cancerous
malady that could only be cured with everyones misery.
Ten years behind bars, with nothing but the grimy walls of his box-sized cell for company had
taught Tony the importance of patience. The greatest vendettas in history were never accomplished
in one day. They were cultivated and then brilliantly executed one blow at a time.
His crowning moment would soon come. It was all a matter of timing and perseverance.
That day all those years ago was forever embossed on Tony's memory. Tony had never forgotten
and when the time came for retribution, he would make damn sure that Nicholas Grayson paid dearly
for the pain he had wrought. But unlike all those years ago, Tony would not underestimate the dark
haired prick. This time he would make sure that there was no room for mistakes. The Grayson scion
had his Achilles heel and it was the same weak point that he and Tony shared. But unlike him, Tony
was no longer afflicted by his love for Ellie Holbrook.
He stabbed a blue tack into the picture he held against the water stained wall of his rat infested
apartment and took a step back. A myriad of images all taken at a distance of a curly haired biracial
woman and her children littered the wall in a collage of the day to day events of Ellie's life. The
majority of images were of either Ellie going about her daily routine or of the twelve year old girl that
was Tony's only child.
A child he barely even knew and vice versa. A child who would be the key to Tony's plans and
when everything was over and done with he would make sure that his daughter knew exactly who he
was. But for now, he had more planning to do, more images to collect and more information to sift
through.
Slipping into a black windbreaker he picked up the Ipris C-50 camera, the most expensive
object in his possession and settled it into his small bag. At the door, he put on a pair of beat up
Nike's, grabbed his keys and ambled out of his apartment. The pungent odor of piss, cigarettes and
semen immediately invaded his nostrils and slid down his throat. He snorted and hacked the taste
down the bottom of the concrete staircase to his far right.
He'd been living in this shit hole for almost seven months now and in that time he'd had to deal
with a greasy, loudmouthed fat fuck for a landlord. Hed had to evade crack heads, ho's and pimps
alike while trying to deal with his asshole of a probation officer. But through it all, Tony realized that
this hell was far better than where he'd been before. So with as much jaunt as he could put in his
step, he exited the apartment building and immersed himself in the downtown crowd.
~*~*~*~
Once she'd overcome the initial shock of hearing that Nicholas was back, knew of his childre n
and that Sophie was with him. It had taken all of Ronnie's strength to convince Gabe that
under no circumstances would there be guns involved when Nicholas dropped Sophie off. They had
enough problems already and certainly didn't need to add to them with Gabe murdering one of the
most powerful men in the world and getting himself incarcerated.
Itd been wrong of Ellie to keep such a devastating secret for so long. But in hindsight Ronnie
couldnt say she blamed Ellie for doing what she did. But then again two wrongs didnt make a right.
Nicholas, cruel as he may have been back then, had been a terribly wounded and lost individual,
even more so than a recuperating Ellie. Having bared witness to their whirlwind love affair and the

great lost Nicholas experienced, Ronnie couldnt say she didnt feel for him.
Theyd both been so wounded and rightly so, couldve taken comfort in the other. It wouldve
been so easy. But life wasnt some fairy tale story. Ronnie hadnt protested much when Ellie initially
decided to keep quiet about the twins. After experiencing all that they had, shed believed theyd
both needed the time apart to mend those gaping wounds, to find life outside of their encompassing
love. Ronnie had believed Ellie would eventually tell Nicholas and maybe her goddaughter had also
believed that, at the beginning. But then weeks turned into months and months into years and even
before theyd all realized ten years had passed. Now Nicholas was here and Ellie was left to face the
repercussions.
It was an all-around difficult situation to be in but more than anything Ronnie felt for those twins;
the poor dears, missing out on the opportunity to know their father. All Ronnie could pray for now was
that Ellie and Nicholas put their differences aside to work together to find some semblance of peace
for their children.
With a resigned sigh, Ronnie entered the living room to find Ellie seated in front of a muted
television screen, a pensive frown on her face. Phillip and Gabe powwowed near the kitchen
entrance. The scent of freshly brewed coffee permeated the air, Dinas obvious handiwork. As if
sensing her presence, Ellie looked up, met Ronnie's gaze and opened her mouth to say something
but was interrupted by the doorbell.
Ellie was off the couch like a shot, she hurried to the door, Gabe and Phillip dogging her steps.
Ronnie chose to remain behind with Dina and await the conference to come to them, as she knew it
would.
"They must be here." Dina announced waltzing to Ronnie's side with two steaming mugs of
coffee in hand. She offered Ronnie one and took a sip from the other while they silently listened to
the murmur of voices from the foyer. Ronnie saw Gabe's infuriated face first over the rim of her mug
followed closely by Phillip, neither one smiling.
They entered the room seconds after the other and reclaimed their positions by the kitchen
entrance. They shared the same dark expression while their twin gazes zeroed one the entryway.
Ellie was the first to enter and her daughter, like a member of Marie Antoinette's court facing death
by guillotine, toddled behind her. Head lowered to her chest, her dress rumpled, the weight of certain
doom rested between her shoulder blades.
Nicholas Grayson followed suit, strolling in with all the pretension of a King honoring his lesser
with his divine presence. The image Ronnie had of the brash, motorcycle riding boy of years past
was dashed away by the man who now stood in Ellie's living room.
The years had been generous, Ronnie silently remarked. Nowhere, from the well-coiffed dark
head, to the tailored tux, down to those shinny designer shoes, did Ronnie find Nicholas lacking in
the looks department. In fact, she was feeling incredibly sorry for Ellie at this moment. With Nicholas
looking this good, it would take a woman with a very strong resolve to resist the temptation he
presented. Ronnie prayed Ellie did not succumb to the lure of forbidden fruit.
"Alright, Grayson, you did your job and dropped Sophie off, now do let the door hit you on your
way out." Gabe's scathing remark perforated the straining silence.
Nicholas thinly smiled. "Good to see you haven't changed, Gabe. Still the same cantankerous
watchdog we all love to hate." Gabe vacated his position by the door in record time making his way
to Nicholas, who unsurprisingly stood his ground and waited.
Ronnie shot to her feet. "Gabe!" Gabe stopped midstride. Joining him, Ronnie held onto his arm
then turned to Nicholas. "Thank you for bringing Sophie home, Nicholas. We're all very appreciative
and we're sorry if she's inconvenienced you in any way. But I think maybe it's time you left. My
husband, Ellie, her parents and myself believe that this situation can be handled among family."
"That's right, Grayson," Gabe sneered, "this is a family matter and seeing as you're not family or
anything close to it, we'd all like it if you got the hell out."
Disregarding Gabe's ire, Nicholas coolly assessed both Ronnie and Gabe before addressing
everyone in the room. "Ah, but you see I am family. I am the father of Ellie's children and however
much it irks you or anyone else in this room, she and I are a family. The children we've created bond
us for life and like it or not, I'm here to stay."
Yeah, see, I knew I shouldve shot you when I had the chance.
Nicholas laughed without humor. Im not so easy to get rid of.
You cocky sonofa---

Enough! Ellie said firmly. Were not doing this again. She turned to Nicholas. Thank you for
bringing Sophie home, I appreciate it. It took strength to say that. I understand we need to discuss
the twins and Ill be more than happy to do it with you, tomorrow if you want. But please understand
that Sophie doesnt concern you."
Nicholas met her hard gaze with a forlorn sigh. She did once. Ive never stopped caring about
her.
Nicholas
Ill go. But before I do, know that Sophies presence in car was my fault.
What do you mean?
He gave a noncommittal shrug of broad shoulders. "I wanted to know more about Dylan and
Isabella, so I asked her to wait for me in my car. We lost track of time.
Ellie regarded him, hard-pressed to believe the crap hed just spouted. Honestly did he believe
her that dim? Nevertheless, she turned to her equally bemused daughter to ask. "Is this true?"
Sophie tentatively met her gaze only to look down when Ellie frowned at her. Yes. She
murmured, but Ellie heard her all the same.
He was lying to protect her. Noble as it may have been, Ellie couldnt abide the lying. But she
held her tongue for the time being and instead gave Nicholas a curt response that did not bear
mentioning before she watched him take his leave. The soft click from the front door indicated to all
attendance that he was gone.
Ellie found it a lot easier to breath. One obstacle down and another right behind it, Ellie turned to
her daughter with a frown.
Are you all right?
Yes.
What the heck were you thinking? Sophie, you couldve gotten hurt or worse. What you did was
selfish and dangerous.
But I was with Nicholas, Mom.
Thats not the point. You had us all worried and on top of it all, you lied to me.
Im sorry, Mom. But I just wanted to talk to him, see if he was Ok. After all this time, Mom, he
finally came back and he knew me! she said, barely able to contain her joy. He knew me and he
was happy to see me. I didnt thinkId hoped that he would
Ellie sighed. You have absolutely no business meddling in matters you do not understand.
I do understand. Sophie said resolutely, squaring off with her mother. Mom, he cares about
me. He wants to be a part of our lives and I think you owe him that much.
Listen to me very carefully little girl, you are walking on very thin ice and this discussion stops
here and now. Do I make myself clear?
Sophie took a step back, the anger radiating from her mother scorching. Yes, Maam.
Get upstairs! Sophie bolted.
Damn it. Ellie spat, falling into the suede couch. With an arm across her forehead, she heaved
a sigh and closed her eyes. I dont know whats happening. She admitted to her support system.
Everything is spinning out of control and Im helpless to stop it.
Oh, sweetheart. Her mother, the eternal optimist was at Ellies side in seconds. Its going to be
ok. Youve had a tough couple of weeks; its only natural that youd feel stressed. I think you just need
a goodnights rest and youll see that things arent as bad as they seem.
God, Mom. I messed up so badly.
Dina opened her arms to her, cradling Ellie just so. Itll be alright, dear. Theres nothing thats
truly ever broken that cant be fixed with prayer and patience. Have a little faith, sweetheart,
everything will work out in the end.
How are you so sure?
Dina smiled. A little birdie told me. she brushed Ellies hair back. Now come, I think we could
all benefit from a goodnights rest.
Ellie stood, feeling slightly bolstered. Thanks, Mom. You guys head up, I think Ill make myself
some tea and wait for Devlin.
With a hug for both her parents, Ellie watched them head upstairs to the guestroom.
"You handled him pretty well." Gabe said, following her to the kitchen, Ronnie just behind them.
"I'm proud of you."
Ellie snorted putting the kettle on the stove. "You wouldn't be so proud, if I told you that he pushed

me into a corner and kissed me and I just stood there and took it."
"Ellie"
"Before you start prepping your lecture, let me just say that it meant nothing. There was nothing
there, no sparks, no rekindled feelings, just his lips and mine and a whole lot of nothing." And wasnt
that the biggest load of crap shes ever spouted?
She could lie as many times as she wanted, but the truth of the matter was that Nicholas's kiss
left an impression, a very long lasting one that even now still tingled across her lips. And it may not
be tonight, or tomorrow, or even the day after that, but soon, Ellie would have to own up to those
feelings her ex-lover evoked.
"Just make sure that at the end of the day, you remember who makes you happy." Gabe said
gravely.
Leaning against the kitchen sink, Ellie her arms across her chest and frowned. "You think I still
have feelings for him?"
"I think you should be careful. History has a nasty way of repeating itself and I won't see it
happen to you."
"It won't. Nicholas has stopped meaning anything to me a very long time ago. The only things he
and I have left between us are the children.
"Good, I'm glad to hear it. Now all we have to do is get your daughter to realize it too."
"God. I don't understand her anymore. She was never like this!"
"It's called being a pre-teen, Ellie. Soon she'll be filled with teen angst and rebelling, yelling out
things like how much she hates you and the world. That's when the real fun begins."
Ellie glared at her grinning godfather. "This isn't funny, Gabe. That's my baby girl up there, talking
back to me, trying to get me back together with a man who broke both our hearts. I just don't get it!"
She released her frustrations in a drawn out sigh.
"Maybe you should explain to her exactly how that bastard broke your heart, that might knock
some sense into her."
"It's not like I haven't tried. She just won't listen to me. It's just so strange that she has this
unbreakable bond with Nicholas, I mean for gods sakes, she was just a baby when they met!"
"As much as I hate saying this, I think that might be it."
"What might be it?"
"Sophie was only a baby when she met Nicholas right? Well maybe she feels so attached to him
because Nicholas is the only father figure she's ever known."
Sighing, Ellie chewed the corner of her bottom lip, before saying. "I think you might be right. It's
not like Tony was around long enough for Sophie to remember him as her dad. But Nicholas was
and I'm starting to think that this was all my fault."
"Why do you say that?"
"Well, if I hadn't fallen in love, then Soph wouldn't have been so attached. I mean, this isn't the
first time I've wished I'd never met Nicholas and seeing as he's going to be a permanent fixture in my
life now, it won't be the last time either. I just wish that Sophie hadn't been caught up in my stupid
romance."
"As much as I'd love to agree with you there, I can't say that you being with, Nicholas was entirely
bad. Sure the asshole put you through hell but he gave you Bella and Dylan in return. Making
mistakes is part of life, it's what makes us human, Ellie, and that includes falling in love. You've
kissed your share of toads before and now that you have Devlin I think it's time you let yourself be
happy."
"I hate it when you're right."
Gabe grinned. "You should be used to it by now, kiddo."
Ellie stood. "It's sick that you're happy picking on your goddaughter this way."
"Let me have my moment goddaughter, it's rare that I get to be right about anything, living with
such a perfect wife." Gabe waggled his eyebrows at Ronnie, who grinned despite herself.
Much as it pains me to say it, Gabe is right, Ellie. Regardless of whats happening with,
Nicholas, you deserve to be happy and if Devlin brings you that happiness than I think youre set.
Ellie smiled, thoughts of her fianc putting it there. He makes me very happy.
Well then, to hell with Nicholas Grayson. At least where youre concerned.
Ill drink to that. Gabe said, having retrieved a bottle of Heineken from the fridge.
~*~*~*~

Saturday morning dawned dreary and somber in the Holbrook household. Outside of Ellie's
living room window the rain continued its torrential spiral towards earth, pelting and soaking anyone
unfortunate enough to be caught in its wake. Every now and then the grey skies flashed white from
noiseless lightening while the resonating boom of thunder inevitably followed. Every time the thunder
roared Bella raised her hands to her ears, beneath the Afghan, seated at her mother's side on the
couch, she anxiously waited out the storm.
Ellie remembered the first time they'd done this. Bella had been three and the storm had been
loud, incessant and frightening to a child so young. The claps of thunder had roused her from sleep
and not knowing what else to do she opened her mouth and screamed her frenzied mother to her
bedroom. Ellie had entered her daughter's room expecting the worse, but only found a red faced
Bella screaming bloody murder.
After reassuring a concerned Sophie that she was alright and putting her twin brother back to
bed, Ellie had lugged Bella to the living room and comforted her through the worst of the storm. Ever
since that night, thunderous rainy days for Ellie were spent on her living room couch, entertaining her
daughter and relaxing.
Breakfast had been made and eaten, relatives were kissed goodbye and shown the door. Dylan
and Sophie were spending the day with Gabe, giving their sick sister some time with her mother.
"Here we go hot chocolate all around." Devlin had arrived in the middle of night, drenched and
cold from the rain. He'd divested his clothes and very thoroughly loved Ellie into exhaustion the rest
of the night.
He awoke hours later and made them all a hearty breakfast. The parents had been pleased,
Ronnie had told Gabe to take lessons and the children had happily eaten. It was as if the events of
the evening before had never transpired. But, as much as Ellie wanted it to be so, things never
worked out the way she wanted them to.
Much as she hated to be a pessimist, she had a feeling that a certain someone was going to
drop by and ruin it all for them. Ellie felt as though Nicholas had that innate knowledge of pinning
down the exact moment she was happy and voila! He comes in and ruins everything, indifferent to
anyone else's feelings but his own he takes whatever he needs and leaves.
"Ellie?"
"What?"
"You're frowning, what's wrong?"
The tray held tightly between large hands was topped with three colorful polka dotted mugs that
Ellie had bought two years ago at a flea market for a very good price.
Bella pulled away from Ellie's side long enough to grab hold of her brown and pink polka dot
mug, before snuggling back against her mother's side, careful not to spill.
"It's nothing, just thinking about my lesson plans for next week." She hated lying. She hated when
her kids lied and yet Ellie always managed to lie when it came to her fianc. Lie after lie and it
bothered her, because the irritating fact was that the lies always spewed forth when her thoughts
strayed to Nicholas...always that contemptible man.
"It must be some lesson plans if it has you scowling so much."
"Grammar can be very challenging." and you're full of shit, Ellie's mind supplied
Devlin's face mirrored Ellie's thoughts and when he set down the tray and took a seat adjacent
to her and Bella, Ellie worked hard to put a smile on her face. "Much as I love seeing you concentrate
on work, I'd love it more if you gave us your attention right now." He gently tugged Bella to him and
dropped a kiss on her head.
Ellie grabbed her own mug, dappled with green and lavender polka dots and took a sip. "You
both have my undivided attention."
So Ellie, Devlin and Bella snuggled on the couch like a well contented family. They played
games, Devlin told stories, and they watched movies to take Bella's mind off the storm.
Approximately two hours later, while the movie played and the three occupants napped, the doorbell
rang, and instantly roused Ellie from the odd little dream she was having. With a soft kiss on Bella's
warm cheek, she told Devlin she'd answer the door before groggily making her way to the foyer.

Chapter 12
Nicholas seldom doubted himself. Being who he was did not afford him room for indecisiveness
and yet the entire evening before and through his morning meetings, he'd been trapped in a limbo of
irresolute thoughts. All revolving around Ellie and the discovery of the children he didn't know he had
until now.
Being sleep deprived was a hindrance he'd learn to cope with since his teenage years. It was
only when he was feeling exceptionally tired did Nicholas give into his body's desperate plea for
sleep. But last night, he'd deliberately ignored the call of slumber and instead sat in the warm
comforts of the office in the cabin, the very same cabin that held a torrent of memories and always
managed to overwhelm him whenever he stayed with his godfather.
A master sadist at heart, Nicholas loved indulging the limits of his masochism and allowed
himself to be haunted by the memories embedded in the oaken walls of the small cabin. Memories
that hurt as much as it pleasured. Memories of a time long past. Memories of what he'd lost. It was
nothing new, though the pain he felt was as fresh as the first night he'd returned to the cabin. But now,
Nicholas no longer spent his evenings floating between fantasies, with his left hand wrapped around
his cock and Ellie's name slipping past his trembling lips.
She'd been stunning, even more so now, years later, surpassing all of Nicholas's imaginings.
Seeing her again, had been like the very first time Nicholas had met Ellie all those years ago. Sitting
on the hood of her car, as carefree and uninhibited as the curly locks on her head, unrepentant
humor and all. Ellie had caught Nicholas off guard that long ago afternoon. Last night, the emotions
Nicholas had felt the very first time he'd seen her had slammed back into his body with such force
that he'd been stunned.
Left breathless and gaping, he'd recovered quickly upon Ellie's snide remark to Devlin and it
had been all Nicholas could do to stop himself from acting on his male pride when realization finally
came to him. It'd been Ellie's engagement party he'd been invited to. Ellie and the man who he'd
been contemplating making a part of his team. It had been their engagement party and Nicholas had
felt the blow resonate through every fiber of his being.
He hadn't expected a warm welcome or even reconciliation, but somewhere deep inside,
Nicholas had yearned for the impossible, had hoped for it. But, seeing Ellie in the arms of another
man had quickly obliterated that flicker of hope and Nicholas had been left feeling the frosty fingers
of bleakness grip his heart. That feeling hadn't abandoned him. Which was why he was now musing
on whether to ring Ellie's doorbell or scamper back to his metropolitan office and resume whatever
work he had waiting his approval.
He felt like an idiot and probably looked like one too to anyone staring outside their windows
right at this moment. He was surprised no one had called the cops on him yet. If he was a kid and
saw a strange man standing outside, dressed in all black, standing next to his pitch black limousine,
holding onto his large black umbrella and looking like the grim reaper, he'd be phoning the
authorities in a heartbeat.
Nicholas however, wasn't a child. He was a man who owned a multi-billion dollar corporation. He
was a man who faced far more dangerous situations dealing with both reputable and shady people
in his line of work than a disgruntled ex-lover who had a tendency of smacking him. He was a man,
who no longer had the affections of said ex-lover, but he did have his children and today's impromptu
visit was the reason why he was here. Isabella and Dylan would be the focus of his attention.
Ellie...Ellie was another tale. Sophie, after all, was rooting for their happy ending and Nicholas
was intent on making Sophie as happy as he was going to make his biological children.
Mind finally made up, Nicholas began his trek up the cobbled walkway. Putting finger to bell, he
pressed the black button twice and waited.
~*~*~*~
Ellie hiked the legs of Devlin's sweat pants from beneath her socked feet and tied the strings
around her waist in hopes of keeping the overlarge pants on, before turning the brass handle of the
door. It wouldn't do at all to greet whoever was on the other side with a full frontal scene of her
goodies. Ellie wasn't sure about the other person, but Devlin sure as hell wouldn't appreciate it.
"Hello, Ellie."
Nicholas did always enjoy her goodies, Ellie mussed as she stared owlishly at the father of her
children.

~*~*~*~
"Hey squirt." Gabe tugged on Sophie's braids before occupying the seat beside her. Sophie
gave him a noncommittal response while her gaze remained on the flat screen, the Wii controller
held in her hand. She leaned forward, arms resting on her thighs; she scowled and sucked her teeth
as her player lost a fight.
"Shit." it was barely audible, but Gabe heard it all the same. "Watch it with that kiddo, wouldn't
want Ronnie to hear you, we'd both get an earful."
"Sorry." Put off guard by Sophie's offhanded response, Gabe appraised his goddaughter, there
was tension in that body, wound tighter than her hold on the controller.
"You're alright, Soph?"
Sophie turned her head and spared her godfather a look. "I'm fine."
With an inward sigh Gabe mourned the days when bogeyman could be scared away by
nightlights and a good tickle attack or even when the slightest scrapes and bumps were alleviated
by a trip to the ice cream shop and a walk around the park.
Sadly, those days where long gone. They were now entering a new era, where the teen angst
seemed endless and the parent bashing was as natural as breathing air. Gabe thanked the heavens
that he was spared a few more years before his own children entered that inevitable stage.
"You know your Mom used to say that a lot when something was bugging her and she didn't want
to talk about it?"
Sophie continued to play, heedless of the words her godfather spoke and for a moment Gabe
thought she was ignoring him and would've been prompted to say more, only Sophie's next action
immobilized his move. Settling the controller down, Sophie flopped back against the couch with a
resigned sigh and pursed her lips.
Silence reigned, stretched and choked, before Sophie opened her eyes, turned her head and
gave Gabe a pointed look. "Did Mom ever get bothered by not having a father? Because I am, it
bothers me every day and I hate it. I don't know my real Dad...I don't even remember him,"
"Sophie"
"But I remember Nicholas. I remember him being a really nice to me and mom. He made us
happy. I dont understand why Mom refuses to see that. He belongs with us...we're not a family
without him." Sophie tilted her head and stared up at the ceiling, Gabe did not fail to see the mist of
tears in her eyes.
That had come out of left field. Gabe hadn't expected Sophie to come right out and say it. Sure
he had hoped to get down to the root of his goddaughter's problems and rectify it, but this---this was
just--"Bella and Dylan deserve to know how good a father he is. Mom needs to give him the
opportunity."
In that instant, Sophie sounded far older than her twelve years. Gabe had never credited her as
more than a good, oftentimes spoiled kid with an impending attitude problem. Now, Sophie
displayed a perception that no child her age should be able to grasp until they were maybe in their
mid to late teen years. Gabe was proud.
"You're right," Receiving Sophie's gaze, Gabe elaborated. "Your brother and sister deserve a
chance to be with their father. I know you don't want them growing up not having the chance to realize
the sort of man he is and your Mom wouldn't want that either. But have you stopped to consider that
the reason why your Mom doesn't want him back into her life is because Nicholas isn't such a nice
guy? You have this image of Nicholas that is so hard to shake, but maybe what you see isn't exactly
all that he is."
Blinking tears away Sophie frowned and asked. "What do you mean?"
"Nicholas has brought nothing but pain in your Mom's life from the very moment they met. He's a
selfish, cruel egoist who only sees your Mom as nothing more than a possession, a pretty prize he
needs on his arm to make him feel better about himself. Someone like him only brings trouble
wherever he goes. I'm not saying he can't be a good person, but he's far too jaded and corrupt to
give you guys anything but a fat child support check every month. He's not the fatherly type, Soph."
"Thats not true! You don't know what the hell you're talking about!" Towering over her godfather
with fist clenched at her sides, Sophie looked on the verge of smashing Gabe's face or having a
mental breakdown.

Ronnie came running with the children, with Sabrina at her hip, she hurried to where Sophie
stood and looked between Gabe's calm expression the coil of tension that was Ellie's eldest
daughter. "Gabe what's going on?" She really wanted to know why Sophie looked ready to leap and
claw her husband's face off.
Gaze still anchoring Sophie's, Gabe spoke. "Just letting, Soph here know why it wouldn't be such
a good idea to let Nicholas back into our lives."
Sophie shook her head fiercely. "You don't know him! You don't know why he left us!"
"Could it be that he got bored of playing house with you and your, Mom? Because that's what
people like Nicholas Grayson do, Soph. Once you've served your purpose, you cease to matter to
them. That's what he did ten years ago and that's what he'll do again if you let him back in your life.
You Mom doesn't want to tell you the truth, but I know that you'll be better off hearing it from me, then
getting your heart broken again when he leaves. And he is going to leave, Sophie, mark my words.
"Gabe, that's enough." Ronnie warned, having heard quite enough from her tactless husband.
"She needs to know the truth."
"Its not your place to give it to her."
"I don't care what you say. I know that he's a good person and no matter what anyone may think,
he and my Mom belong together. I have faith in them. I have faith in him." Sophie walked away then
and disappeared into the adjacent room.
"Liam, Eric, Dylan, go to your room."
"Oh man!" Liam whined, stamping his foot.
"Now!" The children made haste in vacating the premises. The tread of their feet could be heard
overhead.
Ronnie took a moment to reign in her annoyance and anger before speaking. "Mind telling me
what the hell that was all about?"
"Don't chastise me, Ron, I'm not a child."
"No you're not, but you are an adult and as such I expected you to have a little more tact. My God
Gabe, what the hell is Ellie going to say when her daughter goes home more upset than when she
came?"
"She needed to hear the truth." He said with resolve. "Ellie is tiptoeing around the
issue, you think she's just being a kid, I'm the only one smart enough to tell her how it is, no matter
how painful."
"Are you listening to yourself? What you just did wasn't smart Gabe, it was dumb and careless."
Ronnie pushed a wriggling Sabrina further up her hip. "You're not helping anyone. Stop letting your
hatred for Nicholas blind you to what's important. Slandering his name will only make Sophie defend
him even more. You can be so insensitive sometimes." She walked away, her disappointment tolled
like the bells of Notre Dame in Gabe's ears.
Sitting alone with nothing else but his thoughts for company, Gabe was forced to admit
that maybe he'd been a little too harsh with Sophie and that maybe he could've chosen a nicer way
to phrase how big of a bastard Nicholas. How allowing him back into their lives, would inevitably
bring about problems that none of them were ready to deal with again.
He was big enough to admit that he could've used a little more tact, but the sentiments and
where they had come from were mean and unforgiving. Gabe was not ready to abandon his hatred
of the man who had ridden roughshod over Ellie's emotions and almost killed her in the process.
That sort of cruelty was not something easily forgotten or easily forgiven. Because of Nicholas,
Ellie's life had almost been forfeited.
Nicholas deserved to pay, pay with his life it there was any sort of justice left in the world. Too
bad it was frowned upon to take justice into one's hands. Otherwise, Nicholas would've been dead
long before his cock twitched at the sight of Ellie.
With a resigned sigh Gabe slapped his hands on his denim clad thighs and stood.
It was time to form a game plan and do some major ass kissing. He'd be lucky if he got to sleep
on the same bed tonight and if he did, he'd probably have to sleep with one eye open. Ronnie
tended to be very vengeful when slighted.
~*~*~*~
She felt like she was fighting a losing battle. One that even her family didn't want her to win. It
was as aggravating as it disheartening and not for the first time since embarking on this futile
mission did Sophie not wonder whether it was worth all the trouble. Was a reunion with a man who

everyone believed far beyond redemption something she wanted to inflict on her mother? After all
the pain she'd seemingly gone through?
Mom had told her over and over again that she didn't want Nicholas Grayson back in their lives.
She'd gone so far as to beg and threaten Sophie to leave well enough alone and now her godfather
was involved.
The words he had spoken had only fueled Sophie's anger because somewhere deep, where
logic governed and doubts festered, she feared that those harsh words could be true. Really, what
did she know about Nicholas, except that he'd been a nice guy who had stayed up on nights and
built her skyscrapers made of Legos? Or that he'd been very kind and sweet when she'd been
around him?
Sure the guy had been the epitome of what Sophie wished for in a father, but was that truly who
he was? Or was there a sinister man hidden far beneath the surface, who only came out when he
was around her Mom?
She didn't know Nicholas. Sophie didn't know what he'd done in that past and she didn't know
what he was capable of now. What she did know was that the Nicholas now, the Nicholas who had
covered for her yesterday, the Nicholas who had confessed in his town car on the way to Sophie's
house, that there wasn't a day in his life that he didn't regret what he'd done, was the Nicholas
Sophie put faith in. Because despite all his wrongs, Nicholas really wanted to be a good person,
Sophie saw that he did and she wanted to help him.
The bible preached forgiveness and forgiveness had been a major part of their lives when her
grandparents had returned. There'd been lots of tears and lots of shouting, but afterwards, everyone
had hugged, kissed and forgiven. Sophie didn't understand why the same couldn't happen with
Nicholas now.
He was remorseful, he still loved her Mom, and there was nothing more sacred than the children
they had together. All this should've spelled out a recipe for a great reunion and lots of hugs and
kisses afterwards. But, none of those things would be happening anytime soon. Mom wasn't willing
or even ready to try and Gabe's hatred of Nicholas undoubtedly created a major hindrance in
Sophie's plans.
She wanted to give up---wanted to, but never would. Fate had made it so that Nicholas came
back in their lives and fate would guide him to where he needed to be. Fate had granted her wish
once and it would do it again, all she had to do was have patience and think positively.
"Sophie?" Sophie sniffed her tears away and spun around to face her little brother.
Being the oldest sister of twin siblings was an honor Sophie always took to heart and ever since
the birth of her half brother and sister she has continually looked out for them. She would always be
there to protect them.
Sophie sighed and continued to stare at the embossed ceiling of the bedroom that had always
belonged to her, since her godparents purchased the house. Dylan bunked with Liam and Eric and
Bella had a bed in Sabrina's room. "What?"
"Are you okay?"
Another sigh escaped her. No, she wasn't okay. She wouldn't be okay until their mother learned
to forgive and Nicholas learned to perform a miracle. "I'll be okay." And that was the truth. Things
would be okay, because things tended to work themselves out eventually. It sounded like a lot of
crap, but Sophie needed to believe in something right now, even if it was a whole lot of BS.
The room fell silent for an eternal moment in which Sophie believed Dylan had left, but the
scrunch of cheap leather coming from the beanbag chair to her far left indicated that he was still in
the room.
"Soph?"
"What?" Her brother had something on his mind and just like any Holbrook he'd open up when
he was good and ready.
"I met him."
"Met who?"
"My dad."
Sophie's brows creased, but she kept her head down. "And?"
"And I don't think I like him very much." Now this was intriguing. Where Sophie wouldve done
almost anything to be Nicholas's biological child and on some days even went so far as to envy her
siblings, it seemed Dylan didn't share the sentiments.

Sophie finally sat up and regarded her brother. "That's because you don't know him."
"He hurt, Mom, he doesn't deserve to be known."
"You idiot, he's your father, and how do you know he hurt, Mom?"
Dylan rolled his eyes pursing his lips. "I'm young Soph, but I'm not deaf. I hear things and I see
the way Mom acts when he's around. I don't like him." he insisted.
"Like I said, you don't know him. He loves Mom and even if he did hurt her, he deserves a
second chance. Isn't that what Mom always taught us? People are entitled to second chances, even
if they hurt us."
"Devlin loves, Mom, he's never done anything to hurt her or any of us."
Sophie sighed in frustration. Thats not the point. The point is that Nicholas your father. Hes our
family and families stick together. No matter what.
"I think you should just butt out of Mom's business, it's not right."
"It is right, Dylan. Nicholas and Mom are like...like Allie and Noah---"
Dylan scrunched his face and shook his head in puzzlement. "Who?"
"You remember that movie Mom watches every time she feels lonely?"
"The one that always makes her cry?"
"Yeah, that one and just like Allie and Noah, Mom and Nicholas belong together...it's like their
destiny or something. I wouldn't feel this strongly about it if I didn't think so. I know it's weird and you
might think I'm just doing all of this because I don't care about Mom, but I do. And thats why I don't
want to see her live an unfulfilled life with someone who isn't right for her. I mean tell me what are the
chances of both of them ending up in the same place, at the same time after all these years, if not a
sign from God?"
Why was it that she felt as though she was the only one who saw things the way that they were
supposed to be? It felt wrong having to defend the love of her Mother's life to their child! Seeing the
traces of doubt creeping back into Dylan's face, Sophie stood and walked over to her brother.
Sitting on the balls of her feet she made eye contact and held it as if life itself depended on it.
"Dylan, I've never had to pull rank on you or Bella before, but this time I am. So as your older sister
I'm asking, no demanding, that you help me with this...I don't think I can do it on my own."
They've never had a heart to heart before. Sure they've dealt with bullies and deciding who
should tell their Mom about who broke things around the house, but they've never had to deal with
matters this grave. For Dylan, it seemed a little daunting to have his sister sitting in front of him
demanding for him to mess around with their Mother's life. They were just kids! Kids didn't fool
around with their parents lives! Especially if said parent was strongly against it.
Voicing his doubts as any child ought to, Dylan shook his head. "I don't know Sophie"
"Would you rather see Mom miserable for the rest of her life? Because that's what's going to
happen if she ends up marrying Devlin! They'll send us all away. You'll probably end up in some allboys school somewhere and Bella and I will probably end up in Germany or some other European
country at an all girls' school. Devlin is going to tear our family apart, we'll be lucky if we even get to
see each other for holidays after he's done."
"I don't want you or Bella to go away."
"Devlin will send us away if we don't do something about it."
"Why don't we just tell, Mom?" he whined.
"Mom and I aren't seeing eye to eye right now, so she'll think I'm making everything up just to get
rid of Devlin!"
"Are you sure that's not what you're doing? I mean, we all know you don't like the guy..."
Sophie groaned, grabbed Dylan's arms and shook him a little. "Dylan!"
"Alright, alright! What do you want me to do?"
Sophie sighed in relief feeling better than she had in weeks. With her brother as an ally they
were sure to accomplish the impossible in no time. "It's simple; you and Belle just have to want to
hang out with Nicholas. The more he's around, the more they'll remember just how much they meant
to each other."
"Devlin isn't going to let that happen."
"Hell have no choice, once mom and Nicholas start falling back in love. You just make sure Mom
is around whenever you and Bella are with Nicholas."
"Do you think this will work?"
"It has to." She uttered gravely.

"Hey you two," The door swung open admitting Ronnie in the room. "Are you alright?"
"We're fine," Sophie and Dylan chorused with matching pairs of duplicitous grins pasted on their
faces.
Through narrowed eyes Ronnie looked from one transparent face to the other. "What are you up
to?"
"Nothing, Auntie Ronnie, honest," and if that wasn't a bold faced lie from her godson, Ronnie
didn't know what was.
"Fine, don't tell me. But I'm going to find out eventually you know," she saw Dylan's gaze fly to
Sophie's face before returning to Ronnie's with an uneasy smile. "And when I do, I'm sure your Mom
will want to know what her children have been up to."
"Were not up to anything." Ronnie locked gazes with Sophie, the 'mastermind' behind whatever
it was that they were planning and couldn't help but see a vague flash of Tony Carlyle in those dark
eyes. Of course Sophie was nothing like her father, but one couldn't help but wonder whether some
of Carlyle traits had been passed on to his daughter. Those undesirable traits that could possibly
turn a good child into a manipulatively deceiving person who didn't care who she harmed as long as
she got what she wanted in the end.
Knowing that she was treading in dangerous territory, Ronnie abandoned her niggling thoughts
and smiled at them. "Hey Dylan, you mind giving me a few minutes with Soph?"
Dylan shook his head before rising to his feet. "Okay, I'll just go hang out with Liam and Eric."
"They're playing downstairs with Uncle Gabe, they're waiting for you." Ronnie waited for him to
leave before she spoke to Sophie.
Sophie occupied the beanbag chair her brother had just vacated and looked at Ronnie
expectantly.
"Soph, what your uncle said downstairs...it was wrong of him and I want to apologize on his
behalf. It's just that we all have a history with Nicholas and we know what he's like. Your uncle just
doesn't want to see you hurt again. You were pretty miserable when Nicholas left."
"It's okay, I'm over it. I'm going to grab something to eat."
"Sophie...?"
Ronnie's voice stopped her progression to the door. "Yeah?" Sophie turned around.
"You know we're only looking out for you guys right?"
"I know, but you won't have too anymore, we'll have someone else looking out for us."
"Devlin?"
"Nicholas." That one name alone decimated Ronnie's hope and as Sophie exited the room.
Ronnie was left standing alone with a horrible sense of foreboding clutching her chest.

Chapter 13
"Oh its you.
"Sorry to disappoint." Keeping his voice leveled, Nicholas fought down the urge to rise to Ellie's
provocation.
"No, nouh, I just wasnt expecting you.
Again, I apologize for any disappointment.
Ellie shook her head and looked up with a tight smile. Why dont you just come in from the rain?
She stepped aside, allowing him entrance inside her home for the first time in so many years.
He murmured his gratitude, folding the umbrella and setting it by the door.
"I came to see the children, Ellie. You said that you would not deny me. I hope that still stands
true."
Of course. She said a little too quickly.
She had no intention of keeping him from his children. Ten years, was ten years too long.
"I don't plan on denying you the right to see your children, Nicholas, but now is not a good time."
"Who's at the door, Ellie?"
"He's here."
"Yeah he's here, where else would my fianc be on his days off?"
'Snug between the jaws of life.' Nicholas cleared his throat before answering. "That isn't a
particular concern of mine, I assure you."
"Ellie, who's at the door?"
"The father of her children!" Nicholas was prompted to yell back before Ellie could open her
mouth to speak.
Ellie glowered. "You just have a knack for pissing the hell out of people, don't you?"
He derisively grinned. "It's a gift.
"Right." Ellie mumbled, turning on her heel she headed for the living room, leaving Nicholas to
trail after her.
Before she had the chance to clear the threshold from the foyer to the living room, Devlin chest
greeted her nose and Ellie would've taken a step back was it not for the hands that instantly fell to
her hips.
"Grayson." Devlin said in ways of greeting. A greeting that was nowhere near as warm as the
first time he'd met the man who he'd once held in high esteem.
He still believed Nicholas Grayson was a man of exceptional intelligence and power, but those
attributes were quickly overlooked when the matter involved his family. A family that he was extremely
protective of and would no sooner let them go then cut a limb from his person. This man...this pretty
faced, self-assured man, posed a threat and Devlin did not take too kindly to threats.
Nicholas appraised his substitute, because in Nicholas's opinion that's all Devlin Westport was;
a very poor, muscled, egotistical substitute of himself, who, much as he tried would never measure
up to the real thing. They were cut from the same cloth in a sense, which was why Nicholas wouldn't
make the mistake of underestimating his alternate. Because behind that broad physique was an
astuteness that went far beyond the aptitude of a muscle bound idiot.
Devlin had what was once belonged to Nicholas. Hed given it all up once before. Taking for
granted what had been so eagerly offered. But he was learning from past mistakes, was paying for
them in spades and he would fight for his place in this family even if it took the rest of his life to do
so.
"Westport." But what was life if not a challenge to overcome? Nicholas had been through hell,
getting rid of Ellie's lover was something he was more than apt to handle.
Ellie felt like she was some unfortunate soul trenched in a battle of two warring Titans, with
nowhere to go but down. Looking between both men temporarily locked in a power of wills, she
realized they would draw blood if she did not interfere.
"Mommy?" Nothing sounded sweeter than the soft voice of her baby girl calling for her. Ellie
thanked God for small favors, before moving past Devlin and crossing into the living room.
"Hey sweetheart," Ellie scooped her up. "How you feeling?" she brushed her hand against her
cheek. "Bella you're burning up." She said worriedly taking a seat with Bella in her arms.
"Mommy I don't feel very well."

She sounded so young and helpless and Nicholas chest ached as he watched on powerlessly.
"I know, baby." Ellie kissed her forehead and looked up as Devlin came into view with a
children's Tylenol. "It'll be okay, here open up." Devlin poured a spoonful of the pink medicine and
aimed it at Bella's mouth.
Bella vehemently shook her head, refusing to take it. "Bella open your mouth, you need to drink
this." This was nothing new. They always went through this fight whenever medicine had to be
imbibed. After all the fuss with Sophie when she'd been younger, dealing with Bella was a cakewalk.
"Isabella, you open your mouth right now and drink this or you can't hang out with Jennifer." A parent
just had to master the art of threats.
"She's not my best friend anymore." Was Bella's petulant reply and Ellie was resigned to sigh at
the fickleness of nine year old girls.
"Come one Bella, drink the medicine, I promise it'll make you feel better." Devlin gently tried his
hand and received a stubborn head shake in return.
"Hello, Bella." Not having noticed Nicholas before, Bella turned her head and lit up like a
Christmas tree when she saw him.
"Daddy, you came!" She sounded so pleased.
Ignoring all others in the room, father and daughter only had eyes for each other. Nicholas
lowered himself to the carpeted floor of Ellie's living room, in designer pants that probably cost more
than the carpet itself. "Of course I came. I wouldn't dare stay away from you while you're so sick."
Bella nodded and rested her head against Nicholas's chest, what little bit of rainwater had
touched him felt cool against her fevered head. "My head hurts."
"Tell you what, you drink your medicine and I'll stay for as long as you want me to."
She stared up at him. "You promise?"
"I wouldn't lie to you." he said earnestly.
She gave him a tired smile. "Okay." She opened her mouth, closed her eyes and scrunched her
face tightly and waited for the bite of the medicine to hit her tongue. Nicholas chuckled as she made
a disgusted noise after he withdrew the spoon from her lips. "That's so gross."
"I know how you feel. I wasn't a big fan of medicine when I was your age either."
Ellie rolled her eyes. "He wasn't a big fan of medicine even when he was a teenager." Nicholas
looked up and for an eternal second, they shared a moment that was entirely their own, like a private
joke only they knew the punch line to.
That look annoyed the hell out of Devlin and he made his annoyance decisively known. "Ellie, a
word in the kitchen if you don't mind." He left then without saying more, tension in his every step.
Ellie watched his retreating back with an anxious sigh. She turned to Nicholas, who looked at
her with an odd expression on his face. "What?" she asked narrowly.
"I didn't say anything." He replied, although his gaze remained the same. "You should get going;
I'll take care of Bella until you come back." Her dubious expression implied that she didn't trust him,
which in turn annoyed him to no end.
Dont worry, Im not going to leave with her and keep her from you for ten years. He retorted.
Ellie flushed, guilt and shame returning to eat a little more of her. Ill be right back.
Nicholas nodded. "Go, we'll be fine."
Although she wanted to give Bella a small kiss on her head, Ellie didn't dare. Getting that close
to Nicholas was a big No, no. With one last look behind her, she followed Devlin into the kitchen.
"Daddy?" Nicholas peered down at his daughter. "It's good to have you home." She touched his
cheek and smiled adoringly up at him.
Nicholas smiled. "It's good to be home, Belle."
~*~*~*~
He didn't do jealousy. No wait. That was a lie. He was human, so he could admit that, yes every
now and then he did have his moments of envy. But never did it reach the point where he felt he
needed to break things to gain control again. Devlin didn't like to think that he was a violent man, but
he was finding it exceedingly hard to keep his cool when in the company of a certain silver eyed
man.
He wanted to be understanding and heaven only knew how hard that was. But for Ellie, Devlin
had vowed to himself the evening before that he would be by her side no matter what happened. 'No
matter what happened' did not include Nicholas Grayson in their home, holding his little girl. Never
mind the small fact that Nicholas was Bella's biological father.

A small technicality Devlin didn't think mattered much in the grand scheme of things. The point
was that Nicholas hadn't raised Bella or the rest of Ellie's children, Devlin had. He considered those
kids his, and damn the bastard for barging into their lives wanting a part of something he'd long ago
abandoned! Damn the man to the far reaches of hell!
Gritting his teeth and grasping the edge of the counter with enough strength to have his palms
scream in protest, Devlin inhaled sighed trying to release the aching tension forming between his
shoulders. He didn't know what bothered him more, the fact that Nicholas was scheming to take
away what Devlin had worked so hard to have, or the way Ellie acted around her ex-lover.
Devlin wanted to pretend that he didn't see the way those vibrant hazel eyes lingered seconds
too long when Nicholas was in the room, or how those exact eyes could feign resentment and hatred
one minute and the next spark with a hint of something so devastating that it didn't dare
contemplation.
He wanted to believe that it was his jealousy wreaking havoc on his mind, making him see things
that weren't really there. Devlin wanted to believe that Ellie couldn't and wouldn't contemplate the
idea of abandoning what they'd worked so hard to gain. He wanted to believe that Ellie despised
Nicholas. Devlin wanted the only thing between them to be mutual hatred and nothing more. Devlin
wanted a lot of things, but mostly he just wanted to trust his fiance, because at the moment, trust
was hard to come by.
"Dev," Devlin loved Ellie's voice, it wasn't too deep, nor was it too high, just a perfect harmony of
both. When they'd first begun their relationship, Devlin had been lulled to sleep by that voice, in the
countless hotels room overseas. They would stay up for hours, like erstwhile teenagers and talk on
the phone until one or both of them succumbed to sleep.
Those were a few of the countless little memories Devlin remembered fondly and held to heart.
To him Ellie was more than a lover, more than a gorgeous woman, more than even his fianc. Ellie
was the exact opposite of him, the embodiment of everything that was good, pure and sweet. She
was the clichd half to Devlin's soul. He'd be damned if he allowed Nicholas to take that away from
him.
"Tell me that you love me, Ellie." He had his back to her, his hold on the edge of the sink
unyielding.
"What's this all about, Dev?" she sounded puzzled and Devlin fought the urge to go to her and do
the comforting. This time he wanted it to be Ellie who sensed his discomfort and ran to him.
Ellie approached as if sensing the inner battle ragging inside her lover's mind. Not knowing
exactly how to proceed, she stopped midway. "Dev?"
"Say that you love me, Ellie."
Of course I love you." She rested a comforting hand on his shoulder.
Ellie's eyes widened and she gasped as Devlin enveloped her in a spine bending hug. For
minutes they stood as they were, Devlin holding onto Ellie for dear life and Ellie wondering what was
going on, but she nevertheless hugged Devlin back with the same intensity.
Head hidden at the base of Ellie's neck, Devlin inhaled the scent that was distinctively Ellie.
"Let's go to upstairs." Latent desire caused the huskiness in his voice and he almost smiled
when Ellie shivered in his arms. Devlin nuzzled Ellie's jaw and took full advantage of the exposed
column of her neck. Lips, teeth and tongue trailed upwards until they found their target behind the
shell of Ellie's ear. "I need you so much right now." he whispered as he continued his rain of butterfly
kisses. "You on the bed, writhing against the sheets, me above you"
Ellie moaned turning to putty in Devlin's arms.
Devlin smiled, mouth still laving that spot behind Ellie's ear, he snuck his hand between their
bodies to tug at the strings of Ellie's sweats. "Moving in and out of you, my hand over your mouth so
you don't scream too loud and alert anyone of what we are doing. Although I wouldn't mind if your exlover heard us."
As though a bucket of ice cold water had been poured over her, Ellie struggled out his grasp.
"This is all about, Nicholas?" she asked incredulously. "What are you trying to prove, Devlin, that you
have me?" Her anger was beyond words. "I'd expect this sort of thing from him, but not from you. If
you think you need to prove something to him, then don't put me in the middle. I know who I love and I
know who I want to spend the rest of my life with and Nicholas reappearing back in my life isn't going
to change that."
She stormed out and left Devlin standing in the kitchen, resentful and shamed.

~*~*~*~
An assortment of photographs decorated the expanse of Tony's mattress, while others littered
the dingy brown sac that constituted as a carpet beneath his bare feet. Like a man possessed, he
stooped low and riffled through each photograph, the frown marring his weathered features
deepening as each picture displayed things that did nothing in alleviating his already sour mood.
Image after image, like a haunting specter, the patrician features of that Machiavellian bastard
littered the glossy surface of the photographs Tony held between his fingers. He was seeing it and
yet Tony was having a hard time believing that Nicholas Grayson---the bane of his sorrowful
existence had returned. Emotions whirled like musical carousels, spinning around and around in his
mind to the point where he felt almost sick from it.
Unmitigated hatred was all he felt for this man. He could, without an ounce of remorse, put a gun
to that head and pull the trigger.
It was a recurring dream. A dream in which Tony could describe without missing a beat how
liberating it was to torture and then kill the man who'd taken his life and made it into the Divine
Comedy. It was the sort of dream that Tony awoke from, his cock hard, that very last image of
Nicholas gagging his last breath in a pool of his own blood, the stimulus to his inevitable
release. That dream had kept him sane through the brutal intrusions his body had been put through
during his time in prison.
And nowvery soon, retribution would be at hand, so close, so delectably close, that Tony could
taste the saccharine sweetness on his tongue.
"You should have stayed away, Nicky." A fine sheen of lunacy blanketed the obsidian depths of
his cold gaze. With new plans formulating in his mind, Tony stood from his mattress and made his
way to the wall apposite to the shrine he'd created of his ex-lover and their child. He would in no way
sully that wall, with the picture of this man. This man, who ironically shared the same life story as Tony
himself, as far as being involved with Ellie and all that bullshit.
They'd loved. They'd thoroughly managed to fuck themselves over and in the process managed
to lose everything they'd worked towards having. Now they each had children they barely knew with a
woman who wanted nothing to do with them, whose enmity was as fierce as Tony's hatred for his
antithesis.
They had all the elements of a cheesy soap opera, but this wasn't some hour long T.V. show that
promised a happy ending. This was life. This was Tony's life and as much as he'd contributed to
fucking up said life, other people, namely Nicholas, had gone the extra mile to see that he never
received a glimmer of happiness again.
Tony wanted to return the favor and pay Nicholas in full for the wonderful work he's done so far.
After all, what type of man would he be if he didn't personally see to it that Nicholas received all that
was coming to him? And if he wasn't rewarded with gushing 'thank you's' and tender kisses from
Ellie afterwards? Well Tony would return to prison knowing that Nicholas was no longer part of this
world.
This was no longer about ferreting his way back into Ellie's life. No doubt that she still held Tony's
heart within the center of her palm. But this wasn't about Ellie and how much Tony's infinite
obsession would never wane. This was about retribution. This was about a cold, hard vendetta that
would be carried out no matter the consequences. This was now about those little curly haired runts
Tony knew so very much about.
Isabella and Dylan.
Tony couldn't have asked for a better opportunity! What better way to mete out revenge on your
enemy then to slowly rip out the core of what made him thrive? Tony couldn't think of anything better.
He pressed a black tack at the center of the photograph he held against the wall and he grinned.
"Wait for me Nicky, I promise I'm coming for you."
~*~*~*~
She'd wanted to do Tea' so Devlin indulged his doting mother and drove to her home at his
earliest convenience. Exiting the luxurious interior of the Maybach 62 S he'd recently purchased, he
gave the chauffeur an imperceptible nod before heading for the ornate glass door. One ring of the
doorbell brought about a petite flaxen haired maid who'd been in his mother's service for several
months now.
Proving true to her French ancestry, Antoinette's blood burned with the ardor of her legendary

namesake and on several occasions, such as this very one, she would deliberately bat her
elongated lashes and thrust her ample bosom Devlin's way, in hopes of---well Devlin always found
her advancements amusing.
It was quite a stroke to a man's ego to have such a pretty girl interested in him, despite his
advanced years and had he been years younger and not in love with the world's most wonderful
woman, Devlin knew he would no doubt encourage her advancements.
"Bonjour, Mr. Westport." She greeted, accent and all, with a coquettish smile that made Devlin
grin.
"Bonjour, Antoinette." It was impossible to expect a man who adored women, not to look upon
the heaving endowments placed before him, when they were screaming to be seen. Devlin was a
faithful man and would remain faithful for the rest of his days, but what harm was there in simply
looking? My God the girl's breasts were huge! She seemed to be practically spilling from her top!
And no doubt she was finding his ogling the best sort of encouragement as she gave a little bounce,
deliberately jiggling those monstrous beauties.
"Devlin, darling there you are!" Devlin looked up and gave a little cough, his ears burned and all
over again he felt like a school boy being discovered with his first edition of a Playboy magazine.
His mother came into view and Devlin was thankful for her sudden intrusion and to prove how much,
he walked to where she stood and enveloped her in a bone-crushing hug.
She squealed and protested to be put down. Devlin only obliged her after settling a kiss on her
cheek. "Hello, mother."
She fussed with her outfit. "Honestly Devlin, what has gotten into you?" she asked indignantly
although she did not hide her joy. His agreement to meet her for Tea pleased her very much.
"Come," she looped her arm through his and tossed a glance over her shoulder, "Bring tea and
scones to the Blue room, Antoinette." She said curtly, and then to Devlin said. "We have much to
discuss and not enough hours in the day to do so."
~*~*~*~
"Tongues are wagging, my love." Miranda gracefully picked up her teacup, a lovely set, gifted to
her by a Russian artisan who'd wished to gain a favor for his wife.
Devlin regarded her as he sunk his teeth into a warm buttered scone. "And what are they saying
exactly?" Gossip was as dangerous as it was helpful; one just had to know how to manipulate it. His
mother was the best when it came to manipulating the spiteful matrons of their high society. The
worst sort of gossip, Devlin feared, was the one that would bring his fledgling company to its knees
and in no way could he afford for that to happen.
"Has Ellie told you absolutely everything there is to know about Nicholas Grayson?" Devlin
scowled and deposited his half eaten scone on the small plate, no longer hungry.
"We don't speak of him often." Of course this had to be about him, everything recently had been
about him! The last three weeks had been nothing but Nicholas this and Nicholas that! The children
spoke of him as though he were a goddamned saint hailed from the heavens to free them from
tyranny. His constant presence in their lives had put a strain on his and Ellie's relationship, so much
so that Devlin had refused to come over when that pious bastard was around.
"I hear you barely speak at all." Devlin turned his angry gaze towards his mother, though she
looked unaffected by his rising temper. "Don't be alarmed, dear; a mother has her way of knowing
these things, which is mainly the reason why I have asked you here today. Your marriage with
Ellie must happen, I understand how important she is to you and I will not have you lose her."
"I'm not going to"
"Hush darling, let me explain something to you which I am afraid you have yet to understand.
Nicholas is a very formidable man. To go up against him would be foolish and detrimental. But to do
nothing will cost you the greatest joy of your life and what sort of mother would I be if I allowed that to
happen?"
"Mother?" she looked far removed from the flowery, fragile woman he was used to seeing, in her
stead, a plotting and devious woman sat in the upholstered brocade chair, very much the same and
yet the steel behind her mulch tinted eyes gave him pause. "What are you planning?"
"Nothing that can be traced back to us. Your job, my darling son, is to keep your family happy.
Attend to Ellie's needs, be the doting father to her children and our Roan. Worry about nothing but
your wedding and leave the rest to your loving mother."
"Somehow I've never envisioned you to be the Lady Macbeth sort," Devlin wryly commented,

before continuing. "Please promise me that whatever you have planned will not spiral into some
Shakespearian tragedy mother. I don't think I can handle seeing Nicholas's blood on your hands, as
much as I hate the ambitious bastard, he is in no ways worth it."
Miranda's laughter threw her son further off his guard. With practiced patience, she settled her
teacup on the imported coffee table before looking up at her child, a small smile on her lips she
spoke. "Plotting the demise of your enemy by ways of murder is far too archaic my love and I am not
so heartless that I would willingly kill the eldest child of my one true friend. No, what I have in store for
Nicholas is subtle at best, but the effects will be so damaging that he will have little time for his
children and even less time for Ellie. I will see you happy before I pass from this world my child and if
giving you Ellie is what happiness means for you then I will do so without remorse."
Devlin stood and began to pace the expanse of the colorful room. He carded his fingers through
his hair, his distress evident in every stride he took. Finally, after an eternal moment battling with his
morality, he turned towards his mother, sweet, loving, devoted mother, who has done nothing else
since his birth to give him everything he's ever desired.
"Nothing would please me more, then to have Nicholas out of our lives. Since his arrival, he has
done nothing more than thrust a wedge of unease between Ellie and myself. Deliberate or not, he is
wrong for doing it and it would be a foolish man who refuses what you offer. But I cannot, in good
conscience let harm come to him, no matter my feelings. He is Isabella and Dylan's father and
they've began to love him as such, I cannot take him away from them. He sighed. I trust Ellie and
the love she has in me, to be faithful. I cannot allow myself to think that Nicholas is a threat to me. "
He fell to his knees before his mother and rested his cool, large hands against her own delicate,
warm ones. "And you, mother, cannot think so either. I must ask that you allow me to handle this in
my own way. Nicholas and I are men who will handle this delicate situation like rational adults."
Miranda pulled a hand free from her son's grip and tenderly she caressed his strong jaw. "My
sweet, Devlin, it is truly a great and loving man who can find strength to offer an olive branch to his
rival. And it is an even greater man, who can calm the vexing worries of his aging mother with such
logical clarity. I will do as you say and wash my hands clean of this issue. My sole concern, from this
moment forth, will be arranging your wedding."
Devlin should have found it odd that she acquiesced so easily, but Miranda did not give him
reason to doubt her faade of sincerity.
Her benevolent child, as ambitious as he was in business, lacked the shrewdness that made
some men, like Nicholas Grayson who he was. There was no denying that Sonya's son was a great
man, in everything that he did. His touch was as good as Midas's own, able to turn rock into gold, but
Nicholas was now at a disadvantage, because Devlin had what was once his and Miranda was
smart enough to know what was of value.
Just as she'd made her darling husband, God rest his soul, the hardened tycoon that he'd been
during their days, Miranda would pull strings from the shadows for her child.

Chapter 14
On his twenty-third birthday, along with the vast Grayson holdings, Nicholas inherited the
handsome pile of bricks otherwise known as Grayson Manor, his ancestral home and the epicenter
of his unconventional upbringing. Knowing that the worst sort of memories awaited him in every
crevice of her lavish walls, he'd wanted nothing more than to install the world's finest explosives and
implode the horrible structure to the next dimension. But something always held him back and it
wasn't until recently, last week in fact, that he'd discovered exactly what or rather who it was that held
him from destroying something he'd hardly miss.
Their names where Isabella, Dylan and Sophie, they were the sole reason why Nicholas was
now standing in the immense kitchen of his childhood home, flour covering the better half of his
designer clothes and his hands buried deep in bowl of a grayish green substance that should've
resembled cake batter.
His face scrunched in disgust, Nicholas lifted his hands from the bowl and brought them to view.
The gooey substance reeked oddly of fish and not for the first time since embarking on this futile
mission to prepare his children something to eat, did he not wonder who exactly had given him the
idea that he was capable of baking.
The soft giggle emitted from the impish creature to his right, gave Nicholas his answer.
"I don't think cake batter is supposed to be green, Daddy." Bella judiciously informed her
glowering father. Nicholas turned his fierce gaze from the offending bowl of green cake batter and
looked at his daughter, blithely showing him rows of porcelain white teeth. The little imp acted as
though she wasn't a perpetrator in his failed baking attempt.
"'Trust me Daddy, Mommy puts the green stuff ,after putting the eggs in the bowl' isn't that what
you said to me, young lady?"
Bella brought her hand to her mouth to cover her giggle as she shook her head. "But
Mommy does put in the green stuff and then she puts in that oil thingy." She pointed to the green
bottle, which they'd both assumed to be the 'oil thingy' Bella insisted Ellie put in her own cake recipe,
but now, looking at the offending bottle, Nicholas wanted nothing more than to break it.
With resigned sigh he looked at his grinning daughter. "Well, I guess you should lick it and see if
it tastes the same as your Mommy's." He playfully wiggled his fingers as he slowly made his way
around the marble island counter top. Bella quickly jumped from the stool she'd been seated on and
squealed with glee as Nicholas chased her around the kitchen.
"No way Daddy, You taste it!" Her high pitched protests brought her brother and sister to the
kitchen and quickly taking in the scene unfolding, with Bella cornered against the subzero fridge and
Nicholas closing in on her, Sophie grabbed the bag of flour and threw a handful at Nicholas,
pretending to be a monster with smelly green hands.
Sophie earned Nicholas's attention and soon enough flour, confectionary sugar and fishy cake
batter where being thrown about the seldom used kitchen. It was amazing, Nicholas realized how the
sound of laughter... his children's laughter, could transform the bleak atmosphere of his childhood
cage into an actual home.
Ellie's suggestion that he take the kids for the weekend so that she and Devlin could have some
time alone, had been met by uncertainty from the Nicholas. Hed been skeptical of his ability to
watch his children without Ellie present to guide him. But Ellies reassurance that he would be just
fine led Nicholas to finally agree. Looking at his children across the marble island, faces smeared
with gunk, Nicholas was glad that hed taken the chance.
The sound of the kitchen door opening surprised the four occupants of the room as they
simultaneously turned their heads to greet their newest arrival.
"Mommy!" Bella settled the bag of sugar her sister had given her as ammo and ran to her
mother. "Mommy, guess what? Guess what?" Her eyes twinkled with unrestrained glee as she
bounced with excitement.
Ellie crouched down before the flour covered child she assumed was her daughter, "what, Bells?
" She futilely tried to brush the flour from her hair.
"Daddy tried to make us a cake andand he tried to make me taste the batter like you do, but I
said no and he chased me around the kitchen until Sophie and Dylan came to help me and then
Sophie hit Daddy with some flour and Dylan got a handful of the batter and tried to put it on my head,

but Daddy stopped him andand we"

"Wow, it sounded like a good time." Ellie cut her off so the poor thing could breathe.
Bella bounced in place. "It was Mom! Daddy even let us stay up late last night to watch this
movie called Nightmare on Elm street and"
"Bella!" her sibling's chorused, frustrated that she'd blabbed their secret.
"Oops," dismay swept over pretty features. "Sorry, Daddy."
Ellie looked up and narrowed her eyes at a sheepish Nicholas. "You let them stay up to watch a
horror movie?"
"I wasn't scared, Mommy!" Bella quickly tried to rectify her mistake.
"Don't worry about it, Princess. Tell you what, why don't you guys go get cleaned up and we'll go
out for dinner before you leave?"
"Come on, Bella," Sophie grabbed Bella's hand and led her away, Dylan not too far behind
them. "Tattletale." He grumbled and was made to apologize when Ellie forced him to do so.
"Before you start yelling, can I say in my defense that I distracted her through all the scary parts?"
Ellie's lips thinned, her eyes burning bright with fury, she crossed her arms and waited.
"I tried to put in a Disney movie, but I was outnumbered. Three against one." Nicholas pleaded
his case while washing his hands, unfortunately for him Ellie looked as though she'd already formed
a verdict.
"How can you let them watch horror movies, Nicholas?"
With a resigned sigh, Nicholas threw the dish towel on the island and leaned against the counter.
"It was a stupid idea, I know that." he shrugged, raking his fingers through his hair he came away
with flour. "You've had all this time to be with them, you know them, they love you. I don't know, call it
stupid but I wanted them to like me too. It's hard when you're the estranged parent trying to buddy up
to your kids and you don't even know the first thing about them. I don't want to make a mistake and
have them hate me for it."
Anger deflated, Ellie uncrossed her arms with a sigh. "Believe it or not, it's hard being a parent
in general. But no one expects perfection from you, Nicholas. They're the kids, we're the parents.
We're not supposed to be their friends, were not supposed to worry about whether they'll like us or
not. Our job is to raise them, love them unconditionally, teach them lessons they'll hopefully
remember.
"Does it get any easier?"
Ellie took a contemplative moment to ponder the question, before shaking her head. "Never.
Come on; help me clean this mess, before our little monsters come down again."
Our little monsters, Nicholas wanted to pretend that that little endearment meant nothing, but the
warm feeling in the pit of his abdomen wouldn't let him. Three weeks ago, they'd come to a truce and
for the children, they'd agreed not to let past differences effect how they would raise Bella, Dylan and
even Sophie. They were two grown adults, raising their children in a platonic relationship that was
not quite in reaching friendship, but was slowly working its way there.
Ellie had it made it perfectly clear to him that under no circumstances would there be any sort of
rekindled love between them. She was happily engaged to Devlin and was joyfully awaiting the day
they said their vows. Nicholas of course believed she was full of shit, but was wise enough to keep
his mouth shut. No need to spark the dying embers of a ten year grudge.
"At least I didn't set off the smoke alarm this time."
Ellie laughed as she gathered the measuring cups. "It was a sweet gesture, trying to cook
breakfast for, Sophie. Good thing I managed to clean the kitchen before Gabe came back."
"Did he ever find out?"
"Nah, I just bought him a new Cast-Iron."
Nicholas took the remaining ingredients from Ellie's arms putting them back where they
belonged. "You didn't have to do that. I would've paid for it."
"It's no big deal, Nicholas, it was a long time ago. Besides he would've killed you if he found out
it was you, you weren't exactly his favorite person."
"Well glad to see things havent changed all that much."
Wiping down the counter top, Ellie gave Nicholas her back while speaking. "Can you blame
him?"
"There's so much I've done in the last ten years that I'm not proud of, Ellie, and each day I have to
live with the consequences of my actions. So many nights I wished that I could turn back time and"

"Well, that's life, Nicholas. Time doesn't go backwards, it only moves forward and no matter how
much we wish it were different we cant change anything. The damage's been done." Her acerbic
response only supplemented to Nicholas's remorse.
"I don't know what to say, Ellie, except that I'm so sorry for what I did. I was really fucked up back
then. II didn't mean to hurt you."
Ellie turned and found Nicholas's gaze. "But you did, Nicholas. You destroyed everything. It's a
good thing that you did though, because I wouldn't have had the chance to meet Devlin" The kiss
was unexpected and as hard as Ellie fought not to respond her body ultimately betrayed her. The
very instant his lips touched hers, the world grounded to a screeching halt and the only thing in
motion was the rapid beating of her heart and the whisper of his breath against her mouth.
The fire shed long believed extinguished roared to life, searing any thought she may have had.
He kissed her so sweetly, handled her masterfully, prying her lips apart with gentle dexterity to gain
entry to the warmth of her mouth and Ellie succumbed. He framed her face with his hands, desperate
to deepen the kiss, desperate to have all that she was willing to give. He toyed with her, his tongue
gliding along her own in the most sinful way, delving deeper tasting every bit of Ellies desire.
He needed to stop.
Nicholas knew he was pushing too quickly too soon, knew that he was trespassing on territory
neither one was ready to tread, but the need to kiss her, the urgency he felt to have just a taste of her
won out over logic. Where Ellie was concerned, Nicholas lost all reasoning and simply lived for the
emotions she conjured.
When he finally pulled away he did not release her completely but held her captive between the
kitchen counter and his body. "It almost killed me the day I pushed you away and it hurts even more
every time I see you with him." he murmured against kissed bruised lips.
Ellie settled her hands on Nicholas's wrists. "What good is that supposed to do me now? She
quietly inquired. Im sorry it hurts you seeing me with him. She met his gaze with a sad smile. But
you gave up on us before we even had a chance to begin. What we had, whatever it was, it was
beautiful, but its our past and I refuse to relive that past. I wont. She pulled his hands from her face
and pushed her way out of his hold. But before she could walk too far away, Nicholas's hand shot out
to grab her wrist.
"He won't make you happy."
"Maybe, but at least I know I can count on him not to leave. Nicholas released Ellie's wrist.
"Drop the kids off after you've eaten dinner."
He watched her walk away and fought the need to call her back.
Nicholas leaned over the counter top, palms flat against the cool marble. He closed his eyes and
tried to keep his sorrow at bay. But alas, the prickles of oncoming tears did not give him time to do
anything but silently wait for them to flow.
"I'm sorry, Elle. I'm goddamn sorry."
~*~*~*~
Ellie brushed the back of her hand across her cheeks before stepping away from the kitchen
door. With her hands clenched painfully around the car keys, she ran out of Nicholas's home, cursing
him every step of the way.
He'd been the one to end it. He'd been the one to push her away. He'd looked Ellie dead in the
eye and said, very clearly that he'd fallen out of love with her. So why was he doing this? Why was he
trying to rekindle something that he'd thoroughly killed? What the hell did he want? An affair? A
relationship?
She couldn't do this!
She couldn't handle Nicholas being like this. The abrasive, emotionless, clone that had broken
her heart all those years ago, Ellie could deal with. But this Nicholas, the one who showed glimpses
of the boy Ellie had fallen in love with, the man who yearned for nothing more than the love of his
children, was the Nicholas Ellie hated...the Nicholas she wouldn't dare approach.
She didn't want this!
Ellie wanted a nice, quiet life with Devlin, where they could live in idyllic bliss and grow old
together. She was deserving of it and it would happen. Her wedding would happen regardless of
sorrowful ex-lovers who didn't know how to keep the past where it was supposed to be.
~*~*~*~

Samantha stood silently aside and watched as yet another unfortunate employee of Grayson
Corp was mercilessly castigated by Nicholas's razor sharp tongue. Not the first in a queue of staff
members the CEO had interrogated, Leah McKean from human resource was on the verge of tears
by the time she exited the office; failure to hire the 'right' sort of persons, had almost cost her five
figure job. To anyone else who didn't know what was happening, Nicholas seemed like the proverbial
bastard on a rampage, unsatisfied until everyone was as miserable as he was. But seeing as
Samantha was one of the few members of staff privy to what had transpired, she did not blame
Nicholas his ire and annoyance.
In fact she believed he was quite justified in his need to ferret out the mole who had deliberately
leaked company information to its competitors, a crime punishable by expulsion if she had any say
in the matter. But seeing as she couldn't exactly say much, Samantha resigned herself to stand by
Nicholas's corner and lend him her support. Exactly what she'd been doing from the start of the
arduous week until now, making life for him as stress-free as she could, despite all that was
happening.
"I'm working with imbeciles." He sounded haggard, his tone gruff and as the last employee
slinked out of the office he slumped back against his chair and wearily rubbed his eyes. "Was she
the last one?"
Samantha flipped open the manila folder she held in front of her. "Yes, for today. David
Nakamura called earlier and asked that you return his call immediately."
Nicholas scowled at nothing in particular. "Of course the bastard called, the stocks are bound to
plummet after this fiasco." he stuffed his fingers between the collar of his shirt and the royal blue silk
tie around his neck and brusquely tugged. "Have the jet ready by noon and all my calls forwarded to
the Tokyo office."
Samantha pulled out her PDA, jotted a few things down and furtively looked up. "You have a
meeting with the VP of Guthrie Robotics, later this afternoon."
"Cancel"
"He's been waiting months for this meeting, Nicholas. I don't think canceling on him again would
be wise." After years of being at the receiving end of Nicholas infamous glares, Samantha had
become quite immune to them, so, she did not bat an eyelash when that inscrutable gaze fell on her.
"Do you understand what could happen if I don't take this trip to Tokyo today?" He asked his
composure belying the simmering fury brewing beneath.
Not the least bit cowed, Samantha logically responded. "I more than most, understand exactly
what is at stake here, Nicholas. But canceling this meeting would not be in the best interest of
Grayson Corp or your own."
Of course she was infuriatingly correct in her assumption. Nanotechnology would inevitably
be Grayson Corp's next venture. Something that had caught Nicholas's attention a few months back
when he witnessed a demonstration on exactly how powerful micro technology could be, forming a
partnership with Guthrie Robotics was their key into that untapped field.
"What time is the meeting?"
"He requested an early dinner. The location is to your choosing."
"Call BeSo and set something up. You will be joining us."
"But I have plans."
"Plans with whom? Ben and Jerry again?" He grabbed the jacket she offered and slung it over
his arm, while she staidly followed his hurried gait outside the office. His briefcase and notebook
tightly held in each hand.
Not that she needed to explain herself to him, but she was more than a little flattered that he
actually cared enough to ask. It flattered her so much that Samantha had to quickly think of
something to say, before he realized that she had just lied through her white teeth. "No, Ben and
Jerry have decided to spend some time alone tonight. I had plans to go out with a guy I met."
The elevator brought them down from the twenty-first floor to the first in seconds and as the silver
doors dinged open, Nicholas grabbed his briefcase from her hand and continued walking, knowing
that she always followed. "Interesting," he exited the revolving door and smoothly stepped into the
stretch limo opened and awaiting his arrival. "You've met someone?" He asked once Samantha
entered and the door closed firmly behind her.
Did he sound jealous? Samantha wasn't too familiar with the sound of jealousy from men. Then
again, Nicholas wasn't exactly like most men, even when angered he went out of his way to always

remain in control of his emotions.

"Yes. You sound surprised."
Nicholas poured a glass of water into his short glass and brought it to his lips with the first smile
Samantha has seen since the beginning of the week. "Not really surprisedwell, yes, I guess I am
surprised. It's a little shocking to hear that you have a date."
Slightly offended, Samantha retorted, "I do date."
"Which I am well aware of, it's just hard to grasp. I did not mean to offend you and I apologize if I
did." He smiled softly and all was forgiven for Samantha.
"It's fine." She took the offered glass of water he handed her. "I'll cancel."
"There's no need"
She shook her head. "No, I need to be there and besides he isn't all that interesting anyway."
What could possibly be interesting about a guy who didn't really exist? Nothing, that's what. What
was it that Cassandra, best friend extraordinaire had drilled in her head a few weeks ago? Oh yes"...make yourself available to him at all times and if all else fails, try the jealousy thing."
Well, seeing as how the' jealousy thing' was sinking faster than the titanic, Samantha resigned
herself to plan A.) Availability was obviously the key in all this. If she made herself available to him at
all times than she would eventually creep into his life and slowly become acquainted with his children
and soon enough, who knows? She could be the next Mrs. Grayson, with a child of her own on the
way, in less than a year perhaps. Okay, so maybe she was getting ahead of herself, but one couldn't
blame a girl for dreaming, right? And Samantha Harris had some very big dreams, dreams she
would've loved turning into reality.
"I apologize if working for me interferes with your social life but then I cannot say that I
understand seeing as I have no social life of my own. The life of an entrepreneur is at times lonely,
bleak and tiresome, in no way, would I wish that onto anyone, especially you." There was a note of
slight derision in that comment that tugged at Samantha's heart and if she didnt know him as well as
she did, she would've taken it as self-pity.
But Nicholas wasn't the sort of man to wallow in pity. He was strong. He was self-assured. He
was man who did not accept anything else but perfection in others and went even further in giving
more than perfection in return.
"You have a good life, Nicholas." She tried to reassure.
Eyes averted to the passing scenery beyond the tinted windows of the Limo, Nicholas gave a
snort at her comment. "I have money, I have power, and I have lovers. Its a meaningless existence.
There is nothing good about it."
"Iis this about your ex-lover?" the dreaded ex-lover, the beautiful ex-lover, who was not only
mother to Nicholas's children, a blessing in its own right. But she also happened to be the sole
wielder and proprietor of Nicholas's heart and soul. It would be a foolish person indeed who would
dare go up against something so daunting.
Mother had always called her a foolish girl, her head filled with hopes and dreams that seemed
unattainable but she had conquered business school, despite all that had been against her. She
worked herself up from lowly intern to one of the most respected minds in Grayson Corp. Nicholas
valued her opinions next to his own-she was his right hand man.
Samantha knew the value of hard work. She knew the agony of defeat and the joys of
overcoming it. She knew how to preserver and going up against the one person who made the
indomitable Nicholas Grayson lose all rationality with just her presence alone, would be a challenge
she would relish winning. No small, feat mind you but the most valuable things are never easy to
come by, a lesson well learned throughout her twenty eight years of life.
Taking his gaze from the window, he leaned his head back against the leather seats, closed his
eyes and a small, imperceptible smile grazed his lips. "Ellie," he said the name and his smile grew,
Samantha's heart burned. "She wants me to stay away from herpretend there is nothing between
us. It's like asking a politician not to lie. Every time I see her, I can't help but fall all over again. Every
time I look at the faces of our children, she's all I see." Caught in introspection he seemed to have
forgotten Samanthas presence.
Spellbound by the object of his obsession, he continued to speak. "I want her to be happy. I
really do. But I cant seem to let her go." He sounded so forlorn, so vulnerable in his impromptu
confession that Samantha felt for him.
"If you love something set it free. If it comes back to you, it's yours, if it doesn't it was never

meant to be. Ellie will come back to you if she's meant to Nicholas. You can't keep wallowing in your
past with her; it's going to destroy the fleeting relationship you have. Meanwhile it would be in your
best interest to familiarize yourself with your children."
He finally turned to her with a halfhearted smile. "I never did like that saying."
Samantha shrugged and returned his smile with a brilliant one of her own. "It's not my favorite
either, but I thought it suited the situation."
He looked away from her and released a bone weary sigh. "God, I must be more stressed than I
thought. Forgive me for unloading my baggage on you."
"Well, I meant what I said a few weeks ago, I'm your employee, but I'm a friend as well and
anything you have to say, I'm always willing to listen and offer advice." Hopefully nothing pertaining to
his ex again. Witnessing Nicholas so vulnerable was as unnerving as it was touching, but Samantha
wanted him to feel like that about her.
"I'll try to remember that."
Their next conversation moved from personal to business and sooner than they both realized the
Limo arrived at its destination. With a plan in mind, they boarded the luxurious plane and were on
their way to Kyoto, hopefully to return before the late afternoons.

Chapter 15
It wasn't until Sunday afternoon that Nicholas had the opportunity to see his children. Leaving the
grievances of the past week at the threshold, he stepped into Ellie's home once the door was
opened by the diminutive woman and gave an inaudible greeting.
"I'm fine. How are you doing?"
"I'm good, stressful week, but what's business without a little stress?" Nicholas posed the
question as they headed towards the living room.
"I think you thrive on the stress, you've always liked staying on your toes." Ellie turned to him and
surprised Nicholas with a grin. Taking a temporary second to gather his bearings, he cleared his
throat behind his fisted hand, before following in Ellie's wake.
Seated around the living room, attention ensnared by the flickering images on the flat screen T.V.
was about half of Ellie's family. Gabe and Ronnie sat snuggly together on the loveseat to the far right
of where their babbling horde giggled and played, every now and then, taking a moment to look at
the screen. On the sectional couch, Devlin sat with Bella, Dylan seated next to them and Sophie
occupying the next seat over, a small puppy separating her from the boy who bore a striking
resemblance to Devlin, who sat adjacent to her.
It was an image of familial bliss, and despite how hard he wished it were different, he came to
the bitter realization that this would never be his. He stumbled backwards suddenly desperate to
escape, the festering wound at his core too much for him to bear. He wouldve made his exit
unnoticed but a sudden step on a creaking floorboard alerted Bella and everyones attention to him.
Daddy! There was no dimming the joy in Bella's eyes as she leapt from Devlin's side and ran
into her father's welcoming embrace.
"Good to see you too, princess." He held her for a beat longer relishing the warmth of her hug.
"How was your trip to Japan?"
"Uneventful and dull, he said with a small smile, pulling away to stare into eyes that were more
gold than brown. I only wish I had you there to keep me company. How was your week here?
Anything exciting?"
"No, nothing exciting. Except for this stupid boy in my class who keeps bothering me and calling
me names. I stepped on his foot because he pulled my hair and I got in trouble. It wasn't fair because
he started it." With all the indignation of a Grayson she spoke her displeasure like the princess her
father believed her to be.
"Tell me his name and I'll take care of him." No one pulled on his daughter's hair, especially a
snot-nosed ten year old brat who didn't have the good sense to know whose child she was.
Ellie's laughter caused Nicholas to look up at her, brows furrowed in question. "Honestly
Nicholas, what are you going to do? Go up to this fifth grader and beat him up? The boy probably
has a crush on her, that's it."
"He should know better than to pull her hair and call her names."
"And she should know better than using anything but her words to retaliate."
Nicholas couldn't help his own laughter, "This coming from the woman who's always eager and
ready to dislocate my jaw? It's no surprise that she gets it from you."
"I am a good role model to my kids, thank you very much, Grayson."
Nicholas stood, oblivious of their audience, he approached Ellie. "Are you? Tell me that you
aren't itching to hit me right now?" he was smiling at her, the unabashed smile she remembered too
clearly from memories best forgotten. For a second, a very brief second Ellie felt beguiled by that
smile, but the sound of Devlins voice quickly dragged her back.
"She might not be, but I sure as hell am." Ellie jumped not having realized hed come so close.
"I'm not here for a fight." Nicholas said reasonably. "I came to invite the children to my mother's
home. She's been asking to meet them for a while now. Would you like that?" He inquired of a
grinning Bella.
"Is she nice like Nana Dina?"
Nicholas shrugged. "She has her moments, but I've come to adore her and I think you will too."
"Mommy can I can go?"
"Yeah, me too, Mom?"
"I don't want to go." Dylan said mutinously, keeping his gaze on the screen.

"I don't want to go." Dylan said mutinously, keeping his gaze on the screen.
"It'd honor my mother very much if she had the chance to meet you."
"I don't care, I don't want to go." He stood up from the couch heading towards Nicholas.
"I knew you wouldn't keep your promise." He snarled, turning on his heel immediately after to head to
his room, but before he could Nicholas grabbed hold of his forearm and halted his progress.
"Alright, you got me, what promise did I break?"
"It wasn't important enough for you to remember, so forget about it."
"I'm sorry but I can't do that. It's very important to you otherwise we wouldn't be having this
conversation. Now please tell me what promise I broke so that I can explain myself."
"I said it's not important! Leave me alone....leave us alone!" he wrenched his arm from Nicholas
grasp and ran to his room.
"Dylan!" Ellie made to go after him, but Nicholas stepped in her path.
"What promise did I break?" He seemed genuinely confused and Ellie took pity.
"He had his first little league game yesterday and I guess he thought you'd come." She informed
with a small shrug, hiding her disappointment in him better than their son.
Nicholas shook his head, frowning. "I don't remember promising him thatI didn't even know he
was playing yesterday!"
Ellie sighed. "Well then I suggest you have a conversation with your personal assistant about
fibbing.
"No, please, let me."
"He's hard to comfort when he's like this, maybe it's best if I went alone."
"He's my son too, Ellie. Please let me do this." The expression on his face conveyed everything;
Ellie reluctantly led the way to Dylan's room.
~*~*~*~
Sophie was stupid! She was stupid for wanting to get that man back in their lives! He couldn't
even keep stupid promises! And Dylan felt even stupider for wanting to trust him...for wanting him to
be everything Sophie said he was. But Dylan hadn't seen much of that, sure they hung out, watched
movies and played with all the cool toys he bought them, but that meant nothing if he couldn't be
trusted to keep his promises. Maybe their uncle Gabe was right in thinking that their Dad was a bad
man. A man who only hurt people and moved on. He hadn't loved them enough to stick around...what
would make him stay this time around?
"Dylan... Dylan its Mom, can I come in?"
With a sigh, Dylan dropped the ball he was holding. "Come in."
The door opened and Nicholas walked in ahead of his mother, Dylan frowned. "I told you to
leave me alone."
"Well, unfortunately for you, I'm averse to taking orders from anyone, my son especially,"
"I'm your son only by blood."
"Which I must say is thicker than anything. Blood will always be there for you."
"Like you were when we were born?" Ellie's eyes looked back at him, but the facial structure
was all Nicholas, right down to the insolent sneer on his lips.
"Dylan that's enough."
Nicholas shook his head and approached his son--the son who was so much a part of him, so
much like him that it hurt. In those fervent hazel eyes, Nicholas saw the same burning anger, the
veiled cry for acceptance and understanding, the underlying need to be loved by the man who sired
you. Nicholas understood those emotions too well. It pained him to see his son hurting, to witness
what ten years of cowardice and pride had wrought. He'd caused it and Nicholas was willing to
rectify years of mistakes. He was willing and he was here to see that history did not repeat itself.
"No, he's right," Nicholas knelt in front of his scowling son. "I wasn't there when you and your
sister were born Dylan and for that I am honestly sorry. You can't begin to understand how remorseful
I am."
Hands clenched in front of him in fists that were wound tighter than coils, Dylan chomped on his
bottom lip and continued to glare at his father through a haze of tears. "You left us."
"I was scared, cowardly and very troubled and because of that I pushed your Mom away. I told
her I didn't love her to keep her away from me, because I knew deep down that I would never be
good enough for her. I didn't find out about you and your sister until recently. If I had knownI can't
say that my decision would've been different, but I would not have been a stranger. Dylan I'm here
now and I want to try and be a good father to you and you sisters. It's taken me a long time to get

here, but I'm here now and I'm asking for a new start, I'm asking for your forgiveness."
Ellie tried, she really tried to remain unhinged by the father and son moment happening a few
feet away from where she stood and she tried not to let Nicholas's words affect her. But when her
son looked up at her, lost and seeking guidance, it was all she could do not to run to him and
envelope him in her arms. But she remained rooted. This was Nicholas's time, they had to resolve
this without any sort of intrusion and Ellie permitted them that.
"II don't want to forgive you. I'm mad and I want to hate you for not being there for us, but I
can't!" He punched Nicholas, the power behind the fist not strong enough to hurt, but the emotions
that propelled his fist forward, from the first to the second, third and finally the fourth punch hurt
Nicholas far more than the blows themselves. And as his son collapsed in his arms, his sobs
shaking them both, he couldn't fight back his own tears. Years of anger and pain poured from
Dylan's small body and his father held him tightly, absorbing it all.
"I'm sorry, Dylan. I love you," Words he'd never heard spoken from the lips of his own father,
spilled forth from his own like water from a fountain. "I love you and I promise to never leave. No
matter what happens I'm here now and always, you can hold me to that." He held his son close curly
head pressed against his chest, Nicholas continued to whisper his promises.
"I don't know how to forgive you." Dylan's whispered hiccup finally pulled Ellie from her spot and
over to where they were seated.
"We'll take it one step at a time." Lord knew that's exactly what she was trying to do, it was hard,
but what more could they do?
Dylan pulled away from Nicholas's arms, suddenly abashed at his display of emotion. "I'm sorry I
hit you."
Nicholas swiped his hands across his cheeks and smiled. "Don't worry about it, although I'm
afraid you've inherited you Mom's punching arm."
"It's a good thing." Ellie reassured as her son looked at Nicholas for affirmation.
"She's right; learn to punch like that and no one will mess with you." Standing up, Nicholas also
helped Dylan to his feet.
"No one does at school anymore." He sniffed before turning towards his father. "Is it okay if I still
come with you to your mom's house?" he inquired, unsure of where they now stood.
"If you're up for it, then we'll be honored to have you."
"I guess there's no point in asking me. Just stay out of trouble and no scary movies! That one
was aimed at Nicholas, along with the glare before she looked at Dylan. Dylan?"
"Yeah Mom?"
Ellie stooped down, captured his son's face between her hands and kissed him. "I love you."
"Aww Mooom!" voice dripping with indignation, Ellie and Nicholas's youngest child blushed with
embarrassment, before swiping his hand across his lips and muttering beneath his breath about
smothering Moms who didn't know how to keep the affections to a minimum as he existed his
bedroom.
"What I said earlier was the truth, Ellie." Nicholas said as the door closed behind Dylan.
"Nicholas"
"I know its ten years too late to apologize, but I am sorry for what I did."
"Let's keep the past in the past and look to the future. We've both done things we regret"
"I never regretted all the times we were together, I never regretted falling in love with you."
"You need to get over what we had and move on."
"Like you have?"
"Yes, Devlin is good for me and you should find someone that's good for you too. Those words
hurt far more than she'd expected them to.
"He'll never be good enough for you."
"Well then I guess you both have something in common."
They were verbally fencing, their foils represented by every barb they made, veiled beneath a
cloak of innuendos that anyone would understand, knowing the history they had. Ellie advanced, foil
in hand and lunged, with every comment made and Nicholas parried, recovered and came back with
an attack of his own, except he wasn't out for blood like Ellie was. She wanted to hurt Nicholas and
Nicholas would only deflect, he could no nothing more.
They could both say that their hearts did not accelerate a little when they began these little tte-ttes. They could say that they did not inwardly enjoy the emotions, no matter how fleeting, they

evoked in each other, but saying that, especially out loud would be detrimental.
"Yeah," Nicholas advanced but did not touch her. "We both love you."
"Why? Why are you doing this? What could you possibly gain by making me doubt my feelings
for him? Do you want me to say I love you back? That I forgive you for ripping my heart out? Do you
want me to leap into your arms, kiss you and forget everything? What?" Ellie shoved him. "What the
hell do you want?" she shoved him again and before she could do it once more, Nicholas grabbed
her wrists and stared down at her.
"I want your happiness."
"Then let me have it, Nicholas." She pleaded desperately, hating that he made her feel this way.
She hated that he made her doubt everything shed once been so sure of.
"Not with him." He replied with just as much desperation, silver eyes troubled, whirling with
emotions that were hard to pin down.
"You have no right to do this to me, Nicholas. No right at all. How dare you come back into my
life and tell me that you still love me when you gave up that right ten years ago? You took my heart
and you left me broken. You ran away from me, Nicky. From us. You can't deny me happiness now
when I was willing to give you everything back then. We had our chance and it passed us by. I can't
have you in my life as more than the father of my children. I just can'tI won't set myself up for that
kind of hurt again."
"You want me to tell you why it still hurts so much? Why every time you try and convince yourself
to forget about me you can't? Why every time his lips brush against yours I'm the only one you can
think about? Do you want me to tell you, Elle?"
"Don't" Ellie struggled to be free, Nicholas's hold remained steadfast.
"Because somewhere deep down you still care about me just as much as I do you. He'll never
make you happy, because I've spoiled you for anyone else," they were so close, Nicholas's face
centimeters away from Ellie's own. His smile was slow, sad as he brushed a kiss across her
forehead. "Just as you've done for me."
Nicholas wanted to kiss her so much that it was a physical ache, but he refrained. While he had
her so close, sharing the same breath, her warmth seeping into his icy limbs, he closed his eyes and
savored her nearness. Just for a sweet interminable moment, he allowed himself to take in all that
she was. He could give her space, permit her this happiness she wanted so much, but Nicholas was
incapable of doing so. He needed to let her go, this he knew, but the agony of releasing her would
kill him.
"You're right," he said finally, voice gruff with emotion. "I have no right to ask you for anything. I've
destroyed any hope of there ever being an us again. But please know, Ellie, that loving you has
been the greatest thing that's ever happened to me." He tentatively reached out to caress her cheek
and ruefully smiled. "You were my greatest joy and I didn't know how to keep you."
"There can't be anything between us, Nicholas."
"I know," he murmured, resting his forehead against hers. "God help me, Ellie. I know."
This was how Gabe found them when he walked into Dylan's room. Nicholas's hand cupping
Ellie's cheek with the other wrapped around her waist. Their bodies were indecently close, faces a
whisper apart alluding to the kiss Nicholas yearned to give and Ellie fought to deny. Gabe's anger
rose and without a second's thought he wedged himself between them and lunged for Nicholas.
"Gabe!"
Gabe's fist made contact only twice, before Nicholas retaliated. He elbowed Gabe's face with
enough force to leave the other man staggering. But not to be bested by that blow, Gabe came back
like a branded bull and tackled Nicholas to the ground.
"Stop! Gabe! Nicholas!"
Impervious to her cries, Nicholas and Gabe tussled on the ground, delivering blows evenly
matched. It had to take Ellie, Devlin and Ronnie to pull them apart. Bloodied and breathing hard,
both men assessed the damage done.
"What the hell is going on?" Ronnie demanded of her husband, pulling him from Devlin's grasp
and turning him around to face her. "Oh my god, look at your face! Gabe what the hell is wrong with
you"
"Me? Ask her!"
Ronnie turned to Ellie, who was holding Nicholas's arm like a lifeline. "Ellie...?"
But Ellie refused to look at her, she released Nicholas's arm and walked over to Gabe. She tried

to reach out to touch is battered face, but Gabe recoiled from her touch and scowled. "You can't
possibly be that stupid, Ellie."
Ellie flinched as if struck, Gabe's rebuke worse than any attack. "Nothing happened." She said,
guilt forcing her eyes away from Gabe's knowing gaze.
"Ellie, what happened? Are you alright?" Devlin settled his hands on Ellie's slumped shoulders
and turned her around. She avoided his gaze while her heart hammered painfully against her
sternum like a battering ram. The adrenaline of almost being caught doing something she wasn't
supposed to, caused the full body tremors that refused to cease. "God, Ellie, your shaking." He
enveloped her in his arms and over his broad shoulders, Ellie's eyes met Nicholas's stare. He gave
her a halfhearted smile between the gaping cut on his lip, imperceptibly nodded his head and made
his exit.
"Nothing... nothing happened. You know how Gabe is? He just overreacted. Nicholas and I were
just having a conversation about the kids and one thing led to another and viola! They're fighting."
"What was your conversation about?" She felt like she was under investigation, and she'd
probably have no reason to be so nervous if she wasn't guilty.
"I just told you, Dev, we were talking about the kids."
Devlin prodded. "You sure?"
"What reason would I have to lie? I was just letting him know that it'd be better on all of us if he
started taking the kids to his house from now on. That way, you and I will have more time together. I
really miss our times together, so I was thinking that maybe next week, for the three day weekend,
you and I go away together? No kids, no meddling exes, just you, me and the four walls of a really
nice hotel."
"What did you have in mind?" Thanking whatever deity in the heavens who had her best interest
at heart, Ellie stood on her toes and kissed Devlin. With the subject successfully changed, she
ignored her godparent and led Devlin out of the room.
"I don't know, but anywhere would be good, as long as you and I are alone."

Chapter 16
Sonya was so smitten that she was practically giddy with glee. At last she was meeting her
grandchildren. She'd long ago resigned herself to Nicholas remaining a bachelor for the rest of his
life, leaving the possibility of children out of mind. The revelation a few weeks ago, however, had
returned hope to her heart and she'd since then patiently waited for the day when Nicholas would
make their introductions. Today was that day.
They were more than what Sonya had ever imagined. Perfect little darlings who stared back at
her their bashfulness did very little in hiding their curiosity from her. They were too perfect for words
and it took a small amount of effort not to fall to her knees and embrace them both to her bosom.
She fought the urge, although just barely as she walked further into the sitting room, the imported
Persian carpet swallowing the sound of her heels.
"Nicholas, what a pleasant surprise!" And truly it was. With the time consuming schedule of
keeping his company running and catering to the demands of flavor of the months worldwide, Sonya
rarely saw her son. It was only on those infrequent business trips to the States that she managed to
see him and even then, it was for no more than a few days before he was off again. The fact that
she'd seen him three times in the last month was a wonder to her.
"I would've called but"
"Nonsense, darling," Sonya leaned forward and graciously accepted the warm peck on the
cheek Nicholas offered, "you know you are always welcome, phone call or not." She watched as
Nicholas advised the children to sit down, before she turned to the silent butler standing by the door,
"Virgil, tea please and some refreshments for the children."
"Will that be all Madam?" The atypical butler, Virgil was every bit a walking stereotype, rigid,
poise and had the distinctive British accent. It'd humored Sonya years ago, that out of all the butlers
they'd interviewed, Terran had taken a liking to Virgil and his bland personality. He'd hired him on the
spot.
"No actually, would you please inform my husband we have company."
"My apologies, Madam but the Mr. Jacobs has taken young master Ethan out for a walk and has
asked that I relay the message when you arrived from your outing."
"Alright then, tea will do just fine."
"Very good, Madam." With an indiscernible nod, Virgil disappeared behind the white ornate
double doors leading to the foyer.
"I had hoped to do this with Terran present but seeing as he is not expected for a few more
hours, I will make the introductions now. Mother," He looked as he had years ago, the very first time
he had been bothered enough to show Sonya his first piece of art, nervous and yet twitching with
excitement.
Unlike in the past however Sonya was no longer obligated to feign indifference, now she would
and could properly share in her son's joy without the looming shadow of her husband breathing down
her neck. "I would like you to meet my children, Dylan, Isabella and Sophie." As he pointed to each,
Sonya's cerulean gaze followed and when the last was introduced, she did not fail to notice the
sudden flash of surprise that swept over the child's face. Almost as though she'd never expected
those words to come out of Nicholas's mouth and to be perfectly honest, Sonya never expected to
hear them either.
But then again, this Nicholas wasn't like the one of the past. Here and now, stood a man who
understood pain and took life for what it was, responsibility and all he took it in stride. He was the
sort of man who rose to the occasion, no matter how futile. Acknowledging a girl who wasn't his
daughter as his own was only something her Nicholas could do without batting an eyelash for that
was the sort of man he had become, the sort of man a mother would be proud to call her own.
"Oh Nicholas, they're absolutely darling!" she brought her hands in front of her as though
readying for a prayer and took them all in, appraised each feature and locked it to memory. Dylan
was without a doubt Nicholas at ten years old, although with a darker complexion, but the features
were the same in every aspect. He stood no taller than Sonya's hip, face barren of any emotion and
far more composed than any ten year old ought to be.
Isabella, true to her name was a beautiful child, who bestowed her smiles freely, bright and warm
like the rays of the sun. Her chestnut hair hung over her shoulders in loose curls, she met Sonyas

appraising gaze with a shy smile, and her honey-brown eyes mirrored Sonya's happiness.
"I'm very pleased to meet you all," it was silly of her to be moved to the point of tears, but really, it
couldn't be helped. Tentatively she approached them with her heart lodged in her throat, there was so
much she wanted to say, so much she wanted to do, so much she wanted to show and tell them, but
all that came out was a squeaky whimper and the tears of joy she couldn't seem to keep at bay.
"Daddy?" the urgent tug on his hand and the surprise from his daughter's voice pulled Nicholas's
gaze away from his mother for a second and onto Bella.
"Hmm?"
She motioned for him to stoop lower and once he did she posed her question. "Is Nana Sony
crying because she's not happy to see us?" she kept her voice as quiet as she could, but Sonya
heard it all the same and unexpectedly began to laugh. Eight pair of eyes landed on her, their
bafflement clearly painted on their faces.
Before Nicholas could open his mouth to respond, Sonya beat him to it, "Oh my sweet little girl,
of course I'm not crying because I'm unhappy to see you. It's quite the opposite actually. Seeing you
and your siblings here today is by far one of the greatest things to ever happen to me. You cannot
know how happy I am to finally meet you all."
"So, you're not mad?"
"No, darling, I am not mad."
"Good, I'm glad, because Daddy said that you'd be nice us, but I wasn't too sure. Sopie, Dylan
and I were so nervous to meet you."
The clattering of dishes and silverware signaled Virgil's return and with practiced ease he
settled the pewter tray on the coffee table to the far right of where they'd gathered and carefully
began to pour a cup for each occupant, taking a moment to ask what each preferred in their tea.
"Please, all of you take a seat." They did as Sonya suggested and soon enough they fell into
conversation that encouraged the children to jump in when possible. The awkwardness from earlier
no longer apparent, Bella, Dylan and even Sophie quickly fell into a state of comfort, their ebullience
far too infectious not to be shared.
"So Sophie, you've been so quiet, tell me more about yourself." Her eyes, richer than the rarest
of onyxes widened just a bit as attention was brought to her, her cheeks ripened as she nervously
smiled. She was quite beautiful, made up specifically of fine lines and gentle angles, with shoulder
length hair she kept in two French braids. Cheeks still charmingly pink, Sophie toyed with one of her
braids, a sure sign of her nervousness. "Well, there's not much to say really."
"Nicholas tells me you're into astronomy?"
"Yeah, me and my Mom, when we go camping in Lakeshire Woods, she tells me all these really
cool things about space and stuff, I don't know," she shrugged. "Maybe I'll become an astronaut or
something."
"That's great, Ethan, my youngest son, is very much into astronomy also, maybe you can come
by one of these days and talk about space and the like."
"Ethan may be younger than you, Sophie, but the little guy is walking encyclopedia when it
comes to some things, I'm pretty sure you'll learn off of each other." Nicholas added as he looked on
with unrepressed pride.
"Yeah, that'd be cool."
"And you Dylan?" Sonya leaned forward as to get a better view of the young boy, "What are your
interests?"
Their gazes locked for a brief moment before he looked away. "I don't know videogames, I
guess. Our Mom just bought a trampoline, so that's pretty cool too."
"But Mommy won't let him jump on it without supervision," Bella blithely added and shrunk back
at Dylan's glare. Sonya laughed good-naturedly and continued her inquisition, learning something
new about each of her grandchildren as the minutes ticked away.
This was something they'd never had. Nicholas observed his mother interact with his children
and he smiled. Family. This was all he'd ever wished for, craved for, wanted more than anything, a
family of his own. However incomplete, this, right here and now, his mother, his children, this was
family to Nicholas. He didn't have Ellie and the way things were looking, it seemed he wouldn't have
Ellie anytime soon, but Nicholas was finding that maybe, just maybe that was Ok for now. He was
beginning to understand that life was too short and no matter what had transpired between himself
and Ellie in the past, their children took top priority today and forever.

It was a learning experience, each day he spent in their company. The man who was known as
an entrepreneurial genius learned something new from his children. They taught him patience and
humility. They made him understand the importance of laughter and what it meant to have fun. With
them, Nicholas allowed his inner child to come out and play, immerse himself in all that he'd never
been allowed to do. He understood love, the consuming love between a parent and his children that
drove him to do all he could to see that they were happy and protected. Dylan, Isabella and Sophie
were the stars of his universe.
Two hours later and still no sign of Terran, Nicholas decided it was time to continue their day. So
with a parting kiss for his mother and promise that he'd stop by with the children next time he was in
town, Nicholas and his brood picked up and left. They were headed to a small Italian restaurant
downtown called Gino's that'd been recommended by an acquaintance a few weeks back. Upon
arrival, the matre d' greeted them with a kind smile and led them to a table adjacent to one of the
giant windows in the restaurant that added a touch of elegance to the otherwise bland dcor. For a
Sunday evening, Gino's was abnormally busy, but all the same, Nicholas was content with the service
provided and ordered a glass of chardonnay when asked for choice of beverage.
"Daddy can I get a chocolate cheesecake?" Bella asked lowering her menu.
Nicholas smiled. "Only if you finish your dinner." He was becoming quite accustomed to this
parenting thing.
Three weeks ago, he wouldn't have said that to Bella without feeling as though he'd committed
the most grievous of crimes. Although he hadn't quite mastered ignoring her 'secret weapon' as of
yet, he was sure he had the rest of their lives to work on it, but right now, her puss-in-boots
expression was his Achilles heel and the little sprite knew it too.
So the waiter came and went, with their orders scribbled on his notepad, leaving them to talk
amongst themselves, but that didn't get very far when they all heard-"Nicky? Nicholas Grayson? Is
that you?" Lifting his eyes, Nicholas blankly stared at the woman standing a few feet away from their
table. She looked as though she stepped right out their past, the very image of a fervent seventeen
year old girl. Time had been kind to her, Nicholas silently observed.
Evey Abrams or rather Kingston, had marriedwell more like entrapped the former captain of
John Edgar's Lacrosse team into marriage when she'd discovered that she'd been pregnant two
weeks before their graduation. Not one to leave any damsel, especially this blond haired she-devilin distress, Dominick proposed to her never mind that the child hadnt been his. Nicholas still
believed Dom to be an idiot for marrying the adulterous bitch, but he couldn't really fault the man, love
as they said was disgustingly blind and he knew all too well the meaning behind that saying.
She was beautiful now as shed been before, the only difference being that now her beauty had
him picturing a professional porn star splayed out on a bed and Nicholas had no doubt that she had
photographs floating about in cyberspace somewhere.
Doing what propriety dictated of him, he stood as she approached their table and gently settled
his hand around her elbow as she presented her cheek to him. He brushed his lips against the
rouged mounds of her cheeks and pulled away. His trademarked smirk, reserved only for people like
her, on his lips, he began pleasantries. "Hello, Evey."
"Goodness Nicky, always so stoic, but it is great to see you again! How have you been?"
"Busy. You?" Nicholas knew her tricks and the one where she was now deliberately thrusting her
ample chest his way wasn't something new, women like her never changed and suddenly he felt the
need to laugh.
"I've been well. You know how it is; there aren't enough hours in a day to do much." And someone
like Evey had her share of people to do, rich, wealthy people who were very good at keeping their
affairs very discreet.
"Of course." it was becoming awkward and he wanted nothing more than to see her leave.
"Oh my, Nicky, are these your kids?" Evey had other ideas it seemed.
Nicholas did not want to introduce her to his children and would've tipped their waiter quite
handsomely if he'd interrupted them with their meal in that moment. Unfortunately for him, said waiter
was busy attending another table and couldn't be bothered to make his way to them anytime soon.
So, with a resigned sigh, Nicholas turned back to the table and reluctantly made the introductions.
"They are adorable; they look exactly like you, except for the older one, she looks very familiar
though, is she adopted?"
Stupid, discourteous bitch. "In a manner of speaking." He hoped she was smart enough to read

the curtness in his voice.

"I didn't even realize you'd married, your wife must be very beautiful."
He grinned, "Yes, Ellie is that and so much more, I'll be sure to let her know you thought so." He
said dismissively. He hadn't meant to lie, but seeing her reaction was worth his misleading answer
and he would've laughed in her face was it not for the presence of his kids.
"Youyou," she cleared her throat, "You married Ellie Holbrook?"
Nicholas wanted to say yes but again the presence of his children prevented him from doing
anything that would send the wrong message and being deceitful about something so big would
most definitely send out the wrong message. "N"
"Yeah it was an awesome wedding, they made me ring bearer and Bella was a flower girl.
Weren't you Bella?" Dylan sweetly smiled at his sister, who stared at him as though he'd grown a
second head, but quickly caught on when Dylan pinched her underneath the table.
"Uh yeah, I was a flower girl and Mommy gave me a garland crown."
For a brief second her pinched facial expression indicated her true age but just as quickly as it
came, it disappeared and seventeen year old Evey Abrams returned and brought with her a blinding
smile that was as artificial as her chest size. "How marvelous, well then, we all must do dinner and
catch up," she rummaged through her gold clutch, a perfect match to her four inch heels and pulled
out a mahogany red card. "This is my business card, it has my office number." She handed Nicholas
the card, her kohl rimmed eyes met his, the smoldering need there evident. "My personal number is
also on there, call me anytime." In a move that was far too deliberate, she raised her hand and
placed it against Nicholas's cheek and seductively she smiled. "It was nice seeing you again, Nicky.
I look forward to our next meeting."
"Nice meeting you kids, tell your Mommy I said 'hello'." She walked away then with her hips
swaying, leaving behind the cloying scent of her fragrance.
"Is she your friend, Daddy?"
Nicholas found his seat before answering his daughter's question. "She was an acquaintance."
"Does that mean she's not your friend?"
"Sort of, she and I knew each other in school, but I didn't consider her a friend." He took from his
glass and cleared his throat. It was somewhat awkward having this conversation with his daughter.
"So, is it okay if we don't like her? It won't hurt your feelings, right?" she looked as though the last
thing she wanted to do was hurt him and it seemed as though her siblings shared her sentiments.
Nicholas had never been so touched.
"No Bella, it won't hurt my feelings and to tell you the truth," he leaned forward, a solemn
expression on his face. He cupped his hand around his mouth and whispered, "I don't like her either.
She reminds me of a wicked witch."
Bella's eyes sparkled, "Like the wicked witch of the West?"
Nicholas laughed and then winked. "Exactly, but let's keep her true identity between us, we
wouldn't want her coming after us, would we?"
"No, but if she did, I know you would protect us and Mommy too."
"With my life." And he meant it, nothing would ever happen to them as long as there was still
breath in his lungs and even then, he would form a pact with the Devil if it meant protecting his family.
Dylan stared at his father and for the first time since meeting him, he was slowly beginning to
understand why Sophie admired him so much, why having a man like Nicholas as a dad could be a
cool thing. From across the table, Dylan watched and silently appraised him, discovering the small
things his Mom had said he got from his biological father. Like when Nicholas actually smiled, there
was a small crinkle that appeared next to his left eye that Dylan had inherited. Or that thing he did
when he was thinking, unknowingly tapping his fingers against a surface and wait for the answer to
come. Dylan found that he also did that. Mom had said that he had more in common with Nicholas
than he wanted to believe, but looking at him now and the fierce protection he felt towards them,
Dylan was becoming an avid believer.
Nicholas turned his head and met his son's gaze, he'd felt the burden of that gaze minutes
earlier but had chosen to ignore it, giving Dylan enough time to assess his old man, while he spoke
to both Sophie and Bella. They shared a moment. Not only had Dylan saved his ass earlier with the
whole Evey deal, but his son was smiling at him, actually giving Nicholas an authentic smile that he
found himself easily returning. Had Ellie seen them in that moment, her jaw would've dropped.
Soon after their waiter arrived and in his arms he carried their dinner, "Here is the fettuccine

Alfredo for the young lady." he set the hot plate in front of Bella, with a warning to be careful of the
temperature. He accepted her 'thank you' with a kind smile before he walked around to Sophie and
Dylan. "For you two, the chicken Scarpariello." their plates were just as large as Bella's with enough
food on each to feed at least two people. "And for you sir, we have the stuffed chicken prosciutto."
Nicholas received his plate and smiled his thanks. "If that will be all, I'll leave you to your meal and be
back to check on you in a little while to see how everything is."
"Thank you."
"You're welcome, enjoy your meal."
Dinner, aside from the occasional question of 'how's your meal?' from Nicholas and Dylan
picking at his sister's plate, remained blessedly uneventful. Evey Abrams and her ample bosom
completely forgotten, the small family ate in relative peace.
~*~*~*~
Their day came to a close about nine thirty that evening. Turning off the engine to the car,
Nicholas pocketed the keys as he slipped out of the driver's seat. He then opened the rear left door
and hefted a sleepy Bella from the backseat, gently settling her against his body. He head rested on
his shoulder while her arms were securely wrapped around his neck, heedless of the world around
her, she felt safe and protected in her father's loving arms. Both Dylan and Sophie exited the car
from the right rear door and sedately followed behind their father.
As though she'd been awaiting their arrival, the front door opened and Ellie appeared. To
Nicholas she was a sight for sore eyes. It wasn't the clothes she wore, which consisted of a loose
white T-shirt and navy blue sweatpants, her feet completely bare, or even the way her body always,
silently called to Nicholas's own. It was however the expression on her face. The adorable way her
untamed hair haloed her beautiful face. It was her smile, her grace, the way she loved, the sparkle in
hazel eyes when she laughed. It was Ellie...just Ellie.
"Hi," she stepped out, smiled and folded her arms across her chest, the evening's warm breeze
further tousling her straightened hair.
Nicholas furtively returned her smile. "Evening."
"Seems like you tired them out. It's been a while since I've seen them like this. They look
zombies." She stooped down to Dylan's height and lovingly brushed back his curls. "Had a good
time?"
Dylan looked at his father and for a fleeting second shared a look that seemed to convey all,
before he turned his gaze to his mother. "The best. I'm going to go up and take a shower. At the
entrance he turned once more and said, "Thanks for inviting me. I had a good time NichDad." He
rushed inside before Ellie could stop him.
"Wow, must've been some day."
Nicholas shrugged. "I think he and I are beginning to understand each other."
"I'm happy for you, Nicholas. You're both so much alike that sometimes I wonder if he'll grow up
to be just like you."
"Would that be a bad thing?"
"Not necessarily bad, I just hope he doesn't turn out to be an arrogant, egotistical swine." She
quipped with a smile.
"Are you saying I'm an arrogant, egotistical swine?"
"Only on your good days."
Nicholas chuckled. "Well, there are some who find my arrogance and ego quite charming."
"Good thing I'm not one of them."
Sophie quietly watched the playful banter between her mother and Nicholas and she could say,
with all certainty that there was no other kid in the entire city happier than she was in that moment.
They weren't fighting, there wasn't anyone to interrupt them and God willing there wouldn't be any
interruption any time soon. They looked completely at ease with each other, carefree as they laughed
at some weird joke only the two of them knew the punch line to. Devlin made her mother happy, but
Nicholas would always outshine him when it came to making her mother smile like that. It was smile
Sophie rarely saw, it made her mother look as though she was a teenager again, it made her
beautiful.
"Hey Sophie, call me next week and we'll definitely go to that exhibit, okay?" Nicholas
affectionately kissed her head.
"You're leaving?"

"Yes he's leaving, tomorrow's a school day, Soph and you know better, now say goodnight and
get inside." When Mom spoke with that 'you'd-better-do-what-I-say-or-else' voice Sophie knew
arguing was futile.
Resignedly she began her goodbye, "Alright, thanks for letting me tag along, Nicholas. It was
great meeting your mother, and yeah, I'll call you Friday night about the art exhibit so we can get an
early start on Saturday."
"Great, I'm looking forward to it."
Hearing that, Sophie smiled. "Yeah, me too, want me to bring Bella to her room, Mom?"
"No, I'll be right up."
Sophie sheepishly smiled when she caught a glimpse of Nicholas's knowing grin. Well, one
couldn't blame a kid for trying right? "Night, Nicholas."
"Night, Sophie."
"Thanks again for spending"
"Stop that." He evenly met Ellie's bewildered gaze. "You don't have to keep thanking me every
time I take them away for the day. They're my kids too, Ellie, and spending the day with them isn't a
chore for me, it's something I really enjoy and look forward to every week. So please, in the spirit of
this truce we have going on, I would really appreciate it if you didn't make me feel like their nanny."
Ellie shook her head, "That wasn't my intentions at all, Nicholas, and I'm sorry if I made you feel
that way. It's just that, well I'm not used to having someone else with the kids except my family."
"I'm not someone else, I'm their father."
Ellie sighed. "I know, it's just weird, Nicholas. Even you have to admit that this situation is just"
"I only want to be with my kids, Ellie. I haven't done"
"Daddy?" Bella raised her head from Ellie's shoulder and groggily stared at her father.
"Hey there, Bells," She rubbed her left eye with her fingers, further ensnaring her father into her
web of cuteness. He stepped forward and brought his hand to her cheek. "I have to go now."
She pouted. "Do you have to leave? You can stay over and we can have a sleepover! And you
can stay in Moms room..."
"Bella..." Ellie said in exasperation, unable to believe the things her children said or did
sometimes. Her reaction brought a smile to Nicholas's face.
"But Mom..."
"Your father has a perfectly warm and comfortable room of his own to sleep in at his house, now
let's say goodnight."
"I'll see you next weekend, Bella."
"Promise?"
Have I given you reason to doubt me?"
She grinned. "No."
"Well then, I guess we'll be seeing each other on Saturday wont we?"
"Yes, I can't wait!" She gave him a hug and a kiss on the cheek."I love you, Daddy."
"Love you too, Bells."
Ellie tried not to draw attention to herself while witnessing the touching scene between Bella and
her doting father. But despite her best efforts, that inevitable pull drew her in. Nicholas raised his
head, his eyes meet Ellie's own and it was crackling energy. It was there, magnetic, tangible. A
gravitational pull that couldn't be helped, couldn't be stopped, it was a burning fuse that would, at any
moment, burst into a grand display of heated tongues and limbs, if immediate action wasn't taken.
Ellie wrenched her eyes away and took a step back, but unfortunately lost her footing and would've
ended up falling backwards was it not for Nicholas's swift action.
"You Ok?" With Nicholas's arm securely wrapped around her waist and their daughter cocooned
between them, Ellie fought for breath. "Ellie?"
Hazel eyes rose and met Nicholas's silver grey ones. "hmm?"
"I asked if you were, Ok."
Ellie nodded numbly, her heart racing.
"Y---yeah, um, it's getting late, Nicholas. We'll see you next week." She retreated, completely
unhinged now. "Say goodnight to you father, Bella."
Bella said a final goodnight and the very second she entered the house, Ellie gave Nicholas a
hasty goodbye of her own before rushing inside after her children.
Nicholas chuckled. Stuffing his hands inside the pockets of his khakis, he cheerfully made his

way to his parked car.

~*~*~*~
"Samantha, in my office." It didn't sound as though he was asking, in fact, since arriving this
morning, Nicholas had seemed particularly pissed off about something and that something was
probably the reason why he was ordering her to his office now.
Hastily running a list of things she could've forgotten to do, Samantha came up with nothing, so
she figured maybe it was someone else's incompetence she would now have to clean up. The HR
staff upstairs probably hadn't found their mole yet, damn lazy bastards got paid just to sit on their
asses. She grabbed her iPad from her disorganized desk and proceeded to his office, slightly
weary of entering, but she braced herself for the worse.
"Yes?"
"Close the door."
Samantha did as instructed and quietly closed door behind her. She walked further into the room
and waited. While she waited, she took in his appearance. There wasn't a day that Nicholas
dressed less than what he was worth, even when in casuals, he still looked as though he spent
thousands. Today being a day of business and all, he was once again bedecked in one of his tailor
made suits, an off grey color that set off the silver flints in his eyes. The documents on his desk far
too important to give his attention to anything else, he had Samantha wait for a stretch of an eternity
before raising his head to greet her with his discontented visage. Again, Samantha desperately tried
to remember whether she'd forgotten to do something he'd asked her to do over the weekend and
again, nothing particularly important came to mind.
"Were you aware that my son was scheduled to have his first baseball game this past Saturday?
" Samantha's heart struck against her ribcage and she silently screeched out a barrage of
obscenities that would've had her dear old mother blushing right down to her silver roots. There was
no use lying, from the way he was looking at her it appeared as though he already knew the answer,
lying would be a surefire way to dig her own grave.
Feigning ignorance, Samantha innocently peeked at her 'trusty' PDA and abashedly peered at
Nicholas through the veil of her lashes. "Oh god, Nicholas! I wasn't aware that it was this past
Saturday." She was embellishing, it was the only way to save face. Of course she'd known about the
damn baseball game! She wasn't known as the best P.A. in the building for nothing. She'd known
since last Wednesday afternoon, when Nicholas's ex had called and asked nicely that she inform
Nicholas of it.
Nicholas had been away from his desk at the time, the urgency to ferret out their mole had taken
him to the 25th floor and he hadn't returned until much later. By then, Samantha had made up her
mind to keep the message from her boss. There'd been a part of her that had felt horrible for
deliberately being cruel to a child, who probably wanted nothing more than to have his father at his
baseball game, but at the time, in that present moment, Samantha hadn't cared.
The last thing she'd wanted was for Nicholas to spend time with his family and get closer to his
'perfect' tart of an ex-lover. "I'm so sorry, I accidentally wrote it down for this Saturday. We were so
busy last weekI'm so sorry." Did she sound sheepish enough? She wished that she could blush at
will; that would've added to the effect perfectly.
She held her composure and evenly met his piercing gaze, a minute, sixty seconds of pure
torture, he finally looked away. Samantha had to applaud her performance.
He stared at her for a brief eternity, his pewter gaze boring into her and Samantha tried very
hard not to squirm. "Be sure that it doesnt happen again." He said tersely a moment later, his gaze
returning to the files on his desk.
"Will you need anything else?"
"Ill let you know when I need you. In just that moment she was dismissed and Samantha couldnt
have felt worse if the occasion called for it. She'd royally screwed up and she was now paying for it.
With a great sigh, she continued her earlier tasks all the while contemplating how to get back in
Nicholas good graces.

Chapter 17
Samantha happily stared at the tickets in her hands and still couldn't believe her luck. She taken
all her lunch hour and a thirty minute dinner just to purchase and retrieve these tickets. Finally!
Something was going right for her, the heavens were shinning down on her and boy did it feel good!
She hadn't even believed that it was possible to get these tickets so late in the season and had only
gone online as a fluke, hoping to find something endearing to gift Nicholas with and these were by
0far the best present she could've ever hoped for.
Yves Charmant, a very gifted art prodigy who had become world famous practically overnight
with his thought provoking opuses, was having a gallery opening downtown. She'd first seen one of
his pieces hanging in one of Nicholas's Tokyo office years prior and had become fascinated by it.
Nicholas had caught her looking at it during her first month in his employ and a sort of nostalgic
smile had overtaken his visage when he'd told her that he was a collector of Charmant's
masterpieces. He hadn't divulged any other details aside from the fact that the paintings gave him a
sort of serenity; almost like coming home.
This was perfect. He would forget the incident this morning and she could finally have a date with
him; two birds, one stone. The 9 to 5's were preparing to leave by the time she came back to the
office, she just hoped that Nicholas had remained and not spontaneously up and left as he was
known to do at times. She gave a short knock on his office door before entering and found that he
was still hard at work, no longer perfectly put together, but still undeniably handsome.
"Samantha, I thought you'd left." He didn't look up as he continued to tap away on his laptop. His
hair looked as though he'd raked his hand one too many times through it as it fell across his
forehead. His tie was undone and hung around his neck. The sleeves of his collared shirt were rolled
halfway up his forearms. His rumpled appearance made him look so damn good. Samantha wanted
to lock the door behind her, peel her clothes off one garment at a time and splay herself out on his
large desk, ready and willing to do anything he wanted.
She shook her head to clear out the fantasy and cleared her throat. "I took my dinner early.
Nicholas?"
"Hmm?" his head remained fixed on that damn computer screen!
"I have these tickets to the opening of Yves Charmant's gallery and I was wondering if you would
like to attend with me. I know how big of a fan you are of his works and so I thought maybe"
"Ok, I'll go."
"I mean you don't have to go, I know you have a lot of work to do, but you don't have to go with
me if you don't want to, maybe I'll just go with a friend or sell them on eBay"
"Samantha! Did you hear me, I said I'll go!" He looked up and for the first time that day and gave
her a smile that had her knees wobbling.
"Youyou'll go?"
He closed the notebook and gave her his attention. "Yes, I'll go. These reports can wait until
tomorrow."
She was shocked, excited and nervous all at the same time, but tried very hard not to act like a
complete idiot. "Are you sure?"
Nicholas raised a brow. "Did you expect me to say No?"
"Noyesmaybe." her cheeks bloomed. "I'm just glad that we can get to see this together, you
know, as art fans and all."
"Of course, I'm honored that you invited me. It's been a while since I've been to one of his
openings, the last I believe was in Paris three years ago, it was very exciting."
Samantha held down a girlish squeal of glee. "I'm excited to go, this will be my first."
"And you've picked me to share it with you? Truly I'm honored, Sam."
God! Was there a limit to how great this night could get? He called her Sam for God sakes and it
sounded so endearing coming from his lips.
"So, when does it start?"
"Seven thirty."
He took a glimpse at his wristwatch. "Great that gives us plenty of time to go home and get
ready. I'll be by your house at seven."
With her heart close to bursting, Samantha said her short goodbye before leaving the downtown

office; she hurried home to get ready! Eager to begin her date.
~*~*~*~
"Are you going to tell me where we're going?"
Devlin took a moment to glance at his blindfolded fiance before retuning his eyes to the road. "I
already told you Ellie, you'll know when we get there."
"You're not being very helpful."
Devlin chuckled. "And you're not being very patient."
"It's hard being patient when you've been blindfolded for more than an hour."
"I didn't realize traffic would be this bad, just bear with me, babe, we're almost there."
Ellie sighed, leaned back into the passenger seat and tried to give Devlin the benefit of the
doubt, despite her misgivings. It wasn't so much that she doubted her fianc, in all actuality she
trusted Devlin implicitly. But being blindfolded for the extent of time that she has without so much as
a clue as to where they were headed was bound to get anyone antsy. She wasn't big on surprises
and would've preferred to know what was going on rather than finding out later, but Devlin had
wanted this. He'd been so eager this evening when he'd picked her up, his enthusiasm encouraging
Ellie to reluctantly put on the black satin blindfold. That had been almost an hour ago.
The unexpected weight of Devlin's hand on her thigh caused Ellie to jump. "You alright, Ellie?
You seem a little jumpy."
"I'm fine. I'm just worried about the kids."
"The kids are fine staying with Gabe and Ronnie. I want us to have a good time tonight."
Ellie halfheartedly smiled. "I'm sorry for acting so weird. I've just been sort of out of it all day.
Even my students noticed it."
"Are you Ok? Are you coming down with something? Maybe I should turn the car around"
"No!" Ellie hurriedly interrupted. "No, Dev, that's not what I want. I'm fine. I think you have the right
idea with this tonight, we'll just go and have a good time."
"Okay, but any sign of anything you let me know and we'll head back."
Ellie smiled, touched by his kindness. "I promise."
Minutes later and they finally arrived at their destination. Devlin hastened to the passenger side
to help Ellie out, before handing the keys over to the valet attendant. Leading her from the car to the
revolving doors of the opulent building they were to enter, Devlin stepped behind Ellie and leaned
down to whisper against the shell of her ear. "I know how much you've wanted to see this." He freed
her of the blindfold and quietly waited for Ellie's reaction.
It took a moment for Ellie's eyes to readjust to light, but when it did, she saw what Devlin wanted
her to see and her smile could've rivaled the sun. "Oh, Dev." She turned around after taking her fill of
the poster announcing Yves Charmant's gallery opening. "This is, how did you get tickets?"
"I called in a few favors, are you happy?"
Ellie scoffed in disbelief, before taking hold of Devlin's face and planting a very satisfied kiss on
his lips, mindless of their audience. "Does that answer your question?"
"I don't know. I might need a little more convincing."
Ellie laughed before pulling away. She grabbed Devlin's hand and they both practically ran for
the revolving door.
~*~*~*~
"What do you think of this one?" Samantha asked as she stood by Nicholas's side, taking any
opportunity to get as close as impossible without being on top of him. He'd shown promptly at seven,
like he said he would and graciously escorted her to the passenger seat of his sleek imported car.
The trip from her house to the gallery hadn't been long and through the short ride, they'd enjoyed an
amiable conversation that hadn't pertained to work. The night was turning out better than she'd
expected and hopefully by the end, she and Nicholas would be having a little nightcap that would
lead to--"Approaching heaven, fitting title, but I think that's pretty much all I like about this painting. He
seems to be putting too much effort into this. Art should be effortless."
"You speak from experience?" he peeled his gaze away from the oil painting and gave her a
feeble smile.
"I sometimes fool myself into thinking I can draw. It was hobby growing up." There was that

nostalgic air again, surrounding him like a shroud, Samantha wished he would share more with her.
"Why didn't you pursue it, if you don't mind me asking?"
He shrugged. "I lost my passion for it. Come let's take a look on the other side of the room." He
courteously settled a hand on the small of her back and led her away, the door to his past firmly
closed.
~*~*~*~
Devlin listened attentively as Ellie went on and on about each piece they saw, animatedly telling
him which pieces were up to par and which ones lacked 'presence'. She seemed in her element
here, filled with vivacity. Just being around her made Devlin content. In just a few more months he
would be married to this woman, they were going to raise a family together. There wasn't much he
could ask for. Devlin wasn't a complicated man and certainly having found Ellie was probably all he
would ever need to be happy.
There were times though, when Devlin wondered if his diminutive lover cared about him just as
deeply? He didn't want to doubt Ellie's love. He didn't want to think that there were unresolved issues
that were keeping Ellie from committing herself fully, but one had to wonder. He wasn't a stupid man.
Any fool could see that she still harbored some feeling for her ex. But the true question was, just how
deep did those feelings run? Were they profound enough to unravel three years of happiness?
Again, Devlin hated that he had these suspicions. He hated that every time the name Nicholas
Grayson came up Ellie gave a start. She feigned indifference, but after three years, Devlin knew
Ellie's mannerism.
"Hey," Ellie frowned in worry as she rested a hand against Devlin's cheek. "You Ok?"
Starring in those hazel eyes, Devlin saw the reason why he would fight until his dying breath for
this woman, why he remained by Ellie's side, despite her wavering feelings. Devlin loved Ellie. It was
as simple as that. Ellie was the epitome of his happiness. "Better than you know." Devlin pressed
his lips against the inside of Ellie's wrist and smiled. "Come on, I think they have more pieces over
there."
They made their way to the other side of the immense gallery hand in hand and just as they
cleared through a throng of people mingling around, Ellie accidentally bumped shoulders with a
woman holding a champagne flute. Luckily her escort managed to grab her and the champagne flute
before any embarrassing moments could happen. But all the same, Ellies mortification prompted to
apologize. She stopped short however when she caught sight of who the womans escort happened
to be.
"Nicholas."
"Ellie, what a pleasant surprise."
"I wish I could say the same."
Wesport. Nicholas coolly acknowledged the other man.
The tension in the air was as thick as fog, the animosity radiating off both men was enough to
spark kindling.
"Hi, I'm Ellie Holbrook." Samantha looked down at the offered hand as though it would unleash
some sort of disease on her. But she took it nevertheless and they shook hands.
"Samantha Harris." Samantha tried hard to find something about her to hate, something to make
her justify the cruelty behind her thoughts. But Samantha came away with nothing. Her imperfections
made her beautiful and Samantha hated that she envied her for that. "It's finally nice to meet you,
Ellie. Nicholas speaks very highly of you."
Ellie snorted, her gaze meeting Nicholass. "I'm sure there are much more important things in
Nicholas's life to talk about than boring old me."
"You'd be surprised." Samantha muttered wryly.
"I'm sorry?"
"You're still a fan of his works?" Nicholas's sudden inquiry saved Samantha from responding.
"Yeah, I thought you weren't a fan?"
"I've had a change of heart." When they spoke to each other, like they were doing now, it was as
if the world and the people in it ceased to exist.
"Typical, Nicholas. You could never make up your mind on what you wanted. The hidden
innuendos where there, referencing to a past only they knew and understood.
"I have a pretty good idea now."

Samantha couldn't stand it anymore. "There's so much to see, I'm sure we wouldn't want to miss
anything. Nicholas, can we go look at landscapes?" She looped her arm through his, not allowing
him the opportunity to refuse.
"Of course. Ellie, Westport, if you'll excuse us." They walked away then and were engulfed by the
swarming crowd.
The remainder of their evening was spent in silence, the awkwardness broken every now and
then by Ellie's attempt at conversation. But it seemed Devlin was too wrapped up in his thoughts to
respond properly and so, after a while, Ellie just shut her mouth. They arrived home around nine thirty
after picking up the children from Gabe and Ronnie's home.
Ellie headed upstairs and readied Bella and Dylan for bed. By the time she walked back
downstairs, cleaned the kitchen and arranged the living room, it was close to eleven. Deciding that
she'd done enough busy work, Ellie headed to her bedroom, maybe now Devlin would be in the
mood to talk.
Ellie opened her bedroom door and closed it behind her. The table lamp by her bedside dimly
illuminated the room and outlined Devlin's form on the mattress.
"Dev?"
"The kids sleeping?"
"Yeah, Roan was asking for you." Ellie shrugged out of her nightgown and dropped it on the
bench of her vanity."Dev, are you Ok? Is there something you want to talk about?" She crawled on
the mattress, the expression on Devlin's face made her stop.
"Is marrying me something you really want to do, or is it a way to forget about him?" he had his
eyes closed, his voice thick with emotion.
"Dev" Devlin abruptly rose and turned to face her. He grabbed Ellie's hands and forced her to
meet his desperate gaze.
"Be honest with me, Ellie. Be honest with me and yourself, tell me how you really feel. Tell me that
it's me you think about when he comes near you. Tell me it's me you want to spend the rest of your
life with. Tell me that I'm not just a replacement. Tell me that you're not just settling"
"Dev"
"Tell me!" he shook her, his voice a roaring boom. "Tell me the truth, Ellie."
"Devlin,"
"I don't want to feel this way, always doubting your feelings for me, but how can I not when I see
the way you act around him? The way he"
"Nicholas means nothing to me, Devlin! I don't know what I have to do to prove that to you! There
isn't anything going on and there never will be. It's you that I want, it's you that I think about,
it's you that I love. Tell me what I have to do to prove that to you?"
Devlin settled his forehead against Ellie's own and sadly whispered. "Justjust let me be the
only man in your heart. That's all I ever wanted, I can't bear to be anything else."
"You are, Devlin."
Releasing her hands, Devlin cupped Ellie's face and devoured her lips. "Let me love you, Ellie?"
He breathed against the side of Ellie's neck.
"You don't need to ask."
There was no longer any need for words as the sound of flesh and vocalized moans overtook
the room. Ellie let Devlin love her, while she desperately fought the images of a certain silver eyed
man from coming to mind. She screwed her eyes shut, dug her fingers into the sheets and chomped
down on her bottom lip to keep from accidentally calling out the wrong name. She felt like such an
asshole.
~*~*~*~
The scene from the prior evening with Devlin replayed over and over again in Ellie's mind. It
pained her to realize what she'd done, what she was doing each time she lied to Devlin. God! But
what else could she have done? Devlin's expression alone had done her in. It'd been so raw, so
heart wrenchingly hopeful that Ellie couldn't have told him the truth even if she'd wanted to. So rather
than honesty and sincerity, she'd chosen deceit and selfishness. How had it come to this?
How did she end up harboring these feeling? Where did they come from? It wasn't supposed to
have been like this. Ellie could say that she loved Devlin. She honestly did, but something always
held her back from fully committing to him. She adored Devlin, the man who came into Ellie's life and

made loving possible again. He was patient and kind, loving and attentive and there wasn't a day in
the last three years since they started dating that Ellie remembered crying because of him. Devlin
had always proved himself to be a gentleman, completely conscience of all her emotion. Devlin was
perfect for her. Devlin...Devlin...
Devlin wasn't Nicholas.
And there laid the crux of Ellie's emotional problems. It always came back to Nicholas Grayson.
It was one of the greatest jokes in the history of romance, to want the man who confused and
angered the hell out of you. The man who unrepentantly took liberties with your heart and made you
enjoy each moment, no matter how torturous. While the mind pleaded for the man who made life
simple, who made familial bliss so easy, who wanted nothing more than to see to your everlasting
joy, the mind yearned for that.
But the heart and the body craved passion. They demanded the emotional instability, the edgeof-your-seat arguments that inevitably exploded in hot, body melting sex that had you screaming to
the high heavens. The heart and the body desired the man who caressed your soul. Who thrived on
spontaneity, understood your insecurities because they were a perfect match to his own. The heart
and the body wanted a man who was as wild as you were tame, as idealistic as you were pragmatic.
Ellies heart and the body wanted what she feared the most.
She didn't want to be with that man. Yet every time Nicholas looked at her, every elusive brush of
his fingers along her skin, every utterance of her name from his lips, was like a call to debauchery.
Her heart sang for him. Her body ached like nothing else when he was near. But things were not so
simple. The anger and deep emotional wounds from the past refused to allow things to be so simple.
She had her pride, her dignity and the tight reign they had over her prevented Ellie from doing
something foolish, like run back into the arms of the man who had decimated her heart.
There were memories that plagued her despite that she'd moved on and they wouldn't let her
forget. But Ellie wanted to, with a desperation that almost burned, she wanted to forget and live the
remainder of her days as Devlin's little wife. But the situation had become increasingly hard now and
she had to make a decision. Ellie knew she was coming at a crossroad and no matter how difficult,
she would need to make that decision and regardless of what she did, people were going to get
hurt.
The last thing Ellie ever wanted was to hurt Devlin. But how long could she continue this farce?
How long would she continue to lead that man on without giving him all the facts? He was entitled to
the truth if nothing else. Ellie would make him understand. She would tell him everything and let him
know that though she cared for him deeply, she was far too unstable to remain in a relationship.
Getting married only to discover years later that it'd been a mistake wasn't something Ellie wanted.
Divorce wasn't an option once she said yes. To be fair and just, Ellie knew she had to let Devlin go,
she couldn't possibly continue to compromise their relationship and friendship.
It hurt Ellie to know that she would let him go. But Devlin deserved happiness. He deserved to
find someone who was capable of giving him the unconditional love and happiness he so effortlessly
gave her.
"Ellie!" Ellie turned her head sideways so fast that she felt a twinge and while she brought her
hand to the base of her skull to alleviate the pain, she smiled at the sight of Maddie making her way
towards her, freshly clean from her shower.
Maddie had called a week prior to inform Ellie of her arrival this week and they'd planned
accordingly. Ellie, taking her sick time from work had driven early to the airport this morning after
dropping off the kids at school to fetch her best friend. As expected of friends who hadn't seen each
other in more than a year, they'd screamed each other's name in the middle of the busy terminal
before coming together in an overdue embrace. It'd been warm and familiar to both, but more so for
Maddie it'd felt like coming home.
The idea of Maddie staying at a hotel quickly dashed away, Ellie had stayed up the night before
to tidy up the extra guest room. The ride home had been filled with small talk and when they finally
made it to Ellie's house, both women lugged her suitcases to the guest room. It was while unpacking
Maddie's luggage that shed told Ellie of the events of her life in Tibet for the last year and a half.
There hadn't been much of tale there only that her excavation site was coming along quite nicely.
Once they'd managed to put most of her things away, Maddie excused herself to a shower and Ellie
made her way downstairs, thoughts of Devlin and Nicholas buzzing around her mind like gnats.
"Sorry, but I've been calling your name for the last five minutes. I swear you can be such a space

cadet sometimes." Maddie commented offhandedly, flopping down on the ottoman adjacent to Ellie.
She had a smile of her face that brought out the beauty of her aquamarine eyes, made more so by
her golden brown complexion.
Tibet agreed with her, Ellie thought mindlessly, taking in her friend's appearance. The Maddie of
old was no longer, had in fact disappeared for some years now. In her stead was a woman who
smiled and laughed with ease, an air of confidence about her that was to be envied. She'd cut her
infamous red mane into a cute angular bob that framed her round face and skimmed just above her
shoulders. She'd lost some weight years back but had maintained her shapely form. Her simple
outfit of dark blue jean shorts and black tank outlined every curvaceous line. Maddie Tate was a
woman fully grown now, who had an utter joy for life, appreciating her experiences and her mistakes
for what they'd been. Ellie was happy for her friend.
Ellie grinned. "I was thinking. All showered?"
"Yup, there was a leak in the sink pipe so I took the liberties."
Ellie brows lifted. "'You took the liberties? Since when do you fix pipe?"
Maddie grinned and wiggled her fingers at Ellie. "Magical hands, my friend. They can perform
wonders."
"Ew Maddie, active imagination here."
"Not my fault your mind's constantly in the gutter. My comment was completely innuendo free."
The look on her face implied otherwise. "So, my happily engaged Amiga, what has happened in my
absence?"
Ellie's heaving sigh, had Maddie wondering what exactly happened since the last times she'd
spoken to her friend. "What's up, Elle? Things not going good with, Dev? Is it wedding jitters?"
"I wish it were only that, Maddie."
"Alright, now you're scaring me. Talk to me, babe, what's going on with you?"
Ellie took a moment to reflect on the theatrical joke that was her life. "Well let's see. I got
engaged, had the engagement party and Nicholas of all people showed up, found out about the kids
and is now a part of our lives again. Oh and I managed to meet this really hot guy who'd be
awesome for you. His name is"
"Whawait what?" Maddie stammered unable to believe what she'd just heard.
"His name is"
"Before that."
"I got engaged?"
Maddie stared narrowly at the woman she considered her best friend. "After that."
"Oh, you mean the engagement party"
Maddie stood, loomed over Ellie and grabbed her face. "The part where you mentioned
Nicholas's name Ellie, you know, the father of your babies. The man who wasn't even supposed to
be in the same state as you let alone the same country!"
"Ohhhh, Dthat." Her face still in Maddie's hand prevented Ellie from normal speech.
"Yeah that! Start talking, Elle. What the heck is going on? Why is Nicholas suddenly in your life?
And why is this my first time hearing about it?" Maddie released her friend's face and reclaimed her
seat.
"It slipped my mind?" at Maddie's glower, Ellie put a stop to her feigned ignorance and sighed.
"Where should I start?"
"The beginning and don't spare the gory details."
Ellie took a deep breath. "The night of the party I had this feeling, you know, that something bad
was going to happen. But the guests weren't really out for my blood so I figured, sure, whatever, I can
handle this. And having Dev by my side helped too. So I started to relax, thinking to myself that
maybe I was just being paranoid and nervous about the wedding and everything else that came in
between. But the minute I put down my guard BAM!" Maddie jumped as Ellie clapped her hands
together, but did not interrupt for fear of having Ellie stop when it was just getting good. "Nicholas
shows up, completely unexpected, completely unwelcomed."
"Go on." Riveted and on the edge of his seat, Maddie spurred Ellie on. "What did he say? How
did you react? Better yet, how did Dev react? And how hot did you think Nicholas was in that
moment?"
Ellie rolled her eyes, "I was too busy trying to stop my heart from falling out of my butt to notice
how hot he was."

Maddie's eyes twinkled, a knowing smile on her lips. "Liar."

"Maddie you perv, that's beside the point. I was too shocked to even notice anything! And not
only that, but he asked me to dance! Dance for god sakes! After ten freaking years, he comes back
and wants to dance!"
"In front of, Dev?"
"Dev's the one who asked me to go along with it. To him, Nicholas was a potential partner at the
time; he didn't know he was Dylan and Bella's father."
"Wow, this is like soap opera good.
"So glad my life can entertain you." Maddie gave her friend's knee a comforting pat before
smiling apologetically.
"I'm only kidding, Ellie. I know how much this must suck for you."
Ellie leaned back against the couch and heaved a sigh. "It sucks a big one, Maddie. Everything
just happened that night. Nicholas found out about the kids. Devlin found about my history with him.
The wealthy upper crust got a whiff of my dirty laundry and I ended up with all the stress from ten
years ago. Now Nicholas's apart of our lives, Gabe and I have hit a rift and to top it all off, I think that
maybe I might, sort of, still have feelings for Nicholas. There's no way I can marry Devlin feeling the
way I do. It just wouldn't be fair."
Maddie's brow knitted in concern for her best friend. These were shocking revelations and as
much as she wanted to quiz Ellie for answers, she chose instead to just be there for her. "Ellie"
"Everything is snowballing out of control, Maddie! Part of me wants to hate Nicholas for bringing
all this stupid, unnecessary high school drama back into my life. The other part wants to thank him
for opening my eyes to the mundane, rigid and endless cycle my life would become if I married
Devlin. I love Dev, I love him so much, but when Nicholas kissed me"
"Kissed? Nicholas kissed you?"
Ellie's flushed. "Twice. And his kisses, Maddie, they were likelike volcanic, you know? It
melted my bones. It's like I was dead all this time and the moment his lips touched mine, I woke up."
Maddie remained speechless as she reflected on Ellie's words. Strong, powerful words that had
her slightly wistful of that sort of passion Ellie and Nicholas had for each other. Theirs was a special
sort of love, an untouchable, indiscernible love that ran rampant over any who tried to come in
between. As sadly and beautiful as it was, anyone who fell in love with those two individuals was
bound for heartbreak, because they belonged to no one else but each other. They couldn't be
blamed, Ellie and Nicholas, because it wasn't their fault that they were fated for each other. It was just
the way things were, begrudging them their love, their passion, was futile and pitiful. Maddie knew far
too much from experience.
Poor Devlin, Maddie thought solemnly, he didnt even stand a chance.
Having known them for so long, Maddie could be right in saying that these two idiots had better
find a way back to each soon, otherwise the trail of bloodied hearts they left behind would come
back and bite them in the ass. "You have to tell Dev the truth, that's first and foremost, before you can
act on anything else."
"I know that, but I don't want to hurt him." Ellie replied.
"Him not knowing is worst, Elle. You have to tell him. Like you said, he deserves to know. See
what he says and go from there."
"And if he ends up hating me?"
Maddie shook her head. "He'll never hate you, maybe hell be angry at first that it took you all
these years to realize the truth, but if he loves you as much as I think he does, then he'll be incapable
of hating you."
"You didn't hate, Nicholas?"
"Not once."
They shared a look, imbued with mistakes and heartaches of the past and then they smiled,
understanding bringing them into a sisterly hug. "I'm so happy you're here." Ellie murmured against
Maddie's shoulder.
"It's always good to be back here, life isn't the same without your family." Since the passing of
her Grandmother four years ago and even earlier than that, Maddie considered Ellie a part of her
family. Like family they bickered and fought over foolish things, but in time of need, family was
always there. Ellie had always been there for her, through thick and thin, through addictions and
tears, she'd been Maddie's rock, now it was time to return the favor.

Maddie soothingly ran her fingers through Ellie's hair, "I think you and I need to hit the town, grab
lunch and talk about this on a full stomach. Whatdaya say?"
"I say, Thai food is good for this sort of conversation."
"Then Thai food it is."

Chapter 18
They'd found their mole and he was just as Samantha expected. A sniveling, rotund, greasy
haired worker from HR, who was beginning to piss her off every time he opened his mouth. "I'm sorry
Mr. Grayson, but I was forced to do it. They threatened my family. I---I had no choice."
"You could've approached Mr. Grayson himself and told him that you were being threatened. But
instead you disclosed valuable company information to our competitors and deliberately kept
documents that could've been a hindrance to this company. Furthermore"
"Samantha." Having kept his mouth shut for too long, Nicholas decided it was time to say
something. "Under the circumstances, Mr. Hawthorn, I cannot permit you to stay with this company."
Sir..."
"I have come to the knowledge years ago that in order for a company to thrive and succeed trust
must first be established between the employer and his staff. That is the basis of all my companies, I
entrust myself and my diligence and in turn I expect the same from every person in my employ. You
and everyone else were made fully aware of this during the hiring process. It is not something I take
lightly. So, seeing as my trust in you has been irrevocably broken, you are no longer an asset to
Grayson Corp."
"Please, please Sir, don't do this! I have a family! I have a little girl"
The merry tune of Nicholas cell phone echoed in the large boardroom, indicating that it could
only be one person. The corners of his lips rose slightly as he looked on the LCD screen. He flipped
open the silver mobile and pressed it to his ear. "Hello, Bella."
"Daddy!" her voice broke through the speakers, her joy evident.
Nicholas lifted his gaze to the round metallic clock hanging from a distant wall. "Out from school
already?"
"Yes, Mom and Auntie Maddie came to pick us up and we're going out for ice cream, because
Auntie Maddie said she hasn't seen us for so long, so she wants to treat us to ice cream cones.
Mommy wasn't so happy about it, because she thinks were going to have cavities with all the sweets
we eat, but when we went to the dentist last month, I didn't have any. Dylan and Sophie did and they
had to get---"
"Bella stop talking your father's ear off, I thought you just wanted to say 'hello.'" Ellies voice in the
background brought about a chuckle from the silver eyed CEO.
"Moms getting aggravated, Daddy, so I have to go. I called to say I love you and I miss you and
like you promise, I'll see you on Saturday, right?"
"You got it. Saturday's all yours. I love and miss you too. Say 'hi' to your Mom for me. Okay,
sweetheart, I'll talk you later, bye."
Samantha struggled not to role her eyes at the sickeningly sweet display of affection. It was both
painful and aggravating to hear their voice or even have the knowledge that they existed. It was a
constant reminder of what she would never have. Nicholas was far too besotted to even look her
way, so why the hell was she even trying? She brought her hand up to her forehead to rub her alcohol
induced headache away. After last night's events, she'd gone home, ate a pint of Ben & Jerry's,
called a few friends up, who just happened to be pro's at mixing the best drinks her tongue had ever
tasted.
Her favorite? Fuzzy Navels. A few of those and she was lip-locking any guy who bore a slight
resemblance to her current unrequited love. She was a pathetic mess she knew it too, didn't need
you pointing out that sad fact. However, she was determined pathetic mess and until the day she
heard from Nicholas's own lips that he wanted nothing to do with her, Samantha would keep pursuing
him, no matter how hopeless.
"Sir, I beg of you, I have a family"
Nicholas raised his hand. Mr. Hawthorne's pleading voice brought him back to the situation at
hand. "Alright, Steven, I'll level with you. How about a permanent vacation?"
"Sir?" clearly he was puzzled, Nicholas didn't blame him. It wasn't everyday his altruistic side
came out to play during business.
"An all-expenses paid vacation for you and your family. By the end of this week, I can have a new
life set up for you, somewhere warm and friendly, where the natives actually like Americans." He took

life set up for you, somewhere warm and friendly, where the natives actually like Americans." He took
his shot at a joke and was looked at as though he'd grown a third eye in the middle of his forehead.
Right, no more jokes for him then.
Wise enough to realize what was offered more than likely came with price tag, Steven Hawthorn
posed his question. "What's the catch?"
"Yeah, NicholasMr. Grayson, what's the catch?" Samantha grounded out through clenched
teeth. They'd wasted a good amount of time trying to uncover the identity of this rat and now he was
being rewarded for his betrayal? She wanted to see the damn bastard hang!
"I'm suddenly feeling, I don't know, generous?" his rhetorical question was answered with
expected silence. "Yes, let's go with generous. I own a small island, uncharted and all that. I need
someone in charge down there who will have my home ready for me whenever I decide to visit."
"Let me see if I understand you correctly. You're going to pay to uproot me and my family down to
your private island, pay for everything and have us wait for you every time you decide to drop by. You
want me to be a housekeeper?"
Nicholas grinned. "Precisely. Good housekeeping is so hard to find, these days. You've worked
hard for me these past years. Sure you've been led astray, but you had motive. You did it for your
family, your little girl. I've recently come to treasure mine and like you, I would do anything for them,
even if it meant betraying my boss. I admire that. That is the reason for this unexpected offer, which I
suggest you accept, before my sanity returns."
"Of course, thank you sir, thank you very much." He wasn't a stupid man, far, far from it.
Nicholas grinned and slammed his hands on the glass table. "Very good. Samantha here will
take care of everything, so please be packed with the essentials by the end of this week." Nicholas
stood and proceeded to the door, but stopped mid-way. "Oh and Steven?"
"Y-yes, Sir?"
"Mind telling me the name of the one you divulged my companies' information to? You know, as
compensation for all that youre getting in return." With a practiced eye, almost anyone could detect
the sneer and bite beneath the veneer of his handsome features.
"The man, who called and told me to do it never gave a name. Only that I was assisting in the fall
of a megalomaniac."
"An infliction that runs in the Grayson family, I'm afraid," his smile was no longer warming, the
effects only chilling and deprecating. "But not to worry, I've taken great pains to stop it from
spreading. Quite a shame that you couldn't divulge any information"
"Well, I don't know if this will help; but the files I've been ordered to leak, did pertain the names of
our top five investors."
"Very good, thank you, Steven and I hope to see you and your family sometime in the near future.
I'll leave you in Samantha's capable hands." He made his exit, and Samantha was tempted to throw
something at his retreating back. Instead she settled to aim her scowl at the moron grinning from ear
to ear at her.
"Count your blessings, Hawthorne."
~*~*~*~
"I'm going out with a few friends from work, sweetheart, try not to wait up. Brandon's sleeping
over at Corey's house." She pressed her violent red lips to his cheek, smiled becomingly and
walked out.
"Try not to wait up," Dom angrily mimicked. "Try not coming home smelling like some other
man's spunk, for a change!" He yelled at the door, at the four walls of the room, at the wedding
photograph sitting on the mantle, mocking him. Dom just yelled at nothing in particular because the
person he wanted to yell at had just walked out the door, on another journey to open her legs to the
entire world.
She was like a rash, or better yet, a flesh eating disease that nibbled away at your core until
there was nothing left except a shell of what was. That's what Dominick Kingston has come to think
of his wife after so many years of marriage, a marriage that was as fake as the woman who slept
next to him each night.
There were times when he wondered if this was all life had to offer? Was this it for him? His life,
done at the dull age of twenty eight? Stuck in a sham marriage with the only thing keeping him from
running mad was the little boy who didn't even share his DNA? Was this all life had to offer to the
once upon a time promising star athlete of John Edgar High? He'd once been in the same league as

the Nicholas Graysons' of the world.

His future had been ripe with opportunities, but now where was he? Working some low level shit
job that couldn't even garner him respect? Married to a woman who was leeching life away from him
each passing day? Well, Dom was coming to the end of his ropes. His adulterous wife, his failed
marriage and even his stupid, unthankful job as an accountant, they were all hanging on by a very thin
thread. A thread that could, at any given moment snap. He brought the green bottle of Heineken to
his lips and chugged it down in one go. The bitter salty liquid dribbled on the side of his mouth and
he used the back of his hand as a napkin. He grabbed another bottle from the fridge and
administered the same treatment as the first.
He hadn't had the need to drink this much since the night he found out about all the men in
Evey's life and it'd almost killed him. To love a woman to such an extent and have her trample on his
heart, it'd been too fucking much. iIt was still too fucking much. For ten years, ten years of hoping that
she'd finally see the errors of her way and commit herself to only him. He'd known in high school that
she'd been a slut. Dom had known, but he'd still loved her. When she'd told him she was pregnant,
he'd been thrilled, coming from a well-rounded background, Dom knew that it was only fitting to man
up and do the right thing. So he'd proposed, naively thinking that if he married her, she'd stop. God,
how hard he'd wished for her to stop.
His entire family thought he was a moron for sticking around, even after the shocking discovery
of Brandon's paternity. They all despised her, right down to his little sister, who thought Evey was a
succubus in disguise, who had his heart in a jar and loved playing with it whenever the need struck
her. Dom wholeheartedly agreed with Lucy. God! He'd been so stupid! Hed thrown away a good life,
his hopes and dreams, his aspirations, everything! He'd thrown everything away for her.
Dom had wanted what his father had been to him and the rest of his siblings. He'd wanted to be
their rock. Hed wanted to be the one who kept them all together. Brandon hadn't been his by blood,
but there was no other father who could love him more. It hurt. It'd hurt ten years ago and it hurt now,
only now, Dom was so close to leaving. The only thing keeping here was his son.
"God." He downed another beer, grabbed his keys and he walked out. If he stayed in that house,
he knew the walls would close in on him and squeeze him to an early grave.
~*~*~*~
Seven hours later found Samantha in the evening traffic, on her way home, eager to snuggle up
with a bottle of aspirin, a down pillow and one of her rousing fantasies of Nicholas and herself,
alone, naked and deserted on a remote island. She was a loser and had absolutely no life
whatsoever and again, she was very aware of the fact, but she simply didn't care. Her life was her
job. She was content. So she drove and coincidentally enough one of her favorite song was playing,
Cheap Trick's I want you to want me' no other song, could possibly describe how Samantha felt.
She dialed the volume up and opened her mouth to belt out the song, the lilt of her voice rising
and falling with every lyric. Escaping from the fishbowl that was downtown traffic, she signaled right,
stopped at a light and continued on. The arch that signaled the entrance to St James Bridge was
less than a fifteen minute ride from home.
Driving across the bridge, one could always see the plethora of twinkling golden lights that
illuminated the city, their reflections mirrored back over the dark beauty of the river below. It was truly
magnificent sight, except Samantha never remembered seeing a man ready to jump to his death as
a part of its beauty. Not giving a thought to what she was really doing, she pulled over, turned off the
engine and pressed the emergency lights. Once she was out of her car, she pocketed her keys,
looked both ways for oncoming traffic before running across.
Dom loved coming to this bridge, looking out, he was given the slightest bit of hope. His life may
have been complete shit, but he was a man who could understand signs and right now, someone
above was sending him a sign. Everything was going to be ok. There was a warm breeze that
tempted him to close his eyes, so he did so, and spread out his arms. He was seated on the rail, the
river beneath him, his legs dangling, it almost felt like he was flying...like he was free.
"Don't jump!"
Dom opened his eyes and turned to look behind him. Coming at him, faster than he'd ever seen
a girl run, was a crazy woman, screaming, "Sir, don't jump! Just don't do it!" she approached him,
winded, eyes wide and concerned she stared at him as though he was the one who needed saving.
"I...I, whew, excuse me," she held up her hand and took a moment to catch her breath before

speaking. "Look, whatever it is, it's not that bad! I know it may seem like it is right now, but this is not
the answer. I have the number of a really good therapist. I mean, she works wonders, and if you'll get
down I can give it to you and we can"
"I'm not suicidal." Dom murmured bemusedly, still shocked that this woman, with her blond hair in
disarray and her wrinkled business suit assumed something so ridiculous. For God sakes he was
Catholic! Suicide wasn't even an option to anything!
"What?" she blinked as though she hadn't expected that answer.
Dom couldn't help himself, he began to laugh. This entire scenario he found was just too funny for
words. "I wasn't going to jump, I'm not suicidal."
"So then why"
"I like this view. I guess I couldn't help getting a closer look." He shrugged a shoulder and smiled
down at her. "Want to join me?"
Samantha stepped away, suddenly realizing what the hell she was doing. She didn't know what
had driven to be so hasty and impulsive, but something had pulled her here, something had---"I'm not
a fan of heights." She took another step back and warily looked at the red haired man she'd been
prompted to 'save'. "Maybe you should get off that. I mean like, come towards meit doesn't look
safe."
Dom's grin widened. "It's completely safe, now if I did this however," he leaned forward, she
screamed and he laughed.
"Fine, whatever; do whatever you want. Jump if you want. Have a nice afterlife." She fumed.
"I thought guardian Angels weren't supposed to abandon their charges."
Samantha turned around, halfway down the sidewalk. "I'm not your guardian Angel and I'm only
leaving because you're an ass!"
Dom jumped onto the sidewalk and ran after her. "Hey! Hey wait up! I'm sorry." he grabbed her
arm and gently turned her around.
Samantha stared at his apologetic face and reluctantly sighed. "You're forgiven." She placed her
hand inside his offered one and immediately pulled back. "Ouch you shocked me!" she accused and
nursed her hand to her chest.
There was something about her. The way she acted, the way she looked, the way she stared at
him, that had Dom smiling. It was an odd feeling. A good sort of odd that had him offering to buy her
a drink.
Samantha readied her apologetic smile, opening her mouth to let him down."I---I'd loved
to." Wait a damn minute! Her brain screamed. That wasn't a rejection, you moron!
"Great. I'm Dom by the way."
Samantha looked at him and their gazes locked, she broke eye contact immediately and looked
down to conceal her blooming cheeks. "Samantha." This was so out of character for her, she hadn't
the slightest idea of what the hell she was doing. But-maybe that could be a good thing? There was
something about this guy, Dom that seemed almost familiar---almost right.
Or maybe he can end up being a rapist who will ravish you, tie a rope around your neck and
ditch your body in a sewer! Samantha's mind nastily bit out. Samantha chose to ignore it. For a little
while, she wanted life not to suck so hard.
~*~*~*~
Bella skipped rope, Sophie played catch with a friend and Dylan ran around with Grayson. This
was their momentary reprieve from a long day at school before they had to go in to do homework.
So the kids enjoyed the warm evening, still light enough to play, but not too dark to go inside yet.
"Hey, I'm going to go see if I can talk to Jake before Mom calls us in, I'll be right back." Jake
lived three houses down from them, he was a good friend and Dylan needed to borrow a game.
"Dylan you know you're not allowed to go anywhere by yourself. Mom said
"Then just come with me and shut up!" He picked up Grayson's leash and walked away, leaving
his sister to run after him.
"Hurry back. No crossing the street." Sophie advised her two siblings, keeping a close eye on
them as they disappeared down the sidewalk.
"Dylan, stop walking so fast!"
Dylan didn't say anything, but he did slow down for Bella to catch up with him and Grayson. "Why
do you always have to follow me?" he asked minutes later into their walk.
"Because I'm your big sister and it's my job to look after you." She said with her matter-of-fact

voice and Dylan frowned.

"You're only older by a little bit." Grayson's leash slipped from his hands as the little dog raced
down the sidewalk in hot pursuit of something. "Grayson! Grayson, stop!" Dylan ran after him, Bella
not too far behind him.
"Grayson!"
"Grayson!" the dog took a sharp left at the end of the street and Bella and Dylan automatically
followed.
"Grayson." Dylan stopped short and Bella slammed into his back. She stepped back, ready to
yell at him, but shut her mouth when she saw the man staring down at them.
"Hey there kids." Bella instinctively grabbed Dylan's arm and pulled him towards her.
He was tall, but then to anyone their height, he would look tall. He wore dark clothes, as dark as
his hair. His eyes zeroed in on them and Bella found that she didn't like him at all. She pulled on
Dylan's arm again. "Dylan, let's go." She whispered.
"Don't be scared kids."
"We're not allowed to talk to strangers." Bella, always friendly and ready to share her smiles with
the world, did not smile for this man. In fact she glared as hard as she could.
"That's a very smart rule, bet your Mommy taught you that. I know your, Mommy, she and I were
very good friends in high school. I was just coming to pay her a visit actually," he scrunched up his
pants before falling to his haunches in front of them. "Hi, my name is Anthony, but you're Mommy
calls me Tony, and you are, let me guess, Dylan and Isabella?"
Bella skeptically appraised him and her unease spiked, she really didn't like this man. "Just
because you know our names doesn't make you any less of a stranger. Dylan lets go."
Tony's gaze ran over the scowling child and he was sorely tempted to wrap his hands around her
golden throat. "You are a very smart little girl. Tell you what. If I tell you where your dog ran off to will
you believe me then?"
"Where?" Dylan finally opened his mouth to speak.
"He almost got hit by a car, so I had my friend hold him for you. See that van over there?" he
turned slightly and pointed to the Gray van up a few feet away. "My friend's in there with your dog,
come on, I'll take you to him."
"Dylan no lets go home."
Dylan turned to his sister and grabbed her shoulders. "You stay here and watch me. I'll just run
over and grab Grayson."
Bella shook her head. Her watery eyes were huge with fright. "No Dylan, please, I'm scared, let's
go home."
Dylan sighed. "Bella I have to get the dog. It's my fault he ran away, if I don't get him, Sophie and
Mom will be mad."
"Dylan"
Dylan hugged his sister to him. "I'll be fine, if something happens to me, scream really loud and
run, Ok?" he whispered against her ear.
Bella reluctantly nodded.
"Ok, let's go."
"We'll be right back sweetheart, don't cry." He made to touch her cheek, but Bella recoiled away
and scowled. Tony's smile did not reach his eyes when he looked at her. "Nice eyes." He brought his
arm around Dylan's shoulder and led him away.
It wasn't that far, Bella tried to convince herself. She could see them now, nothing was going to
happen. Dylan was a fast runner. Nothing was going to happen, Dylan was a fast runner. Bella played
the mantra in her head as she worried her bottom lip, anxiously staring at her brother's retreating
back. But the mantra came to an abrupt stop and her heart slammed against her chest when the
stranger forcefully grabbed Dylan around his waist and threw him in the backseat of the van.
"BELLA RUN!" Dylan yelled seconds before he was thrown in the truck.
She opened her mouth to scream, but a big bear-like hand halted her attempt. She struggled,
flailed her arms and legs, scratching and biting in the efforts to escape her capturer. But her efforts
proved futile as the van pulled up next to them and she too was thrown into the back seat.
Sophie ran faster than she ever had in her life, adrenaline and fear pumping through her veins,
he lengthened strides propelled her down the sidewalk. She saw the van and in the rear window she
watched in horrified shock as her sister and brother looked back at her, their faces painted with

terror.
Sophie didn't think, only reacted and her reaction brought her in front of the van. The impact
wasn't as bad as she'd expected, but her skull thudding against the pavement was. Seconds before
losing consciousness she heard, "What should we do?"
"Hurry th'fuck up! Just grab her and let's go!"
Sophie wanted nothing more in that moment than her Mom and Nicholas.

Chapter 19
The hours passed by. The seconds zipped through. Each lapse of time was another painful
reminder that her children were still missing. Amber alerts had been put out. Squad cars were
parked outside her home, while others combed the quiet streets of the small suburban town, in
search of the kidnappers. Ellie was beyond frantic.
There were people around her, their faces reflecting their concerns and woes, but Ellie was blind
to them all. The words they spoke were white noise in her ears. She felt like someone had buried her
deep beneath the cold earth, with cotton in her ears and burlap between her teeth. Unable to speak.
Incapable of hearing. Her mind was in turmoil, thoughts mercilessly bombarded her skull until the
veins at her temples began to throb.
It hurt to think, but it couldn't be helped. What was a parent's main objective if not to think of the
welfare of her children? Children she'd carelessly allowed to be kidnapped! They were gone. Bella,
Dylan, and Sophie...they were all gone. The guilt was a physical ache, a lump lodged deep within
Ellies throat. It was a reminder of her failure every time she swallowed. Gripping the edge of the
sink until her knuckles blanched Ellie tried to keep her tears of frustrations at bay. She opened her
mouth and took long even breaths.
Now wasn't the time to breakdown. She had children out there who were counting on her; they
needed her to find them. Nothing would happen to them, thinking otherwise was not an option at this
point. She had to believe that they would find her children and it had to be soon, otherwise there
wasn't telling what she might do. She'd harangued the town police hours ago until she'd rendered
herself sick. The results hadn't changed, her children were still missing and even with the one
witness they had, it seemed that the search was going nowhere. They were in the same position
they've been in for the last two hours and it was becoming clear to Ellie that the local PD were all
grossly incompetent.
"Ms. Holbrook, Shay is ready." Ellie spun around from her position at the kitchen sink and faced
the uniformed man. Like all officials of the law, Officer Black seemed far too sure of himself. With an
austere mien that made him look as though he'd bitten into a lemon he stared at Ellie across the
expanse of his aquiline nose. "He's finally willing to speak, but he won't say anything unless you're
there to hear him."
The Morris' were neighbors, who lived only two houses away from them. Their daughter, the
youngest of four children, was a school friend of Sophie, who often came over to play or do
homework and was a frequent guest at Ellie's dinner table.
Shay had been the one to bang on her door a forty-five minutes later, terrified and babbling
incoherently of the events that had transpired. After sitting her down and calming her enough to call
both her parents and the police, Ellie had tried not to panic. Shay hadn't said much, the information
she'd provided so far hadn't helped any and after seeing the sort of stress their daughter was under,
the Morris' had asked to take her home. But the kid had refused, saying that she wanted to help find
Sophie. And now it seemed she'd remembered something that could help them, Ellie prayed it
wasn't a dead end.
Ellie walked past the pinched faced police officer and hurried to the dining room, where she'd
left everyone. Gabe and Ronnie had arrived about an hour ago with their brood in tow. They'd settled
the children in the next room and popped in a children's movie to distract them from the events
unfolding around them, while the adults congregated in dining room. Martha and Herbert Morris,
Gabe, and Maddie, all sat or stood around, occupied with their own thoughts, unable to do much.
Upon entering the room, Ellie saw that their positions hadn't changed from when she'd left the room,
except for Martha who'd taken a seat next to Shay and was coddling her to the point of annoyance.
"Baby, you don't have to do this, let's go home," she was saying as Ellie stepped further into the
room. "You've been through a lot"
"Mom," Shay shrugged her intruding hand off her shoulder. "I want to help. II-Sophie would
want me to help."
"Any information you give us is important and we appreciate that you're doing this, Shay. I know
how hard it is for you, so I want to thank you."
"My daughter has told you all she has, Ellie. She doesn't have anything else to say to you. We're
sorry about your children, but"

Ellie turned her gaze to her and stepped forward. "My kids are missing, missing, Martha.
Kidnapped. Gone. Do you have any idea what the means? Can you, for one second put yourself in
my shoes and understand what I'm going through right now? We are all parents here, and so I can
relate to your wanting to keep your daughter safe, but if she's my only chance to find my children, I
need her to tell me what she knows. Please don't take this away from me."
She was on the border of tears, the telling pricks behind her eyelids dared her to blink and
release them, but Ellie refused. She clenched her hands at her sides and kept her gaze on the face
of that woman until she relented, face softening. "We'll do anything we can to help you."
Ellie nodded. "Thank you." then promptly turned her attention to the eleven-year-old standing
inches away. "What can you tell us?"
"Like I said before, Sophie and I were playing catch right outside, when we heard Dylan scream
for Bella run. We dropped the ball and ran to where we heard his voice. Sophie's a lot faster than
me, so she got there first. But everything happened so fast and the next thing I know I see the van hit
her." The evidence of her words painted red the unforgiving asphalted road, Ellie had seen it herself
and each time she recalled it to memory, her stomach turned.
"And then what happened?" She'd heard it several times already, but Ellie pushed to hear it
again, futilely hoping that they'd missed something...anything.
"They took her and dragged her into the van."
"Who are they? Did you see what they looked like?" Ellie anxiously asked.
Shay shook her head and worried her bottom lip, her inability to provide anything helpful made
her feel useless and stupid. "I didn't get a chance to see their faces. All I remember is that the one
who grabbed Sophie had dirty blond hair, kinda wavy."
"That's fine, you're doing fine. Do you remember anything else?"
As though that question caught a fuse and sparked something in her brain, Shay's light blue
eyes widened and she nodded enthusiastically. "Yeah! Yeah I remember the first part of the license
plate! Its 57V." she turned her excited gaze first to officer black and then to Ellie. "That helps right?
Can't you track down the car that way?"
It was more hope than they'd had in the two hours. "That's a very big help, sweetie, thank you."
"We'll get right on it." On his way out, officer Black cocked his head to his shoulder and radioed
the dispatcher on the other line.
"We'll be leaving now, Ellie. It's getting late and tomorrow is a school day." Ellie knew Martha
wasn't being purposely callous, she was just tactless.
"I understand and I appreciate your support. Thank you for allowing Shay to stay awhile."
"We'll keep you and your children in our prayers."
"You're much too kind, thank you. Shay, you've been so helpful tonight, I don't know how I can
ever repay you, but I promise to bake you the best oatmeal cookies when this is all done."
Shay flushed. "You're welcome, Ms. Holbrook. Andand I hope you find Sophie, Bella and
Dylan."
"Thank you, I hope we do too." Staid Mr. Morris herded his family out of the Holbrook residence,
probably never to return. Of course, that was fine by Ellie, so long as Shay and Sophie remained
friends, her parents could cheerfully go to hell.
"We will find them, Ellie. You just have to keep faith." Both Ronnie and Maddie came to her side
to comfort her. Ellie wanted so much to take solace in their words but she couldn't. Acknowledging
that her children were gone, realizing that they wouldn't be spending tonight or God forbid even the
next night in their warm beds, was a glaring fact she wasn't nearly ready to face yet. Ellie couldn't
stop. She couldn't stand still and think. She couldn't do anything but focus all her energy of finding
them. Her children had to be found.
"Did you hear anything from Gabe or Devlin yet?" As they spoke, Devlin and Gabe were driving
around the neighborhood doing all they could to find the missing children and at Ronnie's
disappointing head shake it seemed they weren't having any sort of luck.
"Can you call them and ask them to come home?"
"Speaking of calling people, have you called Nicholas yet, Ellie? I mean, I don't want to be the
voice of reason here, but I think he should be here too."
Nicholas. She'd wittingly avoided thinking of him. To think of Nicholas was to think of the
conversation that would inevitably take place between them. For so long now Ellie had had only
herself to rely on when it came to her kids. Yes, Gabe had helped her immensely over the years, but

the responsibility of her children had always fallen on Ellie. Now it seemed she had to share that
responsibility with another person, but not really another person, because Devlin had been just
another person who despite loving them with his entire being wasn't Bella and Dylan's biological
father. That title fell to Nicholas.
So Ellie had to tell her ex-lover that their children had been kidnapped. She silently wondered
how one managed such a feat without succumbing to grief and guilt?
"Call him later."
"No," she said quietly to Ronnie. "Maddie is right. I should've called him when it all happened. He
needs to know what's going on and I should be the one to tell him." She warily sighed, "I'll be in my
bedroom, let me know if they find out anything."
Ronnie nodded pulling Ellie into her arms, "The very minute. Stay strong, Ellie, and it'll all be over
before you know it. You just have to be strong."
God! Ellie inwardly wailed, the tears were surfacing again and like before, she blinked them
away, refusing to let them fall.
Apprehension pooling at the pit of her stomach, Ellie closed her bedroom door and leaned
against it. She took a moment and closed her eyes, but promptly opened them at the sudden flash of
her kids behind the orangey lids. She inhaled through her nostrils and released a shuddering sigh.
It had to be done.
She headed towards her bed, took a seat and picked up the cordless phone. Ellie held the
phone to her chest for a moment, trying to muster the strength to dial Nicholass number. This was
supposed to be his direct line, the number given after the Dylan baseball incident. The endless rings
tortured Ellie. She wanted it to continue to ring and ring and prolong her agony, but another part of
her wanted Nicholas to pick up the phone and put an end to it. Ellie wanted Nicholas to
"Hello, Bells."
Ellie's heart smashed against her sternum and began to accelerate at the sound Nicholas's
voice. Gravelly and yet so tender, it was more comfort to her than all the reassuring words she'd
heard over the last few hours, and before she even realized what was happening, before she could
even think to stop it, her eyes flooded and her chest constricted and she pressed her hand to her
mouth to contain her oncoming sob.
"HelloBella?" He sounded concerned. Ellie could picture his facial expression without even
trying. There'd probably be that little pucker between his brows. She could imagine him sitting in his
wingback chair, laid back, strong dexterous fingers restlessly tapping on some smooth surface,
waiting for a response, a response that would never come.
"Isabella"
Ellie closed her eyes, the tears streamed down her cheeks, wet, and warm they trickled like
rivulets and she let them.
"NicholasNicky, its me." She murmured.
"Ellie?" Ellie swallowed, licked her lips and nodded as though he could see her.
"Yeah, it's Me." she croaked. "Nicky?"
"What's wrong?"
Thethe kids" she hiccupped, unable to speak, the pain was too much.
"Ellie, please, you're scaring me, what's going on? What about the kids?"
"They're gone..." Saying it made it too real.
"What do you mean they're gone? Where exactly have they gone?"
"I don't know! They were kidnapped and it's all my fault! God! Nicky, they're gone"
"Ellie, Elle listen to me, okay. You need to calm down. I need you to calm down, you listening to
me?"
"Yes."
"Good. Just give me a few hours and I'll be there."
"Nicky"
"A few hours, Ellie, no more. Wait for me. I'm going to hang up now, I have a few phone calls to
make, but I promise you everything will be okay. I promise you that." His assurance was like a balm
to Ellie's agonized soul and in those words, she found solace. She heard the click on the other line
and soon after she settled the phone back in its cradle.
Ellie reclined back on her bed, with knees raised to her chest. She sighed and allowed herself
the tears. The weight of the world set between her shoulders, she felt as if she would collapse from

the cumbersome burden. She sniffed and dug the pads of her fingers into her closed eyes, a mild
punishment for her negligence. She felt like such a failure and now Nicholas was aware of it.
Their conversation hadn't gone exactly as she'd expected. For one, she hadn't meant to
breakdown and cry as she had. There'd been a lot less screaming too, she'd anticipated yelling, a
reprimand of sorts for having been so careless. Ellie had wanted Nicholas to yell at her, for
someone, anyone to just castigate her for her actions at least then the pain would've made the guilt
less profound, the sorrow less painful.
"Ellie?" the unexpected hand on her shoulder startled her and she jumped. Seeing Devlin's face
illuminated by the yellow glow of the lamp sitting on the bedside table, Ellie forced herself to relax.
She swiped her hands beneath her eyes and looked up.
"Hi Dev.
Wordlessly Devlin pulled her to his sturdy chest. Strong arms enveloped her body and held her
close. Ellie felt Devlin's kiss on her head and she closed her eyes, buried her face in Devlin's shirt
and inhaled his scent. It felt good to have something familiar and sturdy to hold onto.
"We'll find them, Ellie. The police are doing everything they can. The entire city is on alert, we'll
find them."
Ellie pulled away and nodded. "Your right, we will find them." She stood and would've stepped
away had Devlin's hand not shot out to grab her wrist.
Ellie glanced at him, "What?"
"Don't pull away."
Ellie closed her eyes and took a deep breath. "I'm not."
"You can't just bottle everything up, Ellie. Talk to me, I'm here for you."
"God, Dev!" Ellie wrenched her hand away. "I don't have time for this right now." At Devlin's
wounded look, Ellie lowered her voice and tried to rein in her agitation. "II just can't. I need to find
my kids. I don't want to talk, I don't want to cry. I just want to find them."
Devlin stood, "Can you at least let me comfort you?"
Ellie stepped into his open arms, feeling like the worst sort of person, she hugged Devlin back."
I'm sorry," she whispered. "This is killing me."
"Just remember that I'm always here for you. You can always count on me, Ellie." Ellie fought the
urge not to ponder at the fate of their relationship. She couldn't think of anything else except for
finding her children.
"I love you."
"I love you too." She parroted, then pulled away and wanly smiled. "Are you hungry? I'm going to
make us something to eat." She walked away then without waiting for a response, but knowing that
he would, Devlin followed Ellie like the loyal, caring and loving watchdog that he was.
~*~*~*~
She slipped from unconsciousness in various degrees. First becoming aware of the hammering
headache assaulting her skull and the painful aches pulling at every inch of her body. Sophie opened
her eyes slowly and greeted darkness. For a brief moment, she believed she'd gone blind and she
began to panic but quickly calmed as she sighted the slice of light from beneath the closed door.
The events of what led her here came flooding back, each image as vivid and clear as the last, all
the way up to the moment the van hit her.
Bella and Dylan. Her mind whispered. She had to find them!
In her haste to sit up from her prone position on the hard mattress she'd been resting on, pain
sluiced through her body and rendered her weak. Sophie chomped on her bottom lip to stifle the
groan she wanted to release. Her entire body felt as if she'd been dipped into an inferno and the
scorching flames mercilessly licked every fiber of her being. With the stubborn Holbrook pride her
mother always told her she'd inherited, Sophie decided that she had to try. Only when she found her
brother and sister safe, would she allow herself the luxury of wallowing in her pain, but right now,
Bella and Dylan needed her.
Resolutely, with more nerve and gumption then women twice her size, Sophie gritted her teeth
against the biting pain and sat up from the bed. Cold sweat further adding to her annoyance and
agony, beaded against her flesh, but the young girl persevered. Breathing through her nostrils, she
drew her legs across the mattress and unto the cold floor. Breath came faster and faster, her heart
accelerated, her vision blurred and the distinct feeling of nausea clawed a path up her throat.

Too obstinate to give up when she'd accomplished this much. Sophie dove her fingers in the thin
sheets on the bed and attempted to stand. The very minute the entirety of her weight settled on her
legs, Sophie opened her mouth and wailed. The pain too much, Sophie collapsed. The tears came
then, of both pain and anger, they streamed down her cheeks and fell unto her fisted hands.
The door opened with a bang and soon after flooded the dark room with light. Ellie immediately
closed her eyes, the light too bright to support.
"Stupid kid, thought you were supposed to be smart," the one to blame for her plight
approached and had Sophie the strength she would've lunged for that throat and squeezed.
"Thought you'd get far crawling across the room?" Sophie remained silent and continued to stare,
her eyes adjusting to the florescent light.
He off stood a little ways off from where she currently sat resembling a bat from hell. From head
to toe, the clothes he wore consisted primarily of black or an off color of the former. Black T-shirt,
black jeans and beat up sneakers that were more grayish brown then the original white. He was
skinny Sophie could tell, but he also had enough bulk on his wiry frame to carry off his intimidating
look. His hair running in perfect unison with his clothes fell in dark waves on his shoulders; the light
haloed the greasiness of each strand.
As though to give Sophie a better angle at his features he crouched down and lifted dark brows,
a derisive smirk lifting the corners of his ruby stained lips. "Like lookin in a mirror, eh kid?" His
mocking smirk widened at Sophie's puzzled look. "Guess your Mom's been a little tight-lipped about
me, huh? Wouldn't want to fuck with her precious daughter's mind, Mhmm?" Sophie remained silent.
"Not gonna talk?" Obsidian eyes, a perfect reflection of his own stared back at Tony, seemingly
oblivious to the words he spoke. "You really don't know, do you?"
"Where are my brother and sister?"
Tony stared at his daughter with knitted brow, "Safefor now."
"Who the hell are you and what the hell do you want?" unable to deal with her judging midnight
eyes, Tony stood and began to pace the expanse of the room, which wasn't much. More of a cell
than anything else, the room contained shabby furniture, if it could even be called that.
The bed and mattress where probably the only thing that constituted as furniture and even then,
they were nothing more than a failed attempt. The mattress had been a find on a hooker and junkie
infested street the first few weeks he'd moved in. The sheets he'd stolen from the corner Laundromat
were at least clean and the bed frame had been left by the previous inhabitants of his roach infested
apartment.
There was a milk crate to the far left, below the boarded window, which safeguarded whatever
clothes he'd amassed over the last few months and just beside it was a slate grey safe that held
whatever was left of his worldly possessions. Aside from the mural of photos, he'd taken of Ellie and
her family, the room and its off-white walls were disturbingly vacant.
"Who I am doesn't really matter. What I wantwell, it isn't a matter of what rather than who I want
and if I know the arrogant bastard, he'll be smart enough to find us soon." He didn't appear to be
worried, in fact, looking at his grinning mug, Sophie feared that he was almost anticipating it. A
criminal looking forward to being found was never a good thing. "That's enough chit chat. You
shouldn't even be out of bed, come on, let's get you in bed," he approached Sophie, but those
spitting dark pools put a halt to his strides.
"Stay the hell away from me."
The venom in that voice took Tony aback as did the unexpected flash of Ellie's face
contemptuously glaring back of him. Blinking twice in the attempt to gather his bearings, Tony
opened his eyes and inwardly breathed a sigh of relief when he saw the girl and not Ellie's face.
"Can't do that, kid." He reached out his hands and made to grab her, but his hands were
smacked away. On instinct, Tony would've lashed out and smashed his fist against that face, but with
patience he'd also learnt restraint and so he balled his fist and bared his teeth. "Get in
the fucking bed."
"Screw you."
Pressing his face close enough that he saw the dilated pupils of Sophie's eyes, Tony wrapped
his fingers around his daughter's neck and tilted her head back until it touched the bed. "Don't fuck
with me kid," he gritted through clenched teeth, "otherwise your little half siblings won't live to see
tomorrow." He added just the slightest bit of pressure. "Hear me?"
Sophie glowered, seemingly fearless. "Perfectlydad."

Tony smirked and released his hold. "You aren't as dumb as you look," He stepped away but not
before gently slapping Sophie's cheek. "Good girl."
"Can't say the same for you."
Tony's laughter was unexpected, taking Sophie off guard. "You've got guts kid, Ellie would be so
proud."
"She'll find us and when she does you"
"When she does, I'm going to get what I want," straightening his clothes, Tony turned and headed
to the door. "Good luck getting in the bed, you'll need it." He left and slammed the door shut, taking
Sophie's bravado with him.
Telling herself that now was not the time to cry didn't really help when Sophie decided to get
back on the mattress. She struggled, panted and grunted until she finally ended on her side. Her
shoulders shook as she tried to hold in her sobs. The pain paled in comparison to the discovery
she'd just made. Instead of a father like Nicholas, instead of someone who she admired and loved,
instead of someone she could look up too and be proud of, she'd ended up with the worse sort of
man as her father.
Sophie had never really put much thought to her own biological father. He hadn't really mattered
so long as she held close the memories of Nicholas. To Sophie, her father had been a sperm donor
and nothing more. A faceless nobody her mother didn't speak about and Sophie had been fine with
it. However, on some very rare occasions, when she was just a little envious of her brother and sister
and the relationship they had with their father, Sophie would wonder who her other parent was. What
sort of man was he? What did he do? Was it from him, she'd inherited her dark, dark, eyes?
Well, she'd gotten her answer today. She now understood why her mother never spoke about
him. Why Gabe hated him more than he did Nicholas. Sophie understood now why it was better
never having known the truth. The truth hurt too damn much.
Burying her face in the rumpled sheets, her body aching, her heartbroken, Sophie curled within
herself and sobbed. She wanted her Mom.

Chapter 20
Billy Sorrento, 'Easy Billy' as he was known in the pen, didn't do children. Ask him to drop to his
knees and give you the best blow job this side of the city and he'd drain you clean in seconds flat.
Ask him to bend over and give over his ass for a dime bag and he'd fling his pants across the room
and beg you to hit it harder.
Petite, blond and gorgeous enough to pass as both a girl and a boy he began prostituting
around fourteen. He was slut. He was good at being a slut. He did time for being a slut and got
passed around like a blunt. That was how he'd come to know Tony, not like all the other meatheads in
the jailhouse, Tony's quiet reservation had attracted Billy to him.
The other man hadn't spoken much to him when Billy always came around, but that hadnt curbed
Billys interest. A few weeks ago, he'd posted bail and was released on probation. Cashing a few
favors in, he'd found out where Tony was living and had taken a few busses to finally find him in this
shabby rundown apartment. The raven-haired man had let him in and by ways of repaying his
hospitality Billy fucked Tony and even helped him kidnap some random brats. Now those random
fucking brats where pissing the hell out of him.
"I'm thirsty." Cornflower blue eyes glowered at the curly haired Satan child seated a few feet
away from where he stood.
"Did you hear me? I said I was thirsty." Narrowed honey brown eyes stared at Billy.
"I just gave you some apple juice."
"I'm allergic."
"Would you rather I pissed in a cup and gave it to you? Would her majesty drink that?"
"Only if you drank it first."
"Or maybe I'll just pour it down your throat and make you choke on it." Billy cheerfully responded.
"If you touch me, my Mommy will kick your butt."
"Yo Mommy ain't here. In fact, I don't think you'll be seeing your Mommy for a very, very long
time." Mocking a child wasn't something someone would take pride in, but seeing as Billy had about
the same intellect as the nine year old girl he spoke to, he relished his momentary defeat over the
smart mouthed brat.
Bella's lip curled. "My Mommy will find us."
"Keep telling yourself that."
Tony emerged from the bathroom, pupils constricted, laid back, high off the heroin Billy had
scored on his way here. He wrapped his arm around Billy's slim waist and pulled him close. "Let's
fuck." He nuzzled his neck and bit down on the pulsing vein there.
Billy grinned as he turned his eyes to the bounded children seated back-to-back on the carpeted
floor. "Let's fuck in front of them," his grinned widened, "Wanna see how you're parents made you?"
Tony forcefully grabbed Billy's face and turned it to face him. "Stop fucking with them."
"But it's so fun." Billy pouted only to squeal when Tony lifted him up then and wrapped his slim
legs around his waist.
"There are other ways to have fun." With that in mind, Tony carried Billy to the bathroom and
locked the door behind them.
Soon the small apartment resonated with Billy's vociferous cries. He moaned, groaned,
championing Tony to fuck him harder.
Bella closed her eyes tightly, tears leaked out, "this little light of mine, I'm gonna let it shine, this
little light of mine, I'm gonna let it shine," she began to sing, her throat clogged with tears she opened
her mouth and raised her voice, "this little light of minesing with me, Dylan." she implored.
"This is stupid Belle"
"Just do it!"
"Oh yes, Tony! Please! Oh, yes! Faster!"
"This little light of mine, I'm gonna let it shine, let it shine, let it shine, let it shine, let it shine!"
Bella smiled through her tears and leaned against her brother. "This little light of mine...." They
sang in unison, not only to stifle the disgusting noises emitting from the bathroom, but also to reach
out to their sister, who they had yet to see.
~*~*~*~

Sophie heard their voices through the walls. She unfurled from her fetal position and strained to
hear. It really was Bella and Dylan! Sophie smiled softly, they were singing, a song their Mom would
sometimes sing to them when they'd been younger. She wanted so much to call out to them and let
them know she was close, but she couldn't. Her tongue felt like she had an overgrown python sitting
on it, her ears felt clogged and her body seemed incapable of doing anything else but pulse in
agony. The little hairs on her skin rose and bubbled, she curled back into her fetal position, suddenly
cold. Her teeth clicked as her lips trembled. Although sweat formed against her forehead and
beneath her armpits, she still felt so cold.
She tried to keep Dylan and Bella's voice from drowning out and opened her mouth to sing with
them, refusing to succumb to the call of the fever. Sadly, it was a battle she wasn't mean to win, for
soon after she opened her mouth to sing the first line, Sophie drifted and fell unconscious.
~*~*~*~
"Money isn't an issue, I want it done! And I want it done fast!" Nicholas flipped the phone shut
and leaned back against the leather seat. Meeting cut abruptly short, he'd called for his jet and left
the European continent without so much as a by-your-leave. The Parisian CEO of Pren Industries
hadn't been the least pleased, but did Nicholas care? Not in the slightest. There were issues far
more pressing than a failed merger with an uppity decrepit codger who was better off sitting at home
than helming a Multi-Million dollar conglomerate.
These issues had to be taken cared of right away. They were now at the forefront of his mind, his
attention undividedly focused on it. Someone was seriously screwing with him and given his foul
mood, heads were inevitably going to roll. Of that Nicholas would make sure.
"Sir, we're here." Nicholas pocketed his phone and exited the interior of the black limo.
Impervious to its manicured lawns and picturesque exterior, he stuffed his hands in his black slacks
and ambled up the three steps that led to the seemingly perfect Victorian mansion.
"I'm sorry, sir, but visiting hours are over." Turning to the dark haired attendant, Nicholas blankly
stared at her.
"I'm sure you'll make an exception." He walked away from her and headed to his destination.
"But Sir"
"Madam." Broderick, ever the trusted bodyguard, gently apprehended the attendant's arm and
turned her towards him. "Mr. Grayson has some business to discuss with one of your patient. It'll only
be a few minutes."
Nicholas walked through the endless halls, the soles of his black shoes pounded on the polished
cherry-wood floors. The crystalline chandelier gleamed and reflected the yellow glow from the bulbs.
On either side of his body, hanging high along the walls like disapproving spectators, were the
photos of St Annas benefactors. But there was only one person hed come to see in this
godforsaken hell. How long had it been since he'd seen his dearest school chum, four---five or was it
six years? Time flew by so fast.
Coming to the intricately carved oaken doors he'd been looking for, Nicholas palmed the brass
handle and pushed open the door. He entered and closed it behind him. The somber ambiance from
the halls carried into the room, it seemed to seep into the stones walls and permeate every crevice.
Taking a moment to appraise his surroundings, Nicholas saw that the room hadn't changed from
the last time he'd bothered to visit. The king sized mattress, raised on the four-poster dais, was still
too immense. The floor to ceiling windows that were at the moment covered by the opaque
mahogany drapery, were far too ostentatious. The ceiling was high and splattered against it were the
images of cherubs and angels lazing about on dusky clouds. Lined with literature and the written
philosophy of the greatest minds of humankind's time, the wall to the far right of where Nicholas
stood represented a library and there, standing before its looming stature was none other than
Matthew Bates.
"I've already ordered you to go to bed, Marcy" Nicholas took great pleasure in seeing fear
descend to settle over Matt's face. The man he'd once considered the very best of friends stood
across from him. He still looked the same, but the long exposure to treatments turned his once
vibrant physique to that of a man twice his age and some part Nicholas should've felt some sort of
remorse for it, but nothing came.
"Hello, Matthew." Nicholas took his hands out of his pockets and stepped further into the room.
He leaned down, scooped up the small book sitting on the ottoman, read the cover, and derisively

grinned. "Keats. polishing up on our sonnets, Bates?"

"What the hell do you want?"
"No need to be so snappish, simply here to ask you a few questions." Nicholas tossed the book
back on the ottoman and placed his hands back in his pockets. Despite his exterior appearance,
Nicholas was far from calm.
"Fuck off, Grayson."
"Let's not make this visit difficult. We both know how difficult I can make it for you, Matt." now
there was steel in his voice, his eyes focused, glacier cold, they focused on Matt.
Matt had good reason to fear his ex-best friend. Nicholas was the reason why he was here,
locked away against his will, in this goddamned asylum. Nicholas, whod had far more influence than
Matt initially realized, had carefully utilized Charles's resources, calling in favors owed to his father by
executives who had less than sterling reputations. Executives who had owned stocks in the Bates
company. Blackballing Matt's father had been so incredibly easy after that for the Grayson heir.
Instead of testifying against him and sending him off to prison, as had been his original plan.
Nicholas had come to an agreement with Gordon Bates. As an alternative to ending up in a jail,
Nicholas had been content to take Matt's freedom in another way, a lifetime at a mental institute. A
fitting punishment for the shit he'd put Ellie through. In the end, Gordon kept his company, under
Nicholas unrelenting thumb of course and his son had been saved from doing hard time. Everyone
was happy.
There was however always a dark cloud looming over Matt's head. He'd learned long ago to
never again underestimate him. Nicholas was a dangerous man, far more sinister than his father had
been. Grabbing his cane from the ladder, Matt headed to a chair and flopped down. Nicholas was
also the reason behind his now deformed leg. His arm hadn't faired too nicely either.
"What do you want to know?"
"Smart man." he sauntered and leaned against the ladder hanging down from the ceiling.
"Carlyle," he crossed his arms and began. "Have you heard from him?"
Matt reined in his surprise. "I haven't seen him, he hasn't been here."
"Lying wouldn't be in your best interest."
"I'm not lying! I haven't seen Tony since that day. The last I heard about him was that he was in
prison." Matt meet Nicholas's cool stare and sardonically smiled. "Lost a pawn, Nicky?"
"As a matter a fact, yes, Matt, I have lost a pawn, and if I find out you had a hand in aiding him,
life will not be too pleasant. I promise you that."
"I told you"
Nicholas grabbed his phone from his pocket, cutting Matt off. "Grayson."
"We've found something you might find very interesting."
"Be at the location in ten minutes."
"Got it, Sir."
Nicholas flipped the phone shut and returned his gaze to Matt's face. "Remember Matt, with one
call, I can turn you into a vegetable," he vacated his spot and headed towards the door. "I'll keep in
touch."
Matt watched as the door closed behind him and he couldn't help but rue the day he'd ever met
that silver eyed bastard. He regretted ever pulling Nicholas drunken ass from that pool that one time
so long ago. Had he known then what he knew now, he would've let him drown. Nicholas was just as
malevolent as his dead father, if not more so. Charless had never concealed his immorality; he had
in fact relished it, using it to garner his empire while demoralizing his family.
But Nicholas was far more cunning. Whatever image he projected to the world, no one really
knew the sort of man he was. What he was truly capable of. But Matt knew. He may have been
locked up in a mental asylum, but that didn't mean that he didn't have other ways of getting
information about the outside world. Nicholas was his father's son. The Devils son and Matt knew he
wouldn't hesitate to kill to protect what belonged to him. He'd done it before and he'd do it again.
Tony Carlyle was a dead man walking.
Opening his book a book on Mahatma Gandhi, Matt began to read.
He'd pray for the man's death to be slow and torturous, nothing would do otherwise. The same
would apply to his own death when it came.
~*~*~*~
When Nicholas finally arrived at Ellie's house it was about ten and nearing twenty four hours

since he'd put head to pillow, but sleep wasn't a necessity for the father of two. He was running on
nothing but a cocktail of adrenaline and caffeine, it surged through his system and kept him awake,
alert. He exited the lacquered import he'd received a week ago, pocketed the keys and hurried up
the stone path walkway. It took but only a few minutes before someone answered his knock and
Nicholas was surprised to see Maddie's face staring back at him. Appearance wise, she changed
quite a bit from the last time he'd seen her, which was a few months after they'd buried their
daughter.
There was no love lost between them. They'd been young and they'd both, equally made
mistakes, which theyd spent years repenting for. They'd come to grips with what happened and
they'd moved on. Forgiveness only came when they realized that it came from no one else but
themselves. For Maddie and for Nicholas forgiving themselves was one of the hardest things they'd
ever had to do.
"It's been a long time, Nicholas." Maddie feebly smiled. "Although I wish it were under different
circumstances. You look good." She stepped aside and permitted Nicholas entrance.
"I could say the same for you. Traveling suites you."
"Archeology suites me, traveling is just an added bonus." They walked in unison down the foyer
and into the living room where Gabe and Ronnie occupied a couch and Ellie's parents occupied
another. Devlin was on the phone near the kitchen entrance and Ellie was nowhere to be found.
Upon his entrance they all turned to him their expressions reserved, they grudgingly welcomed
him. Well, Dina and Ronnie welcomed him. Gabe, Phillip and Devlin simply glowered and grunted
some offhanded response that could've probably past as a "hello" if ever in the company of
Neanderthals. Unaffected, Nicholas looked about the room for only one person.
As though she understood Nicholass silent inquiry, Maddie turned to him and said, "She'll be out
in a second."
As if summoned Ellie appeared seconds later face devoid of color . Her usual vibrant hazel eyes
tinged red, the skin beneath them swollen. She looked weak and seemed ready to fall over. In less
than three strides Nicholas was by her side.
"Elle." To see her in this manner nearly undid him, but Nicholas fought the impulse to pull her wiry
frame against his chest and hold her until they both couldnt stand it.
When she raised her gaze and looked at him, there was nothing, absolutely nothing that could've
stopped Nicholas from doing what he did. He brought his hand behind Ellie's neck, the other around
her waist and pulled her to him.
She remained inert, arms at her side, mildly in shock.
"I'm here now." he murmured. "I swear on my life that I'm going to find them.
Ellie knew it was wrong to do it. It felt right, but she knew it was wrong, but she couldn't help it.
Like releasing a valve, Nicholas's words broke the dam that held back Ellie's tears. She buried his
face against Nicholas's chest, dug her hands in his shirt and silently cried.
Nicholas held her, held her so tight, so close that he could feel the rapid beats of her heart.
"You have to trust me, Ellie," He cupped her face and raised her head to look at him. "Im going
to get them back. We'll have our kids soon. I won't let you or them downnot this time."
"Nicky"
Ill find them, Ellie, I swear it. He whispered fervently, thumbing her tears away.
Maddie sniffed and swiped her tears away. Her heart ached for Ellie and Nicholas but more so
for Devlin, who looked on at the tender display of emotion with tight jaw and fisted hands, face like
granite. Only a blind or desperate man could overlook the love between Ellie and Nicholas and
there was love there, profoundboundless. It was warm and beautiful and filled her with a sort of joy
that conjured her tears.
Maddie wanted them to be happy, even if a few hearts had to be broken along the way.
Wise enough to know that disaster was imminent, Maddie walked to her best friend and her exlover.
"Come on Ellie, let's get you some tissues." Devlin looked as though he was ready to tackle
Nicholas to the ground and smash his head into the carpeted floor. Maddie gently pulled Ellie away
as Nicholas moved to answer his phone.
Nicholas's call was short, and after a few succinct words to the person on the other line, he hung
up. "I have to go."
Ellie walked away from Maddie and grabbed Nicholas's arm before he could leave.

"You know something."

Nicholas turned. "Ellie"
"Tell me!" She shook Nicholas's arm in agitation.
"I'm taking care of it."
"Dont you dare shut me out again! She forced Nicholas to face her. You dont get to do this to
me again. You want me to trust you? Well time to earn it. Tell me what you know, Nicky.
He peered down at her and the expression on her face had him second guessing his practiced
words. Intuition told him to lie, lie to protect, even if it meant ending up on Ellie's bad side, at least
she would be safe.
Ten years ago, he'd lied to protect Ellie from himself and never had a day gone by that he hadn't
regretted that mistake. Ten years of regret, stubbornness and pride had destroyed the only
friendship and love that had ever mattered, that had kept him afloat.
In retrospect, Nicholas knew it had to be done, if he hadn't put distance between them, he
would've ended up hurting her. He knew he would've mentally tortured her until all the good in her
flickered and died. That's how unstable he'd been, how volatile and angry he'd felt.
But now looking down at Ellie's unsmiling face, behind the veneer of anger Nicholas could see
her hazel eyes pleading with him to speak the truth, to help salvage a relationship that he'd believed
unsalvageable.
This time, unlike ten years ago, Nicholas took Ellie's offer of salvation.
"My informants have tracked them down to a rundown apartment on the Southside of the city.
"What?" both Gabe and Phillip chorused rising to their feet. "What the hell are we waiting for,
let's go!"
Nicholas was the one to grab Ellie's arm this time when she made to walk away, "There's more,
Ellie."
Ellie's brows creased, "What?"
"We have good reasons to believe that"Nicholas hesitated, vacillating with the idea of telling
Ellie the entire truth.
"My God, just tell me!" Ellie urged shrilly.
"Tony took them."
Had someone come in and rammed a fist through her chest cavity to yank out her heart, Ellie
wouldn't have felt the pain as much as she did just hearing that name. She wavered on her feet, but
Nicholass reflexes kept her from falling. "TonTony" the name was lodged in her throat, refusing to
be uttered.
"How did that bastard find themus? I thought he was locked up!"
"He was released a few months ago, I wasn't made aware." The man responsible for that fault
had paid handsomely for his oversight.
"I'm calling the cops."
"No police! If we are to rescue them, the local PD is the last thing I need right now; I'm going to
take care of it."
"You're going to take care of it?" Devlin mocked. "And just how exactly are you going to do that,
Grayson? Up to something you wanna let us in on?" Standing toe to toe with him, Devlin met
Nicholas's stare and sneered, "Or are you going to fuck this up like you've done so many things in
your miserable life?"
"Dev that's enough"
Disregarding his fiance's warning, Devlin continued, like a rabid dog. "The only reason why
you're even here is because Ellie doesn't have the heart to throw you out like the trash you are. We
don't want you here, we don't need you here. You and your shady informants can fuck off."
"What hurts you more, Westport? The fact that I had her first and ruined it for you, or that she'll
never be satisfied with a very poor and inadequate substitute?" the punch was unexpected or maybe
it was and Nicholas just felt that it'd been worth it just to finally see Devlin snap.
The force of it pushed him back a few steps and running his tongue on the inside of his cheek,
Nicholas was glad to feel that he wouldn't be paying his dentist a visit anytime soon. However, the
coopery taste in his mouth wasn't something he particularly liked.
"Are you both going to pee on me now? Or is this the part when one of you knocks me over the
head with a club and drags me off to your cave? Please tell me, so that I know which of you to blame
when something happens to my children, while you're both acting like assholes." Ellie stared

between both men, the expression on her face, murderous.

"Ellie" Ellie shrugged off Devlin's hand with a glower.
She turned to Nicholas. "Let's go get them."
Hand messaging the pain from his jaw, Nicholas shook his head. "You're not going. None of you
are going,"
Gabe scowled. "Like hell we're not. Who the fuck"
"I'm going." Ellie cut her godfather off and evenly stared at Nicholas.
"My men are professionals, bringing you all along will only get in their way. That's the reason why
I haven't gotten the police involved, doing so would spook Tony and he'll run. You may not like it, but
that's how it's going to be. I can't and I won't risk your safety or the children, Ellie. This isn't up for
discussion." He looked from Ellie's face to everyone else's. "To anyone."
"Listen here, Nicholas"
"No, Dad, he's right. We haven't gotten anywhere on our own, if he somehow did find them, then
we just have to trust him and do what he says. The kids will need us when they get home, all of us."
"You can't just expect us to sit on our asses and do nothing, Ellie!" Gabe said frustratingly.
"We can't all go barging in there. We'll end up doing more harm than good. Just let him do this,
Gabe." Ellie implored. She wanted so much for Gabe to have her back on this and as if he knew
then, he relented.
"Don't fuck it up, Grayson."
"So glad to see I have your approval, Gabe." Nicholas couldn't help but bite back and took great
pleasure at Gabe's scowl.
"Bring them back safely."
"I'd give my life." He appeared so solemn about those words that Elle did not know what to say.
Nicholas walked away, Ellie at his heels. At the door, Ellie grabbed Nicholas's arm and turned
him to face her. Their gazes met and Nicholas's brow lifted in curiosity.
"How's your jaw?" Ellie finally asked.
Nicholas touched his jaw and winced. "Hurts like hell."
"Good," Ellie hesitantly reached out touch his face, "You deserved it. It's not broken?"
He shook his head and ruefully smiled. "Bruised, like my ego."
There was silence, impregnable, filled with so much left unsaid. "Don'tdon't do anything
stupid."
He grinned boyishly. "Stupid is my middle name."
Ellie tried not to let the grin affect her. "You're right about that. But stillI'm serious, Nicholas,
don't play the hero."
"You worry too much."
"It's my job to worry."
Nicholas leaned close. "Am I included in that job description?"
Ellie smiled weakly, "Unfortunately." She closed her eyes at the warm, soft feel of Nicholas's lips
on her forehead.
"Thank you." He uttered along her cheek and before she could say anymore he was gone.
Ellie pressed her cheek to the door and softly whispered. "Come back to me safe, Nicky."

Chapter 21
There was no finding solace in sleep for Ellie. While the neighborhood and the rest of her family
slept, she tossed and turned. The anxiety of the day's events taking its toll, she'd shrugged into a pair
of shorts and a long sleeved shirt and careful not to wake Devlin, Ellie had quietly crept downstairs.
The porch and the soft buzzing emitting from the light fixtures the only thing blocking the
disquietedness of her mind. Ellie shut her eyes and leaned further back against the cedar porch
swing. Midnight would soon toll and to Ellie it would be another hour without her children.
She breathed a sigh as the warm breeze kissed mocha flesh and took with it an ounce of the
worry pooling her marrow. She'd yet to hear a word from Nicholas, outgoing calls to his cell phone
were immediately sent to voicemail.
What was she to do now? Ellie wondered edgily. Sit around and worry? Sit around and anxiously
wait? What if things didn't go as expected? Had Nicholas underestimated Tony? What if, at this very
moment his and their children's life hung in the balance?
"No." Ellie shook her head to dislodge the depressing thought. Nicholas was far too clever and
cunning to be outwitted by that sociopath. Ellie knew she had to have faith in him. Regardless of the
issues between them, Nicholas always came through in the end. He was a man whose methods
weren't always noble, but he always had the best intentions. Ellie had to trust in his abilities, needed
to have faith that Nicholas would come through this unscathed. He and the children.
"Penny for your thoughts?" Ellie halfheartedly smiled at her newest companion and scooted over
to make room for him.
"Hi, Dad." Phillip took the offered seat and leaned back into the cushioned bench, the rhythmic
sway bringing a small smile to his lips. They sat in relative silence, each basking in the gentle lull of
the whispering wind and the comforting symphony of the night, performed by invisible critters.
"I remember when you were four," Phillip began, a fine sheen of nostalgia blanketed his
weathered features further pulling his lips into a smile. "Your mother and I bought you your first
tricycle. When you first saw it in the garage the morning of your fourth birthday, it was like Christmas
all over again. Your face was so bright, you were so excited to jump right on and start riding," Ellie
avidly listened, the emotions playing on her father's face fascinating to her. Although it'd been years
now since their reconciliation, it wasn't everyday Ellie had the opportunity to see her father like
this...so unguarded and happy.
"You and I practiced all day. Through the scrapes and bruises and your mother yelling at us to
call it quits but you were so determined to learn. It took you almost two weeks, but you did it-you did
it without my or your mother's help. When I saw you riding, all by yourself, demanding that your
mother and I look at you--- I couldn't have been more proud." Phillip finally turned his shuttered gaze
to his daughter. "I knew then, that every obstacle you would ever face in the future, you would come
out victorious, beaming with joy, a better and stronger person for having gone through it." Phillip
rested a comforting hand on her knee and patted. "Your children share that very same dogged
determination; they're strong and courageous when it matters most. They are Holbrooks, Ellie and
we are if nothing else a willful lot. I know, just as I know every scripture in the bible to be the word of
God that your children will be all right. You have to guard your faith, hold it tightly against your chest
and trust that all will be all right."
Speechless and chocked with tears, Ellie could only nod at the words her father spoke. She
rested her hand upon Phillip's own still on her knee and gently squeezed. The silence from before
came soon after, only this time Phillips didn't find the need to fill it.
"Dad?"
"Hmm?"
Ellie took a second to gather her thoughts before continuing, "Wha---what do you think of,
Nicholas?" She didn't really know why she wanted her father's opinion and maybe she realized too
late that she shouldn't have even asked the question to begin with. "Never mind."
"Well," Phillip began, seemingly oblivious to his daughter dismissal of the subject. "Your mother
and I can certainly agree on one thing about him."
"What's that?" Ellie hesitantly inquired.
"He's an enigma she and I can't solve. We have our reservations. No parent wouldn't after
learning of what he did. Of course he like all men has faults. He's wronged you, but so have your

mother and I, so I am in no moral standing to pass judgment. However, from what I've seen and what
little I know of him, I can tell you that he is a good man-a little too arrogant and brash for my taste, but
a good man nonetheless. I can see that he cares very much for your children--- and you as well."
"That's the one thing I'm sure about Nicholas, he loves those children with all that he is. Even
Sophie."
Phillip nodded his expression pensive, "Yes, I have noticed that too. Rather noble of him to love
a child that isn't his own." He peered down at Ellie, "But such is the way of a good man."
Ellie looked away with a sigh. "Yes, a good man who knows how to hurt me."
"Those dearest to you are the ones you hurt the most."
"He's filled with pride and has more faults than I can count."
"Name me one man on this earth who doesn't. Mistakes do not make the person. It's what you
choose to do after the fact that matters. He seems to be on the right path."
Ellie pulled her knees to her chest and rested her chin on them. "I don't want to forgive him. Im--I'm scared of what he'll do to me if I do," she exhaled, "I can't take another heart break." She said
softly.
"Maybe the Lord has given him a path back to you, not only to seek your forgiveness, but maybe
to guide him to his own salvation?" Phillip swung his arm around Ellie's shoulder and pulled her
close. "Redemption, my dear, is something not easily found when the error of your deeds constantly
plagues you."
Ellie glanced up at her father, the tremor in his voice giving her pause. "Dad?"
Phillip pulled away slightly and blinked his tears away. "I'm okay."
"Dad, it was a long time ago; we've become an even stronger family since then and you know I
love you and Mom so much." Ellie uncurled from her position and embraced her father.
"I know, Ellie, but memories aren't so easily forgotten." Phillip detached himself from her arms
and wryly smiled. "I relate to your Nicholas, in some ways. You may find it in your heart to forgive him
one day, but his true obstacle will be forgiving himself."
"You want me to take him back." Ellie quietly stated.
Phillip took Ellie's hand in her larger ones and met her curious gaze. "I want you to do what will
inevitably lead to your eternal happiness, Eleanor. If marrying, Devlin is what you choose then know
that your mother and I will stand by your side."
"Subconsciously, I think I've already decided." She sighed again, probably the hundredth one
that night. "But I don't want to hurt, Dev, I love him so much, Dad. He's done so much for my family,
has been there when we all needed him. He's given and given and has asked for very little in return. I
want so much to be the woman he wants me to be."
"You can't go through life living by the expectations of others, Ellie, no matter what that person
has or hasn't done for you."
"I know, Dad, which is why I think, I know that if I married, Dev, I would only be living by his
expectations, playing a role that wasn't meant for me." that was the first time she'd ever actually
spoken those words to anyone in her family. Saying it though, wasn't any less easy for Ellie. Devlin
would have every right to crucify her.
"Have you thought this through?"
"Yeah, I have and no matter how many times I turn it over in my head, the answer is always the
same. I've always known, but it wasn't until recently that I've actually had the guts to say it to myself.
I've loved Nicholas from the moment I saw him ten years ago and I'm cursed to always love him. No
matter how deep I bury the feelings, his presence alone uproots them back up again. Loving Devlin
isn't the same as being in love with Nicholas." She said ruefully.
"Are you sure that this is what you want to do?"
"I'm not ready to jump back in his arms anytime soon and I don't think I will be for a little while, but
knowing that he'll be there makes me sure that I'm doing the right thing. He may be the only man I'll
ever truly love, but it doesn't mean that I'll readily give over my heart to him."
"Well, it does sound like you've thought it out."
Ellie smiled and leaned into her father's shoulder. "With your help."
"I didn't do much, Ellie, just gave you my honest opinion."
"That's all I needed, Dad. Thank you."
Phillip smiled back, wrapped his arm around Ellie and dropped a kiss on her head. "You're
welcome, dear."

~*~*~*~
Half hour after Ellie called Nicholas...
Topher "Bones" Avery knew guns. He could lay out the ABCs of firearms for you, starting from
the noisiest to the most silent and then go on to inform you how many rounds it would take to bring a
man down. It wasn't as straightforward as movies made it seem. Topher wasn't just a well versed
weapons specialist. He understood the mechanics of murder. Killing to Topher was as intimate as
your first fuck. It wasn't just point and shoot to him. It was more. It was beautifulmagical. It was art
and he was the truest of artisans in the world of hit men.
Just as Monet had his love affair with his water lilies and Degas with his ethereal Ballerinas, so
did Topher with his guns. With his guns and his targets, he was capable of creating masterpieces
and that's why he was known as the best. He understood the beauty of death and relished every kill.
There weren't many who understood his work, but all the same they sought him out, sought out his
expertise and paid him quite handsomely to eliminate those who opposed them.
Nicholas Grayson was one such a man. But he wasn't like the rest. Nicholas was capable of
grasping the meaning behind Tophers work, because Nicholas was a smart man.
Topher liked Nicholas. Nicolas didn't fuck around. He wanted things done a certain way and he
paid very well to make sure that all went according to plan. They'd done business in the past and like
the majority of his clients, the entrepreneur always came back. Like tonight for example, after a year
or so of hiatus, Topher received a call.
"Christopher." Beneath the dim glow of the lamp, Topher managed a smirk around the cigarette
held between his thinly chapped lips.
"Well ain't this a fucking surprise, is it my birthday already?" He held the semi-automatic pistol to
the light, squinted, before picking up the dingy rag on the cluttered table in front of him.
"I have a job for you."
Topher blew smoke from his nostrils, a fine line of concentration knitted his brow together as he
scrubbed the invisible stain off the black polymer finish. "Don't you always."
"Is the line secure?"
"Not to worry, I threatened to shoot my mother if she interrupted me again."
"Christopher." Not many of his clients could get away with calling him by his government name,
but as we acknowledged before, Nicholas was an exception to almost everything.
Topher grinned. "I'm just fucking witchu man. So what will it be, and how much you puttin up?"
He set the gun down, pulled the cigarette butt from his lips and whistled at the amount of money
Nicholas was offering. "What's the guy done? Fucked witcha girl?" not that he was complaining, but
a hundred grand was triple the amount he usually charged for a job. The only time Topher believed
such extremes were needed was if the target fucked or killed your mother, father, sister, brother or
your cousin Bubba. Only then would there be need to empty out bank accounts.
But then again, Topher silently mused, this was Nicholas Grayson we were talking about, a
hundred grand was just pocket change to him.
The rest of the conversation had been one-sided filled only with Nicholas's succinct instructions
of the location and time Topher would need to show.
That had been almost two and a half hours ago and like the good little hit man that he was, he'd
shown up at the allotted time and place. Topher found himself in front of a grubby, condemned
apartment building in the heart of crack-head central also known as the South side, where the
castoffs of society called their home.
The building was old and reeked of bodily fluids and feces, beneath the buzzing flickering lights,
just below the staircase, Topher observed a hooker turning a trick. They didn't seem to care that they
had an audience besides himself. Not exactly the worst thing he'd seen in his thirty years of life on
earth, the blond haired man continued on his way. There were other noises emitting from the thin,
graffiti covered walls, but Topher was unaffected by them as he continued onwards. He only whistled
his merry tune, the sound of his feet shuffling against the staircase blended in with the discord of the
building.
Finally, he arrived at his destination. He bent down and picked up the key from beneath the nasty
Welcome mat at his feet.
"Grayson?" he called as he closed the door behind him. He pocketed the key and kept a steady
hold on his violin case. The apartment was empty; the odor from the halls followed him inside and

although the lights worked fairly well in here, nothing else seemed different. In fact, there went the rat
he saw on his way up here.
Topher stepped further into the room opened his mouth to call out again, but stopped when
Nicholas appeared.
"Right on time, come with me Christopher, I want to introduce you to few people."
In his line of work, it was foolish to trust anyone but himself and his guns, but Topher wasn't the
sanest of people, so he trusted Nicholas. He hadn't been given reason not too so far. They walked
into the ruins of a living room and were greeted by two men and a petite red-haired woman who was
wearing a rather fetching black cat suit that accentuated curves Topher didn't mind seeing at all.
"From left to right, that's Cyan, his lover Jace and Ginger. Everyone this is Christopher or Bones
to some of you."
Cyan was like a young Arnold Schwarzenegger before he bent over for politics. Rippling brawn
on top of rippling brawn, it was as fascinating as it was unpleasant to look at. Standing next to him,
his poindexter lover resembled a stickman with glasses.
GingerGinger was just fucking hot. Like some anime babe, with gargantuan boobs and a
small waist. She was every straight man's wet dream and if one could manage to peel their eyes
from her chest long enough to look at her face, they'd fall in love with her huge blue eyes. Topher was
a sucker for eyes.
"Hey there, sexy." he gave her his best boyish grin and she looked at him like he was shit.
"Come near me and I'll break your balls." Nothing like straightforwardness to wilt a man's dick.
"Good to know." He said mildly.
"I didn't gather you all hear to pick up dates." Nicholas aimed his scowl at Topher, before
continuing. "You're all here because you are all good at what you do and those skills will be utilized to
rescue my children."
Right, the bastard they were after was a kidnapper. One who unfortunately committed the
grievous error of taking what belonged to Nicholas. Topher felt sorry for the guy. Before dawn kissed
the sky, the rat bastard was going to meet his maker. "I work alone."
"You work according to however much money I wire to your bank accounts." He once again
addressed Topher and this time he looked as though he was ready to do some serious damage if
another word was spoken against him.
"Of course boss man, money talks. Right, so what's the plan?"
~*~*~*~
"Dylan...?" Bella whispered, a nightmare having startled her awake, she nudged her brother.
"Dylan wake up." she persisted.
Dylan stirred and opened his eyes. "I wasn't sleeping," he quietly affirmed, "What's wrong?" his
hands ached. The duct tape used to bind them together had been cutting off circulations to his
hands. Trying to wriggle them only brought about an explosion of needle-like pains to his hands. He
wasn't going to complain though, because Bella probably felt the same things too, complaining
would only make it worse.
"Do you think Mom and Daddy are going to find us?"
She didn't sound like the plucky, cheerful twin sister he was so used too, the very same one who
could annoy him one second and make him love her next. "Of course they're going to find us!" Her
loss of confidence wasn't something Dylan was used to seeing in Bella.
Ever since they'd been very little, she'd always been the one to comfort him. Bella was the one to
always look on the bright side of things and reassure him that everything would be okay. She'd taken
the 'big' sister role quite seriously and had always seen to his happiness before her own. Now,
however, it seemed as though he was going to have to be the one doing the comforting, the one to
reassure them both that they would be get out of this and see their parents again.
Despite the risk of harming himself in the process, Dylan maneuvered his hands, wriggled his
fingers until he found Bella's own. He took hold of her clammy digits and awkwardly intertwined them
with his own. Taking a moment to breathe the pain away, Dylan cleared his throat before speaking.
"Don't worry, Belle, they're going to find us. You know how Mom is. She wouldn't let anything bad
happen to us." Dylan forced himself to laugh for Bella's sake. "She's probably on her way right now,
with Uncle Gabe and they're going to tear this place down brick by brick until they find us. Like in
those action movies, uncle Gabe likes to watch."

"You think so? Will Daddy be with them?" Dylan heard the tremor in her voice and so decided to
double his efforts, he was going to make her happy again or so help him God.
"Yeah, Dad's definitely going to be with them and he's probably going to stop Mom from doing
anything stupid, but they'll all come and save us."
"I like that," she whispered through her tears. "I want them all to rescue us."
"They will Belle and we'll all be a family again. Everything's going to be okay, we just have to
hang on for a little bit longerthink you can do that for us, Belle?"
Bella squeezed his fingers back. "I can be strong for us, as long as you're with me, Dylan."
"Good, because I'll never leave you, Belle." He whispered with conviction.
WOOF! WOOF! WOOF!
"Grayson!" They chorused and turned their heads in the direction of the barks. Having escaped
from his tethered restraint, the husky puppy stood before one the closed doors in the apartment and
continued to bark.
"Here, Grayson, come here boy," Dylan called, as he struggled to free his hands. "Come on
boy"
"Dylan, wait," Bella urged and strained to hear between Grayson incessant yelping. "Do you
hear that?"
"No."
"It's Sopie! She's saying something," she was beginning to sound like herself again. "Grayson
be quiet, boy, shhh."
"Bella...Dylan," It was barely audible, but all the same the twins heard it and not just that, but they
saw Sophie's fingers peek from beneath the door. Grayson approached the wiggling digits and
fervently licked them. They saw the fingers pat the floor and Grayson immediately obeyed his
mistress's command.
"Sopie...Sopie, are you okay?" Bella urgently inquired.
"Yeah, I'm alright. How about you guys?" Dylan looked to the side door and prayed that their
kidnapper or his lapdog wouldn't come out.
"We're alright too. They tied us up, so we can't move."
They heard soft clicking coming from door latch, near the knob, "Don't worry guys, I'm coming." A
few grunts and whispered curses later, Sophie emerged from the behind the wooden door.
She didn't look 'alright ' to Bella. In fact, she looked downright ill, so much so, that it appeared
standing for her took too much of an effort. She was leaning heavily against the doorframe, eyes
closed she drew in asthmatic breaths.
Dylan and Bella couldn't have been more worried, "Sopie!"
Their eldest sister opened her eyes, raccoon eyes that looked much to exhausted for a girl so
young, "I'm fine," she croaked out, "my head just hurts, no big dea." she gave her best smile and
hoped that it didn't appear as a grimace.
Walking the few little steps that separated them was an ordeal, but Sophie persevered, until she
collapsed right in front of them. "We're getting out of here." her confidence imbued her brother and
sister to help her undo the tape around their wrists and ankles.
Far too busy struggling with the tape and whispering an escape plan to each other, they were too
late in noticing Tony skulk from the confines of his room. "Didn't know you had it in you, kid. Thought
the fever would've done you in by now." He stood right behind her and right in front of Bella and
Dylan, who were looking at him as though he were the boogeyman.
Sophie slowly turned around from her knelt position, "Stupid of you to underestimate me, dad."
her retort earned her a hard kick in the sternum from the man who fathered her. Bella screamed and
began to cry, Dylan yelled and Grayson began to bark. Sophie fell on her side and curled in on
herself to nurse her throbbing chest.
Tony knelt by her side, dug his fingers in Sophie's hair and pulled her up by the roots. "You
shouldn't mouth off to your father, baby girl, s'not polite."
"You're not my father. You'll never be half the man he is!"
Tony's barked laughter caused Sophie to wince. "You talking bout, Nicholas? That asshole
doesn't give a shit about you! The only reason why he pretends to like you is so he can fuck your
Mom. Fucking your Mom can make people do some pretty fucked up things, like pretend to love the
bastard daughter of an ex-con."
Without warning Sophie shook Tony off and tackled the man to the floor, not knowing the source

of her renewed strength but happy to have it. "You don't ever talk about my Mom like that! Ever!"
Sophie rained a barrage of surprisingly solid punches against her father's face.
Her victory was short lived and soon enough, Tony took the upper hold. He pushed Sophie off
and began to kick her, "You stupid little shit!" Tony lifted her to her knees by the roots of her hair.
"Who the fuck do you think you are? HUH!" he slammed his fist across Sophie's face and delivered
another and another and another, until the twelve year old face was a canvas of spattered blood and
bruises. "I could fucking bury you!" Tony snarled. "You're my daughter! I fucking made you, you little
cunt, and I'll feel absolutely no remorse in taking you out. Do you hear me?" He shook Sophie's
head. "Now apologize! Say Daddy I'm sorry for saying Nicholas is a better man than you!"
Sophie remained silent.
"Not going to apologize? Fine!" He shoved her away, turning his fury to the two cowering twins at
his feet.
Wiping the blood from his lip, Tony scowled at the sobbing nine-year-old girl, before returning his
gaze to Sophie. "Do you think she can make you behave?"
"Stay away from her!" Tony's smirk widened.
He seized a struggling Bella and took hold of her jaw in a bruising grip. "Say you're sorry,
Sophie, or your half-sister here'll get her first lesson in obedience."
"Dont don't"
Tony stared into Bellas eyes and squeezed her jaw tighter until her lips formed a pout. Her warm
tears glistened against her cheeks. "Such a pretty mouth"
"I'm sorry! I'm sorry! Dad, please! I'm sorry! Nicholas isn't better than you!" Tony turned his
amused gaze to his sniveling daughter, blood dripping across her lids.
"See sweetheart, that wasn't so hard now, was it? Just remember, you will never be a Grayson,
because my blood, Carlyle blood runs through your veins and you're going to be just like me."
"Never! Sopie will never be like you!" Bella vehemently assured, drawing Tony's attention back
to her.
"Wanna know a secret?" he didn't wait for an answer. "I'm going to kill your Daddy. I'm going to
shoot him again and again and again and again, until he's chocking on his blood. Then I'm going to
rip him open, sell his organs for cash and wear his skin as a fucking coat."
"You're a very bad man." Said Bella between her tears.
"Bad men, sweetheart, are a necessary evil. Learn the lesson well."
Bella glared at him and Tony wanted nothing more than to carve her eyes out with a very dull
knife, "Anyone ever tell you, you have very ugly eyes?" he turned to Dylan and grasped his chin. "Not
you though, you have Ellie's eyes. Very beautiful"
There was no warning and with a puzzled expression on his face Tony wordlessly fell forward,
right on top of Bella and Dylan.
~*~*~*~
Topher pressed his lips together and began to whistle as he took down his rifle, twisted off the
silencer and put his equipment back into his violin case. He was left with a bad taste in his mouth,
but he wasn't too worried, because Nicholas never failed to make him happy. There was another job
awaiting him. One that was far more satisfying than this pitiful excuse of a hit.
He vacated his position on top of the roof soon after, whistling while he made his exit.

Chapter 22
Nicholas took the stairs three at a time, his long legs permitting him to do so, until he was in front
of the apartment door he knew housed his children. Cyan stepped forward, he and Ginger having
arrived moments earlier, he grabbed the doorknob and broke it open.
Bella saw him first and the immediate relief that washed over her prompted Nicholas to run to
them.
"Daddy..." her whisper brought about the gazes of her siblings to Nicholas. With Tony's lifeless
body pushed off to the side, Nicholas appraised them all, took in Sophie's extensive injuries before
making meticulous work of the rest of their bondage.
"Daddy!" Bella enveloped him the very moment she was released, her arms wrapping securely
around his neck. The very action alone almost undid him, but Nicholas knew now wasn't the time to
breakdown.
"It's alright, baby, I'm here now. I'm here now." He glanced at his son and Dylan silently assured
him that he was fine. They would talk later. He then glanced at Sophie.
Sophie's smile was small and weak, beneath the layers of blood "I...I knew you'd come.
I knew you would." Her eyes rolled in the back of her head as she fell finally gave into exhaustion.
"Cyan! Call Jace and tell him to get the car ready, now!"
"Yes, Sir." Cyan bent down, ready to pick up Tony's lifeless body, but before he could the
bedroom door burst open, revealing a disturbed blond haired junkie brandishing a gun. His hold on
the weapon was shaky at best as he made his way towards them.
"Leave and I'll shoot." He aimed the gun at Nicholas and Bella, his glazed eyes tried to focus
and take in the scene. "Fuck" he whined as he finally saw Tony's body, hanging limply from Cyan's
shoulder. "What'd you do to him?" he wavered on his feet the effect of whatever he'd taken taking its
toll.
Ginger made eye contact with Nicholas as she quietly crept behind Billy, her Glock aimed at his
head. She silently waited for her signal.
"He's not dead, just asleep. Put your gun down and we can talk about this."
Billy's unfocused gaze met Nicholas and he scowled. "I'm not a fucking moron! God! I fucking
knew this shit was going to end bad! I'm not going back to jail! I'm not!"
Nicholas disengaged himself from Bella's grip and slowly stood, strategically positioning himself
in front of all three of his children and the drug crazed gun wielder. He held up his hands, "Look, I can
make it happen. You won't have to go back to prison. Just put the gun down and I'll let you go. Matter
of fact, why don't you take the gun with you. Just go."
"Just like that?" he asked skeptically.
"Just like that."
Nicholas had him, he almost had the bastard, but something must've provoked him, because
what happened next was completely unexpected. Two guns fired, the first bullet pierced through
Nicholass blazer and perforated the skin beneath. Being shot a second time in his life wasn't as
painless as the first. The second bullet, fired from Ginger's gun brought about the end of Easy Billy
Sorrento.
"Daddy!"
"Dad!"
Bella and Dylan simultaneously yelled when Nicholas wavered on his feet. He pressed his left
hand to his right arm when he realized that he was bleeding far more profusely than he'd expected.
"Sir?"
"I'm fine." He looked down with a wan smile for the twins. "Come on, let's get out of here/" He
turned to Ginger. "Bring my, daughter." Ginger did as instructed and together they walked out of the
dingy apartment with Grayson held securely in Dylan's arms.
Once outside, with his children safely at his side, Nicholas ushered his children inside the
unmarked car awaiting them. Broderick appeared from the shadows and took Sophie from Ginger's
arms. Before he followed behind his children, Nicholas turned to Ginger and Cyan. "Burn it down,
leave no evidence."
"Yes sir." Cyan slammed the door to the car shut and watched it drive into the night.
~*~*~*~

The loss of Isabella Grayson ten years ago had caused Nicholas to develop a phobia of
hospitals. So hed built a small clinic in the East wing of the manor and had it staffed with a small
number of the country's best physicians. They were held under the strictest of confidence and were
all wise enough to know what would happen if anything were to ever slip out.
Two of those five doctors were now ready and waiting for Nicholass daughter and the minute
Sophie was carried in by Nicholas's trusted bodyguard, they set right to work. While they toiled over
Sophie's extensive injures, another Doctor appraised the abrasions on both Dylan and Bella's wrists
and ankles and checked to see whether they were injured anywhere else. Exhausted from the entire
ordeal they fell asleep not too long after, with Bella begging Nicholas to stay with them.
Nicholas couldn't pry himself away even after they'd fallen asleep. He sat in the brocade chair in
his bedroom, obscured by shadows. He gave his mind a chance to churn. His shoulder had been
examined and bandaged and was now healing beneath the layers of white gauze. The bullet having
only grazed a nerve it hadn't been as fatal as expected.
He'd been forced to take painkillers to ease the agonizing burn by Dr. Morrison, the only one
who knew him well enough to order him about when it came to his health.
Training his granite grey gaze on the immense four-poster bed with the king-sized mattress that
ensconced the twins peacefully sleeping on it, Nicholas had to keep reminding himself to blink and
breathe from time to time. Otherwise, he'd expire before he even had time to go see how Sophie
was fairing.
They were here with him and they were safe. It was a mantra he'd gotten used to repeating over
the last two hours. Somehow saying it and seeing them sleeping only a few feet away, wasn't
registering just yet. But it would, Nicholas was sure it would. It was simply that his nerves were far too
frayed to comprehend anything other than the basics. Sitting there, his mind raced while his body
listlessly attempted to keep up, but eventually his eyes drooped shut, his head slackened and his
body finally succumbed to the onslaught of fatigue, thirty hours without rest was bound to do that to
anyone.
That was how Ellie found him once she'd finished appraising her slumbering children. He was
seated on his chair, hair as black as sin fell across his forehead and curtained his slumbering visage
from view. His long legs, encased in a pair of black slacks, were spread opened with his naked feet
flat against the Persian carpet. The white linen shirt he wore was slightly open so the she was able to
see a sliver of the gauze bandage beneath.
Ellie tentatively approached, careful not to her children and their slumbering father. She stood at
a distance and basked in Nicholas slumbering beauty. He looked so peaceful, his face devoid of
lines, lips slightly parted, he bore resemblance to a small boy---Dylan actually, Ellie remarked.
She'd arrived at the manor approximately half an hour ago, after receiving Nicholas's call and
had been greeted by Nicholas's godfather and his wife. Sonya, the first time in having actually made
her acquaintance hadn't been at all what Ellie expected of Nicholas's mother. She'd seemed
genuinely kind, warm and reminded her in some ways of her own mother.
Theyd filled Ellie in on what they knew. Which had been namely on the wealth of the children and
Nicholas. With the knowledge that the twins hadn't suffered fatal harm, Ellie had asked Sonya to
show her where Sophie was. It was there by her slumbering daughter's side that Ellie eventually
decided to pull herself away long enough to check on Bella and Dylan.
Once outside of Nicholas's bedroom, Ellie had made sure to wipe any evidence of tears from
her face before entering.
Not knowing what she'd expected, but knowing it wasn't a quietly slumbering Nicholas slumped
in his chair, Ellie found herself taken off guard at the sight. Unguarded and almost vulnerable in
sleep, Nicholas was beautiful. It was a side the typically pragmatic and unflappable man didn't
display to the world. Ellie was glad that she could witness this.
Curiosity carried her forward until Ellie stood between his splayed legs. Lifting her arm, she
made to brush Nicholas's unruly fringe from his face but retracted her fingers. But she was unable to
help herself as she furtively reached out and touched the dark strands. They felt like silk between her
fingers, she'd forgotten how soft Nicholas's hair was. Her indulgence was short lived when seconds
later she felt a hand wrap securely around her wrist. With her hammering heart lodged in her throat,
Ellie held her breath as dove grey eyes captured her in their unrelenting hold. They were clear and
probing, almost as though he hadn't just woken from sleep.
"Nicky." Ellie breathed; the utterance of the name far too intimate to her own ears. She

attempted to pull away but managed only a peep when Nicholas tugged on her arm. She landed with
an oomph on his lap. "Nicky"
Ellie quieted instantly, words turning to dust in her mouth when Nicholas buried his face against
her neck. She felt the tears before she felt the shudder of his shoulders and Ellie's heart went out to
him.
"I'm here, now." She echoed back words that had been spoken to her not so many hours ago.
She rested her chin on Nicholas's head and held him tightly while he cried.
The silence that surrounded them was comforting, words were unnecessary. They stayed close,
Ellie providing comfort and Nicholas resting against her, taking it in like a man starved.
"Hey," Nicholas finally lifted his head from Ellie's wet shoulder and crinkled his nose at the wet
spot he'd created. Ellie looked down and back up again, only to meet Nicholas's dark gaze.
"Hey yourself," she murmured. "It's feels good not being the one crying."
"Yeah?"
"Yeah, I'm capable of doing other things besides crying, you know. Like comforting you for one."
Nicholas's smirk disappeared as he stared at Ellie, anchoring her hazel gaze to his. "You're the
only who ever could." Ellie unconsciously leaned into Nicholas's touch as warm fingers caressed her
cheek.
"I was worried."
"You always worry." Nicholas whispered.
"You didn't call."
"I'm sorry." Nicholas kept their gazes locked, their foreheads touched.
"You left." Nicholas thumbed Ellie's tears away.
"I'll always come back though." There was meaning, heavy and heartfelt in that one phrase and
they knew the gravity of it.
"Yeah," Ellie sighed, letting her eyes flutter shut, "You always come back." She opened her eyes
and bit down on Nicholas's lower lip. "You're like a damn rash." Her fingers played with the curls at
his nape. "I can't get rid of you. Tell me how to get rid of you, Nicky."
"Never."
Their lips touched.
"Mom!"
"Daddy!"
They sighed in unison before Ellie sat up from Nicholas's lap. Ever mindful of his fresh wound,
she was careful in pulling away from him.
"Bella! Dylan" Ellie enveloped them both in a hug that took all of their breaths away. They both
held her just as tightly and sobbed against her shoulder.
"Daddy where's, Sopie? How is she?" Bella pulled away from Ellie's arms at the sight of her
father.
The abrupt knock at the door put a halt to Nicholas's response. "Sir," one of the attendants
assigned to Sophie's care quietly entered. "Your daughter is awake and has asked to see you."
Giving her a brief nod of acknowledgment, Nicholas nursed his arm to his chest before helping
his daughter down from the bed, while Ellie did the same for Dylan. "Thank you." The small family of
four made their way out of the manor's master bedroom and began a steady trek to the East wing.
~*~*~*~
Sophie stared outside. From her prone position on the bed she could see the dawning of a new
morning, the sun making an ascent to the dark blue sky. For one so young she could say that she
appreciated the breathtaking sight and silently took it for what it was. A new dawn meant a new
beginning. She was here, safe and healing. The memories of what had transpired were now and
forever etched upon her soul, buried deep beneath Sophie's core, hopefully never to surface. All she
wanted now was her mom.
"Soph!"
Sophie turned her head to the door and was overjoyed to see her mother running towards her
bedside. "Mom!" she tried to rise and give her a hug, but her injuries prevented her from doing
much.
"Oh God, Sophie!" Her mother's hug was everything warm, sweet and healing. It chased away
the darkness from Sophie's mind and replaced it with everything good. Her wonderful scent bringing

tears to the young girl's eyes. And if the embrace was just a little too tight and didn't permit her to
breathe properly, Sophie didn't mind in the least. "God, Sophie, I'm so sorry, baby." Her mother wept
all the while showering her with kisses, sweet touches. The hugs were the best though, only god
knew how much Sophie had missed her mother's hugs.
"Mom, don't cry, I'm here and I'm Ok." Despite her own tears, Sophie tried to reassure her
mother that she truly was all right.
"Yes," Ellie cupped her face and smiled. "Yes you are and this is where you're going to stay,
Sophie. You, your brother and sister, nothing will ever happen to you again, nothing like this."
"I know, Mom." Sophie accepted another hug, before giving her attention to her brother and
sister.
"Hey, you too."
"Sophie!"
"Sopie!"
They chorused and climbed on her bed. "How are you feeling?"
"Better now that you're all here, you guys were so brave."
Bella shook her head as she stared at her older sister in admiration. "Not like you."
Sophie smiled and tugged on Bella's curls. "I'd do anything for you two."
Ellie watched the interaction between her children. She would have the chance to speak with
them later, but now, she was content in being around them. They appeared far closer than before,
wiser and more aware of their surroundings now and it saddened her that they had to learn the harsh
reality of the world so soon, in the worst way. Ellie sincerely hoped whatever happened to Tony, the
man realized just how deeply he'd wounded these innocent lives. She wanted him to suffer for the
lifelong scars he'd undoubtedly left on her children and agony he'd put them all through.
"Ellie?" Ellie jumped at the feel of Nicholas's hand on her shoulder.
"What did the doctor say?" on their way to the clinic, a Dr. Long had requested to speak to
Nicholas and he'd reluctantly left them to hear what she had to report.
"She has a few broken bones, nothing that won't heal in a few months time. They've given her
antibiotics to fight the infection that caused her fever. Aside from that, Dr. Long says she'll be just fine
as long as she stays in bed and minds her wounds."
"Awesome no school!" Sophie cheered.
Her enthusiasm brought smile to both Ellie and Nicholas's faces. "Doesn't mean no homework."
"Aww Mom!"
Nicholas laughed and settled on the mattress by Sophie's side. "Weve missed you."
Sophie glanced up, part of her attempted to find a hint of dishonesty in Nicholas's eyes. She
searched, hard, and found none. Just as she knew she would. "I missed you both too, thanks for
coming to get us."
Nicholas carefully gathered her in his arms and held her for a beat of eternity. The kiss at her
temple lingered for just as long before he spoke. "I'll always come for you, Sophie."
Sophie squeezed back, her hold bruising as she chocked on a sob. "Let it out, baby, let it out."
Nicholas whispered for her ears only and Sophie did. She buried her face on his shoulder and wept
for all she was worth. She wept partially because she hated herself for having doubted something
she'd been so sure of since she'd been a child. The agony of what she'd endured, the realization of
what her biological father had done to them, to her, poured free against Nicholas's shirt. Her heart
ached, terribly, but Sophie knew she would be alright. This was her dad and despite what Tony had
told her, Nicholas was the only father she knew. He loved her and that was all that mattered.
Unable stay away, Ellie approached them, her own heartache paled in comparison to the agony
her children had gone through, but doing only what a parent could do in such a situation she gave her
comfort and hoped it was good enough to see them through.
"We love you," said Nicholas to his three children. "We're a family and we're going to get through
this together. No matter what happens from here on end, nothing will ever change the fact that your
mother and I will always love you." He held Sophie by his side and looked to Bella and Dylan with a
smile. Then he kissed the top of Sophie's head, the next words for her only. "Never doubt my or your
mother's love for you, Sophie, because it is everlasting. How your mother and I feel about each other
does not and will never affect how I feel about you. Understand?"
Sophie nodded. "Yeah, we're a family." She quietly echoed, liking the sound of it. She grabbed
Nicholas's pale hand and settled it on top of her mother's smaller one. Then looked at them both with

a smile. "Now we're a family."

~*~*~*~
Throughout the rest of the day, the Akers and Holbrook brood arrived at the manor, Maddie with
them. Overjoyed to have their family around them, Sophie, Dylan and Bella recounted their harrowing
ordeal and Nicholas's rescue. They ate lunch together in semblance of familial bliss, even Gabe, first
member of the I-hate-Nicholas-club fan club, enjoyed the momentary peace they shared.
Late into the afternoon, he caught up to the silver eyed man on his way out the door. "Grayson!"
Nicholas spoke a few words to his bodyguard and once the man took his leave he turned around
to give Gabe his undivided attention. "I don't have time for this, Gabe."
"It'll only be a minute."
Nicholas stuffed his hands in his dark grey slacks and waited.
"I"he frowned, "Ithanks."
Nicholas grinned dryly, understanding how much of an effort it'd taken the other man to utter that
one word. It wasn't exactly a peace treaty, but it was a start. "Despite what you may think, Gabe, I'm
not the boy I used to be."
"You don't deserve her."
"Believe me I know that more than anyone. But I'm going to spend every second of my life trying
to be worthy of her."
"You're going to die trying."
Nicholas gave a halfhearted smile. "Then I guess I'll die a happy man. I'll see you later, Gabe."
He walked away then and left Gabe in the foyer to contemplate his words.
~*~*~*~
When Tony awoke it was with a wave of blood rushing to his head and the burning glare of lights
blinding him. Suspended high above a basin of water, Tony struggled to get down, but found that he
was only making himself sick.
"Hello up there, Tony."
"Whowho the fuck said that?" He squinted, trying to make out a face through the glare of the
lights. "What the hell is going on?" the light clicked off and for a brief moment submerged him in
complete darkness. He heard another click a minute later and the light, dimmer than before
spotlighted his capturer and really Tony shouldn't have been as surprised at who it was.
"Nicholas!"
A cold terror washed over Tony as the wire holding him up suddenly whirred, bringing him
crashing down to the basin below. He found himself submerged and in his panic he struggled for
breath but only swallowed water. For what seemed like eternity he was kept inundated until finally the
wire wrenched him back up. He coughed until his throat was sore all the while attempting the breath
in between. His eyes and skin burned as he came to the realization that the water had been laced
with chlorine.
He felt a towel on his face and opened his eyes to see Nicholas carefully dabbing the water
away. "How'd you like your swim?"
"Fuck you, asshole!
"You're welcome, Tony. Your comfort will be of the utmost importance during your stay here."
Nicholas threw the towel on the floor. He put his hands into his pocket and withdrew a flat sterling
case along with small matchbook. From the case, he took out a cigarette and set it between his lips.
He pocketed the case and struck the matchstick to life. Lighting his cigarette he took a long
drag before blowing the smoke in Tony's face.
"Welcome to my hell, Carlyle.

Chapter 23
There wasn't a source of light to indicate the hour of day nor was there anything that gave Tony
hint of where he was or how long he'd been there. There wasn't much of anything except noise. So
much noise. It deprived him the ability to close his eyes in momentary peace. From his tethered
position above the chlorine-contaminated water, he'd been dropped to the cold concrete floor. With
room bathed in darkness he'd listened after the rhythmic tap, tap of Nicholas's shoes as he receded
into the darkness.
Tony had chased him then, ran around the darkness like a man ridden with madness, screamed
so loudly that his vocal chords ached. But no one heeded his cries, no one but the deafening silence
that followed. That had been millennia ago, now he only wished the silence would return and take
with it the concealed source of cacophonous noise. It was inescapable; pressing his palms to the
shell of his ears was moot.
Tony closed his eyes, huddled in his corner he counted a hundred and twenty seconds. One
hundred of twenty seconds in which to rest his mind, two minutes of reprieve, before the noise
returned. For ten, long arduous minutes, all that ran through his mind was the constant grinding and
blood curdling screams that reverberated throughout the cavernous warehouse. He couldn't form a
coherent thought and when he did, in the given interval of silence, all he could hear was the grinding
and the screams.
He counted, counted and waited longer than ten minutes now and still the noise did not come.
He unfurled from his position, stared into the infinite darkness and waited. The fine hairs on his arms
stood on end, a feeling of foreboding overcame him.
"You fucking coward!" he screamed. "Let me the fuck out of here! Pussy-ass-bitch! Let me out!"
his shrieks echoed, bounced off the walls and disappeared in the darkness. He blindly walked
around, hands reaching out before him. He searched for something...anything that would help him
escape. When his searched proved futile, Tony finally encountered something. He touched the cool
material and beneath his hands it almost felt like leather. Suddenly, the blinding light from before
returned and spotlighted Tony where he stood. Forced to close his eyes, he waited for them to adjust
before opening them again. When he was finally able to, he took in his surroundings and just as he'd
expected, there was nothing but empty space all around. The only exception being the six wooden
beams holding the flat metal roofing in place and of course, the conveniently placed leather chair that
stood before him.
Why the fuck did he put a chair here?
"Have a seat, Tony." the voice wasnt Nicholas's but all the same it evoked a great amount of
unease in Tony's chest.
Tony took his hand from the chair and spun around, his eyes searching for the owner of that
voice. "Show yourself!" at his command, laughter resonated, maddening laughter that had Tony
screaming for him to shut up.
"You should really have a seat, Tone. We wouldn't want you exhausted before the show has even
begun."
"What show? Where the fuck is Grayson? I want to speak to the coward!"
"All in due time...all in due time. Nicholas has a family he needs to tend to. But not to worry, he's
asked that we refrain ourselves from starting the show until his arrival. Meanwhile, he's arranged for
you to have a few pets to play with. Your host is nothing if not accommodating." The speaker laughed
and the lights flickered before clicking off. "Play nice with the pets, Tone."
"WAIT! COME BACK!" like a veil, darkness fell once more. "Don't fucking leave me here!
GOD!" he spun around looking, waiting, eyes wide, his heart thundering painfully in his chest. Dread
took shape in beads of sweat pooling against his forehead, trickling down his spine. "Fuck!" he
whispered. The fear of the unknown triggered his panic.
There was silence. Nothing but a muted endless silence. He could hear his heart. Taste the
roaring beats against his tongue. His pulse spiked the very second he felt the smooth scales against
his left foot. Tony drew his hands into fists at his sides as his breathing quickened. There were more
than a few, slithering and gliding against his naked feet, their violent hisses harmonized with Tony's
breathing. Staying calm was not something easily done.
"Shit...shit...shit..." he hyperventilated. Tony took a step back but quickly halted his actions at the

feel of scales beneath his foot. He shook in place, more than terrified his mind worked quickly.
Anxious to flee but hindered by fear, he stared into darkness, knowing that the answer was not in the
gloom.
Before he could convince himself otherwise, Tony reached out and found the chair, he stretched
his legs and settled his left foot on it and then pulled the other along. Temporarily safe, he sat
huddled on the leather seat. The horror of being touched by snakes left his skin crawling.
"Nicholas"he stammered. "That's the best you can do?" he had to keep talking, hearing the
sound of his voice was much better than the quiet hisses of the reptiles beneath him.
~*~*~*~
She'd taken a much deserved sabbatical from work and much to the delight of her children Ellie
now devoted the whole of her attention on the twins and their sister. With the newly found opportunity
to rise with the sun and not rush through breakfast and the daily chaos that was prepping the children
for school, Ellie found that she was finally able to enjoy her mornings. She could bask in the warmth
of the sun streaming through the kitchen window. Relish the taste of a freshly brewed cup of coffee
without stressing the fact that she'd spill a drop on herself or the interior of her car. There were
actually birds chirping in her backyard, and being privy to the gaiety of their tunes only seemed to
heighten her already happy mood. Seated alone at her clean kitchen table, Ellie brought her coffee
mug to her lips and quietly reflected on the events that'd transpired since leaving Nicholas's home.
After a few days at the palatial estate that was Nicholas's home Ellie had decided that maybe
it'd be best to return to her own abode with the children and resume their lives. She'd almost
managed to do it too, seeing as Nicholas had been peculiarly absent from his own home these past
few days. But, on the days that he'd been present, he had argued the fact that displacing Sophie
when she was so obviously vulnerable and weak would only harm the child, rather than have the
positive effects Ellie imagined it would. He'd been so damn smug and so damn charming when he
realized that Ellie reluctantly saw the point of his logic that he'd even gone so far as to suggest that
they all (the children, Ellie and himself) remain at his estate. Ellie, of course had deservedly laughed
in his face.
Nicholas patiently stared at the cackling woman across the marble island countertop and had
it in his right mind to march over there, grab her and swipe clean the laughter from her lips. Was
it so wrong to yearn for a taste of that laughter or the succulent lips from which it came?
"Not gonna happen, Grayson."
"And why th'hell not, Holbrook?"
Ellie looked at him as though he'd lost his God given mind, "well for one thing, Bella and
Dylan have to go back to school." she straightened from her hunched position on the countertop
at Nicholas's subtle advance.
"They need security. School will only serve to intimidate them right now." He countered,
approaching her.
As he rounded the island and Ellie continued to back away. "They need stability, staying here
and hiding in your massive mansion isn't going to help them."
"Manor."
"Same diff erence. Nicholas, my children"
"Your children?" Ellie didn't realize that she'd backed herself into the pantry until she smelt
the distinct aroma of vanilla and brown sugar. "I didn't realize you were capable of creating life on
your own, Ellie." Nicholas mused, leaning against the door-less entryway, arms smoothly folded
across his chest.
"If only that were possible, I'd have fewer men in my life to deal with." Ellie muttered to
her self and looked up at Nicholas's chuckle.
"You think you can go through life without needing to be touched by someone else?"
"Most definitely. Remember, I was practically abstinent when I met you."
Vacating his position at the entryway, Nicholas was in front of her less than three strides,
further cornering Ellie. "And how did that go for you?" He quietly inquired, reaching up to brush
her hair behind her ear. He gazed down at her, his thumb stroking her cheek.
It seemed as though Nicholas magnetism alone sucked the very air from the small room,
depriving poor Ellie the ability to breathe properly. "Perfectly fine." She lied.
"Do you want me to tell you what I remember, Ellie?" His breath was far too hot against Ellie's

ear, his body far too solid, reminding Ellie of his utter maleness pressed against her soft delicate
folds.
"Don't," she tried to get away, but everything, everything about Nicholas was like an opiate--addictive and so very dangerous to one's sanity. But honestly much she tried to get away, Ellie
had to admit that she truly didn't want to.
Nicholas virility inundated all that was timid, frail and sweet in Ellie and provoked forth a
creature that was as wanton and bold as the nymphs that danced at Apollo's feet.
"I remember the very first time I had you, Ellie. The taste of your orgasm on my tongue was
sensational. Your sweet urgent pleas as I savored every inch of you and the bite of your nails
digging into my back as I finally took you." His words were sexier than sin, his whispering breath
further adding to the intimacy of the moment that Ellie instantly felt the dampness between her
legs.
"Do you remember the cabin, Elle?"
She could only nod.
"Remember how insatiable you were? How hard I was for you? How hot we were against the
mirror? And the window?" His tongue swept along her cheek trailing hot wet kisses to her
quivering lips.
"And the kitchen."
Nicholas chuckled. "Yes, we seem to have an affinity to kitchens." There was desire, hot,
rampant and smoldering bright for her in dark silver eyes and Ellie wanted to succumb to it. She
wanted the fever of his lust to burn over her and take her up in a blaze. But the sudden image
that flashed in Ellies mind of herself and Devlin on the countertop of her own kitchen the
evening hed proposed had Ellie averting her gaze from Nicholas's smoldering one.
"Devlin." She uttered.
If there was anything that could've wilted Nicholas's arousal and thoroughly doused the mood
it was the utterance of Devlin Westport's name.
"If you'd wanted me to stop, you could've just said so." Ellie reached out to grab his shirt
before he could go too far.
"I...I didn't." she muttered, head bowed.
Nicholas slipped a finger beneath Ellie's chin and gently raised her head. "You what?"
Ellie frowned and noisily sighed. "I didn't want you to stop, okay?" Her aggravation stemmed
from her embarrassment. Embarrassed that she could want one person so much that it hurt,
embarrassed that even though her mind was telling her 'not yet' she wanted nothing more than to
listen to the shameless implorations of her body and let Nicholas finally take her.
Grey eyes and one hell of a smirk, was all Ellie could see between the veils of her lashes.
"So then, why the name?"
"Because," Ellie swept Nicholas's hand away and avoided those steely grey eyes. "I won't do
this with you, while he and I are together."
"Do you love him?" Ellie looked back and met Nicholas gaze.
"I love him enough not to do this to him." She didn't try to pretend that she didn't find a sort of
sadistic joy from the tightening of Nicholas's jaw, or the tension that suddenly overtook him.
"Does that hurt you, Nicky, the fact that I can love another man and be with him like you and I
were? Have him touch me the way you used too?" She was stoking embers, prodding at a
slumbering predator with a stick.
Nicholas evenly met her tempestuous gaze. "It kills me."
That answer as unexpected as it was evoked goose bumps on Ellie's flesh.
"'I've loved you since I was eighteen, Nicky, and I don't think Ive ever stopped." She quietly
stated, resigned to the fact that there would never be anyone else but the man who stood inches
away from her.
"Ellie"
"But that means very little right now. There's going to be a time when you and I lay it all in the
open, but before that happens, I need to talk to Devlin."
"About what?"
"I don't think that's any of your business."
"Are you going to marry him?"
"Whether or not I marry him doesn't change the fact that I am nowhere ready to jump into a

relationship with you. Life isn't a fairy tale and it will be a very long time before we have anything
resembling a happily ever after."
"I am a very patient man." He enveloped her in his arms and she felt cherished. His lips
descended and his mouth took control. He kissed her like it was their first and last. Heated yet
tenderly sweet. Languorously erotic, setting her racing heart on fire. Taking his time to delve and
seduce her to him, Nicholas fisted a hand through her hair, tilted her head back and deepened
the kiss.
Ellie moaned in his mouth, the needy sound taken by the sweet velvet of his tongue stroking
over hers. It could've lasted for eternity, would've lasted for eternity had Nicholas the choice, but
reluctantly he drew away, everything in him telling him that now wasn't for them. Their time would
come. But before that time came, he wouldn't instigate anything that she would later regret. When
he had her, Nicholas would make sure that Ellie regretted nothing. She would come to him with a
full and welcoming heart. "For you, I'll wait a million lifetimes, Ellie, because you'll always be worth
it."
"Only a million?" Ellie breathed, her eyes unable to trail away from Nicholas's compelling
darker gaze.
"However long it takes to have you again."
"I'll hold you to that."
He kissed the corner of her mouth with a gentle smile. "I wouldn't have it any other way."
~*~
Even now, days later the impression of his lips lingered, Ellie could still taste him on her tongue.
The way he'd kissed her, the feel of his warm mouth upon her own was forever ingrained in her
memories, putting to shame all others.
Unfortunately, as good and right as it felt being in her ex-lover's arms again, it only made what
she planned to do that much more difficult. Ending her relationship with Devlin was going to take
strength and courage, so much of it that Ellie wondered whether she could muster enough.
Since the rescue, she and Devlin had barely spoken and when they did, it was of Sophie's
condition and nothing more. Just the evening before, Devlin had entered Ellie's bedroom as he'd
done almost every night since they'd met and attempted to make love to her, but everything had felt
achingly awkward and strained. After failing to accomplish anything, hed left her and had yet to
return. Thankfully, he'd called a few hours before the children had risen for school and had coolly
informed Ellie that he would be working from his penthouse and did not want to be disturbed. He'd
wanted to come and get Roan, but Ellie had volunteered to drive him to school and later to the
penthouse. With a terse "Thank you", Devlin hung up the phone. She'd planned to tell the truth today
and break off the engagement, but she was once again doubting herself.
"Think any harder and your brain will leak out from your ears." Maddie's teasing pulled Ellie from
her thoughts.
"Morning to you too."
"She speaks!" Maddie headed for the countertop, grabbed a mug from the cupboard and
poured herself a cup of coffee. "Let me guess, Nicholas problems? Or maybe, Devlin?"
Ellie frowned, "Am I so predictable?"
"Like vanilla ice cream, but that's the reason why men love you, Ellie."
Bringing her own mug to her lips, Ellie watched as Maddie poured cream into her cup.
"Enlighten me."
"Chocolate ice cream is perfect just the way it is, pure sinful delight, every glutton's dream and
the Achilles' heel of yours truly." She pointed at herself with her spoon, before shoving said spoon in
her mouth and taking a seat across from Ellie. "Strawberry ice cream, also remarkably delicious
alone, can taste great with a few choice toppings, everyone either hates or loves it. And then we
come to vanilla, vanilla ice cream, is a sweet and pure, people always have a craving for it but they
dont always get it. Vanilla ice cream is like the Angel of all ice creams."
"Thanks for that wonderful lesson about ice cream, Maddie. Not only am I a deceiving jerk but
I'm also a boring tease, wonderfully put."
"You're not a tease, Ellie and lord knows your life is anything but boring. I am just trying to say
that you have a certain something that makes men go gaga over you." Maddie took a sip of cream
laced coffee before looking up at her best friend, mirth gleaming in his aquamarine eyes. "I think you
have a damsel-complex. You emit some sort of pheromone that makes men flock to take care of

you, protect you and all that chivalrous crap. Those big hazel eyes, that pouty mouth, orgasmic face--"
Ellie threw a crumpled napkin at a laughing Maddie, "I get it!"
"I knew I could get a smile." They laughed before Maddie continued, "So want to fill me in on
what's happening?"
Ellie leaned back against her chair with a weary sigh, "I don't even know anymore. What I
do know is I need to end things with Dev, like pronto. I don't know how long I can keep doing this
without hurting anyone. Two days ago I was this close," Ellie held up her thumb and index finger with
only inches between them, "to having sex with Nicholas, this close Maddie!" she frantically
emphasized.
"Why, Ellie, you little skank. I want details."
Ellie laughed despite herself. "Maddie, I'm serious!"
"So am I, at least youre getting some! I haven't been laid in like months! I think I'm starting to
forget how good it can be."
"It's still as good as you remember, trust me, nothing's changed."
"Ok, serious question now," she rested her arms on the table, pulled herself onto her knees on
the chair and leaned across the table. "Who's better, Nicholas or Devlin?"
Ellie's face bloomed crimson. "Maddie!" she screamed, mortified.
Maddie laughed. "I kid...I kid." she waved her hands to the air to ward Ellie from throwing
something else at her. "Sorry, okay. I promise to be serious now. But honestly there isn't anything I
can tell you that you don't already know yourself."
Blush receding, Ellie was able to continue the conversation without a nosebleed, "Tonight, when I
drop off Roan after dinner, I'll talk to him then."
"Don't worry about the kids. I'll put them to bed,"
"Thanks Maddie." Ellie stood to set her mug in the sink. "Do you want me to make you
something to eat before I go see Sophie?"
"I think I can manage to whip something up without burning down the house."
"Stick to digging up bones, Maddie, comedy isn't for you." Ellie laughed at Maddie's expression
as she turned to leave, but before she made her exit she turned around in the kitchen entrance,
"They're about the same, but Nicholas trumps Devlin in stamina." With the color high on her cheeks,
she spun on her heel and practically ran out of the room with Maddie's laughter trailing after her.
~*~*~*~
His tortured screams filled the room. Strapped down and unable to move Tony was incapable of
doing anything but screech and thrash against his restraint as the pendulum saw blades gradually
descended. The inevitable acquaintance of jagged sterling against sweat stained flesh only
managed to produce bone-locking fear. Struggling, like everything else he'd done to get away
proved futile, but that didn't stop Tony from trying. He'd been stripped down to nothing. The
plummeting temperature in the room seemed to freeze the blood in his veins, rendering his body
incapable of producing heat.
"Nicholas you sick fuck! Mother fucking bastard don't do this! Don't do this to me!" His vocals
cracked and from where he stood Nicholas could understand why. Tony had been screaming bloody
murder since he'd shown up.
Nicholas divested himself of his dark blue coat. Handing it over to Topher standing at his side,
he continued on with his tie, setting that too on top of his coat. He rolled up the sleeves of his dark
shirt as he languidly made his way to the table Tony was strapped down to. He took a seat on the
stool adjacent to it.
Tony twisted his head to look at him and beneath the layers of anger and enmity Nicholas saw
fear in those dark obsidian eyes. Fear peeled off him in waves and it was that fear that fed Nicholas.
Mercy would not come from him.
"ShitShit, man. Y-y-you have t-t-to stop this." his lips were blue, his face ashen.
"No," Nicholas shook his head with grim expression. "I don't think I will."
As he waited for Topher to return with what he'd ordered to be brought to him, Nicholas sat back
in his chair and with morbid fascination watched at the blades swung to and fro, their descent that
much closer to their target. They really wouldn't cause too much damage, just a few superficial cuts
to the abdomen and the upper tights, only to rise up again and return to once more carve down in the
very same areas. The pain was minimal. The wait was murder.

"The first time you fucked with me, I let you off easy, Tony. Prison was a cakewalk compared to
what I have planned for you. You really should've stayed away, but you decided you wanted to come
back and get your revenge. You even managed to stalk my family for months without my notice."
Nicholas clapped his hands and smiled derisively. "I must applaud you for that. You've managed to
elude my team for a good eight months, that's something to be proud of. But your achievements only
managed to piss me off and the fact that you were stupid enough to think you could get away with
kidnapping my children, well," he turned to the silver tray at his left, which Topher had arranged for
him and grabbed a scalpel, "that's not something I can easily forgive."
The jagged blades descended and tore into Tony's flesh, the second they began to rise, blood
bloomed and like a geyser began to gush out. Tony's screams echoed his dark eyes rounded and
watery, his fists clenched as he anxiously tried to breathe. Topher was immediately at Tony's side
and poured the clear contents in the beaker he held onto the wounds, Tony's body rose inches from
the table and began to spasm.
"Do you want me to tell you a story, Tony?" Nicholas asked calmly, impervious to what was
happening.
"F-f-fuck you..." A mixture of spittle, blood and phlegm glistened across his quivering lips.
"It'll make you feel better." He intoned.
Tony's pained scowl brought a smile to Nicholas's lips. "Your loss. It was a really good story." He
stood up. "Oh, did you like the pets I left for you?"
"He had the time of his life." Topher responded and chuckled to himself.
"Wonderful to hear." Nicholas walked around the table and leaned over Tony's pain distorted
face. "You look like shit, Tony." Nicholas brought the scalpel to view and pressed the sharp
instrument against Tony's mouth. "How about a smile, hmnn?" He drove the scalpel between Tony's
clenched lips, shoving further between clenched teeth Nicholas swiftly drew it upwards and tore at
the soft tissue of Tony's cheek. From ear to ear he administered the same brutal treatment to both
sides until blood oozed out, splattering his arms and shirt. Blood covered his hands as he soullessly
looked at the face of the disfigured man, whose attempts at screaming were quite a disturbing sight.
There was true unadulterated horror in Tony's eyes as Nicholas continued to stare at him, what
he saw in those silver eyes had him desperately praying for death. For the Devil stared back at him.
In those cold, fathomless eyes, he saw nothing that resembled humanity.
Tony's latest wounds created a gruesome image, Nicholas was immune to them. He stooped
down so that his mouth fell at the same level as Tony's ear. "Death will be your only escape." He rose
and dropped the scalpel on the silver tray.
"Nhhh." It came out as a guttural moan. Tony was no longer capable of speech. He could do no
more than gurgle and drown in blood and agony.
"Try not to talk." Nicholas advised, reclaiming his seat on the stool, he tugged a few feet away
and sat down. "Whenever you're ready, Christopher."
Before he found his love for firearms, Topher was studying to become a surgeon; he gave up
that dream the minute he held a gun. So as a pastime, when his clients paid enough and weren't
particularly squeamish, he offered his surgical expertise.
"Say hello to Christopher, Tony, he's very excited to work with you. I'd be honored if I was you.
He's all about precision."
"Sorry man, but you fucked up." Topher said indifferently before grabbing a syringe from the tray
table, "Do you want me to tell you how old this needle is? Or maybe," he tipped the syringe upside
down and gently tapped the air bubbles away, before turning to his patient. "I'll start by telling you
exactly where I found it." With the saw blades making their descent, Topher took hold of Tony's arm
and tightly squeezed the muscles in his forearm. Once he found a vein, he stabbed the hypodermic
needle into it and squeezed out the contents in the barrel.
"We wouldn't want you to pass out before we're finished. Nicholas wants you awake through
everything. Now," he tossed the syringe onto the tray, "back to my story. On my way here, I managed
to stumble by this baser, so I asked if he had a syringe on him by any chance, and wouldn't you
believe it! The goddamn fucker did have one. So, I gave him a hundred bucks and he gave me his
syringe. Good trade, right?" he had to raise his voice over the whir of the blades and Tony's gurgling
cries.
His incoherent babbles and blood caked face had Topher empathizing with the poor man and
deep down a part of him wanted to stop what he was doing. Fortunately, that part of him could easily

be silenced by his well-founded fear of the silver eyed man seated not too far behind him.
He'd rather be on Nicholas's good side any day, than his bad side. So with that in mind, Topher
commenced. Taking hold of Tony's left hand, Topher applied the scalpel to the back of the wounded
man's index finger. He pulled the scalpel downwards, causing the pale blue flesh to unfurl, once he
reached the knuckle, he jumped on to the next digit and meted out the same punishment, until he
reached the pinky. By the time, he was finished, Tony's blood trickled from Topher's gloved hands
and onto the cold concrete floor.
No longer capable of screaming, Tony's agonized protest only came out as strained groans.
It continued this way, every mutilation much worse than the last, until Tony Carlyle was nothing
more than an unrecognizable corpse in a vat of blood, flesh and bones.
"Kiiilll meh--" he gargled, choking on his own saliva and blood. Nicholas having risen a few
minutes ago peered down at him. Some part of him should've felt something, maybe compassion or
even disgust but there was nothing. Even vengeance proved distasteful now.
"Give me your gun," he ordered staidly. Topher leaned down, pulled out his pistol from his boot
and handed it to Nicholas.
Nicholas took the gun and aimed it between Tony's bleary eyes.
"Plea---"
"I'll see you in hell, Tony. Tell my father I'll be seeing him. " Nicholas pulled the safety, squeezed
the trigger and fired without a moment's hesitation.
He tossed the gun back to Topher, "I suggest you pack your things and leave."
"The money...?"
Nicholas turned and callously grinned at the other man, "You've earned yourself a bonus,
Christopher," He mockingly patted Topher's cheek. "Don't spend it all in one place."
"What do you want me to do with the body?" He yelled after the Nicholas's retreating form.
"Leave it. Be out of here in five minutes."
There was a clock set to tick the moment he left this condemned warehouse, in five minutes,
there would be nothing left but debris and a charred corpse. However, no one would be able to
identify the remains, because the person known as Anthony Carlyle never existed.
'It's good to be rich.' Nicholas silently thought as he lit the cigarette between his lips, took a long
drag and exhaled upon his exit.

Chapter 24
"Did you enjoy dinner, Roan?" Ellie asked of Devlin's son seated in the passenger seat of her
car. Roan peeled his eyes from the passing scenery outside long enough to respond to Ellie's
question.
"Yeah, dinner was good."
He was usually more talkative than this. Ellie wondered if he was sick. "Are you alright? Do you
feel sick?" She took one hand off the steering wheel and reached over to touch his forehead.
"No, I'm fine." He averted his eyes back to the window.
Roan's wasn't just Devlin's son. In the last three years since she and Devlin dated, Ellie had
always treated Roan like one of her own, and always made herself available to him. It hurt to see the
young boy so distant now. "Whatever's wrong you can tell me, we'll work it out together,"
Roan remained silent.
Ellie tried another tactic. "How's school"
"Youre not going to marry my dad, are you?"
Taken off guard by the question Ellie had to slam on her breaks to prevent herself from running a
red light.
'So much for wanting to take it slow' Ellie thought dryly.
"Roan..."
"You can tell me the truth, Ellie. I'm a big boyI can take it."
Ellie peered at the teenage boy and inwardly sighed. "As true as that maybe, I don't think I
should be having this conversation with you. Your father and I care very much about each other"
"But you don't love him, not like that Nicholas guy." there was venom there, "I saw you too
kissing, you know." He turned accusing eyes to Ellie. "I didn't tell my dad, it'd hurt him too much."
Ellie's hand tightened around the steering wheel. "I'm sorry." She whispered forlornly. Lost as
what to say.
The remainder of the car ride was in strained silence and once Ellie parked the car, Roan
quickly unbuckled his seatbelt, grabbed his school bag and stormed out of the car, running into the
high-rise building.
Ellie followed at a more sedate pace primarily to give him some space and to gather her
thoughts and garner strength for what she was about to do.
~*~*~*~
Devlin tipped the decanter and poured the amber tinted contents into his glass tumbler. It went
down smooth and exploded in his stomach. He poured another glass and slammed that one down
too. The decanter had been full a few hours ago, now it barely had three fourths of the way before it
was completely gone.
He raked his hands through his disheveled mane as though the action alone could take away the
memories of that conversation.
He'd been there. He'd been right there, standing at the entrance of the porch like a fool, as he
listened to his fianc confess to her father that she was in love with another man. He'd
heard everything and he'd felt gutted. Three years of his life reduced to shit. Devlin was not taking
the rejection very well.
He swallowed another shot of bourbon and swiped his hand on the lower part of his face, his jaw
rough against his palm, he realized he hadn't cared to shave this morning--- or bathe for that matter.
The effects of his fiances betrayal did not permit him the leisure of grooming himself.
He didn't even know how to feel. No fuck that, he was pissed off! Matter of fact he was feeling
exceptionally violent. Violent enough that if he were to see Nicholas Grayson right now, he'd pummel
his head into a bloody pulp and enjoy every second of it.
The front door to his penthouse flew open and Devlin had only to turn his head slightly to see his
son storm into his bedroom and slam the door behind him.
Ellie appeared soon after and upon seeing Devlin, uncertainly smiled before closing the door
behind her. She walked further into the room, feeling more and more like an intruder with every step
she took until she came to a hesitant stop in front of Devlin. "Hi."
Devlin drank her in, from the tips of her sandaled feet, to the top of her shoulder length hair. She
was as beautiful as the very first time Devlin had laid eyes on her. Still just as breathtaking as the first

time they'd gone out. Overcome with the sudden need to hold her close, Devlin gently pulled Ellie to
him and embraced her. He held her close, pressed his face to the side of her neck and inhaled.
Eucalyptus and mint, that was Ellie's signature scent. It was in the shampoo she used and the
shower gel she always bought. It was a scent Devlin could always attribute to home, it was comfort
and love.
Without warning, Devlin scooped Ellie off her feet and carried her to his bedroom. "Dev"
"You owe me this." He stated.
The surfeit of lights emitted from the city below and beams from the full moon above, gave
Devlin ample lighting to see what he was doing as he entered his bedroom. He deposited Ellie on
the bed and walked away to lock the door behind him.
"Devlin," Ellie nervously licked her lips, rising to a sitting position she looked at the fatigued man
bleakly staring at her. "We need to talk." Even to her own ears those words sounded like a death
knell. The resounding claxon of a relationship headed for the guillotine. Ellie steeled herself. "There's
something I need to tell you."
Devlin pulled off his shirt and threw it somewhere on the floor. "It can wait," his jeans came off
next.
Ellie shook her head, stood up and moved away from the bed. "I'm not going to have sex with
you, Devlin."
"You think you have a choice in this?" Devlin questioned caustically as he advanced.
Ellie slowly backed away. "Okay, I'm not even going to dignify that with an answer, because I
know it's the alcohol talking"
"Have you fucked him yet? Or are you going to do that after you leave here?"
"You're drunk and I'm leaving." Ellie headed for the door, Devlin blocked her path.
"Don't leave, Ellie, I thought you wanted to talk." Devlin swept his arm through the air. "So let's
talk. Let's have it out, babe. We both know it's been a long time coming."
"I don't think you're in the right frame of mind to hear what I have to say, so maybe we should talk
tomorrow."
"How many times, Ellie? How many fucking times did I ask you whether you wanted to be with
me?" His long strides immediately brought him to her. "How many times did I ask you whether it
was me you loved!" with his hands tightly wrapped around Ellie's upper arms, Devlin shook her. "You
lied! You continuously lied to me!"
"I didn't lie!" Ellie tried to pull away but Devlin's grip remained firm. "I do love you Devlin, I do"
"But?"
The tears came then and Ellie frantically blinked them away, she looked down.
"No!" Devlin shook her again. " You don't get to fucking cry, Ellie. Goddamn it! Look me in the
fucking face and tell me! Tell me how you love him more than me!" Hazel eyes shined with unshed
tears but Devlin's heart was frozen to those pretty eyes and those unshed tears. He was immune and
he'd had enough. "TELL ME!"
"I love him. I never stopped."
The confession hurt more than he'd ever thought it would. The ache was unmatched by anything
he'd ever felt before. Even the pain of losing his father hadnt been this profound.
"I never meant for any of this to happen the way it did, Devlin," Ellie sobbed. "I never wanted to
hurt you, you have to believe me! I never wanted to hurt you!"
Devlin released his grip on her arms, fearing that he'd shatter the bones if he didn't.
"DevDev please" she reached for him but thought better of it as she covered her mouth
instead, the tears running free.
I never stood a chance did I? The very second he came back, you knew, Ellie. You fucking knew
and I felt it.
I didnt want this, Dev. Nicholas and I are
"Did our relationship mean nothing? The three years, were they just lies?"
"NO! I was happy with you!" Ellie furiously shook her head. "I loved you!"
"Then why? Why him? Why now?"
"I've loved him since I was eighteen." She whispered desperately, begging for understanding.
"He
"Hewhat, Ellie?"
"He completes me, Devlin."

"Wow, his laughter was bitter and harsh. Lets push that knife a little deeper why dont we?
What the fuck was I Ellie, his substitute? Were you keeping me around until he came back?
I never thought of you like that. Not once. Please, try to understand, Devlin. I wanted to be with
you, I wanted to marry you. But Nicholas coming back has awakened all these feelings I thought Id
buried a long time ago. I tried to deny it for so long now, lying to myself, to you. But I cant do it
anymore. I cant under good conscience commit myself to you feeling the way I do. It wouldnt be fair
to either of us.
"GOD!" He roared, kicking the burgundy ottoman in the process. "WE WERE SUPPOSED TO
GET MARRIED!" he advanced on her again, cornering her this time against the solid wood armoire
and his looming frame. "How can you do this to me, Ellie?" There was so much anguish in that one
whisper, his dark blue eyes glossed over with unshed tears. "I love you." His lips brushed along hers.
"Don't do this to me." He cupped her face and kissed her with desperation. Needing to hold this
moment for just a while longer.
"How can you ask me to live without you?" He asked, his warm lips pressed against Ellie's tears
stained cheeks. "How can I just walk away? You're everything to me." Devlin held her back just as
tightly. "Everything, Ellie."
"I'm so sorry.
"There's never going to be another you." He murmured hoarsely, his heart too big for his chest. It
felt like it was going to rip through his sternum and fall at her feet.
Ellie's body shook as she pulled away. Blinded by tears she reached inside her shirt and tugged
on the chain around her neck. "Forgive me, Devlin. Please forgive me. I never meant to hurt you."
She pressed her engagement ring into Devlin's hand, chain and all.
Devlin bent his head and woefully smiled. "I know." He pressed a lingering kiss to Ellie's
forehead before finally allowing her freedom. She walked out of the bedroom and out of his life and
Devlin thought death more fitting than the agony he was going through in that moment.

~*~*~*~
Having received a call from her grandson earlier this morning, Miranda had taken haste and
promptly ordered her chauffeur to drive her to Devlin's penthouse apartment. The trip took far longer
then she'd hoped, but upon arrival she slide across the leather seat of her town car and opened the
door, much too hurried to wait for the chauffeur to do it for her. The echo of Roan's voice added an
extra burst to her strides.
The elevator ride was as torturous as the morning traffic pouring into their downtown metropolis,
but finally the elevator stopped at its destination. The gilded elevator doors parted ways to display
the twenty-fourth floor of the Voltaire. Renowned for its opulence and breathtaking views, the Voltaire
boasted spacious rooms, wonderfully crafted fixtures, imported furniture and enough grandeur and
pomp to satisfy even the most jaded royal.
This was home to Devlin Westport.
On the first year of their anniversary, Devlin had purchased this penthouse with Ellie's help, with
the hope that they'd escape here, every year after that on the day they'd first met and share nothing

but each other and they had---in all the three years since finding each other, they'd spent the night
here. Those were fond memories, beautiful memories that constantly played in his mind's eye.
"Devlin..." Miranda settled her handbag on the coffee table and proceeded to where her only
child sat. "Darling." She crooned.
He sat in his favorite chair, leather of course. It sat low to the ground, the rays from the sun shown
its brilliant burgundy shade. His arms rested upon the wide arms of the couch, in his left hand he
limply held on to a glass tumbler. His chestnut mane, showing the lack of care drooped lifelessly in
his face, obscuring his weary, red-rimmed eyes from the world. A small forest of facial hair sprouted
around his jaw, clearly indicating a few days without a shave. He wore a royal blue bathrobe made of
fleece that was slightly opened at the throat to display the white shirt beneath and on his feet, he
wore nothing.
He looked a disparaging mess and Miranda hadn't the slightest idea what could've possibly
caused this.
"Devlin," She called again, strolling around to stand between him and the breathtaking view of
the sky that held him captivated. She tentatively reached out and brushed his oily fringe from his
face. "My love, what's happened? And where is Roan?"
Vacant blue eyes peered back at her and for a long moment, Miranda held the image of grief
within that one gaze, but soon, he turned away and touched his lips to the tumbler he held. "I had my
chauffeur take him to school. I didn't want him to see me like this."
"And why is that you are like this?"
"She loved it here," he whispered absentmindedly, disregarding her gentle inquiry. "She used to
love sitting here with me, doing nothing. Just sitting, enjoying the view...each other...I'm going to miss
her." The tumbler found his lips once more.
"Who? Ellie? Devlin, what in God's name is going on! And more importantly where is Ellie?
Have you called her?" Miranda frantically inquired, dropping to her knees to better observe her
troubled son.
"I can't really tell you of Ellie's whereabouts, Mother, I don't even know." he sighed softly, finding
that his tumbler had gone on empty, "although I can safely bet that she's shacking it up with Nicholas
right about now."
"Don't be ridiculous!" given the severity of the situation, Miranda was befitted the slight shrill in
her voice. She could rightfully admit that she did not handle surprises very well and she was very
surprised-astounded even that her son could say something so absurd with such a blas demeanor.
"Enough of this, Devlin!" she shook him as any caring parent would of a downtrodden child. "What's
all this about? Did you and Ellie have an argument? Is that what this is? Do you wish for me to call
her?"
With a heaving sigh, Devlin rose to his feet, walking pass his kneeling mother, he ambled to the
liquor cabinet, his movements sluggish and delayed. "Calling her won't make a difference, mother."
he'd finished the bottle of bourbon last night and opened the whiskey this morning, by this evening
that too would be gone. "She stopped caring about me the minute Nicholas stepped back into the
picture." He swallowed the whiskey and unlike the rich, seduction of bourbon, the whiskey burned on
its journey down his gullet. It was an abrasive, bitter sort of burn that didn't stop until he washed it
down with a few gulps of saliva and even then, the taste remained.
Just like his relationship with Ellie, the aftertaste, was acrid and painful.
Dawning crossed Miranda's patrician features "She didn'tshe couldn't have"
Devlin laughed humorlessly. "Oh but she did." He fingered the diamond ring, a memory flashed
back to a few months ago, on the evening he'd slid the ring on Ellie's finger. Devlin had never felt so
lucky. His joy then had only rivaled the birth of his son. "There isn't going to be a wedding."
Miranda hurried to Devlin's side, her mind racing, incapable of understanding much of anything.
"Buthow? How did this happen, this can't be the end, Devlin! She loves you!"
He snorted, "Apparently not enough," he closed his hand around the ring. "It seems I
don't complete her, Nicholas, however does."
"So you've given up? Three years and this is it? You won't fight for her?"
"HOW CAN I FIGHT FOR HER WHEN SHE DOES NOT WANT ME?" he roared, his grief and
frustration festered, slowly eating away at his tender core. "What choice do I have?" he took another
gulp of the whiskey, clutched at the tumbler as a crippled man would a crutch. "She does not want
me." he sounded so broken.

"Oh my, Devlin" Miranda attempted to embrace him, but he dodged her advances. "Devlin"
"I would've spent my every waking moment, making her happy. I would've devoted my all to see
that she had everything. I loved her children. I would've been a good husband---a good father. I loved
her---I loved her." he fisted the ring with bruising strength as his midnight gaze misted over, he
blinked the tears away, but alas they fell.
"My love," Miranda approached him. There were tears in her own eyes, hurting along with him. "It
will be alright." she quietly soothed, once she had her arms around him. She brought his head upon
her shoulder and soothingly petted him.
"Why doesn't she want me?" he sobbed into her shoulder, finally able to unburden a fraction of
the agony he felt.
"Hush, darling, everything will be alright."
"She"
"She'll come back to you, Devlin. She is merely confused now, but in time she will return." The
conviction in her tone gave Devlin slight pause and he pulled away.
"What do you mean?"
Miranda patiently patted his larger hand. "Let me take care of everything, I just need you to"
"What are you up to?" he shrewdly asked, his despair temporarily pushed away.
Miranda took a step back and evaded her son's searching gaze, "I'm not up to anything."
"Do not insult my intelligence, mother," Devlin said with a sigh, suddenly feeling the exhaustion
from the last few days. "What do you mean you'll take care of everything? There isn't anything to take
care of, just to clarify."
"You're readily willing to give up defeat?"
"I have no choice in the matter. I cannot force her to love me if there isn't anything there!" he
shouted exasperatingly.
"What she has with Nicholas Grayson is lust, darling. Simple, animalistic lust. That doesn't
compare to what you and she shared and if you would just"
"No." he stared pointedly at her. "I'm done. I won't make a fool of myself anymore. I am man
enough to accept defeat and no matter how difficult, I will get over this. But I need you to first promise
me that you will not go after Nicholas."
"Devlin," she feigned ignorance.
"Promise me! No more plotting, no more vendettas! It ends here."
"You were so happy."
"And I will be again, nothing is etched in stone and that includes my happiness. I will be happy
again." For the first time in three days, Devlin actually believed what he said. "Whatever you have
planned I'm asking you to let it go. Promise me that you will not go against Nicholas. The bastard is a
bit unstable."
"And that's the sort of man you want your Ellie to be with? How do you know he won't harm her
again? We both know the sort of damage he is capable of. He's Charles's son for God sakes!"
He didn't know. He didn't know whether Nicholas was going to hurt Ellie again. Nicholas was a
ruthless, coldhearted bastard, rumored to be worse than his father. He seemed the sort who enjoyed
the chase and the conquest, rather than what came after. Was his plan to simply split them up, sleep
with Ellie and dump her afterwards? Wasn't that what he'd done ten years ago? What would stop him
from doing it again?
Did leopards change their spots?
"You see that I am right? He will only hurt Ellie in the long run, just as his father hurt Sonya. He will
suck the very life from her, until Ellie is nothing but a shadow of what she was. He is incapable of
love." She stepped closer to him, seeing the lines of concern furrowing his brow she gently caressed
his cheek. "Ellie needs you, Devlin. Leaving her in the arms of your enemy will only kill her, you must
hold tight to your love and save her from Nicholas and herself."
"But"
"Nicholas is a horrible man, he does not deserve someone like Ellie, he never has and he never
will." She wanted Devlin to understand that what she did, she only did for his happiness. There
wasn't anything that her son wanted, that Miranda wouldn't to do everything to get it for him.
"I need to talk to Ellie again."
Miranda smiled. "Precisely, my love. You must speak to Ellie before it's too late," She pulled
herself on her toes and kissed his heavily stubbled cheek, "but first, a shower and a good shave

would serve you well."

Devlin cupped his jaw and halfheartedly grinned. "What would I do without you?"
"You'd still be wallowing in liquor and pity."
Devlin reciprocated her earlier kiss before heading to his bathroom. "Will you be staying?"
She grabbed her handbag from the table and headed for the door, "No love, I have errands, but
please, do call me."
"Of course."
The sound of the door slamming was Devlin only response. He shrugged off her haste and
entered his bathroom, a little bit happier than he'd been days prior.
~*~*~*~
When he'd called and succinctly told her to take a week off, Samantha had been stunned
beyond belief. Her astonishment \ stemmed from the fact that, not once, since she'd been in his
employ, had Nicholas ever taken any sort of time off for himself nor did he ever willingly ask her to
do the same. It rarely happened that she herself ever took a sick day, but to be asked to stay home
by her robot of a boss was a wonder in itself. For a few days after, Samantha had obsessively
checked outside her bedroom window to make sure the heavens weren't falling down, for surely, this
called for an apocalyptic end.
However, it wasn't until she'd returned to work this morning that he'd given her a reason for his
absence and odd behavior. To say that she'd been shocked to learn that his children had been
kidnapped, rescued and were now recuperating, in just a few short days, would've been a gross
understatement. She'd then gone into frenzy and asked a multitude of questions, ranging from the
wellbeing of the children to offering her help, but as expected of the man who accepted little help
from anyone, he'd kindly refused her aid.
"But, I am happy to be back in the office. To have you here as well has returned things back to
some normalcy." he'd gone on to say, bestowing upon her one of his roguish grins, it had the
expected effect on Samantha's nerves.
"How is yourEllie? How did she take it? I'm sure she must've been frazzled."
"She was, but she took it far better than I'd expected. Her strength kept me grounded, actually,"
he leaned back against the executive chair and slowly smiled, "She's always been the stronger one."
"What happened to the kidnappers? Did they end up in jail?" her simple question sobered the
contented look from his face and far too quickly Nicholas Grayson, ruthless tycoon, returned.
He straightened in his chair, grabbed a few sheets of paper from his desk and tapped it on the
table before handing the stack to her. "Fax these to Jackson Row's office and set up a board
meeting with the accounting team for tomorrow afternoon." It seemed it was back to business, the
man from before was nowhere to be found, Samantha wondered at the abrupt change in mood.
What could've possibly brought about the cool, indifferent demeanor? Had it been something she'd
said?
"I'll get right on It."She turned on her heel and exited the office, happy to escape the cloying
tension that had fallen so unexpectedly.
~*~*~*~
Nicholas relaxed his jaw and rubbed the bridge of his nose, the moment she vacated his office.
Closing his eyes, he was haunted by the image of Tony's agonized gaze glancing back at him. He
wasn't afraid so much as he was aggravated.
He was used to lack of sleep. He was used to his demons snapping away at his sanity, he was
even used to doing things far worse than killing a man who rightfully deserved to die. What Nicholas
wasn't used to was the bile induced dread he felt over telling Ellie exactly what he'd done. And
he would tell her. There was no disputing that glaring fact, but how exactly, he wondered would he go
about accomplishing such a feat?
That right there was the dilemma at hand.
Samantha's harmless question only cemented the fact that he was not a good man. He never
was and he never would be. He did what was necessary and rarely played by the rules. He wasn't
afraid to get his hands dirty if the ends justified the means. He was a calculative heartless bastard
when it came to his enemies, to business and to his wealth. There was logic to his madness.
Being the son of Charles Grayson had taught him from a very young age how to always stay

one-step ahead of your opponents, how to amass the strings and puppeteer your adversaries where
you wanted them. His father had been a fearsome genius and as his son, Nicholas had effortlessly
stepped into his shoes.
Nicholas knew he was the monster of his own story. But that monster was only partially who he
was. There was another part of him, the part that was capable of loving his children and Ellie, kept
Nicholas sane. There was nothing Nicholas wouldnt do for his family. Their happiness, their love was
all he would ever need, would ever ask for.
He didn't intentionally interfere in Ellie's personal life to make her miserable and did she truly
belong with Westport, Nicholas would've gracefully stepped aside and let the better man take his
stead. As much as he yearned for her, Nicholas would rather see her truly happy with Westport, than
miserable with him.
But, Ellie did not belong with Westport. Ellie belonged to no other man but Nicholas and
Nicholas belonged to no other than Ellie. It was simply how their love worked. It was selfish, powerful,
rampant and beautiful. It left emotional scars, but took them to heights unseen, forced them to feel
things that rocked them to the very core.
Ellie's integrity, her goodness, her innocence and benevolence were a perfect foil to Nicholas's
malevolence, his immorality and inequity. They fit together and balanced each other. Where one was
weak, the other was strong, where one suffered the other comforted. Ellie would wither in a union
with Westport, just as Nicholas would forever cause destruction if he were with someone other than
Ellie.
For a decade theyd attempted to live without each other continued to live their lives as though
the other never existed. Sadly their separation only managed to bring grief to others, rather than the
happiness they wanted. It was about time they settled their differences and ended their ten year
strife.
It all came down to the fact that Nicholas needed his children and Ellie far more than they would
ever need him. Nicholas wanted, needed his family. He needed their love, he was ravenous for it and
he was ready to beg for it, prostrate himself to receive it.

Chapter 25
The end of the workday arrived far quicker than Samantha anticipated and soon she was waving
goodbye to co-workers as she wearily made her way out of the elevator and proceeded to the back
entrance of the forty six-story office building. Before she could traverse the travertine floor leading to
the revolving door to her far left, she halted mid-stride at the sight of the ginger haired man casually
standing by the front desk, seemingly having an in-depth conversation with the receptionist. Her
heart somersaulted and lodged itself in her throat as he turned his head her way; as if he had
sensed her presence. She fought and lost the battle against the rising warmth and instantly her
cheeks bloomed red.
She hadn't spoken to him since that night a week ago-or rather the next morning, since he'd
inevitably spent the night in her bed and the things they've done-Samantha shook her head to
dislodge the vivid images. A few drinks, a bite to eat, and they'd ended up doing things her mother
would more than likely disapprove of.
They'd spoken very little, shared only the essentials and had touched each other as though they'd
been lovers forever. The next morning, mortified of what she'd done and partially turned on to the fact
that she hadn't regretted a single thing. Samantha had rudely requested that he leave her house.
Proving himself the gentleman he'd been throughout their time together, he'd done nothing more than
don his clothes, kissed her cheek and gently thanked her for a 'wonderful evening' before slipping
out of her life just as oddly as he'd slipped into it.
Since then, she'd attempted to put the entire ordeal out her mind and concentrate on everything
else, but his laughing cornflower blue eyes and the way he'd looked at her under the veil of darknessas though she were the sexiest woman on the face of the planet, continued to bother her. He'd
looked at her the way she'd always dreamed Nicholas would look at her, but in the throes of their
passionate embrace, during that one pivotal moment, Dom had been the only man in Samantha's
head. It frightened her---he frightened her.
No other man had ever evoked such deep emotions in her other than Nicholas and for Dom to
do it so quickly, so unexpectedly, so efficiently, was just too much for her to take. It was still too much
to take.
"Sam."
Pretending as though she hadn't seen him, she hurried out of the building and took a left once
outside, to her parked car.
"Sam!" she ignored his call and rummaged through her purse for her keys, dodging a rush of
people on the way. Unfortunately, her car was further away then she'd first realized and in no time at
all he caught up to her, despite her hurried steps.
"Hey," he caught her arm and gently turned her around, "Did you not hear me or were you
purposely ignoring me?" he sounded slightly winded, as though he'd ran to catch up with her.
Samantha pulled her arm away and avoided his bright, searching eyes, "Hi,"
"So I was being ignored." He didn't seem annoyed, just partially amused, his lips rose in a
crooked smile. "At least you didn't mace me."
"Are you in the habit of getting maced?" she couldn't help but ask.
He glanced away and appeared as though he was truly contemplating the question, before
meeting her gaze once more, "No," he shook his head and boyishly grinned. "I can't think of any
recent scenarios that involved me getting maced. Matter of fact, I can't really say that I've ever had
the misfortune of being maced. You probably would've been my first."
She smiled in spite of herself, "I'm sure it would've been an unforgettable experience."
"Which I'm sure we can discuss over dinner?"
Samantha stopped smiling. "Dominick"
"Dom."
"Dom, I'mwhat happened-we can't. What I'm trying to say is that---I'm not really looking for a
relationship right now." Had her mother heard this, Samantha would've gotten a good smack across
the head for it. Here was a guy, who actually wanted her, asking her out on a date and she was
turning him down. Why? Samantha could probably pull off blaming it on her unrequited love for her
boss.
Five years of crushing that hard, building a dream around that crush, and attempting to have it
come to fruition wasn't something that she could easily relinquish. It'd defined a good portion of her

personal life for so long, that giving it up now would leave her floundering.
She just couldn't.
"I'm not looking for a relationship either." He brought his hand behind his head and nervously
scratched, "Look, I like you Sam, I like being with you."
"You don't even know me."
"You're far better company than most women, let me tell ya," he ruefully smiled, "I just want to be
with you, no strings attached, no complications, just you, me and the occasional body wrestle in the
sack ."
"Like," she looked around and leaned closer, "sex buddies?"
Dom laughed, hearty and joyful, finding her odd naivety refreshing, "So to speak," he stepped
closer to her and tenderly caressed her pink cheeks.
She wanted to fall into those deep blue pools, she wanted to lean closer into his warmth and
take what he offered, but Samantha wasn't sure she was the sort of girl who could do impersonal sex
without getting emotionally involved.
She was the sort of girl who needed structure, she needed goals, she needed a day-by-day
agenda. She matched her panties with the days of the week---she organized her freaking cereal for
God sakes! She didn't do impulsive-she didn't do casual flings. She certainly didn't have one-night
stands with even stranger men and think nothing of it, but that very first night with Dom had
pushed that out the window, now hadn't it?
"I"
"Samantha?" Samantha jumped away from Dom at the sound of Nicholas voice, as though
she'd been scorched. She spun around and like a cadet saluting her commanding officer, she gave
him her undivided attention, but Nicholas gaze was no longer on her, it was on the ginger haired man
behind her.
"Dom?"
"Nicholas?" they chorused simultaneously, astonishment sweeping across their faces.
"Well if it isn't the Devil himself, how've you been man?" Dom pulled the dark haired tycoon into
a friendly hug and Samantha continued to stare on, stupefied that Nicholas returned the embrace.
"Heard you were on your way to conquering the world, how's that going for you?" they pulled apart,
the grin on Dom's lips almost split his face.
"Can't complain," Nicholas shrugged broad shoulders, reciprocating Dom's smile, genuine it all
its sparkling white glory. "How about yourself, how's life treating you?"
"Well, I'm no fucking billionaire that's for damn sure, but what can I say, life's a bitch." If Nicholas
noticed the acrimonious dryness in his tone, he did not let on. He did, however turn his attention
back to a dumbstruck Samantha. "Dom and I attended the same high school, hung out in the same
circles,"
"Oh," she weakly laughed. "I see." Which explained his forthcoming demeanor and the
uncharacteristic hug he'd just given. She, more than most knew that Nicholas was never big on
public display of affection and if he was, it was rarely towards anyone other than the members in his
family.
"How do you know, him?" Dom offhandedly asked, slipping his hands inside the pockets of his
slacks.
Samantha's face warmed, how exactly did she explain that, without divulging too much? "Uh
"She actually saved my life," at Nicholas raised brow, Dom laughed, "long story, man. How about
you, how do you know Sam?"
"She's my personal assistant."
"Well isn't this a fucking small world, huh?"
"Sure is." the moment was becoming increasingly awkward, so Nicholas decided it was time he
took his leave. "Listen, get my number from Samantha, we'll set up a time to catch up." He took his
hands out his pockets and took hold of Dom's hand, "it was good seeing you again." He looked as
though he meant it, and he more than likely did, Dom to Nicholas, had been one of the very few
people he'd been able to tolerate back at John Edgar and after years of estrangement, he found that
he still liked the guy.
Dom nodded, "Yeah, man, it'd be great to catch up. You'll definitely be hearing from me."
"Then I'll be expecting your call. I really do have to run." Before he left, he turned back to Dom
and said, "Oh and keep your wife at home. I'd much rather you brought along Samantha." He took

his leave then and entered the interior of the black limousine awaiting him by the curb.
Dom cursed Nicholas for his tactlessness, before turning to an expressionless Samantha. "I can
explain."
She brushed past him and stabbed her key into the keyhole of her car, "You don't owe me an
explanation." To think, she silently fumed, that she had been so close to submitting to his previous
proposal! When the idiot knew he was married! Married for heaven's sakes!
"It's not what you think; just give me a chance to explain." He held her put, preventing her from
entering her car.
"There's isn't anything for you to explain," she retorted, far too irritated than she wanted to be,
"what we did was wrong, had I known you were married, we wouldn't have gone as far as we did."
"But she cheats on me!"
She looked up, her eyes blazing with a thousand furies of an incensed woman, "So you decided
to sleep with me to get back at her?" never mind the glaring fact that she'd also used him, to some
extent, to forget about her unrequited love for Nicholas, but, he didn't need to know that.
"No! okay, so maybe a little---" he stepped between her and the car when she made to jump in.
"Look, Sam, I'm not the sort of guy who can go around sleeping with women on a whim. That night---"
He sighed in frustration, unable to properly express himself. "I don't think this is the sort of
conversation I want to be having in the middle of downtown's business district. Can we just have
dinner and I'll explain it to you?"
She turned and faced him, "Dom, this thing between you and me, it's just not going to work.
You're married and since I last checked, married men, weren't my type."
Dom leaned in and kissed her then, she gasped when he nipped on her lip and he took the
moment to quickly slip his tongue between her lips and swallowed her moan. She reluctantly held
him, he knees far too weak to hold her up.
Far too quickly, it ended before she wanted it too. She struggled for air.
"Have dinner with me and I'll explain everything." Dom pressed.
"I---"
"Please?" his eyes were her undoing.
With a show of disgruntlement, she sighed and glared at him."Bring the Chinese food." She
whispered, before pulling away and getting in her car, staying any longer would've prompted her to
say no.
Dom grinned as he watched her car signal and merge into traffic.
~*~*~*~
Ellie broke the news to her parents a few days later. Her mother hadn't taken it well. Ellie knew
how much her mother and the rest of her family rooted for her to find joy. To them Devlin had been it
and on the surface it'd looked that way. But no one knew. No one understood that she couldn't do it
anymore. Ellie couldn't continue to convince herself that love would eventually come. She was tired
of wondering if passion, desire and yearning were something she could live without.
The appearance of Nicholas back in her life had served to awaken something that'd she'd
buried long ago, something she hadn't known she'd given up until Nicholas first kissed her. But Ellie
couldn't say that Nicholas was the sole reason why she'd ended things with Devlin. From the very
beginning there had always been the niggling feeling deep inside her that her relationship with
Devlin wasn't all that it should've been.
She and Devlin never truly fought, never truly felt the heart pounding emotions that swept you
away during a fevered argument. The gravitational force that compelled you to push as hard as you
were pushed. To parry every move your partner made. To fight for dominance that you knew you were
going to lose but relished the lost when it came because your mind, your soul, your heart, and your
body craved what that lost promised? It was rapture, the highs and the lows, the chase and the
capture. It was pure, resplendent rapture.
Ellie had remained quiet for the rest of their conversation, unable to say much. Her mother had
told her she loved her and supported her, no matter her choice. Ellie had been warmed to hear that,
feeling foolish that even at twenty-seven she still felt as though she needed her mother's approval,
still felt horrible at the fact that he could disappoint her and her father. But this wasn't about them, this
wasn't about anyone but herself and what she'd needed to do to find the peace of mind she was
warranted.
Theyd said their goodbyes, with a promise that she'd call her soon. Seconds after hanging up

the phone the doorbell rang and Maddie yelled that she'd get it. Ellie didn't make any move to rise
from her seated position on her mattress, nerves and dread kept her rooted to the spot. If her
conversation with her mother had made her nervous, then the upcoming tete-a-tete between herself
and Gabe was going to give her a heart attack.
Gabe knew the deal. He'd been there from the very beginning and he would stop at nothing to
make Ellie understand that what she'd done was by far one of the biggest mistakes she'd made in
her short life. He wasn't above playing dirty if it meant getting his point across. He would no doubt
slam home the fact that Nicholas was not the man for her, rehash buried events of his past
indiscretions and throw it in Ellie's face.
Ellie was ready for it. She just wasn't ready for another confrontation so soon after the one she'd
had with Devlin. Could she prevent it from happening, she would've. But this needed to happen, she
had to tell them and she knew one of her two guardians was going to froth at the mouth and Ellie
knew it wasn't going be Ronnie.
"Ellie...?" Ellie sighed. "Gabe and Ron are here."
"I'll be right out!" She called back then grabbed a shirt from her closet, deliberately ignoring the
three boxes marked Devlin she'd carefully packed and stuck in the corner. Maybe in another
week, Ellie silently rationalized, she'd be ready to face Devlin again. Right now she just couldn't bring
herself to do it.
She opened her bedroom door and quietly closed it behind her.
"You okay? You look a little green around the gills."
Ellie rolled her eyes, "I'm glad I can always count on your uplifting sense of humor to brighten my
mood, Maddie."
Maddie slung an arm around Ellie's shoulder and smiled. "That's what friends are for. Mooch off
ya, occasionally piss you off, and lighten the mood when things seem especially dismal."
"When you'd you get to be so smart?"
Maddie scrunched her face in concentration, "I think it was somewhere between India and China
but not exactly in Tibet."
Ellie glanced at Maddie as they crossed the threshold into her dining room. "I envy you
sometimes."
Maddie looked at Ellie as though she were insane. "Okay, no," she shook her head and glared
at her best friend. "Ellie, I would give my right boob just to have a little bit of what you have. Your kids
are amazing. You have a wonderful family who loves you to pieces. And let's not forget the fact that
you can reduce gorgeous, intelligent men to Neanderthals with your insane hotness! You have all
these things going for you and yet you envy me? Why, I feel I need to ask you."
"I don't know. I guess it's just that you get to travel, get to see all these beautiful places. You have
the freedom to just up and leave when you want to. You canyou can be whoever you want
to, be with whomever you want to be with without feeling guilty." She worried her bottom lip, tucking a
loose strand of hair behind her ear. "I envy your freedom."
"Ellie," Maddie gently touched her arm, "Where is this coming from? You're really scaring me
now. I know life's been a little tough for you, but you can't just cop-out, now. What's going on with you?
"
"I know! I don't know! II just feel a little restless. Everything sort has me on edge and I think I'm
just stressing."
Maddie was by her side, "Ellie"
"I'm fine. I think I just need to eat something." She left Maddie worrying about her as she entered
the kitchen and was greeted by Ronnie and Gabe.
"Hi, Ellie, are you alright?"
"I'm fine, dinner's ready, why don't you guys keep Maddie company while I finish up here?"
"I'll help."
"No!" at their surprised glances, Ellie flushed, "I'm practically done, there's no need for you to get
your hands all dirty, Ron. Besides, I asked you guys here for dinner, not to help me clean up."
"Is everything Okay with you?" Gabe prodded.
Ellie nodded. "Uh huh, couldn't be better!" She pushed them out then and quickly grabbed the
bottle of Aspirin from the top shelf over her fridge. She dry swallowed two, taking a moment to gather
her bearings.
It took Ellie ten minutes to tidy up the kitchen and five more minutes to slide the bubbling pizza

from the oven and onto the flat tray before making her way to the dining room.
Bella and Dylan had eaten their own self-made pizza earlier and were now upstairs, playing
games within the half hour they had before bedtime. Ellie didn't want them involved in this
conversation.
"Oh! You made us pizza!" Ronnie cheered, making room for Ellie to set to tray down on the
dining room table.
"Bella and Dylan helped make it, they added extra mushroom, just for you." Making-pizza- withMom-night, as they'd called it, had entailed flurries of flour all over the kitchen counter, on freshly
laundered clothes and on adorably grinning faces.
They'd created two separate pizza pies and when they'd finished Ellie had shooed them off to
get cleaned up. It'd been a fun, relaxing time with her kids. The only bad thing had been not having
Sophie around. Ellie had prepared Sophie her own pie and would bring it to her after she was
through with dinner.
She missed her little monster.
They ate in relative silence, which was occasionally filled by random chatter. Maddie cheerfully
regaled them with amusing anecdote of her travels. Ellie stopped listening after a while, the pizza,
like sawdust in her mouth.
"Ellie!"
She jumped and turned to the pair of eyes curiously fixed on her. "What?"
"I was just wondering if you were okay. You've been very quiet." Ronnie took a sip of her water
and waited for Ellie's response. "Did you and Devlin have an argument?"
Ellie settled the slice she'd been munching on and grabbed her glass of water, Ronnie's
innocent inquiry taking the moisture from her mouth. Seated across from her godfather, Ellie met
Gabe's gaze over the rim of her glass and almost choked on the water at the knowing look she saw
there. She set her glass down and coughed into her hand, with eyes downcast she muttered,
"Webrokeup."
"Waitwhat?" Gabe asked for clarification.
Knowing the inevitable was finally here, she peered up and said."Dev and I broke up." She felt
like the weight of the world had been lifted from her shoulders the minute those words emptied out of
her mouth.
The silence that followed however had Ellie on the defensive, knowing the fallout was coming.
"You broke up?"
She nodded. "Yes."
"What happened? It's so sudden, Ellie, are you sure?"
"I'm sure. I've been thinking about it for a long time now, it had to be done. I didn't love him, not
like Ihe needed to know." Not like I love Nicholas. She'd nearly let that one slip and Ellie wasn't
stupid enough to think that no one at the table realized what she'd meant. She chanced a glance at
her uncharacteristically quiet godfather and wondered at the sudden take of silence.
"Say something." She urged, tension rising.
Gabe rested his elbows on the table and continued to eat, his face swiped clean of any emotion.
"What do you want me to say?"
"I don't know, say anything, justjust don't look at me like that."
"What look am I giving you?"
"Like I've got shit for brains or something! You're looking at me like I'm the biggest idiot that ever
walked the surface of this planet!"
Despite Ellie's rising ire, Gabe remained calm. "You've stopped listening to anything I have to
say, so why should my opinion matter now? You're a grown woman, Ellie. You've made your decision,
and anything I say now would be moot."
"Exactly! I'm a grown woman. I've made my decisions, so stop punishing me for them!"
"I'm not"
"You are! Maybe not deliberately, but you are, Gabe. You have been since Nicholas came back
and I don't know how to make you stop."
"For someone so smart I don't know how you got to be so dumb when it came choosing men,
Ellie. First Tony, then Nicholas, they both fucked you so badly that it's taken all these years just for the
scars to heal and now, the one time, the one fucking time, you actually picked a good man, a guy
who practically worships the ground you walk on, you decide to throw it all away."

"You think it was that easy for me?" Ellie asked. "You think I just woke up one morning and
decided to end my relationship with, Devlin?"
"No, but Nicholas's presence back in your life, sure as hell helped, didn't it?"
"This wasn't a fucking whim, Gabe! And it certainly had nothing to do with Nicholas coming back
into my life! He doesn't influence my decisions. My reasons for ending my relationship with Devlin
are mine alone. I don't need to explain or defend my actions to you or to anyone else. The way
I feel for any man, Nicholas or otherwise, should not influence the way our relationship works! You're
my godfather; you've been my guardian since I was sixteen. You know me far more than my own
parents know me. To have to stand here and feel guilty for something that you should've backed me
up on" She furiously blinked the tears away, hating herself because she allowed them to come.
"I needed you to be my guardian again, Gabe. I needed your support in this." Through her hazy
gaze, she poignantly regarded her godfather. "You don't know how much it hurts, knowing that I've
disappointed you, for nothing less, than loving the father of my children." She pushed the chair back
and immediately found the exit, but before she could get too far, Gabe cornered her and gathered
her to him.
"Im sorry. I triedI tried not to but I can't help it." Her shoulders shook as she sobbed, her face
hidden against Gabe's chest while she babbled between surging tears.
"No, Ellie, no," Gabe held her impossibly close, his comfort and remorse that of a parent who'd
unintentionally wronged his own child. "I'm the one who should be sorry. I've allowed my stupidity and
anger to blind me to what's important. I just wanted to protect you from getting hurt again. You've
been hurt so many times; I wanted you to finally be happy. I never meant to hurt you. I'm so sorry." He
gently pulled her away and squatted down a little to peer at her face. I have been punishing you, Ellie
and for that, I am truly sorry."
Ellie sniffed, "I'm not sixteen anymore."
Gabe dropped a kiss of on Ellie's head and sadly smiled, "No, you are most
definitely not sixteen anymore, and it's about damn time I start realizing it. But, you'll always be my
daughter, Ellie. I'll never stop caring or worrying about you."
Ellie feebly smiled back. "You're going to have your work cut out for you when Rina starts
dating."
"Which is why she'll be homeschooled." he cheerfully replied and they both shared a laugh.
She wrapped her arms around his waist and settled her head against his chest. "Thanks for
caring so much."
"I'll never stop." Gabe hugged her back just as fiercely.
Having stayed quiet throughout their intense argument, Ronnie and Maddie had exchanged
mutual looks of distress, then understanding and now they breathed easier knowing the worse was
over. "World War III over?" Maddie quipped.
"We've called a truce." Was Gabe's reply.
The remainder of dinner had a far friendlier and lighter atmosphere than when they'd began.
Ronnie and Gabe took their leave a few hours later. Before the evening grew too late, Ellie packed
Sophie's dinner and with a promise to return before midnight, she left for Nicholas's home.

Chapter 26
"The king is the most important piece, but he is also the weakest. The king can only move one
square in any direction. Up, down, to the sides, and diagonally. You must always be careful never to
move your king into check, where he could be captured." Nicholas explained patiently to the avidly
attentive twelve year old seated across from him.
He set the glass piece back onto the board and moved his fingers to the Queen. "Now the
Queen, if moved, has the power to shift, in any straight direction-forward, backward, sideways, or
diagonally. She can go as far as possible, so long as she does not move through any of her own
pieces." He leaned back against his seat and surveyed his young charge.
"What is the first simple rule?"
"Protect your king. Put him to the corner of the board where he is usually safer and castle as
quickly as possible...?"
Nicholas grinned, nodding his approval, "You're a quick learner."
They'd begun their lesson's two nights ago after Sophie had found Nicholas in his study and
confessed how bored she was. She'd then gone on to plead for the silver eyed man to teach her how
to play chess. Happy to oblige her, Nicholas had pushed away acquisition and mergers for a later
time and called the housekeeper to bring up the chessboard and its matching pieces. Since then,
promptly at nine thirty every evening, Sophie limped her way into Nicholas office, sat in one of the
leather chairs by the grand fireplace and enthusiastically listened as Nicholas taught her.
"Does that mean we get to play tomorrow?" She asked eagerly.
Nicholas laughed. "We'll see.
"Sir, Ms. Holbrook has arrived."
"Send her in." Sophie looked about as happy as Nicholas felt at the thought of seeing Ellie
again.
"Very good, Sir." The minute the butler left, Ellie took his place and grinned at the sight of her
daughter, awake and healthy, waiting for her.
"Mom!" She jumped from her seat and practically ran to her mother, embracing her when she
reached her. "You came!"
Ellie laughed and held on tightly, bending her head to kiss Sophie's unruly curls. "Of course I
came," she gently admonished. "Think anything could keep me away from you? Hey I think you've
grown a few inches." Ellie observed, mildly serious.
Sophie grinned and slung her arm around her mother's shoulder. "No, I think you're just short,
Mom."
"Keep talking like that and I won't give you any of the pizza your brother and sister helped me
make."
"You made me pizza?" Her eyes lit up. "Where is it?"
"One of the maids took it to the kitchen." As though she'd felt the weight of Nicholas's gaze on
her, Ellie looked up and met his unwavering glance, perforating her to the spot. "Hey, Nicholas." She
said in ways of greeting.
"Hello, Ellie." His voice was smooth, calm and yet managed to conjure inappropriate images.
"How've you been? How are you feeling?" Ellie settled her attention on her daughter instead.
"I'm better, I've been getting help from Dr. Grace, she's the physical therapist, Nicholas hired.
She says in another month or so I won't be walking with a limp anymore."
"Well that's reassuring, I'm glad to see youre feeling better. You had me worried there for a bit."
She confessed.
"You don't need to worry about me so much, Mom. I can take care of myself." It was funny how
she'd pretty much said the same thing to Gabe not even an hour ago and here was her daughter,
parroting the words back to her.
"Which I have no doubt you can, but you're still my little monster and it's always going to be my
job to worry about you, I can't stop it and I never will."
Sophie rolled her eyes, but smiled nevertheless, "Well, just don't do it too much. Hey Mom,
guess what?" as though she'd just remembered that they weren't alone, she gently tugged her on her
mother's hand leading her to Nicholas. "Nicholas's been teaching me how to play chess."
"Chess? That's pretty cool. How's it going, did you beat him yet?" She teased.

"No, he wants me to learn the rules first before we start playing. I think I almost have it. Do you
know how to play, Mom?"
Ellie shook her head, staring at the beautiful glass pieces."Nope."
"Maybe, Nicholas can teach you too, so we can play tournaments!"
Ellie reluctantly met Nicholas hawk-like gaze and the very same mischievous grin painted on
Sophie's lips was carved out on his own. If she didn't know any better, she couldve sworn there was
something much more sinister behind those matching grins.
"Maybe," Her response was slow, still unnerved by their smiling faces. "What's going on?"
Sophie looked up at mother with a shrug, "Nothing, Mom,"
"Nicholas?"
Nicholas also shrugged. "You heard the kid, nothing."
"Why don't I believe you?"
"Mom, honest, there's nothing going on. But I think I'm going to go grab a pizza and go to bed,
I'm feeling a little tired."
Ellie quickly abandoned her suspicions and turned to her daughter. "Do you want me to help
you?"
Sophie shook her head, "No, it's okay," she grabbed hold of the metal crutches near the
entrance and settled them beneath her arms. "My room isn't that far away."
"But---"
Mom, I'm okay," at her mother's helpless look, Sophie reassuringly smiled and leaned over to
kiss her cheek. "Really, I've been doing this for a week and Nicholas hasn't helped me once, I'll be
fine." With that said, the twelve-year old girl, who was growing up way to quickly for her mother's
taste hobbled out of Nicholas's office.
Will alone kept Ellie rooted to the spot while every inch of her screamed for her to run after her
baby girl and help her.
"You have to let her grow up sometime."
Ellie turned her glower on Nicholas. "No I don't, she's still my baby and I have the right to baby
her if I want to."
"Then she's always going to depend on you, call on you to fight her battles for her. She'll never
learn to stand on her own two feet."
"She's not ready for all of that!"
"Because you won't let her." Nicholas gathered the chess pieces.
"No, because she's still only a kid! She still needs me."
Nicholas smiled tolerantly, finding Ellie's petulance endearing. Some part of him was enjoying
goading her, while the other part knew what he said to be true. From what he'd seen over the past
few months, Ellie had the tendency of 'mothering' the children making Nicholas wonder if she was
doing more harm than good sometimes.
"What the hell is so funny? You're having a good time at my expense?"
Nicholas stood, walked to the grand fireplace and set the wooden chessboard on the ledge,
before turning Ellie "I like seeing you riled up," he replied candidly. "You're eyes get greener, your
cheeks get pinker and," standing close enough that he could touch, Nicholas gently thumbed at
Ellie's lips. "You lick your lips a lot." Ellie's tongue inadvertently darted out and swept against
Nicholas's thumb.
"I envy your tongue," he murmured, gunmetal gray eyes darkening until they were almost black in
color. "It takes for granted what I yearn to do every time I see you." As if hypnotized, he stepped
forward, seductive in every manner. His tall frame loomed over her. "It gets to taste you."
They stood frozen in time, teetering on the precipice, Nicholas's thumb tenderly gliding across
Ellie's bottom lip, his head neither leaning forward nor moving back. He just stood there, only
staring...gently caressing. Ellie wanted him to come forward. She wanted the promise of Nicholas
lips on her own. She wanted to be tasted. "So taste me." She invited, desperation for a kiss
dragging the words from her mouth.
"Not just yet." Instead of the soul searing kiss they both craved, Nicholas pressed a kiss to
corner of her mouth before pulling away. He put distance between them needing to keep away for
fear of ravishing those coral red lips.
Ellie blinked twice. Shed been seduced and rejected all in a span of a few seconds and so it
took her a moment to retrieve her pride from Nicholass feet. Maybe, she rationalized, it was a good

thing that he hadn't gone through with it and maybe it was sign that they should finally have that long
awaited talk.
"NicholasNicholas I think it's time that we talked."
The apprehension hed been feeling all day pushed itself to the forefront of his mind and
Nicholas resignedly sighed, knowing that the time had finally arrived. "Before we do, there's
something I need you to see." Nicholas stuffed his hands in the front pockets of his pants, a sort of
defense mechanism and turned to Ellie. "I need you to come upstairs with me."
"What is it? Is everything, okay?"
Nicholas walked ahead and stopped at the entrance, "I just need you to see this. Before we
talk." He cryptically replied, then turned and headed upstairs, Ellie close behind him.
~*~*~*~
Unsure of what to make of Nicholas's sudden demeanor and the ominous shift in the air Ellie
warily followed. Up the spiraling grand staircase, through the winding halls of the west wing, Ellie
followed, her mind far too occupied to admire the opulence around her. What was it that Nicholas
could possibly want to show her? And why now? Did what she have to see bear any relevance to
their relationship? Question after question swirled in Ellie's mind, each one more pressing than the
next.
"Nicholas?"
Nicholas opened the door to one of the many bedrooms they'd passed and held the door open
for her. Chancing a look at his withdrawn features Ellie frowned before reluctantly entering the dark
room. Nicholas flicked on the lights and adjusted them until the room was immersed in a faint glow.
"Please sit," he invited, pointing to the ottoman set right before the television screen a few feet away.
Ellie remained on her feet, her frown deepening. "Nicholas"
"Please, Ellie."
It was with great reluctance and trepidation that Ellie took the offered seat. "You want me to
watch a movie?" she asked irritably when the television turned on.
Nicholas remained silent, standing as far away from her as he could he pressed the play button.
"Just watch."
The blank screen flashed to a massive stark room. Upon closer look Ellie realized it was a
warehouse and in the very center of it sat a man with his knees to his chest, his face down,
completely naked. The man appeared to be moving back and forth, as though he was trying to ward
off the chill from his body.
Ellie heard the chattering of his teeth.
"What the hell" She said quietly, unsure of what she was seeing. "What the hell is this? Who is
that?"
Nicholas refused to talk but Ellie had her answer in the next scene and she drew in a sharp
breath. "ToTony?" She stood from the chair and approached the television in disbelief of what she
was seeing. Tony was strapped to what looked like a medical table, still naked, he was trembling
even more than in the last scene. His eyes fixated on something above him staring at that very thing
with utter terror.
The camera shifted and focused on Nicholas and Ellie's eyes widened as realization suddenly
dawned on her. She was beginning to understand with horrific clarity what was happening. "Off"
She whispered.
"What"
"Turn it off!" she barked.
"HELP ME! SOMEONE!"
The screen clicked off but the echoes of the screams remained and Ellie wanted to retch. She
was trembling, probably just as much as Tony had been. She took a step back and then another,
distancing herself from the silver eyed man who hadn't moved an inch towards her. "What did you
do, Nicky?
What was necessary. Nicholas said simply, emotionlessly.
"Soso" she couldn't even speak her mind in turmoil. "so youyou justis heis he dead?"
"Yes."
Ellie shook her head, not knowing whether to sob from the shock or from horror. She took
another step and took off towards the door, needing to escape, but Nicholas was there before she

could reach it. He stood in front of the door and looked at her. "I have done horrible things, Ellie, far
worse than what you've just seen. I am not the boy I was when you first met me, I have sinned and I
have killed."
Ellie chocked on her sob. "Let me out Nicholas, please, let me out!"
"I can't, Ellie!" two lengthened strides closed the distance between them. "Since I can
remember, I've always fought against becoming my father. I wanted his love, I needed a father but
instead I received a dictator whod beat me with his cane when I didn't do exactly what he wanted.
When I was seven, he shoved his cane down my throat and chocked me with it all because I refused
to do what I was told. Just before I headed off to boarding school, he strapped me down to my bed
and raped me with that cane over and over again as a precaution to what disgracing the Grayson
name would bring." Nicholas angrily swiped his hands across his cheeks before continuing,
impervious to the tears.
"I grew up with hate for my father. I hated him so much, Ellie, that I wanted to kill him. I hated him
and I despised my mother for not protecting me from him. Throughout my teenage years, I wanted to
kill myself. I attempted to kill myself twelve times, before learning that I can take my hate out on
innocent people. I used sex to hurt people. I manipulated and fucked until everyone I'd ever slept with
felt as horrible as I felt inside. Their pain made me feel good."
Stunned Ellie could do nothing but listen, wordlessly listen as Nicholas Grayson poured out his
soul.
"I was happy to piss off my father and just screw my life around. Until I met you." He derisively
grinned. "Ellie Holbrook, beautiful, sweet, loving, Ellie Holbrook, you spun my life around. I fell in love
with you even before I realized what it was. I found myself wanting to be a better person. For the first
time in my life, I wanted someone to see me as more than what I showed to the world. Your opinion
mattered. I wanted your daughter to love me. I wanted you to love me, care about me, smile for me. I
wanted to possess you, as you'd so ignorantly possessed me. As much as I loved you, as much as I
thought that it was all I needed to finally make me happy. My demons were stronger and when
Isabella died, I just snapped. I couldn't take it anymore, so I gave up. I left. I had to leave, I had to
leave you. Otherwise I would've destroyed us both. I wanted to stay. That night, after you left I got on
my bike and almost came after you. But I loved you too much to put you through that. I loved you too
much to make you stay and help me fight demons I didn't even know I wanted to fight. Life, since
then, has been hell without you."
Ellie cautiously approached him, but Nicholas shook his head and stepped back. "Don'tdon't
pity me, Ellie. I don't want your pity. I'm not telling you all this because I want you to feel sorry for me or
even forgive what I did. I'm not making excuses for my actions. I just want you to know me, the real
Nicholas Grayson. I'm not a man without flaws. I am selfish, I am possessive, and I am not a good
enemy to have. I am ruthless, and I rarely play fair when something of mine is taken or hurt. I need
you to see me for what I am, if something is ever to happen between us again, I need you to take
me, as I am, my flaws and my sins. They are a part of me, they have molded me into the man I am
today." Even with the distance between them, Nicholas made sure that Ellie held their gaze. "There
are thousands of men out there who are far better fitted to be with you, than me. But none, Ellie,
could ever love you as deeply as I love you."
Finally, he allowed himself to approach her. He stood close but did not dare touch. "I am only half
a man without you, and will always need you far more than you'll ever need me. If you ever did forgive
me, it would take me lifetimes before I ever forgave myself for the all the pain I've ever put you
through. I am sorry for making you cry Ellie. Im sorry for abandoning you when you needed me the
most. Im sorry for not being strong enough for you...." He swallowed his tears and tightened his jaw
to keep anymore from falling. "I'm sorry...I'm so sorry I failed you."
He knelt in front of her, his head bowed, fists clenched tightly at his sides as he prostrated
himself at her feet. "There is nothing I can say or do to take away all that you've endured, but know
that here and now I vow to spend the rest of my life making it up to you, Ellie. You have my word that I
will never abandon you again."
With her own tears coursing down her cheeks, Ellie gathered him in her arms, his head resting
upon her abdomen, she held him to her. "I forgive you, Nicky. I forgive you for everything. I'm so sorry
for all the pain you had to go through alone." She ran her hands through his hair as both a comfort to
him and herself.
~*~*~*~

Devlin took in the massive manor before him. It painted a beautiful picture with its manicured
hedges, beautiful granite fountains and cobbled pathways. This was the home of his worst enemy.
This was where Ellie was. At least that's what Maddie had said when Devlin had gone over to her
house to speak with her.
Devlin stepped out of his car and walked up to the frosted glass door, he rang the doorbell
steeling himself for what he was about to do. He wouldn't let things get out of control, he silently
convinced himself. He would simply ask Ellie to come home with him so they would talk things over.
She needed to at least know the sort of man Nicholas was before she did anything rash.
Devlin had planned almost everything out. The conversation he wanted to have. His mother's
voice resonated in his head, telling him that he needed to at least fight for Ellie, ask her to
reconsider. Maybe, they could even see a counselor. Even as he thought all this, Devlin knew what
he was doing was foolish. But he at least wanted to try. He pressed his finger to the doorbell and
waited.

Chapter 27
His eyes snapped open, something having roused him from his light slumber Nicholas took a
moment to adjust to the dim lighting of his bedroom. He stirred and attempted to rise but something
hindered his movement. Glancing down, his lips curved into a smile. She was beautiful in slumber.
Like a siren's song her slightly parted lips lured him ever closer and like a willing fool, Nicholas
followed, anticipating the ecstasy of his fall.
He gently pressed his lips to hers, a simple meeting of flesh. It was far too tender to contain any
sort of passion, but all the same, it stirred Ellie to wakefulness.
Bleary eyed, Ellie slowly swept her tongue across her bottom lip, painfully aware of Nicholas's
sharp gaze tracking the motion like a predator. Ellie looked down, the enticing shiver that licked
down her spine brought color high up her cheeks.
"Have I been sleeping long?" she asked a moment later rising to a sitting position. "What time is
it?"
"Quarter past midnight." Nicholas glanced up from his watch with grin, amused by Elles
attempts to avoid looking at him. "Ellie?"
Ellie made to rise, "I should get going. I promised Maddie I'd be home before midnight." She
didn't dare look Nicholas's way or even acknowledge the knowing smirk she knew was on his lips.
She rose to her knees and crawled off the bed, but Nicholas's firm and unyielding grip around her
ankle put a halt to her progression.
"Elle." he called softly, enjoying the wonderful view of her ass wiggling in front of him. "Hmm?"
"Not that I'm not enjoying the sight of your ass in my face, and if you'd prefer we can make the
clothes optional. Either way, it's a win, win situation for me. But can you look at me, please?"
Ellie spun around the best way she could with Nicholas hand still holding firm, and evenly, she
met those laughing grey eyes, ignorant of the warmth on her face. "You're enjoying this, aren't you?"
Nicholas laughed. A warm, hearty laugh that was both intimate and mirthful. "It's hard to be
anything but joyful when I'm with you." He smiled, sweet dimpled perfection that had Ellie itching to
drop a kiss to it. "And besides," he advanced and Ellie was far too captivated with his predator
grace to do anything but look on. "I like seeing you flustered," he loomed over her like an overcast
sky, his body, lithe and sturdy had her reclining back into the soft mattress beneath them.
Despite the layers of clothes between them, Ellie could feel Nicholas's ardor like a bullwhip. She
glanced up. Looking anywhere else would've been foolish, her fingers dug into the burgundy coverlet,
needing to hold onto something tangible.
"Can you feel me, Ellie?" he was so close, his scent, his gaze, his body, everything was just too
close, too powerful. His hands trailed a path down Ellie's arm, producing a bevy of goose bumps in
its wake. Until those pale and strong fingers found Ellie's own, he interlaced them, bringing Ellie's
hand between their bodies. "Feel how much I need you?" Ellie felt it. Like flesh-covered steel, she
felt it. It was rigid, full, veined and throbbing hot within her hand. Just as she remembered. She gave
a squeeze and delighted in the sharp intake of breath it evoked. On the mushroomed tip, she felt the
slick wetness and boldly she stared into her lover's eyes.
"How long has it been?"
Nicholas's gaze did not falter from Ellie's own as he too, slipped a hand between them and
eagerly found her hot and wet folds, his eyes smoldering, he grinned when those beautiful hazel eyes
widened and Ellie's mouth parted in a silent gasp. "Too long, Ellie." Nicholas smashed his lips to
Ellie's taking what was freely given. In a matched and set rhythm, they stroked each other,
remembering exactly how the other liked being touched; remembering what brought them to the
height of frenzy.
"Nicky!" Ellie silently gasped, raising her hips inches off the bed, her left hand desperately
holding to the covers, she attempted to close her eyes, but her silver eyed paramour prevented her
from doing so.
"Look at me, Ellie." Nicholas ordered, his breathing hard against Ellie's bee stung lips. "I want to
see you come, come for me, Ellie." His tongue swept behind her ear and down to the caramel
column of her neck, Nicholas mercilessly suckled as his hand furiously teased and stroked, thrusting
in a rhythm with Ellie's hips, only one goal in mind.

in a rhythm with Ellie's hips, only one goal in mind.

"NickNicky, please!" She was on the precipice now, one push and she'd fall into oblivion.
"Sir Sir, you have a guest." The knock on the door seemed far away, the voice even further,
muffled by the blood pumping between Ellie's ears and up towards her fevered skin. Ellie had yet to
discern whether her mind was playing tricks on her. She was however aware of the infuriated growl
and she shuddered.
The interruption felt like a splash of ice water and Ellie had it in her right mind to growl along with
Nicholas, but she settled for a groan of disappointment. She attempted to move away, but Nicholas
held her put.
"Stay like this, don't move an inch." He said a few minutes later, he pressed his face between
her neck and the mattress and panted. It took Ellie a few seconds to realize what he was doing and
she tried not to laugh.
"I think your butler would love to know that you're happy to see him." She whispered into the
silence, her laughter evident.
Nicholas raised his head and glowered at the grinning woman beneath him, "think this is funny?"
"Fucking hilarious."
Straddling her now, with his thighs holding firm against Ellie's hips, Nicholas peered down
menacingly. "I wonder if your still ticklish, right here," He ran his fingers alongside Ellie's ribs and
smirked when she shivered.
"Nicky, no," Ellie wriggled in a desperate attempt to flee. "I'm not ticklish...I'm not ticklish
anymore!" She tried to sound serious but that only brought a wider smile to Nicholas's face.
"I think"
"Sir, your guest refuses to leave. He's asked to see, Ms. Holbrook."
"Me?" Ellie frowned, pressing a hand to Nicholas's chest. "Who the hell would want to see me
this late?" Nicholas wasn't too sure to who the question was directed, nevertheless he jumped off the
bed and followed in Ellie's wake. "No one knows I'm here, except for MaddieOh God do you think
something happened to the kids?" she turned fearful eyes to Nicholas.
"The children are fine, Ellie, let's not jump to conclusions."
"But"
"Trust me, nothing has happened to them." There was steeled conviction in that voice that
worried Ellie.
"How would you know?" she warily asked.
"There are men who I've given the responsibility of keeping you and the children safe."
"Like bodyguards?"
"Yes, like bodyguards. They're not there unless the occasion calls them to be. I trust them with my
life, Ellie and they haven't failed me yet."
"I feel like I'm sleeping with a mob boss sometimes," She said, half-jokingly. "You're not though,
right?"
"Not exactly, No." Ellie stared, eyes probing, looking for that sign and in a blink of an eye she
found it.
She smiled humorlessly. "Wow, Nicky, not even three hours into this relationship and you're
already lying to me. Congratulations, I think that might be a record."
"I'm not lying. It's just complicated, Ellie." Nicholas stood in front of Ellie, preventing her from
leaving.
"It cant be like this between us. This relationship wont last on half-truths. You either tell me
everything or lets not bother. I mean it, Nicky, if you can't be honest than lets end it before we get too
deep. I'm not repeating a cycle here. I won't, not even for you."
"I am being honest with you, Ellie. What I do, what I am involved in is a little more complicated
than you might think. That part of me, I need to separate from you and the children, otherwise you
wouldn't like me very much."
Ellie frowned and sighed in exasperation, "I love you"
Nicholas took hold of her, "I know you love me, but love and like are two different things. You can
love me, but I know if I told you what I did, you wouldn't like me."
"Like what you did to Tony?" Tonys horrifying screams and the horror that had accompanied it
still haunted her. Ellie tried not to reflect too much on it. But truth of the matter was Nicholas had put
that look there. He'd killed a man. As much as Ellie wanted to believe that it didn't affect her and that
she could probably overlook Nicholas's sadistic streak, she wasn't stupid enough to ignore the

warning bells ringing soundly in her head.

"Tony was a roach that needed to be exterminated.
When he spoke like that, said things so callously, without the slightest hint of emotion, Nicholas
was frightening. Nicholas Grayson wasn't the boy he'd been ten years ago. He'd said so himself and
Ellie wasn't sure love was enough to heal the man he was now. Was love enough to make her ignore
everything about Nicholas's 'secret' lifestyle? Would love be enough to keep their children safe, if,
God forbid, his enemies ever came after them? Would love keep Nicholas safe and untouchable all
their lives? He wasn't invincible. He could be captured and tortured just as easily and emotionlessly
as he'd professed to do to his enemies. Would love see Ellie through the endless nights of worry and
anxiety when Nicholas didn't return home?
"Sir"
"We're coming!" he bellowed.
"Very good, Sir." They both heard the retreating footsteps.
"I think I'm going to need some time and a little space to sort everything out, Nicky. Everything
you've told me tonight, I just need to wrap my head around it. If I'm to start a life with you again, I need
to ask myself if I can handle it." She pulled away avoiding Nicholas's searching gaze. Yes, she was
willing to give their relationship a chance, but wasn't she allowed to have doubts? Wasn't she
allowed to wonder whether being with Nicholas was worth it?
"Elle"
Ellie stepped back, well aware of the wounded expression that swept Nicholas's face, but she
steeled herself against it. She needed to take a step back to reassess her impromptu acceptance
of things she hadn't quiet understood. Both physically and mentally, she knew she needed to
distance herself from him. Emotions had blurred her thinking, Nicholas magnetism hindering her
from doing much else but arching for his touch.
With a frown knitting her brow, she bit her bottom. "Give me time." She finally whispered, unable
to meet Nicholas's gaze.
"Alright," Nicholas quietly acquiesced, "you have it."
Nicholas stepped aside and watched her creep out of his bedroom. The minute the door closed
behind her he ran a hand across his face. "Fuck." He sighed, and with the realization that the road to
happiness couldn't be paved in only a few hours, he followed after the mother of his children.
They'd went through so many obstacles, a few buckets of tears shed, three bullet wounds just
below his ribcage, another scrape on his shoulder and a decade of separation to show for it.
Nicholas was willing to go through it again if it guaranteed that he and Ellie could be together. He
would go through hell, if Ellie and his children where on the other side waiting for him.
He was a fighter. He'd fought to amass his empire, and he would fight for his family.
~*~*~*~
Ellie saw him first. Standing in Nicholas's home like a hulking intruder, Devlin quietly observed
the paintings a few feet away from the entrance. Hands behind his back, he was unaware of her
presence and Ellie was glad for it. The shock of seeing him had momentarily outweighed her
despondent mood, but now she was truly curious as the reason for his presence here. Taking the
stairs two at a time, Ellie was by his side in no time.
"Dev." She extended a hand and tentatively touched his shoulder.
She looked good, Devlin noted, taking in every feature as though years and not days had
passed since he'd last seen her. Devlin wanted to hold her but he restrained himself.
"Ellie."
Ellie smiled hesitantly, unsure of how to precede, "Uh," her brow knitted, "what are you doing
here?"
Devlin took a step towards her, licking his lips, "I think we need to talk. It's imperative that I
speak to you."
"What? Are you okay? What's wrong? Is your mother, all right? Did something happen to Roan?"
worry lines creased her beautiful face and Devlin wanted to kiss them away.
"No," he shook his head, "No, nothing has happened to Roan or my mother for that matter."
A brief sigh of relief and then those hazel eyes met his, "Then what? Are you alright?"
Because he couldn't take being too far away from her, Devlin stepped forward. "I'm fine, Ellie.
Wait, no, I'm lying." he reached forward and brushed the back of his fingers along her cheek, the
touch whisper soft, "I miss you like hell. I've been a total and utter wreck without you. Every time I

close my eyes, you're all I can see, you're all I can think about." he stood close now, crowding Ellie
with his body, "Your scent on my pillow is the closest I've come to feeling you. Forgetting you, isn't
something my soul is willing to do." He kissed her, languorous, wet and bittersweet. "I love you too
much."
It would be so easy, Ellie achingly thought, here and now, she could take what Devlin offered.
She could take Devlin's love and run, run as far away from Nicholas as she could. She could learn to
love Devlin, temporarily live the life of hypocrisy and give him the illusion he so desperately wanted.
They could be good friends, adoring lovers and wonderful parents. They'd have it all, idyllic bliss,
without the potential of anyone getting hurt.
No lies. No secrets. No sadistic murders for the sake of 'business'. It would be so easy to live
that life, to take the easy way out and never look back. Forget Nicholas Grayson and his diamond
grey eyes, his rare, but beatific smiles. Forget him and the pain and challenges he'd undergone
alone. Forget that when he was with her children he was the best human being Ellie had ever seen.
Forget the tears he'd shed in her arms despite his hardened pride. Forget his silent declaration of
love and the sincere way he spoke those three little words, as though they came straight from his
soul. Forget how his touch, his beautiful mouth, and his lovely, ravishing kisses could incite the
passion of Aphrodite herself in Ellie.
Forget that, without him, Ellie's soul would wither and die.
"I can't love you, Devlin, not the way you want me to." she whispered a small eternity later, taking
a step back and deliberately passing the back of her hand across her lips. "I wish I could. I wish I
could be the love of your life, but I'm not."
"You could try, we can try, Ellie. You said you loved me before, if you allowed yourself, you'll see
that we belong to each other. I've been there with you, Ellie, through thick and thin, I was always there
for you. I never abandoned you and were you pregnant I wouldn't have left you." He was pulling out
the big guns, hitting Ellie where he knew it hurt the most.
Desperation however fueled Devlin and he could not stop. "He left you, what would prevent him
from doing it again?" He pressed on, "Hes fooled the children into thinking he's a good person and
every day you're with him he's pulling the wool over your eyes too. Before you know it, he'll be gone,
and you'll be left with nothing but a cooling bed and his memories to keep you companyagain."
"He won't leave us." Ellie feebly answered, Devlin's words echoing thoughts that she'd refused to
bring to light. Now that she heard them, spoken loud and clear, by her ex-fianc, no less, Ellie was
forced to face the truth.
"You're a smart woman, Ellie. How can you not see what he's doing?"
"He's changed." In more ways than one, her mind whispered. "He's not perfect, but he has the
potential to be good and I want to help him. He's a great father to Bella, Dylan and Sophie. One thing
I can honestly tell you is how fiercely he loves those children, he wouldn't hurt them." she said with
conviction. "He's hurt me, yes, but I've also hurt him. I've failed to be there for him when he needed
me, failed to see how deeply he was hurting and for that I can't be any sorrier. But he's done his
penance and its time we forgave and moved on."
"How can you still defend him, knowing the type of person he is? The sort of things he's capable
of?"
How indeed, Ellie silently wondered. "Because I have faith in him." And that was all it came down
to, really, faith and love.
Despite her many misgivings, Ellie knew that her faith in Nicholas would be their eternal
salvation. Her father told her to have faith, hold it close to her heart and desperately pray. Ellie would
do exactly that. What other choice did she have? Her heart would never permit her another choice.
"Ellie"
"I don't know what you thought to accomplish by coming here, Devlin, but I think you've only
managed to cement my resolve. Nicholas and I have a tough road ahead of us. But we'll get through
it as long as we can trust each other. I think we'll be okay. He needs me, Devlin, more than you will
ever need me and I can't see myself in any other place then by his side. It's where I belong." Ellie
believed every word to be true and she put as much faith into them as she did in Nicholas. No matter
what happened, they would be okay. "So, please, try to understand. I can't be with you."
Devlin's gaze trailed away from Ellie and glanced at something over her shoulder. "You're a lucky
bastard, Grayson."
Ellie spun around and there, on the top step of the marble grand staircase, was Nicholas. He

looked so casual, completely at ease in his stance and yet, staring into those hardened storm grey
eyes, Ellie saw emotions running rampant. The facade of cool indifference could not hide the fact
that Nicholas was wound as tightly as a coil and it took sheer will alone to keep him rooted to the
floor.
Ellie wondered how long he'd been sitting there. Had he witnessed the kiss?
"Lady Luck seems to love riding Me." he shrugged broad shoulders, his gaze lancing through
Ellie, making her feel naked and vulnerable. "I keep hoping I won't fuck it up, but knowing me," he
shrugged again, this time the gesture brought him to his feet. "It's only a matter of time."
"And I'll be there to pick up the pieces when you do."
Nicholas mirthlessly grinned. He leaned his hip against the banister and shoved his hand in his
front pockets. "You'd like that wouldn't you?"
Ellie felt like she was standing in a middle of the biggest dick contest. Like testosterone driven
boys, who thought no further than the size of their cocks! "Honestly, you're both acting like
imbeciles." She said, her exasperation putting a chink in the tension that had managed to box them
in. "Dev, it's late and I think you and I are done here, so please, leave."
"Ellie,"
"Just go!"
Before he walked out Devlin turned around and said. "You know where to find me when he
leaves." The door slammed behind him.
"Damn it." She cursed, before turning her contemptuous fury on the dark haired man standing on
the top of the staircase. "Would it kill you, not to revert to the proverbial asshole every time you're
upset? This may be hard to grasp, but you're not the only one hurting here."
"You seemed to be doing fine a few minutes ago."
Momentarily stunned, Ellie opened her mouth and then closed it again, than knowingly smiled.
"You were jealous."
Nicholas descended the stairs, his feet bare, he advanced on Ellie and came to stand a few feet
away, "Most men might be after witnessing their lover pawed"
"I wasn't pawed."
"You enjoyed it."
His accusation hurt, but Ellie understood Nicholas far better than he realized. It was preservation,
human nature, to hurt before being hurt and Nicholas had become an expert over the years. He
always reverted to Charles's scion, when he was upset and as natural as that was for him Ellie
wanted Nicholas to understand that he didn't need to hide anymore. He had her to lean on now.
"Would you believe me if I said I didn't feel a thing?"
"Why didn't you just go with him? It seemed like you wanted to." The open palmed smack across
Nicholas's face was as unexpected as the forceful shove that came afterwards.
With his head set at an angle, Nicholas was astounded, his cheek burned and he was trying to
come to grips with the reality of being bitch slapped. He tongued the inside of cheek and rightly so
tasted blood.
"You slapped me." Nicholas said wondrously.
Ellie silently regarded him, " yeah and Id do it again, damn it. You deserve a good kick in the
nuts too. For someone so smart, you can be awfully dense."
"He kissed you," Was Nicholas's obstinate retort, staring into Ellie's face like a sullen child.
"Yes and along with kissing him, I also told him to leave, or did you not catch that part of the
conversation?" It was becoming increasingly hard to keep the annoyance from her voice.
How had they gone from touching each other in the bedroom, to arguing in the foyer?
"I won't be second choice, Ellie. I don't share."
Ah, yes, because Nicholas Grayson was a moron!
"And you don't listen either!" Now, Ellie was angry and to prove it she tried to slap Nicholas
again, only this time, he expected it and captured Ellie's hand mid-way down.
"Don't."
Ellie scowled and wrenched her hand away, "God! You stupid, stupid man!" she fumed, her eyes
ablaze. "Would that have made you happy? Did you want me to leave with him, Nicky? I can still
catch up to him if I want, I'm a fast runner, remember?"
Nicholas looked at her, his own gaze incensed, his cheek reddening from her slap, "Don't play
these fucking mind games with me!"

"Oh I wouldn't dream of it," Ellie feigned innocence, bringing her hand to her chest, "How could I
ever fool, the master of mind games? That's your thing, Nicky. You excel at it." Nicholas grabbed
hold of her, his face furious. He smashed his lips to Ellie's, the kiss hard and punishing. It was
demanding and overflowing with passion. Nicholas forced his tongue between her mutinous lips and
took control.
Ellie held onto his shoulders, not knowing whether to push him away or pull him closer,
nevertheless, she held on tightly afraid that her weight would give out from under her. The onslaught
too much for her to stay unaffected, she kissed back, submitting to the ravishment of the man who
held her so tightly, mastered her so forcefully. She loved every minute of it.
"I hate that he kissed you." He whispered gruffly. "I wanted to rip his throat out." His eyes were
beautiful filled with emotion, filled with a sort of possessive love that it shone like diamonds. "I hate
the fact that he might be right. I may not deserve you, Ellie, but that doesn't mean I'm willing to let you
go and I'll be damned if it takes another ten years to make me realize it." He took hostage of Ellie's
mouth again, only this time, the meeting of their lips and tongues was a languid lovemaking. "I
will never let you go." A shiver ran down Ellie's spine, delicious and erotic, those words, Nicholas's
words, producing in her something unexplainable and volcanically hot.
~*~*~*~
Sophie stood in the alcove, eyes wide, shock and delight played a great role in the dance of
emotions crawling across her face. She couldn't stop smiling even if she tried. To stop the fizzing
glee erupting through her core, she slammed her hand across her mouth, stifling her joyous laughter.
She watched them devour each other, like the imported chocolates Aunt Maddie loved to eat.
Nicholas held her mother to the wall, where one began the other ended.
There wasn't room for anything but the thin layers of clothes separating their bodies. Their
mouths warred, while their hands roved. Sophie saw, more than heard her mother breathy moans,
her lips parted, eyes tightly closed as Nicholas suckled at her neck. Sophie wasn't nave enough not
to understand exactly what she was witnessing, they had cable, and she saw things. With her cheeks
stained pink, Sophie decided she'd seen enough.
This was incredible. After so many years, after wishing so hard, her parents were finally
together! Again, her smile did not desert her. In fact, it got impossibly wider. With a little effort, she
turned on her heel and attempted the journey back to her bedroom. Unfortunately one of her crutches
slipped from her hands and clattered to the floor. She cursed, looked up from the fallen crutch and
straight into her mother's dilated hazel eyes.
"Sophie! Are you all right? What are you doing up?" Ellie clucked, fretting and coddling just as
Sophie knew she would. She cursed again, this time directed at her clumsiness. The last thing she'd
wanted was interrupt them, now it seemed she'd done more than that as her mother gently ushered
her back to her room, concern clearly evident in her voice. Nicholas followed at a more sedate pace.
"Mom." Sophie patiently called to her babbling mother, once she settled in bed. "Mom!" She
called a little more firmly, taking hold of her mother's trembling hands.
"What?" Ellie met her daughter's dancing gaze. "What?" she asked again, cheeks pink, lips
Dahlia red.
"Mom, I'm happy." She took a glance at where Nicholas stood, leaning against the doorframe,
his arms folded across his chest. Over her mother's shoulder, Sophie and Nicholas shared a
knowing look, and before Sophie turned her gaze back to her mother, she received a wink from
Nicholas.
"Why?"
Sophie grinned, then pulled her mother down and planted a kiss on her warm cheek.
"Because you're happy."
Ellie smiled softly, "Do I look, happy?"
Sophie nodded, "And in love."
"And you're okay with this, right? With me and Nicholas?"
"Mom, are you kidding? Do you have any idea how long I've waited for this? I am more than okay
with this, trust me." She accepted the hug from her mother and the kiss and another hug, before
Nicholas managed to pull her away.
They bade her goodnight and vacated the large room that now belonged to Sophie in Nicholas
immense estate. Once the door softly clicked behind her mother, Sophie reclined back on her bed,

the bevy of fluffy pillows was a welcome. She brought her arms behind her head and stared
aimlessly up at the ceilings, her smile bright and joyful.
She'd witnessed the conversation between Devlin and her mother and for a brief moment,
Sophie had feared that her mother would leave with Devlin. But everything had turned out wonderfully
and now, Devlin was out of their lives. Nicholas could finally be with her mother, as they were meant
to and soon, Sophie knew that they would all be a family.
Before she succumbed to sleep, Sophie silently found a new appreciation for birthday wishes
and with a smile on her lips, she turned on her side and drifted away.
~*~*~*~
Samantha Harris lived approximately fifteen minutes from downtown, over the bridge, just before
taking that scenic route into suburbia town, were the single-family homes of newlyweds. Rent or
owned the quaint little houses, with their daily manicured lawns, and whitewashed exteriors, painted
a nostalgic picture, reminding Dom of Rockwell painting he had seen once, a very long time ago. He
parked his pick-up next to Samantha's Lexus in the driveway and grabbed the Chinese food in the
passenger seat, before exiting. On his way to the door, he had to alternate the bag from one hand to
the other, to rub his clammy hands against his Levi's, his nerves getting the better to him.
Unfortunately, he'd had to cancel on her last evening. Brandon had fallen ill and as per usual,
Evey had been nowhere to be found. Therefore, it had fallen on Dom to care for the ailing child. After
a teaspoon of children's Tylenol and a bedtime story, Brandon had fallen asleep, allowing Dom the
chance to phone Samantha and deliver the news.
She had sounded disappointed and somewhere deep down Dom had wishfully hoped that it
was because of their canceled date. Again, she'd wanted to call everything off and it had taken him
close to forty five minutes to convince her that a second date would undoubtedly be worth her
troubles. Dom had hung up the phone, once he'd wheedled a 'yes' from her, afraid that she would
change her mind, he'd gone even further and turned off his phone for the rest of that evening.
It was foolish, he realized, mooning over a woman he barely knew, had only slept with once and
had close to nothing in common with except their love of greasy, MSG ridden fast food and a bottle
of cold Heineken to wash it down. They were so different, she was the personal assistant to a man
who ran a billion dollar corporation, and he was a down on his luck associate of a company that
barely acknowledged his presence. She was vibrant, intelligent, beguilingly beautiful and had legs
that went on for days. Around her, Dom found himself at ease, freely flirting and content to bask in
her laughter when he made a stupid joke and that in itself was a marvel, she actually got his jokes,
found him amusing!
Despite what he'd told her yesterday, he wasn't just interested in sex-he wasn't the sort of guy to
casually screw and leave. If he had been he would've cheated on Evey ages ago. Sam was
different...special. Odd as it was, since he barely knew her, but there was a strong attraction there,
something that impelled him to pursue her.
It was refreshing being with Sam; sort of like seeing the bright cerulean blue skies after a storm.
Finding, hope where there was once none, understanding that life could be much more than what it is
now. Dom wanted better...he deserved better. He had suffered far too much in his nine-year
marriage to Evey; he would no longer genuflect at her manicured feet and salivate for crumbs of her
affection. The divorce papers he had his lawyers draw up sat on her vanity table, if she had any
decency left Dom hoped that she would quietly grant him a divorce and leave, before things spiraled
further out of control.
As he waited for Sam to answer the door, Dom silently hoped that he received custody of
Brandon when all was said and done; Evey was far too self-absorbed to properly care for him, once
Dom was gone. Brandon would undoubtedly be the one to suffer and that was the last thing Dom
wanted for his son. Before he could further ponder the issue, the door flew open and Sam stood
before him, in nothing but a pair of shorts that displayed her gloriously long legs, and a black NYU
long-sleeved shirt. Her sun kissed mane, swept up in a messy chignon, with her bangs held back by
a hello kitty clip. Gone, was the astute PA of Grayson Corp with her dreary, shapeless business
ensembles and in her stead stood a golden nymph with curves smooth enough to tempt any man.
She smiled and Dom almost forgot to breathe.
"Hi, Dom, I didn't know whether we were going for casual or not" she gave him the once over,
"I hope you don't mind?" it took Dom a few seconds to recuperate from the unexpected brain freeze
and another half a second more to remember how to speak.

"Yeah, it's fine." He stepped inside and closed the door behind him; keeping Sam and her
shapely ass in full view.
"Did you have a hard time finding the place?"
Her home was small, decorated in pastels, with the occasional painting hanging on the walls to
draw the eyes; it was simple and sweetly warm, just like the woman who inhabited it. Seated in her
living room, waiting for her to come back with the plates, Dom glanced around and absentmindedly
answered her, "No, it was pretty easy." He stood and headed to the mantle, grabbed a frame and
grinned at the image there. The little girl staring back at him through the picture couldn't have been
more than six, with her pale blond hair and laughing eyes, she sat on a man's shoulders, who Dom
suspected to be her father; he wore his daughter's joyful smile.
"So," Dom almost dropped the frame, he whipped around and abashedly stared at her.
"Cute picture."
Sam smiled and grabbed the frame from his nerveless hands; she stared down fondly, before
turning to look at him. "We were on our way to my very first Carnival, my mom took this picture." She
put the picture back on the mantle and headed to the large brown paper bag eliciting mouthwatering
aromas. "Are you just going to stand there, or are you going to join me?"
Her words prompted Dom to move and soon, laughter rang. Chopsticks and an assortment of
Chinese food littered the floor while they animatedly conversed, recounting tales from their childhood
and learning odd little things about the other. Like Sam's compulsive need to arrange her daily wear
with her undergarments and her closeted love for Disco music. Dom had a few chortles at her
expense after hearing that.
"And how about you, 'Mr. never been maced.' What are your quirks?"
Dom grabbed some noodles with his chopsticks, shoved them in his mouth before speaking. "I
don't have any, sorry to disappoint you, Sammy, but I'm perfect." He guzzled down his beer and
involuntarily burped.
Samantha laughed. "Perfect my ass, you're no better than a pig! So did you play any sports?"
"Lacrosse."
"Were you any good?"
"Made varsity my freshman year, became captain my junior year and took our team to states two
years in a row. Yeah, I think I was good."
"Wow, perfect and modest, how did I get so lucky?"
"I don't know, but I'd advise you not to let me go, it doesn't get any better than this."
They shared a look, before bursting into laughter; a little drunk and definitely full, they basked in
the moment.
"Is that how you know, Nicholas? Did he also play lacrosse?" somehow imagining Nicholas in
lacrosse gear caused her to wrinkle her nose. Nicholas, was meant for business suits and designer
clothes, anything else was just foul and inappropriate.
"Hell no! Richie Rich, preferred playing his games in bed and from what I heard, he was pretty
good. I think he even fucked my wifeex-wife." He didn't sound bitter, just oddly amused.
"So what's the deal?" food abandoned, they lounged on the plush carpet, twilight gleamed
brilliantly outside her French doors.
Dom didn't feign ignorance, understanding that it was either now or never, he wanted to get his
and Evey relationship out in the open.
"I really loved her." he began, "Back at J.E.H I knew from the first time I saw her that I wanted to
marry her, unfortunately she was more into mindless sex than love."
In a span of a few hours, Samantha had Dom's life story out in the open, including his whirlwind
of a marriage and the utter shit his self-serving twat of a wife had put him through. She didn't doubt
for a second whether he spoke the truth, because no man could possibly fake the angst that had
come and gone on Dom's face, and Samantha felt for him.
Dom, from what she now knew of him, seemed like a good person, goofy and sweet; he didn't
deserve an adulterous wife.
"So, you're getting a divorce?"
"It's always been inevitable."
"Are you going to miss her?"
Dom shrugged, "It's hard to miss something you never had."
"Well, if it helps any, you have me now," her heart thumped against her chest, unflinchingly

meeting Dom's dark blue gaze. She didn't know why she'd said it, maybe the alcohol loosened her
tongue a little, but she didn't feel the need to take it back.
"It actually helps a lot." His voice dropped an octave, his eyes smoldering.
Samantha reached over and took hold of his hand, before standing. "I can help in other ways."
She pulled him towards her bedroom and coyly smiled, when Dom closed and locked the door.

Chapter 28
Ellie picked up the cell phone and glanced down. The name N. Grayson flashed across the
screen, as it had on various occasions in the last two months. And just like she'd done in that
timeframe she waited for it to ring for the 'beep' indicating she had a voicemail to sound, before
putting it out of sight. She would check the message later, but she knew it would be the same.
Nicholas had become predictable in that way and the thought brought a smile to Ellie's lips.
Itd been two months since she'd last seen or spoken to him. Ellie did not regret her choice
because she had needed the space and the time to gain a new perspective and sort out the jumble
her life had become, without Nicholas's searing eyes tracking her every move.
There had been things that needed to be resolved before she could take the next step and move
on with her life. For one, she'd needed to give Devlin his closure. It hadnt been easy, but shed
accomplished it.
Aside from Miranda accosting her, a week after, with a few choice words, Ellie closed the door
on that part of her life, ready to attack the next challenge. Subsequently avoiding Nicholas had not
been without some effort, what with the children constantly pleading with her to drive them to their
father's home every weekend and Nicholas's inescapable presence in Ellie's own home when
business permitted him time. It became virtually impossible to avoid him, but Ellie had managed.
Taking what he said was a much-needed sabbatical from work, Nicholas had taken Dylan fishing
a week ago and Bella and Sophie had spent time with their father the following weekend on a two
day camping trip. They'd returned Sunday evening with stories to regale their mother and brother.
Every ensuing weekend after was filled with activities the children wanted to do with, but never had
the opportunity until now. On many of those outings, Ellie was implored to come along, come and
have fun with them, but each time, she'd refused, producing some excuse. Nicholas would always
give her a look, something akin to longing, as though he suffered a horrible plight, every minute Ellie
kept her distance. As much as Ellie tried to ignore it, that look always left her distressed.
Nevertheless, true to his word, Nicholas gave Ellie all the space and time she needed. He
called, yes, but he never approached her, never pushed. He was a constant presence in the lives of
their children, but always kept a distance when it came to Ellie. He was kind, courteous, loving and
fun. His easy smiles were as glorious as the man himself. His laughter, tender and joyful, making him
that much more irresistible, making it that much more difficult for Ellie to ignore him.
One night, lying in bed, with nothing on her mind but Nicholas, Ellie had silently wondered why he
even bothered to call when she never answered. Seconds later, at exactly midnight, her phone had
rung, four rings later and voicemail picked up. Anxious to listen to her message, Ellie had put the
phone to her ear and waited.
"Hey Elle, this is the thirtieth message I've left so far," curled in on herself Ellie had pressed the
phone to her ear, needing to hear every word. "You must be tired of hearing my voice." his throaty
chuckle forced Ellie to smile. "But I don't think I'll never tire of hearing yours. Even if it is ordering me
to leave my name, number and a brief message, I can't seem to get enough. I've developed a fetish
for your voice Elle among other things, right?" his quiet laughter had been warm, sweet, as though
he had been making fun of himself. Ellie had never found him more endearing. "I don't even know if
you listen to these, but if you do, I need you to know that I miss you. I miss you and I love you." There
was always a soft sigh, before he hung up. Ellie had fallen in love with Nicholas's little sighs.
Ellie had fallen in love with Nicholas sighs, Nicholas's tender little messages, Nicholas's
understanding and patience and his innate ability to comfort her without even trying. Ellie had fallen
in love with Nicholas the man, so different from the boy he had once been, but so achingly similar.
The differences emboldened him, while the similarities made him vulnerable, made him human. It
was hard not to love a man, who, despite his many failings, was the epitome of tenderness when it
came to their children. He put all else aside to please every one of them, unbiased, patient and fair,
he loved them equally.
Ellie had her answer. Had it the very moment Nicholas waltzed back in her life all those months
ago, audaciously staking claim on what he knew he had no right to claim, but did so anyways,
because he and Ellie knew the truth, understood that there would be no one else, but each other.
They had fought, lost and gone away to lick their wounds. Now, it was time to go home, and home, to
Ellie was anywhere Nicholas Grayson was. Whatever happened now, she and Nicholas would see it

to the end together.

The school bell tolled, Ellie stood, grabbed her uneaten lunch and put them in the brown paper
bag. She opened the small fridge to the left of the microwave table and found some space for her
lunch, right between Alicia Tavern and Nancy Cox, with any luck, hefty Nancy would leave her lunch
alone and wolf down her own this time. But Ellie knew it was only wishful thinking on her part.
With a resigned sigh, she closed the door, grabbed her Coke can, before exiting the teachers'
lounge. She was suddenly feeling happy, so much so, that she decided to forgo the vocabulary quiz
scheduled for today until next week, it was Friday after all and her last period class had worked hard
enough, they deserved a break and maybe a movie.
With a slight jaunt in her step, Ellie hummed and entered her classroom, her cell phone held
tightly in her left hand. She would listen to the message later.
~*~*~*~
It had been Maddie's brilliant plan and in a momentary lapse of insanity, Ellie had cheerfully
agreed to help her. But now, standing on the precipice of deafening music, neon lights and a
psychedelic display of laser lights, she wasn't sure she'd made the right decision. The music was
too loud. It vibrated beneath her high-heeled feet like a small earthquake. And there were people
everywhere! A veritable orgy of half-nude bodies rubbing against each other, dancing to a tempo
fabricated from sex. It was as awe-inspiring as it was daunting.
In the dark, entranced by the music, nothing mattered. Inhibitions were left at the door. It was only
you, the option of your clothes and the partner who danced in front or behind you. Ellie had
discovered this scene when she'd been fourteen and hadn't cared to revisit it--- until now. Clubbing
was sex with hundreds of people, and if you had drugs swimming through your veins, every touch
was one orgasm after another.
She was wary and wondered if it was too late to turn back.
"You are not leaving me!" Maddie screamed in her ear, holding firm to Ellie's arm. "At least not
until we find me someone!"
Right. The purpose of this outing was to get Maddie laid. Any lovely specimen would do, so long
as he was hard and willing. Maddie's words, not hers. With that in my mind, Ellie allowed Maddie to
lead her down the wrought iron steps, conscience of the bodies leaning against the railing,
engrossed in an act that could upon closer look pass as sex. It was all very fascinating, especially
that one girl who had captivated Ellie's attention with her contortionism alone.
Finally, after much gawking, and receiving a few pats on the ass by extremely sexy men, Ellie
and Maddie arrived at their destination.
"What'll it be?" the bartender, adequately put together, blond, buff, and blue eyed, with a set of
the whitest teeth Ellie had ever seen, blinded them with his smile upon their arrival.
"I'll have a Bend Me over Shooter." He winked at Maddie, and then turned his baby blues to Ellie.
"And you, sexy?"
"Uhjust a Coke, please."
"Oh for God sakes! She'll have a Screaming Orgasm."
"Coming right up."
"Can you pretend to have fun for me, Ellie, please?" Maddie pleaded once the bartender had
gone.
Ellie smiled guiltily, "I'm sorry! It's just been awhile, I'll try to relax."
Her answer received a wide grin from her best friend, before said best friend, reached over and
popped open the first three buttons of her blouse, exposing Ellie's ample bosom for the world to see.
She laughed at Ellie's mortification. "Don't be such a prude, Ellie! You have a rack to die for, share it
with the masses!"
"Maddie!"
Maddie shook her head and grinned, "You promised!" before Ellie could protest, the bartender
returned with their drinks.
"Cheers!" Their shot glasses clinked and in one swallow, Ellie's shooter disappeared down her
throat. She made a face, but realized there was no need for it. "This is good!" she yelled out.
Maddie laughed, ordered two more before dragging Ellie to the crowded dance floor.
It was so much easier to relax when you had alcohol blazing a path through your system. Half an
hour later and Ellie was feeling extremely relaxed. She hasnt done this in so long. But it seemed
after years of raising three children and being an all-around parent, her body hadn't forgotten how to

dance. Of course, club dancing didn't require much skill. So long as you knew how to swivel your
hips and caress yourself with your hands you were good to go.
Beneath the display of multicolored lasers, Ellie wasn't a mother of three, she was twenty seven
year old dance fiend, entranced by the high-octane music thrashing through the subwoofers, and she
danced for the sheer joy of it. She didn't realize how absolutely tempting she looked, with her fuckme-shorts hugging tight to her delectable ass, or the way her blouse rode over her heaving chest
every time she raised his arms. Her eyes were closed, face flushed, ecstasy painted there, her
shoulder length chestnut hair flying around her, lips moist and impossibly pink, were parted in a silent
moan. It appeared as though she was being fucked by the music and was enjoying every second of
it.
There were faceless men gravitating towards her, entranced by her roaring flame, needing to
touch, needing to sample. But one man in particular dared to take it a step further. Nicholas intent
was quite clear and nothing would deter him from his goal.
Maddie saw him first and toothily grinned when he winked at her. She returned her gaze to the
man vying for her attention and knew Ellie would have one hell of a night if the predatory gleam in
Nicholas's eyes was any indication. Maddie hoped she was just as lucky.
Effortlessly Nicholas slipped behind Ellie, wrapped an arm around her waist and pulled her to
him.
"Keep dancing, Ellie." Nicholas whispered along the shell of her ear when she made to stop.
"Nicky." Ellie breathed with racing heart. She wanted to turn around needing to see his face, but
Nicholas's arm hindered her, kept her in place. Ellie felt his smile on her skin, could smell the
intoxicating spice of his cologne.
"Dance, Ellie." His order was soft, voice, sex personified. "Dance with me."
Ellie, swept up with emotions, did as bided and soon it was only her and Nicholas dancing. But
then dancing wouldn't have been exactly how most would describe what they were doing. It was a
mating ritual and everyone who could not help but watch were voyeurs to the erotic show.
Their hips moved to the rhythm, while Nicholas hands roved, caressing, owning Ellie with
achingly languorous touches. He pressed his lips to Ellie's nape and trailed his tongue upwards until
he reached the shell of her ear. "see all those people watching us, Elle," his hands trailed down
Ellie's glistening stomach, his large hand positioned possessively at her groin, his fingers toying with
the button on her shorts. "They all want me to fuck you. They're waiting with bated breath to see
whether I'll unbutton this," he twisted his fingers and the button came undone, "see how their eyes just
widened? They're hoping..."
"Nicky!" Ellie panted, when those pale dexterous fingers disappeared inside her shorts.
Nicholas finally allowed Ellie to turn around and once she was facing him, he captured her lips in
a soul-searing kiss. They were ravenous as their tongues mated. The need for skin-to-skin contact
caused them both to tear the clothes off each other's backs.
"Guys! Not that I'm not enjoying the show, but maybe you should take it somewhere else!"
Maddie advised when they came up for air.
"You don't mind?" Ellie breathlessly asked lips bruised from Nicholas kiss.
"No!" Maddie pulled a tall, blond haired stranger beside her and grinned like a Cheshire cat,
"Blake here has a python he wants me to see. I'll see you tomorrow!" with that said, Maddie and her
sinfully gorgeous python handler, disappeared in the crowd.
Ellie looked over her shoulder and with utmost certainty she said, "Take me home, Nicky."
Nothing else needed to be said. Nicholas captured Ellie's hand and led her out of the club.
~*~*~*~
The ride home had been strained with sexual tension. Now they were in his bedroom, the
grandest of them all. Made up strictly of clean lines, there wasn't much to admire. However, the bold
masculine pallet of dark red, burgundies and ash gold instantly drew you. His bed dominated the
room raised high upon a dais. The sheets Ellie remembered were the softest of their kind and soon
she would experience the texture on her back.
The air crackled made even more so by the dimmed ambiance of the room. They stared at each
other for an endless moment, absorbing all they could without contact. Nicholas's eyes burned bright,
the intensity stealing the breath from Ellie's lungs.
"Nicky." It came out as a moan and too soon, she was swept away again. The onslaught of
Nicholas's mouth on her compelled Ellie to shove her hands in his hair and pull him down, needing to

quench an unquenchable thirst. Their tongues on a rampage, Ellie whimpered when he bit her
bottom lip and then silently pleaded for him to do it again. His hands in Ellie's hair trailed down and
curled into the fabric of her blouse. Nicholas backed her up against the bedroom door. His kisses
were ravenous, his mouth, hot and wet against Ellie face and neck, tortured moans and whimpers
from kiss bruised lips. Skillful hands roamed freely, divesting her of her blouse, his fingers trailed
over her breasts, plucked at the puckered tips and then caressed down her soft belly. His hands
cupped her ass as he wedged a strong thigh between her legs, his hands coasting along the smooth
texture of her thighs. There was no room for thought, only the sensation of being mastered.
"Elle" he tugged himself away and looked into hazel eyes darkened by lust, "If you want me to
stop, I suggest you say so now." he swept the pad of his thumb across her lips, before covering
those lips with his own, satiating a temporary craving. "If you don't, I don't think I can stop myself
later." His cock strained between them, needing her so much it ached.
"Don't stop."
God, he needed her to be sure. "Ellie"
Ellie silenced him with a tender kiss. Love me, Nicky."
"As you wish."
It wasn't gentle, because Ellie didn't want gentle. It was rough and hot and with Nicholas's
precise thrusts driving her further over the edge, Ellie held on tight, her legs wrapped around
Nicholas's waist, she threw her head back and panted.
Nicholas groaned, his thrusts increasing he buried his face in Ellie's neck, his mouth open,
gasping for breath, he closed his eyes tight and with Ellie's name on his lips, he came.
Ellie's release came seconds after and prompted a long kiss from Nicholas. It was over far too
quickly, but Nicholas was not worried, they had a long night ahead of them and he would make sure
that Ellie's pleasure was foremost. With her legs still wrapped around his waist, Nicholas effortlessly
moved them to the bed.
"I could've walked." Ellie said once Nicholas set her on the mattress.
Nicholas kissed her then and with a grin he gently pushed Ellie onto her back, "yes, but I like
carrying you. I'll be right back, don't move." He was gone before Ellie could say anymore and
returned a minute or so later, clutching bowl in one hand and towel in the other.
Ellie silently watched as he set the bowl down on the mahogany kissed night table before
divesting the remainder of his clothes. It'd been years since she'd last seen Nicholas nude and the
passage of time had only made him better. Ellie appraised him as a buyer would merchandise,
methodically taking in every detail. Nicholas was beautifully sculpted. From his bare feet up to his
well-formed calves, even further up to his muscled thighs and nestled between the thatch of dark
curls was his glorious cock.
It stood at half-mast, long and veined, beautifully formed, it twitched as if sensing Ellie's
lecherous gaze. With great effort, Ellie's eyes moved on, snaking up Nicholas's body like a lover's
tongue. She followed the rise and fall of Nicholas's abdomen, and up to the dusky nubs that covered
his chest. Hazel eyes found and focused on the large Dragon tattoo that ran from Nicholas's elbow
and ended on the side his neck. Ellie softly smiled, she'd always loved that tattoo.
"Like what you see?"
His voice low, thrummed with intimacy as his silver eyes sparkled even in the dimly lit room.
Ellie's cheeks reddened and coyly she looked away. "Hmm. Definitely."
Nicholas chuckled. "Glad it's too your liking."
The bed dipped slightly at his added weight, he reached over the bowl, dipped his hand in and
squeezed water out of the small towel he'd fished out. Meticulously he worked, bringing the cloth
between Ellie's slight parted legs, he gently wiped.
"Y---you don't have to do that." Ellie breathily protested the feel of the warm towel against his
skin and Nicholas's nearness had her stomach doing flips.
"Not have to, want to. I think I was a little too rough." There was something in his voice that gave
her slight pause.
"I wanted it rough, Nicky. You didnt do anything wrong."
Her words went on unheard as Nicholas wordlessly cleansed her. Once finished he dropped the
towel back into the bowl and returned to his position between Ellie's legs. The kisses started at
Ellie's feet, trailed up her smooth long legs, the caress of his hands feathery light. When he reached
the junction of her thighs, his mercurial gaze lifted to meet hers and any rational woman would've

been leery of the passion that lay there, but Ellie wasn't just any woman. She was Nicholas's woman
and the ardor in his lust filled gaze matched hers perfectly. With both his arms encasing her quivering
legs, his head right at her entrance, he leaned into her and kissed her melting sex. He eased a
tongue between her quivering folds and licked upward until he captured her pink clit between his
lips.
Ellie's heart stopped for one eternal second then picked up speed as she drew in a sharp
breath; she chomped down on her lip to stifle her scream as a deluge of sensations overtook her
core. She thrashed like a woman crazed, but Nicholas's hold kept her well and truly in his clutch as
he toyed with her. Nicholas suckled and teased at her clit, his oral caresses in sync with the
languorous strokes of his fingers as they gently eased in and out of her tight pussy.
Ellie was at a lost, thought completely abandoning her she surrendered to the sensations. There
was no way of describing how she felt, only that this was most erotically beautiful thing that's
happened to her in a very long time. He simply put to shame all her previous sexual encounters, as
Ellie knew he would. Nicholas made her feel like a Maenad to his Dionysus, decadent and wholly
inhibited. She rode his fingers, thrust her fingers in his hair and breathed for him to lavish her with all
his skill as consummate lover. He French kissed her clit and fucked her with his tongue.
"God...Oh God...Oh..Nghh..." Ellie bit her lip, sure that her teeth drew blood, but she didn't care.
Ellie simply did not care. Her Orgasms racked her body, ripping through with such velocity that she
was rendered weak. The jolting spasms brought tears to her eyes even as she labored for breath,
desperately trying to calm her thundering heart. Descent from orgasmic heights took a while.
When Nicholas's mouth slanted over hers and took possession of her lips, she tasted herself,
salty and faintly sweet and Nicholas's hunger for her. Ellie gave a shuddering sigh, elated and
satiated beyond belief.
"Nicky." She moaned into the air they shared, finally able to open her eyes to meet his dark
gaze. "I missed you."
"I missed you too." Somehow, they both understood that it wasn't just for the last few months.
The, I 'miss you' was for the ten-year long separation they'd had to endure. It was for all the loving
they'd missed out on, it was for the great and out-of-body sex, they now needed to catch up onNicholas was making headway fast.
"I need to call Gabe and let him know I'm with you."
Lying beside her, with his finger running lazy circles across Ellie's abdomen, Nicholas smirked.
"Some things never change."
"He worries."
Nicholas kissed her cheek. "I know, and I'm glad. You call. I need to take a leak." He rose and
headed to the bathroom, giving Ellie ample chance to drool over his firm ass.
~*~*~*~
They lay in comforting silence, lazing in post-coital bliss. Naked except for the thin layer of sheet
concealing their nudity, neither one dared to move for fear of disturbing this rare moment of serenity.
My heart hurts every time I think of what you're ca pable of. Ellie confessed to her lover in the
stillness of the night, no longer able to keep her fears to herself. Im afraid for you, Nicky.
Nicholas raised his head from her lap to look at her. "Are you afraid of me, Ellie?" The question
sent his heart racing, a sure and heavy rumble that thundered along the bars of Nicholass chest. The
sadness of her gaze too much for him to bear. He assessed those features, lovely features he could
replicate perfectly if he but closed his eyes and focused. He knew of every imperfectly perfect
feature. He could catalog the imperceptible beauty marks across the surface of her skin.
Nicholas could recite in Latin the sheer thrill of kissing the supple beds of those lips and come
away drunk off the ambrosial delights of her mouth. Nicholas was an expert in all things Ellie
Holbrook. Fluent in making her laugh with joy and moan from pleasure. But in this one instant, in this
one moment, he did not know what she would say or how anxiously he waited with bated breath for
an answer.
"I think I should be," she began slowly, a smile dawning in its wake, "but I don't think I ever will.
You are very disturbed, Nicholas Grayson, but I dont think I would have you any other way. She
captured his lips in a sweetly tender kiss. "Just try not to show anyone your Achilles heel."
"Then maybe I should lock you away." He whispered fervently. He reclaimed her smiling mouth,
kissing her with zeal. You are the glue that holds me together, Ellie. If something were to happen to
you, I would cease to exist. You are my salvationmy peace.

The intensity of the moment seemed almost palpable, the ardor in his gray gaze too real,
scorching and intrusive, licking raw at Ellies skin. It left her too vulnerable for words, too enraptured
to speak. How could one hope to remain unconvinced in the face of such passion and truth?
Especially when it was as though the very idea of your existence seemed paramount in keeping
such a man from spiraling out of control? What was one to do? How was one expected to react?
Ellie didnt have a clue. Suspended momentarily between rapture and reverence, none could fault
her, her lack of words.
She reached for him, her hand upon his cheek, feather light. Words cant begin to express how
much I love you.
He leaned into her hand then pressed a tender kiss to her wrist. Then lets not talk.
His mouth claimed hers and there were no words after that. Simply ravishment.
~*~*~*~
"Get on your hands and knees." The order sent a delicious quiver through Ellie. The iniquitous
gleam in Nicholass gray eyes a sheer thrill to her otherwise lusty mind. Sorely tempted to see what
her punishment would be if she disobeyed, Ellie smirked, she was far too curious as what her lover
planned to give into temptation. But one could always hope for a sound punishment, right?
She did as bidden, her grin, she was sure, was wholly inappropriate, but who could fault her for
being so enthused? She wondered if Nicholas would spank her? Really, she shouldn't have felt so
depravedly giddy about the idea.
"Crawl up to the bed, Elle." His whisper sent shivers hurtling down the curve of Ellies spine.
"Good girl." She received a love tap on the bum upon accomplishing the order. Remaining out of her
line of sight, Nicholas dropped the faintest, warmest kiss on the curve of her shoulder, "Now, how
much do you trust me, Ellie?"
"With everything I am." She responded without pause and felt Nicholass approving smile on her
fevered skin.
"Good."
There was darkness, Nicholass silk tie obscuring her vision. Sandalwood and a dark spicy
scent invaded Ellies nostrils and her senses reeled as the aroma drew a moan from her core.
"Nicky" God, she needed him.
"Shhh." His warm wet mouth a whisper inch from Ellies ear, his words were a velvet seduction,
"hold onto the poster and try not to let go." He caressed a path down Ellies arms then reached for
her delicate hands and very carefully led her to one of the four large ebony posters that made up the
bed frame.
He was there, the heat of his frame, the caress of his fingers, the inferno of his mouth, it was all
Ellie felt. And it was all about feeling. Sensing. Ellie was sensitive to his every movement, his every
touch. His tongue was lava hot trailing down her spine, languorous inch by languorous inch, nipping,
suckling down each vertebra, licking the skin with sensual care. When he reached the globes of her
ass, Ellies breath hitched, her fingers gripping onto the poster for dear life. She felt them part and
forgot that she was supposed breath. Forgot how to breathe. Was he...? Would he?
Then in a blistering moment she felt Nicholass tongue on her most secret part and lost her ever
loving mind. Her grip on the poster slipped as she groaned, her head lolling forward, she gasped
and bit the inner flesh of her cheek to keep herself from screaming. Oh God, but his tongue! It did
wicked things. Twirled and plunged and suckled and nipped and prodded and probed andGOD!
"Sweet God!" she whispered reverently, unconsciously pushing her hips back, riding the fingers
deep inside her and the tongue that fucked her. "Nicky!" She gasped, fearful of coming apart from
the sensations Nicholas brought her.
Her release came fast, cleaving through her core it dripped down her trembling legs. Then, just
when she believed pleasure thoroughly sucked from her very pores, the head of Nicholass cock
replaced nimble fingers and drove with deliberate slowness into her depths. There was no
discomfort, no pain, only the sleek thickness of Nicholass cock and the resounding rightness of it all
when he buried himself to the hilt. He gripped Ellies hips, a strong and sure hold, her backside
flushed against his pelvis there was no closeness close enough.
His first thrust provoked a low moan and unsatisfied Nicholas withdrew to the very tip and
slammed back into the encompassing heat of Ellies sheath, eager, so eager to do it again and
again. They fell into rhythm, Ellie happily meeting Nicholas slow sensual strokes she arched her
back deepening her lover's reach.

God, Elleso fucking hot. He rasped above her, his laboring breath hot and harsh along her
damp skin. His jarring thrusts matched her breathless moans. The walls of her clenched hot and
greedy around Nicholas and with one final long deep thrust he too came with a grunt, filling her with
his essence.
Ellie collapsed her quivering thighs no longer able to support her weight. Nicholas followed suit,
withdrawing from her, he fell unceremoniously beside her. They lay motionless for a long while,
incapable of moving liquefied limbs.
When Nicholas stirred, Ellie moaned in protest and attempted to keep him still. Nicholas softly
chuckled and brushed a kiss on her brow. "I'll be right back." he whispered. He returned a while later
and gently shook Ellie from her light slumber. "We need a bath." Not to mention the sheets needed a
change, but that was to be taken care of once they were clean. "Come on, baby, you can sleep once
you're clean." Ellie rose opening bleary eyes to look at him.
"Carry me...?" she murmured, her voice hoarse from their earlier activities.
Too happy to oblige, Nicholas effortlessly seized her, cradling her lighter body against him as
they disappeared into their bathroom.

Chapter 29
"Do you have any idea how sweet whip cream taste against your skin, Ellie?" She was propped
up against a bevy pillows with her legs akimbo and nothing but a thin layer of sheet between her and
her silver eyed paramour. Ellie sucked in a sharp breath as Nicholas's tongue followed the sluggish
descent of white cream; where once coolness reined the encompassing warmth of his mouth swept
it away.
"I can only imagine." She breathed, attempting to stay coherent despite the torture of her lover's
tongue.
Gloriously nude and unabashedly aroused, the dark haired paragon of sinful delight rose to his
knees and effortlessly straddled Ellie's hips. With the can of whipped cream in hand and a ripe
strawberry in the other, he leaned down and captured Ellie's kiss-bruised mouth. "See," he pulled
away and leeringly licked at her lips, "just like heaven." He placed the strawberry between Ellie's
parted lips and leaned in for a kiss, his tongue a gentle caress. He tenderly loved Ellie's mouth just
as he'd done her body moments earlier and several times since their arrival home hours ago.
Outside their bedroom window, the sun breached the velvet sky, bringing with it the dawn of a
new day, but the lovers cared very little for the breathtaking sight of sunrise, far too immersed in each
other to notice much of anything.
"Oops... look what I did," not the least bit contrite, Nicholas tipped the can and sprayed the
contents onto Ellie's nipples watching contentedly while the melting cream trickled down her belly. "I
made you all sticky."
"Maybe you should get a napkin to clean it off."
"Oh no," taking hold of Ellie's earlobe between his teeth, Nicholas nibbled before speaking, his
breath warm and sweet. "I forbid anything other than my tongue from touching you. Besides, sticky
girls always get licked clean and you Ellie are a very sticky girl." He suckled down, licking and
nibbling sampling and ravishing Ellie's pert nipples as though they were the sweetest caramel
creams. He was ravenous, a glutton sampling the delights of a sumptuous meal.
There wasn't an inch of Ellie's skin that Nicholas hadn't sampled. From the arch of her delicate
feet to the top of her dark head, every inch was savored with the utmost care.
"Nicky," Ellie panted, annoyed at being left wanting, while her fiendish lover pulled away and
stared at her.
"Youre sexy as hell when you're angry, have I ever told you that?" he was being purposely mean,
prolonging Ellie's torment for his own pleasure and they both knew it.
"I swear to god, Nicholas, get your ass back here."
"God's not listening, baby. He tends to tune off when we're in bed together."
"Nicky."
"Dont move" with unforeseen agility and strength, Ellie maneuvered her lissome body around
Nicholas's and in less than a few seconds she found herself straddling the astonished man, a
triumphant smile gracing her face.
"I'm tired of lying on my back. I can be more than just your pillow princess you know."
"Can you now?" his pewter gaze gleamed with amusement.
"Oh yes and if you keep misbehaving I might be tempted to tie you up and spank you."
With his hands on Ellie's hips, Nicholas pulled her down, "Promises, promises." He uttered just
before capturing her lips. "Have I told you how much I loved you today?" He smiled roguishly, tracking
lazy circles across her back.
Ellie smiled against his grinning mouth. "Mmm, yes, ten times when you were inside me. Seven
when I was sucking your cock and I think five times when you came." Gently she nibbled on the
supple beds and giggled when he tickled her.
Nicholas chuckled. "What can I say, you are an exceptional talent, and it's only fair that I vocalize
my admiration."
"Your admiration is always welcomed and always bears repetition. I like thiswaking up with
you, sharing whipped cream kisses." She grinned, the pads of her fingers feathered against
Nicholas's face, putting to memory flawless features.
"I've missed it," Ellie met silver eyes and brushed a kiss on Nicholas's nose. "I've missed you.
"I love you, Ellie."

"I know, you've more than proven how much, now it's my turn."
Nicholas cupped her face, "you don't have to." He said earnestly.
Ellie leaned with a kiss. "Not have to, want to." She simply whispered, trailing a path of openmouthed kisses along Nicholas's alabaster skin, taking time to explore every inch with unbiased
care. Under her expertise, Ellie could feel Nicholas's shivers beneath her hands and she inwardly
grinned relishing the effect she had on him.
Her hands roamed over his body and Nicholas's flesh quivered in anticipation, the sweet little
kisses Ellie meted out seared a blazing fire in his soul. He ran his fingers through her thick mane
and took control of the kiss, pillaging Ellie's mouth with the intensity that stole their breaths away.
Without breaking their kiss, Ellie blindingly reached between them and took hold of Nicholas's cock.
Nicholas's hips bucked at the feel of her vise-like grip, her thumb skated over the slick head and
Nicholas groaned even while he battled the urge to come.
"Nicky," Ellie called her voice low and beguiling, "look at me," the fire in her hazel eyes nearly
undid him.
"Ellie..." he panted, setting his hands at her waist, gently guiding her down until the blunt tip of his
cock kissed her hot wet cunt. "Ellie... fuck." He moaned as her encompassing warmth swallowed
every inch of him. It took all of Nicholas strength not to propel his hips upwards, choosing instead to
relinquish control to her. He gave Ellie power to set their rhythm. Staring up at her, the look extolled
across her flushed features caused Nicholas's cock to twitch involuntarily and he smirked at the
moan it induced.
"What're you doing?" He asked, amused by her actions.
Ellie interlaced their fingers and brought the back of Nicholas's hand to her lips. "I'm savoring the
feeling of having you inside me." She replied candidly, with smoldering hazel eyes. She leaned
forward, bracing her free hand on his chest. "I can feel every inch of you," She moaned. "You're
pulsating."
With his left hand anchored on her hip, Nicholas unconsciously dug his fingers into the supple
flesh as he felt the constriction around his cock. "Elle, I'm going to come." he whispered huskily, his
hand in Ellie's grasp tightening.
"No," Ellie breathed, meeting Nicholas's gaze, "Not yet,"
Torture. Blissful torture was all he felt. "Elle"
"Touch me, Nicky." She gasped at the feel of his hot mouth on her breasts, teeth expertly biting
down until pain and pleasure melted down Ellie's spine. Slowly she began to move, lifting herself just
slightly and gliding back down, with the same languid ease. "Harder, Nicky." she breathlessly
ordered, increasing her pace until her thighs quivered against Nicholas's sides. Ellie opened her
mouth, eliciting gasps and breathless whimpers. A fire, hot and blazing unfurled in the pit of her
stomach, branching out to ignite every cell in her body, forming a fine sheen of sweat on her glowing
skin. "Nicky." Ellie could feel her orgasm building, it began from her pulsating pussy, holding tight to
Nicholas's cock and snaked through her being. Waiting. Anxiously waiting.
Effortlessly Nicholas matched Ellie's frenzied pace, rising and falling along with her, holding tight
to her hand as they both teetered on the brink of ecstasy, unwilling to fall in the abyss just yet.
"Nicky."
"Ellie."
They simultaneously called, gaze intently locked on the other, they finally fell.
~*~*~*~
Nicholas leaned his head back against the shower glass door while his hands dove and fisted
through Ellie's wet curls. He peered down, the image that greeted him only served to harden his
cock further. Mesmerized, he watched as Ellie smoothly took him in, her coral red lips wrapped
around every inch, readily consuming him. Before he could come, he brusquely jerked her up, spun
her around and buried himself in the welcoming heat.
Nicholas pinioned Ellie's body to the shower door, pressed her hands against the foggy glass
and rammed his hips forward, the action causing Ellie to throw her head back, exposing her neck to
Nicholas's ravenous mouth. "You like that?"
"Hmm. Very much...harder."
Nicholas readily complied, stepping inches back he placed his hands on Ellie's hips, pulling her
ass impossibly close, driving his cock infinitely deeper, he slowly withdrew and drove forward with

strength, slamming back into with relish.

"Oh God," Ellie closed her eyes, sure that the stars she saw would disappear. She didn't want to
feel her orgasm yet and it seemed Nicholas wasn't giving her any choice as his jarring thrusts
pushed her further off the edge, rendering Ellie incapable of any logical thought. The only sounds
escaping her mouth were soft moans and throaty whimpers that only served to spur Nicholas on, his
thrusts becoming erratic, his grip almost brutal on Ellie hips. But Ellie didn't care; the pain was
insubstantial compared to the ecstasy sweeping though her body.
Nicholas's release preceded her own, his seed dousing the flames at her core. They stayed
connected for a few moments more, basking in post-coital euphoria, the powerful jets hammering
down on their bodies.
"I love makeup sex." Ellie croaked.
"We have a lot of years to make up, Darling." Nicholas kissed the side of her neck w ith a leering
smile. "Ten years. That means almost every day in bed and hours upon hours of hot, steamy sex, for
the next few months."
Ellie laughed and turned around, taking the shower gel from the shower basket, she grabbed the
blue Loofah and poured the gel onto the squishy sponge. "I like the way your mind works, Grayson,
but we aren't all billionaires. I have to work for a living." She handed the bottle to Nicholas and
brought the lathered loofah to her lover's milk white skin.
"So stop working." Nicholas casually replied, enjoying her hands on his body. "Being the
girlfriend of a billionaire can have its perks."
Ellie snorted, "Somehow being your kept woman, doesn't sound so appealing. Besides, I love
teaching. I don't think I can handle being a stay at home Mom." The soapy Loofah glided along
Nicholas well-formed chest, across his arms and back down to his ridged abdomen.
"The children will enjoy having you home more often. I'd love having you home more often."
"At your complete disposal, Nicholas Grayson's kept woman..."
Refusing to meet his gaze, Ellie trailed the Loofah further down, purposely ignoring the raised
shaft twitching for her attention. She wasn't angry, maybe slightly annoyed, but who could blame her?
She felt like Nicholas was offering her just a role in his bed, instead of his life, old insecurities
couldn't help but sprout forth. She didn't regret her decision, Ellie honestly loved Nicholas and every
minute they spent together was unmitigated bliss. However, she couldn't help but worry, she
wondered whether they were doomed to repeat mistakes of the past, doomed to fail no matter how
hard they tried.
Putting a hand beneath her chin, Nicholas raised her head. Hazel eyes, more green now than
amber, met his own shuttered gaze, "We belong to each other, Ellie. You have no idea the sort of
power you have over me. If anyone is the kept anything in this relationship, it's me. There isn't
anything I wouldn't do for you to see you smile. I am at your complete disposal. I love you, Ellie, if you
knew how much, you'd probably run for the hills."
As he knew it would, the conviction in Nicholas's storm grey eyes, the love Ellie saw there, put to
rest any niggling doubt. Yes, they did belong to each other and no matter what happened Ellie had to
believe that they would see it through together. Love wasn't everything, certainly it helped, but Ellie
knew that if they were to have a fighting chance, they'd have to trust each other.
"But you'd always find me." She said with a small smile, gliding her soapy hand down Nicholas
arm and interlacing their fingers.
Nicholas pressed his forehead to Ellie's and smiled, transforming his stern features into a boyish
charm. "Nothing could ever keep me away." He sealed his words with a tender kiss. Stroking Ellie's
inviting tongue with his own.
"Don't ever let anything keep you away."
Nicholas put to rest the need for words, lifting Ellie up against the wet glass. He permitted his
body to talk for him, showing her exactly how much he needed her, how powerless she rendered
someone who made it his business to always remain in control.
Their echoing love cries resounded through the expansive bathroom, drowning out the rush of
spraying jets. They remained oblivious to anything else but their matched rhythm, their fevered, slick
bodies laboring for the same goal.
Taking hold of Ellie's face, Nicholas kissed her open mouth, "look at me," through the haze of
rapture, Ellie met Nicholas's gaze, "It's you and me, always. I promise never to leave you again."

"Good," Ellie firmly kissed him, "you belong to me." With her arms wrapped around Nicholas's
neck, she fisted a chunk of his dark hair, forcing his head back, she pressed her lips to the exposed
column of his neck and clamped her teeth down, careful not to tear the skin, but deep enough to
leave a mark. At Nicholas's groan, Ellie pulled away and admired her work. Her teeth marks glared
back at her, bumpy and blistering red. She glanced up at her lover with an unrepentant smile.
"Satisfied?" Nicholas nuzzled Ellie's wet skin, leaving a kiss in his wake.
"For now."
Their teasing banter turned into heated cries as they came, tightly holding each other until their
shared orgasms ran its course.
~*~*~*~
Quarter past noon they decided to take a break to replenish their bodies. Nicholas called the
kitchen to order lunch and while he took an urgent call from his office, Ellie finished her shower and
walked onto the open balcony adorning a downy bathrobe and nothing else. The day was bright; the
sun beamed high in the sky, bringing with it a warm breeze that swept along her face and ruffled her
damp curls. Off to the right of where she stood was a table set for two with an assortment of food. A
pitcher of pink lemonade stood to the left of the array of delectable fruits and fresh leaf salad. It was
veritable feast that could no doubt feed a small army. Ellie didn't think she could even finish half of
what was in front of her but she sure as hell would try, sex on an empty stomach wasn't as gratifying.
She took a seat and poured herself a glass of lemonade, careful not to spill. Looking out at the
expanse of Nicholas's backyard Ellie admired the rolling hills with its verdant lawns that gave way to
a copse of trees just off in the distance. She hadn't realized the manor was this immense and
wondered what was beyond the trees.
"There's a small log cabin a few miles in." Nicholas's sudden appearance startled Ellie from her
musing. She looked up with a glare and received a tender kiss on her head in apology. "I didn't
mean to startle you."
"It's Ok." Ellie took a sip of lemonade, keeping his eyes on Nicholas as he took the seat across
from her, newspaper in hand and a coffee mug in the other. Unlike Ellie, he'd chosen to keep his
bathrobe open, leaving his chest and abdomen exposed. The tattoo she loved to trace with her
tongue peeking out just the tiniest bit. The lower region of his body was covered by a pair of plaid
flannel pajama pants. "When did you build a log cabin?" Ellie asked, distracting herself from the
temptation of Nicholas's exposed flesh.
"I didn't. My great grandfather had it built for his monthly hunting excursions, years before he met
my great grandmother. But after they married, she put a stop to the hunts, choosing instead to use
the cabin as a haven from the world. No one's been up there since they passed away." He brought
his coffee mug to his lips and took a sip. "I'm thinking of tearing it down to build a playhouse for the
kids."
Ellie shook her head, "The kids have plenty of places to play, Nicky, and they don't need another
one. Besides, that cabin has sentimental value; I hate to think of all those memories destroyed for
something so inane. Maybe you could restore it?" she quietly suggested.
"Why are you so attached to something you've never even seen?" Nicholas inquired.
Ellie lifted her shoulders and quickly dropped them with a sigh, "It's not just the cabin. It's the
memories attached to it." She fought to find the right words, her brow furrowed in concentration. "It's
like your godfather's cottage; remember all the memories we have of that place? Both good and
bad, they're ours and we created them in that cottage. Knowing that all we shared will forever be in
the oaken walls just makes it that much sweeter." She flushed meeting Nicholas's intent stare. "It
sounds silly, I know."
"I'll have Samantha call a contractor, tomorrow."
Ellie beamed, "Really?"
Nicholas grinned. Ellie's smile rivaled the sun, instantly warming him. "Really. Now eat, so I can
ravish you again."
Ellie laughed, stood and reached for a strawberry from the assortment of bright fruits; she set it
between her lips and bit into it. "You're insatiable." She stared at Nicholas through the veil of her
lashes and smiled, her eyes alight with humor.
"And you're a hopeless tease." Nicholas wrapped his hand around her wrist and yanked her

between his parted legs. "Feed me."

Staring down at him, Ellie shivered at the darkened shade of his eyes, "Ask nicely and I might."
Playing with the white sash in his hand, Nicholas tugged on it and grinned when it gave way,
"Please feed me."
"Better. What does his majesty want?"
Like a lion licking his jowls at the prospect of a good meal, Nicholas leeringly swept his tongue
over his lips and stared at Ellie's partially exposed body, his fingers tugging the robe open, "Beautiful
perky tits," He settled his hands on at her hips and tugged her forward, "and hot wet pussy." He
kissed Ellie's quivering abdomen, trailing his tongue inside her navel, licking the skin there as though
it were candy. "Think you can provide that for me, Ellie?"
Ellie's hands found their way to Nicholas's hair, "Oh God!" She jerked forward, her grip on
Nicholas's locks tightened and she cried out as her lover's mouth engulfed a nipple. His tongue
stroked, and swirled, sweeping from beneath the hefty mounds back up to the areola and back
down again, while his fingers plied the warm lips of her labia and smoothly entered her, burying his
middle finger knuckle deep.
She was absolutely wanton. He made her feel so decadent and she loved every deliciously
wicked moment. She rode his fingers while holding tight to his shoulders. He didnt miss a beat
when he sat her down on the table and Ellie was only mildly aware of dishes crashing to the ground
before she lost all sense again. He was between her legs, breaking his fast on her honeyed sex and
Ellie chanted his name, crying out in sheer ecstasy when his tongue and fingers fell in perfect rhythm.
Ellie found it somewhat arousing tasting herself on Nicholas's lips and she deepened their kiss,
wrapping her arms around his neck. "We should really eat something."
I just did. He said with a lascivious smile.
"For food!
Nicholas laughed. "I'll only eat it, if you feed me."
Ellie tenderly bit Nicholas's chin, "I spoil you."
"What can I say, I'm a greedy man."
At the sound of someone clearing their throat, both Ellie and Nicholas turned around to look at
their intruder and Ellie immediately scrambled to cover herself at the sight of Nicholas's butler
standing at the balcony entrance.
Nicholas frowned, stepping in front of her. "What is it?"
The butler's face remained impassive; he did however lower his head in respect. "My sincerest
apologies, Sir, but there is a call for you from your downtown office, the gentlemen asked to speak
with you on a matter of great urgency."
All he wanted was a day without interruption, a day for him and Ellie alone to do with whatever
they pleased. However, twice now, he'd been interrupted by some incompetent moron who didn't
know his job description and who Nicholas was seconds away from sending to the unemployment
office.
Nicholas helped her tie her robe back up. "Hold that thought, I'll be right back." With a breathstealing kiss, Nicholas pulled away and left with his butler trailing behind.
Ellie picked up the broken dishes and the food that had fallen along with it. Once she was done,
she swiped a waffle from the array of food and made her way back to Nicholas bedroom in search
her discarded shorts. She found them strewn on a brocade ottoman a few feet away. Stuffing the
waffle between her teeth, Ellie picked them up and dug inside the pockets in search of her cell
phone. She found it in the back pocket and quickly she folded the shorts before heading towards the
bed. Settling down Ellie flipped the phone open, the missed call message flashed on the screen. Ten
missed calls, four voicemails and one text message from Maddie. Ellie bit into the waffle and
grinned as she read the text.
I doubt ur even awake yet. If u r ur prolly 2 busy getting laid 2 answer ur phone. I just wanted
2 check in & let u kno I'm OK. Last night was amazing! Call me L8R and we'll dish .Luvu
Ellie deleted the message before dialing Gabe's home number; she'd call Maddie later, right
now she wanted to talk to her babies.
"Hello?"
"Hey Ron,"
"Ellie, how are you? How was your night?" the innuendo wasn't lost on Ellie and she was thankful

that they weren't in the same room, otherwise her blush would've given her away.
"I'm fine and my nightmy night was eventful. How are you? Did the twins give you a hard time?"
"I'm good. The twins were angels, although Dylan had an incident with Liam last night, but I think
they managed to work it out. They're helping Gabe set up the Slip and Slide in the backyard, we're
having a little barbecue later. Did you want to talk them? I have Bella next to me practically yanking
off my arm to talk to you."
Ellie laughed, "Yeah let me talk to her."
"All right, one sec," there was the static of the phone being handed off to another and seconds
later a very excited, "Hi Mom!" pierced Ellie's eardrum.
"Hey Belle, how are you? I miss you, are you being good for Ronnie and Gabe?"
"Yeah, Auntie Ronnie and I are cooking for the barbecue. We made fried chicken, mashed
potatoes and I think she said we could make macaroni and cheese too. Last night we marinated the
pork chops and steak, Uncle Gabe is going to grill those." She took a moment to breath and Ellie
took her chance to speak.
"Wow, sounds like Auntie Ronnie's been keeping you busy, huh?"
"Yeah. Are you and Daddy coming to the barbecue? Dylan said you were kissing and hugging
and you'll be here when you're done. Are you done yet? Maybe you can come here to kiss and make
up!"
Dear lord, Ellie silently thought, "Yes, we'll be there, maybe a little later though, we have things
we need to talk about."
"Are you going to kiiiiss?" she teased causing Ellie to burst into laughter.
"Yes, we're going to kiss." Ellie looked up as Nicholas entered the bedroom and locked the door
behind him; he smiled and walked over to her.
"It's Bella." Ellie mouthed tilting her head to receive his kiss.
Nicholas's eyes lit up and he took the phone from Ellie. "Hello princess,"
"Daddy!" Even a few inches away Ellie could hear her earsplitting scream as though the phone
was against her ear, but Nicholas didnt seem to mind it one bit.
Ellie watched as he sat against the headboard and animatedly spoke to his daughter, chuckling
when she said something he thought was particularly adorable and empathizing with her during
opportune times. He seemed to come alive, avidly listening and nodding his head, so carefree and
sweet. There were so many sides to this man. Ellie had seen them all. What she couldnt understand
was how someone who was as sadistic, as possessive and ruthless as Nicholas was could be so
endearingly sweet and loving to his children. How was it possible for him to love so tenderly, so
profoundly and be able to torture without remorse? As much and as deeply as Ellie professed to
know her dark haired paramour there was a part of Nicholas that would always remain a mystery to
her.
The harrowing events of their past shaped them into who they were today. With all the things
she'd been through, Ellie could at least say shed had family there to see her through it all. But
NicholasNicholas had no one and so hed dealt with his pain as best as he could. Ellie didn't fault
him for it, she just wished there was some way she could heal that part of her lover, something she
could do to eradicate the sadistic drive in him.
"...be a good girl for your Aunt and Uncle and tell your brother I said not to fight with his cousin,
your Mom and I will be there as soon as we can. I love you too, bye princess." Ellie tuned back in for
the last snippet of the conversation and took the phone away from Nicholas to say her goodbyes.
"You okay?" Nicholas asked when Ellie hung up the phone, noticing the worry lines between her
dark brows.
Shaking his head, Ellie turned a blinding smile to Nicholas. "I'm more than okay." she fell on the
mound of pillows beside him. "I'm in love."
Nicholas laughed and tossed his bathrobe on the floor, before straddling Ellie's backside. He
pulled her robe down and set his hands on her shoulders, kneading the kinks with care. "For
someone so in love you're pretty tight," with a wolfish grin on his lips he leaned down and whispered.
"Pun definitely intended."
Ellie chortled and hid her face in the pillow. "You have a one-track mind, Grayson."
"With a body like yours I can't help myself, one look at you and my cock stands to salute you." At
Ellie's laughter, Nicholas smiled and continued his massage, using his fingers to knead down Ellie's
back, giving the utmost care to her ass. He worked his way back up again, every now and then

dropping a butterfly kiss on flawless skin, until he saw the familiar green and black dragonfly he'd
branded her with so many years ago. It still looked good, the black and green ink against his
honeyed complexion looked as though she recently had it done.
"Devlin always asked me where I got it and the meaning behind it." Ellie said softly.
"What did you tell him?"
"That it was a silly teenage whim. But I think he always suspected. He suspected a lot of things
about us." Silence answered her; all she felt was Nicholas's breath, hot against her skin, right on top
of the tattoo. He remained quiet, as though contemplating something; Ellie did not want to disturb
him.
"When I was little," Nicholas finally whispered, "I used to love dragonflies. They seemed so
carefree, so full of hope. I once read somewhere that they brought luck to anyone who caught one,
so one summer night, a week before returning to school, I managed to catch one."
"Did it bring you luck?"
"It brought me you." He dropped his dark head between her shoulder blades and pressed his
lips at the base of her neck. "You're the better part of me, Ellie."
Ellie didn't realize falling deeper in love was possible where Nicholas was concerned, but
listening to him, seduced by the raw emotions in his hushed tone, she found herself falling deeper,
hopelessly plummeting without anything to hold her up. No one could ever come close to making her
feel the way Nicholas did.
"Nicky." She softly moaned at the feel of her lover's tongue licking a hot wet path down her spine.
Ellie felt the teasing nibbles and the open-mouthed kisses at her sides; strong, deft fingers
manipulating her flesh, dancing seductively down each vertebra, sliding ever lower until they swept
between his sun-kissed cheeks. Her hands fisting the sheets, Ellie arched her back as Nicholas wet
tongue followed his fingers. Her heart thundered against her sternum, her pulse spiked, she could do
no more than squirm in delight while Nicholas's tongue brought her once more to the precipice. She
felt impossibly wanton; writhing on the bed like a bitch in heat, moaning for more. With Nicholas's
fingers skillfully stroking her, Ellie came with a strangled cry.
"You're going to kill me with that tongue of yours." Ellie said mildly, voice muffled by the pillow.
"Silly girl," Nicholas kissed her temple. "You say that like it's a bad thing."
Opening her eyes, Ellie stared into laughing grey eyes. She pulled the covers over her head to
hide her embarrassment. "I hate you."
Nicholas pulled the covers off and pulled Ellie up. "You love me."
Ellie smiled warmly, "I love you."
~*~*~*~
"How can you do this to me?" Dom ignored her indignant screeches and stuffed the last of his
clothes into his black duffel. He attempted to walk past her, but she blocked his way. "Divorce,
Dom? You want a divorce, after all these years, why now?"
Dom sighed and ran his hands through his hair, he was tired and he was beginning to lose his
patience. They'd been at it since he'd called to tell her he'd come by to pick up his things. To say that
she hadn't taken the divorce papers well, would've been an understatement. She'd fumed for weeks,
throwing a tantrum and defiling his name to all who would listen and had finally calmed down enough
to call last week and ask him over so they could talk. As Dom had predicted, their 'talk' hadn't gone
well and had resulted in both of them screaming at each other, he'd walked away then, too afraid of
what he might've done had he remained in her company for much longer.
Now he just wanted to shake her, make her realize how self-absorbed and wicked she was, how
after so many years he was finding her beauty to be something vile and ugly. He didn't hate her and
maybe, he realized a part of him still loved her, still cared for the girl she used to be, but he didn't
want to live in the past anymore. He could no longer live life as her doormat.
"You and I both know this relationship was doomed to fail from the start, but like an idiot I always
fought for us, ever since high school, Eves, I always fought. Well, I'm tired of fighting."
She slapped him hard across his left cheek; the impact had him reeling for a second. "I know
you've been seeing someone else, I hired an investigator, and I know everything! You're leaving me
for another woman, admit it!"
Dom humorlessly laughed, years of pent up anger surfacing. "You want to talk infidelity, Evey?
You really want to talk about the reasons why I'm leaving you? Let's see now shall we?" he advanced
on her, shoving his hand in her face as he listed all her indiscretions. "You're mean! You're selfish!

You've been a horrible mother to your son and an even worse wife to me! You've slept with almost
every man I know. You're a cold, heartless bitch, who, despite her pretty face is nothing but a sad and
ugly person inside. You know what, I feel sorry for you, Evey, because after all these years you're still
the same person you were back in high school. You'll never change!"
"It's so fucking easy being the victim, isn't it Dom," backed up against the wall, her tears silently
fell, "don't you think I realized what sort of a person I am and how my actions has destroyed almost
everything in our lives? I know what I've done is wrong and I'm sorry. I am so sorry!" she sobbed, her
remorse coursing down her ruddy cheeks and this time, Dom almost believed her. She was putting
on one hell of a performance and for a second he allowed himself to be fooled. But if nothing else
could be said about their relationship, Dom wanted people to realize that he knew his wife, he knew
Evey Abrams, better than he knew himself. She was a manipulative, spiteful woman, who did all that
was possible to get her way and too often he'd fallen into her duplicitous web, but no longer.
Dom leaned down as though to kiss her, but dodged her awaiting mouth and whispered in her
ear, "You should've become an actress, Eves, at least then you would've been honored for your great
work." He dropped her hands from his shoulder, spun on his heel and left, his black duffel slung over
his shoulder; he didn't turn around at the sound of something crashing against the bedroom wall.
He would fight for custody of his son, no matter that Brandon wasn't his biological son, Dom was
more of a parent to him than Evey had ever been, there was no doubt that he would win the custody
hearing.
Throwing his bag in the back seat of his car, Dom slammed the driver door shut, started up the
engine and headed downtown. He'd been staying with his older brother Jeff in his condo, while
searching for an apartment of his own. Soon he would have his life back again and if things worked
out as planned, Sam would be included in that life. Getting to know her was something he was
looking forward to doing.
~*~*~*~
"So, are you guys okay now? Did you manage to fuck some of your problems away?" Maddie
asked candidly as she bit into her hot dog and dodged the balled napkin Ellie threw at her.
"Do you have to be so crude?"
"Stop avoiding the question, did you let him pound you into the mattress or not?"
"Yes, as a matter of fact, I did and I enjoyed every hot and sweaty second of it. Now keep your
voice down, the kids'll hear you." Looking over her shoulder at the screaming children playing on the
large blue Slip and Slide Gabe set up, Ellie turned back to Maddie and smiled. "The sex was
amazing."
Maddie grinned and nudged her best friend, "You little slut, I knew it! The truth's written all over
your face, you know."
Ellie's eyes widened and she anxiously brought her hands to her cheeks, "Really?"
"Oh yeah, you practically walked out here with the 'I just got laid' grin on your face, it was almost
as wide as mine." Maddie laughed. It was always a good time teasing Ellie, the biracial woman
made it so easy.
"You're a bitch." Ellie said, realizing that Maddie was teasing her.
"You love me."
"Mommy! Mommy, look at me!" Bella's voice drew both Maddie and Ellie to her, they watched
her bounce on the trampoline, her father standing very close, keeping a vigilant eye on her even as
his mirth matched her joyous laughter.
"He looks happier." Maddie remarked, turning back to face Ellie. "More relaxed."
Ellie shrugged keeping Nicholas and Bella within her peripheral vision. "The kids make him
happy."
"You look happier too. I don't know if it makes a difference or not, but I'm glad youre back
together. It's been almost painful seeing you two apart."
"There are many things I would do differently given the chance, but meeting you and Nicholas
wouldn't be one of them. Life without the mistakes we've made wouldn't be worth anything."
"We've made plenty of mistakes, haven't we?"
Ellie laughed and nodded, "Oh yes, but look at us now, we're better for having made those
mistakes. Were stronger and wiser," they shared a look and chortled.
"Okay, somewhat wiser, and we're the best of friends. I couldn't ask for more."

"Here, here," Maddie tapped her red plastic cup to Ellie's, "to friendship, rekindled loves and to
a future filled with promises."
"Wait!" before Maddie could guzzle her coke down, Ellie stopped her. "To finding you a
husband."
"I'll most definitely drink to that!"

Epilogue
Four years later
Rising from bed as quietly as possible, Ellie crept to the bathroom, conscious of her slumbering
boyfriend resting only a few feet away, she gently closed the door behind her and turned the lock in
place. She had just enough time to run to the toilet before emptying the contents of her stomach.
Watery bile spewed from her lips, acrid and tingling, it invaded every crevice in her mouth, causing
her to grit her teeth in distaste.
Kneeling on the floor, she held onto her abdomen while a second wave of nausea swept through
her. The minute it was over, she flushed away the sickening sight and stood on quivering legs. She
spun the gilt faucets and splashed a handful of cool water on her face, rinsing her mouth out in the
process. Thinking better of it, she decided a shower was necessary, so she ambled to the shower
stall and turned on the taps seconds later a warm mist enveloped the room and with it Ellies nude
body.
The round, double-headed shower head rained down on her, the scorching spray of water
kneading away at her taut muscles. With a troubled sigh Ellie pressed her forehead to the tiled walls
and closed her eyes. Almost as if it had happened yesterday, she remembered the moment to the
exact second when her doctor had told her she could no longer bear children. Her devastation had
been unfathomable, but she'd taken comfort in the fact that shed safely delivered her twins and in
them shed found the strength to see her through.
Shed mourned and had come to terms with it, her envy of other parents, only lasting for so long
when she realized how fortunate she was to have had Sophie, Bella and Dylan, each one so dearly
special to her, made life so much better than it was. God had blessed her with three wonderful
children and like the treasures they were, Ellie loved and adored them. Her inability to bear children
paling in comparison to the joy they constantly brought her.
So many years, two men, Devlin and then Nicholas, she hadn't been able to conceive, barren,
infertile, unable to give either men the children Ellie knew they so achingly wanted, but now...?
Unconsciously raising her hand to her belly, Ellie massaged the flat skin beneath her palm, a flutter of
hope blooming at the thought.
Dare she hope? After so many years, was it at all possible? How maddeningly wonderful would
it be to know that at this very moment a child flourished in her womb? A child, a baby, she and
Nicholas had created, out of love and adoration. The thought was too much, but all the same, Ellie
couldn't keep her burgeoning happiness at bay.
The idea that she could be pregnant, the possibility a very likely one as she thought back on her
symptoms over the past few weeks, it was all Ellie could to keep herself calm. Shed had the same
odd food cravings as her other two pregnancies, including the back pains, the dizzy spells and her
erratic hormones and not to mention her lack of stamina over the last few weeks.
"God," She breathed, rivulets of water trekking down her face, "I'm pregnant." As if coming to full
grips with what she'd just uttered, Ellies eyes widened, "Oh God, I'm pregnant!" she murmured, her
voice pushing hysterical.
Knowing she would soon hyperventilate if she didn't calm herself down, Ellie pulled away from
the wall and swept her hand over her wet face and then through her drenched hair and let it slide
down her neck. Attempting to reorganize her thoughts, she convinced herself not jump to
conclusions, shooting her hopes up wouldn't be a good thing.
So with a doleful sigh she resolved to wait for the test results, which would more than likely spell
out that she had the flu or something completely different than what she wanted it to be. Oh, but how
badly she wanted a baby, not realizing how much until only a few moments ago, Ellie silently prayed
that she was carrying a child. To share the joy of birth and the process of changes she would
inevitably go through was something she wanted to share with her lover. Something she'd always
yearned for, but never dared to hope. But now...now the possibility was there, only a few more hours
and she would know the truth.
Knowing that Nicholas would soon rise and wonder why she was taking so long, Ellie washed
her hair, exfoliated her skin with her loofah and sugared fig shower gel and stood beneath the
powerful jets. The soapy residue glided down her smooth skin and swirled down the drain beneath

her feet. She turned off the water, grabbed a towel from the rack and exited the shower stall. She
made quick work of patting herself down, replaced her damp towel with a bathrobe, and opened the
bathroom door, making sure to shut off the light on her way out.
Chancing a glance at the bed, Ellie stopped short, Nicholass arresting gaze halting her
progress. Shameless in his nude state, he sat on the bed, like a great jungle cat in repose. His
whipcord, lithe body leaned against their headboard, his arms set behind his dark head. He looked
as though he hadn't a care in the world, his face, with the features of a God, were relaxed, belying
the ravenous ardor in those gunpowder grey eyes. Those very same gunpowder grey eyes, glided
down Ellies body, deliberately sweeping over her, caressing her with the adeptness of a man who
knew every inch of his lover and took pains in making sure said lover was fully aware of it.
Ellie shivered, despite her fluffy bathrobe, she felt naked and susceptible to Nicholass brazen
hunger. She could feel herself getting wet, her nipples hardening as she continued to look at him,
unable to look away as those dangerous grey eyes raped the very breath from her lungs, stoking the
embers at her core. She stepped forward, incapable of resisting the enchantment Nicholas wove,
Ellie moved without thought, as though tugged by invisible strings. She crawled on the bed and did
not stop until she knelt before her dark haired love.
"Nicky." She moaned, as though in a trance, she leaned forward, eager to touch, eager to be
touched in return. Nicholass arm encircled her waist, drew Ellie to his lap and without pause angled
his lips against hers, claiming what she so eagerly offered.
Parting the supple folds of her lips with his tongue, Nicholas teased and stroked, unhurriedly
loving Ellies mouth with an expertise that had taken years to master. Tugging open her robe,
Nicholas snaked his hand across Ellies heaving breasts, tweaking the hardened nipples with care.
Then that hand journeyed further down Ellies abdomen and found his prize between the springy
thatch of dark curls. He parted her warm, wet lips and buried two fingers knuckle deep, readily
swallowing her little whimpers when they came.
"Nicky." Ellie panted against his mouth, her lips, red and bruised from Nicholass kisses, parted
slightly, emitting her throaty gasps as Nicholass stroked her. "Nicky--- I'm going to come..." she
breathed, her tiny nails digging half-moons on Nicholass back.
Her enchanting hazel eyes glazed over with passion, her face flushed a becoming hue, and his
name the only thing on her sweet lips was more of a turn on for him than any sort of foreplay they'd
ever engaged in. Unable to resist, Nicholas captured and mercilessly pillaged Ellies mouth, milking
melodious moans from kiss ravished lips. Before she could find release, Nicholas disengaged from
her and much to his amusement, he received a glare and whimper from his displeased lover.
"Nicholas..." she pleaded, her voice strained.
Nicholas kissed her protests away. "I want to come with you." he stole another kiss before
moving behind her. With great restraint, he positioned himself at her entrance and tried not surge
forward, instead taking his time as he glided in, the velvety sheath making it almost impossible for
him. Finally, he found himself buried to the hilt and he took a moment to breath, sheer will alone kept
his hips steady, fearing that he'd hurt the writhing woman beneath him.
"Fuck Elle," he groused, "Stop moving." He gasped and cursed again as the warm sheath
constricted, pulling him impossibly deeper.
On her hands and knees, Ellie stared behind her, "Don't you dare go slow." she warned, her
eyes ablaze with green fire, further ensnaring Nicholas into their luminescent depths.
"Hard and fast?" Nicholas wittily inquired, dropping a kiss between Ellies shoulder blades.
"Yes," she moaned, Nicholas cock pulsating in her, filling her to an immense level. "Hard and
fast."
Hard and fast had Ellie seeing stars, she arched her back, pleasure-pain coursing through her
nervous system. It charged every cell in her body, making every inch of her sensitive to Nicholass
every touch. The line between, pleasure and pain blurred, each sensation propelling her higher and
higher, Ellie felt like a masochist as Nicholass teeth bit down on her skin and she moaned, opening
her mouth to plead for more.
A fire tongue swept over the wound, eradicating the ache, only to bite down again, hips thrusting
in a savage cadence, Nicholass cock slammed mercilessly into Ellies sheath, demanding her
complete surrender and his fiendish love gave it. Arched her back, swiveled her hips and fell into a
synchronized dance with her skilled lover. Ellies orgasm cleaved through her core, surging forth, and
fingers gripped tightly onto the sheet beneath her as she cried Nicholass name. Nicholas held tightly

to her hips burying his seed deep, the warmth like a flood, dousing the ragging heat that threatened
to scorch Ellie alive.
Ellie collapsed unable to support her weight any longer and whimpered when Nicholas withdrew,
leaving her empty and cold. During sex, she always felt as though they were one. One entity, moving
and laboring towards the same goal, where one ended, the other began. It was tantric, Nicholass
essence filling her, molding and loving, always moving as one. Afterwards, when it was over and the
spell shattered along with their releases, and Nicholas withdrew, there was that brief moment when
Ellie felt alone and empty. No longer connected to her soul mate and it always managed to sadden
her, like now for example.
"Hey," Nicholas came into view. His smile quickly dissolved, catching sight of Ellies tears, he
frowned in concern. "Hey," he cajoled, gently pulling Ellie to him. Ellie buried her face on Nicholass
shoulder, wrapping her arms around his neck; her tears fell despite her attempt to sniff them away.
"Ellie, baby, what's wrong?" his concern was too much, the soothing motions of his hands on her
back produced a sob from her and Ellie pressed closer to him, almost as though she could mold
herself into his golden skin.
Alarmed and helpless at the sight of her tears, Nicholas floundered in his attempt to comfort her.
"Ellie, babe, what? What's wrong?" he framed her tear stained face, which only seconds ago
contorted in passion, and thumbed the tears away. "Did I hurt you?" Nicholas feared the answer; the
last thing he ever wanted was to hurt her.
Though they had parted on bad terms, each second he'd been away, was spent pining for her.
He'd spent hours ruminating, through important meetings Nicholas had wondered whether she was
coping just as miserably as he was. Plagued by the ideas that maybe he'd pushed too far in regards
to his marriage proposals, wondering whether he should've waited. But then, after four years, how
much more waiting could he possibly bear?
As long as it takes. His mind was quick to respond, and naturally it was right, he would always
wait, for as long as it took Ellie to marry him. If not marriage, then he would be satisfied with what
they had now, because life was not worth a dime, without Ellie in it.
Ellie shook her head, "No, No, Nicky you didn't hurt me," she reached out to caress his cheek.
Through her tears, she smiled. "I just forgot how much I missed you, how much I missed waking up
with you. How much I missed seeing your handsome face." She sniffed and yielded to the onslaught
of Nicholass tender lips.
"God, Ellie," with his forehead resting on hers, Nicholas grinned. "You have no idea how badly I
need you when I'm away. You make a man go crazy, missing you. There's only so much my left hand
can do, I close my eyes and your there. Your scent on my clothes drives me to distractions. It always
scares me, how much I need you to function. Only a few days away and I ache to run back to you,
take you in my arms and never let go." playing with the silken tendrils at Ellies nape, Nicholas licked
Ellies tears away and kissed the corner of her mouth. "You'd think after four years of being with you,
my obsession would've ebbed slightly. But I think I might be more addicted to you, now more than
ever. Can you believe that, Ellie?"
Ellie hugged him to her, and then very softly, almost inaudibly she said. "Marry me, Nicky.".
Not sure he'd heard right, Nicholas disengaged Ellies arms from his neck and firmly forced her
to look up. "What?"
Through the damp veil of her dark lashes, Ellie glanced up and to be sure, Nicholas gaze, with
its ability to stare right into her soul, stared intently down at her now, a maelstrom of emotions
swirling in their silver depths. "I was afraid," she began, running her tongue over suddenly dry lips.
"When you first asked me to marry you I thought you were just asking for the sake of the kids.
Everything was so crazy with Sophies adoption, I just thought, 'oh, maybe, he's just asking to make
the children happy.' So I said 'no'."
Ellies looked down at her hands, savaging the poor sheets beneath her, but she trudged on, too
late to stop herself. She needed to be heard, needed for Nicholas to understand. "The second time, I
couldn't bring myself to say 'yes'. I wanted to, but I just couldn't, I made excuses, telling myself I wasn't
ready for it. Then you asked me again before you left and saying 'no' to you the third time was one of
the hardest things I've ever done."
Ellie looked up, taking Nicholass hand in the process. "I was afraid, scared that we'd end up like
my parents. I didn't want you to resent me later. Marriage is a big step and though we've been
together for so long, known each other since we were practically kids, I know how much you hate

confinement. I didn't want us to marry and have it end in divorce, because you decided you wanted to
be..."
"Shut up."
Ellie gasped when Nicholas tugged his hand away. He was angry. "How can youfor you to
even think that I would" he raked his hands through his hair, his frustration evident, "Ellie, I'm not
going anywhere! How many times do I have to tell you? Do you think me so fickle?" he was trying
hard to keep his rage on a tight leash, but he feared he was losing control, Ellies words hurting him
more than he realized. "After so many years, I thought you knew me better than that."
Ellie shook her head, trying to rectify her mistake. It wasn't at all how she'd planned for this to
happen, "Nicky"
"I love you, Ellie, the way I feel about you will never change. I've felt this way since I was eighteen
and I swear to you that I'm going to feel the same way when I'm an old man. I understand that I've hurt
you in the past and I will spend the rest of my life repenting for it. But you have to know that I'm here
to stay, married or not, I'm here to stay. You are everything to me."
In all her wondrous glory, Ellie slid from the bed, ran to the other side of the bed and fell to her
knees before him, taking hold of Nicholass larger hands Ellie tenderly kissed them, before looking
up. "So, marry me."`
"Ellie"
"I'm so sorry for doubting you...for doubting us and our love, for fearing something I know would
be a joy to share with you. I've wanted this, for almost as long as I knew I loved you, I've wanted this.
I'm ready, Nicky, and I want to spend the rest of my life with you. I want to make you as happy as
you've continuously made me. I want to be yours, in name, body, mind and soul. Marry me, Nicholas
Grayson, please?" She was trembling, her hold on Nicholas hands unyielding. She could feel her
tears snaking a path down her cheeks, but Ellie was impervious to it all as she stared up at
Nicholass face, attempting to make out the whirlwind of emotions there.
Coming down to his knees, so that they both stood at the same height, their gazes locked,
Nicholas interlaced their fingers and returned Ellies earlier kiss, brushing his lips over her knuckles.
"Only if you say yes to my proposal. Eleanor Holbrook, love of my life, my infinite better half, would
you do me the honor of giving me your hand in marriage?"
"\Yes! A thousand times yes!" with elated joy and mirth swimming through her veins, Ellie wrapped
her arms around Nicholas and embraced him, her laughter and exuberance bringing them both to
the floor. She rained a barrage of kisses on Nicholass grinning face, while her tears fell. "Will you
marry me?"
Framing her tear stained face, Nicholas smiled. "In a heartbeat." He claimed a kiss, tender,
sweet and long overdue.
He stood then and returned moments later with a black velvet box. "Let's make it official." taking
back his seat, he drew the box open and took from it the cushion-cut rose-gold diamond
engagement ring he'd purchased so long ago.
The ring was simple in its elegance. With its clean roman design and peculiar coloring, it was a
thing of sheer beauty to Ellie, who reverently gaped when Nicholas held it before her. "Look," he
invited, tilting the ring just so, enough that she could glimpse at the engraved inscription inside.
For as long as there are stars.
Ellie bit her lip to stop it from trembling, but all the same, the deluge of tears came and she was
helpless to stop them. "Nicky," She croaked, her tears did not permit her words, so instead, Ellie
kissed Nicholas, pouring all that she felt into their joined flesh, conveying undying love and adoration
one woman could feel towards her other half.
"This is eternal, Ellie." Nicholas whispered, slipping the ring on Ellies trembling fingers. It was a
perfect fit, snug and just right, exactly where it was supposed to be. Bringing her hand to his lips,
Nicholas kissed Ellies ring finger, his gaze fixed on the weeping woman across from him. "No
matter how many lifetimes we live, know that I'll always find you and our love will always endure."
~*~*~*~
Taking the stairs two at a time Ellie hurried to her bedroom and closed the door behind her. With
trepidation pooling in her veins, she approached her bed, warily staring at the black phone on the
nightstand. She took a seat, her heart racing a mile a minute she picked up the headset with a
quivering hand. Anxiety threatened to push her breakfast out of her mouth, the need to retch clawed

a bitter path up her throat, and she forced herself to swallow a few times, impeding her nausea.
The moment the butler had interrupted her breakfast and informed her that she had a call, Ellie
knew---in her heart she already knew what Dr. Morrison was going to say. Shed excused herself,
quickly rushing to her bedroom and nownow she didn't know why she hesitated.
She pressed the phone to her ear, "Hehello..."she cleared her throat. "Hello?"
"Good morning, Ms. Holbrook." Dr. Morrison jovially greeted.
"Good morning, Dr. Morrison. Did...did you get the test results back?"
"Yes, and they were just as I expected, congratulations Ms. Holbrook you're about eight weeks
pregnant. I'd like to schedule" Ellie didn't hear anything else after that and as she mechanically bid
the doctor a good day and a Merry Christmas, she felt what was the first of several droplets of water
splashing against her arm. She dropped the phone on the nightstand with nerveless fingers and fell
back against the mattress.
"I'm pregnant." She whispered wondrously, joy and fear waging a battle in her body. Joy
triumphed and with sobbing laughter, Ellie sent up a silent prayer of thanks for the wonderful miracle
she'd just received.
~*~*~*~
Nude and freshly showered, Ellie sat on the gargantuan bed, contemplating whether her plan
would work. She fell back against the headboard and with a soft smile on her lips she put a hand on
her abdomen. There was a baby there. She couldn't feel anything yet, wouldn't in fact for several
months, but the thought that a child grew there, was enough to warm her heart. Would it be another
girl? She wondered, or maybe a little brother for Dylan to play with? Growing up the only boy in a
female dominated family couldnt have been all too pleasant. But Dylan dealt with it like the sport he
was and Ellie appreciated him for it.
Marriage and a baby on the way, what more could Ellie ask for? Shed never been as happy and
content as she was now. Life was finally returning a little bit of what it'd dealt her over the years and
Ellie was thankful. Ensnared by her thoughts, she did not notice Nicholas emerging from the
bathroom, towel precariously wrapped around a tapered waist until he stood before her.
Peering at her through the dampness of his dark fringe, Nicholas observed Ellie in all her
wondrous glory. The very sight of her, warm and beautiful, ensconced by the red coverlet, her skin,
illuminated by the crackling embers, like honey gold, gave Nicholas pause, stole the very breath from
his lungs and left him dizzy. She was breathtaking, truly, the incarnate of a masterpiece and standing
in her presence, humbled him. Because he knew, that he did not deserve this woman and yet, having
her, being able to hold and cherish her, made him rise to the challenge, made him better than he
was. Nicholas loved her, with every bit of his being, he loved Ellie Holbrook, here, Nicholas grinned-- Ellie would be a Grayson soon. Ellie Holbrook-Grayson---that definitely had a good ring to it.
"You look happy; did you have a good shower?" Ellie asked smiling when Nicholas approached
the bed.
"It would've been better had you been there to wash me."
Ellie snorted and lifted her face up to receive Nicholass kiss. "You know damn well we never
shower when we're together."
Nicholas grinned, "Hmm, but that's the fun of it."
Eyes twinkling, Ellie reached out and quickly pulled Nicholass towel away and very leeringly, she
caressed his body with roving hazel eyes. "Yesdefinitely fun. Dance for me, Nicky."
"You can't handle my moves, lover." He said, swiveling his hips.
Ellie laughed. "Oh, but I think I can." Rising to her knees, she wrapped her arms around
Nicholass neck tugging him on top of her, mindful of her stomach. "I can handle every one of your
moves, and then some." She kissed him, long, sweet and heartfelt.
"I think you'd have me beat," he whispered against Ellies lips, "You kiss like you fuck." Nicholas
rolled over on his side, but remained close enough to trace her face with his fingers.
"I learned from the best." Ellie kissed Nicholass fingertips as they settled on her mouth; they
trailed away again, sweeping across her cheeks, down the slope of her nose, across her brows and
back again to her cheeks. The caress was languorous, the brush of his finger pads, like gentle
kisses on Ellies skin. "Having fun?"
Nicholas met Ellies gaze, and his silver eyes danced with wicked humor. "Lots."
With a tender smile and a shared kiss, they settled into the silence. The snap and crackle from
the fireplace played a soothing soundtrack in the background, enhanced only by their rhythmic

breathing. Knitting their fingers together, Ellie turned Nicholass hand and whispered a kiss to the
knuckles, never breaking their gaze; she smiled and squeezed her lover's hand. "Nicky?"
"Hmm?" Languid, melting relaxation weighed Nicholass body down; the simplicity of this
moment was everything he cherished.
Ellie ran her tongue over her lips, suddenly nervous. "Can you do me a favor?"
"Anything."
"Can you rub my tummy?"
A small pucker immediately appeared between Nicholass brows. "Does it hurt? Are you all
right?"
Ellie inhaled and slowly exhaled, before turning on her back. "I'm fine, but I think I ate too much at
dinner, will you rub it for me, please?" through the veil of dark lashes, Ellie gauged Nicholass face
and really, she desperately tried not to laugh.
Nicholas slipped his hand beneath the coverlet, his palms immediately circling the flat expanse
of Ellies belly. "How does that feel?"
"Still hurts, maybe if you kissed it?" She suggested softly, with the best pitiful look on her face.
"You're such a baby," Nicholas teased and Ellie tried not to laugh at the irony of the statement.
With her heart in her throat, she watched Nicholas with unwavering eyes, paying close attention
to every minute detail.
Nicholas scooted down the bed, until he was in line with Ellies abdomen and very gently, he
pulled the coverlet aside, on his stomach, with his weight on his arms, he leaned over, his mussed
hair sweeping over Ellies skin, he puckered his lips and readied a kiss, but stopped short at the
sight that greeted him instead.
Written in bold black ink across Ellies smooth honey skin were words BUN IN THE OVEN!
He stared blank-faced, unable to think, unable to move. Nicholas forgot how to breathe. It was
only when his chest burned, the lack of oxygen drying out his lungs that he deeply inhaled. His brain,
having forgotten how to function, sparked to life and with it, his body.
He sprang up as though he'd been catapulted and turned to the smiling woman he called lover
and soon to be wife. Unmistakably her joy shown like a beacon, grinning from ear to ear, her hazel
eyes, beautiful hazel eyes that forever ensnared Nicholas in their hypnotic spell, shown brilliantly, her
mirth unmatched. That mirth however, dimmed a fraction at Nicholass silence.
"Nicky, say something."
Nicholass brain worked in the attempt to come up with something to say, but words eluded him.
Nothing no words could describe the emotions whirling through him. So he sat there, in a veritable
stupor, unable to say anything but stupidly, blankly look at Ellie.
Ellies joy vanished, worry and anxiety taking its stead. "Nicky, for God sakes, please say
something."
He couldn't! The words refused to come out! Stuck in his throat, he couldn't drag them out!
In the span of a millisecond, Nicholas was before Ellie, framing her face between his hands, he
crashed his lips to hers. His tongue, stroked the seam of her lips, demanding entrance and when
she gave it, Nicholas spoke the words he could not otherwise say. Like a sonic boom, his emotions,
his voice, his sheer happiness, resonated, the wavelengths penetrating, resounding with a marrowjarring rumble through Ellies core.
The kiss was loud, brimming to the point of overflowing with Nicholass euphoria and Ellie heard
it, loud and clear, she heard. She felt and she gave just as loudly, just as profoundly, without inhibition.
She clung to him, her tongue, her lips, her mouth, matching her lover's passion, meeting him thrust
for thrust, stroke for stroke. She didn't want it to end, refused to part from something so profound.
Ellie felt as though she was drowning, her lungs burned, but she wanted to fall deeper, she wanted
the seduction to never end.
"God!" Nicholas whispered harshly, dragging his mouth away from Ellies lips, his breath
escaped him in ragged bursts, but he held on. Firmly, as though he would lose himself if he didn't, he
held on to Ellies round face, his forehead pressed to Ellies own. "GodGod, Elle." he breathed,
incapable of saying anymore. There were tears in his eyes, it stung his lids and only after he closed
them did the burn abate. Clear, diamond like tears, trickled down his cheeks and Ellie kissed them
away.
"We're going to be parents again, Nicky!" Ellie rejoiced giggling at Nicholass tremulous smile.
"Diapers, bottles and late nights."

"How? I thought"
"I don't know, but it's a miracle, Nicky."
"Howhow long have you known?"
"I only found out this morning. But I had my suspicions for a few weeks; I just wasn't sure until, Dr.
Morrison's results."
"Morrison was here? When?"
"A few hours before you arrived, before you get all protective on me, it wasn't all that serious, just
a silly dizzy spell and now we know why."
"And you've waited until now to tell me this?"
"I didn't want to worry you, but I'm all right now, Nicky and we're going to have a little baby running
around soon!" Ellie smiled beatifically, took hold of Nicholass hand and settled it on her stomach. "A
baby, Nicky! Our baby!"
Nicholas reverently stared at his hand resting on Ellies stomach and the very idea that a child
grew there, even now, boggled his mind.
"Our baby." He whispered, yet again overcome with emotion. "God, Ellie, your pregnant!" he
grinned and tenderly brushed a kiss to Ellies belly and then another, and then another, until it
became a shower of sweet butterfly kisses. "Hey in there," he called, "This is your father, can you
hear me?"
Ellie giggled and swept her hand through Nicholass hair, brushing the silky strands away from
his face. "It can't hear you, babe."
"Of course it can hear me. Thats a Grayson in there. He grinned at Ellie before returning his
gaze to her belly. Isn't that right? You can hear your father, can't you? You grow up nice and strong,
for me and when you're ready to come out, I'll be right there to welcome you into the world. You'll have
two sisters and your brother who'll love you to pieces. Your grandparents will just eat you up, but don't
worry, your dear ol dad wont let that happen---"
He looked so engrossed speaking to his child that Ellie didn't have the heart to stop him. So,
with a smile on her lips, she settled back against the mound of pillows, closed her eyes and listened
to the sound of Nicholass hushed voice.
Finally, life was as it should have been and Ellie Holbrook couldnt have asked for anything
more.
Then End
###

Thank you for reading The Bet series. Its been an amazing journey and Im so happy I had the
opportunity to share it with you.
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