Please, don't say anything. Please, don't say anything. Please, don't say anything. Please, don't say anything.

"Is that a kid?"

MotherFUCKER.

I turn around and stop facing the other direction with my whole body "Yes, Justine. Great observational skills."

I head to my office with turbo speed. I can feel muscles in my legs burning and screaming - keep in mind I had a very good stamina. If you know what I mean.

I hear Justine's high heels clicking against the floor as she tries to catch up with me.

I just gotta get to the door. Simple. Then lock the office and mute Justine's business number.

I stretch my hand forward, desperate to get a hold of the handle and when I reach it, I run in the office so fast some nerds would mistake me for The Flash.

Once the glass door is locked, I look at Justine, who is furiously gazing at me from the other side of the door and screaming something that comes awfully suspicious as 'Fuck you, man!'

I shrug and point at my ear with my left hand's index finger, then proceed to open my mouth widely like Bruce Lee "What? I-I can't hear you!"

Justine keeps yelling and threatening me with her fist, while I just shake with my head and with a smile on my face say "Ah, I could get used to this."

The real satisfaction comes when I let down the blinds and completely cut her off. I have Devon in his dark green baby carrier basket and set it on my desk. I fix his blanket, so he looks like a chubby burrito and I smile at him "No evil Justine gonna come for you."

I go to my chair and sit down, with a view to City of Boston behind me. I know I should call Austin and go to see the CEOs, but first, I welcome a couple of fresh breaths in my lungs and I allow my mind to wander off, out of this world. After encountering both of she-wolves this morning, I think I deserve it.

My business phone starts ringing on my desk and I lift the receiver to my ear "Head engineer office, Nathan Price speaking."

"Whose kid is that?!"

Whoops! It looks like my receiver accidentally fell and hung up. Silly me!

No, today I won't let Justine bother me with her spitting nature and poisonous tongue. She helped me when she made me go on that date, but other than that, she's been nothing, but a pain in the ass.

The phone starts ringing again and now that I look at it, I'm 100% sure this time it's vibrating more aggressively than before. I stretch forward and press a button here, a button there and Justine is muted for the rest of the day.

Justine is now busy doing other things, like come in contact with me, while I need to work on a plan, how no one will find out that Devon is in here. I'm not worried about Justine in the slightest, she wouldn't go to cry to Lenart or Jed that I won't let her in. Or would she...?

Eh, I can always say I am working on that big-ass project and to do that I need some time alone with my immensely good engineering skills.

"Your love is like bad medicine! Bad medicine is what I need, whoa! Shake it up just like bad medicine! There ain't no doctor that can cure my disease!"

I lift a brow at my phone that I kept safe in my pocket whole morning. I pull it out and when I check who the caller is, I don't recognise the number. My first assumption is some crazy girl from the past with whom I've had a one night stand found my number and is now trying to make me pay for my sins. But baby, if that is true, then you have sinned along with me.

I brush the idea off because it just raises my hopes and ideals. My second guess would be Jed and Lenart's, partners. I haven't answered any e-mails I've received in the past couple of days, so it's only logical they'd try to reach out to me. After all, that project with new partners is a pretty heavy deal.

I am wrong in both cases.

"Hello?" I answer the call.

"What's with the kid?!"

I close my eyes to comprehend this "What is it with you? It's none of your business, and get back to your work!"

I hope she'll shut up, but of course, she keeps on rambling and going about her life "Funny of you to say that. But seriously, what are you doing here with a kid?"

"As I've told you, it's none of your business," I reply and I feel myself becoming more and more agitated.

"It is if I'll have to watch over it, which I probably will since you have a meeting in fifteen minutes!" She barks at me. When she speaks, some t's are so emphasised, the only thing coming through is static.

I realise she caught me in the corner with this and I don't know what to say as an argument. What am I supposed to say, really? I could ask her to cover it up for me today, but that would result in never hearing the end of this. I don't know if my pride could take it. But on the other hand, I can't just leave Devon here, locked alone in the room. What if something might happen, that he'll need a change of a diaper or he'll become hungry? Or, you know, he'll just randomly start screaming, so I'd lose my nerves - that's possible too.

I close my eyes as I speak the truth out loud "He's mine." The next thing I hear is beeping sound that usually announces the person hung up on you. I look at the receiver and say to myself "What?" I don't question it too much and put the phone back to its place. That was quick.

I start my computer, which is faster and better than the one I have at home and even though my sight is focused on the monitor, I see a lock moving in the corner of my eye. My first assumption is I'll have to be taken to a mental institution and live on heavy drugs for the rest of my life. When I really look at it, like people look at things for which they aren't sure if they really happened, I see the door handle drop and door swing open. And the person I see is Justine holding a bunch of keys.

"What the hell?!" I yell. She could've come inside this whole time?!

Her fingers play with the keys she's holding, her posture reminding me of Jack Sparrow tumbling the cursed coin between his knuckles more or less. She grins like she couldn't be more content with herself "Yup, I can get in."

"But-"

"But what?" Justine laughs and packs her keys in her pocket as she mimics my voice "But you couldn't come in earlier!" My face drops and jaw clenches when she sighs happily "Ek! Wrong! I just wanted you to think you won this round!"

I gaze at her indignantly until I explode "Do you think is a game of tag or something?!"

Justine pressed her index against her perked lips and makes a hushing sound "You will disturb the kid."

"I will?! Was it me who barged into my office thirty seconds ago?!"

Her eyes dig into my soul and she puts her hands on her waist, which probably means she's here to win the discussion "For the record, I used the key and I walked in calmly. You're the one who started to scream."

My face is buried in my palms and fingers irritatedly rub my forehead. That's how Justine and I actually spend some time in silence, which is definitely a first for us. I'm surprised how she waits for me to reply out of my own good will, instead of drilling it out of me with unnecessary threats. Finally, when I see no easier way around this conundrum, I tell her "He's... mine."

I bet she expected to hear many things, but based on her expression, I doubt that was one of the possibilities she had considered "Yours? What... What are you talking about?"

I nod, powerless to do anything else "That I'm his father, what else?"

Justine lifts a brow and looks at me from the side "So, by that you mean, you..." She parts her legs slightly and moves her hips like she's having sex, "That you fucked?"

When it comes to that, I am shocked how there is no way to answer this sarcastically. When people get a kid, if they had sex sounds like a retarded question. But not in my case! "No."

"No?!" Justine yells and the moment she does that, she peeks into the baby basket to see if the kid is okay. At least she's slowly learning she is the problem here.

I shrug "No."

"Yeah, I guessed that, genius." Justine rolls her eyes as big as marbles.

"Well, I don't know, you don't strike me as one!" I growl at her at first and when hey eyes stay fixed on mine, I swallow my saliva "I adopted him."

She leans her body weight on her right leg and chuckles "Yeah, right. Try again."

"I adopted him," I repeat what I've already said.

"Do you think I'm an idiot? Yeah, you have problems but-"

I interrupt her half way and tell her in my low colourless voice in which I usually speak when I'm trying to make a point "Justine, I mean it."

In my moment of weakness, I expect her to laugh at my face. If I were her, I know I would. But I've been noticing this whole morning that Justine can be very surprising. That doesn't make me like her anymore. I know she can still be a total pain the ass. Though, I gotta give it to her, that she has never stabbed in the back. Not yet.

"Why?" She asks and the tone of her voice genuinely surprises me. I've never heard her speak so... soft, or normally. My memories of her voice serve me only to remind me she dreads the idea of talking to anyone that isn't in her spectre of interest, so I automatically thought that0s just the way she is. Constantly annoying people around herself and being impolite at every possible opportunity.

My usual response would be offensive and irritated, but this whole morning dried me of all energy, and she asked me nicely - if we exclude everything that led to this point "I thought it'd be a good idea. It doesn't really matter why okay? I just need to get through this day without anyone seeing him."

Justine makes one of her signature moves - she presses her lips together which carry too much lipstick for my liking. Not that less lipstick would change my feelings for her "Why didn't you get a babysitter? That's what people do, you know?"

Oh, look, She's back.

I stare at her with my deadpan expression and mutter curtly "Thank you for reminding me, Justine."

She recognises the irritation I feel towards her and while most people would pull themselves back, Justine smiles devilishly "Anytime, Mr Price."

I want to scream at her to get the hell out of my office, but I know I'll need her help. Imagine me sending her out, only to come after her later and beg her to help me. It sounds pathetic and I'm not swallowing my pride like that.

"Are you gonna help me or what?" I bark at her, facing the other direction. I can't bear to look her in the eye. I mean, that's freaking Justine I'm asking for help! How low the mighty have fallen!

"Depends." She states and starts twisting her ankle in an expectant way.

I furrow my brows and bring myself to look at her "What's that supposed to mean?"

As he starts listing all the things she wants, her finger helps her count along "I want to have more time for both breakfast and lunch. I'd like for the firm to buy me a laptop so I could work on some things at home. I'd like a bigger desk because this one is too small for personal belongings. I want you to recommend me for bonus payment as a reward this December and I want you to get your coffee yourself from now on."

"Are you out of your senses?!" I exclaim as silently as possible. "I can't control over half of the things you mentioned!"

"Oh! I'd also very much enjoy if I could get company's holiday residence in Italy this summer." She adds and light-heartedly ignores what I've just told her.

"Are you deaf?!"

She gives me a pointed look "I told you what my demands are and they're not going to change. Especially, if all you do whole day is to lounge in your office."

I lean forward. Pressing my arms on the desk allows me to stretch my arms like bosses do when they're enraged "It's one fucking day. Your demands are too high! Fine! I'll get myself my own coffee, but that's it. Happy?"

Justine arches her eyebrows and chuckles momentarily "This is not just about today! It's about every time I had to cover it up for you, so you didn't get your sorry ass fired!"

"Watch your tongue, Justine!" I warn her, keeping the strictness in my voice more than strong.

Just like I am leaning on my desk, she does the same, but on the other side of the table "And you always say that when I corner you!"

I clench my jaw from anger so tightly, it feels like my teeth are gonna fall out. Justine doesn't back down and so we have another staring competition. And yes, we do have a lot of those.

In the end, I lift my hands and defeat, but when I see the way she smirks arrogantly, hand trembles under temptation to slap the grin off her face. I rather look away and tell her with my teeth still gritted that she wins "Fine!" I sigh and look up at the basket then at her "But I don't guarantee you, you'll get everything you're asking for!"

"You can miss one," Justine says and takes Devon, who's still chilling in the basket.

"What are you doing?" I groan at her, feeling a bit worried about the little one. If something happens to him, I'm the responsible one!

Justine answers me when she's already left my office "I'm taking care of things!"

I try to object and demand from her to give Devon back to me, but if my eyes aren't failing me, I see the kid is pretty happy being carried around and wooed at from various women. I let him enjoy his moment of fame and rather focus on work, which I've wanted to do ever since I got here. Now, I can.

I leave my office and go to Austin's to see what's been up and how so they tasked him to get me here. I suppose he's now playing a card in this business too. I see him buried under papers and his face is a lighter shade than the wall.

I sit on the edge of his desk and remark "Have you ever considered a job of Grim Reaper? I think their only condition is extremely pale skin. You'd fit in, I'm sure."

Austin peeks at me from under his brows and shows me his dark bags under eyes "Morning, Nathan."

"What's with you? Lots of work?" I ask and take a paper from one of the stacks and check it over. When I see what he's dealing with, I'm not surprised he's losing sleep over it. Statistics are the worst.

"Yeah, that too. I had a fight with Caitlin. Not a fight, a small disagreement. We've almost settled it out, but I lost a track of work because of it." He explains and stamps the paper with Wells & Hether's seal.

I lift a brow and carefully approach this topic. I normally wouldn't, but y'know, I also adopted, so fuck that. "You sure you two are okay, now? Or are you just convincing yourself?"

Austin looks at me with mouth opened "Are you really trying to talk to me about serious relationships?"

I chuckle and nod "Yeah, sometimes I even surprise myself." I put the paper, which I am still holding, back on the stack where I found it, and say "But, really, Austin. Are you okay?"

"Yeah, yeah." He nods and takes new papers to read, sign and to remember stuff from "As I said, a disagreement that has already been settled."

"Okay, look." I say and get up "What are you holding back? I know when you're reserved and it's because you're... embarrassed about sharing something with me? That has usually been the case. So spill it."

Austin eyes me warily and doesn't know whether should he trust me or not. Usually, I'd tell him he's right, but I was different then. I've seriously changed in the past months.

I roll my eyes and lean closer to him, so no one could overhear what I'm about to say "Austin, I adopted. I doubt you can shock me and make me puke, okay?"

With a chuckle, he lets go of his privacy and lets me in "We're moving in together."

God, I want to be happy for him. I really, really, really want to be happy, but... "Already?"

"Yeah." He says and his eyes light up, like the time when he saw her, on that date.

"That's... Fast." I say and nod. No wonder he wasn't keen on telling me. What happened to cautious Austin?

"I know, but Nate," His grin is like the 4th of July and sighs, "I think this is going somewhere. I know people don't like her because she appears cold, but when she's with me... When we're with each other, we're like two children, always giggling and being playful."

Let me guess, you two play doctors too?

"If you think that's right, then who am I to preach you what you should do?" I say it because I mean it. Clearly, Caitlin makes Austin happy. The thing that worries me if she's as happy with him as he is with her. I don't want to see him hanging like a torn piece of clothing, but if what he tells me is true, and if he really wants to build a strong relationship with her... I'll correct myself from before, she's not that bad. She's not my type, but it doesn't mean she's a bad person. She could be an amazing woman and if she's ready to take care of Austin, who she clearly got wrapped around her finger, then I'd rather see him accomplish what he's been craving for, for a long time. That being a steady relationship.

Austin laughs again and I can't help to wonder why is that so "I'm so not used to this, you being humane."

"Oh, wow, thanks! Don't think I'll be your shoulder to cry on ever again!" I mock him, but this has always been the kind of communication we've had. It was dorky, sometimes a bit rude, but we never turned on each other.

"Oh, yeah, what did Jed and Lenart want?" I ask him since that was the reason I swung by.

He freezes as he thinks about it, then he looks at me "They wanted to speak to us both, but when I was the only one at work yet, they told me to let you know."

"To us both?" I am weirded out by it. This has never happened before, not even when someone else was the head engineer or when Austin and I still had the same job - a random engineer, one of the many.

Austin nods and I see he is freaking out too. He shrugs "I guess it's something really important?"

I try to think of any reasons why such an exception would be made, but when I can't think of any, I usher him to come with me to the CEOs office "We should just go and see what they want."

He leaves his desk with a wide smile, happy that he got rid of this paperwork even if for just a half an hour. Better than nothing.

As we walk to the elevator that would take us to the main office, we walk by canteen where usually women gather to gossip about other coworkers. Sometimes I do wonder what they talk about me. For a moment, I make a plan to ask Justine to be my personal spy, but then I remember she'd probably demand payment from me, so I abandon the idea. It's not that important. Plus, I loathe half of those women, so who cares.

Even though I abandon my interest in gossip about me, I still look who's in there and what they're doing. Before I became the head engineer, I had to do lots of work, which included running up and down the hallways, to get my project approved and so on. That was how I noticed there were always same women having a break... For like a whole day.Nice.

It's then when I stop in the hallway. Rare things distract me that much. Long legs and a short skirt? Nice to look at. Tight bra and a low cut? Mamma mia, yes! Nice round butt? So many possibilities! All of these are such sweet things to see when you're on your way, going anywhere, but not enough to make me stop in my tracks and put a pause in my life.

"What is it?" Austin asks when he notices I stayed behind.

He comes to my side to see what I'm looking at through the glass of the small canteen each floor has.

The small break room is filled to the fullest. The place that can accept five or six people tops is trying t contain twenty women, who are all leaning over each other and gazing at something with awe.

I never thought I'll ever have to step on my toes and it's definitely shocking when I do exactly that. "What the hell?" I say out loud.

After the group of women finally parts, I can see what's really going on. And who is the star of this show?

When I see the familiar face, I reflect the white colour of the walls around me. There is my assistant, whom I'd gladly replace with a freaking plant, if I could, holding my son like he's Simba the Lion. Women are squealing from all sides, praising his cuteness and adorableness. When one manages to come closer, she pinches his cheeks or plays peek-a-boo with him. Devon starts laughing in amusement and because he's having a great time, all women go nuts like fangirls do at concerts.

Justine's eyes meet mine when she's glancing around the crowd and with a gesture, I show her she's gonna lose her head for this when I'm done for today. The point of me trusting her is so no one would come even close to seeing or even hearing about Devon! And what does she do? Throws a fucking parade!

"A kid?" Austin explains what he's seeing and the moment he says it, he learns about my dirty little secret.

When I see him turn to me, I stand up straight, like I'm trying to hide the superstar that is my son behind my back "I can explain," I tell him and grit my teeth as in I screwed up, show mercy.

Austin leans in so only a few inches separate our faces "That's the punk?!"

"Man, I..." I look over my shoulder and sigh panicky when I turn to him again "I'm barely handling this."

"Then send him back!" He yells in a whisper, scolding me.

I peer at him, shocked it's Austin who came up with an advice like that "What? No!" I look back at Devon. I can't seem to take my eyes off of him "I'll get a hang of this." I face Austin again "I just need some time."

"Time?!" He exclaims and a few heads from the box offices turn out the way. He continues to speak quietly, so we wouldn't drag any more attention "What is going on with you?"

"Nothing?" I reply, shrugging. I want to tell him I'm finally getting back on track with everything. The kid has been a pain in the ass with crying and needing me every damn second, but I can't remember the last time I actively thought of Patty and her bullshit she's been dragging on for eternity. I don't tell him any of that. I have no time nor will to hold a discussion with him right here and right now.

"Bullcrap." He cuts me off quite rudely in my opinion.

A united yelp is heard from the small canteen and I predict Devon did something unbelievably cute.

"Can we not talk about this, now?" Even though I ask him, it's not really a request.

Austin eyes me again. I see it how hard he wants to torture me and preach me about the ways of life, but he overcomes himself or is just naturally submissive to me, who knows "Fine. We have a meeting anyway."

***

Jed and Lenart escort both of us out of their office. Both of the CEOs are full of smiles and positive energy. Damn, a pun coming from an energy engineer, right there!

But really, it's a welcoming change to see both of them cracking jokes and such. Lenart's always been the one who hated drama, so he's spent his whole life trying to avoid it. Then there's Jed, who basically lives on court ever since he divorced one of his wives. Or is the current one causing so much trouble? I have no idea. However, after a long time, this finally feels like a bearable workplace where we can really give it our best and do some deep shit while keeping the giggles present.

Together we walk down the hallway, which surprises both Austin and me. CEOs usually walk people out only to the doorstep of their office, then they let you find your own way around. 

Jed pats my right and Austin's left shoulder, still grinning because of one of Lenart's stupidly funny jokes "Ah, you boys. It's always a pleasure to have a meeting with you two." 

"Likewise, sir," I say, not because I am kissing his ass, but because I genuinely like my bosses. They aren't that uptight if they see you are hard working or that you're ready to push yourself. 

Austin nods as well "I agree with Nathan." 

Lenart has the kind of look that lets you know he is up to something. That something might be good or bad, he doesn't let you know that much. 

"What is it, Lenart?" Jed involves him in our conversation. It's not much of a conversation, but still... Let the bosses do their thing and become the golden boy. 

"I'm thinking," Lenart starts talking, when his eyes drift to the other side of the hallway. 

We all turn that way, curious what got his attention. 

"What are those women doing?" He finally says and narrows his eyes at the parade Justine is apparently still throwing. 

I clear my throat and look away. Good God, what if they'll suspect me, exactly because it's Justine who has the kid on the exhibition?! Why did I hand her Devon? Well, it's not like she told me she'll gather the whole freaking floor to gawk at him!

Jed rolls his eyes and looks at us again "Eh, one of the women came to show off their baby, I'm sure." 

Meanwhile, Lenart nods and closes his eyes in understanding, I am shocked how mundanely they react to it! Does that happen often?! 

Austin and I only exchange glances. The difference is, his eyes say 'I can't believe I'm your friend.', and mine say:'Please, I love my job.' 

"Anyways," Lenart proceeds with what he wanted to say before, but was cut short because of the scene, "I think, Nathan and Austin should have lunches with us more often." 

Austin's mouth drop open a little and I have to try really hard not to close it by pressing my fingers under his chin. He's never had lunch with the CEOs before, so this is a big step. I've had it before and t was lots of fun, however, it only happened a few times. What Lenart proposed right now, should be counted as an honour. 

***

I finally managed to break free of the CEOs hands. They're not bad, but they're still bosses, and... I have brought a baby with me. The firm is slowly closing its doors for today and I am in my office packing the papers I'll need and getting ready to leave. I haven't had the time to discuss anything yet with Justine. Just like the little one, she loved the attention she was getting. Her plan clearly worked, so I left her at it, though I am still pretty pissed for all the mini heart-attacks she has caused me today. 

Most of office box workers have already left, only a few were still sorting out their working place, along with Justine and me. 

She kept Devon with herself whole day and I couldn't help, but to feel... Jealous. Now, she has finally brought him back to me. 

"Delivery." She says when she enters my office and places sleepy Devon in the basket. 

"Yeah, thanks," I reply. Jealousy is to be dealt with some other time. Right now, what I gotta do, is figure out how I'm gonna pull it off tomorrow morning. I hate it how unprepared I am. 

Justine makes sure Devon is wrapped in a blanket and while she's at it, she mutters "You haven't screamed at me." 

"I know who is worthy of my valuable time and currently that isn't you," I say. my mind has already drifted to tomorrow and the existing possibilities. 

I can't see what she does, but by the sound of her voice, I know she is rolling her eyes "Flowery." 

I look up at her, exasperated. I'm also tired and sick of this whole day. It has demanded too much of me. "Well, what do you want me to say? I'm not happy with how you handled it. On the contrary, I'm fucking pissed. So, do both of us a favour and let me leave in peace for once!" 

"Did anyone bother you about the kid, though?" She asks and before I get an opportunity to say anything, she announces "No!" She pulls back and smiles like a proud girl scout "I did handle it."

"Fine, whatever." I roll my eyes at her. I'm just... really not in the mood to deal with her. Everything feels so unnecessary and exhausting, I want to jump into bed and suffocate myself with a pillow. 

I hear her heels coming closer and when she's right by my side, my first thought is she's gonna try to make a move on me. At least something interesting would happen today. 

She moves her hand in my palm and my heart furiously races. How do I tell her, I'm not into her? God, if she actually tries to do something... Having her for my assistant will become Hell on Earth. Justine, no!

Suddenly, she steps away and what I am left with is a small paper in my hands. 

I look at her "What is this?"

"This," She starts, while she's backing out from my office "is my friend's phone number. She's still a student and has lots of time. I bet she wouldn't mind babysitting for you."

I narrow my eyes at her "Is that a legit nice gesture, Justine? From you?"

"Flatter yourself all you want. I'm still going to Italy." She barks back and leaves. The last thing I see is her reaching for her jacket and purse before she enters the elevator that takes her down to the main entrance. 

I look at the paper she gave me: Carly Warner  857-505-3209

I look closer at the text I can't read and see she wrote 'You can't do shit without me.' 

When I read it, I want to shove this paper up her ass and gladiate my way through days, as long as I wouldn't need her help. But, I rather brush it off and tell myself I gotta this thing for Devon. 

I inspect the note she Justine handed me a few more times and smirk. Hello, Carly Warner. 

A/N: It took me WAY too long to write this chapter, but guuuys, this chapter is over 5500 words long. Was it worth the wait? You tell me ;3

I also noticed throughout this whole book, I never came even remotely close to telling you where Nathan lives. Now, you know, the City of Boston :D Had to a lot of research on that part, since I'm not from the USA and the States are just a labyrinth of enigmas for me lol

Oh, yeah! Nearly forgot to mention that! I wrote a new prologue. I was getting so many bad reviews, I decided to rewrite it a little.

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~ Blackie