✿ Aileen's POV

After one long painstaking ride later, we arrived at my house. Reid gets out of the car and carefully carries me, bridal style, in his arms. I pout a little.

“Armani, please let me walk.”

“No.”

“If we go in like this they'll think it's serious.”

“They won't think it's romantic?” he chuckles.

“Reid—”

He stops smiling.

“Stop asking. It's not up for discussion” he says firmly.

I sigh. We get to the door and Reid allows me to open it. From the doorway, I can hear the sound of the TV along with loud cheers and muttering.

The boys must be here.

“Hey listen, Armani” I begin as he's about to shut the door with his foot.

He pauses and looks at me.

“My family... they can be a bit... loud. They're always snooping around every corner for drama when we're under the same roof... like tonight. And my uncle... well, he's not your biggest fan.”

He gives me a shrug.

“I'm not here for them, Aileen. I'm here for you.”

My heart skips.

He was here for me.

Reid shuts the door with his foot and before he can take a step, I hear the pounding of tiny feet approach the doorway.

Camari.

As predicted, she shows up in less than a second. She's about to say something snarky but the moment she sees me in Reid's arms, she shuts up.

“Hi Cami” I smile painfully at her.

She takes one step back and hollers, “Moooommmm? Lee's hurt!”

Oh boy.

And like that, the cheers from the TV room cease. I hear Bonita's concerned voice before everyone, from Tracy to my uncle, gathers at the doorway and begins to throw questions.

“Oh my goodness, Lee!”

“What happened?!”

“You don't show up at the bakery all day and you come home like this?!”

“I can't believe you didn't call to say anything!”

“We were so worried!”

“Isn't he tired of holding you?”

“I would have purposely dropped you.”

The last one was Tracy. I huff.

“Guys!” I scold.

The talking stops.

“I'm fine.”

Reid chortles softly and I look up at him just as he looks down at me.

“Put me down” I whisper.

“In a chair” he whispers back.

“This way,” Nora says, causing us to look away from each other.

She leads the way to the living room and everyone creates room for Reid to pass. He gently helps me onto the couch and I sigh in relief.

“Thank you.”

He nods curtly.

“Now can someone explain to me why my daughter can't walk?” Bonita folds her arms and frowns.

Reid turns.

“She missed a step,” he says.

Everyone's eyes move from Bonnie's to him, including mine. I look back at Bonnie in time before she asks another question.

“Bon” I stop her. “I'm fine.”

A loud scoff leaves my uncle's mouth and we all look at him.

“You're fine” he states. “You were carried in and you expect us to believe you're fine?”

“Papi—”

He shifts Camari's weight in his arms.

“You can't walk, Lee. That's not fine with anyone.”

“I can walk. Reid just wouldn't let me.”

“Because you can't” Reid frowns at me.

“Yes, I can. You wouldn't even let me try” I frown back.

“And I'll stand by not letting you try because I'm not willing to risk it.”

I could sense his anger slowly rising and I shut my mouth and just stared back at him. Silence hangs in the air for close to a minute till Landon clears his throat.

“Well.”

“Is it bad, Miha?” Nora coos and settles beside me on the couch.

“No don't worry” Reid exhales. “Like I told her, it's just a sprain. Nothing some rest and bracing can't cure.”

“The last time I heard, you're the secret fiancé and not a doctor,” my uncle says.

Reid turns away from Nora and me and looks at him.

“Unless you're a doctor” my uncle continues.

Oh boy.

“Hank” Bonita whispers to him, shooting him a warning look.

Reid shakes his head.

“Forgive me, Mr. Wilmore. And yes, I'm not a doctor.”

My uncle looks at him.

“But I think I'll know a sprain when I see one.”

No one says anything else after that and the two of them just keep staring at each other in silence. The front door opens and they break their eye contest.

“I saw a cool car outside!” I hear Natalie's excited voice. “Is it Reid Dalton's?”

“Does it mean Lee's back?” Sophie adds.

“With a broken leg” Camari answers.

“Cami” Bonita scolds.

“Lee!” the Mason sisters cry in unison.

“Girls, tone it down” Nora sighs.

“Matthew call the doctor,” Papi says.

“On it.”

“I'll go finish up dinner,” Nora says and gets up. “Let's go, Tracy.”

As soon as she's gone, everyone else begins to disperse.

“I'll go get you some water,” Landon says to me before leaving.

Sophie and Natalie settle on both my sides.

“I'm fine” I smile at them.

“And I should be on my way.”

I turn away from them and catch Reid's hand before he walks away. Sophie and her sister exchange looks before simultaneously getting up and leaving us alone. I quickly let him go.

“Sorry,” I mutter, looking away for a bit. “You're leaving?”

“Yes. I haven't been to the office the whole day and although I trust Hernan to manage things, I won't feel productive if I don't pass by for a bit.”

“But it's late” I state.

“I see that.”

“Well... stay for dinner. I've given you too much trouble for one day. So stay for dinner. It's the least I can do.”

“Lee, I'd love to but I really—”

“I heard the whale call your stomach let out, Armani” I smirk. “Very ungentlemanly.”

His sheepish grin lasts a second and he nods.

“If it's okay with—”

“Oh, we'd love for you to join us for dinner!” Nora chirps.

Reid and I turn to see her and almost everyone else standing behind us. Reid nods with a smile at her and turns to me.

“Did I just get a sneak peek of the snooping around for drama?”

I chuckle.

“I'm sorry, Armani. Seriously.”

“It's okay.”

Five minutes later, everyone begins taking a seat at the dining table as several dishes are laid out. Reid is about to carry me when Matthew interrupts him.

“You're our guest tonight, Mr. Dalton. I'll bring her. Just please go ahead and take a seat.”

“And it's not every day you get to see Lee helpless” Landon chimes in.

“This is our one chance to boss her around” Matthew grins. “I've got it, Mr. Dalton.”

Reid hesitates for a while before nodding.

“And please, just call me Reid.”

Matthew nods and wiggles his brows at me when Reid walks.

“He's got a cute butt” he whispers.

I chuckle.

“Matthew, you are so gay.”

He laughs.

“C'mon.”

Matthew carries me and even though it isn't rough, it's nothing like Reid's. He settles me comfortably in a chair Reid gets up to pull back for me.

“Thanks, Matt.”

Tracy leans beside me.

“Just look how your fiancé's babying you.”

I playfully shoulder her away from me.

“Before we eat, is there anything you're allergic to, miho?” Nora asks, looking at Reid.

He sets his glass of water down and dabs his lips as he nods.

“Henna tattoos.”

Everyone turns to him and Reid keeps a perfectly straight face.

“She meant food allergies” I whisper to him.

“Oh, right, right” he chuckles, causing everyone, except my uncle, to laugh. “Just escargot, saffron, and strawberries.”

I love escargot.

“Well then, you're in the safe zone” Bonita smiles.

We share grace and begin to eat.

“My friends aren't going to believe Reid freaking Dalton came here for dinner!” Natalie squeals.

“They will, when I take a pic—”

“Girls, you know the rules. No phones at dinner” Nora scolds. “And you're not even supposed to be here so if you don't behave, out you go.”

Sophie and Natalie grumble but they put their phones away. A basket of steaming rolls and various dishes hands at lightning speed as we all tuck into the meal, pleasant chatter filling the air. My uncle is the only one quiet throughout the meal. Until he and the boys move their desserts to the TV room.

After the dinner, everyone else disperses around the house.

“Yes!” I hear my uncle's cheer.

Landon and Matthew grumble and walk out of the TV room.

“You're losing?” Nora mocks them.

“Cars are stupid” Landon frowns.

“You're watching the race?” Reid asks.

“Not anymore” Tracy chimes in. “Hank is too involved.”

I chuckle as I look over to the TV room.

“It's his happy place, you know.”

The rest help clear the table and Reid and I sit around in comfortable silence.

“Does it hurt?” he whispers every two minutes.

“No” I chuckle back every time.

“Go, go, go, go, go! That's what I'm talking about!” my uncle cheers again.

The boys groan loudly from the couch and Reid cranes his neck at the TV.

“See?” he gestures to me to look. “That is why a driver is only as good as his pit crew” he smiles.

I make a face.

“That's what I always say” my uncle chuckles in agreement from the couch. “That the winner isn't the one with the—”

“Fastest car. It's the one who refuses to lose” Reid finishes with a chuckle.

My uncle turns to him.

“You know Andretti?”

“Yeah,” Reid smiles.

“So you've met him?” Landon sits up.

“Not really. My dad took me to a bunch of his races when I was little.”

“Sounds like your dad's got good taste” Nora smiles.

“Just like you” Sophie playfully shoulder bumps him.

My uncle looks at me.

“Lee didn't mention that.”

“You didn't tell them I'm cool?” Reid fakes a frown at me.

“Yeah, Lee. Why didn't you tell us he's cool?” Natalie adds.

“Because you'd be less impressed if you saw his driving” I laugh. “He might know a lot about cars but he's got a lot to learn about being behind a steering wheel.”

“Ouch. I cut in front of a slow driver once and I never hear the end of it” he looks at me.

“You nearly killed them” I meet his eyes.

“See?” Reid chuckles.

“Grab a beer and sit, kid” my uncle calls out to Reid and pats the couch before turning away.

“And I'm not his biggest fan?” Reid whispers to me with a smirk before walking off.

I smile after him. The boys go back to sit in front of the TV and I watch Reid and my uncle share laughs and chats. The scene creates a warm fuzzy feeling inside me that lasts the rest of the night.

He's really fitting in.

Reid only gets up when his phone rings.

“You're leaving?” I ask when he walks back in.

“Yeah. But not until I know you're going to be okay.”

I smile.

“I'll be fine, Armani.”

He nods.

“Why don't you take her to her room, Reid” Tracy asks.

What?!

“Yeah, you should totally do that” Bonita agrees.

I look at them and then at Reid.

“Well if it's—”

“Step out with me for a second, Mr. Dalton” my uncle instructs.

Oh...

“He doesn't wait for a response from Reid and walks out.”

“Go” I mutter to Reid.

He sighs, puts his phone into his pocket, and follows my uncle out.

“Finally, some drama” Tracy grins, getting up too.

“Ah, ah, ah! Sit!” Nora scolds.

Tracy pouts and sinks back into her chair. The minutes go by and neither of them returns. Natalie sneaks over to the window to peep.

“They're not outside.”

“Do you think Hank killed him?” Tracy gasps dramatically.

“Tray” Landon frowns at his sister.

“What? It's possible.”

I roll my eyes.

“That's it” I announce. “I'm going to—”

The door opens and I sigh.

“Never mind” I mutter.

Reid smiles and dives straight at me.

“Hey.”

Why is he happy?

I glance at my uncle who has a pleased look on his face. I blink and look at Reid.

“If it's okay with the jury here, I'd like to take my fiancée to her room” he smiles.

“Yes.”

“Sure.”

“Go for it.”

“Mazel tov.”

I chuckle softly as they chorus out their agreement. Reid smiles at me, scrunches down, and turns his back to me.

Not again.

“Campus rideshare for one, Miss” he grins.

I can't help but chuckle.

“You're not going to stop doing this are you?”

“Not until you get on and with your entire family here, I know you can't afford to refuse” he whispers.

I sigh.

“Fine.”

With as much dignity as I can manage... and a little help, I climb onto Reid's back, piggyback style. He carries me away from the dining room, and through the living room, taking care not to jostle me.

“Which way?”

“Up the stairs” Sophie quickly answers.

I turn my neck and she's holding her phone toward us, flashlight on.

I'll deal with her later.

When Reid's about to go up the stairs, I wrap my arms around him more tightly. Although it's been a long day, I can still smell the gentle scent of his shampoo and although the air is cold, his body is warm. Comforting.

“Listen, Armani...” I clear my throat. “Thank you for doing this. I know it's out of your comfort zone and I don't want to be well—”

“A burden?”

I smile.

“I wasn't going to put it that way... but yes.”

He chuckles.

“Well, you might be a literal one but not a metaphorical one. And I'm happy to help. I mean, what kind of fiancé would I be if I depended on an Uber to bring you home injured, scared, and all alone?”

My hero.

“A terrible one” I smile.

“Exactly. Now watch your head. I'd hate to smack you into anything.”

I laugh.

“If I do though, you can slap me. Lightly” he whispers.

I grin.

“I think I'm in good hands.”

“Or good... back.”

We laugh and I hug Reid a little closer.

“Getting hurt wasn't a part of the deal, freshie,” he says after a while. “This wasn't supposed to happen.”

“I'm fine.”

“But I'm not” he glances over his shoulder, his expression serious. “I didn't lie my way into this, I didn't string you into this, for you to get hurt. I might be a lot of things but I would never purposefully want to hurt anyone.”

I bite my lip.

“And as much as it ruins my gorgeous bad boy reputation...”

I chuckle softly.

“... I have a conscience.”

Reid pauses for a while.

“The next time your safety is compromised, I'm done with this.”

My heart skips.

“I don't care how far we would have gotten to separating Anika from that Aussie. But the next time something like this happens, I'm calling this agreement off.”

He was serious.

“Now, which way to your room?” he asks, his tone lighter now.

“End of the hallway” I mutter.

Reid nods and walks straight up to my door. He balances me and opens the door. Reid steps into my room and I hold my breath.

I hadn't had any male friends in my room since high school. He carefully sets me down by my bed but when I try to stand on my own, I stumble and land against Reid's chest. For a moment, neither of us moved. Until he helps me take a seat on the edge of the bed.

“Thanks” I mutter.

Reid nods and glances around with a small smile.

“No judging the decor, okay? I haven't had time to update it in a while.”

“Really? Because your Backstreet Boys poster says you want it that way.”

I laugh. Reid walks around for a bit.

“But posters and ring lights aside, I like your room, Lee. It feels very... you.”

He turns to me with a smile.

“Thanks. And I can take it from here, Armani. I'm not completely, incapable of walking.”

He frowns.

“And risk you messing up that ankle even more? I don't think so, freshie.”

I shake my head.

“Here, let me help you lie back.”

Reid doesn't wait for my response and moves me in his arms to settle me carefully into the bed. He grabs a pillow and begins to fluff it. I chuckle.

“What happened with my uncle?” I ask.

He puts the pillow down and grabs another one.

“Nothing really” he shrugs. “We went for a walk around the block, we talked, and that's basically it.”

“He didn't say anything? Because it's not like Papi to not say anything.”

“Oh, he definitely said something” Reid scoffs.

I sit up.

“But it was just very descriptive threats.”

I arch a brow.

“He threatened you?”

“Descriptively? Yes.”

“Oh my goodness.”

“But only if I hurt you in any way.”

I look at him, suddenly disappointed.

“Is that why you're willing to call everything off if I get hurt again? Because he threatened you?”

Reid puts the pillow away and looks at me intently.

“I was going to do it on my own... Aileen” he whispers, his gaze not leaving mine for a second. “But your Papi beat me to it” he smiles, looking away.

Right.

I nod. There is a small knock and Bonita walks in with Cami. I smile at them and Cami carefully climbs beside me.

“Matthew should be back soon with a doctor” she announces. “But until then, here's some water and ibuprofen” she smiles.

“Thanks, Bon.”

Reid helps me take the medicine and hands Bonnie the glass back.

“Can I get you anything? Some more blankets in case you're cold in the night? Or do you need more pillows?”

“I'm fine Bonnie. Thank you.”

She nods.

“It's warm in here. How do you get cold?” Reid asks with a small smile.

“She sleeps outside” Camari chips in.

Reid looks to the balcony.

“Out there?”

“Yep. She's—”

I push Camari's face gently, yet firmly into the pillow and she squeals. I smile at Reid and share a knowing look with Bonita.

“Right. It's past your bedtime, sweetie. Let's go.”

Cami sits up and narrows her eyes at me before holding her arms out to her mother.

“Goodnight, Cami” I smile.

They walk out and Reid chuckles.

“I didn't get the stink eye today so that's good, right?”

I shrug playfully.

“Are you sure you're okay Lee? You don't need anything?”

I look at him.

Like asking you to stay?

I smile.

“A foot rub. But Bonnie will be back and—”

“Tell me if I go too hard, okay?” he cuts me off.

I widen my eyes.

He's going to touch my feet?!

Reid sits at the end of my bed and gently places my foot on his lap.

“Armani—”

He starts slowly at first, working down my leg toward the sprain.

Oh, this feels good.

“A little lower” I hear myself say.

Reid hums in response. Each touch is light, and purposeful, never touching the injury itself, but rather, just relaxing the sore muscles around it.

“God, I had no idea this spot was so tense” I sigh.

“Remind me to put a spa day on our itinerary, okay?” he chuckles.

We have an itinerary now?

I just smile and Reid keeps up the massage. Soon, I find myself yawing and feeling very relaxed.

“Better?”

“Much, thank you.”

He smiles and fluffs my pillow one last time.

“You should get some rest, freshie.”

I nod.

“Although I'm not sure how much sleep you get with  Regina George watching you” he gestures at the Mean Girls poster on my wall.

I toss a pillow at him and he effortlessly dodges.

“Get out” I laugh.

He smiles softly at me and takes my hands in his.

“If you need anything, Lee, don't hesitate to call me. I'm serious.”

His emerald eyes are evidence of how serious he is.

Reid squeezes my hands and I swallow hard, my throat suddenly tight with emotion. But before I can reply, the door opens and almost everyone files into the room.

“The doctor's here,” Nora says.

“Bye, Romeo” Tracy smirks.

Landon smacks the back of her head and Reid chuckles.

“Remember what I said, Lee. If anything... call me.”

I nod.

“Thanks.”

He nods back and turns to my family.

“I have to go. It was wonderful to meet you all and the food was amazing. Thank you.”

Bonita smiles.

“Aren't you going to kiss her?” Tracy folds her arms.

I shoot her a look.

“Tray” Matthew scolds.

“What? We were all thinking it” she shrugs.

Reid turns back to me with a small smile before moving closer to my bed. My heart begins thumping so loudly that I hear it in my ears.

The moment he leans in, I hold my breath. Reid pauses inches away from my face, an uncertain look in his eyes. And like that, he presses a lingering kiss on my forehead.

“Call me.”

Thank you for reading!
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Ciao
~the_atticwriter