"I guess to them it's a terrifying thought, a red riding hood who knew exactly what she was doing when she invited the wolf in."

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

Natalie's POV

He is here. Right here. Right in front of me.

He came to see me first.

He came to see me for god's sake!

Oh dear lord, can it be that my biggest crush ever is crushing back on me? Does that ever happen?

His eyes, that deep green I wanna lay in for so long stared back at me with so much tenderness, like he really missed me, like he is trying to take into every detail there is on my face before he would have to leave again.

Oh, he is leaving again...

"So, what brings you back here, not that I am complaining or anything," I asked, both curious and praying it's something that would keep him here for as long as possible.

My question had the look in his eyes shift and he shook his head, "Just work," He answered, just as vague as usual.

My eyebrow raised, "Work?" I gave him a knowing look, "I know your work," I mimicked loading a gun with my fingers and pointed it at him, squinting an eye as if I am shooting, referring to his...work.

My childish behavior had his lips twitch, fighting his own smile and he gave me a low shrug, "Something like that," He said before his gaze drifted to the phone in his hand when it made a low buzz sound.

His eyebrows pulled closer before he gave me his attention again, "Anyway, I should go now."

My eyes widened, "Wait, what?" I said, taking a step forward, "You just got here!"

Try to sound less desperate, Jesus Nate!

He nodded, acknowledging the fact, "I just wanted to check up on you."

"Well, you didn't check up on me yet," I stated, raising my hands in frustration, "I might not be okay, you know."

Sometimes I think he doesn't get my sarcasm, because his eyebrows pulled closer, "Why?" He asked, a bit of worry laced in his tone as he edged forward, "Are you not?"

I flashed him a smile, taking my chances, "I will be if you join me for dinner," I almost winced at the words after they left my mouth and I pressed a hand to my forehead, "Sorry, that was my lame attempt at flirting."

Amusement flared in his eyes and I pulled on the cutest, most innocent look, trying to get past all of his grumpiness, "Will you?" I asked, "Just dinner, at my house, I can make something quick," I licked my lips, waiting in anticipation, hoping he won't let me down, "Also, don't you wanna pick up your car?"

"I took good care of it," I added, reasoning with him and he nodded, "I am sure you did, but I don't need it now, you can keep it."

My eyebrows pulled closer, "So, you are refusing my offer still?" I asked with a sad disappointed tone and he rubbed a hand at the back of his neck, his eyes drifted away, hesitant at first, and something holding him back.

"I know I scared you off when I immediately jumped on you when you got here," I added, playfully addressing my little embarrassment, "But I promise I won't attack you again, it's just an innocent dinner."

He gave up to my desperate attempts, his green eyes that I've been dreaming about more than I should glinted in amusement as he watched me all needy for him and he nodded his head, "Dinner it is," He said, "Let's go."

My smile was bright and big as I grabbed my things and rushed to his side. I closed my office's door and locked it before we headed for the elevator. I couldn't help but turn and stare at him as we waited for it to arrive. My eyes took into his side profile and a low satisfied sigh parted my lips, "How did you know I'd be here?" I asked.

His eyes flickered to me and he shook his head, "I just had a hunch."

I nodded, "Well, as you know, I don't usually stay this late at the office, but thanks to someone," I stressed on the someone word, "I got used to it and I now hate to go home early."

His eyebrow raised at my comment, "I see you missed complaining about me as well."

I shrugged and walked into the elevator when it opened, "It's been a while."

"So, how was London?" I asked, hoping for once he'd give me a full answer, "Did you get what you went there for?"

The conversation replaced that amusement in his eyes with something entirely different. Uncertainty, confusion and utter chaos tangled in that green web of thoughts, "I am not sure," He said, letting out a tired sigh, "I keep figuring things out but they're not getting me anywhere."

"About your father?" Here comes the inner psychologist me who won't quit, "Things like what?"

The elevator reached the underground parking lot and I felt Nikolas's hand rest over my lower back, leading my way out, alongside him as he talked, "Things that proves that my father is a normal human being who is capable of love and still can be compassionate, caring and everything," pure venom dripped within his sarcastic word.

I scoffed, laughing at the mere thought before I paused, "Hold on, you're serious?"

His jaw ticked as he opened my door, nodding his head, "Trust me, I don't believe it either."

I turned to my car, looking at it and he dismissed the question before I even asked it, "I'll have someone pick it up," He said, urging me to get inside his.

I didn't argue and he joined me inside as well. I looked at the interior of this car, sighing as I fixed my seatbelt, "So, all of your cars are perfect like you, huh?"

His eyebrow raised at my comment before he pulled the car in reverse and left the parking lot, "Anyway, anyway, back to our topic," I said, focusing on him only, "Your father? Tell me more."

He shook his head, "It's nothing worth talking about, let's not ruin the night by bringing him up."

Behind his words, there was a small hidden sentence that I saw clear in his eyes and heard in his disappointed tone; he already ruined my life, let's not let him ruin more. So, I kept silent for his sake.

If I only can get my hands over that father of his...I'd probably end up dead before I'd even inflict anything on him, he seems to be a dangerous and powerful one son of a bitch, but I would risk it still. Just a punch, or a kick in the crotch would bring me a bit of satisfaction.

Reaching my place, I unlocked my apartment's door and gave Nikolas space to get in. Right when we stepped into the living room, Massie came running at the new voices and brushed her head against his leg, seeking some attention. Nikolas's jaw tightened and he stepped away from her, "That thing is still alive?" He mumbled, angrily as he shot her a glare.

My eyebrow raised, "Hey!" I said, offended before I took her into my arms and ran my hand all over her pretty white fur, "You know if it comes to you or her, I'd gladly kick you out," I warned him, being brutally honest.

He rolled his eyes, not satisfied at the declaration and mumbled under his breath, "Unbelievable."

She fought in my embrace, seeking freedom and I kissed her small tiny head before I released her down. Instead of running away at her newly gained freedom, she stood by Nikolas's side, her eyes on the huge man, staring at him in pure astonishment and her tail swinging left and right.

"I am gonna go change fast and prepare us something," I said and Nikolas's semi-terrified eyes drifted from Massie to me, "You're not leaving me alone with this, are you?"

I fought against my smile, trying not to laugh as I urged her to come with me to the bedroom and not give the poor man a heart attack. I freshened up and took off my clothes, I stood in front of my wardrobe, trying to decide on what to wear. I rampaged between my stuffs; sexy or cute, sexy or cute, I mumbled under my breath, fantasizing about the impossible.

Massie settled between my clothes, happy at her picked position and I asked her, "Sexy or cute?"

She purred, dropping over her back, probably signaling to me that sexy would look too desperate. I sighed, agreeing and settled for cute. I placed on a pair of shorts and a pink top, I pulled my hair into a ponytail and wore my slippers before I made my way back, leaving Massie to fall asleep over my bed.

Nikolas was on his phone, talking with someone when I walked in, "I will deal with it later," He mumbled, rolling his eyes in pure annoyance at whoever was on the other line, "Shut up, Ron-" He paused in his words when his gaze fell one me, noticing my presence.

His throat bobbed and he shifted in his seat, "Okay whatever, bye," He said, dismissing the person and placed his phone down.

"Come join me in the kitchen," I said and turned around, heading there and I heard his footsteps behind me. Anxiousness built at the pit of my stomach as I moved around, getting the ingredients needed ready, fully aware of his gaze following me around. I tried to not act affected but it was harder than I expected, so I pulled a wine bottle and two glasses trying to ease the tension.

I placed them over the stool, and poured us both, "Just some to get us by till dinner gets ready," I commented as I clicked my glass with his, signaling for him to pick it up.

I took a huge gulp, hoping the alcohol could let loose of my strained nerves before I placed it down, my gaze on Nikolas's delighted one; it's almost as if seeing me move around, do the simplest of tasks, and just being in my element, entertained him in a way.

My eyebrow raised, "You are not gonna offer to help me?"

He shook his head, "That's not exactly my thing," He said, looking around the kitchen.

I shook my head and inched closer, "Nope, you're helping me or you ain't eating anything," I said and he gave me a knowing look, "I didn't want to eat, you insisted," He called me off on almost begging him to join me for dinner.

I nodded as my hand rested over the fabric of his suit jacket, "And now, I insist for you to help me," I remarked as I tried to shrug his jacket off, getting him all ready for work, "You know team work and all that."

"Okay, but why are you taking my clothes off?" He questioned, rather playfully and my eyes lifted up to his face, "Shush, I am trying to live my fantasies," I joked around and this straightforwardness trait in me, the one that offenses some, and repels other, that trait in exact makes him smile, it amuses him, it entertains him, it keeps him interested in me and I reveled in that.

I took his wrist in my hand and ever so slowly tried to roll his sleeves up, "We can't drop a stain over your expensive shirts," I remarked and he just let me do what I pleased as I rolled up the other sleeve, pretty much enjoying touching his arm and feeling him up close; yup I am beyond desperate, sue me for that, "I would never be able to replace them, you know that."

I finished my task and lifted my hands up, casually reaching for his tie, it was already loosened up with the first few buttons left open, giving me a sneak peek into the heartbreaking mess going underneath the fabric and over his skin.

My movements paused, my fingers over the tie still and my chest tightened once again. I shook that thought away, deciding to focus on the moment, on him only and not his scars. I lifted my gaze up, meeting his deep one, seeking some warmness, some positiveness that could assure me he is okay. That going back didn't affect him, that he isn't thinking of giving up anytime soon.

We were so close, one small movement and we'd breathe the same air and I wanted nothing more than his lips pushing some oxygen into my lungs. He stared back at me, the green in his eyes darkened a bit, more intense, wild and untamed. God, I would kill to know what he is thinking about at this moment.

"I thought about you everyday," He said, his words out of the blue and my heart lurched in my chest at the confession, my eyes widened the slightest, unable to grasp his words and their meaning.

My chest heaved for its next breath, "Thought about what?" I asked, my voice lower than I intended it to be.

"About this," He said and the next I felt was the air being knocked off my lungs as his lips crashed against mine with a need that matched mine, the force pushing me backward and all of my defenses evaporated into thin air, surrendering to him.

I felt my upper back come in contact with the wall by the freezer, his hand over my lower back tucked me closer and his other hand pressed against the wall beside my head. My fingers over the tie worked for my advantage and I used it to pull him even closer, craving every cell of his to collide with mine as I reveled in this kiss, tasting everything forbidden, and wrong.

I just never thought wrong could taste so right, so good.

His tongue fought for access and I granted it to him as he dominated my lips, claiming them as his very own, devouring me in every sense. His hand left my back, it lingered over my waist and made its way up, leaving a hot trail behind till I felt it brush the side of my neck. The whimper that escaped my lips at the contact, he swallowed it, groaning as he pressed his body closer to mine, his hand angling my chin up, and deepening the kiss even more.

One of my hands went to his neck, forgetting all about the boundaries he drew around him, it reached for his scarred side before it wrapped around his neck, trying to get him closer, struggling to release all the frustration he leaves in me into this hungry kiss. My touch didn't repel him, he didn't pull away from it, he didn't push me away and that left me needing more of him, every part of him that exists; good or bad, white or black, scarred or not.

Our intense moment started to ease down as we broke for a much needed oxygen, we pulled back, and pulled back in the next second, like two opposite sides of a magnet, unable to steer away no matter what. I felt his forehead press against mine and I let my eyes glide open, my smile unstoppable, drunk on him, on his taste, his scent, "Dinner tasted good," I mumbled with a low satisfied hmm-sound.

He edged his head back a fraction and his lips cracked a heart-melting smile, one side of his lips lifted up half-way and the other followed, granting me my favorite sight ever. My eyes stared at his mouth only and I brought my hand up, my finger brushed his lower lip ever so lightly, "Here it is," I mumbled before my eyes looked into his warm hazy ones, "My favorite smile."

"That only you can give to me," He said and that made me more proud, being the one who can get past his grumpiness.

"If you let me, I would give it for as long as I can," I would pick forever but I've scared him enough for one day.

He didn't answer that, instead leaned in for a quick peck that made me weak to the knees before he pulled away, putting an end to our little moment. I cleared my throat and straightened up, trying to get my shaky legs to function again, "So, dinner, right-" I mumbled, nervously as my gaze flickered to the poor ingredients standing there and waiting to be done.

"Come here," I pulled him to my side with his arm and forced the knife into his grasp, "You look like you know your way around a knife," I said as I placed the vegetables in front of him, "You chop the vegetables as I cook the pasta," I said and Nikolas's smile faded away almost instantly.

"You're serious?" He said, annoyance flared in his tone and my grumpy Nik was back, "I thought that gave me a free pass."

I tried to suppress my giggle and shook my head, "Not even close," I said, ordering him, "Get back to work, come on."

He shot me a glare before his bothered eyes looked at the vegetables laying there then to the knife in his hand, totally lost of what he should do, "You must be kidding me," He mumbled under his breath and his level of annoyance at this entertained me the most.

He held the red pepper in one hand and stared at it like it was some puzzle needing to be solved, "How the hell am I supposed to do that?" He shot out and I sighed, shaking my head as I walked closer to him. I took it from his hand and placed it over the cutting board and took the knife and showed him how, "Like this," I explained it as if I am talking to a one-year old kid.

This man-child shot the pepper a hard glare, totally not satisfied and I threw my hands up, "You seriously never cooked or made anything in your life?"

He raised his eyebrow and crossed his arms over his chest, so defensive, "Do I look like I won big chef's or something?"

I chuckled, "Oh, so he knows how to joke around," I teased and he looked more than ready to use that knife and slit my throat with it.

"Stop complaining and get back to work," I ordered, rather strictly and his jaw ticked, "You know, you seem pretty confident for someone who knows how well I can handle a knife," He said in warning, showing it to me and I rolled my eyes, "Back at it with your threats," I pressed my lips into a thin line, "Can't say I missed that!"

"So now, stop being so grumpy or you ain't getting dessert," I warned him as I resumed my work and I could swear I heard him mumble under his breath, "I got my dessert beforehand."

Heat rushed up to my cheeks and I whirled around, my hand reached for the nearest thing which was the kitchen mittens and I threw one at his direction. He immediately caught it, and his eyebrow raised, mocking my harmless attack before he placed it away, one side of his lip pulling up in a smirk and I bit down at my lower lip. Mr. grumpy pants was enjoying this alright.

I returned back to my work, desperately trying to hide my giddy smile. Who was I kidding, I am enjoying this even more.

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

After dinner, we sat for a while and talked, mostly me talking and him either getting annoyed or going on with my teasing, till it was really time for him to leave. Letting out a disappointed sigh, I handed him his jacket as he stood by the main door, more than ready to go and I pouted at the separation moment. Did I want to wrap him up and lock him in my house forever? As creepy as that sounds, yes, I did.

"When will you go back to the UK?" I asked, unable to hide my utter disappointment at that fact.

"Not sure," He answered.

"But I will see you again, right?" I asked, my tone showing that he better drop by my place again before he leaves or he will face my wrath...whatever my wrath is.

He gave me a small nod, "I guess so," He said as he placed his jacket on and I eyed the show with a content sigh, "Thanks for dinner," He added and my eyebrow raised, "Thanks for not helping!"

He gave me a knowing look and I added, "Well, if you want to thank me, next time you're cooking dinner for us."

He scoffed, "Don't dream big," He remarked and I shot him a hard glare.

I inched closer and fixed the collar of his shirt, "You're so romantic, you know that," I said, ever so sarcastically.

"Well, you seem to like grumpy me more," He replied back and I smiled, nodding my head, "Yeah, he is my favorite."

I tapped my hands over his shoulder when I was done and took a step back, "I will see you soon," I said and he nodded, ready to turn around and walk away.

"I don't get a goodnight kiss?" I asked, totally shameless. God, I really need some control, but I have none when it comes to this man.

My words made him pause his movements and I didn't wait for his reply, instead I tiptoed and gave him a quick peck, throwing him way off guard. He suddenly jerked away when something small and furry came in between us. He cursed something under his breath and glared down at Massie who stood in between our legs, interrupting our shortly lived moment.

I chuckled and bent down, taking her into my arms, "I think she wants a kiss too," I said teasingly.

"Like hell," He shot out.

"Come on, just one kiss," I said, inching her closer to him and he stepped backward, repelled by everything she is.

"Natalie!" He said, in warning.

God, when he says my name like that...

I nodded, "Okay, okay, but one day I will make you."

His jaw ticked at the amount of confidence in my tone before he mumbled a low goodbye and left, running away from both me and her. I let out a low sigh and closed the door behind him, both delighted that I saw him again and sad that it was short-lived.

I know that I am his little escape, his small gateway from the life he lives and the darkness it comes along with it. I think when he is with me, he forgets about that side of his life and I like that. Even if I am his distraction, I am more than okay with it. At least with me, he smiles, that beautiful breathtaking smile.

I looked down at Massie in my arms, "We like him a lot, don't we?" A sinking feeling crushed my stomach and I answered my own question, "We do," I said, "More than we should."

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

Emma's POV

"My mother doesn't know about the whole marriage deal and the fiasco we have going on," Roman started as we got out of the car, "So, if you can pull on your acting skills, I'd appreciate it."

"You mean the one where I am madly in love with you and can't wait to have your kids," I rolled my eyes at the thought and how silly it is, "And I am living my happily ever after and fairytale story at the moment and that whole bunch of craps?" I suggested, wrapping my hand over his arm, tangling it with mine as I tiptoed to kiss his cheek, faking the affection he wants from me.

He gave me a bored look before he snatched his arm out of my grasp, "Anything but not the wicked witch of the west you have going on."

"Awww, are you flirting with me?" I sarcastically remarked as I fixed my shirt, subtly showing him the gun tucked in my pants, a silent threat at my part.

He glanced at it and his jaw ticked, "Might wanna hide that," He suggested as we walked toward the house.

I shook my head, "Never," I said, "Being in a different country doesn't mean I will go easy on you in any way," I said, inching closer to his side and whispered, "And if you dare to touch this one," I threatened, calling him back on what he did the last time when he unloaded my gun, "We'll have to stay longer for your funeral," I added, "And mommy dearest will have to receive your body missing a few parts, like your dick and two of his friends."

His arm sneaked around my waist as we paused to a stop by the door, his jaw tightening as he sarcastically mumbled, "God, do I love it when you talk dirty to me."

I smiled, "I think you do," My eyebrow raised as I pointed at my stomach, "Or else I wouldn't have your bun in my oven."

He seemed to be teetering on the edge of control, his annoyance and anger multiplying by my presence and words but he decided to ignore me for the moment and he rang the bell. Seconds later and the door got opened, revealing behind a set of eyes so similar to my husband's. The woman was beautiful and she greeted us, smiling ever so brightly, her eyes drifting from her son and falling on me.

"Mrs. Benton, it's a pleasure to finally meet you," I said, flashing her an angelic smile as I stepped forward, "Roman won't stop raving and talking about you," I lied, ever so politely. It wasn't till yesterday that I knew he even had a mother.

"Please just call me Amanda," She said, her smile brighter than the sun, "Oh sweetheart, you have no idea how long I have waited to meet you," She pulled me into a tight hug and I had the urge to either throw up at the sudden affection or pull my gun out and make a scene but I counted to five in my head and forced myself to hug her back.

When she pulled away, she kept her hands over my arm, "Well, no wonder my son kept you hidden away, you are so beautiful my dear."

I dropped my head down, acting to be shy at the compliment, giving her a small innocent smile for the effect. I mumbled a low, "Thank you," as I tucked my hair behind my ear.

"Actually, I should be the one thanking you for making an honest man out of my son," She added with a wink and I giggled, all girly and shit and fished to compliment her back, "And uh, well, you gave me this handsome, considerate man," I added, as I wrapped my hand around his arm and leaned into him, "I can't possibly ask for more, can I?"

I surely can.

I can definitely ask for someone who won't touch my guns and not knock me up.

I turned my gaze to Roman and batted my eyelashes at him. The shock written all over his face proved to me that my acting must've looked so convincing, even he might believe it. His gaze drifted away and he mumbled lowly under his breath, "God, you're good."

I smiled proudly and his mother ushered us to get inside, she hugged her son and bombard him with questions, asking him about his well-being and whatnot. As they talked, I looked around the house, taking into its interior, it felt so cozy and warm; like any other typical family town house, with its backyard, and the basketball hoop, and the fence around. It smelled like thanksgiving and felt like Christmas and all that positive crap I hate about this life.

So, Cara grew up in this house. No wonder she turned out to be a goody two shoes, with a warm big house and a loving mommy, where could she go wrong? I resisted the urge to roll my eyes at the cheesiness this place held, it felt like it came out of a Christmas hallmark movie...again with that throwing up feeling again.

"So, Emma, how is married life treating you two?" She said, her tone and care seemed to be genuine but for some reason, I didn't like her, not that I like anyone, but something about her didn't settle well with me.

I pretended to be busy sipping on my water glass, avoiding to answer that question at the moment.

"Can I expect grandchildren anytime soon?" Her words had me chocking up on my water and I started coughing, the water going down the wrong pipe. I felt Roman's hand rub over my back, "Hey, you okay?" He asked, faking his caring role very well.

I cleared my throat and wiped at my mouth, dismissing the whole subject, "No, not anytime soon," I said with a fake smile, lying yet again because out of everything, this is something I plan to lie about and hide for as long as I can.

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

I shut the door angrily behind me and faced Roman, my eyes shooting daggers at him, "Seriously?" I shot out, "Why did you accept us staying here the night?" I tried to hiss and lower my voice, not to alert his mother but I couldn't hide my frustration anymore.

He rushed a hand over his face, getting himself ready to deal with yet another angry Emma, "Look, I have my limit with pulling up the whole good girl crap," I snapped and marched forward toward the guest room's bed, "God, this house is unbelievable," I pointed at the bright colored sheets, "It's all flowers, sunshines and rainbows, who lives like that?"

"Why does that bother you this much?" He asked with a sigh as he sat down on the bed's edge.

"Because it makes me wanna throw up, all this love and affection, ugh," I threw my hands up in the air, frustrated and annoyed. Seriously, how can they handle it?

Roman shrugged off his jacket and placed it away, his shoulders a bit tensed, his whole being vibrating with a negative energy and for the first time, it didn't feel that I am the one responsible for it, "Are you done?" He asked, drained.

I eyed him suspiciously as he unbuttoned the first few buttons of his shirt and leaned backward, rubbing a hand tiredly over the back of his neck. His eyelids glided down for a second as his chest pushed out one tired breath after another. What's up with him?

I want him to fight me back, or else what's the point?

Ugh, even in this he has to be a bitch and not give me what I want.

I angrily pushed the bag I had packed on the ground and pulled something decent to change into. I stripped off my clothes, ready to change and Roman didn't even glance my side. This fucker really knows how to make a girl feel special. Frustrated, I just wore up my pajamas, not getting the appreciation I was waiting for.

I threw myself over the bed and rested my back against the headboard before I pulled my phone, trying to distract myself with it. Failing to do so, my gaze went back to Roman, watching him as he just sat there, his eyes lost somewhere else and he raked his fingers through his hair, deep in his thoughts. He was physically here, but his mind seemed to be galaxies away.

How in hell can I get him to talk now? How on earth will he ever annoy me more?!

I inched closer to him and nudged his arm with my elbow. That grabbed his attention to me, "What now?" He asked and I replied with a question of my own, "What's wrong with you?"

He shook his head, "Nothing," He mumbled and I rolled my eyes, knowing very well how he can annoy me, whether he keeps silent or not, he has his own way around me and my stressed nerves.

I wasn't planning to pick up another fight so I just laid over my back, waiting for him to join me, but he wasn't planning to respond to anything at the moment. I hefted out a low sigh before I placed my hand over my stomach, my eyes on it, "If you turn out to be annoying like your father, I am gonna have to put you up for adoption, sorry."

Roman turned my way and he sighed, "What are you doing?"

I shrugged, "Giving our child some heads up," I said.

I turned my gaze back to my barely noticeable stomach and mimicked a baby's voice, "Yeth mommy, daddy ith tho annoying," I gasped, pretending that the baby just talked, "See, even she agrees with me," I added with my normal voice.

"She?" He asked, raising an eyebrow at my lame attempts.

I nodded, "Yeah, I have a hunch it's a girl," I said, smiling, "Since you desperately don't want that, her and I can double team you."

He went on with my game and inched closer to my side, his hand went to my stomach, it rested above mine, "Well, if you turn out to be annoying like your mother," He mimicked my previous words and let out a low sigh, "Well, I am gonna still have to love you, anyway."

His words pulled a big smile over my lips and I gazed at his face, trying to understand him. I feel like I don't. I don't know him as well as I thought I did. He noticed my unwavering stare and he looked back at me, questioning.

"You don't really like your mother, do you?" I asked what's on my mind.

He retreated his hand back from my stomach and his eyebrows pulled closer at my sudden comment, "Where did that come form?"

I pressed my palms over the sheets as I pulled my upper body, "When you give her a smile, it is not genuine."

His eyebrow raised, "And you know my genuine smile?"

I nodded, "Yeah, of course I do," I answered, "You gave it to me once," I recalled back old memories, "You give it to Cara, and to Lilly," I shook my head, "But the smile you give your mother is kind of...forced."

"So, today's batch of hormones made you more observant?" he mocked around, trying to divert the conversation somewhere else.

"I am always observant, Roman," I stated, "I was taught to be so."

"Yeah, right," He mumbled.

"So, come on, since we are already pretending to be a normal married couple, let's do some of that normal shit where we share and all," I rolled my eyes at the whole concept, "Tell me something of yours, and I will tell you something of mine."

That seemed like it grabbed his interest. I know how to bargain at least.

He rubbed a hand over his neck and kept silent for a long moment before he decided to talk, "The thing is I just...I don't feel that mother-son bond with her like I am supposed to," He said, looking ahead of him and not at me, "I mean, I don't even know her, it isn't till Cara came back here that she became also a part of my life," His gaze fell on me, "I try to but I just don't feel it and that bothers me a lot because she is trying hard enough," He said, honestly, "I know I am supposed to care for her and I do, it just feels I am doing it because I should not because I want to."

I thought he would stop there but I think he's been keeping that piled up inside for so long, "I had my father, he is the one who raised me, he gave me everything, he was both a mother and a father to me, so I didn't ever need her, and to be honest, I still don't need her even now that he's gone."

"You miss him, don't you?"

A heavy breath parted his lips and he nodded, "Everyday."

It felt weird, so weird that we were just talking, like any two normal people, sharing something we wouldn't share with anyone else and a part of me, as small as it is, it liked this, "Do you blame her for sending you away with your father?" I asked, realizing the reason why I didn't like the woman.

He shook his head, "That was supposed to happen."

I shrugged, "She kept Cara, why didn't she keep you?"

"It doesn't matter," He said, telling the truth, "Cara was safe and that's the important thing."

I curled my lips in annoyance but decided to not talk more about the topic. Roman's eyes studied me for a long second before he said, "Now, it's my turn."

I nodded and turned my body around to meet his, "Okay, what big dark secret of mine you wanna unravel?" I asked, teasingly.

He didn't seem to think about it, his question ready, "Why can't you sleep in the dark?"

I shrugged, "When we were at the HEX, when we would mess up or when we don't do a mission that they give us the right way, there was a punishment," I carried on, "They lock us in a small room, a very dark one, like pitch black, you can't see anything and they'd just leave us there, for days and days, with no food, no water," I sighed, the memory didn't sting anymore, because I long lost that part of me that cared and felt pain, "So, when I close my eyes to sleep and rest, I'd rather it be light there, that's all."

His eyebrows pulled closer and he just gave me a small nod; he didn't say he is sorry, he didn't give me pity looks and I appreciated that.

He let out a loud breath, "That's enough being a normal couple for one day, don't you think so?"

I nodded and raised my pillow up, showing him the knife I placed underneath, "Back to our usual unique routine."

His eyes fell on the knife and for the very first time today, he cracked a smile, "I am really getting used to this routine, it's scary."

I laid my head on my pillow and he did the same, throwing his arm above his forehead. I placed my hand under my cheek as I gazed at him, "We are not gonna fight about turning off the lights tonight?" I asked.

He turned his head to face me, "You would win in the end, so what's the point?"

I smiled, satisfied at his answer, "Goodnight, Roman."

He looked back at the ceiling and I closed my eyes, and the last thing I heard him say before I fell asleep was, "Goodnight, you crazy girl."

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

Nikolas's POV

"Where is she?" Alex said as he barged into my house, totally unannounced as he usually does.

I looked up from my laptop to meet his very angry gaze, "Well, I missed you too, little brother," I mumbled, sarcastically.

He waved me off and shot me a glare, "You brought her with you, didn't you?" He questioned, ever so defensively.

I let out a sigh and resumed my work, ignoring his over-dramatic self that I didn't miss at all. He slumped down on the couch beside me, "So, let me recall your words back," He started, way too bothered at this, "You came here to get engaged?" He shot out, "Are you for real?"

I kept silent, deciding it's better than indulging with him into this nonsense.

"Do you want me to tell Natalie about this?"

Here comes his lame threatening.

I turned to him and my eyebrow raised, "There is nothing to tell, it's all an act, I am not gonna marry the girl."

"Yeah, over my dead body you will," He scoffed and my jaw tightened at his picked words.

"Then, why are you going on with this act?" He questioned, and his eyes narrowed at me suspiciously.

"Less trouble as I figure out what I am gonna do," I explained and he rolled my eyes, "If you dare and marry her, you'll be dead to me again, keep that in your small tiny brain," He warned.

"I am not gonna marry her," I stressed out again, "I can barely handle her and her father."

A low knock on the living room's door grabbed our attention to the intruder. Mia stood there, her fingers tight over the phone in her hand, the hurtful look in her eyes proved that she heard our conversation about her. Her throat bobbed heavily, "Uh, my dad called," She said and took one step inside, "He just got here and wants to see you."

I gave her a curt nod, "I will take care of it."

Her eyes flickered to Alex beside me and I turned to him, to see him giving her the most disgusted bothered look he could master. Her eyes flickered to me and she nodded her head, before she walked away.

"That's her?" He hissed, his eyes widening in pure shock, "God, she could easily be your daughter," He said addressing how young she looked.

I winced, "Please don't say that again."

"You marry her, you lose me," He stressed out again, making sure he made his point clear.

"Can you make that sound a little less gay," I said, my eyebrow raising and he punched my arm, not satisfied with my mockery.

I sighed, "Why are you this much invested in my love-life?"

And just like that, the annoyed look faded away and was replaced with a big bright smile, "So, you admit you have a love life, huh?" And there is that teasing look that I hate, "You went and saw Nate last night, didn't you?"

I shot him a glare as I stood up, getting myself ready to go and deal with Joseph and Isaac, "None of your business."

He leaned back into his seat and crossed his hands behind his head, giving me his proudest look, "Get that Isaac, I win."

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

After a rather boring and meaningless lunch with Joseph, his wife and Isaac, they finally settled on all the details concerning my damn engagement. I couldn't be happier when he got a phone call, excused himself and his wife disappeared somewhere, leaving me and Isaac alone.

I focused my attention on my phone as I texted Emma, checking where she is when Isaac decided to make his presence known, "I see you didn't learn your lesson yet, huh?"

My eyes flickered from his phone to meet his eyes as they watched me, "Excuse me?"

One corner of his lips pulled up in a smile, calling me off, "You come back here and the first thing you do, you go and visit her," His eyebrow raised as he casually cut down his steak, "You must really like her," He placed the meat in his mouth and my fingers tightened over the phone in my hand, "Guess you are really my son after all."

My eyebrows pulled closer at his last sentence and he gave me a knowing look, "Let's not pretend that you don't know who Maria, Ronald and Natalie are," He said, addressing the matter so normally, "You thought your deep interest in them was gonna go unnoticed by me."

The fucker.

"What do you want from her?" I asked, the muscles of my jaw ticking, my hand itching to be planted over his smug face.

"I promised to keep her and her brother safe, that's all," He added, placing his fork and knife down, before he took a napkin and wiped at his mouth.

"You sent people after her, you threatened me with her," I pointed out, hardly trying to control myself and not mash his head against the plate placed in front of him.

He smiled. He just smiled, smug and proud, "Oh that, guess I played you good, huh," He chuckled, very amused, "You coming into her life was gonna put the poor girl in danger, I had to warn you, push you away from her, so what's a better way to do that."

My fingers tightened over my thigh, control, Nikolas, control, "You were protecting Natalie from me?"

He nodded, "Of course, any sane man would protect the innocent red riding hood from the big bad wolf, right?"

My jaw ticked, "Didn't take you as the caring type."

He shook his head, "Like I said, I made a promise, and I am a man of my word," His sentence had double meaning and I got it. He will keep his word of ruining my life, just like he promised when he saved my life.

"Keep one thing in your mind son," He said as he got up to his feet, "I am willing to keep my promise till the end, so you either stay away from her or I will have to turn your life upside down again."

Control eluded me right at that second and I couldn't take it anymore, the monster snapped and I backed away, the chair screeched as I marched to my feet and to his side. My fingers curled over his collar as I pushed him backward with all of my power before my fist collided as an uppercut against his jaw, releasing all of my hatred into his fucked up face. I saw red and aimed my second punch, nothing was able to stop me but his men that held me from the back and tried to pull me away from him.

I groaned and pushed them away from me, unable to contain or restrict myself anymore. Everything about him, everything I discovered let loose of the ounce of control binding my nerves together. I pulled my gun out and aimed my shot at two of his men, letting their bodies drop to the ground without a second thought before I slammed the other's head against the table and knocked him down.

I was beyond making sense, not caring about the scene I was making in the middle of the restaurant. The place belonged to the family anyway, everyone here was used to this.

People gathered around us and I held my gun high, carelessly aiming it forward at him only. His eyes narrowed at the gun in my hand before they flickered up to my face, the fucker challenging me, "Do it," He said, confident, "If you are willing to risk it, Nikolas," A hint of warning flashed between his words, "Then, do it."

My hand tightened over the gun's grip, my finger right over the trigger, one push only, one push and I will be free of him...one small push.

The side of his lip pulled up, still not threatened, because he held all of my weaknesses right above my head, "You're willing to risk Max's life for this?" He went for the jackpot right away, hitting me in places I didn't allow myself to look into yet.

"I can kill him right at this moment and without even moving a muscle," He threatened, very honest to his words, "Are you willing to bet on his life, son?"

My jaw tightened, my inside shaking with all of the boiled up anger that I needed to let out but couldn't, "I am gonna kill you," I seethed out, giving him a promise, knowing that day was going to come soon.

But, it can't be today.

I lowered my gun down and Isaac's jaw clenched as his hand went to his face and he wiped the side of his mouth. He eyed the blood over his fingers and out of everything, that in specific seemed to trigger him, "You will pay for this."

I didn't wait to hear more of his threats. I turned around and pushed my way through the men that gathered around us, my eyes falling on Joseph's wide eyes as he watched the whole show and tried to understand the father-son feud we have going on.

Once I stepped outside, I felt a hand reach for my shoulder from the back. I whirled around, my gun ready to attack but it was only Ronald. His eyes widened at my defensive state and he stepped backward, holding his hands up, totally aware that I am in no way in the right mental state to talk about what just happened.

I lowered my gun down and moved away, unable to bear anyone's presence at the moment. I hated him. God, I hated him more than I could put into words. He knows everything, every fucking thing. He can read my fucking thoughts for god's sake. He can easily guess my next move and just as easily stop it.

Fuck. He knows me so well and I am still unable to figure him out.

I forced myself to calm down but couldn't, this rage inside me spurring forward, pressing me harder. This fucking helpless emotion brimmed to the edges of me. Heavy and thick, my chest tight with that fucking rock that would forever be lodged at the base of my throat.

You will pay for this. I have a feeling he is going to keep this word in exact in the worst way possible.

Ronald came beside me, his gaze raging between concerned and disappointed, "You just unleashed a monster on us," He mumbled with a low tired sigh.

I rubbed a hand over my jaw, "I am fully aware of that."

Whatever happens next, that's gonna be only on me. Whatever blood he is going to spill, it's gonna be on my own hands.

He is gonna prove his words right and make from me that big bad wolf yet again.

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

For some reason, I love writing this book. I don't know why, it's just very enjoyable to write.

Anyways, so what's your thoughts on the chapter?

What do you think Isaac will do now?
Are we at all ready for his doings? xD

I am working on the bonus chapter I promised you with, I am also working on Blue Ribbon's next chapter and this book's next chapter. Don't know which one would finish first; but which one would you prefer to have next?

That's all for now, love you all!