What we think, we become
-
Buddha

_________________

The first thing to wake me up is the early morning sun filtering through the floor-to-ceiling windows. The second thing to wake me is the man wrapped around me and his morning erection pressed against my back.

The emotions from last night hit me hard as I think back to how Daniel looked at me. The dip in his briefs, the fine sinew weaved through his body, bouncing like fireworks from the tension rolling through him, and that capitulation in his eyes, finally surrendering to his feelings. It drew me in last night and just thinking about it now is stirring my wants and doubts.

He rolls to the side, one arm drawing over his eyes. Sitting up, I let the blanket slip off my naked body and take him in under the orange glow of the sun rising.

The most attractive man I've ever seen, there's no question. With his dark hair, even darker scruff grazing his strong jaw, and then his beautifully sculpted body and how he uses it in a demanding yet gentle way at the same time. He's unlike any man I've ever been with-so passionate and intense. He's insanely estimable, and not just because of his high intelligence. He has integrity and confidence.

Biting on my lower lip, my eyes travel south to where his erection presses against the sheets. God, I want him, even after the exhaustive sex we had last night; it's all I can think about this morning. All I can feel buzzing through my body.

Shifting the sheets, I expose his erection and look at it in the morning light. Thick, long, with just the slightest curve that I know would feel amazing if I was riding him, because it would hit me in just the right spot.

There's nothing better than morning sex.

Do it!

Hell, it's not like he's going to kick me off him.

Gaining courage, I lift and straddle his body so I'm facing backward-reverse cowgirl-then position his cock at my entrance. I can feel how turned on I am already, so I navigate his tip and then sink down slowly, enjoying every last, long inch until I'm fully seated on his pelvis while I reach down and grip his thighs.

I was right about the curve as I squeeze my eyes shut tight from how perfect he feels inside me. Nothing in my life has ever felt like this, like it belongs, like I was meant to be riding this man, and that's startling. I'm drawn, I'm addicted, I need this.

"Fucking hell, babe," he groans, his voice groggy as his hands falls to my hips. "Christ, this is the best wake-up call."

He helps me move up and down, guiding the pace, while I swivel my hips and move, hitting that exact spot I need, quickly starting to spasm around him.

"Fuck," he mutters, pumping faster.

"Daniel," I say through a tight voice.

That's all he needs. He jolts upward, hitting my G-spot, and I nearly black out from the pleasure.

Catching my breath, I say, "Again, do that again."

He does. Over and over until my body feels like it splits in half, euphoria blasting through me so fast and so hard that I scream out his name and dig my nails into his thighs. At the same time, he stills, and I can feel him shoot his cum inside me as he shudders beneath, his sexy moans mingling with mine.

Unable to discern what the hell just happened, I swivel around and collapse on his chest. Sweetly, he caresses my cheek and presses light kisses along my temple.

"Morning, beautiful."

I smile against his chest. "Good morning, hubby."

His fingers graze along my spine, sending chills along my skin. Noticing the goosebumps, he pulls the covers over us. And then we lie there on a lazy morning, doing nothing but enjoying each other's company.

I knew this was a possibility in my life. Spending the morning in a man's arms.

"Finally," Cassy mutters. "You finally had some time to think about work."

"Cassy," Ben shrieks.

Everyone is here! The whole family is here as if it's a party and I can't seem to stop them from visiting me. I ignore Cassy as I mix the breadcrumbs with the melted butter very well with a spoon.

Did I tell you I'm in the kitchen? You heard it right. This is the second day in our new home and we decided to hit the kitchen. And you know what? I'm cooking. I'm really cooking!

Scared that I might burn the house? Me too.

But since Judge suggested me to mac and cheese, I trust his suggestion. He wouldn't ask me to make it if he thought I would embarrass myself in front of all these people. There's a bonus too. Daniel is right beside me. He's cooking too. We're cooking buddies and I love it. Absolutely love it. Especially the fact that he never misses the chance to grope a touch in between all these cooking.

"Since it's the oven that will do the remaining work, you have nothing to worry," Judge says, sitting on the kitchen stool, sipping on his coffee.

"Are you even listening to me?" Cassy shouts at the top of her voice. Everyone freezes, surprised by her outburst. All the parents, my friends are scattered around the living room, chitchatting but Cassy gets their attention. Everyone turns their gaze towards me.

"Cassy rel-" Adam starts but she cuts him off this time.

"There's no point in relaxing. I'm facing a disciplinary action and I don't even know the reason. You hear me? I don't know what the fuck had I done wrong. My cases are passed to my juniors while I'm here with no idea what's happening with my life. She can't d-"

"Right, I can't do it because you have a wonderful life unlike me," I say, not shifting my eyes from the cutting board.

I hear Cassy sigh. "Is that what this is about? I was upset...that day and took it out on you. Is this some kind of joke? Then please stop it, I can't think straight, Ally. This is my career you're playing with, you can't take it away from me. I love my profession and yo-"

"You should have thought about that before you decided to have sex with a tennager in your office."

Cassy gasps. I lift my eyes to find everyone shocked except my partners, Judge and Daniel.

"All-"

"You should have thought about your profession before you decided that it's okay to lend your office to some teenagers to bully their classmate." Gasps escape from others but my eyes are focused on Cassy who actually flinches by my words. "Any confusion now? You're undergoing disciplinary action because you broke a rule when you let underaged students into your office for whatever they wanted to do. Leading to violence, abuse of power, conducting personal work during work hours, bringing teenagers to office when they aren't your clients, negligence in reporting to what has happened in the office, disrupting work environment. The list goes on."

Tears fills Cassy's eyes. "I.. I.."

"You can't do that," Ashley shouts, rising from the couch where she was sitting-beside mom.

"Getting involved with my sister in my office without my knowledge. Wow! That's a great thing to do."

"What?" Mom snaps, now her turn to stand up. Dad follows her as he stands up but he doesn't have a surprised look. He looks quite calm and composed. Just like me.

I turn towards Cassy. "If you wanted to date my sister, all you have to do was let me know. She isn't at the age where she can decide everything alone and you know that. How stupid can you be by keeping quiet when you know she's getting involved in illegal activities."

A sob breaks out of Cassy. "I.. I didn't know.. how to tell you."

"Why in the world are you crying?" Ashley asks as she moves towards Cassy. "We didn't do anything wrong. We like each other and making fun of that stupid kid was just fun. My friends and I were having fun," Ashley says, looking oblivious.

Having fun by hitting people? Is she that dense?

Mom stares at Ashley in shock and then she turns towards me. "It can't be that bad. We can do something to not let others know about this. Right?"

Is she serious right now?

Mom wipes her tears furiously while I stand there in slience. I ignore them as I start cutting the vegetables for salad because Daniel is taking care of the mac and cheese now.

"Why are you making a huge deal out of this?" Ashley shouts, walking towards me. She takes away the knife from me and throws it to the floor, glaring at me with bloodshot eyes. "I hate you. I fucking hate you. Tell Cassy that you will stop all this." She hold my left hand, her nails digging into my skin. Alex starts to move towards me but I shake my head, letting him know I'm fine.

"Cassy will get punished for what she did and you will come and stay with me," I say nonchalantly.

Ashley's body starts shaking with anger and I can hear her teenager gears turning. "You can't do that," she shouts, pushing me away. I almost lose my balance but Daniel holds me, stopping me from kissing the floor. I give him a small smile as I gain my balance and step away from him.

"You were much worse that me," Ashley snaps and I realize where this is going. She steps towards me. "You're not my sister. You aren't my dad's daughter. I heard mom telling that you are a fucking mistake. You are not my sister," she shouts, holding my hand and pulling me towards the living room.

I hear ringing in my ears but I ignore them as I try to stay calm.

"Ashley, what ar-" Mom starts but gasps when Ashley pushes me again. This time I don't loose my balance, I hold myself steady.

Daniel looks at me with worried eyes. I give him a small nod, letting him know I'm fine.

"She did drugs in school," Ashley says, glaring at me. "You had an overdose so you were in hospital. You aren't much better than me. You fucked all those boys in college, you still do it." She pulls her hair in frustration. The usual teenager defence, throwing accusation at others and trying to prove that she's much better than others.

I hear gasps from everyone. The ringing in my ear gets louder. Memories flash in front of me but I try to push them away.

Ashley moves towards me and raises her hand as if to...hit me. I freeze for a second but I get ready to defend myself.

"Step back right now if you don't want to spend the rest of your life in juvenile." Ashley freezes, her hands in mid-air. Greta and Hope immediately steps towards me as if to pull me away from Ashley.

I turn my gaze towards my Dad. It was his voice and he's glaring at Ashley right now.

"Da-"

"Don't," he warns. "Don't call me that. I don't want to be known as a bully's father."

Gasp from mom. "Axel, what are yo-"

"Keep quiet." Mom freezes and my eyes turns wide. Dad never talks to mom in such a way. He steps towards me without looking at me, his gaze is on Ashley. He wraps his arms around my shoulder. "This is my daughter and my blood. Even if she wasn't my daughter, she still has more rights on you than anyone here."

Jesus!

Daniel smiles at me, his wide, sexy smile and I try not to freeze from Dad's words.

"She never used drugs. Never! She was abused at the age of sixteen and she's a survivor so don't you dare call your sister a druggie. She was fighting for your custody for two years because you told her that you were always alone in the house. You choose to lie to her so that you can get away from us. We did everything we can for you," Dad snaps, tightening his hold on me. "Allison knew we would never hurt you but she didn't want you to spend your life like hers. You took advantage of that kindness to hurt her. Bullying your classmates? For what? We would never encourage such kind of behavior from you. You're grounded for six months."

My eyes widens. Woah!

"You're staying with Allison and you will help her with the cleaning and cooking."

"Dad, you can't do that," Ashley shouts, tears flowing from her eyes. "It's all your fault," she snaps at me as she moves towards me.

"Touch me once more and you'll end up in the hospital," I warn, my voice ice cold. She stops when she sees my expression.

"Grounded for seven months," Dad said.

"Bu-"

"Do you want it as eight?"

Tears runs down her eyes.

"Your room is the last one on the ground floor. Go and shout if you want to," I say as I step away from Dad. Ashley stomps her feet as she runs towards her room, closing the door with a thump.

I turn towards Cassy who looks shocked. "Jesus," she whispers, looking down. She walks out of the house without another word.

I turn towards Adam. "You know the reason for your disciplinary action?"

He nods his head. "Alex told and you know I didn't do it. It's my secretary."

"I know. Marco informed me but still you need to attend the disciplinary action."

He nods his head with a smile, giving me a side hug. He knows the rules and he respects them and me.

Mom moves towards Ashley room. "Do not go there." Dad glares at mom. He does have my scary look.

Isn't it the opposite way?

Shut up!

"Axe-"

"You hurt your one child because you were guilty everytime you looked at her face. You choose to pamper your second child because you were scared she would get away from you too. Now, are you happy? She deserves punishment and if you didn't stop me the first time when we found out she was going to late parties without permission, then all this would not have happened."

"She migh-"

"What? Run away from house? Trust me, she wouldn't. She don't have enough guts for that—like Allison. Allison knew what she wanted with life but Ashley doesn't." Dad steps towards Mom with murderous eyes. "It's high time you decide what you want to do too." Dad walks away while Mom cries. Daliya holds her before she falls to the floor.

Woah! That went well!

Right?

"Allison, liste-" Marco starts but my glare stops him.

"I didn't know Caleb would come as a witness," Merlin whispers in between her cries.

Hope pats her back.

I glare at Merlin. "It's not about Caleb coming as a witness. It's about the fact that you tried to hurt yourself and choose to not tell me. Me! Your damn lawyer who had no clue what was happening in the court."

"I.. I was ashamed." Merlin sobs.

I let out a sigh, trying to control myself. I shake my head. "This is not going to work if you can't tell me the truth. I know your husband harrased you and you want him away from you and your child but I can't do that if you're not telling me the whole truth."

"Alli-"

"Don't, Marco. I'm not against you dating Merlin but right now, I don't need her boyfriend. I want my private investigatory who can help me solve this damn mess. No court would give custody to a parent who can't fucking control herself. She freaking tried to do suicide. The lawyer twisted it in a way so as to question her sanity and I don't even blame him. The least she could have done was tell me so I didn't have to sit there without a defence." I step away from them, grabs my phone before I turn towards Merlin for the last time. "Think properly. You have the holidays to get your head straight and come meet me to talk about everything. When I say everything, I mean everything. If you can't do that then you better find a new lawyer or forget about your son's custody."

I walk out of my office without another glance. I'm freaking mad right now.

Today's trial was a mess. Merlin tried to do suicide once and Caleb, her husband's previous assistant stopped her at the last moment. She hide that piece of information from me and her husband brought Caleb to the court to prove that Merlin is insane. I understand why she did it but there's no excuse for her hiding it from me. This is why I fucking hate custody case because they get messy. You have to cross so many things before you handover the custody to a parent because one wrong move and the child's life might take the bad route.

I'm handling two cases right now. Merlin's case and the one of a teenage boy which is actually James' case. He just needs some help there. Other than this, everything is going well with the firm. Adam's secretary is arrested and thank Lord, Adam is back as we decided to keep the disciplinary action after New Year. Once the weekend ends, it's Christmas week next so we gave holidays to all the staffs. There won't be any court trials unless it's been scheduled earlier or urgent.

Though it's holidays for everyone, I still have work. By work, I don't mean official. All the official work is going well with the help of newly appointed lawyers. We plan to appoint more lawyers in family law department but after holidays. So back to my work, which is nothing but to find Archer and make sure he is fine. Also, find a way to influence the board members and buy a Christmas gift to Daniel.

Most importantly, I need to decorate my new home. Really decorate because I love holidays and Christmas. I love snow.

After a drive of twenty minutes, I reach my new home. Daniel made sure that the location of our home was convenient for both of us. I smile brightly when I find Daniel in the living room, reading some magazine. I close the door behind me as I move towards my man.

"I'm home." He doesn't lift his gaze from the magazine but his lips curve upward, revealing his rare and sexy smile.

"Get up, Daniel. We have so much to do."

He lifts his head and looks at me. "What work?"

"We have to decorate."

"Decorate what?"

"Our home."

"Why?"

I roll my eyes.

"It's Christmas week," I shout at the top of my voice, a bright grin plastered on my face.

He has the audacity to frown at me. "I don't do decorations."

My smile vanishes and my face falls. "Okay," I mutter, looking down at my feet.

I hear Daniel sigh. "Come here," he orders and I obey like a cute puppy. I move towards him, throws my bag on the couch as I settle on his lap. His hands wrap around my waist. "Let's do it."

I look at him with wide eyes. "Really?"

He stares at me with a charming smile, giving me a small nod.

"You're amazing. I promise, I'll make it up to you later," I gush, wrapping my arms around his neck and planting kisses all over his face.

"I can't believe I'm agreeing to this," he mutters under his breathe.

I grin brightly, trying to control my excitement.

Our first Christmas.

Hey everyone!

VALIANCE AND LOVE is moving towards the end and I'm excited.

Everytime I update a chapter, I wait eagerly for the votes and comments. It just makes my day.

Ending this book is not easy but I really want to do it as soon as possible. I want to complete their story and read it again from the beginning. I've never read my book in a complete flow and I'm waiting for the moment to do it.

I know this isn't my best work but I'm sure, it's a better one.

Do not forget to tell me about this chapter.

Bye guys!

Allison