The greatest glory
in living lies not in
never falling,
but in rising
every time we fall.
-
Nelson Mandela

_________________

"Your honor, Mr. Gavin here is the father of the child and he has all right to get the custody. Mrs. Gavin has been reported of violent behavi-"

"Mr. Lane, we've already talked about it. Merlin's violent behavior yesterday at a bar in front of her child was a pure case of self defence which is clearly shown in the video submitted by the defence lawyer. Since the question of violence is out of here, the child will go back to Merlin until there's a further order from the court," Judge replies, ignoring Mr. Lane's doubt.

"But the fath-"

Judge sighs. "Mr. Lane, you're wasting the time of the court. This is an emergency hearing not an end for the custody case. Mr. Gavin can visit his child on weekends and a social worker will check on the child's health every week until the next hearing."

"Your honor, what about the financial support. That should be taken into consideration," Mr Lane says, his words strong and valid.

Judge glances at me when I rise to my feet. "Your Honor, Mrs. Gavin here is an independent woman who's more than capable to take care of her child. I agree, Mr. Gavin definitely has more financial background than Mrs. Gavin but again that's not enough to take away the custody rights of the mother. He's a four year old child who need mother's care and love which should not be denied on the basis of financial support."

Judge thinks something before typing it down on his laptop. "From the records submitted by the defence, Mrs. Gavin has a steady job and necessary requirements so the concerns of the father is not valid here. If he still has doubts or queries regarding the child's health then he can provide child support after coming with an agreement with Mrs. Gavin which should also be consulted with the court."

A smile tugs at the corner of my lips. Merlin smiles at me, letting me know how relieved she is.

"Just a minute, Your Honor," Mr. Lane starts again causing Judge to sigh in annoyance but still he gives a nod. "Thank you, Your Honor."

Mr. Lane glances at me before turning towards the Judge. "Mrs. Gavin has been seen in a club many times which arises the question of her habits and moreover her job at an animal shelter is temporary. The child's safety is still a question here-"

"Your one minute ends here with Mr. Lane," Judge interrupts. I chuckle inwardly when I see the look on Mr. Lane's face. "I repeat again,this isn't a final judgement. This is only a hearing for the removal of child from the mother yesterday under certain circumstances which has been cleared. Now, the mother going to a club or having a temporary job isn't a strong reason to deny the custody to the mother. If you continue your invalid arguments then I might take away the visitation hours of Mr. Gavin."

"You-"

"Mr. Lane, you very well knows that this isn't just a custody case. Your client has been accused of abuse. Given the proof of Mrs. Gavin's health reports and the photos of marks seen on Mrs. Gavin's body, the court cannot hand over the custody to the father or increase the visitation hours until and unless the innocence of Mr. Gavin is proved. So the judgement remains the same. Court dismissed."  I grin brightly at Judge, patting him on his shoulder inwardly. He has rocked today!

******

"Thank you, Angel," Adrian mutters, wrapping his arms around my neck. I smile at him as I rise t my feet, ruffling his hair.

Merlin smiles at me with tears. "Thank you," she mouths. I nod my head. I step towards her when Adrian's attention turns towards Hope.

"Call me if you need anything and try your best to stay away from trouble. Gavin and Mr. Lane are trying their best to prove you dangerous, so careful." She nods her head. "I need to go. I have some work." Telling goodbye to Adrian and Merlin, I move towards the hallway when I find Cassy there. She smiles when she sees me but I can tell that it isn't her usual smile.

"What's wrong?"

"Nothing," she replies, smiling which looks more genuine than earlier. "How was your hearing?"

"Great," I reply, nodding my head. "Why were you not in your office since last few days? The emails are pending and you missed one of your cas-"

"Everyone are not like you, Allison. We aren't machines like you. Some of us have a life other than work unlike you," she snaps loud enough for me to take a step back. After few seconds, her eyes widens when she realizes what she said. "Ally, I'm so sor-"

"I get it," I mutter, interrupting her. I gives her another nod before continuing my walk ignoring her shouting out my name.

My heart feels heavy, an emotion I haven't felt in a long time. 

Some of us have a life other than work unlike you.

Does that mean I didn't have a life until now? Does working for my career make me different from other? I dedicated my whole life on my career so does that meant I didn't have a life? I'm a machine? 

I have so heard so many calling me names right to my face and behind me that were much worse than 'machine' but I don't know why this one hurts the most. Memories hit back hard causing me to stop right in my tracks. I don't why but I have the sudden to urge to be near Daniel, I want him to hold me. I immediately dial his number when I feel my breathe hitches. The call goes to his voice call. I curse out loudly, spun around and moves in the direction of my car.

******

Stop it!

I ignore my inner mind who's now glaring at me. I take another long sip from my vodka, straightening my legs on the bed. 

You're going to kill yourself.

You're being silly. One drink cannot kill anyone.

But a bottle can.

I ignore her again when I hear the door of the room open. My lips turns into a frown when I see Daniel step inside, closing the door behind him. He looks relaxed and calm. He places some bags which he was carrying on the couch then turns towards me. He looks at me in amusement.

Can't blame him entirely since I was still in my work clothes, hair tangled, eyes red and my expression funny.

I give him flirtatious smile as I rise to my feet. I stand on my feet without stumbling which is a surprise since I had nearly finished half a bottle. I take slow steps towards Daniel and I can feel his eyes on me the whole time. Once, I'm near him, I wrap my arms around his neck, leaning myself against him. He raises his eye brow at me, his face scrunches up in confusion. I stand on my toes as I lean towards him to place my lips on his cheek. I feel him stiffen and I enjoy it so much that I take my time in pulling away my lips from his cheeks.

Slowly, I move my hands to remove his tie, releasing him from the tight knot. Why does he wear tie? I like him without a tie, showing off his neck.

"What are you doing, Allison?" I smile when I hear the shiver in his words. 

"You look really tired so I'm just helping to get settled. Do you mind?" I ask, raising my brows. His eyes focus on my lips when my tongue runs over my bottom lip. I see him gulp causing me to do a victory dance in my mind.

Next, my hands work on his coat, throwing it on the couch carelessly. I slowly unbutton his shirt buttons while he stood there like a good boy watching my movements. I push the shirt away from his shoulders and it lands on the floor. I trace my finger over his nipples making him groan. "Allison, don't play games with me. I won't be good when I loose my control," he murmurs pulling me closer towards him. I giggle at his action, then raises my hand up to his face and trace his lower lip with my thumb.

"I'm not playing games, Daniel. Just appreciating my husband's beauty." His eyes once again lands on my lips as I bite my lips. Harder.

He takes a deep breathe. I slowly step back away from him making him frown in disapproval. I beam at him as I take his hand in mine, pulling him towards the foot of the bed. He looks at me with dark eyes, lust filled in them. I feel the butterflies starting there performance asusual.

I step behind him, wrapping my arms around his torso. I feel him relax as he holds my hand. I smirk when I hit the back of his knees with mine. He curses as he looses his balance and falls on the floor on his knees, groaning. I immediately pull his hands behind and ties his hands to the foot of the bed with his tie. He tries to pull away but he was too late. I rise to my feet, smirking as I take a look at my husband.

"What is wrong with you Allison? Remove the knot. Now," he snaps. I ignore him as I sit beside him, grabbing my bottle of vodka from the bed. His eyes moves towards the bottle, his expression turning into something else.

"You're drunk," he states. I nod my head, surprised that it took him so much time to realize it. "What do you want Ally?" he asks in his soft and warm voice, sending chills down my spine.

"In the scale from one to ten how much is the control Annabelle have on you?" I ask, grinning at him.

"Three," he says as if it doesn't matter. Just three?

"Seriously?" He nods his head as if I'm being silly. What's wrong with him? Where is the man who would freeze when he hears her name? Who has gone nuts? Him or me? "What about me? Where do I stand?" 

He gives me a smirk. I hit him on his arm lightly. "Eight." My breathe hitches, all the sense coming back to me. 

"Don't lie." I glare at him.

He smiles as if he meant what he said. No! I'm reading him wrong. I'm drunk!

I think he's right.

Shut the heck up! A girl whom he has met just before a month cannot affect him so much. 

He has a place of ten in your scale even though you met him before a month so why can't he do it?

It's not ten!

Liar!

"You affect me more than you can imagine, Allison." Jesus! I huff out some air when I feel the atmosphere getting hotter.

"Why are you so casual about Annabelle now? You were scared of her?" I immediately change subject not wanting to loose my focus.

"I had a thing for her in high school," he says, making my eyes widen further. They're high school sweethearts? Now am I the third one here? 

Stop overreacting!

"I never told her. When we met again after years, it just worked out. We had sex, we went out often and I wanted it to work out. I wanted her in my life. I thought I was in love with her." I feel my heart clench, my lips tremble but I don't let my emotions affect me. Damn vodka!

"Why didn't you tell me later?"

"I really didn't want anybody to know about it," he replies, giving me a small smile.

"You love her?" I ask, my voice low but steady.

 He shakes his head, his expression warm as he stares at me. "I thought I love her but I was wrong. It was pure lust, nothing more. I felt ashamed when I realized that I had been a fool to get involved with her. She is after my money. I wasn't scared of her. I was scared that she might destroy my life which I earned with hard work."  I smile at him, my body relaxed.

"You did threesome?"

"Hell no," he snaps. I giggle.

"Do you think you'll end up having sex tomorrow?" I find myself anticipating a positive reply.

"No," he states. "I would never cheat on you, Allison. I know how much it would hurt you." I stare at him in surprise. Damn, he's being adorable right now. He know how much the fact that my mother cheated on my father had affected me. I shake my head again to keep my thoughts straight. You can't fall for his charms, Allison. Be smart.

"Did you enjoy sex with her?" 

You sound jealous.

I'm not.

You have turned into a huge liar after meeting him. 

Daniel chuckles. What? Did I ask something funny? "Sex with Annabelle was never boring and it was beyond amazing. Always." I frown at his answer. "But I don't want that. I want a family, a woman who loves me not just my body or money. I didn't want to marry because I didn't want to end up being miserable everyday." I hear the sincerity in his voice.

"You better try to stay away from her otherwise I'll cut your dick and shove it down your throat," I tell him, my brows furrowed.

"I like it when you're feisty," he murmurs. I finish my bottle while Daniel sat there staring at me with a neutral expression. I turn towards Daniel, my eyes blurring. "Allison," he calls out my name.

"Hmm."

"Straddle my lap," he say, my eyes widening.

I tit my head, grinning at him. "Are you being naughty, Daniel?" 

"I guess so." I move towards, abandoning the bottle and straddling his legs. I rest my head against his shoulder.

"Will you dance with me tomorrow at the party?"

I nod my head. "I will."

"First dance?"

My eyebrows furrows. "Okay! First dance but only if you'll stay away from Annabelle. Remember, if you touch her then I'll be in the dance floor dancing with some other guy."

"Not going to happen," he snaps, my lips curve upwards again.

"It is going to happen. It's not that difficult to find a guy to dance with."

"Allison," he warns.

"Don't yo-you dare shout at me. I'm you're hu-husband, don't forget it," I say, lifting my head from his chest, staring at his blue eyes.

Sexy devil!

"Right," he mutters sarcastically. "Remove the knot," he orders. I frown but nevertheless I find myself removing the grip, letting him free.

"You're free prince, now kiss this be-beautifulll princess," I tell him, grinning at him.

"Did anyone tell how silly you are when you get drunk?"

I shake my head. "I rarely drink mister. I always want to think straight,"

His snickers.  "Wrap your hands around my neck and legs around my waist tightly. Got it?" He asks and I nod my head.

"Yes, my prince. Hands around wa-waist and legs around your neck. Got it," I answer with a smart grin. God! I'm so genius.

"We're really going to have a talk tomorrow." I notice his frown so I lean in and plant a kiss near the corner of his lips.

"Hmm." I close my eyes feeling tired. Suddenly, I gasp when I feel myself in air. I open my eyes to find Daniel standing on his feet and he throws me into the bed. Damn that hurts.

"How dare you throw me in bed? You bloody je-"

His arms were around me in a second, caging me and his lips came crashing down on mine.

Oh Christ! His lips are soft, so soft.

I can feel shiver down my spine, it feels like heaven. His arms held me in a tight grip, his naked chest pressed against mine. Sparks flying everywhere.

Am I hallucinating? Maybe I'm too drunk.

Oh my! I want more. My hands slid up his hard body. I explore his hard muscles. I take his thick black hair into my hands pulling it harder. His lips pressed against mine, and I moan when I feel his tongue entering me.

Oh...

This feels good.

He's kissing me!

I moan louder as our mouths continue clashing. His tongue strokes and caresses me in a sweet motion. Waves rush through my body with high, high and higher frequencies, I feel snow melting in my stomach. How long it lasted? Seconds? Minutes? Hours?

He pulls away, his arms pressed against the bed not letting his weight squeeze me. I stared into those dark eyes, filled with lots and lots of emotion.

"You're more drunk than you can imagin-"

He blabbers a lot so I kissed him.

"Mmm."

It was brief, sudden and sweet. I pull away to meet his face which looks amused, his lips parted slightly in surprise.

"One more please?" I ask licking my lips. He nods lightly.

Before it's too late, I kissed him again, fast and with more pressure. Then reluctantly, I leaned away again and said, "Just one kiss after this...." He stopped my rambling, his lips on mine and kissed me hard. When I say hard, I mean - biting, sucking, licking and stroking. Oh my his tongue. It could do much better things than talking.  Kissing never felt his good until I met him. His body towers over mine, filling every inch of my body. He pulled breathing hard and laid down next to me. He then pressed me against his hard body. Oh Lord, life is too good.

Daniel hummed in the back of his throat. His fingers in my hair, threading through the locks. His thumb stroking my jaw and travels down my throat until his fingers teasingly caress the skin directly above my breast. He pulls way, exhaling heavily.

"I don't like it," I state. Daniel's eyes widens.

"What?"

"I don't like that everyone are hiding things from me." Tears pricks at the corner of my lips. "I don't understand what is going on." I feel Daniel, pulling me to his lap, pressing his lips on my hair.

"Use that brain of yours smartly. You'll get all answers."

I blink away my tears as I lift my head to meet Daniel's eyes. "They're lying, Daniel. Cassy, Adam and I think everyone around me."

"Find it out and do what is right for you," he says, smiling at me. My blood fills with a foreign feeling and I don't know what to name it. 

"I want something," I tell him.

"What is it Allison?" Arrogant bastard.

But you like him.

No!

If you say so.

"I need orgasm." I pout.

"What?" he asks, his voice low and hard.

"Let's have sex. I miss sex. I used to have sex with gu-"

"Don't," Daniel growls, my eyes widen.

"What?" I pout.

"I don't like the fact that you had.." he trails off as if he's new to sexual needs. I give an amused smile. "Sleep," he orders, pushing me down to the bed, wrapping his arms around me. 

"But Dani-"

"No, Allison. You're drunk and I don't want you to regret this so you can jump on me tomorrow once you're sober." I chuckle, seeing his stern expression. I lean in to capture his lips which he accepts gladly.

Slowly, I drift to sleep but I hear him mutter something to me which I didn't catch properly.