3×04 “Father Of Mine”
Written by: Chris Coleman, Kristi Clark and Kelly Zollo
Warning: Episode may contain sexual situations, language and graphic sex
Theme Song: Father of Mine- Everclear

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kkcbxjWG9Mc

Gia was meeting Ronan at the hospital for the first prenatal appointment since he’d been released. She’d arranged for the previous sonogram results to be removed from her file. Couldn’t have the doctor letting it slip that Gia learned they were having a son while Ronan wallowed in a prison cell. When the elevator doors opened, Gia’s eyes were immediately drawn to Sebastian. She smiled to herself, forgetting about Hector who had accompanied her. She heard his voice but his words didn’t register as she watched Seb. She hadn’t seen him since being forced to abandon him at the warehouse the night of the raid. It was driving her mad not knowing how he’d gotten free. Who found him and how? An image from that night flashed through her mind. Seeing him trussed up and at her mercy was intoxicating. Did he have a scar where she’d slashed his chest with the knife? If the blood flowing from the wound was any indicator, he did. One that would mark him as hers and always remind him of their connection. Why was he always fighting against fate? They were destined to be together. If it wasn’t for all that Catholic guilt, maybe he could see it, too.

Her mind flashed back to an earlier time with Seb, when he had begun to question the morality of their business partnership. He’d probably been at his church, speaking with Father Garza, the priest who always looked down his nose at her when she walked in the door. She’d accompanied Seb to mass far too many times for her liking early in their relationship but he ate that shit up and so it had been worth the annoyance. And the way Hector looked like he’d rather die than be there offered some amusement. Eventually she’d managed to keep Seb too busy to attend. It was nearly perfect until they’d run into that nosy priest who wasted no time implying Gia was a bad influence, right there in front of her. In that moment, the preachy bastard had sealed his fate. Two nights later, Hector burned the church down. She’d roofied Seb that night and watched Hector do it while Seb slept off the effects of the drug at home. And the icing on the cake: the preacher had been inside, a fact they’d realized after the news reports started coming in. Clearly the stars had aligned in her favor. Seb had insisted on visiting the old man in the hospital once and as they entered his hospital room she saw the terror in his eyes; he knew she’d been behind the fire. When she smiled at the priest it was for that reason; the empathetic words that tumbled out of her mouth were for Seb’s benefit. The priest had been rendered unable to speak or use his hands by the fire, putting an end to any thoughts he might be harboring about denouncing her for a second time. Now that was divine justice. After that, there was no question she was a force of nature and that force would bring her and Sebastian back together. Not now, obviously; there was Ronan. But, one day. In the meantime, she was content with the fact that he couldn’t escape her orbit.

Gia approached him. “I’m really sad our meeting in the warehouse was cut short,” she said, looking him up and down, thinking about the things she could be doing to him. “I thought it was a productive conversation and I’m certain we could have reached an agreement if you hadn’t left. I’m ready to resume negotiations whenever you are,” she told him, not about to let him off the hook from shipping her contraband. At the moment this was the only connection she could have with him.

Sebastian’s life had been renewed since being freed from that warehouse. He knew that Max didn’t understand why he wouldn’t name Gia as his kidnapper. That would only enrage that mad woman. In her mind she’d made them up to be some epic love story but she manipulated every moment they shared so how was it real. It took time and a lot of energy but Sebastian got away and got his family out of her drug business. Since his freedom and escape from death he had been celebrating life. Max was the crankiest pregnant woman he knew but she was so beautiful every morning. He would get her pills, her freshly squeezed orange juice, and dry croissants. This baby was going to be big as a house his genes and Max bread obsession. It was like she permitted herself to have whatever she wanted and he loved it. She wasn’t happy it was happening this fast and he knew it but he could tell Max was growing to love the idea of her own family. Call it the Lowell Devonshire effect because she was crying more often about her father, she thought he didn’t know. Max could deny it all she wanted but she wanted and needed this family.

As he folded his arms he looked at Gia, his face scrunched up unable to speak. A few months ago she was slicing him up because he refused to continue to push drugs through his vineyards. In so many ways she meant so much to him. Then he took a deep breath, Max was with Ophelia who was leaving but promised to be back for her birth. Kelsey would be a decent replacement for now until Ophelia returned. “Negotiations are null and void because I’ve told you I will no longer help you. It’s over and I’m happy and so are you. You are with another man and I just can’t understand why you are so fascinated with me and my life. I am grasping at straws. We aren’t together and we aren’t lovers anymore. I am asking you to stop it. Stop following me and popping up where I am. I’m going to ask you to stay away from my fiance and stay away from me. You see it doesn’t matter how I got away. I am finally free of you Gia and that means so much more to me.”

So, he was jealous of Ronan, Gia thought, analyzing his words for a deeper meaning. She thought he was playing hard to get but that wasn’t it at all. He was upset that she’d chosen another man over him. Sebastian never did understand that this business required making hard choices and sometimes that meant putting off what you really wanted until later. The fact that he didn’t rat her out for the kidnapping was clear proof that he loved her but this game he was playing at was getting tiresome. He was forcing her to take a hard line with him.

“Don’t flatter yourself, Sebastian. I’m clearly pregnant and here for a checkup, you moron,” she told him, rubbing her stomach. It was one thing for him to be upset, but lashing out by accusing her of following him? Not acceptable. In their time apart he’d become quite disrespectful. “Make no mistake, Seb. You have this little thing with Max because I’m allowing it. We will be resuming our business arrangement and if you get out of line, if you fuck up even just a little bit, I’ll send Hector over to show Max what it’s like to have a real man in her bed.” In her peripheral vision she saw Ronan step out of the elevator and composed herself as he approached even though she was fuming inside. How dare Sebastian walk away from their partnership like it was nothing.

“Just as I am with Max, you did know right? She’s pregnant Gia. Max is pregnant with my child and I hate to say it but I’m glad you’re having a baby with Ronan. He’s a man you deserve who is just as demented, evil and bitter as you. I pray everyday for your soul Gia but now I pray that your child finds peace in the life you’re about to bring them into. Murder, violence, and no peace. I’m going to see if Ophelia and Kelsey are done with my fiance.” Looking at Ronan approaching now he smirked. “Ronan I hear congratulations are in order amigo. You’re having a baby with this woman which is very sad on you. You have no idea who you’re dealing with but I am sure you’ll find out.” Turning around to see Max coming out of the back office with Kelsey.

Max was so ready for this to be over. Honestly she had gotten used to the idea that they would be welcoming a baby boy into the world soon but she was tried of being fat, not being able to drink when she wanted and not devoting enough time to the casino and all her other ideas. Sebastian as always was amazing when it came to their relationship taking care of her left and right with every need or whim. She sneezed and she swore he was jumping up to see if something was wrong with her or the baby it was sweet but she’d told her twin it was fucking annoying too. Jackson had assured her that Sebastian was just protective and it was normal, just something that was normal when you were in a relationship and she almost laughed. Her older by two minutes used to be so twisted in relationships was handing out relationship advice. They then talked briefly about their father and while he was putting up a rock hard front she knew that inside she was breaking little by little her father was sick and not getting better. If anything he was getting sicker in the last six months he was restricted to mainly a fucking wheelchair, she calmed herself as she got her prescription from Kelsey and saw Sebastain with Gia and she stiffened. She knew that Gia took him six months ago had him kidnapped, tortured him but to see her out and about was alarming and she immediately went to his side.

“Kelsey says everything is fine with the baby she apologized about Ophelia not being able to make it I assured her that it really doesn’t matter who delivers the baby. I didn’t realize they let criminals out so early besides I thought you were moving on to other things. Like opening a winery here and letting your brother handle shit back in Spain.” Max said gripping Sebastian’s hand in hers while she looked at Gia up and down normally she didn’t bother with women inferior to her but in this case Gia was obsessed with Sebastian and well Seb had her first so in some ways she was a bit insecure about it. She wasn’t about ready to leave him alone with her for anything though and she let out a snort at the other women’s belly, she had to be fucking kidding her. “Are we even sure there is a baby in there who knows maybe you’re just putting a pillow on. I wouldn’t put it past you.” Max said before looking at Ronan yes they had worked tougher the last few months he was a partner in the casino and she couldn’t help the deathly glare she shot Gia when she spoke. “I mean are you even sure it’s his?” Max said looking down at her manicured nails for a bit while she watched Gia fume.

Ronan had just left the warehouse, his last meeting with Thor sinking in, his brother wanted out of the business and he had simply agreed to the demand. It was less tiring to be fighting with Thor and Gia all the time this way it was easier he could never cut out Thor financially but he could let him step back and out of the daily business. Gia and he would be free to run it as they saw fit and he wouldn’t have to play mediator any longer. They had celebrated numbingly to scotch on the rocks before Thor said he needed to go see Cassie and left him on his own. He had then made a call to Floridia on a secure line to make sure they were still on the same page, answered some legitimate business calls and then looked at his watch realizing he was late for Gia’s appointment. Calling his driver to the front of the warehouse security intact he made sure everything was in order before he drove thorough Atlas Falls towards the hospital. Passing the casino that was still being built on the docks it was a massive boat the Nightingale would be his shining achievement and the only shame in it was that Lowell Devonshire had made him do it with his spoiled ass two daughters and Hunter Kincaid. Regardless he was going to make the casino a success for laundering again he needed it to be. Once he arrived at the hospital he made his way up the elevator to the correct floor seeing Gia with Sebastian he approached them glowering at Sebastian.

“You’re still around Navarro I would have thought that you ran back off to Spain about now. Silly me I forgot you’re the father of Max’s baby. I would hardly remember she has been so free in the past with her lovers, I used to see her all the time at the club her and Philip were quite the show. Didn’t she end up shooting him? Maybe she’ll do the same to you.” Ronan said looking at Sebastian and his angry face and pulled Gia closer to him so that Sebastian knew that he struck out now it would be the end of him and if he didn’t control the little viper next to him he would hate to take a good business deal into a sour one. He still found it a little shocking that Gia and Max were due around the same time almost a week apart. He heard her jab at him being the father of Gia’s baby and looked at her. “I would advise you Mrs. Devonshire to refrain your tongue about Gia I would hate for our business relationship to be cut sour with a few months to the opening of the casino. Gia and I have a good relationship and she’s the mother of my child and frankly if you can move to Sebastian Navarrro you can respect Gia as well. Has he told you all of his past?”

“Please Mr. Madden don’t threaten my fiance. I might have been kidnapped by Gia and her goons but one on one there is no man that could just take me down. I’m a boxer and I fight for what I want. As you can see Mi hermano I fight no longer for Gia. She’s a relic of my past and I for one am happy you are stuck with her for the rest of your life. I don’t do the guns senor Madden, but I was taught your fist is the way to settling a score. Now if you ever want to settle the score without all the guards and goons then call me. Until then sir please refrain from trying to intimidate Mi Amor from saying what she wants. Sometimes the truth stings and maybe if you knew more about who you choose to bed then you would be alarmed also.” Sebastian looked at Gia in disgust. “In fact I’d love to tell you all about your woman.” Seb said seeing Gia starting to squirm. It was a silent threat to Gia to stop it and stay away. “But I don’t like you enough for that to bother.”

“Oh Max, that was weak,” Gia scoffed and reciprocated the once over Max had just given her. It was disgusting that Sebastian was having a baby with this woman. God, they’d be forever linked through that child and she didn’t deserve to have him. Max would always be lurking in the background. “Projecting your father’s indiscretions onto me? Come up with something more original next time. As you heard, Ronan and I are quite secure in our relationship, not so sure about you and Seb. What happens when you can’t live up to his expectations? When he figures out you’ll never be the ideal wife and mother?” Gia hated her more every second she looked at her and saw her stomach swollen with Seb’s baby. That stupid proud look on Seb’s face. When he realized this low rent version of her wasn’t good enough and tried to come crawling back, he’d pay for all of this. What she did like, however, was the way Ronan pulled her closer. After being married to that geriatric fuck it was amazing to have a man like Ronan; hot, young and virile. Sebastian was not going to take this away from her. If he got to have Max as his plaything, she was keeping Ronan. Gia moved between Ronan and Seb when she caught his threat. “Careful, Sebastian,” Gia warned, her tone low. Clearly hypocrisy wasn’t on his list of sins. “I told you what would happen if you pissed me off and you are in danger of crossing the line. You do remember Hector, right?” And more to the point: what he was capable of doing. Hector raping that bitch sounded positively tempting right now. Teach them both a lesson. Maybe she’d let Seb watch. “We can co-exist but if you keep throwing accusations around, I will give you something else to pray about.” She took Ronan’s hand. “Come on, sweetheart. Let’s not waste another second on this lunatic and his trigger happy baby mama. We have an appointment to attend.”

Ronan wasn’t trying to start an argument in the middle of the maternity ward of the hospital but he did find Sebastian to be insufferable. Looking over at Gia when she threatened Max though with Hector made him pause a moment. One of his golden rules: no women or children, men fought the battles in their line of work. Some organizations opted out of that rule like Gia but if she was with him in their relationship hair she’d learn to respect it. Seeing his mother murdered in the car bombing year ago cemented that with him. Gia was a wildcard he knew that and he wasn’t naive to think that there wasn’t anything that Hector wouldn’t do for her he simply wrapped his arm around Gia to calm her furious nature. He also eyed Max and Sebastian when he did so he certainly didn’t wish ill on Max or her child. “I think you are right Gia there is no need to keep fighting with these two insufferable people, though Max and I have to work together for now for the casino. As for you Sebastian you would be wise to follow Gia’s advice on the matter when it comes to business. You and I both know that she means what she says and you know pregnant women and their hormones right now.” Ronan said looking at them both and seeing Max seething at them. “You really should watch your stress and of the two sisters I actually deal with I much prefer your other one.”

Max knew she wasn’t the most enjoyable to be around, not pregnant let alone pregnant but she gritted her teeth together at Ronan. Her sister was always the victim in peoples eyes always the best and the most unruly the most docile she even ventured to say. Hell everyone even Sebastian couldn’t wait till the baby was born because they thought she was going to running around and changing diapers. That wasn’t in the cards for her she was going to go back to work as soon as the baby was born if Sebastain wanted he could take care of the baby or hell they could get a nanny. “You know for a self made woman you sure like to think that we should all stay home and change diapers. Sebastian is very aware that I have no desire to do that and as soon as the baby comes I want to start back to work, let the nannies and Sebastian do the rest. I have a casino to run with Ronan I do wonder why he didn’t invite you to any of our meetings to even take a gander at the casino. As for my sister well you’re stuck with me Ronan so get your gangster ass used to it, you see my father was smart enough to know that I was the only one he could trust when it comes to you.” Max said seeing Sebastian glaring at her declaration and she looked at him standing her ground. “I mean it once the baby comes we can have a nanny full time I’m going to go back to work, who knows maybe even work while giving birth.”

Gia felt Ronan’s arm around her. He clearly wanted to calm her down, maybe make sure she didn’t start any trouble here in the hospital. He was probably annoyed that she’d threatened Max but Gia knew how to handle Seb and didn’t regret what she’d said. She’d meant every word of it, too. Ronan’s tactic had just about worked as she was willing to admit he had a point about keeping things cordial in public but on second thought… No. Why should she take this shit from Max Devonshire? Because he said so? Because he had to work with her? Then, Max brought up the casino and Ronan’s reluctance to include her. Gia tensed, realizing Max was right. Why hadn’t she seen this for herself? Even worse, Max had been the one to voice it. Her blood pressure was on it’s way back up. Ronan hadn’t brought her into any of the meetings or even so much as given her a tour of the place. He hardly even talked about the casino with her. What the hell was that about? She pulled back, glancing at Ronan as her mind raced. She looked like a fool. Who else had noticed? She’d been distracted lately; had he used this to his advantage? When her irritation became too much she pulled away fully, elbowing him in the stomach as she freed herself and glared up at him. Now she wondered if he was hiding something from her. Was it the casino or was he handling other business at the casino to keep her out of the loop? Was it Thor? Was he cutting her out and handing control over to his idiot brother? He would run the whole operation into the ground. The thought of him stepping in for her made her want to scream. She searched for Hector and they exchanged a long, pointed look. His presence helped her center herself. She needed to think rationally right now. She had to stay calm. All this tension would have a detrimental effect on the baby. She might have trusted Ronan too freely and far too quickly. Hector would find out what he’d been up to, she knew this by the slight nod he gave her. She wasn’t alone in this. For now, she couldn’t let on that she suspected him. He might stop whatever he was doing.

She turned away from Ronan, to take her anger out on Max. “Quite the opposite, I’m more than capable of being a mother to my child and maintaining my professional duties,” Gia told her, with a quick glance back towards Ronan. The message intended as much for him as for Max. She wouldn’t be handing her child over to a stranger to raise nor would she be stepping down and handing her share of the business over to Ronan. Or.. god forbid, Thor. ”That might be too much for a selfish bitch like yourself but don’t assume all women are so lazy and incompetent. And you’re proud of it to boot,” she sneered. “I’ll be there for every one of my child’s milestones while maintaining everything I worked for because this baby means everything to me. Too bad you can’t say the same. You’re using that baby to get attention and gain points with your family. And as for Ronan’s ‘gangster ass’, your father must have been senile to think putting you in charge of that casino was a good idea. As if you could hope to have half of Ronan’s business acumen. Where would you be without your daddy’s nepotism? Do you have any actual skills or did you sleep with your professors to get that big fancy degree? You’re not flitting around your country club, planning bougie social events. This is the real world where little twits like you are chewed up and spat out every day.” She spared a glance for Sebastian. She had warned him about Max when they were in the warehouse together and now he’d see that she was right. She knew him better than Max or any woman ever could. He’d regret pushing her away for the likes of this one. He’d regret defending her. “Say one more word about my hormones, Ronan, I dare you,” she seethed.

Seb touched the small of Max’s back and walked her out of the hospital. Watching Gia and Ronan he wondered did he have a clue? Gia used to talk about hurting the Madden family all the time because of some long forgotten war. Now that he was freed of Gia and all that came with her he felt relief. Seeing his fiance’s face he could tell she was ready to go to war. Max had never been used to losing or letting someone talk down to her. That meant Max wouldn’t back down to Gia which meant more drama. “I need you to do something for me Max. I know you can mop the floor with Gia. I know you can be tough but promise me if you’re ever alone with her you’ll get away. You’ll try to stay away okay? Gia isn’t normal. Her idea of a fun time is fucking killing someone and as much as she pretends. I don’t think she’s over me.”

Max fumed at Gia Falcone how dare she talk to her like that and wanted to say something catty back to her only to have Sebastian lead her away towards their appointment. Outwardly she simply nodded her head at him when he requested that she stay away from Gia, inwardly she made a mental note that once the baby was born all bets were off. She wa going to make sure that Gia Falcone never stepped foot in Atlas Falls nor did she tangle with her or Sebastian ever again. He didn’t need to know that though he was always fretting over her and the baby once the baby was born he could stay home and raise it she would get her revenge and Gia was the last one that would ever see it coming.

Ronan watched as Sebastian led Max away and he cast a cautious glance at them both so much tension he knew that Gia had taken Sebastian. Then again Sebastian had broken an arrangement that his family had made with her. For a moment it reminded him a little too much of dear old Benny and he actually thought it was foolish to let Sebastian live, that was the first thing that Gia needed to realize. You cut your loses when you could and in this case Sebastian walking around free was bad for all of them. Once they were out of earshot he looked at her. “I wouldn’t question your hormones Gia but I do questions why he is alive. Regardless Max is my business partner for the time being you will leave her alone it’s not negotiable.” Ronan finished not wanting to fight her or waiting for a reply as the lovely nurse came out to call her name and lead them down the hall to her appointment.

1. Lex is with Whitney and Ryan going over the fact that they have been served papers about Miles. Whitney tells her brother that she can’t bear the thought of losing her son. Charles enters and tells them that is not going to be a problem they will handle it like they always have. Whitney holds Miles and starts to read a story to him and Morgan as Lex leaves. Charles corners his son telling him he is tired of him wasting time on pretty red heads in skirts and he told him to be rid of Skye. *Lex gets out of the car looking at Skye’s body in the parking garage before speeding off from the wedding.*

Lex loosened his tie looking at his phone as the maid opened up the door to Ryan and Whitney’s new house in Atlas Falls if you could call it just a house. Of course only best would ever do for his sister and his father as always spared no expense. It wasn’t as grand as the Devonshire estate or even the Kincaid estate but it was large enough to settle them all in. The fact was that he still had his condo in New York. It was on the market and he refused to move back into the toxic environment that his father had established over the years. It was bad enough that he made him do most of the dirty work legally. Feeling his phone buzz he looked at the text back slowly but surely he would drive that wedge between Dani and Jackson if it was the last thing he did, for now though he walked on the marble floors on the foyer towards the back yard where he saw his sister court papers in hand. He knew they were all on borrowed time when it came to the fact that Jon knew that Miles was his biological son he just didn’t think that it meant that Jon would actually find a lawyer to take the case. Opening up the french doors he stepped outside taking a seat on one of the pool chairs as his sister aimlessly handed him the papers. He watched as Ryan swam in the pool with Miles and his niece Morgan blissfully unaware of the papers in front of him.

“Elliot Duvall interesting I would have thought that Jon would have reached out to Mason Delacorix. Let me read them will you and don’t hoover.” Lex said looking at his sister’s face, it was full of fear. Fear that she could lose everything, the son she had raised and loved like her very own, fear that Ryan and her would split for the cameras they were perfect they had to be for now they were a team but he knew that was always fleeting when it came to their marriage. Reading through the papers though he saw it was a desperate plea from Elliot to get them all in the same room to discuss custody, custody he knew before a judge would never fly. Jon’s name was all over the document with Skye’s attached and he stifled his rage he had warned her to leave town all those months ago. “It’s child’s play Whitney if Elliot thought Jon had a chance in hell of ripping MIles away from us, which he doesn’t he wouldn’t have asked us to meet like this out of court in litigation. Let it play out.’ Lex finished looking at his sister sip her mimosa as she lowered her shades at him.

Whitney had spent the last six months making sure her marriage was hundred percent secure meaning no more trips to see Bode on and off, Ryan was home and they were working it out. It was an upcoming election year and she knew better than to do anything to jeopardize the great Charles Hessington and his Governorship which included her and Ryan stepping out on each other. They could make it work until he father’s seat was secure and then they could go back to normal. She of course was going over campaign material early and rolled her eyes constantly when Anderson was around, why her father wanted to deal with that was beyond her. She had worked for years for him and yet here he was chasing after Anderson Kincaid, he always said he had a grand plan when it came to who he mentored and part of her was jealous. She knew better than to publicly express that their day today had been normal until a lovely young woman had shown up and thrown the papers into Ryan’s hand. She wasn’t the lawyer in the family and had sent the message to her brother minutes after it had arrived and then of course she saw the maid text her father. She had tried to relax in the meantime not worry about everything that could go wrong when it came to Jon Harrison trying to take her son away and was relieved when Lex told her what the papers implied.

“So what you are saying is that Elliot doesn’t think he has an actual case for Jon to win custody of Miles. That is why he wants to meet on the side in order to work something out. I could throttle Forbes Montgomery for butting his nose into business it doesn’t belong and sending his bitch of a daughter to look into shit. I didn’t ever think it would be like this one month she said Jon, next it was Jackson then it became random men on the street.” Whitney said looking at her brother as she took a deep breath before taking a sip of her mimosa, the alcohol calming her nerves as she saw Ryan get out of the pool with the kids. The lovely nanny that they brought with them taking the kids out of earshot to dry off as she heard another car pull up in the drive. “Why would Skye even agree to this? I’ve been generous with her and Miles all of us have. She can’t do this and Jon, he’s a good guy I feel for him but Miles is our son is he not?” She asked to see her brother look at her dumbfounded as she turned her attention to Ryan. “Oh please you both fucked her. I have no idea why and who knows maybe that is the reason Elliot doesn’t want this to go to court. It might be too embarrassing for all of us. What now?” She asked pausing when she saw her father enter the backyard and she looked up at him. “Daddy, I thought you said that you had this under control when it came to Miles.”

Charles looked at the reflection of his mortality standing before him. He loved his children including the one who disappointed him the most, Lex. His son would one day have to run a billion dollar empire. The Hessington’s had their hands in so many things and it brought them wealth beyond anything that the public had to know. As he thought about his son and son-in-law bedding that trifling whore that was Skye Morgan. Her power came between her legs. Her weakness was the same as Lowell’s boy, drugs. If he had to shoot heroin in her damn arm she’ll drop this petition with Jon Harrison. Miles brought light into all their lives right when he thought he was going to have to resign. His overseas connection was so strong that he restabled himself and held onto the position of Governor for four more years. He’d transformed Pennsylvania into something special and he hoped that Whitney was ready. She was the political shield for Lex and that’s how he wielded so much power. You see with all good came bad and if he controlled how certain things happened well Pennsylvania statistics changed. Crime was at a all time low because he controlled crime in his state.

“Whitney this is a formality just as your brother says you say don’t worry then you shouldn’t. If Elliot Duvall one of America’s most bright minds and who was just published in the Harvard Law Review well if that isn’t something to worry about. No Lex he wouldn’t be doing this if he didn’t think he had a chance to fucking win either you see people like Elliot Duvall understand that going up against a Governor’s child is insane but to do it and win. Wow that would make a career now wouldn’t that? You see this will be the last meeting that you will attend with my grandson involved because this will be over. Are we clear?” When Lex didn’t answer fast enough he walked to his son and hugged him. Whispering in his ear growled lowly only so he could hear him. “Lex am I making myself perfectly clear do whatever to whomever. Call everyone and make it very clean.” Charles pulled back and took Morgan from Ryan’s arms and smiled at his stunning granddaughter. As Whitney kissed Miles he handed Morgan over to the nanny and sat down. “Fix this Lex, tell Mr. Harrison, I’d hate to get involved and tell Ms. Morgan how disappointed I am.”

Ryan had seen Charles look like this before. It was heartbreaking he’d been this horrible to his wife. After all these years he thought about all the women and affairs. They truly felt like a team right now and that was the point. A united front because like he heard Charles say Elliot Duval was one of the country’s most powerful young lawyers. He’d made plenty of public splashes and if he was looking into it then that could mean. No, Charles wouldn’t let Miles be taken from them that wouldn’t happen. He looked over at his wife and at Lex whose face was shaken up. Whatever Charles whispered scared the shit out of him. He’d stopped sleeping with Maggie and his other woman these past few months and it was actually good at home with Whit. They were sexually active, and happy to be honest. The kids were bringing them new heights and maybe being forced to give up their vices showed them how happy they could be. “Sora please take the kids upstairs and bathe them. We’ll be upstairs shortly to read them their bedtime story.”

Once Miles and Morgan were gone he looked at his wife and walked to her and grabbed her hand. “We have every fucking reason to be scared. No offense the guy’s a local hero here and he has powerful people behind him. These are my worst fears coming true this is why I should have never slept with her. She has dirt on us and this is dangerous for the kids. I just don’t want to lose him. Morgan loves her brother and I’m just as scared as her. Okay? Please just help us Lex, I know we’ve all messed up but these kids don’t deserve this and I agree I want this over.” He looked at Whitney and Lex who still had a stunned expression on his face. Charles looked calm and he knew he’d just dropped some sort of bomb. “Charles you seem assured that this is going to be over? How?”

“Because Lex is about to end this crusade on our family aren’t you son? This is over isn’t it?” Charles asked Lex in a threatening tone.

Lex watched his father’s every footstep as he made his way towards them carefully studying each step, steps that he knew mimicked what he was asking of him. Everything his father had ever done was calculated as part of the reason he slept with Maggie to begin with, get your oats out his father had said. So he did what his father had said one night turned into two, he was working so much for the conglomerate and then it became weeks to months and he lost sight of the life he had in front of him. It was gone now, she was gone now and he pushed that out of his head when his father had whispered the orders in his ear to call people to take care of it like Skye was no more than an annoying house fly and not Miles’s biological mother.  There were other options that they had before it came to that, he could see how the meeting went with Elliot, Jon and Skye and then decide if that was really necessary.

“I’ll handle it.” Lex said looking at his father in the eyes his skin crawling when he said it, part of the other reason New York was so much better he didn’t have to deal with this shit. He saw Whitney relax a bit at his words almost like it seemed to settle everything with her and Ryan over the years he wondered if she knew everything and he truly meant everything when it came to their father. He was dead certain that his mother didn’t know and if she did it would have sent her into an even earlier grave. “As for the fundraiser for the wing named after mom thanks for asking dad, it’s going swimmingly.” Lex finished using the term his father hated dad just to fucking spite him and casting a glance at Whitney and Ryan looking at him.

Whitney had no idea what her father had whispered to her brother one of the thing she could always say about her father he always was hardest on Lex, especially after her mother died. She wasn’t naive to the fact it was coming up on almost four years. The first year was affair after affair for her in the middle of marrying Ryan. Then there was her diagnosis when they were trying to have a baby and finally Miles came into their lives in a way to mend her marriage and her broken family. She relaxed a bit Ryan’s hand gripped in hers when Lex said that he would handle this entire mess with Jon and Skye. If there was one thing that her brother was good at it was being a lawyer. “I just don’t want to lose Miles. I feel for Jon and what he is going through I’m not a heartless bitch you know but Ryan and I have raised Miles we are all he knows. I can’t even blame Skye, she had no idea who it was either none of us did till I took that wine glass from Jon’s house and ran the test.” Whitney said looking at Lex and then at her father seeing the disapproval over her brief affair with Jon.

“Not everyone can be perfect all the time in their marriage father some of us aren’t wired for it and didn’t you like encourage Lex? You never once told me or Ryan to stop and now we have for once it’s good.” Whitney said exasperated with the constant looks from her father no one was fucking around on each other at the moment he should be elated. Besides if he was that concerned about that in his campaign or his group of confidants he certainly wouldn’t be keeping Anderson Kincaid around. “If you’re that concerned about being embarrassed at the fundraiser based on affairs or social scandal you really should pick the people you take under your wing better. A little birdie at our hotel in Pittsburgh told me that they saw Natasha Devonshrie sneak out of Anderson Kincaid’s room in the early morning hours. I had a meeting with them so don’t fret it’s under wraps.” Whitney said seeing the rage pass on her father’s face and the pride on Ryan’s for twisting in knife back at him.

“Enough Whitney.” Charles bellowed with a rapturous grow. “I have listened to you all bicker about this enough and whine. I told Lex to handle it and he shall. Or else things won’t be good for him now will they? I’m telling you that you have nothing to worry about. If Skye and Jon continue this fruitless crusade then I’ll bury him. I’ll ruin his career I’m the fucking Governor of this great state and I’ll use every ounce of my political weight to ruin him. Now if he does comply then maybe when Miles is sixteen he’ll find out the truth. Until then we won’t be letting my grandson know that he isn’t biologically a Hessington are we clear?” Charles sat back and looked at Ryan and Whitney.

“I’m proud of you two.” Charles said looking at them. “You have figured out that you’re stronger together than apart and I can’t do anything but respect that. I have built the Crestwoods, our family’s company and so much more. We won’t lose and I want you to know Whitney, I have political ambitions for you. You see Anderson won’t be taking my place it’ll be you that’s a promise Whitney you just keep looking like the devoted mother and I assure you you’ll be moving into the Governor mansion

Lex watched the condo at least for half an hour after their little encounter in the hall his cell phone ready to do what he needed to do if he had to. Honestly though he didn’t want too, he wanted them to all get along. For her to leave fucking town, Jon to keep his nose out of their business and his nephew to stay where he was it was what was best for everyone. He watched as she pulled out her packed suitcase from the doorway to throw in the back of her car it was simple she simply needed to leave the complex and take a right to head to the freeway and the airport. His hand pressed his phone just in case as he watched her car start and then pull out and then she made a fucking left. Why was she being so fucking stubborn about this shit? There was literally nothing in Atlas Falls for her that was good, they could pay her again to go away and she could just go. He kept back as he followed her though the winding roads making sure to stay three car lengths behind. She took another right and he realized they were heading to the Devonshire mansion. Where his sister still was at that awful fucking wedding, likely where Merci was and then it happened he watched as her tire went flat pulling over and turning off his headlights.

He took it as a sign from God or whatever higher power people wanted to fucking believe in that she wasn’t meant to go tell anyone that he had threatened her. He watched as she moved around the car to inspect the damage. The right thing to do was to call a fucking tow truck for her and then there was the thing that he had to do, make sure she knew that his threat was serious that his entire family was serious about protecting Miles. The only way to do that was to hurt her and he made the choice tossing the phone into the cupholder, gripping the wheel and pressed the gas. Her hands were waving at him and he saw her quinting to see who it was and instead of stopping he pressed harder closing his eyes as her body made a thud with the hood of his car and then as it flew into the ditch on the side of the road. He stopped after taking a few deep breaths before he exited the car looking at her mangled body on the side of the road as her head lifted and he saw the blood coming out of body. He debated about leaving her there for a moment looking at the frot of the car something he could get fixed the next day hell in a few hours. Walking towards her he saw her close her eyes before she pleaded for help and he lifted her up carrying her back to the car, he could spin this as he was the hero. Now she would know they weren’t playing as he turned the car around to head to the hospital.

Lex resisted the urge to roll his eyes at his father he would never actually get his hands dirty everyone in the room knew that he much preferred him or someone else to go do it. He would again if push came to shove he just hoped that shove didn’t come there were ways around that. He simply put down the papers as he handed them back to his sister before getting up from the chair. He had other things he could do with his time perhaps go down to the lovely club or catch an early flight back to New York hire one of the girls that way he was lonely. Lonely and just needed a release from the reality of what happened with Skye of dealing with Dani earlier. “As entertaining as this is I need to head out to make sure I’m prepared for this with Elliot should they decide to set a date. Call me if anything changes.” He said leaning down to hug his sister and shake Ryan’s hand as he turned to his father. “Father.” He simply said walking away and back towards the house.

1. Hunter and Bliss are at city hall going over last minute paperwork on the casino when Jon and Devin enter to start to ask questions about Dimitri’s murder. Jon goes hard on Bliss asking her where she was at the wedding as some of the staff said she wasn’t in the room and was missing for the first dance and other events. Hunter tells Jon to stop as he watches Bliss shaking and she again gets sick, Hunter asks if she needs to head to the hospital. Shaking her head no she says it’s just morning sickness leaving Hutner happy but shocked.

Hunter scrunched his nose up at the reports in front of him as city planner it seemed that everyone wanted him to sign off on every project. A restaurant here, the solar panels in the Scottswood neighborhood there and now it was the dock on the lake for the floating casino. The casino of course was Max’s baby, well Max, Lowell’s and Bliss’s had helped with some of the planning on it at least he thought they had. The department of wildlife had gotten involved in the ordeal saying that the casino on water was technically on some sort of wetlands that was going to deter wildlife from inhabiting the area. A tip that had come from none other than Philip Montgomery who filed the claim against the launch in a few months. So head been researching left and right to find a way to make sure that it all worked out in their favor. He looked over at Bliss who actually looked like she wasn’t going to be ill. He was certain that she had caught the flu or some of a cold the last few days but she seemed to be in better spirits enough to come to City Hall from DGI to help him find a solution for everyone involved. He saw his email ding and couldn’t help it but jump up in excitement the report from the wildlife biologist was in. Meaning Philip could suck his Kincaid dick that dock was going up by the end of the week and he could wallow in petty games longer.

“Yes! Take that you human piece of garbage Philip, it’s set Bliss all I have to do now send this to Walter to pass off on it and they can move the boat there for final repairs. Meaning Max can quit pestering us and focus on getting ready for the baby. Like I thought that with her and Seb having a kid she’d you know take a step back and enjoy it. When you and I have one that is what I want for us to take a step back and enjoy it, do you think we should start telling people we’re trying or would that jinx it? Hunter asked, looking at his wife with the biggest smile he could Philip didn’t win in destroying the casino. He may have exposed his father for the asshole that he was but he wasn’t going to hurt what he, Bliss and Max had worked over a year on making happen. He’d drag Philip back into an alley and beat the snot out of him before he let that happen and he saw Bliss slightly smile at him they had talked about it after the wedding. Seeing that Fox was his son now and seeing Jackson with the twins he wanted a family and he was so happy when Bliss had agreed to try, something Max had brushed off every time he brought it up. “You okay you look like you might be sick again. Allergies are a bitch this time of year and I told you that you could stay home and rest if you needed.”

She wanted to laugh at how aloof her husband seemed to be. So she was having a baby because after three years she remembered she had horrible morning sickness. It was awful as she leaned against his desk. “I can’t believe after almost two years we are finally going to open the casino.” Bliss said jumping up and down. Hunter was correct Max was ravenous and she was determined to have the casino opened and that father could see before his death. Max didn’t want to say it but she was really taking Lowell’s illness and eventual death hard. She was adamant that they had to be great as Jackson and Chauncey. That father had to see their success also. Walking to his desk she laughed as she took his hand wanting him to hear her.

“What happened with your father back then wasn’t your father’s entire life.” Just hearing how excited he was to get Philip meant only one thing: Hunter wanted revenge. He wanted to hurt Philip back because he tarnished the Kincaid legacy. In many ways Hunter was suffocated by the legacy while longed to live up to it as well. He wanted to transform the Kincaid name and she was proud to have it. “Listen Hunter it’s okay to love him he was lost but he found a way. Tony spoke out for Steven and we love him for it. Hunter I want you to stop this war with Philip because it will end with so much carnage.” Bliss said as she walked up and kissed him. “You know Max is going to have a baby and Jackson and Dani have babies. Maybe our time is coming? I don’t want our child born into that, you know?”

“Knock, Knock.” Jon said as he looked over at Devin with a white gold wedding band on his finger. He couldn’t believe Devin was so happy and here he was miserable. That fight he had with Skye had been so horrible that he said things. Jon didn’t know how to come back from that. It was astonishing that he couldn’t even find Skye. She wasn’t with Merci and she wasn’t at that sketchy hotel. He didn’t have a main suspect but Jackie’s suspicious behavior had pointed her to directly to Bliss Devonshire Kincaid. She was really glowing and had a look that he’d never seen in her eyes. Fear was easy to spot, it was either confusion or disdain. He couldn’t tell which one. “We are just here to have a major discrepancy in the time and I just need your help to clear this up.” Jon said as he looked at him.

“You see ironically the video of that time in the mansion will not be released into our presence but a girl that was fired from her job recently and said she saw you along with Tamara, and Selina coming into the mansion at ten-thirty pm and ironically can you confirm what time that was? I mean you three had to remember when you were saved right? But I distinctly remember you two coming to find us at eleven. Can you tell me what time you all came back into the mansion? Considering the original report says Simon reported to Devin and us at ten-fifty so how is that possible? I mean you three were seen at ten-thirty coming into the mansion.” He wasn’t going to tell them what Rebecca had said yet. “Can you tell me what time you were saved and how you three ended up downstairs?”

Hunter knew Bliss was right it wasn’t like he wanted to bring their future children into a bad blood battle with with Montgomery family but he also didn’t want Philip to get away with what he had done either. He wasn’t going to make excuses for his father but his family had been in ruin since then, Brooke was marrying Atticus. Anderson had all of his political ambitions put to the wayside no one would even book at the resort they were almost bankrupt that way. His mother was barely hanging on financially not to mention people had protested outside of City Hall even for his removal. Honestly he had thought about resigning because of it Bliss had convinced him not to, it would only make people whisper more about his father so he had stayed. He was a bit taken aback when Jon and Devin entered his office and could already tell Bliss was uncomfortable with him asking questions and he was annoyed hadn’t they already resolved those questions the days after Dimitri disappeared? He folded his arms as he looked at Jon.

“I would like to think my wife has answered all your questions over and over again about that night and what she went through. Simon answered your questions as did Tamara and Selina does it really matter if they got the time wrong?” Hunter asked shrugging at Jon so they didn’t run to the police right when Bliss came back Simon assured him that they were a bit shaken up and none of them wanted to cause more of a scene at the wedding. It wasn’t like there was a ton of other crimes that were committed at the wedding such as Zerick shooting Linus, someone pushing Natasha down the stairs or hell Philip and his stunt could easily be slander. “You’re really circling for crumbs now aren’t you Harrison? Couldn’t department resources be used to find out who pushed Natasha down the stairs instead of constantly harassing myself and Bliss at every other turn you can. Surely there is other suspects and crime you two can chase down besides the man’s dead and I assure you no one misses him.”

“Why didn’t you say Jackie?” Jon said looking at Bliss not even paying attention to Hunter. “No one misses him but Jackie was filthy with all of you right?” Jon looked at Devin who was shocked Jon led with what he knew. It was Bliss face of distortion in that moment that gave it away. She was shocked and immediately in horror. What happened that night? Jon looked at her and wanted to tell them what Rebecca found. The server and waitress had been making out in the pantry and witnessed all the women coming in looking filthy at ten-thirty. Thus making the entire events per Simon timeline a lie. Why were they perfect when they found them? Not a hair out of place? “Well we will soon find out the exact time of death of Dimitri Kavanaugh. The funny thing about that is the icy waters of Lake Everestt it preserved his body. We will figure out everything soon enough and the times mean a lot considering we have a witness. Tell me now Bliss what happened and I’ll get the new ADA to cut you a deal before anyone of them.”

This moment had been replaying over and over in her head what if someone saw them and those words. They have a witness. She started to gasp as Bliss felt sick as hell. As she looked at him. “I don’t know what you are talking about. We were in the mansion the entire time. That witness must be mistaken and the timeline is exactly why I said that night and I do think Simon told you to stop approaching us.” Bliss said as the room became dizzy. Holding the oak desk in Hunter’s office she took a deep breath. Gripping her stomach she turned to the trash and began to spew vomit. Coughing loudly she needed some water. She needed to breathe. “Hunter, I need some water.”

Devin had let Jon take the lead it was after all what the chief had said when she had assigned them to work the case of course new girl Rebecca was on backup. The woman was eager and like Jon once she sniffed out a bone she simply went ragged with it leading to the two new witnesses that she had found. Honestly it was plausible that they were telling the truth it was a large party that was full of music, botched fireworks, a shooting and food they could have easily snuck off for a makeout session and he could see why they were both fired afterwards. On the other hand they could simply be two disgruntled employees that had a bone to pick with the upper class of Atlas Falls. He saw Bliss’s face blanch at the accusations that she was lying about that night, the girl was an awful liar and then he saw her vomit into the trash can. Hunter was staring at them like he was about ready to pummel either him or Jon and he didn’t think the man was wrong. “Jon maybe right now isn’t the time.” Devin said his voice low and hoping that for once in the last six months Jon would see reason and for now just drop this entire case.

Hunter had a few seconds to react watching Bliss’s reaction clearly she was upset reliving whatever hell Dimitri had put her though that night and was just about to punch Jon in the face when she saw her get sick. He immediately rushed to her side rubbing her back while he shot Jon and Devin a glare, she really should have stayed on and he wasn’t taking no for an answer clearly she was coming down with something. He shot Jon another glare as he walked to the counter to grab a few napkins for her and a bottle of water from the mini fridge handling both to her. “Detective as Bliss has told you time and time again Simon found them and fought Dimitri off they returned to Jackson’s wedding. Frankly I’m getting tired of the constant harassment that you seem to think you’re entitled to with my family. I do believe that Bliss is correct that Simon has already asked if you had any more questions to take them to him. Does she really need to go over the torture that man put her through that night or the years before? Would that satisfy your need to keep pestering us. Go to Simon or better yet should I call our lawyer down here? I am sure Mason would love to tell you where you can go just as much as I would.” Hunter said seething at Jon again watching Bliss wipe her mouth and take a drink. “You should sit down and then I’m taking you home, what’s wrong?” Hunter said softly looking at her.

Bliss knew that Jon and Devin were watching her like a hawk. Jon was enjoying her fear and feeling of confinement all around her. Simon had warned him and Mason was going to rip them apart it was what had to happen for this to stop. It was as if she was once again living in fear. She looked at Hunter and felt warm and at home. Jon was trying to take it and she hated to be manipulative but she was a fucking Devonshire. No way was she going to let Jon Harrison catch herself up. Reaching her hand for Hunter. “I’m fine Hunter, I need you to listen to me. All of you need to listen. I wasn’t sick because of questioning Jon. I’m not scared because of some strange timeline because it might be off because that night was off. Everything about Dimitri haunting us was devastating okay. I’m sick because I’m pregnant you asshole. I’m pregnant and I didn’t want to tell my husband like this. I wanted it to be perfect and now you’ve ruined it because I’m scared that everything is so perfect right now. Everything is so good and I have morning sickness. You know Jon, maybe that kid is safer away from you. You are heartless right now and I’m sorry that Skye is horrible but the way you have treated all of us is disgusting. You don’t get to be horrible to people because something horrible happened to you. I have survived raped, assault, phsyical and mental abuse, and so much torture. I am asking you if you have any more questions please call my lawyer Mason Delacroix. If you come near me without contacting my lawyer I will sue the AFPD. Are we clear? No more questions. No more Jon! I won’t have my pregnancy disturbed with this.”

Jon felt like shit immediately when she said she was pregnant. His hand started to shake badly as he looked at his partner and felt exhausted. They were after the killer at least that’s what the higher ups wanted. Dimitri Kavanaugh was a prince and had diplomatic immunity. His murder was a shock to the international community and the world wanted to know if America was safe for diplomats. His chest heaved as he looked at Bliss and felt a slight bit of shame. “No offense Ms. Kincaid but you have no reason to speak to me the way you just did. I’ll be contacting your lawyer very soon and I assure you that pregnant or not if you know or are involved in Dimitri Kavanaugh death. Victim or not Bliss I’m going to bury you because I’ve been giving you all the benefit of the doubt to come clean. I want the damn truth and I’m going to find it.” Jon turned and began to walk away.  “She knows something.” He said, walking away looking at Devin.

Hunter looked at Bliss pure shock on his face that then turned to happiness. They had been trying for a few months but he didn’t actually think that it would happen this fast but he was so excited. He felt like he was a decent and good father to Fox but he hadn’t been there from the beginning with Fox. He wanted that experience to raise a child as his own and he looked at Bliss completely oblivious to Jon or Devin let alone where they were. “I’m so happy Bliss wow! I can’t believe we are going to be parents to our own little boy or girl. Not that I don’t consider Fox mine but this is the best news after last year. All the shit he put us through and now we’re going to have our own family. Fox will have a family he deserves with a sibling to spoil. We have to make an appointment as soon as we can with an OB. We have to tell everyone, what do you need?” He kissed her deeply, not caring if a few minutes ago she was puking her guts out and released her afterwards. She still looked scared or worried and he rubbed her cheek. “I promise Bliss this time will be different and the police aren’t going to bother you anymore even if I have to go down to the police station and tell their new chief myself.”

Bliss touched Hunter’s face and knew he was ready for all being a first but second time dad came with. Laughing she saw Devin and Jon leaving and felt at ease. “It’s alright, I’m fine. I have an appointment with Kelsey for Monday. You just have to relax, dad.” She teased as she touched his suit jacket. “I have terrible morning sickness. I was fairly cranky with Fox, and I had horrible cravings. Don’t judge me during this time.” Joking at this moment seemed to ease her tension from just being interrogated. “We are about to be parents again, this time to our child. I know you love Fox as your own but it’s nothing like holding your own child from you. I know that and I want you to have that same experience.”

**********

Walter held the manilla file in his hands looking at the house that his son in law had built a home or at least he hoped it would be for them, he had been reflecting so much since the wedding. How he had really failed as a father to his daughter yes she had a roof over her head, an education to boot if any of his children were ever going to run the Pub it would be her he saw that now. Food on the table was always provided even when it was tough but did he and Lauen really provide love for her like they should have, he knew Lauren had but the truth was that he was always not there for most of her highs and lows. He was too focused on revenge with Lowell, bedding Brenda and running away from his problems at home. Victoria and Kendall were constantly on his mind lately, the two daughters he had lost one to selfish reasons and the other to a tragic accident that looking back put that final nail in the coffin of his marriage. Looking through the living room window though he saw them smile at each other Jackson was going over some paperwork and his daughter was snuggled up to him pushing the papers away clearly teasing him while the man tickled and teased her back. The twins on the floor playing it was calm and peaceful and he wondered when the last moment he and Lauren had like that. That was what he wanted for her to be happy, he wanted to make sure she knew that now that nothing was more important to him than she was happy, just like Braden was happy now. Knocking on the door he looked at Jackson when he answered.

“I hope it’s alright if I stopped by I know it’s a Saturday. You two probably have things you are doing later but I wanted to come see you and the twins of course. Are you going to invite me in? I would like to think we are all in agreement that I’m trying to make amends with Dani and I haven’t done anything to negate that have I?” Walter said looking at Jackson and seeing Dru in the kitchen on her phone. That had been smooth since their encounter at his mother’s house, something that he had decided not to tell Dani or Jackson about, there was no need Dani was already paranoid. He still thought the idea of a live in nanny was pompous and silly, but that was her choice to make Dru had simply overstepped that night and to his knowledge had kept in line since then. “I didn’t realize you both needed the help on the weekends. I am sure Lauren or your mother would love to see them more, hell myself even if you really needed. Besides, I have the final numbers for you.”

Jackson had sensed Walter’s apprehension against Dru from the very start. Dani felt like it was judgement but he honestly thought that Walter saw something in her character. Something he saw earlier in the year when she tried to seduce him. Dani didn’t need to know and Dru hadn’t tried anything else. That night she must have just made a bad choice but he couldn’t shake a feeling of uncertainty with Dru. “To be honest Dru is leaving soon we’ve given her the day off so we’ll just be home with the twins. That’s what we wanted for a family day. With Jolene and Donovan crawling all around and getting into everything we are enjoying chasing twins. Plus Dani is making her famous lasagna tonight. I’ve been begging and Lauren surely taught her well on that dish.” He chuckled as he let Walter into the house. Walking to the living room he watched the twins interacting and playing with each other.

“No it’s no problem, come on, sit down, let’s have a drink. We welcome grandpa, right twins? You’ve been great with the kids and Dani. Walter I told you I wasn’t going to let her be disrespected and hurt anymore by you or anyone. So I appreciate you trying to mend fences and making a road for the twins to come to you like Dylan does. I see that connection and I know I want my kids to have that with you.” That’s when it hit him the twins would never know Lowell, his father. They’d never see his bad Godfather impersonation or his wisdom. Lowell Devonshire made him the man he was and showed him so much because he never wanted to be dying and alone. He sniffled, holding back tears unsure where it all came from. “Man um what do we owe the visit Mayor Fraiser and I’m sorry about Braden that had to be hard on both of you. We are sending our love to Tamara and actually visiting with the twins so they can meet Delilah.”

Walter stepped into the kitchen raising his eyebrow at the lasagna, a well kept family secret he wouldn’t spoil it for his son in law. Family size Stoffer’s was the normal tradition; it fed everyone well and once you poured a glass or two of wine and whiskey into everyone they soon assumed it was homemade. Not that his daughter couldn’t cook she was fairly self reliant but he knew she much preferred take out and the easy route especially years ago. She worked long hours for Charles and studied hard and soon became what she lived on, something she likely got from him. “Lasagna night make sure you have a few extra drinks with it for old time sake. You could even open that lovely bottle of red my sister gifted you both at the wedding. Chasing them already probably keeps you both on your toes.” Walter said seeing Jackson get quiet for a moment and wondered if it was about Lowell he was still unsure of where that all stood. He ignored Dru in the kitchen, making his way to the wet bar and grabbing two glasses, one for him and Jackson. “I do mean that I’m happy to help out if you need it.”

“I meant what I said Jackson. I want to be a part of her life and the twins and if that means making amends to your father for their sake I will. As for your father I’m sure she’s already talking off your ear about it but life’s too short Jackson forgive him before you can’t. Braden would appreciate the thoughts. I know he was happy when you guys came to see your niece. I don’t think it has really sunk in yet that his career as DA is over. Charles has assured me it’s only temporary.” Walter said looking at the twins and then at Dani who had a scowl on her face looking at a text on her phone. Before she turned her attention back on the twins it was when he noticed Jackson tense at the mere mention of Charles. Charles was still Governor of the state he had uprooted his entire family to Atlas Falls hell he had even opened up another Crestwood there. “I didn’t realize you had such contempt for the Governor. Is something wrong? Charles and I go way back almost as long as your father and I used to.”

Jackson looked at Walter and shook his head at Charles. “I have no qualms with Charles, it’s actually his son. Lex and the Hessington family are the financial backers for St. Christopher newest wing and the charity ball this year. Dani is helping my mother and I trust my wife. It’s that low life I can’t stand. He’s smarmy as if he still has a shot with her. I know it’s petty but I want nothing more than for the revitalization to come through and the money from RePlay to fund events and charity functions but this is the first year DGI just couldn’t do it. That alone irritates me but the fact that he was going to be working with my mother and my wife. That pisses me off, Lex isn’t some altruistic good guy he’s a vain power hungry prick. He treated my wife as if she was nothing and now acts if she is the problem. No I don’t like Lex and no offense neither should you.” He looked at Walter and wondered. “Were you ever jealous of Harvey?” For a moment he felt like he crossed a line but the look of happiness that Jackson was talking to him like this. “I’m sorry for that to be honest it was none of my business. Walter I just can’t talk to my dad right now. I’m so angry with him and no time left or not he’s the blame for our estrangement. As for Lex, I just have this nagging feeling that he will try to interject himself in my family.”

Taking note to buy an extra bottle of red wine they were saving the bottle they got at the wedding for their fifth anniversary. “Don’t mind me we’ve been working nonstop due to the revitalization of Scottswood and with Cassie lawsuit it’s slowing down. The people of Atlas Falls deserves to get the best out life without the billionaires and millionaires playing with them. Those people can benefit from forty dollar light bills and better schools. Look at Yasmine Kohl. She is from those communities we are helping and have you ever seen her dance? The talent and creativity is there and it deserves to be nourished just like ours.” Jackson tapped his fingers on the table. “I was hoping you would tell me DGI won. I was hoping you would say that we’re onto the next step.”

Walter looked at him and then it clicked Jackson was insecure about Lex which honestly shocked him a bit. Yes Lex and Dani had a past but his daughter was completely loyal to the man in front of him. “I’m not shocked Lex wanted to help at the hospital his mother passed from cancer. It’s a cause he and Charles are passionate about. As for Dani Jackson, has she ever given you any indication she isn’t a hundred percent committed only to you?” Walter said it was true years ago he had hoped Dani made her way back to Lex. He’d come to terms that his daughter loved the man next to him, not the man she left in the rear view mirror when she came home. “She hasn’t, we both know that Dani only has eyes for you and your family with the twins. That is what she wants, not Lex. I was jealous of Harvey. I’m not proud of it and maybe if I worked on my marriage to Lauren more instead of chasing Brenda and being jealous of Harvey we could have made it.”

He handed Jackson the envelope he had signed off on DGI winning the contracts earlier in the day. Clearly Cassie and the Montgomery’s were out for blood based on the frivolous lawsuit they had filed, one that was simply brushed aside as foolish earlier in the week. “I’m happy to inform you that myself and the building .commission have awarded the contract DGI. You can announce it at the summit party coming up. Stick a knife into the Montgomery family and twist the knife a little. Scottswood needs a makeover lowering electric bills from the panels to nearly nothing and having the city buy the power back to fund schools in the area is a win win for everyone. You and Dani can move onto the next step. I won’t give you further advice about your father Jackson but I would trade the world to have both my girls back. You have a chance to say goodbye, I didn’t.” Walter finished seeing Dani approach them and setting her phone on the counter. “I just told Jackson the good news that DGI won the contract.”

Dani wasn’t sure she wanted to even work on this fundraiser Lex was still a spoiled brat wanting to add in some costume theme to the event. Jackie had agreed which just irritated her to no end so instead she had tossed the phone down to focus on the twins. Her father visiting was unexpected but she supposed in a good way it showed he really was trying something with her. He had promised at the wedding and had stayed true to that when asked to visit he did, he even had been welcoming to Jackson and deep down she knew that her father adored the twins too. She looked at Jackson with a smile as she saw him eying the contracts they had put a lot of time and effort into the bid the last few months and she was so proud of him. “See I told you nothing to worry about the city council and building commission would see it as a win and the tax breaks for DGI make it even better. Not to mention having Atticus give us something in Isla Del Cruces too. Now care to tell me what you two were hovering over here talking about?” Dani said, kissing Jackson gently on the lips before looking at her father. “Thanks for having DGI’s back on this one. You could have easily voted no on the matter.”

Jackson could tell what he was thinking. That he was jealous of Lex but that was the furthest thing from the truth. He was secure in his marriage and relationship. Dani had moved on just as he had with Esme, Cat, and Skye. It was different though at one point Dani loved him he wasn’t sure if he ever loved those women. It was sex, drugs, and fun but she was going to devote herself to him and marry him. Looking at the contracts and feeling his wife around him he smiled brightly. “I can’t believe it Scottswood is going to change forever from this. Let alone what this will do for DGI and what we have coming up. It truly is a win for everyone involved.” Jumping up he wrapped his arms around his wife. “Dani we have to go out or something. Dru I know we were giving you the night off but can you.” That’s when he saw it. You never know how proud you are of anything until you witness it grow. Seeing Donovan literally standing up on the table made him scream out. “Holy shit! I mean look babe.” He pointed to their son. “Get your camera.” Jackson pulled out his phone as Donovan stood bouncing to Bruno Mars funky tunes. He looked over at Walter recording and Dani just smiling proudly.

Dru looked over at her father and sister gushing at Donovan standing up. He was so proud of his grandson but never even brought her up. She wondered if Victoria survived would he be as invested? From what she heard he never wanted Dani and he did want her. Jealousy was aching to come out of her but instead she took this moment. Opening the back of Dani’s phone she placed the chip inside of it. Then walked out to Dani holding her phone in hand. “I thought you’d like to have this and send it to your friends and family. I’m sorry tonight I can’t watch the kiddies. I actually have a date with Zerick.” She handed Dani the phone. “I’m sure grandpa or granny can handle them tonight right Walter?”

Walter watched Dani and Jackson beaming at Donovan as he pulled himself up onto the coffee table the pure look of joy on their faces. He’d been there for a lot of first steps and moments with all his children and it was a sense of pride and joy. He saw Dru pass his daughter her phone and then smiled as he saw her taking a few pictures to treasure the moment. When Dru mentioned that he could watch the twins he simply nodded his head at them. “If you two want to go out and Dru is busy I would be happy to watch the twins. I could even call your mother if you want for reinforcements.” Walter said looking at them both.

Dani took her phone from Dru opening up the camera to snap a few pictures of Donovan pulling himself up to stand at the coffee table and then watching his knees bop to the music. Before that she had been watching the joy and happiness on Jackson’s face celebrating their win at DGI he had been begging for lasagna night. She could put it on hold though if he wanted to go out, they hadn’t been out in a few weeks. When she heard her father volunteer to watch the twins she almost snorted he wasn’t incapable there were plenty of times he and her mother had helped with Dylan. Wrapping her arm around Jackson’s waist she smiled at him. “Just like his daddy he is going to able to keep beat just watch. It’s fine if Dru has plans I’m sure my dad can handle it if not he knows my mom’s number if you still want to go out.” Dani said rubbing her hand on Jackson’s back.

“It’s settled, the Devonshire’s are going dancing.” He picked up Donovan and swung him around. His son burst into a fit of laughter and he watched Dani picking up Jolene. They together began to dance around each other and did the signature baby swap which is when they switch twins. He now was dancing with Jolene and Dani had Donovan.

“Well the Devonshire’s are having fun tonight and don’t do anything I wouldn’t do.” She said with as much fakeness she could muster. Picking up her bag Dru walked out and opened the ghosting software app. She smirked as all Dani’s calendar, events, contacts, messages all began to load onto her phone and tablet. “I hate to tell you Dani and Jackson this is the last time you’ll be happily dancing.” She laughed to herself as she looked at Walter, Jackson, Dani and the twins all dancing around the living room through the outside window.

**********

Selina sniffed her father’s favorite sports coat and she smiled at the smell of his cologne still faintly on the coat. She placed it in a box of things she wanted to keep. Since Ophelia had chosen to move out of the estate and had told them all earlier in the evening she was leaving. It was shocking to hear her say she was leaving and she needed to get air away from what she had in Atlas Falls. Mason actually shocked her the most. Out of all of us it seemed he took this the hardest due to Ophelia basically being the only parental figure they had left. Jamal was supportive and actually said he wanted Ophelia to be happy. That was a understatement she deserved a break from all the drama that Selina pushed into their lives. What a lot of people didn’t know about the affair with David is she behind the scenes helped them fall together. Things she hadn’t revealed to anyone she did to push her father away from Ophelia. Chauncey knew because he helped but that wasn’t the point. The point was Ophelia deserved a happy ending. Looking at her brothers laughing and talking about memories she knew this estate wasn’t going anywhere. “I was thinking Ophelia said the house is ours. Well one of us has to be here what about you Mason? I mean you and Zach are doing great and I think Jamal would have this another nightclub. So I think out of the three of us you’re most equipped to move in.” She pulled out a box from the back of her daddy’s closet and opened it. Selina howled laughing at what she found.

Flopping on the ground she turned to Jamal and Mason. “Mase, Mal look!” Selina said with a huge grin on her face. “I remember them getting ready for this party. I can’t remember much about momma but she was a force. I remember her wearing this dress and saying baby, nobody is going to look better than your momma. Look at pops with a afro omg!” She laughed touching the picture frame as she looked at Mason and Jamal. “Dad had some issues with momma.” She could tell the atmosphere had changed. “Our momma wasn’t like yours Jamal. She wasn’t this kind of ethereal angel everyone seems to pretend her to be.” Extending her hand to Mason he helped her up from the ground. Then she walked to her purse and pulled out a diary. “I can give you the cliff notes version of what I read but Mason if I do. You won’t have the same image of mommy.”

Jamal looked at Mason’s eyes and saw he didn’t like that diary or journal one bit. Whatever it was it had made him look at the older Delacroix siblings and laugh. “Oh so now you want to believe your momma was a mess? When I recall one of you and mom’s famous blow ups she said that to you. No seriously y’all didn’t believe that did you? All these years of hearing how great she was must have screwed your heads up. I remember once when I was playing with Rory and I heard some stuff.” Jamal said looking at them and at the picture of Gloria and his father.

“You never told us that!” Selina said picking up a shirt and throwing it at Jamal. “Seriously all the times I was disrespectful to Ophelia and you never used that?” Looking at Mason’s confusion. “It’s just some things that happened in the past Mason. I just don’t know if you want to look at it or not. If you do I’ll tell you want I found out.”

Mason had agreed to come help pack up things from his father’s house he was less angry now than he was a few weeks ago when he died. Ophelia had made arrangements and asked to take a leave at the hospital, he knew that his stepmother needed that. A refresh or a reset if you wanted to put ti that way, he had been debating about taking a vacation himself for one with Zach but knew that it wasn’t the best time Zach was training for a new position one he had to keep close to him. Zach wanted to leave the police department and actually go to work for the FBI field office with KC meaning he was actually studying for the exam on top of working the streets that he dedicated his life too. He had been such a shitty boyfriend the past few weeks when his father died taking it out on Zach and the man stayed and put up with his shit. He wanted to make it up to Zach and maybe a nice vacation was the way to do that, he glanced at the picture that Selina had found and couldn’t help the laugh that came out of him as well at how ridiculous the fashion was back then. How his father’s hair was and he looked at their mother and took a deep breath he had faint memories of her at best most of his were with Ophelia and he looked over at Jamal and then back at Selina.

“Honestly after the will reading I just want to move forward Selina not look back at the past and what it can do, you have some sense that you need to know about mom and dad about their life and marriage. You remember her more than I did, you resented Ophelia in ways I didn’t or couldn’t back then and maybe that’s the closure you need.” Mason said looking at her honestly he wasn’t sure he wanted the truth what would it do anyone any good. He had heard things too growing up conflicting things one hand she was the amazing person the other was whispers from staff that were always dimmed out either by Jackie or Ophelia herself. He didn’t understand it then and he didn’t want to now either what Selina had revealed at the will reading was enough. “Mom had an affair on dad with Jeremiah Beecher I think I don’t need to to know anything else Selina she’s dead. I want to do what dad wanted for us all to move on or at least I’d like to think that is what he wanted. I want to move forward with Zach be the best lawyer I know I can be maybe adopt a kid or two along with hell finding Kieran. I don’t want to look at the past and have it bog down what I’m looking forward too maybe that’s why dad never talked about it.” Mason said looking at the packed boxes smiling at the memories of this coat or that as he did, he had taken the books from the library over to the condo that he shared with Zach and he looked at Selina answering her about the house. “I can’t tell you a whole lot but I can’t take the house right now how about you take it.” Mason said he didn’t want to spoil the FBI thing until it was certain.

Jamal looked at Mason and laughed as he shook his head. “What you got up your sleeve.” He took a picture and looked at Gloria. She was beautiful and her pops looked so happy. How the fuck did he take himself out? Biting his lip he stared at Mason who had a cheshire smile on his face. He couldn’t never keep a secret. “Okay keep your secret bro but you’ll crack and you’ll tell us.” He laughed while taking his father’s photo albums from Chicago and Louisiana, a lot of his vinyl records and even some clothes he’d keep forever. His comic books that his dad and he loved they even went to the movies hyped to see their favorite comic stories come to life on screen. “Dad had some smooth shit look he has Marvin Gaye, Smokey Robinson, Peaches & Herb, and even Prince. These are classics.” He looked at Selina and nodded knowing that Mason was right. She should leave whatever was in that diary in the past but Selina was a dog with a bone.

Jamal leaned back on the couch as he looked at them. “Why can’t I live in our childhood home again? Selina thinks I’ll turn it into some party or night club. Come on my nieces and nephews are going to be able to come here and relax hell one of y’all might be living here. I wouldn’t disrespect it but I don’t want the responsibility either.” Jamal knew that was a double edged sword if he had his child he’d want to stay here. He however hated how angry he looked against Val. He cared about her and didn’t want a child now to be honest but he hated that she didn’t even tell him. Pulling out his phone he DM’d Val on RePlay and offered her a meeting. “Yo I gotta go.”

Selina looked at Jamal and scoffed they were practically done so she guess he could leave his uncool older siblings. She couldn’t keep up with him running a label and Elliot listened to rap all the time. She was much more a R&B girl but Elliot always commented that IMoney was one of the most lyrical rappers to come out with mass appeal since Drake. She was so proud of Jamal’s transformation, in many ways she could blame him for the added drama in her marriage to Braden. However they weren’t meant to be. Finding Elliot this last year was actually something she wasn’t expecting especially after Dimitri. Selina’s life was in jeopardy but the Delacroix had just gotten a major amount of shares of DGI.Power she could use to keep her out of jail if need be. Jeremiah said that Gloria didn’t want her father to have the shares. Biting her lip she was taking her own legacy. This also meant she could help steer DGI into a place where they repay some of the messes they’ve made. Scottswood depletion is partially DGI fault in the first place if they were being honest. After building those damn projects Lowell never looked back and the Government and DGI funded revitalization is a start but Selina saw more.

“Okay I’ll keep whatever I find to myself and you two keep both of your secrets. You’re running off and you can’t take the house. Fine, I’ll move into the mansion when my lease is up. I have to get a few things from the house so if you two have everything I’ll lock up. But I just have to find out why Jeremiah turned up knowing he and father were rivals. Why would he think that father would give him a damn thing after having an affair with mom. Why come here and why do all unless he thought he was going to get the shares? That has to drive you both into figuring why he would come back after all these years? Come on, where’s your sense of mystery?”

“You have no idea why and you just have to find out huh Selina? Man you going to uncover something that you might not like.” Jamal said looking at Mason trying to persuade him to get Selina off this crazy kick. “Dad gone man and no matter what we you uncover it doesn’t explain it. He left us man I don’t want to keep dwelling on it.” Walking up he used a handshake to pull Mason into a hug and then turned into kissing Selina cheek. “I’m out and I still think I should be considered the man of the manor.”

Mason understood that his sister wanted answers he couldn’t fault her at that, in some ways he understood it. Zach wanted the answers to what happened to Scarlett and Kieran and it consumed him until he got the answers he sought answers he didn’t like. He wondered if it would be the same for his sister no matter the outcome he would support her. “I want you to be careful and if you need anything let me know. Maybe dad wanted you to look into this because he knew that you could handle it. I’m with Jamal on this one sorry, I don’t want to dwell on the past with dad. I want to move forward.” Mason said giving his sister a quick hug before picking up the box of books he had packed to head home.

**********

Pierre took a seat at the table inside the Rawlings it was about time for everyone to know that that he was back in town so many years away and well he wasn’t afraid to be seen. He did after all control the press when it came to Atlas Falls thanks to Greers quick thinking and making sure Forbes and his dim witted daughter handed it over to them a little blackmail never had hurt anyone. He thanked the waiter as he took a seat and studied the clearly American menu that was trying to be hip and chic when it came to being a modern establishment, in truth he missed the cafe’s in France and the far superior food. For now he would settle for disgusting Americana food that was greasy and he looked around and then at his phone smiling. So the girl had finally gotten the balls to install the software, all there was to do was sit back and watch hopefully it would be enough. If not well he had other ways and means he placed the menu down as he saw Greer enter the restaurant and rose form his seat to greet her. He had hoped that she would be going for the jugular a bit more when it came to DGI instead the papers had a glowing review for Chauncey Devonshire’s sham of a marriage to Natasha Hassan did his little girl forget what the bigger fish that they were after was? The people that had ripped their family apart Walter and Lowell surely she wasn’t going to actually follow through with this nonsense with Brock.

“Ah, te voilà, ma charmante fille. dites-moi comment les choses se passent au journal et pourquoi il n’y avait pas d’emphase sur la destruction de Lowell ou Walter” Pierre said looking at her pointedly as he kissed both cheeks before sitting back down at the table. He saw her holding her mother’s old bag in her hand and for a moment he was transported back to his final moments in this very hotel Agnes pregnant before him Harvey in the chair next to her telling him he was divorcing Freya and going to take Lauren and leave Atlas Falls. Agnes had gripped the bag in her hands just like Greer was now worried he was going to throttle Harvey which in truth he nearly had, thankfully Harvey got his night with Lauren and they were gone while he was sent to jail. “I see you found your mother’s bags I’m glad she would like to that you are using them, I assume that Harvey had something to do with it shipping them over from France. I thought that once you had the paper you would go a little harder after the men that betrayed me and took me from you, from your mother. Perhaps I was wrong as the only thing you seem to have interest in lately is your on going tryst with Brock Fraiser, I thought we agreed that wasn’t the best course of action for you to take.” Pierre finished looking at the water as the waiter placed their glasses down on the table.

Greer wanted to tell her father’s approval badly. All her life in fact it was why she married Zerick for his approval. So much of her life was for his approval. This was all part of his plan her getting pregnant with Chauncey kid and joining the LeClerq family with Lowell’s to dismantle it for the inside out. Yet he never took into consideration she would really develop emotions for Chauncey because honestly his father deserved to die. He was a rat and scum and everyone seemed to rewrite history because of Lowell’s sickness. The man was a monster and what he did to her father was unforgivable but how long was she supposed to make the Devonshire’s pay? Was his life of revenge hers also? That was the question she and Harvey seemed to be asking herself more and more. Sitting down at the table she picked up the glass of fresh water taking a sip unsure if she was ready to do it. Hell she was going to have to convince herself right along with him. Brock was the man for the job. He was her baby’s father.

“The paper is fine father and I’ll have you know that the Fraisers have gotten the brunt of my flame lately. I control the newspaper, have bought the radio stations all over the united states, and I am now owner and CEO of WCAF 7. LeClerq media is now looking to branch into entertainment soon. If you have any questions about that then I suggest you ask our board. I’m bored of the constant squabbling we’ve been doing lately.” Greer said flippantly as she looked at him removing her lace gloves from her hand showing off the mediocre ring Brock had gotten her. “I control the media and the revitalization is in danger due to a lawsuit by MontCorp saying monopoly which is an interesting strategy from none other than Cassandra Montgomery.” Greer leaned in as she looked at Pierre. “As for my personal life, father, it’s none of your business affairs with this woman or that woman. It’s my life and Brock Fraiser who did nothing to you unlike Walter. We just literally took down Braden Fraiser with my informant and she has more. Way more like the smoking gun that could link Tamara to Dimitri Kavanaugh shooting. Now tell me, do you have something to tell me other than how I disappoint you in your constant need for revenge.” She seethed, picking up the water and taking a sip. “It’s true I’m marrying Brock and congratulations are in order father. I’m pregnant.”

Pierre listened to her ramble on about the media corporation and felt annoyed. Did she really think he came back to Atlas Falls to just run a media empire after what was stolen from him? No he came to make sure Lowell paid for sending him to prison and that included his pompous eldest son and naive Walter he was set on destroying him for not helping him. If that meant letting his new little birdy Dru spread her wings and destruction all over that family he’d do it in a heartbeat. But to hear that Greer was simply giving up after Lowell and Walter had forced Agnes and Harvey to leave Atlas Falls while he was sentenced was frankly the epitome of disappointment. Dru had more ambition for revenge than his own flesh and blood ridiculousness. He sat the water down on the table slowly at her gleeful announcement and almost laughed at her baby. She was not ready. “You’re bored of the squabbling we’ve been having, didn’t I let Harvey and Forbes groom you to be the master at the chess board instead you’re settling my dear and settling hard.” Pierre said leaning back in his chair and looking at her, he waved the waiter away.

“I didn’t spend over twenty five years in a jail cell missing your birth, your birthdays, graduations, dance recitals, hell your mother’s funeral for you to play house with Brock Fraiser. I mean the man can barely provide for you let alone a child, far to self serving with honor to give you want you truly desire I mean look at how small the ring is Greer. You threw your destiny away for a clearance sale.” Pierre said looking good at the small engagement ring with disgust. In truth he wanted her to spread her wings and bag a Devonshire to destroy that family from the inside out. Brock was no prize on that quest; he wasn’t even Walter’s spawn. “And how does Chauncey feel about this revelation? I thought you assured me he’d come back to you by now. Or is that in the past now? Lowell and Walter sent your mother to the grave and here you are happily moving on to play house with a man so far beneath your status appealing and did you even want this baby?” Pierre finished finally looking at her as the waiter came back and he simply looked at the man. “I’ll have the balsamic braised steak and potatoes make sure its medium rare, side salad French dressing and a glass of Château Greysac.”

“I’ll have the bluefin tuna tar tar, please bring me extra lemon wedges, a caesar salad, and a glass of orange juice.” She said, closing the menu and handing it back to the waiter. “You trained me to be a weapon to use in the game of chess the queen of the board. Except I was never a Queen always a pawn. You know father I was given the best at everything education, finishing, art, and the one thing I never had was love. Even when you came out of jail I just felt so empty because it felt like you had my life planned. My life that was never mine. How am I to know if I am to love anyone when you have made love a game. This is sad that you can’t even congratulate me because you’re concerned if I am able to snag a Devonshire or Hessington or someone else. If I destroy DGI it will be because I want to do it not because I am at your hand. You have banked on me being your weapon well you do it. You take them down and I’m not a weapon for you. I have little care about a woman I never met. She brought me into the world and she’s dead now. Sadly I miss my mother every day and want to speak with her. I don’t have her but shall we spend a eternity fighting for her? Should I spend my life forever avenging my dead mother that I never knew?” Greer said leaning back knowing he’d be giddy if he knew this baby was Chauncey’s.

“Chauncey is already back if I want him. I don’t father. I don’t want him and maybe I want a simple life. Maybe I don’t want to be like you. So full of venom and corruption that you don’t know who you are outside of revenge. Tell me daddy, when was the last time you had a meaningful relationship? Someone to make you feel anything other than the constant pain that you hold so dearly. Settling for Brock, I should be so lucky to have him. That man has taught me how to love and I’m sorry Papa but I’m keeping this baby. I’m keeping my engagement to Brock and I’m marrying him. I’m marrying a man who truly loves me and wants to see me do better. Now please can you say I love you Greer no matter what? No matter if you’re working to destroy the Devonshire’s or not I love you? Or is your love conditional with me being your pawn and never my own Queen.”

“I wanted the best for you Greer I entrusted your uncle to make sure that you were sent to the best schools hell I even let him raise you. Forbes was always meant to make sure that you adn Zerick met to grift and scam people once you were old enough to be told about where I was and why I assumed that you knew that. Lowell has to pay for what he did to me, Walter too neither of them lifted a hand to help me for the money that Lowell made me move for him and well once he gets what’s coming to him in death, I still won’t back down from taking over DGI and making sure they lose everything. You were lucky as was Harvey that I moved funds to make sure you had the lifestyle you were always destined to have something the feds could never touch.” Pierre said looking at her he had wondered if he had been to hard on her over the years he wasn’t the most loving man he knew that, but what was he supposed to be. Hauled off to jail in a frenzy of a courtroom watching as Harvey escorted Agnes out of the courtroom as she was screaming for him. Forbes had loaned them the plane for Harvey and Agnes to leave the country confirming it was the best he could do, the flight had been to much on her and he closed his eyes at the memories. The call that came a mere twenty four hours into his sentence from his brother Agnes had went into labor on the plane, dying in birth and he was left with Greer. “You act as if I should just forget about her.” Pierre said painfully the memories almost too much for him to take.

Perhaps he had always asked and dreamed too much of her to take on Lowell and the rest of his family, he had been so consumed with revenge for what they had done to them, done to Agnes. Harvey had tried to warn him over the years trying to balance out his need for revenge with letting Greer make her own choices in many ways. His brother was the father that he never was to Greer and he was jealous of that. “Your uncle is too fucking soft I warned him of that years ago, never willing to make the hard calls always wanting to strike a deal it’s one of the reasons I wanted you to work with Forbes and Zerick. I wanted Forbes to help mold you into the Queen you could become and you did prove that when you got LeClerq media.” Pierre looked at her wondering what he could say about her child with Brock, did she expect him to jump for joy that she had settled for Brock when Chauncey was there for the taking like she was claiming? Was a life with Brock really what his daughter aspired to? Living in the middle class of Atlas Falls with a firefighter by day and construction worker as a side job. “Is that what you really desire deep down Greer to be Brock’s wife, he’s old school you know he’ll expect you to stay home and raise his children forget working at the office all the time. You’ll live within your means with him, indulging in the finer things like tar tar won’t be something he puts on the menu at home. I mean have you even begun to plan the wedding? Are his parents going to help foot the bill? A child won’t change that with him, he’s always looked his nose down at the upper class people with money Greer.” Pierre asked looking at her one thing he was certain of: that Helen and Brendan would turn her wedding into a small country affair in a heartbeat they could never give Greer the wedding of her dreams.

Greer felt a pang in her stomach the moment he talked about her wedding. She’d been married once and it was a ceremony of convenience. Nothing like the lavish dream wedding she’d always wanted. She wanted an event something the history books could remember. Something so big, so gaudy, and so extravagant that the media would say it was too much. He always knew how to hit her. This time was a knockout to her dreams as a child. She used to think about her father walking her down the aisle and now he was ruining it. She would have some barn wedding no doubt because Brendan and Helen were small meek people. Nothing bold or over the top for them. It was all about blending and she felt that’s what her life would be about now blending. Brock didn’t and wouldn’t control how much she worked and she felt entirely emotionally manipulated right now. Tears burned in her eyes as she looked at her father. Shaking her head as the waiter returned with their dishes. “I’ll take mine to go. Please box it up and I’ll be leaving. Tell the valet to bring my car around.”

Picking up her purse and placing her strap on her shoulder. “I have spent my life trying to be the best for you. I have never wavered in our commitment to be the best. I just can’t keep living my life for your revenge. I can’t keep being a weapon that you say you love. You don’t love me daddy this isn’t love. This is toxic and wrong and if my mother was alive she’d be ashamed of you. I know that, I saw all those videos of her pregnant and she didn’t want this for me. She didn’t want me to be a weapon or a pawn or a Queen or anything but Greer LeClerq. I wonder all the time if you died and she lived would I be this person. So materialistic, vain, self-serving, and shallow. You have no idea what I am dealing with. What’s worse is I can’t even trust my own father with my truth anymore. You’ll use it against me and hurt me. I know Willow didn’t have her relationship with Harvey but sometimes I want to shake her. I want to punch her because out of the two LeClerq brothers she got the one with a heart. No matter what, I have a prisoner who never really loved me!” Greer said, throwing her napkin down. “Don’t call me unless it’s about the business I mean it.” She heard all she needed to hear he didn’t want her child if it was Brock’s so he’d never know it was Chauncey’s baby. “Good-bye father.”

Lauren was sitting at the bar waiting on Randall who kept telling her he was thirty minutes late. She overheard Greer and Pierre’s little fight and she had to side with Pierre. The girl would never be happy with Brock; she had gold in her eyes. She also felt it wasn’t her place to say anything but a nagging feeling was eating her up. Lauren watched Greer storm off and waited for a moment. “Greer’s pregnant? Wow it’s really going around huh? Something in the Atlas Falls water right now. I’m happy about it, what I am not happy about is how you are sicking your little poodle to attack my family. Pierre if things were different we would have been family you know that. You know that Greer attacking my family isn’t what she would want. In fact what you have turned that girl into my God Aggie would be rolling over in the grave. She doesn’t fit but that isn’t your place to tell her. She is trying to love someone and what is worse is you are denying her the chance. This is sick even for you. I haven’t talked to Harvey in years but if I see it again, I’ll call him so fast your head will spin. Love her! Help her!” She screamed at him. Seeing Randall at the door she grabbed Pierre’s hand.

“I still love your brother even though we didn’t make it. I always knew Pierre you were the best man for Agnes. I watched you and Agnes’ love story and it was magic. Now she’s gone and your little girl is crying for love and attention. Don’t forsake her. Don’t leave her because you know if Victoria wasn’t born I would have left with my kids to Harvey. I would have had a blended family and she would be my niece now. If that was my family and I saw the pain she was in. The literal questioning of your love for her. Pierre fix it, or I will and I’ll tell her why she can’t be a Fraiser. She’s not built for it.” Gripping his shoulder because she could clearly see Pierre was heartbroken still from losing Agnes. “I have to go.”

Pierre couldn’t help it as he saw Greer grow a backbone with him and leave the table in truth it was the first time he felt that she was that Queen she wanted to be. He could also tell that what he said to her was getting to her he was never one to sugar coat anything when it came to her. Brock could never give her the stars and the moon that she dreamed out, he wondered though as he looked at his plate of food though if he had pushed her away for good, if he always saw her as a weapon ever since that phone call. He looked down at his steak before pushing his plate back suddenly losing his appetite while his phone began to buzz. He went to reach for it only for him to see Lauren there with her hand on his shoulder. Looking up at her lecturing him was rich and he stood from the table removing her hand from his shoulder.

“Don’t mention Agnes Lauren and I won’t mention your daughter that died. You and Agnes were barely friends, you were too far up Jackie’s ass back then. Yes apparently with Brock’s baby I’m sure your family will make her feel welcome, they’ve been so forthcoming especially Dani. As for Harvey you kept him on a string in your unhappiness dangling things before him, never following through. The best thing he ever did was marry Freya the worst thing fucking you when he came back to visit while you and Walter were on a break during my trial.” Pierre said no matter how much he loved Harvey as his brother watching Lauren toy with him in her own little way over the years was something he couldn’t stand. Then here she was lecturing him on parenting and he laughed at her. “Save your sanctimonious lectures for Walter Lauren. Rumor has it you did such a bang up job there. You’re right you see Greer isn’t cut out for your family she’s always been above you. I’ll give Harvey of course your best. Excuse me.” Pierre said coldly before he walked away from Lauren leaving her standing wondering how he was going to come to terms with Greer’s choices.

**********

Lowell rolled into Rory’s office in DGI headquarters and was impressed with how big the remodel of his wing the building was. RePlay surely saved them from having a poor financial season last year. The investors were excited to see what was next from Rory. Even though he wouldn’t be a mainstay at DGI he knew his son’s brilliance would takeover from Jackson and Chauncey one day. Hell DGI might not be the same by that time but Rory wanted to make his own name and that he respected. The new wing of DGI had been remodeled for Rory’s tech-team. They didn’t look like they were doing much but beside the energy division, it was RePlay making the most money. As he picked up a remote he turned on the television except to all offices. Quickly turning it off he laughed looking around at the game systems, and the relaxed atmosphere that he’d created for these nerds. Well thats what they’d be called back in his day. As he rolled to the back of the wing he saw Rory sitting at his desk looking like him back in the day. So focused he didn’t even notice he was there. He didn’t know how to do this. How to fix what was so fundamentally broken back then.

“Rory.” He called out knocking on his son’s door. “I’m sorry to disturb you but I came to have a quick chat if you aren’t too busy. I know you are running DGI’s tech division and bringing it. If you didn’t take your name out of the ring your brothers might be a little jealous of you.” Biting his lip he knew he had to spit it out. “I am on a one man journey before I die, Rory. I have to try and tell you all how much you mean to me. I never thought about having another child after the twins and Bliss. You came at such a vital time for your mother and I and I appreciate the joy you brought to us. The love that you gave me even when I didn’t deserve it. Out of all my children you stayed by my side even when I kept a secret after secret until it was too much. I’m not asking for you to forget all I’ve done. I’m asking to have a relationship with you. So how about we do this differently? Can I help with Aspen? Blythe has mentioned she isn’t taking the miscarriage well.”

The renovation of the RePlay wing of DGI had been a focus of his on top of everything that had happened with him and Aspen, he had wanted to not be at the DGI building at all at first. But after a lot fo thought between him and Jamal they had agreed it was the best location for Replay and then Jamal could run his label on the same floor. He had been serious about not wanting to be CEO of DGI he much preferred to be owner and operator sole CEO of RePlay Inc. his own man that set his own rules. He of course still voted at DGI and had all his shares there but he had his own company and there was less pressure on him to lead DGI something he wasn’t super excited for. He was on his computer throwing around some new specs on another new app that he had thought about, Aspen and his experience being something that put his mind on it. What if there was an app that could track fetal monitoring to the next degree? He wasn’t sure how logical the idea was it wasn’t some huge social media project he was behind either but he felt maybe it would make a difference. The other project was online currency he had started to think about it after DGI’s awful last year they had all tehri stocks were in the real stock market and maybe ti was time he invested in the online currency market, he was brought out of his thoughts when his father came into the office and he turned his attention to his father.

“Come in dad, it’s fine I just was doing some brainstorming. Just some ideas I had that I needed to write down and get off my chest.” Rory said looking at him come into his office and he nodded his head at his father he of course was always going to be a part of DGI just not the part leading the company from here on out. He had forgiven his father for what happened last year it was messy and he unlike the rest of his sibling had never really picked a side. The truth was out now that Linus had raped Katie, that Zerick was his cousin not his brother he still didn’t understand why his father lied about it. The worst part was his divorice from his mother over it and then finding out he married Tess a mere day or two afterwards. “I didn’t want to pick a side last year.” He said honestly and then he sat down on the chair next to his father nodding his head at Aspen. “She’s taking it really hard you know? She really was in love with the baby. I don’t really think there is much you can do she is so angry at everyone and won’t see anyone at the hospital to talk about it.” Rory said feeling like he could actually be honest with his father about it and he didn’t have to hide that it was a shitty time for them.

Lowell’s heart swelled as he listened to his son talking about how he didn’t want to pick a side against Jackie and him. He wished that he didn’t place his children and Jackie in the middle of his sin. He desperately wanted to reach out and hug his son. Tell him how sorry he was but right now they’d all deserved to hate him. While on the other hand they’d all love him again after his death. After they found out what he was doing against Tess. Folding his arms he nodded his head as he listened to his son’s troubles and he wanted to see them happy. Rory eyes were holding so much pain. “Tell me son, I know there’s nothing I can do for Aspen but I do want to ask you something. Yasmine Kohl is still a part of your heart. I didn’t understand it and I probably will never. I realise that you haven’t looked that happy in years.” Lowell heart was pounding hard because asking his kids about their personal lives. This was something he wasn’t ready for.

“If you still love her then I think you should go after her. I have learned one thing this year is to go after whatever you want. I know that I’m not the one you would more than likely speak to about this. I like Yasmine she has fire and enough power to be a Devonshire. What I mean is that girl didn’t back down against me or Jackie. She stood up strong and if you still love her Rory go for it. I don’t care if she’s a Montgomery. All I want to see is you and happy my boy. If you and Aspen aren’t happy then let it go. I just want to see my kids happy after my death. I want you to be in love and be happy. Can you talk to me and maybe I can help you through this.” Lowell reaches out to Rory. “I’m dying but I want to feel normal and maybe we can have a normal conversation. Maybe I can help my son.”

Rory honestly had shifted his feelings the last few months he had come to terms with letting Yasmine go painful terms but terms none the less. He refused to be his father caught between two women with a child on the way and that was how he thought. He was committed to the baby and Aspen that was his priority and Yasmine was a piece of his past that he couldn’t have anymore. “Yasmine will always be a girl that has a part of my heart dad but with everything that happened with her and Aspen I can’t just erase that you know? You and mom disliked her from the get go and I thought I was going to break your archaic snobby ass values and I thought I did for a while when I said fuck you and dated her. Then we got into that shit ass fight over Kendrick and the club before the kidnapping and Tess came onto me. You know what happened that night.” Rory said looking at his father he regretted so much about sleeping with Tess it wasn’t even a joke now the woman was a menace and his life had imploded over one screwed up night of passion with a woman old enough to be his own mother. “I ruined whatever chances I had with Yasmine I take full responsibility with that. She’s happy right now with Khalil or whoever she is seeing this week.” Rory said looking at his father it felt nice to talk about everything for once in the last few months.

“I don’t have some magical switch in me dad that I can be oh look Aspen lost the baby I have no obligation to her anymore let me run off to Yasmine because I already did that while Aspen was pregnant and I still feel like shit about it. You did that to mom and Tess for how many fucking years without so much a care for either of them and I told myself once I learned that Aspen was pregnant that would not be my story.” Rory said it really didn’t matter if he loved Yasmine or not anymore that wasn’t the point the point was that Aspen lost their child and was upset about it, was grieving that loss so fucking hard he wasn’t sure how to help her. Sure Randall and Blythe and been so supportive in their plight to help the both of them so that was comforting, even his siblings had expressed their condolences, his mother too but it’s like his dad wanted him to run back to Yasmine to spite Aspen. “Aspen deserves me at my best dad and chasing a childish dream with Yasmine would just be that a childish dream. I was happy with Aspen Dad, hell I still am even though she’s pushing me and everyone away, RePlay is doing good I don’t need Yasmine Kohl in my life to make me happy. I’m satisfied where I am, what I need is someone to help Aspen she won’t even listen to her parents who went through this shit.” Rory said looking at his father not sure if he shocked him or not he’d grown up the last six months and knew his decision to stay with Aspen in her time of need was for the best.

“I’m so proud to hear you say that.” Lowell said looking at his baby boy. “Already smarter and more virtuous than I ever was. Rory I understand the predicament. I know I’ve been selfish in how I’ve treated you.” Raising his hand he wanted to say it. “If you ever felt not special or a burden to me. It was never you because you were a gift to Jackie and me. You reminded me that I loved my wife so much. I understand I’ve hurt you son but I can say this to you honestly and this doesn’t leave this room between me and you. Tess will pay for all she has done. She targeted my son and then did something unforgivable and I want her to hurt. I want her to pay even in death so please understand one thing. You will never be me because you are better than I am. Rory I need to ask you something. I need you to forgive me for the way I handled everything these last few years can you do that?” Looking into his boys eyes as tears spilled down his face. “Can you please forgive me?”

Yasmine had on a yellow-gold half bolero jacket, matching mini skirt, and pair of Alexander Wang wedge pumps. As she walked through Renards with a smile on her face. Since the wedding she’d been actually feeling good. To be honest she didn’t think about Rory or Khalil ass anymore. She’d been focused on dancing and since Valentine’s day was over she was really feeling herself. Walking through different boutique’s she bought different items and had them shipped to her apartment. Even though she wasn’t fucking with Forbes she wasn’t dumb enough to give her newly found trust fund. The money was the one good thing about his ass. Yasmine felt good about the new dance team she put together. They would make a impact in competitions and she would try to get them into historically black colleges and universities with their dancing. Male majorettes, and female dancers were always needed. Eventually Yasmine wanted music teachers, dancers, singers and everything to help Scottswood youth. They had it and she wanted to world to know it. Soon they would with her dance team. Turning around she saw her and rolled her eyes. She knew it was time to go. She didn’t have time for Aspen’s dramatics and she didn’t want to fool with that girl.

“Oh Yasmine!” Aspen called out to her.

Fuck, fuck, fuck Yasmine thought to herself as stiffened up. Yasmine hadn’t been focused on either Rory or Khalil that didn’t mean she hadn’t spoken to them both. Rory was trying to figure out a way to fix all this while Khalil had apologized for calling her whore in front of Atlas Falls. Spinning around she waved at her and paused looking at Aspen. “Hey Aspen, how are you doing?”

Aspen looked at Yasmine and her entire body began to burn with jealousy in two distinctly different ways. Some people had that thing about them that made people drawn to them. She hated that Yasmine just seemed so alluring to people and how everyone seemed to just fawn over this bitch. The other was simple: both the men she loved and liked had some sort of obsession with her. Things shifted recently with Khalil and Rory. Somehow Rory was starting to not feel uncomfortable anymore. It was starting to get really sweet. Aspen knew that it was the baby but she didn’t care. If it was Lex or his, this baby was a miracle and exactly what she needed to beat Yasmine. It was going good until last week when she picked up his phone and saw he was texting Yasmine. It was like he couldn’t get enough of her. Why didn’t he just leave her alone? On the flip side Khalil and she had formed some kind of weird unlikely friendship through their mutual scheming. It wasn’t until recently did she notice that Khalil was texting her and talking to her more than Rory. The other damn night they fell asleep on the phone. It was so cute but somehow Yasmine always comes back into the picture.

“I would tell you to stop talking to Rory but I know a cheap whore like you wouldn’t do that. Your mother was a junkie whore right? Like mother, like daughter because I heard you moved into some place in Scottswood right?” She seethed as she removed her gold aviator Ray Ban sunglasses. Wearing a military green trench coat dress by DVF. “You don’t get to do this anymore Yasmine, not to me, not to Rory, and not even Khalil.” She noticed her ears perked up when she said her former boyfriend’s name. “Rory is going to be a father and you need to back off. I mean it Yasmine stay away from him and stop pretending you care about Khalil. He doesn’t need your bad influence; he’s doing really good right now. He doesn’t need your negative energy understood? ”

Yasmine felt like she wanted to stomp a mudhole in this entitled little bitch but she just sat back and listened to her rant and rave. “You know why Rory wants me? I know how to keep it cool and I’d never do no lame shit like blow up his shit in front of his family at a wedding. It’s springtime and I guess I got to clean your clock again. Your man keeps texting me honey and let me get this through your thick ass skull. You can have Rory but remember you’ll never be first place boo. You can’t beat me and you’ll never be able to even if you’re pregnant or not. You want to know why`it’s me he wants me and he doesn’t want you. Hell you trapped him. No shade Aspen and everyone sees it as a desperate plot but I’m not even going to go there with you. You can have him boo I told you so tell your man to stop texting me.” Yasmine barked back.

“You ghetto bitch.” Aspen said raising her hand and slapping Yasmine across her face and knew that she shouldn’t put her hands on her. “You didn’t say anything about Khalil he’s becoming a dear friend and you’re so jealous because I have Rory and Khalil is my friend and you’re bitter and alone. I want to help you if you keep this up nobody will ever believe your ghetto ass is my uncle Forbes daughter. Did you know we are sort of cousins? My mom is Audrey’s sister and in some pseudo way were family so let me give you some advice find someone else.”

“Girl keep your damn hands off of me bitch if you weren’t pregnant I’d drag you all around this store.” Yasmine began to walk away and she knew that she needed to get away because she wanted to get the fuck her up badly. Turning around she saw Dani who looked concerned. “Dani come get this damn girl she done hit me and if I beat her ass I’ll be wrong.”

“Dani doesn’t have to get anything you need to stay away from Rory and Khalil! You are menace to Atlas Falls young men you are the festering wound that won’t go away! You are trash Yasmine! You are trash! And you’re going to listen to me.” Grabbing her arm.

Yasmine yanked away from Aspen.”Get your hands off of me.” As she turned around it seemed as she slipped back and flipped over a display she screamed as she saw Aspen fall on her stomach. “Dani!” She screamed as she looked over at Aspen running to her. “Aspen are you alright.”

Aspen felt the pressure as she flipped over that display and she immediately cramped up. She rolled over and screamed out as she gripped the ground which hand silk fabric dresses cascading around her. She screamed again seeing Khalil and Dani rushing to her. She leaned back and cried as she felt Khalil and Dani by her side. All Aspen could do was close her eyes and know it was over. Yasmine had won. She had Rory and she had just lost the baby.

Rory looked at his father and he wasn’t quite sure what he expected him to say there was nothing that he could really do to take away the fact that his child with Aspen had died, hell they didn’t even know what it was. In the fray of the hospital visit, of sitting in a chair staring at Yasmine across from him, Dani gripping his hand and his brother arriving to embrace him Aspen had sadi she didn’t want to know. So he didn’t ask, Blythe and Randall had arrived afterwards when he was finally at Aspen’s bedside as she rested and Ophelia assured him it was a tragic accident miscarriages happen and it is often times no ones fault. He looked at his father and wondered if he was going around making his rounds with all his children. “Listen dad I forgive you for last year and all that shit life’s too short I think the thing that was hard for all of us was what you did with Tess so soon. That hurt mom even if she says it didn’t you should have seen her face she was crushed. As for Aspen and Yasmine, I’m not sure how you think you can help. Money won’t solve what she is going through or the grief that she feels you know? I think right now the best we can do as a family is really welcome her and stand by her side that includes most of all me and everyone stop bring up Yasmine everytime around her.” Rory said, looking at his father hoping he understood. “Maybe I don’t know next time you see Aspen tell her you appreciate her place in my life. I know you’re trying dad and I think that is all I want right now since I think you know how I feel about everything at DGI. I want us to have a relationship while we still can you know?”

If he could get up and walk over to Rory he would have walked to his son and hugged him. Instead Lowell lowered his head and began to cry. Hearing his son words the shame of what he had done began to eat at him. All the women he could have protected if he just told the truth. All the time he could have had with Chauncey, Jackson, Max, and Rory if he just kept it in his pants. He chased after Tess and Audrey because he could. He hated Forbes so he went after Audrey, and Tess just happened naturally but he wasn’t so sure about that now. As he wiped away his tears and sat with his son’s forgiveness. “I have given my life to this company and I should have been devoting all my energy to you kids. I should have told Chauncey he was brilliant, I should have given Jackson more love, let Max know that she was the most beautiful girl in the world, and told you how special you were to me and your mother. Rory I failed as a man, because I didn’t let you all know how amazing you are. You are a brilliant son and I am a fool for ignoring it. Look at you leading your own branch of DGI. I can’t believe it and I know you’ll leave and do more but right now. I can’t be prouder of any of you.” Lowell rolled back and maneuvered his way to Rory. Grabbing his son’s hand.

“I’ll inform Aspen she has my love and my deepest sympathies.” He looked at his son own eyes burning with tears. “I love you. If I didn’t say it enough to you as a child. If I didn’t show you enough attention.” Lowell’s voice cracked as he lowered his head. “If I wasn’t there for you, Rory I love you so much if you didn’t know it. You are my precious baby boy. You are four and all six of you have my heart. Whatever is left of this mortal coil. You have it because I am nothing without my children. I ruined the best thing in my life son please don’t follow my path. Unfortunately I think you already are. Go with your heart, you see I never wanted to cheat but it was the thing to do and then it became normal. Rory if you don’t love her, then let her go. I should be going I’m late for a doctors appointment with David.” Wiping his face. “I love you my boy.”

**********

Cassie held the phone to her ear listening to Miguel Perez drone on and one about how MontCorp was simply not the company he wanted to back and sell too. Stupid men always thought they knew better then she did or her father did and she almost let out a snort. Venezuela was quickly on it’s way to becoming a third world country at this rate and it anything them buying and selling off his precious company would at least provide for his family to get the hell out. She picked up the paper the front page news of course was the scandal at the DA office and a small byline about how Jon and Devin were still looking into Dimitri’s murder. She pursed her lips for a moment about Jon Harrison if she was honest with herself he was thrilling and different than other men she had been with but he also wanted more for her. He wanted her to settle down in a pretty house and for a while it was nice to believe in that fantasy that she deserved and wanted that life. Until reality set in that she deserve to run MontCorp more so than any of her siblings including Philip and once her father pointed out who Miles was, well she knew it was over. She was never going to back Jon on his quest to get Miles back and being a step mother wasn’t something she was interested in. Ruining Skye and Thor though for her was icing on the cake, Thor played their game and got burned by Skye everyone was even now. The door to her office open and she smiled at Thor waving him in.

“Miguel your company right now stands to make a profit of over five million dollars if you sell to MontCorp now, it provides you and your family a way out of your current predicament and that is in Venezuelan cash convert that to US dollar or Euro and you have more.” Cassie said hearing the man talk to his wife and other business investors she rolled her eyes putting her wireless headphones on mute for her end. She eyed Thor from behind the desk standing to greet him when he finally reached her and wrapped her hands around his neck kissing him. She had wanted to be at the jail when he was released but MontCorp took president and once she knew that Gia would be there she had kept her distance. Thor didn’t trust her and she had been around him long enough to just let him handle his side of the family. “You look like you haven’t slept in months. Do tell how did it go with the new soon to be sister in law? Hopefully more interesting than listening to this awful old geezer drone on in my ear.” She said pulling back from him and wondering how much longer this idiot was going to debate selling to her on the other end.

Wrapping his arms around Cassie waist he looked at the files on the screen and shook his head. Biting his lip she looked scrumptious in that nice leather get up. Her red hair always drove him wild. When she brought up Gia it almost killed the mood. It was like he knew something and his big brother wouldn’t listen to him. Thor had spent his life around gangsters, whores, and on the flip side he was also around scholars and businessmen. He saw the way that things were manipulated by the female glaze. Women oftentimes didn’t get one over him because he was taught by hookers how women worked. This time was no different; it was something in Gia’s eyes that said she was out for blood. Some people could hide the venom very well but she had such a bloodthirst for whatever her long term plans were that it was clear. Ronan was in danger and to him he was in mourning. Ronan never wanted to let Brooke go and by doing that he opened himself up to Gia. This woman had his niece or nephew inside of them and she was the biggest threat that the Madden organization had ever gone up against.

“Let him know that if he sells now that he’ll make more money for his family, not only that if he doesn’t then you’ll buy the surrounding land on every digsite in Venezuela. He’ll never be able to put up another condo or build. It’s simple to stop him from doing anything if that’s the case.” Thor said kissing her neck. “As for Gia I really don’t want to talk about that bitch. One way or another I’m going to expose her but I was thinking.” Thor said getting on his knees and no longer unabashed at why he came here. They’d been fucking like rabbits since he was let out and it was no doubt time again. “I have some old friends who are still owe my momma a favor or two I’m going to figure out Gia Falcone before she gets my dads last name and before my brother is in the ground. Every man she touches dies and I’m not letting that happen to Ronan but I also don’t plan on my life being in the mob much longer.” Pulling down her pants he dove his head onto her thighs. Slurping love marks on each thigh. “I want to work here. I want to take on the Devonshire’s with you and it’s no beef. I just love being challenged really and taking on and destroying DGI well that’s actually a challenge. Who knew I’d get bored being a mobster?”

Cassie listened to him talk about how she could squash the rich senile tycoon from Venezuela on the other end he made a good point the man didn’t sell to her MontCorp could bankrupt them. Her stepmother could easily use some influence from local states and governments down south to make sure that he was tied to contractors that were never going to finish the job they’d bankrupt him and he’d lose profit in the deal. When he said he didn’t want to talk about Gia anymore she almost smirked at him, clearly he still didn’t trust the bitch when it came to Ronan, she understood the sentiment she wouldn’t let anyone or anything hurt Philip maybe the other two two she would but Philip was blood. She had nothing against Joaquin and Xiomora they were just her children that had been raised on another continent. She and Yasmine had gotten to be friendly over the last six months not that they had girls days yet but she was working her way up to it, it was after all quite the shock to find out she was her sister. She and Philip had hired her as a stripper at the club not their best shinning moment as siblings then again if there father would have simply told them what was up they wouldn’t have hired her. She heard the phone click back on and Miguel start speaking again he was still unsure he microphone still on mute.

“You’re quitting the family business and finally putting that education to work I think you mother would be proud of that. As for Ronan let him be Ronan with the New York bitch while you make sure his ass is covered. I think I can find you something to do for MontCorp that could lead you right into the fray at DGI.” Cassie said as she looked at Thor go down on his knees and she couldn’t help out the seductive grin she gave him, he was always so naughty with her. In truth they had caught up right where they left off once he was out and she didn’t want it too stop life was too short for that. Her legs trembled a bit when he began to suck on her thighs and he raised her skirt the thrill of what they were doing she was afterall on a call with a client and she couldn’t help it as she leaned back on the desk a bit for him spreading her legs to reveal that thin string of her bikini, playing with the fabric slightly she moved it to the side so he could see everything daring him. She could attempt to be quiet maybe and she clicked her headphones back on to speak anxiou at what Thor would do. “Listen Senor Perez you can make the deal with me and MontCorp make your family rich beyond their means, or at least a fresh start or I can walk way now. Taking my very generous offer to one of your competitors buying them out and making your life even harder than it is now to deal with. There were some other companies down there that we are happy to take our offer too.”

Thor spread her legs and when she flashed her perfectly shaved and pretty pussy at him. His hunger became insatiable. Burying his head in her middle he began to slurp and lick her hot spot. When she told him she would find him a spot to get into the MontCorp and DGI war, that was enough to drive him crazy. He never had a problem with the Devonshire’s but overall the thought of finally dismantling an empire aroused him to no end. It was clear that MontCorp needed some smarter thinkers and if he could he’d even take a special piece of DGI. Seeing her on the phone handling business unable to know if the deal was going good or bad made him even harder. He began to use his tongue to trace his name on her pussy. Then letting his tongue go furiously on her clit. The moment he heard a moan Thor grabbed her hips and pushed her body into his face even more. Lapping up all her juices and then throwing his head back to get a little bit of air. However he wanted her and wasn’t waiting until this call was over. He picked Cassie up by her hips and let her wrap her legs around his waist.

Once in midair he slid inside of her and started to kiss her neck. Throwing everything on her desk on the floor he saw the lust in her eyes. This was becoming more and more hot he sensually laid her on the desk and began to fuck her. Slowly at first letting her feel every inch of him filling her up then he shoved himself inside of her like the ravenous animal he felt like. All this sexual energy was pent up and he wanted to fuck her until she couldn’t speak straight. “Fuck!” He growled into her ear not knowing if she was muted or not. Seeing the look of ecstasy all over her face he felt himself growing harder. She was what he needed not to hear about Gia and not to think about Ronan when everything eventually fell apart.

Cassie watched him down on his knees and let out a yelp that she had to suppress biting her lip when his tongue darted into her center where she simply gripped the edge of the desk trying to control her mouth at the same time. Not even paying attention to Miguel barely keeping up with him talking in spanish and english to her, she was to focused on what Thor was doing with his tongue and it made her even more wet at the thought that Miguel could hear her if she wanted him too. She was unable to suppress the moan that came out and she grabbed Thor’s hair urging him on nodding her head at him. “No I’m fine Miguel perfect go ahead and put me back on hold while you discuss the offer one last time. I’ll be ready for the bank account number.” Cassie said her breath heavy turning her microphone back off as she let out another moan  catching her breath as he picked her and she couldn’t help but wrap her legs around his waist pulling him into her completely and letting out a moan into his ear. She let him position her on the desk before she leaned back exposing her clit while he moved in her.

Her hips pressing upwards to meet his own thrusts they’d been exhibitionists before he had fucked her in the rain against a window. Moving her hands down her body she shimmed out of the jacket and the cami she wore letting him see the barely lace bra before rubbing her own nipples. “Thor.” She managed to moan out looking up at him while he slowly tortured her by slowly moving his hips, she dug her ankles into his ass wanting him to go faster and was relieved when he did and when he leaned down to whisper in her ear she looked at him nodding her head at him hearing Miguel come back on. She gently shoved Thor off her, leaning over the desk her ass to him while she grabbed a pen. Biting her lip watching him slide back into her with ease as she bit her lip gripping the pen, her hand trembling as he spoke into the microphone. “Bank of America, yes I’m ready for the routing number. Six, seven, four, three, nine, nine, nine, five, seven.” She threw her hips back into Thor’s smiling at him. “Account number eight zero zero nine seven five four zero zero one.” Cassie said purring a little into the phone feeling g Thor stop and start again and she craned her head back to nod at him to continue. “It was a pleasure doing business with you. I look forward to sending the funds.” Hearing the phone hang up she looked at Thor who was still slowly fucking her. “Pick up the tempo, would you? I’d like to scream your name now.” She said letting out a gasp into the wood of the desk to encourage him.

Thor began to hard body her thrusting wildly inside of her because she wanted to be fucked. As he looked at her face contorting into pleasure.His eyes were fixated on her face as he squeezed her supple breasts and peach nipples. Leaning down he slipped his tongue inside her mouth. Swirling with her tongue with hers as he kept up the pace vigorously. As he slid out Thor flipped her around and entered her from behind. He began to start to pull her hair as he began to thrust furiously. Holding her hips he felt the pressure starting to mount inside of her and himself. The way she was looking back at him made him feel so alive. When she cried out in pleasure that’s what he wanted to hear. At that point he began to go beserk inside of her. It felt like the sex between them had changed since he got out. It was hotter and kinkier than they were once. So they liked people to see them fucking every once and while it was hot. But this was intense and full of passion. That made him feel like he was free and not facing RICO charges with a psycho he didn’t trust.

“Fuck.” Thor said as he began to swell and thicken even more. Before he knew it he exploded inside of her. Then as he kept stroking he could feel her screaming on him and he felt himself release again as he bust another powerful nut inside of Cassie. Falling on her body he kissed her neck and smiled at her. “I hope he heard some of that.” Thor laughed as he pulled out and pulled up his pants. “Now that, that is done, let’s talk a little more about this MontCorp opportunity.”

Cassie got such a rush with Thor was always wild with her that was something that she realized that she had missed since they had been reunited. She had been so stagnant the last year of her life pretending to be something she wasn’t with Jon. She was the daughter of Forbes and Audrey Montgomery not a woman that was going to stay home raise babies and settle in life, she had been so burned by Thor in the past and had gotten used to their games. Games that needed a bit of spicing up now and then, games that challenged her one of the reasons she was with Jon at first. He was different and challenging and then he simply was the same, almost like she needed a new challenge. She gave into what Thor was doing to ther her moans filling the room while he pounded her relentlessly, flipping her from front and then back to over the desk, the passion was always there with Thor. She didn’t know where she began and he ended towards the end as she felt him swelling and she couldn’t contain the moan that was partly a scream when she cried out her orgasm taking over. “Thor.” She managed to eventually mumble before he stopped too and she looked at his comment about Miguel hearing while he pulled his pants up.

She stayed on the desk for a few minutes before she pulled herself up grabbing a tissue from her desk to clean herself just a bit before moving her thong back into place. Opening up her laptop as she typed in the funds transfer just like she said she would to Miguel and then replacing her camisole over her body while she looked at him. Now that he was serious about leaving the business she felt like this could be even a new adventurous game for them if they wanted. “So we need someone in at DGI who can give us the inside track on business ventures they are going after. My father wanted a casino too but seeing how your brother and Lowell got it first he’s not too happy. It’s not like Philip nor myself can go there and well our other people we could ask aren’t on speaking terms. Aren’t you and Hunter friends? You want to do something with your life this could be it, you just give us a heads up on things. We’d also match any offer that DGI presents to you so you get paid twice. No one would suspect you and it’s not illegal either.”

Thor leaned against the desk as he looked at Cassie. So devious and so much fun. He’d missed this side of his life. He was privileged and went to one of the best colleges for business. Now for the last two years he’d played mobster and right now that was the furthest thing from his mind. Almost six months behind bars would do that to anyone. “You’re asking me to be a spy?” Thor placed his hand over his eye. Sitting across from her he immediately chose to do it. Plus he knew that Hunter would help him, last year he was asking him to leave the mob behind. He said he saw much more in him and that could lead right into DGI. He shook his head looking at his best friend and lover. Leaning back in the chair. “You’ve had this planned for how long? You think you’re slick but you aren’t. How long have you cooked this up? Is that why you didn’t ask your father for help for us? You knew I’d come out of jail and be like hell no.” He laughed shaking his head. “You are so sexy when you’re being devious you know that?” Thor walked to the desk and leaned down kissing her then lightly biting her tongue. When she wiggled back he stooped down.

Thor also knew that this could ruin his friendship with Hunter but he wasn’t worried. Hunter always forgave him and he could say this was revenge for going after Cassie years prior. Well it wasn’t but he would think of a good excuse when the time came. They would get found out but when and how was the question and part of the fun. “Now tell me if I get MontCorp something that DGI wants. What do I get from you Cassandra?”

Cassie looked up at him as the funds began to move between the bank accounts when he had agreed to do what she asked. She’d been planning it for a while ever since he was arrested she always wanted him out of the business and it was the prefect time for it to happen. Ronan was with that unstable bitch and she wanted Thor by her side. “I’ve been thinking about it for a while prison seemed to give me the incentive I needed to realize I want you here with me at MontCorp. Unless you really want to go back to the streets and the shooting, hospital visits and bullet wounds?” Cassie said licking her lips at him seeing it was a definite no he was tired of the bullets too. She ran her hand on his thigh when she spoke again. “My father is trying to stay out of your brother’s business with the Falcone family and it’s for the best. You get me out of this at your undivided attention shouldn’t that be enough?” Cassie finished seeing her next business call coming in she leaned up and kissed Thor before going back to work. “Cassie Montgomery, lovely to meet you Mrs. Beecher.”

**********

Zerick looked at the inventory list in front of him and everything was in order for the summer season; he’d never seen something so crazy. He was so used to corporate numbers and left and right it was astonishing to see what the country club made versus spent, not to mention how much weddings at the club put them into the black. He was only here temporarily of course the other senior staff member had quit suddenly and his aunt needed help he had volunteered. Simon had called him earlier to let him know that his uncle was creating a new position for him at DGI and he was reluctant to accept that just yet. He had afterall with Greer almost bankrupted them last year when he was so misguided but eo people he had trusted his entire life. He saw a text from Dru on his phone and imagined her naked before him and he couldn’t help the smile that came out, he did quite like her company. They were alike in many ways and that made her even more enthralling with her mystery and her darkness was something that interests him way more than past lovers. Greer was too ambitious and could never understand what he was born into, Talia was too demure and good while Dru was ruthless and had a mystery around her to boot. He saw his aunt enter the office and smiled at her before handing her the paperwork he had just got done with for her to look over.

“I really wish I could have handled the problem with the linens earlier in the week I didn’t mean to bother you in the middle of the fundraising meeting you had. Simon said he had sent the invoice over but neither myself or Alfred could find it. Honestly I was a little shocked you wanted me to come here and help at the country club after everything that happened. I know what I tried to do with DGI with Greer was wrong.” Zerick said looking at the woman who really had become like a second mother to him the mother he neer had growing up Forbes had made sure to isolate him he knew that now that the truth was out. Looking back his entire childhood was chaotic from the moment he was born and the first years with his mother, he still remembered being five in the bathtub and her sticking his head under water to kill him, Forbes entering the room to stop her the visit to the hospital. The last time he saw her as a child before Forbes enveloped him into the darkness of his life and kept him from Jackie. “I didn’t know and I know there is nothing I can do to change the last year and you are tired of hearing me apologize but I am. This isn’t exactly what I was good at in college or professionally but I know I burned that bridge at DGI and at MontCorp so thank you. I’m at least not unemployed anymore.”

Jackie had went to brunch with Lauren earlier in the day where she asked her if she would donate a few pieces of art for the fundraiser, Lauren had been resistant but eventually came around to the idea. Afterwards she took Lex’s call about a masquerade ball for the fundraiser and she checked off on the idea, to see the entire town come together in mysterious gowns the glamor and the glitz behind it, she asked for Merci’s input and she had agreed. So it was settled a masquerade ball would be the talk of the town get both of the wings funded or so she hoped, she had felt bad about leaving Dani with Lex earlier. People had talked that it was civil although her son had showed up at the last minute and their was tension no one was hit or hurt. Dani refused to step down after and she had to admire that about her daughter in law. She has asked that she help and so it was settled, arrangements could be made she certainly wouldn’t be letting Dani meet with Lex alone. The linen order was fine now and she smiled at Zerick when she entered the office and saw the numbers everything was in order and he apologized to her once again for Forbes’s lies. Forbes and Tess’ lies she hadn’t forgot about that bitchs part in what happened to her nephew.

“It was perfectly fine Zerick I told you if you had problems with anything to call myself and you did just that, it isn’t the first time I’ve received an order for another hotel or club it certainly won’t be the last. You have done so much helping me here and it’s your legacy as well, you are a Davis, you’re Katie’s son and my nephew so don’t short sell yourself you belong here. It’s not as exciting as DGI or other corporations that you have raided I am sure but my parents would be happy you are here helping. Katie would like it too.” Jackie said looking at her nephew she was serious about that observation Zerick had really tried at the country club the last few months not sure if it was out of obligation to her or the fact that he had been ousted from DGI and even with Forbes. He had nothing left and part of her felt awful for that like she was somehow responsible for it for the fact that Forbes got a hold of him all those years ago. “Do tell me that you aren’t still seeing Dru Price? Surely Zerick there has to be someone else not to mention she is beneath you, Talia was the prefect match. I know that she and David broke things off so it’s not too late for you to see her again.”

Zerick had to do a double take when his aunt mentioned Dru and Talia in truth he hadn’t thought that much about Talia in a while it was for the best that they ended things. She had been at the jail for his short little stint when it came to shooting Linus, he refused to call that man his father or acknowledge him as anything other than a rapist. He had moved on to the freedom that Dru offered him to be who he was without trying to be a good person he had blood all over his hands thanks to Forbes. Blood that he was fine with never telling or letting anyone else find out about, folding his hands he looked at his aunt. “I thought you would like Ms. Price she’s vibrant and young, not to mention she is Jackson and Dani’s nanny it’s respectable job. She seems to have fit right in as their nanny. Talia and I are in the past, I have told you that so many times.” Zerick said wondering what it was that Jackie was really trying to do. “I mean if we want to talk about romantic relationships Aunt, there is the matter of that dashing Irish lawyer that seems to visit the country club for brunch twice a week where he flirts with you endlessly.”

Zerick saw his aunt tense and realized that he may of hit a nerve he knew that her divorice from Lowell had been crushing for her but he thought over time. Perhaps her time to move on was not quite now and he understood that looking at her face and he felt awful at the lack of tact behind what should have been a joke towards her. “I’m sorry that was clearly not the time or the place for that joke. I just figured that you would appreciate the joke seeing how you like to inquire who is in my life.” Zerick said seeing her relax a bit and then he had to let out a chuckle at her. “You like Dru she watches Donovan and JJ she practically is around you a ton what is so wrong with her?” Zerick asked wondering why his aunt was so insistent on the matter of his love life and the women in it and why she thought that Talia was his perfect match. In all seriousness he was moving on from Talia with Dru and he actually had Talia to thank for that she just wasn’t the girl for him in the long run.

Jackie pursed her lips for a moment there was nothing per say that she was against with Dru Price she was an adequate enough nanny for her grandchildren but it seemed like the girl had no ambitions other than that. No career, no real education she simply liked to take care of children which wasn’t odd by any means but she expected a woman as young and as beautiful as she was to want more. “Well for one Talia is at least more cultured and too your tastes, you were with Greer and as much as I despise her and what she tried to do with Chauncey she at least had some class behind her. You grew up in a world that matches Talia’s background as much as I hate it Forbes made sure you had a private and expensive education. Talia was of course educated well. I know her parents what even do you know about Dru Price is what I am trying to say. As for Julian I’m not ready Zerick I’m not sure I ever will be unlike your marriage to Greer mine with your uncle was very complicated.”

She didn’t think that Zerick really loved Greer like she did Lowell if he had then he wouldn’t have been so quick to finalize their divorce when the truth came out and not lift a finger to fight for her. She knew she was being snobby when she spoke and she saw the disapproval over Zerick’s face from the comments she had made. She was always one to speak her mind when it came everything that she felt as far as Talia and Dru were concerned. “I just want you to be happy with a woman that is actually on an even kneel with you that is one the sae page with you. Other than looking after the children I have no idea where Dru is from who her family are. She came to town worked at the bar for a few months and then Lauren recommended that she take the position as nanny. Dru however knows your entire history as it was all over the papers the last year, she know what Linus dd to Katie. She knows that you were taken from me and Lowell by Forbes and Tess. What do you know about her? At least with Talia you know who she is where she came from what her dreams and hopes are.” Jackie finally relented wondering if she had opened this conversation up too much or despite her best intentions and caused more friction between them.

“I didn’t realize you were such a societal snob dear aunt. There are plenty of hard working people in Atlas Falls who didn’t have the privilege of an education. Just because Dru doesn’t have those things doesn’t mean that she is as you like to say it below my status. Most people in town would beg to differ that I even should be in your social circle given that Linus raped my mother. Given how I came to town or do you now like to forget my past too?” Zerick asked looking at his aunt taking up for Dru as his lover and friend wasn’t hard he actually really did like her. They seemed to be on the same page about most things both being discarded by their parents, in his case not willingly his mother was mentally never okay after what happened to her. Both had wanted a sense of longing for a family, he had found his with his aunt and Dru seemed to be still hunting for hers or at least longing for her even though she said they were all gone. “Honestly after what Greer and I did I was happy to be free from that and explore who I was after being in the shadows for so long, seeing the light was what was best for both of us. As for Talia that ship has sailed Aunt and maybe that is for the best for everyone involved. She found out about me and Dru, and I don’t regret that and besides she moved on with David for a bit too.”

“I have a lot to atone for with you and DGI, I would like to think that breaking things off with Talia and letting her move on while I moved on to grow was the best thing for everyone. Afterall it was her and Simon that decided to out me and Greer to the public and spill my secret into town in a weird way I think she did it to protect DGI though only Lowell knew the extent of the truth at the time. There are some at DGI who would rather I not be there.” Zerick sad so much of his childhood had been shrouded in trauma from his other trying to drown him to feeling like he was just given to Forbes not to mean that being raised by Forbes himself. He was taught from an early age to embrace the darkness he felt by killing small things at first he was so angry birds and small animals. Then there was the entire thing with Giedon, Forbes of course had encouraged it and at the time he felt it was needed, his one regret there was Rachel that was never supposed to have happened. He hadn’t told anyone about Gideon or Rachel and he would take that secret to the grave, he was on a better and lighter path now. “If you want me to be happy just let me be with Dru right now and give her a chance.” Zerick finished shaking the cobwebs out of his head as he looked at his watch realizing that he was going to be late for a rendezvous with Dru later if he stayed much later.

Jackie looked at him realizing that he was right she had judged Dru and her relationship with Zerick due to her own prejudices when it came to Dru’s past. She knew very little of it other than she came from Florida and either her family was dead or she didn’t speak to them. Lauren had assured her son that Dru would be a wonderful addition to their family as the nanny. She had a nanny with all her children mainly due to Lowell insisting that they have one and she was so social and in charge of social events at the time of their marriage that she needed help. She often at times felt like she missed out a lot or that she hadn’t done enough with her children and let the nanny take over. She never wondered if Lowell regretted having a nanny and she knew that Dani wasn’t wild about the idea. Her son was determined though that Dani still have a career she worked hard for and she smiled at that. Dru had been a wonderful nanny and perhaps her nephew was right she had judged too hard and put her own ambition onto Dru.

“I am just saying Talia was the one that showed up at the jail for you after shooting Linus not Dru but if that is who you want and she makes you happy then who am I to say otherwise?” Jackie said looking at him and then at her watch she and Lauren were actually going to meet for dinner and then drinks. Something that was new for her having a social life with females companions and friends again with Lauren, Ophelia and sometimes Blythe. She was actually impressed that Lauren and Blythe were cordial most of the time. “As for DGI you are my nephew give it time the rest of the children will come around Zerick the wedding was quite a shock for everyone.” Jackie finished getting up from the chair as she grabbed her phone and purse before giving her nephew a hug and heading to the door “Enjoy your evening and I will see you tomorrow.” She finished looking at him one final time before making her way out of the club to her dinner.

**********

Belle had passed out popsicles to the kids of St. Christophers and had been waiting for his break all afternoon. Her little meeting with Connor had her thinking. If she was going to keep in this relationship with David then he had to start acknowledging her.  She wasn’ t going to continue to be a fucking hidden secret. Wearing a pair of emerald green Lanvin leather shorts, a  beige Mugler strapless corset, she had the matching leather green jacket. Her hair was in a high ponytail and she had simple gold accessories. She sat in his chair and spun around. No, Belle thought that would look too childish. She jumped up and ran to the front of his desk and leaned against it. Too slutty, she thought instantly. Then she walked to the box of popsicles and smirked. Pulling one out and placing the box back in the icebox. Touching her thigh length Balmain green leather boots, she laid across his couch. Merra, his secretary knew of their dillance but always seemed to mind her business. So she let her in and she waited.

When she heard the keys unlocking his office door she became excited. Seeing him clicking on the light his expression was a mixture of happiness and alarm. She didn’t mean to scare him. “I never believed in fairytales but I understand fantasy. Now I never thought we’d be going strong six months later but David this isn’t just a fantasy anymore. Look I am not something to be ashamed of. If I recall you’re never ashamed of my body so being in public with me wouldn’t be a problem either.” Slurping on the popsicle she walked up to him pressing her free hand on his chest. “You’ve been ignoring me lately and I don’t like it. I miss you baby.” Using her free hand she kissed him knowing it tasted just like the popsicle. “So I was wondering if we should tell everyone at the charity ball? I heard masks are involved this year which is thrilling for me. Plus its my first St. Christopher ball I want to come as the belle of the ball pun intended. But that won’t work if I have no date and I happen to be dating the most eligible bachelor in the hospital.”

Jayden Bradshaw was beginning to get on his last nerve now he was working the ER and making head nurses his friends, there was rumor that he was going to try and make the boar don’t him. Over his dead fucking body he had just finished a triple bypass that took five hours an attended a board meeting where he was made aware of the masquerade ball for that year. He was tired and drained by the time he made his way back to his office and he saw Belle inside on the couch he almost sighed only to force a smile at her. Their little week or two away had been nice, a nice distraction from Talia dumping him again and they’d continued to fuck and see each other. But she was getting a bit too clingy for his liking reality had set in for him when they got back. He was old enough to be her brother hell old enough to be her father not to mention he was still Lowell’s primary care physician making the entire thing an awkward mess. “Belle, I wasn’t expecting to see you here.” David said, taking off his white coat and placing it on his chair behind his desk kissing her back tasting the popsicle. After he leaned down to lightly kiss her forehead seeing her squirm a bit at the action. “I thought we’d discussed this already.”

“I just don’t think us going public right now is the best Belle and besides I thought that was how you wanted it. I have another doctor ready for me to publicly fuck up to jump and have me ousted in my position here. After my affair a few years ago with Ophelia I was already on thinning ice when it came to the board and it was only a recommendation from your father and Jackie that I was finally awarded the position.” David said looking at her sucking the popsicle he couldn’t help it he did love the sex between them she was a wildcat but he honestly wasn’t ready to go public with her. There would be a lot of gossip about how he was bedding Lowell’s daughter, who happened to still be an OT at the hospital doing art therapy with patients which technically made him her boss. Meaning there was a huge power balance between him at play if it got out people could gossip about that too. “The charity ball is in the fall and I thought you just said you didn’t want to wait that long? Why the sudden rush to go public Belle? I thought you were okay with how things were with us currently that you just wanted to keep this light and fun.” David finished sitting down next to her on the couch looking at her.

“Well you weren’t in the bed this morning you left mighty early David.” Belle bit down on her bottom lip as she looked at David as she looked at him. “I’m sick of being a secret David.” She said honestly as she felt cheap by him, almost refusing to do it. He had another excuse after another excuse. “I’m a catch and I hate that you seem to think that my father has any say so in whom I’m with. I just met the man and although I love him I refuse to be told who I could be with because of Lowell Devonshire. Now I can wait and be patient but my father isn’t going to die today or tomorrow. I want him to be happy for me and he wants me to be happy so why can’t we go public? I mean it’s not scandalous to date a younger woman it’s scandalous to be hiding it David.” She said with enough fire that she shocked herself.

“Listen I’m not in love with you or anything like that. I am very happy right now with you and I think that should be celebrated. Are you not happy with me?” Belle asked as she looked at him. Throwing the popsicle into the garbage she no longer wanted to be sexy. “Am I not good enough for you? I mean you’re screwing a Devonshire how much job security do you need? My family are board members of this hospital. Look I’m not asking for something that any woman and I am a woman would want. I want to feel special and I want to feel like you are invested in me. If you aren’t that’s fine just tell me now. I’ll end this and I can go on with my life.” Belle said brazenly not wanting it at all. “Just tell me what you want.”

David definitely had left early. It was too comfortable with her in his bed. He woke up early and went for a much needed run. Belle was still asleep after and then he headed into work early. He had met KC for a quick bite to eat for breakfast where his older brother advised him that he really needed to let go of this relationship. He knew it wasn’t the healthiest and without giving away Belle’s identity to KC, his brother could tell the situation was weighing on him and not in a good way. Looking at her starting to demand he just reveal their relationship though made him feel almost trapped. There were a lot of variables to their current arrangement but he wasn’t going to sugar coat it for her either, her father was dying and stress with a weakened immune system due to his illness wasn’t for the best either. Sure she claimed that she didn’t care what her father thought, but what about her adoptive father and her brothers? Hell her sisters even doubted they would take kindly to the news either.

“I of course like that we spend time together with you Belle but its not for the best for us to go public right now. There is the asshole here gunning for my job. You work here unless you want to give up your career. This could easily be twisted by him as me seducing a young woman on some power trip. Your dad is deteriorating little by little. Something like this could crush his spirit and his health.” David said looking at her it wasn’t just his career it was hers too at stake something that he was certain she had worked really hard at. Art was her passion, medicine was his but he could totally see Jayden running with it as something else. “I want things to stay the way they are right now for us to just enjoy this without messy labels and some public spectacle about it. You even said this was to blow off steam because your ex was marrying Brooke. You’re young Belle with so much life experiences ahead of you, you should enjoy that.” David said as honestly as he could to her she was a wonderful girl and a fun lover but the age difference was there. He was a rebound he knew that and he was certain he was for her too and that was fine. “Maybe in a few more months we can go public. Doesn’t your brother have this whole energy summit planned coming up maybe then?”

Belle hadn’t never felt so cheap or unwanted as she did at this moment. Atticus cheated with her and made her a pariah in Europe but she didn’t feel like this. She almost wanted to cry but that would help his point on how immature she must seem. Popping up at his job, sleeping over, and genuinely catching feelings when he didn’t have them. She turned around and walked to the couch picking up her purse and jacket. “Yeah it’s a pretty big night for Jackson and DGI. Um I should be going David, I need to clear my head. I don’t want to hurt daddy but I also don’t deserve to feel like you are making me feel. So if you want to continue this then figure it out David. I won’t wait around forever, love. Believe me men knock down the door to be with me. Maybe you should call Talia Rose. She did get dumped by Zerick, she would be so much more appealing to the board. I happen to think you do a damn good job as chief of staff. I also happen to know you have saved someone connected to every major family who is on the board. Do you think that is forgotten. I don’t know but I do know that no man has ever made me feel so unwanted as you did right now. No man has made me feel as cheap as you did. I’m not a secret and if you continue to treat me as such I’ll make myself known. David if you just want to screw me, say it but don’t play with my emotions it won’t end well.”

Belle walked past him and she felt him grab her hand trying to soothe her hurt spirit. Yanking her hand back she looked at him with evil in her eyes. “Don’t touch me, in fact don’t call me because I wouldn’t have anything nice to say. My mummy tells me if I don’t have anything nice to say I shouldn’t say anything at all. But I can say this I fucking quit. Now one of your reasons is gone.” Belle opened his office door and looked back at David one last time. She felt horrible at this moment. “You care more about my father than me don’t you. You care that he’s sickly but you have no problem breaking a heart. Interesting Dr. Rhodes I see you now, a nice rebound from Talia and hell Tamara left you also. Maybe I can be three for three.” She stormed out of his office slamming the door so hard that the glass window on the door cracked.

David honestly felt like such a jackass when she was leaving the office so much so that he thought that he would do the honorable thing and let her know that instead she had rejected him throwing her hand away. He of course would respect her wishes for some time apart and he had to mentally wonder if she meant her adoptive mother or the new Mrs. Devosnhrie when she said mummy, his brain was still trying to wrap around that. That Lowell had really divorced Jackie for Tess but he had, Tess was who was at most of his appointments and Belle was right he did care about her father as a patient her father had believed in him at a time when few others on the board did. So he owed Lowell Devonshire most of his career and no matter what Belle said it would reflect on him if this were to come out and he doubted her father would be happy about. When she quit his heart sank he wasn’t about ready to let her quit the hospital or her program that really was helping patients recover from past trauma and other things they were dealing with. He hung his head at the door wondering how everything had gone so wrong for him with Belle and all of it the last few months. Belle didn’t deserve to be some secret and she was the one that wanted his honesty with her so he had tried to be as honest as he could. “Merra please disregard Ms. Archibald’s resignation letter when she sends it and could you please order some nice roses to be delivered to her?” David said looking at his phone and seeing he had a conference in Philadelphia to attend in a few weeks, and he immediately sent the text to Belle to join him it was a start. He went to apologize further only for his phone to buzz about his patient being downstairs and ready to prep for his second surgery of the day.

**********

Philip wrapped his hand around Dru’s neck as he inserted himself behind her. He couldn’t believe that nobody had caught on. Pushing her against the wall after their second round in bed. This time he wanted her to feel every inch of him as he started to stroke inside of her. Sliding in and almost out of her hot box. He squeezed her neck as he slammed inside of her. Dru liked it rough. He didn’t think they’d be together forever but he did enjoy how she fit him at this moment. The sex between them was extreme and for some reason Philip knew Dru. He saw her lust for revenge and they liked to waste their time together. It was something he was sure about. Then it was moments like right now he could see them fucking and taking over Atlas Falls. “Fuck.” He growled in her ear.

Dru threw her long red hair back as she threw her hips back squeezing her muscles almost there and she couldn’t believe Philip was screwing her like this. He was always aggressive but this session he seemed to be proving he was a more in depth lover than Zerick. It wasn’t that they both had different styles. Zerick was passionate with a fire behind every stroke. While Ronan was rough and animalistic. Philip right now was doing something she didn’t think he could. He was being animalistic and passionate. He was proving he was worthy of her and she screamed out the pleasure trickling through every portion of her body. “Wait hold on, ahh.” She moaned out at Philip.

Pulling out he removed his arm around her neck. He turned her around to face him and grabbed his shaft, inserting himself deeper inside of Dru. As he pushed her back against the wall. He began to push as deep as he could and began to throw his back into it. Until he felt his entire dick covered with her juices. He saw how creamy she was becoming and he knew she was close. With all his might he knew she was close her body was trembling in his arms. Philip kept powerfully stroking her until he could feel the weight of her body underneath him collapsing from pleasure. Feeling her shivering and shaking in his arms he began to burst multiple nuts inside of her gut. Screaming out multiple expletives he felt exhausted. As he kissed her neck he heard her moaning and still shaking. As he touched her face. “You alright Trouble?”

Dru threw her hair out of her face as she touched his chest as she took his hand. Leading to his large shower. For the last few weeks she’d been slipping into Jackson’s office and was taking pictures of his display for Scottswood and Isla De Cruces. She had given it to Philip and he was going to use it to fuck up Jackson’s plans. Reaching her hand in to test the water she stepped in first pouring body wash on her soaping up. Once in the shower Philip began to wash her back as she looked back at him. “Trouble? Is that my new nickname? I kind of like it.” She laughed looking at him. “Seriously though, did you get those pictures they’re changing the construction plans on Isla De Cruces.”

When Dru led him into the shower he felt completely enthralled with her. Watching her pour the shower gel all over herself he could feel his balls getting heavy all over again. “I don’t want to talk about that. I got the pictures but I’d much rather speak on what’s going on between us? Dru you are interesting and this plan will leave you in danger. Your family ever finds out, you’re going to get ran out of Atlas Falls, that’s not what I want. I want to give you what you never had. Look you told me who you are for a reason and I still can’t believe you’ve went through all you have. However I’m also not stupid enough to believe I’m the only man you’ve been with or will be with right now. You are determined to dismantle the Kincaid’s and Fraiser’s and I’m behind you with every breath. I just don’t want you to fail or fall.” He stood back as Dru wash his back and legs. “I’m saying let me help you and we can be untouchable in Atlas Falls. I believe that even if you don’t, yet.”

Dru looked up on he knees seeing Philip begin to slightly get erect. “Down tiger. I have plans tonight and I can’t be late. I’m going to see my fairy godfather.” She said, looking at him. “I don’t want commitment. Philip I am determined for revenge and love just isn’t in my plans. So if you’re falling for me then you should catch yourself. We are partners in the bed and out there. I don’t want to mess that up we have great sex and are friends. Why complicate it?” Dru immediately got out of the shower not wanting to deal the thousand questions. “I have to go, Philip.” Wrapping a towel around herself she walked to her overnight bag and pulled out a pair of daisy duke shorts and a midriff top. Dropping the towel she lotioned her body up as fast as she could. Spraying perfume on her skin she felt Philip behind her and he kissed her neck. “Stop, I need to leave.” Looking at them in the mirror’s reflection.

“Am I better than him?” Philip asked, holding her from behind. “If I can’t have you then he can’t either. Are you still sleeping with him? Zerick that is? I know all about it and I’m fine with it. I’m sure he isn’t though. He can be quite possessive and the moment he thinks he’s losing to me. Well he’ll get very bitchy. That’s Zerick. He’s been around me all my life and I know him very well soon he’ll give you the ultimatum between us. While I feel like letting the best man win. He’ll want to beat his chest and say you’re his. When you’re going to be mine Dru believes that. I will win this war for your heart and a Devonshire won’t disrespect our family anymore.” Picking up her head he looked at her in the mirror. “I see you Dru and I’m not going to stop until I win.”

Dru broke free from his embrace and stooped down in her bag and looked at Philip. “I’m not some prize to be won. I am here because I was thrown away something you can’t understand. You had all this and I was in a trailer park in Florida! I had nothing and have been forgotten about as if I was never important and that is why I’m doing this. You have no idea what it’s like to be me nor will you ever. You’re a trust fund child given the best out of life while I scrapped by barely eating sometimes. Understand that revenge isn’t a passtime for me like you. I don’t get off on this. It’s what they deserve. Every last one of them had to pay because I didn’t get what they had. Very few people can say they lived off a bag of microwave popcorn and survived for weeks off of it. You have no idea the torture I endured until my mother got in the big house cleaning up for that rich family. I took my chance and I didn’t care who I stole from and here I am. So I won’t be won or treated as a pawn in you and your quasi-brother’s never ending war. Philip you want me then do what you must but I’m not a prize. I’m the karma blowing over all their perfect lives and being the tornado they deserve. When I’m done with them they’ll all know they aren’t in Kansas anymore.” Dru said, pulling her wet hair into a ponytail.

Throwing her bag over her shoulder she wondered if telling Philip a few months ago was a mistake. She quickly shook it off he wanted to help her and was clearly falling for her. That was a advantage for her as she turned to Philip and kissed him although taller than her he knew what she was going to do. A piece of Dru hated to admit it, she liked that. Walking out of the room with Philip still wrapped around her body she laughed. He wasn’t going to stop. “I’m not going to stop doing what I want. I’m indecisive and when I’m done with my revenge maybe I’ll take you up on that offer to rule Atlas Falls.” She turned around and touched his face and looked into his eyes.

“Ahem.” Forbes said clearing his throat as he looked at the scarlet haired beauty before him. He’d been watching Philip and quote on quote Dru. He’d been looking into this young woman and Philip had done wonderful work covering up whatever she was hiding. Last time he saw a woman with that look in her eyes. Well she tore him and Lowell’s life apart. She chillingly reminded him of Audrey and something about how taken his son was with this girl rubbed him all the way wrong. Why did his children all disappoint with their choices in lovers? Yasmine was still smitten with Rory Devonshire although she pretended. Thank God his beloved Cassandra had finally saw the light with Jon Harrison and moved back with Thor Luciano. While Philip was becoming a shark and his club idea was actually brilliant. He was beginning to exert himself at MontCorp almost too much. He executed a deal that would buy a company before Chauncey could and blocked DGI Europe from another acquisition. That impressed him but it was done behind his back and that made him feel almost less powerful. Philip’s taste in women hadn’t changed a mean girl who would eat him alive. Dru wasn’t good news to anyone. His own son out maneuvering Chauncey Devonshire and Cassie was closing in on a deal to stop DGI in its tracks. Call him arrogant but being replaced by these two so fast and it was happening before his very eyes wounded his pride. That didn’t feel good so instead of graciously one day stepping aside as Lowell did he wanted to see if they deserved it. If they’d do all the despicable things that got him to number two after years of fighting and scheming to the top.

“Revenge my dear never waits nor does love or did you not know Dru? You seem to have many secrets. My people can’t find out anything about you but what you say to everyone. You’re from a small town, you had a sad childhood, and you’re all alone. But I seem to be under the impression that you want revenge on someone but I’m in the dark as to why and who. But I’ll find out because I wouldn’t be me if I didn’t protect my child. He’s fragile you know Dru? His heart and I see the devil in your eyes girl. You aren’t sloppy but you are on the edge too. I’ve done this a very long time and I’m bored my life has been surrounded in revenge and here I am dealing with the fact my rival is dying. It’s almost sad but poetic now that I don’t have to devote all my time to destroying my life long friend Lowell. I have time to watch the people in my children lives. To show them I didn’t just dump them with their auntie Blythe. I made them smarter than that. I’m confused Philip, are you giving all your attention to this woman who openly sleeps with Zerick? I know that much she did or is that what she’s telling you? She’s done with him? Let’s call him and see? I’m watching you Dru now you are on my radar because I don’t trust you.” Forbes declared leaning against the bannister.

Philip looked at his father disgusted and furious at him. “Well father you ruined sex for me. Is that what you wanted? As for my bedroom life you have no say so because well you did just dump us with aunt Blythe and you missed the years to tell us who we could and couldn’t fuck. Now Dru is special and I’m sure when all is said you’ll love her but right now she doesn’t feel comfortable with you. Nor do I feel like telling you would benefit us so I think you will have to just trust my judgement.” Philip said with a ease and cool he had never had. “I’m grown and I’m bored with even discussing this with you.”

Dru had heard all about the formidable Forbes Montgomery but seeing him in person was something of art work. Here he was scaring her and telling her he didn’t like her. That entertained her to no end but she wasn’t afraid of him. She didn’t back down, instead double down on her reserve. “Mr. Montgomery please be aware if I was out to hurt the Montgomery family, you wouldn’t see me this close. You would see me from behind with a knife in your back. Like I’m doing with those have wronged me. Goodnight Mr. Montgomery and if you can find out who I am and what I’m after I’ll be more than to have this conversation again. Oh Forbes just so you know I don’t like you either.” Dru said waving at Philip and him as she exited the mansion.

Philip looked at his father’s face pale and his eyes sullen with yesteryear. Weary and a mixture of fear was painted all over his face. He’d never seen that look on his face as he sat back wondering what had gotten into him. “What is your problem? Cassie and I are busting our ass at work and you seem even more ungrateful. Listen old man, I’m not going to pretend to even warn you. I’m telling you to stay out of my relationship! Are we clear? I’m not playing father, she is off limits for whatever is wrong with you. Oh I know what it is. She has red hair like mother, are you heartsick? It’s no ones fault but your very own that you are all alone and you won’t ensure my life will be that. Are we clear?” Philip said, storming back down the hallway and around a corner to his .

The hair, her attitude, and how brazen she was it made him remember Audrey. Philip hit it on the head but he also did something his son didn’t. He survived the betrayal of a woman who stole his soul. She was trouble and that girl would bring him down. Just as Audrey had done to him when she kept him docile against Lowell while fucking him behind his back. As looked at his son leaving in a storm even calling him what he felt old. Forbes watched Dru walking away and felt Audrey but her face was someone else. He couldn’t put his finger on it. He saw that look and those eyes were so familiar to him. Who was that little girl she did have the audacity to openly show she didn’t like him either. Bold she was but he’d find out who she was and what. Dru was after someone and Philip was assisting her. Forbes walked back to his room humming his favorite Opera tune. Audrey had such a beautiful voice, how he missed her. How he missed someone who kept his secrets. A secret of what he did so long ago.

**********

Flying home from California and finally coming home to his life again. He’d now graced the BET Awards stage, nominated for a Billboard Award, and was on the cusp on superstardom. He just didn’t like it. He didn’t like that he couldn’t live his life to the fullest and recently he was thinking about coming out. That was until he saw his parents at his show in Florida. He never heard his father talk so proudly about him. He almost broke down and his mama was so happy to just see him. He’d been away from his family for so long that he didn’t know his brothers anymore and his father just acted like he didn’t try to kill him the last time he saw him. After Florida it was more liquor, more drugs, and even more stress. He wasn’t fucking anyone else but he had to keep up appearances so every other city he’d be seen with a Instagram ho or some other named pseudo-celebrity. He kept his name in the media with a beautiful woman instead of being with the man he truly loved. Ivan Castillo was becoming lost in the glitz and glamour of the rap lifestyle.

The moment he could step off the plane he felt Atlas Falls energy. Something about Miami didn’t feel like home. Instead it felt like an old pair of jeans that were out of fad but you still had love for them. Wearing a Allen Iverson throwback jersey, Ethika underwear were fully able to be seen, Purple fitted blue jeans, and black and white retro 11 Jordans. Looking at the limo on the private tarmac, he saw the chauffeur step out and Simon stepped out. Standing there he felt all the emotions. All he wanted to do is get inside of Simon. He wanted to drop his bags and run into his arms and actually kiss him. If he could read his mind and see how excited, horny, and happy that he was here. He was standing right here. Ivan knew he might be living in a fantasy but ever since he went to Florida he knew Simon was all he wanted. With all the cool he could muster he walked down the stairs of the private plane Jamal chartered for him and his crew. As he dapped his fist and shook hands with a few people. Ivan walked right up to Simon and gave him a huge hug, unable to kiss him but he’d feel all of him right now. “I missed you baby boy.” He whispered in his ear. Damn did he have to put on the cologne that drove him crazy. The chauffeur grabbed his bags and they got into the limo. It pulled off and he felt free to finally be himself.

“What’s up shorty?” Ivan leaned in and slobbed Simon down. The kiss was intense but wasn’t everything between them? As he touched his face looking into his eyes. Ivan huffed knowing Simon wasn’t happy about something.“Fuck what did I do now? You got that I’m about to take someone down look in your eyes man. Simon you all I’ve been thinking about.” He paused looking into them eyes, he was melting in this man’s hand. To be honest he didn’t know if he felt this intense with Money. It was fucking and a brotherhood. He actually thought about changing for Simon and living in the truth. “You know that right? I got you something but I ain’t giving it to you if you’re mad at me for some shit I don’t know about. So can you talk to me because honestly you haven’t said one damn word and all I want is you right now in this limo and I want you in our bed and I want you Simon? What’s up shorty?” Ivan asked again leaning down and he popped a champagne cork with ease. Something he couldn’t do last year. Pouring them champagne he took a sip actually annoyed that Simon was being so difficult right now. He pulled Simon to him. “Stop playing man. I missed you.”

Simon was sick of the fucking papers over the last six months more so sick of Ivan hiding who he was to the world, call him a selfish asshole but it hurt to see women drapped all over him. His conversation with Lowell had been slowly sinking up on him as well he wasn’t anyone’s bitch and lately that was what he felt like with Ivan which he knew wasn’t healthy for either of them. He wasn’t some man to just hide who he was and it seemed that is what Ivan wanted to be hell even when he stepped off the plane all the man wanted to do was put on some fake ass show to the world that he was straight. It was like watching a chameleon that was always wanting to change his exterior it wasn’t even that bad with Mason. At least Mason wasn’t out kissing Scarlett let alone fucking her, was Ivan still fucking women? The driver he had borrowed from Lowell that was something he asked to do for two reasons one to see what Ivan was really like with the press and two because he needed to talk to him about the night that Dimitri was found. Bliss had called Mason, who had called him to let him know the cops were sniffing and well Ivan’s secret could be blown if they didn’t corner this now before the cops came asking questions. He sat in the back seat and let Ivan kiss him for a moment not letting himself or his urges get carried away as he then put space between them on the seat. He was no one’s second rate plaything and it was about time that Ivan realized that and he rolled up the divider between them and the driver.

“Oh I don’t fucking know Ivan how about this in my face for the last six months? Kissing models left and right I bet you still fuck them too and yet you want to claim it’s all for me? Spare me it’s all for yourself lately. Awards this awards that I even bet you’re already planning on bringing one of those fake ass hoes with you instead of myself so just stop.” Simon said tossing the various tabloids at him as he sipped his champagne seeing Ivan’s shocked face no this wasn’t the reunion he imagined that Ivan had planned but it is one that had to happen. Lowell had instilled something inhim to stop living in fucking fear with Ivan he was so fucking sick of it, burying Devonshrie secrets while he had to bury his persoanl life was starting to take it’s toll on him. He couldn’t tell any of his friends about it because Ivan was still hiding in the closet and he let that bitterness sit on his tongue for a moment seeing Ivan gripping with everything. “You seem to think that it’s okay to carry on as some straight man when I’m not arround and I’m here to tell you it’s fucking not. It’s hurtful Ivan when you’re supposed to be with me because that is what you said you wanted. Also we need to talk about the wedding, you may be on borrowed time anyway.” Simon finished looking at Ivan as he crossed his leg over his knee and took another sip of his champagne. “Some of the severs have started talking about what happened that night you could have easily been spotted with me in the hallways that night by someone.”

Ivan wasn’t scared if he had to go to Ronan to keep some fucking servant silent. He would fucking end they entire bloodline. No lie he would kill anyone to keep his fame including calling his uncle Hector to handle this. A shiver ran up his spine when he thought about his uncle. Shit years ago he broke him into the gang lifestyle brutally. One of the many reasons he’d never bottom. As he chugged down the champagne he looked at Simon in his eyes. “Jamal hired every one of them girls. Don’t believe me, call him right now and he’ll tell you. I haven’t had sex in six months and the way you talking it’s going to be longer. Look what the world sees and what I see are two different things. My relationship with you is all that kept me going Simon okay? Is that what you need to hear? Look I wrote an entire new EP and it’s all about you and me. I float when I’m with you Simon. You are the shit to me and if you give me time I’m going to marry a dude like you. Don’t rush me Simon and I’m going to give you the world.” Ivan said confidently because he meant it.

“As for the servers, well we’re going to have to find out who they are, aren’t we? I mean that could put Jackie Devonshire in jail and you aren’t having that. So let’s stop the bullshit scare tactics and tell me what you are really mad at?” He had enough trust in Simon to know that he wasn’t going to let him or any of them women go down for some shit the police should have done. That motherfucker was a rapist and he honestly wished his parents were more like Bliss. Shaking the thoughts out of his head. “My papa told me he was proud of me and acted like he didn’t almost beat me half to death. That’s all I wanted but then I saw how unhappy and hollow that felt but I can’t come out right now. I got shit to handle before I start this new life. Shit that will never go away until I fix it. Can you trust me to do you right Simon?” Touching his boyfriend’s face. “You it for me shorty. You my one and if you can hold on a little longer. I got a plan and my uncle and father will respect me when I’m done. You’ll have a big ass latin family to deal with but just hold on Simon.” Leaning in he kissed his neck. “I want to taste you baby stop being like this.”

Simon looked at Ivan while of course he had a backup story to go with the pictures and he almost laughed at his own paranoia. Maybe he was paranoid that was the simple truth of the matter when it came to every relationship he had ever really been in why in the fuck did he keep picking people that wanted to stay in the closet? Maybe it was everything Lowell had talked to him about since he was out of college hell before really covering up things left and right for each of Lowell’s children, making sure the man he looked up to like a second father had his entire life and business secure. First Mason and now Ivan, when he could have been out with the parade earlier in the week there were plenty of other men in their community looking for what he was without hiding behind who they were. He of course was still attracted to Ivan and did want to have sex with him but he wasn’t a damn animal either when it came to sex. It wasn’t just sex for him there was no emotional commitment from the man next to him unless it was behind closed door and that for him wasn’t how he wanted to live anymore. He deserved to have someone out and proud with him to bring someone home to his parents and siblings as his future husband. He got that Ivan had shit in his past he wasn’t stupid about it but he was tired of another secret he had to bury on top of all the other ones with people who cared about him the most.

“I really don’t care if Jamal hired them or not Ivan, why does it fucking matter so much what the world sees for Christ’s sake? People are living who they want to be every day of the week and yet you still won’t openly live your truth and yet you want me to believe you’re suddenly going to give me what I want? I can’t even tell some of my closest friends about us without you freaking the fuck out. My parents want to meet you and I simply can’t tell them who you are and expect me to keep lying to them. I’m not your naive Money Ivan.” Simon said he knew it was a low hit when he said it but he did mean it he wasn’t Money, he was Simon fucking Rutherford and he’d been fore too compliant in what he wanted with Ivan. He saw it hurt Ivan and he took another drink of his champagne he wasn’t going to force Ivan’s had with coming up but he wasn’t going to keep being his secret anymore either, Lowell’s words were ringing true for him he deserved better hell he earned better at this point in his life. “If it meant protecting Jackie and the rest of them I would verify the servers story that I was with you that night make no doubt about it Ivan. That we of course helped Jackie and the rest of them escape Dimitri but yes I’d verify whatever the servers saw between us to the police. I’m not ashamed of what I am Ivan and maybe I’m tired of hiding it from everyone just to please you. You want to end your past then end it already.”

Ivan gulped down the rest of the champagne and scooted away from Simon as he shook his head. When he mentioned Money he wanted to punch the window out of the limo. Pouring himself another glass of champagne he gulped that down. “I bet your first time with Zach was real romantic and shit like that right? He had candles and was mad corny right? You want to know my first time? I was seven alone at my abuela house. She was making rice and beans but needed something from the store. So she left me with my uncle Hector. Now when I was little I could do Michael Jackson, Prince, Julio Iglesias, and even Selena and Charro. My mother loved Charro. So he asked me to do the Selena dance and I shook my little hips and danced. Then he told me to come closer and before I knew it he was raping me. Molesting me and I told my dad. I told him that motherfucker raped me and you know what my dad did to me? He beat me Simon and I know in your precious ass white world it’s easy to be who you want to be. I’m a first generation latino man in America. I’m expected to do more and keep the legacy going. I am born into a culture that beat me for being homosexual. So you are going to do the same. You are going to beat me until I come out. I’m going to come out and it’s going to ruin my career. Then I’ll be a hasbeen and then you won’t want me. So tell me Simon Rutherford what’s so special about being out of the closet?” He chuckled looking at him. “Being ridiculed because of your masculinity or femininity? Someone calling you a fag just walking down the street? Is that what you want for us? To be gay bashed or worse? Killed because I like to suck a little dick?” Ivan leaned back looking that they were closing in on Scottswood.

“Man drop me off at Club XES.” Ivan demanded looking outside at the twisted beauty of the ghetto. “I told you that shit wasn’t perfect in my world. That I have to do this on my own time. I have shit going through my mind all the time. How disgusting I feel after making love to you. Not because what we do is wrong but because how my family has made me feel. You don’t care about how I feel, you just want me running down the street with a rainbow flag. That aint me and if you think when I come out I’m just going to be the public affection all the time wrong idea. I don’t know who I will be but I know that I won’t be a punk! A fag! A little fruity.” Waving his hand to show he’s gay. “I don’t know what else you want Simon. I love you why isn’t that enough for right now. I’m not saying forever but for right now I’m in love with you. I’m so in love with you I haven’t touched anybody since I left. I don’t see other people Simon, it’s only you. You all I need and want. I will come out. It will just be on Ivan’s time, not Simon’s.” Ivan laughed seeing Simon’s expression of anger. “Fine I’ll come out and then I’ll be dead. That’s what you want right? Me to be dead? They’re going to kill me.”

Simon looked at Ivan horrified as he told him about his childhood and he honestly wanted to be sick. Sick for the little boy that had his innocence taken from him so viciously and violently, for the little boy that had no one to turn to or no one to believe him. Simon was taken aback at the accusations that he’d ever beat Ivan; he wasn’t that type of a man in relationships no matter the circumstances but he wanted to live his life openly he’d never force Ivan to come out. He also didn’t understand apparently hip hop culture or whatever the hell Ivan was so scared about there were plenty of artists that were gay or bisexuality that had come out,plenty of celebrities that did it without recourse. Perhaps he was scared of the people in his past coming after him. Simon knew for a fact he or Jamal could pay to make sure that never happened they could hire the best bodyguards. It was no longer for him a discussion about who loved who more at this point it was the matter that he couldn’t continue on the lies anymore. Ivan was clearly upset and angry at what happened to him, something that explained a lot of his self hatred for himself and their relationship. This was something. He knew deep down he couldn’t fix Ivan that was too big and too much and he wasn’t qualified.

“I care about how you feel but you seem to think that I can just keep bottling our relationship down to what you need. I need to be a part of our community I like to let my flag fly and yes that is because of my upbringing, I’m sorry if that hurts you. You seem to think that the world I come from doesn’t have gay slurs I assure you it does I simply don’t fucking care about what they say about me. I prove to everyone who I am by what I have done and trust me they all respect me for it. I wouldn’t care if you were a hasbeen once you came out trust me your little rap life you want to live wasn’t what attracted me to you. You seem to think that myself or Jamal wouldn’t’ make sure that you have whatever protecting you need.” Simon said wondering how they could overcome this obstacle in their relationship if that is what they were even having. He couldn’t fix Ivan’s self loathing or his self hate and until Ivan learned to love himself and deal with what his uncle did he knew deep down they would continue in this exhausting circle. “You need help to talk to someone about what he did to you. I know people who could help you if you’d let them or me but I have a feeling you’ll make another excuse as to why you can’t. You aren’t responsible for what that your uncle did to you Ivan he violated you he raped you, you were a child.” Simon finished not sure what else to say to him as the driver did stop eventually at the club.

Ivan lip quivered as he looked at Simon with childlike eyes. His chest heaved up and down as he tried to not cry. He shook his head as he gulped a little knowing that he couldn’t tell anyone the abuse he endured as a child. How his father beat him constantly because he perceived him as more feminine. That killed him because artistically and mentally he had to be someone else. Identity of who he truly was, was buried in this thug he placed on top. This was a piece of him that he let cover his entire life and this mask he wore he wasn’t sure he’d be able to take it off so easily. It had protected him for years and no matter what Simon said his first instinct was to protect himself. Nodding his head he looked at Simon and bit his lip. Exhaling, he knocked on the partition. “You didn’t say you loved me. You tell me I need help and you think it’s just about coming out. I want to be free with you. Yo let me out. I can’t right now Simon. You don’t love me but you want me to give up the only life I know for something I know will hurt me. You aren’t in love with me like Mason or Zach huh? Is it because I don’t come from a fancy ass family? Or on of the pillars of the community? I gotta get some air.” He opened the limo door and in front of Nasir and Hulk. Leaning in he kissed Simon in front of his old homeboys.

“Wassup motherfuckers?” Ivan jumped out with the bottle of champagne as he shook hands with Nasir and Hulk. He told them when he flew them out to Miami one weekend. “Baby steps Simon. Give me time baby and the world is ours if you love me like Money did. Money loved me and you shorty I don’t know you flex but you don’t give me what you gave them other two. That’s cool but they are together now and you are in the cold shorty with me. I got your back Simon and the sooner you see it’s me and you. It’s coming, just let me man. I’ll see you at the condo.”

Simon didn’t know what he was supposed to say to Ivan it wasn’t a matter of love, he enjoyed Ivan’s company and his companionship but he couldn’t love Ivan till Ivan loved himself. Ivan was scared of who he was and it wasn’t fair to either of them to proclaim things that were based on a lie. He had no idea if Money loved Ivan or not or if it was just a phase or not and he didn’t really care, Money was never honest with himself either, just like Ivan was now. He loved Mason at one point and his first love was Zach but at least Zach was always open and proud of who he was, Mason was messy that was true but he did love him. He refused to answer Ivan’s childish digs he made about his past with Mason or Zach. The kiss was brief when it happened and he looked away after always a secret that only Ivan was allowed to reveal and he let the car door slam behind him.

“Take me home please I have phone calls I need to make.” Simon said looking at his driver and he honestly wondered if he should even leave the condo door open so Ivan could just stumble in after a night out partying no doubt living the lie he was accustomed too. He decided to leave it unlocked for now Ivan was alone essentially and it didn’t feel right to make him even feel more alone.

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