Integra's World

"I know we haven't been friends for long, yet I feel as if I can confide in you", Vera remarked out of the blue. Eyebrow shooting up in interest, you silently tilt your head to the side as she nervously continues. "Not a lot of people know, but Ike and I were trying for a baby not too long ago-" You would be lying in saying you weren't a bit peeved at the information yet do your best to seem neutral in reaction to it. "Even went to someone to do some sort of ritual", she confesses. "It didn't work though-", her gaze drops in disappointment, "I even offered to raise Mercy's baby as my own." "She's pregnant...?", you react in genuine surprise. "How were you going to pull that off though?" Taking a quick look around, Vera moves in closer, "the father is, Danny", she softly whispers and your eyes shoot wide in response, almost choking on your own saliva. "That would make it easier to pass as Ike's...", you softly cough out, rapidly blinking your moist eyes while attempting to recompose yourself. "It would have", Vera nods dejectedly, "she lost the baby though." "Oh, Vera- I'm so sorry-", you forge false sympathy. "Perhaps it's a sign that you should rather continue trying the natural way- I'm sure when the time is right, it will happen..." "I won't'-", she tearfully responds and your interest piqued. "How so?", you ask in pretend concern. "I went to the doctor and was told I'm tilted-", Vera whimpers softly. Being the fake bitch that you were, you offer her your support as she silently sobbed while along triumphantly cheering in silence. Even more so when Vera divulged that Ike hadn't touched her for quite some time now. Parting ways after lunch, a broad smile plastered your face once out of Vera's vicinity. If Ike wanted to become a father again, you would gladly make that happen, especially now knowing that you were the only one he was sleeping with at the moment.

Poor little Mrs. Evans... Her perfect world was slowly crumbling around her, and she was none the wiser, you didn't even have to do much in assisting it; she was doing all the dirty work for you. So, while that played itself out, you had plenty of time on your plate to annoy Ike and maybe get him to fuck you again.

Tonight was a big show night at the Miramar, Vera's first choreographing after not being able to perform herself anymore. Naturally, you were invited to join the Evans table as Ike's business partner, yet you had politely declined; wanting to test the waters and see how long it would take Ike to come to you on his own accord. Instead, you had yourself assigned another seat and made sure to openly flirt with all the available men around you. ''Y/N's quite popular this evening, isn't she...?'', an amused Vera remarks to Ike, watching as the men at and around your table fawn helplessly over you. Finally looking in the direction, Ike silently scowls at the scene until Vera playfully swats at him, ''don't be rude- she's a beautiful and enigmatic woman... it's perfectly normal for her to have so many admirers.'' "Only worried a fight might end up breaking out", Ike grunts out in pretense. ''We should invite her for dinner later'', Vera suggests, changing the topic and taking his low grunt in response as an agreement.

If he could spontaneously combust from anger, Ike would have within the first twenty minutes of this damn dinner. The rage coursing through his veins at having to witness this prick drool over you was slowly making Ike lose his shit. He wasn't even paying attention to what Vera was talking about, merely shoving tasteless bits of food in his mouth while shooting silent glares at you and your date. "Honey- Ike-?", Vera's voice finally penetrates through his thoughts. "What?", Ike blinks at her in confusion and you couldn't contain the smirk tugging at your lips. "I asked Y/N and Alastair to join our table for tomorrow's show", Vera explains, turning back toward the two of you, "that's if you don't have other plans...?" "That sounds great", Alastair beams at the offer, pausing to look at you then, "that's if you're ok with it?" Your eyes narrow as they clock Ike's tension at the remark, turning your full attention towards Alastair; you sweetly flutter your eyes, ''I'd love to...''

Ten minutes hadn't even passed after leaving dinner, when a loud knock sounded at your door. Knowing instantly who it was, a smirk tug at your lips while making your way to open it. "You're lapdogs not around because you got company?", Ike drawls, glaring at you from under his lashes. Cocking your head to the side, you arch a brow at him. "Is there a particular reason for your banging on my door at this hour...?"                                                    "Is he in your bedroom-?", he grits out. knuckles white with the grip he had on the doorframe. "Who...?", you blink innocently in response. "That lil love struck puppy that was attached to you the whole evening-", Ike hisses out in annoyances. "Oh! You mean, Alastair?", you flash him a sweet smile, "he left right after dinner..." "Don't lie to me-", Ike lowly growls, taking a threatening toward you. Causing to you arch a brow in warning.    "I would tread lightly if I were you." Instantly realizing the line he's crossed, Ike takes a careful step back, "I should leave-", he mutters under his breath, giving you one last look over before turning around and walking away. Taking a step out the door, you watch victoriously as Ike stalks away in silent rage. "Hook, line and sinker..."                 

Sitting at this table was pure hell, having to watch this moron moon over you the entire show through was exasperating, and Vera, silently hyping it wasn't making it any better. He was a married man, and you were nothing but a ruthless criminal, yet Ike Evans found himself madly possessive over you. The show had finally come to an end, much to Ike's relief and all he wanted was to get the hell out there, that was until Vera opened her mouth. "Are you joining us for drinks in The Atlantis?" "As lovely as that sounds...", you flash her toothy smile, learning heavy onto Alastair while stroking his chest, "we're going to call it an early night." "Oh, I see...", Vera winks with a knowing smirk. You chuckle softly at her, "enjoy the rest of your night", finally turning your attention toward Ike, "goodnight, Ike..."

Ike was seething as he paced the living room baloney at midnight, Vera was fast asleep in their bed, yet all he could think about was you and what you were doing with that moron right now. Having driven himself insane enough with this guessing game, Ike makes the decision to confront you. You were fast asleep when a loud banging on your door awoken you. Groggily staring at your bedside clock, you frown at the time, grabbing your gun, heading toward answering it. Gun hidden behind your back; you slowly crack the door open an inch. The frown instantly turns to a smirk when seeing who it was, opening the door completely; you innocently cock your head to the side. "Is there something I can help you with, Ike?"  Graze locked onto the ground, with a tight white knuckled grip on the door frame; Ike finally speaks up after some time. "Did you fuck him?" "Pardon ...?", you forge ignorance. Head, violently snapping up; Ike lunges forward, gripping hold of your throat as he forcefully slams the door shut behind him. Growling out as he pulls your face closers to his, "did you fuck him?!" Slapping his hand away with a light nudge of your gun, you step away with an amused scoff and place it on a nearby table. Caught off-guard by the gun for a split second, the fury in Ike snaps back at your nonchalant attitude. "I'm talking to you!" Turning back to face him and tilting your head sideways, you blink at him, "what does it have to do with you...?" Letting out a low growl, Ike rushes towards you once again; grabbing your throat in a tighter grip. "I asked you a question-" You don't respond, merely silently smirk at him and that was the final straw. Letting out an animalistic growl, Ike drags you to the nearby couch; forcefully pushing you over the backrest, a broad grin crosses your lips when hearing him fumbling with his belt. Pants dropping to the floor, Ike hastily pushes your nightgown up. "Fucking whore-", he grits out at your lack of underwear, instantly notching his cock at your entrance and driving himself deep inside you with one hard thrust.

Flashback

"What'll take to get you out of my hotel?", Ike glares at you from across his desk.

"Now is that anyway to greet someone...?", you teasingly pout, softly shutting the office door behind you. "This meeting's supposed to be about business not personal matters."

"This is my hotel- it's personal-", Ike grunts out, the disapproving glare sharpened as you took a seat.

"You really need to lighten up, Ikie boy...", you drawl, a smirk tugging at your lips at his annoyed state. "I took care of your lil rodent problem after all." Ike frowns in confusion at your words, "oops-", you press a hand over your mouth in fake guilt, lifting it slightly to softly whisper, "the news isn't out yet... Ben Diamond succumbed to his injuries, peacefully dying in his sleep..." Ike's mouth drops open at your words, "better pick your jaw back up from the floor before you catch flies...", you tease him with a shit-eating grin.

"Ben's dead?", a stunned Ike mutters out, taking only a moment before throwing his head backward with a relieved sigh. "Thank God-"

"You're welcome...", you proudly beam at him.

"How-?", Ike stares at you flabbergasted, knowing that it wouldn't have been an easy job to do with Ben being guarded.

Rolling your eyes with a heavy sigh, you get up to head for the liquor cabinet. Pouring two glasses of whiskey; you walk over to his desk and sit on the edge next to him, handing the one over and whispering in his ear, "if I told ya, I'd have to kill ya-"

Heart racing at your closeness and his want for growing with each passing second; Ike shoots you a side-eye glare to cover it up, getting up from his seat to place some distance between you.

"Are you running away from me, Ike?", you softly chuckle, tongue curled upward against your top lip, eyes scanning him from head to toe. "Do I frighten you...?"

"What makes you say that?", Ike grunts, turning to look out the window that overlooked the hotel lobby, carefully sipping at his drink as a form of distraction.

"Well... for one; you jumped out of your seat like it was on fire...", you smugly remark, slowly stalking towards him. Stopping directing behind him, reaching out and carefully trailing your fingertips up the length of his back, "two; you can't even look at me."

"Don't be ridiculous-", Ike grunts out, downing the rest of his drink in one gulp and marching toward the liquor cabinet for a refill. Having felt the slight shudder of his body in reaction to your touch; you bite into your bottom with a victorious smirk as you silently studied his rigid form whilst perched on the edge of his desk. Rubbing at his eyes with a heavy sigh, Ike finally turns around to face you with a dark glare, "what do you want from me?"

"How about a thank you, for one...?", you offer with a smile, causing Ike's glare to intensify. "I did save your son's life, along with yours and the rest of your family-", you shrug matter-of-factly. Ike's gaze drops to the floor, silently grinding his teeth in deep in thought. "You were all dead the minute Stevie pulled the trigger, and you blackmailed Sy-", you sigh out in pity at what his fate would have been.

"You think I don't know that?!", Ike's head snaps back up with a loud growl, eyes dark with rage as he stepped up onto you. "Ben and Sy have been bleeding me dry for years-", he sneers down at you, pure hatred seething through his system. (Hatred for the control he had allowed Ben and Sy to have over him. Hatred at the fact that he had gotten Mike killed. Hatred that he had nearly gotten Judy killed. Hatred that he had placed his loved ones in danger. Hatred that he escaped the demonic clutches of Ben them, only to fall into yours. What he hated most at this very moment though, was how much he wanted you.)

Having had enough of your games and pissed at the state of things, Ike makes yet another bad decision of his life; he grabs you at the throat. "They killed my friend- tried to kill another-", his grip tightens with each growled out word, yet you remain perfectly calm through it and allow him to vent. "They've threatened my life- the lives of my family- threaten to take away everything that I worked so hard to build with my blood, sweat and tears-"

"That happens when you make a pact with the devil...", you manage to rasp out through his grip, eyes glistening with desire as you stare back into his dark ones.

"You're fucking worse than they were-", Ike pulls your face closer to his with a hiss, nostrils flaring as he glared down at you.

Eyes widening with excitement and biting into your lower lip; you flash him a knowing smirk. "Who would have known that beneath that good guy persona is a dark side, I kinda like it when he comes out to play; turns me on..."

"You're insufferable-", Ike grit out, the willpower to resist you hanging by its last thread as his gaze drops to your mouth.

"Thank you...", you grin in response.

Ike's stares shoot back to yours with a scowl, "wasn't a compliment-"

"I know...", you smirk, tongue peeking out slightly and you clock his gaze dropping toward it. "You wanna kiss me, Ike...?"

He doesn't respond; merely remains silently staring at your mouth, resulting in you getting bored with the push and pull mentality of his, and reaching up to remove his hand to leave. Ike's mind was racing at a thousand miles, his want for you rising with each second, he remained this close to you. When you make a move to step away, Ike panics and the want instantly turn into desperate need as he pulls you flushed against and finally kisses you.

Caught slightly off-guard for a second but not wanting the opportunity to slip through your fingers a second time; you instantly reciprocate the kiss, gripping onto his suit lapels as you parted your lips for him to deepen the kiss. Ike lets out a deep groan of approval into your mouth at this, his head tipping lower to pepper kisses along your now freed throat.

Knowing that this was wrong yet not being to stop his need for you; Ike throws all reasoning to the wind as he rips open your blouse. "Gonna fucking mark you'', is his only remark as he dives in to begin kissing and sucking bruises across your cleavage.

Head tilted backward; you grab hold of Ike's hair with a loud cry of pleasure as he grinds his clothed erection hard into your center. Not wanting to risk him changing his mind mid-foreplay; you hastily reach for the zipper of his pants to undo it, reaching in to pull out his cock. Ike grunts at this, practically biting at your flesh now as you slowly stroke his cock.

Frustration over the torture you were putting him through quickly kicks in; resulting in Ike letting out a loud, almost animalist growl as he hastily spins you around and bends you forward over the desk. With one hand holding you steady by the back of your neck; Ike hastily pushes your skirt up with the other as he kicks your legs apart to settle in behind you and notches the head of his cock against your entrance. "I'm the one in control now-'', he dangerously whispered into your ear, burying himself deep inside you with one hash snap of his hips, resulting in a loud cry to spill from your lips from the slightly painful but pleasurable stretch. ''Fuck-'', Ike leans over you with a heavy groan as your walls contract tightly around him to adjust, grinding his cook deep inside your tight walls as a form of punishment for making him want you this way and you whimper softly in reaction to it, a victorious grin plastered on your face at finally having achieved your goal. Having tortured both of you enough by now; Ike slowly retracts out till the tip, only to forcefully slam back into you. ''Fuckin' bitch-'', he grits out, the sounds of skin slapping against, soft whimpers and groaning, echoing throughout the office as he picks up the pace to fuck all his pent-up rage into you.

"This what you wanted all along? Huh?!" Ike grunts into your ear, delivering an extremely hard thrust, causing you to whimper out in delight.

"For me to fuck you like the whore you truly are...?"

"Yes..." you breathlessly moan, deliberately clenching your walls around him.

"Fuck..." Ike groans out, pulling you up flushed against his chest as he picked up the pace of his thrusting. Wrapping a hand around your throat, Ike squeezes it tightly as he continues roughly thrusting up into you.

"I'm-the-one-in-charge-right-now...!" he growls with a violent thrust, droplets of spittle landing on your cheek.

"I-fuckin'-own-you-right-now...!"

You couldn't respond with how fucked out your mind was at that moment, as well as the fact that Ike was prohibiting you from doing so with how tightly his grasp around your throat was.

"Wonder what your mobster family would think if they saw you now...?" Ike darkly chuckles in your ear at your inability to respond.

"Acting like a true whore... drunk on cock. My cock..."

Your response: a strangled sounding chuckle, catches Ike off guard for second as he pauses his moments.

"You really are a crazy bitch, aren't you?"

"Your bitch..." you rasp out with a smirk, rocking yourself back and forth on his cock to get him to move again.

"Fuck..." Ike bites into his lip with a throaty groan, grabbing tightly at your hips to resume thrusting into you at a faster pace.

The slapping sounds of skin on skin rang out through dimly lit room, along with your soft whimpers and Ike's raspy grunts as he fucked you senseless.

"Fuck... you're fuckin' strangling my cock..." Ike groans in approval when your walls start violently contracting around him as your orgasm begins to near.

"I-Ike..." you attempt to warn him but find it impossible with how fiercely he was ponding into you.

"You're close?" Ike grits through his clenched teeth as he lays all his weight on your back, pushing you flat onto his desk.

"I can feel it... C'mon, cum for me..." Ike growls out in command, the movement of his hips beginning to falter as his own orgasm neared.

"Cum now!"

"Ike...!" you raspily cry out, your walls clenching tightly around his cock as your climax hits.

"Fuuuuck..." Ike lets out guttural sound, biting down on the side of your neck with one last hash thrust as he empties himself in you.

"Shit..." Ike lets out a satisfied groan as he fucked his cum back into you with a few short strokes, while you laid; a boneless, whimpering mess underneath him.

You remained face down on the desk still for a bit after, while Ike rested his entire weight onto your back; his breathing heavy in your ear as you both slowly attempted to come down from your high.

End

To say last night was successful would be putting it lightly, you had Ike Evans exactly where you wanted him; buried deep between your legs. You also learnt something new about yourself; despite being a dominant woman in every day life, you quite enjoyed being dominated during sex. All of your previous lovers were quite boring; the fear of who you were related to getting the better of them, therefore they were always very careful with how they handled you. Not Ike though, none of it mattered to him at that moment, not when he was buried deep inside your cunt, taking all of his hatred for you and your family out on it, to the point that you were still feeling the effects of it the next day with each step you took.

Ike Evans was the perfect match for you, and you planned to make him yours completely.

''Vera...'', you greet in return with a light hug and cheek kisses and you both take a seat.

''I'm glad you got my invite for lunch'', Vera remarks as the both of you sipped coffee whilst waiting on the food.

''Wouldn't miss it for the world-'', you flash her disingenuous smile over the rim of your coffee cup.

''I was worried you wouldn't get it'', Vera confesses, ''I actually went to Ike's office last night in hopes to find you there, but Stevie had said you guys weren't there.''

Your head tilts to the side at that tad bit of information, brows furrowed in confusion, ''Stevie...?''

''Mhmm-'', Vera nods mid-sip, placing her cup down to explain. ''I met him on the stairs, on my way to the office. Mentioned the meeting with Ike and that I wanted to invite you for lunch, he informed me, that he had just come from the office and you guys were no longer there.''

''Did he now-?'', a broad smile spreads across your lips at the realization that Stevie had most definitely seen Ike and you fucking. ''I had plans for the evening, so the meeting was quite short'', you explain.

''By the looks of things, I'd say they were entertaining plans-'', Vera smirks in remarks, subtly referring to the poorly concealed marks on your throat.

''A lady doesn't kiss and tell...'', you innocently respond, reaching for your coffee then.

Vera flashes you a knowing smirk, taking a sip of her own coffee and you couldn't resist the smug look as you stared at her over your cup. ''Those plans involved your husband; bending me over his desk whilst he fucked me-''

To say lunch with Vera was a hit, would be an understatement; poor lil Mrs. Evans wasn't the wiser that the man she was attempting to fish out about was actually her own darling husband. So with that secret between Ike and you, and according to Vera; Stevie, you ended the lunch date on a good note and made future plans.

Now you were lounging on your balcony, resting from lunch and last night's activities. You had decided to give Ike some space to come to terms with what happened, by keeping to yourself but someone else had other ideas. ''Someone here to see you, Boss", Alfie announces from the balcony door.

"Who?'', you enquire.

"Stevie Evans", Alfie replies and this piques your interest.

"Let him in", you instruct with a broad smirk and light yourself a cigarette. "Stevie- what brings you to my humble abode-?", you greet him all smiles.

"Cut the crap. You know why I'm here", Stevie scowls down at you, prompting Alfie to take a defensive step forward but you halt him midway.

"You can leave us, Alfie", you calmly instruct him.

"You sure, Boss?", Alfie eyes Stevie skeptically.

"Absolutely", you flash him a broad smile. He silently nods, shoots Stevie one last warning glare and leaves the room.

"What can I do for you, Stevie?", you turn toward him with a stern look.

"Tell me what the fuck is going on between you and my father, for one?!", Stevie growls out, causing you arch a brow.

"I suggest, you tone that question down...", you calmly remark.

You notice Stevie visibly sweat at your lethal demeanor, a smile instantly spreads across your face at that. "Relax-", you remark, taking a drag from your once forgotten cigarette as you silently studied him for a few seconds. "Take a seat", you sternly instruct but the smile remained. Killing the cigarette; you move to pour a drink for Stevie and yourself, "what's going on between Ike and I, is exactly what you saw-", you nonchalantly state, handing him the drink and taking a seat again.

"You whor-", Stevie erupts at our words but you stop him midway.

"Careful-", you calmly warn, taking a sip of your drink and settling more comfortably into your seat.

"You're fucking my married father and you're reprimanding me?!", Stevie scoffs.

"Talking about, the pot calling the kettle black!", your head tilted back with a loud chuckle. Stevie frowns in confusion at the remark, you smirk in response; rising from your seat and silently head into your room.

"Here you go...", you ceremoniously drop an envelope into his lap, grabbing your drink and sitting back down.

"What's this-?", Stevie frowns at it suspiciously.

Pursing your lips; you gently twirl the glass in your hand and teasingly hum, "why don't take a look...'"

You remained silent then; mentally counting down as he fearfully opened the envelope. Photos spilled to the ground; photos that you had acquired not long ago, photos that clearly showed the night Stevie and Vera had spent together at the hotel he had been hiding at after the incident with Ben.

"Those are merely copies", you break the silence and Stevie's head shoots up at that, eyes wide and mouth open. You shoot him a shit-eating grin, "you know what is expected from you-" Stevie grinds his jaw harshly, eyes dark as he glares at you, yet silently nods in response. "Great!", you cheerfully announce, getting up and gesturing for him to leave, "see ya around..."

Flashback

"Someone's special day is coming up...", Dave randomly remarks as the two of you cuddle whilst watching tv. You nonchalantly shrug it off, causing him to chuckle. "Seriously-", his hold around you tighten, "what do you want for your birthday?"

"I'm happy with whatever you get me", you finally speak up, head titled upward to smile at him. "It's the thought that counts after all."

"You're difficult to shop for-", Dave huffs out, frowning down at you in disappointment.

"I'm really not-", you chuckle, sitting up straight. "Chocolate, books, flowers...", you begin to list off some of your favorites. "It truly doesn't matter as long as it's from you."

"Guess you're right...", Dave sighs in defeat, reaching out to cup your face; instructing in a serious tone, "but if something does come to mind, let me know."

"Promise-", you nod, flashing him a goofy smirk.

"You can be so weird sometimes-", Dave playfully rolls his eyes, only to settle them back into smiling downing at you.

"You love me away though...", you give him a toothy grin in response.

Dave lets out a groan of defeat at your words, suddenly surging forward to push you down onto the couch. You let out a loud squeal as your back hits the couch, giggles and soft moans escaping your mouth as Dave peppered kisses all over your face and neck.

End

Your birthday fell on a Sunday this year, which was perfect; you got to sleep in late, lounge about your apartment and pig-out on all favorites that you wise enough to stock up on the day before, and if luck was on your side maybe Dave will drop the girls off at their mom's place a bit earlier this evening and drop by to spend some time with you.

It was Dave's weekend with the girls, and you didn't want to infringe on his time spent with his children, even if it was your birthday. Assuring him that the girls were more important and your birthday could be celebrated the next day.

It wasn't big deal and everything was fine, that was until you woke up at noon the actual day to find multiple birthday wishes from friends and family but none from Dave. You didn't think much about it at first, as he was probably too busy entertaining the girls at the moment. But as the day continued, your frustration began to boil with each minute and hour that went by without getting a text or call from Dave. "Did he fucking forget my birthday?!"

You try to remain calm and go about the day as planned, believing that a call or text from Dave would eventually come through sometime during the day. The clock continued to tick as the seconds, minutes and hours of your birthday slowly passed away without so much as a single word from him and with it, your patience grew thinner as the hour grew later. When the clock reached midnight; the frustration and anger, turned to disappointment and hurt. Going to bed with a heavy heart and disbelief at the fact that your boyfriend had completely forgotten your birthday.

Monday rolled in like a freight train and with it the reminder that for the first time in two years, your boyfriend had forgotten your birthday. It was a good thing that you had taken two days off from work, you really didn't have the energy to lie about 'the great' birthday you never had to your work friends.

Checking your phone while getting out of bed, a deep frown crosses your face when there's no message from Dave. "Seriously...?!" Completely pissed by now; you place the phone on silent, grabbing whatever snacks you had left, a bottle of wine and head back to the bedroom.

Having fallen asleep after overindulging on alcohol and snacks; you woke up at seven the evening to find, Dave had been blowing it up with multiple messages and missed calls for last three hours. "Now he remembers-". Rolling your eyes at the gull he had; you leave the messages on read, going back to sleep rather than giving him the time of day. "Let's see how he likes being forgotten about..."

"What the fuck?!", you bolt up from bed at the sound of loud banging on your front door. Checking the time, you see that it's already past midnight. Getting up with a loud groan, you stomp your way to the door before your neighbors complain about the noise. Checking the peephole; you quietly sigh, resting your forehead against the door in frustration. "What the hell, Dave?!", you rip the door open, dragging in him inside before one of your neighbors made an appearance.

"Why are you ignoring me?", Dave frowns at you with his hands rested on his waist.

"Huh...?", your head tilts to the side in utter disbelief at his gull.

"You weren't answering my calls and messages-", Dave throws his hands up in the air at lost to what had occurred. "Why?!"

You silently blink at him for moment, finally bursting out in laughter. "Why?! You're actually asking me that question?!"

"Yes-", Dave answers with a confused shrug.

"Oh my god...!" You facepalm yourself in disbelief, taking a deep breathe before focusing back to the main point. "What is today's date?" Dave answers easily and barely refrain from blowing up at him, "and was yesterday's date, Dave...?", you grit out, silently praying for patience as not to strangle him as he answered yet again. "And what day was it exactly, Dave...?"

"Your birthday-", Dave responds matter-of-factly, and you finally implode on him.

"Now he remembers!!!", you exclaim with an eyeroll and attempt to walk away but Dave stops you.

"Hold up-", Dave grabs hold of your shoulders to keep you in place.

"Let go, Dave!", you struggle against his hold, but the grip remains sturdy.

"No", Dave tightens his grip on you, "and what makes you believe that I forgot your birthday?"

"Mmm... let me think...", you sarcastically tap a finger against your chin; pretending to think before ripping into him. "Maybe, because you forgot to wish me for it! I know that we agreed to me only interacting on a constant basis with the girls once we were sure about us, and I didn't expect you drop the girls for me either. But to forget wishing me for my birthday?"

"I didn't forget your birthday-", Dave finally interjects with a sigh of defeat.

"Well, you could have fooled me-", you snort in response.

"I truly didn't forget your birthday, baby...", Dave reaches up to cup your face, eyes silently pleading with you to believe him. "Yes, I did forget to wish you", Dave honestly admits, "but it was only because I was distracted with finalizing your birthday surprise with the girls-"

"What-?", you stare at him in open-mouthed surprise.

Letting out a heavy sigh of relief that you had calmed down a bit, Dave gestures for you both to take a seat; dragging a hand across his face, softly muttering out. "This is not how we planned it..."

"What plan?", you frown, utterly confused at what he was speaking of. "Did you and girls plan something for my birthday...?"

"More like, they planned, and I was given orders-", Dave snorts in amusement at memory of it, causing a smirk to tug at your lips at his words.

"I can imagine...", you softly snicker as interest peaked. "So, what were your orders...?"

Dave's head drops: embarrassment flooding him that it took his daughter's setting a fire under his ass to finally get to this point. Staring up at you through hooded eyes, he flashes you a dimpled smirk. "That if I didn't ask you to marry me soon, they'd do it for me."

"What-?", you blink at him, completely stupefied by what you just heard.

"Apparently, they're fed-up with only getting to spend time with you once every now and then-", Dave shrugs with a derpy smirk plastered over his face.

"Seriously-?", you snicker at his explanation.

"Dead serious-", Dave stares at you bug-eyed, "I was told not to even think of picking them up for their next visit if I haven't placed a ring on your finger yet."

"They truly put you through the wringer?!", you chuckle the girls' ultimatum.

"You don't even know the half of it-", Dave tilts his head back with a dramatic groan, shooting you a wink when you giggle in response.

"Why don't we take a seat, then you can tell me all about this marriage proposal the girls came up with...", you offer, guiding him toward the couch.

Settling in beside you, Dave takes hold of your hands; eyes silently revealing his sincerity and fears. "I love you so much. And I'm truly sorry for not wishing you."

Silently studying him through narrowed gaze for a bit; you finally take pity on him, "I'm still quite pissed at you- ", you glare at him.

"I know baby and I'll try my best to make it up to you", Dave promises. "I was supposed to take you out on a romantic picnic and then propose. Everything was planned down to the finest detail- until I fucked it up."

"Well, the day isn't over yet...", you blink at him suggestively. "We could have the picnic right here..."

"Wouldn't be much of a surprise-", Dave points out skeptically.

You silently ponder for a moment, an idea finally popping up. "I'm going to pop into the shower to freshen up, that should be enough time for you to set. It'll still count as a surprise, wouldn't it?"

A huge grin crosses Dave's face at your idea, "I could work with that!"

Making sure to give Dave enough time to set things up; you dress in a comfortable yet simple dress, sitting at your vanity for another ten minutes so that he could finish preparing. Once the time was up you were caught in utter awe at the scene Dave had set up in your living room; candles lit up the darkened room, rose petal scattered across the floor leading from the entryway toward the center, where a beautiful picnic was laid out with pillows for comfort.

It still feels like our first night together Feels like the first kiss And it's getting better baby No one can better this I'm still holding on, you're still the one

The first time our eyes met Same feeling I get Only feels much stronger And I wanna love you longer You still turn the fire on

So if you're feeling lonely, don't You're the only one I ever want I only wanna make it good So if I love you a little more than I should

Please forgive me, I know not what I do Please forgive me, I can't stop loving you Don't deny me, this pain I'm going through Please forgive me, if I need you like I do Please believe me, every word I say is true

Please forgive me, I can't stop loving you

*

"Your picnic is prepared, Madame...", Dave ceremoniously announces, and you giggle at his uncharacteristic silliness.

"You're acting silly-"

"Just a man in love...", Dave shrugs with a dopey smirk, dramatically gesturing to you, "please take a seat, Madame..."

"The girls really went all out with this picnic...", you remark, staring in awe at all your favourites laid out as you sat down.

"Hey, I'm the one that picked all of these...!", Dave pouts, offended at your remark.

"I know-", you softly giggle, wrapping your arms around his neck and settling into his lap "I was just kidding. Besides, our love language consists of you spoiling me with food-"

Dave arches a brow at you with a faint smirk, "that a bad thing...?"

"Nope", you grin, nuzzling his nose with your own. "No one else would lovingly share half of their dessert even after I ate my own, like you do..." A smile spreads across Dave's lips, and you couldn't resist kissing him.

Dave's grip on your hips tightens as the kiss becomes more heated, "sweetheart-", he breaks from the kiss, the rest of his words stuck in his throat by a breathy groan when you ignore him to continue peppering kisses along his neck. "Baby- the picnic-", he manages to finally get out, "still have to propose-"

"Yes", you utter breathlessly, dragging his lips back to yours.

Dave pulls back yet again to your annoyance, staring at you wide-eyed. "Yes...?"

"Yes, I'll marry you-", you giggle at his reaction.

"Really...?", Dave's eyes seem like would pop out of their sockets with how bugged out they were and couldn't help but laugh at it.

"Yes, David York. I will marry you..."

Dave silently blinks at you for a few seconds, suddenly surging forward to kiss you. You loudly chuckle against his lips as he tumbles you backward to settle over you. Brushing the hair out of your face, Dave stares deeply into your eyes, "I love you", he states, gently stroking your cheek, then moving to your mouth.

"I love you too...", you smile up at him, placing a kiss on the thumb he was brushing across your bottom lip.

"Fuck- can't wait to make you my wife-", Dave rasps out, tipping his head down to capture your lips in a hard kiss.

The one thing I'm sure of Is the way we make love The one thing I depend on Is for us to stay strong With every word and every breath I'm praying That's why I'm saying

Please forgive me, I know not what I do Please forgive me, I can't stop loving you Don't deny me, this pain I'm going through Please forgive me, if I need you like I do Babe, believe me, every word I say is true Please forgive me, if I can't stop loving you Never leave me, I don't know what I do Please forgive me, I can't stop loving you

Can't stop loving you...

Eight months had passed since that terrible period in your life and during that time, you had managed to distract yourself from the painful memory by opening up your own catering business. To those that saw you it would seem that you've gotten over Javi, but the truth was you were merely good at finding enough distractions from the heartache.

Finally, having put the past somewhat to rest, that was what you were telling yourself and others. Everything seemed to be going fine until the day it wasn't, when you got a call from a potential client. With high spirits of bagging a huge gig with an unlimited budget, you prepared to head over to meet the potential client. "Ready to reel in that big fish...?", your friend and business partner, Kathy smirks as you run about like a headless chicken in making sure you had everything for the meeting. You pause, rolling your eyes with a heavy sigh, "am I that obvious?" "It's our first big client you're pitching for; you're allowed to be a bit nervous '', Kathy reassures you with that supportive smile she always gave whenever you felt like you were free-falling, without anyone there to catch you. That smile was there to catch you each time during culinary school when you first met and became best friends, and it was there again when you returned home months ago, jobless and with a broken heart. That smile kicked your ass out the depressive hole you had thrown yourself in and pushed you into following your culinary dreams of starting your own catering business. Kathy was your rock during those dark times; you never would have gotten where you're now without her and it always felt right to bring her aboard when you started the business. The decision in doing so is proven right yet again at this very moment. "Can I get a hug...?", you whisper as tears of appreciation prickled at your eyes. "Oh, hun... of course", Kathy instantly steps forward to embrace you. "Thank you...", you softly utter once in the turmoil inside you had settled. "No prob, babe", Kathy gives you one last squeeze, stepping back to give you a once-over, "now, get your butt into gear and go score us that big fish!" Letting out a chuckle and shaking your head at her always enthusiastic approach of things, your grab your things and head out for your meeting.

Arriving at the client's address, you were caught slightly off guard at the simple looking apartment building. It was a decent looking building and in a nice area, not something you would expect someone with this person's kind of money to live in but who were you to judge. Grabbing your daybook to double-check some details before exiting your car. Client known as Mr. G. Hosting some kind of movie premiere afterparty. That was all the information you had gotten from his assistant, besides the budget being unlimited. "Let's get this ball rolling-", you exhale one last time to settle your nerves. Knocking on the apartment door; nerves having finally settled, that was until the door opened and your heart dropped to your ass, and standing in front of you was none other than, Javi Gutierrez. "Javi...?", you frown in confusion. "Why are you here? Don't tell me, you're the Mr. G, I'm meeting today?'' "I apologize for the deceit, but it was the only way to see you", Javi stares at you with those pleading puppy eyes, "please, don't go..." Your mind and heart were at war with what to do. 'Why are you doing this?'' "There are a lot of details of what happened in Mallorca that you aren't aware of", Javi explains. "So, you decided to trick me here with a fake job offer?", you scoff in response. "No- no-", he panically shakes his head in response, "the offer is real!" With narrowed gaze, you study him suspiciously, "I find it quite hard to believe." Head dropping in defeat, Javi exhales heavily, "you have every right to feel the way you do." You were just about to end the entire interaction and leave, when Javi's tear-filled gaze rises back up, "please, accept the job...", he pleads with you.

It was the day of Javi's party; you had obviously agreed to it because the money was too good not to take the gig. At least that was the lie you told everyone, including yourself. Truth was you were a sucker when it came to his pleading puppy eyes. Even after breaking your heart, you still fell for it because as dumb as it sounded; you were still in love with him and didn't know how to stop feeling the way you did. "I'm not sure about this...", you remark, staring at your reflection skeptically in the mirror while getting ready. "Listen...", Kathy steps up behind, resting her hands on your shoulders, "you still love him, right?" You nod in silent guilt, Kathy knowingly smiles. "I believe, he still loves you too." You shoot her look of disbelief in the mirror, and she shrugs in response, "Why else, go such lengths to get back in touch?" "We're good at what we do...?", you offer, knowing it was a weak excuse. Kathy throws her hands in the air with a loud groan of defeat, "c'mon...!" Hands on the hips, she shoots you a glare, "we're good, but not unlimited movie premiere good." "Your point...?", you remark with an eyeroll at her dramatics. "He's obviously doing all of this for you!", Kathy loudly expresses. "Not only are we catering the afterparty, but we got invited to the movie premiere as well. Why else would he go to such lengths?" "He was being nice...?", you attempt another weak excuse. "God help me...", Kathy mutters under her breath, fixing a stern gaze onto you. "This movie is about everything that happened in Mallorca, right?" "Yes- What happened between us will probably be in it!", you stare at her bug-eyed in panic. "I can't go-", you shake your head, "it's going to be humiliating." "Just hold on!", Kathy attempts to calm you down, "you said that Javi mentioned there being details of what happened that you weren't aware of. What if those details are in the movie? Don't you want to know what really happened ...?" Your gaze drops in defeat, "yes-" Letting out a heavy exhale, your gaze lifts back up, "I guess, we're going."

Movie scene

Javi's heart was pounding in his chest after the interaction with Lucas, where he had been confronted with the information that Nicholas Cage was working for the CIA. "Either, you kill him or I kill you... but not before I've had some fun with your chef girlfriend..." Javi wanted nothing more but to lunge at his cousin for threatening you, but with a gun being held to his head, there was nothing else he could do but agree to Lucas' demands. First thing though, was to make sure you were safely away from any danger that most definitely would occur. Javi was no fool where his cousin was concerned, he knew that Lucas found you attractive and even if he did go through with killing Nick, there was still the high likelihood that Lucas would still go after you, just to teach Javi a lesson. "Maria, I need your help-", Javi quietly approaches her. "Is there a problem, Mr. Gutierrez?", Maria frowns in concern at his clear state of agitation. "We can't talk here-", Javi whispers, nervously scanning the surroundings, "meet outside the memorabilia room in five minutes." "What's going on, Javi?", Maria demands once they enter the room. "Everything is a huge mess!", he agitatedly paces the room whilst tugging at his hair. "Javi- calm down-", Maria carefully takes a step toward him, "what happened?" Javi pauses, turning toward her with fear filled eyes. "I need you to take, Y/N to the mainland and get her on the first plane back to her home-" "What?", Maria blinks at him in utter shock. "Why?" "I can't go into all the details, there's not much time-", Javi rapidly explains, "she's in danger- Lucas." "Ok-", Maria calmly responds, doing her best to compose the fear, bubbling up inside. "Should I ask Gabriela to arrange for the jet?" "No!", Javi practically yells in panic. "That'll tip Lucas off. She's safer with a crowd, he won't be able to track her that way." "Ok", Maria nods in agreement. "How are you going to explain it to her, though?" "I'm not going to tell her the truth", Javi responds with a heavy-hearted sigh, "I'm going to dismiss her from her job." "Javi-", Maria frowns at him in displeasure. "She doesn't know the truth of my family business and I'd like for it to remain so-", Javi remains steadfast. "I need you to send her to my office, then go and pack a bag for her. Essential only, I need her gone from here the minute I'm done speaking with her." "As you wish", Maria sighs in agreement. "Make sure that no one sees you leaving", Javi firmly instructs, "it's the only way to ensure her safety-", he remarks when seeing the look of disapproval Maria gives him at lying to you.

End movie scene *

Girl, we've come a long, long way Too far for us to end this way Sometimes the cost of love is high And we must pay, it's that old give and take

So don't you think if you and I Would just step and let our hearts decide Maybe it would all work out in time? So won't you stay? Please don't go away

Love, love is what we make it We can make it so much better if we try Love, love is what we make it So let's make it real good this time *

The crowd jumped up in excitement as the movie ended; applauding Mr. Cage as he humbly thank them for the support. You on the other hand, sat deathly still as the truth of it all finally sank in. "Did you know...?", Kathy remarks, seeming just as in shock as you. You respond with a silent head shake, still staring bug-eyed at the black screen. "His family business?", she enquires, another silent head shake is your response. "His cousin's threats?'' "No-", you finally manage to croak out. "I knew nothing-" "That's messed up...", Kathy remarks in astonishment. "Hold up-", you snap out your stupider, "am I understanding this right-? Did Javi break up with and fire me, to protect me from his criminal cousin...?" "That's true love...", Kathy sighs out dreamily and you side-eye. "Weren't you calling him a jerk face like hours ago?" ''That was before I knew the truth", Kathy defends herself. "At least, he didn't put the actual breakup scene in-", she points out, "he didn't want the whole world seeing the humiliation of having your heart broken." "You have a point", you begrudgingly agree, causing her to triumphantly smirk at you. "Besides...", she knowingly grins then, "I know for a fact, he left out quite a few scenes involving the two of you..." You instantly become flustered at the memories of Javi and you; each night spent, wrapped in each other's arms after the evening of his birthday party. "I'm right, aren't I?!", Kathy exclaims, her face turning to a serious one then. "That man loves you. He did what needed to be done to protect you. Breaking his own heart in the process as well." "I should probably hear what he has to say...", you concede. "You should...", Kathy smiles, silently signally with her eyes that someone was waiting behind you. Shooting her a confused frown, you turn around and there he stood. "Hi", an anxious looking Javi greets you. Tilting your head, content, "Hi..." "Could we talk...?", a hopeful Javi request. Staring silently at him for a few seconds, you finally grace him with a faint smile. "Sure."

* Is it too late to change your mind Or has it gone too far this time? Won't you hold me just one more time? And let's just say, there's a chance for you and me

Love, love is what we make it We can make it so much better if we try Love, love is what we make it So let's make it real good this time

*

After a few rushed words with Katy; instead of going to the afterparty, Javi and you went back to his apartment to talk. "You watched the entire movie, I take it...?", a nervous Javi remarks once you were settled in the living room. "I did...", you smile in response as Javi practically squirms in his seat. "Then you know the truth- wait- why are you smiling?", he stares at you confused. Getting up from your seat, you move to sit next to him. "Because, I know the truth...", you reach out to cup his cheek. Eyes fluttering close for a second, Javi stares at you through tear-filled eyes then, "I'm so sorry for hiding the truth from you-" "It was the only way you could protect me", you remark, "I don't like the fact that you lied to me, but I understand your reasons for it." "Lucas was a dangerous man", Javi head drops in shame, "I'd rather have you hate me, than allow him to hurt you in any way..." "Seeing that he kidnapped Delgado and Nick's daughters, I'm glad you sent me away, especially after how he threatened you with me-", you physically shudder at the thought of it . Javi's head snaps up at the remark, a look of pure conviction in his eyes."I would never allow anything bad to happen to you." "I know...", your head tilts with a soft smile. With softening eyes, Javi stares at you hopefully, "now that you know the truth- is there-", his gaze drops for a second as you give him time to compose himself. He finally lifts it, staring deeply into your eyes. "Is there a possibility of you giving me another chance...?" Your gaze averts at his request and Javi's heart drops at the prospect of rejection. "I understand", he utters, heavy-hearted, "I hurt you and-" "Yes", you cut him off mid-sentence. "Wait- what?", he stares at you in open-mouthed astonishment. "I'll give you a second chance", you chuckle at the dopey smile spread across his face in response to your words. "Really...?", Javi blinks rapidly in disbelief. You reach out to cup his face with both hands to make him concentrate, softly chuckling, "yes, dopey..." Javi flashes you a crooked toothy grin, gaze instantly turning serious as it drops to your mouth and blurts out, "I desperately want to kiss you right now -" "What's stopping you?", you remark with a smirk. "Well, I wasn't sure if you-", you cut Javi off with a kiss. "I love you...", Javi stared intently into your eyes after breaking the kiss. "I love you too..'', you respond with a bright smile.

* Love, love is what we make it We can make it so much better if we try Love, love is what we make it

* It had taken time and a lot of resilience to get Javi and you to this day' your wedding day. Having forgiven him the same night of the movie premiere, yet deciding to take things slow. Having a relationship with a billionaire had already seemed out of your reach, so having one with a famous movie producer seemed even more untenable. That's why it took more than a year for you to finally agree to marry him. The wedding, agreed upon by both was small but elegant; with only close friends and family in attendance. Everything was perfect, you got to marry the man of your dreams and everyone was safe and happy. And with the past put to rest, Javi and you were able to enjoy your honeymoon. Silently admiring the midnight view from the bedroom baloney, your thoughts were interrupted by Javi; embracing you from behind. "Everything alright, amor...?" "Everything's perfect...", you softly sigh, turning to stare up at him and reaching out to cup his face, "absolutely perfect." Javi flashes you a toothy grin; eyes filled with undeniable love, "then come back to bed..." You arch a brow at him in response, "haven't we spent enough time in bed these past hours...?" Gripping you closer against him, Javi lets out a whinny groan, "can never get enough of you...", he pouts, "can't sleep without you in my arms either." "You're such a goofball...", you softly chuckle in response to his antics. Flashing a dimpled smile, Javi places a soft kiss to your lips, "your goofball for the rest of our lives..." "That you are...", you smile up at him, hooking your arms behind his neck and pulling back down for a deeper kiss, "that you are-" Breaking the kiss, Javi gently brushes the hair from your face as he stares deeply into your eyes, "I love you, Mrs. Gutierrez..." "I love you, Mr. Gutierrez...", you respond with a mischievous smirk, remarking then, "bed...?" Eyes turned dark with lust, Javi scoops you off your feet with a deep growl, "bed-!" Your giggles fill the quiet air as he carries you all the way back to the awaiting bed.

I still think of you! Six o'clock in the morning, A plane just touched the ground. My body is here but my heart stays there, 'cause it knows what I've found. Eight o'clock in the morning, A taxi drives uptown. The city hides her lonely tears, 'cause it knows what I've found.

*

Exhausted by the time you reached a friend's house, you were greeted with a sympathetic hug and words of comfort. "How you holding up?" "I'll be fine-", you assure her, attempting to put up your best front. Knowing she doesn't fully buy it yet leaves the matter at that and you're grateful for it. She leaves for work that morning with the reassurance that you could stay for as long as needed until you found a place of your own, which wouldn't be a huge difficulty with the payoff Javi had graciously bestowed you when letting you go but you were too heartbroken to even think of touching it at this moment. So, here you were mopping around the quiet apartment, playing the awful last encounter with Javi on repeat in your head.

Oceans apart, I'm still thinking of you, Tears in my heart, All my dreams up torn in two. Eight o'clock in the evening, the phone just lies around. Friends they come and understand, 'cause they know what I've found. It's two after midnight I'm woken by a sound. I look outside there's no one there, that knows just what I've found.

*

Flashback

The days after Javi's party was filled with some crazy and creative shenanigans involving him and Mr. Cage; running around the town while on acid, being chased by imaginative stalkers and to your utter horror; Javi getting hit by a car. They spent their days like that in an attempt to gain inspiration for their movie, and Javi's nights were spent with you. And magical nights they were spent wrapped in JavI's arms and love, but it was all ripped away from you in an instant. You were happily preparing for lunch a bit earlier than usual as there were two extra guests as of this morning. "Y/N- ", a nervous Maria approaches, causing you to frown in concern at the older woman's demeanor. "Is everything alright, Maria-?" "Not quite, dear", she responds, giving you a sorrowful look. "Mr. Gutierrez requests you in his office." ***** "Maria said you wanted to see me?", you greeted Javi with a smile. Javi doesn't return the smile, his face sternly set and you instantly felt that something was off. "Please, take a seat-", Javi finally speaks and you realize that your suspicions might be correct. "There's no easier way to say this-", he sighs out, head dropped low and refusing to my eye contact as he continues. "Your services are no longer needed here." "Wait? What...?", you stare at him in utter shock, only managing to stammer out one word, "why-?" "What we did was totally inappropriate as an employer and employee", Javi answers, "it should never have happened." "Y-You said you loved me-", you barely manage to speak up through your breaking heart' "I lied", Javi remarks, shattering your heart completely with his words. "You have to be lying-", you tearfully whimper in response, "why are you lying-?" ''Well, I'm not!'', his had snaps upward, eyes void of any emotion and staring you dead-on while calmly stating. "I don't love you. I never loved you. I only said those things to get you into my bed." Tears now freely flow down your cheeks as anger and hurt surged through you, "I hate you, Javi Gutierrez. And I wish I never met you-", you snarl at him before storming out of the office.

End

Oceans apart, I'm still thinking of you, Tears in my heart, All my dreams up torn in two. As the sun touches the ocean, I know it touches you. As clouds embrace the moonlight, I still think of you.

* And just like that, you were back home, crashing at your friend's house while nursing a broken heart. Thinking of what could have been, what never will be and all while still loving Javi Gutierrez. Your body was present here and now, but your mind and heart were left behind in Mallorca.

I still think of you... I still think of you...

"Lo's a bright girl, she doesn't need my guidance as much as you think", you pat him on the chest, sitting up a little despondent. "I'm going to miss spending time with her though..."

"You make it sound as you're moving away or something-", Ike snickers, placing a soft kiss against your pouty lips. "You work in the hotel. She sees you every damn day."

"Won't be the same though...", you frown in protest.

Ike soft chuckles, pulling you into his lap, "wanna know a secret...?"

Your interest perks up at this as you turn to straddle him, "what?"

"Lo asked me if she could shadow you during event preps", Ike brushes the hair out of your face with a dimpled smirk. "Apparently, she wants to learn the 'family business' but from your side of things."

"Really...?", you excitedly enquire, "she wants to learn the events coordinating business?"

"Apparently its 'exciting'-", Ike chuckles even harder at your excitement to getting to spend more time with his daughter. "I think it's just an excuse to spend more time with you though...", Ike gives you knowing smirk.

"Must be my winning personality...", you proudly beam in response, causing Ike to chuckle yet again.

"You're a regular ray of sunshine-"

"Are you mocking me, Mr. Evans...?", you arche a brow at him.

Ike flashes you a dimpled smile, "not at all M-", he finds himself having to pause mid-sentence at almost calling you 'Mrs. Evans'.

Silently tilting your head to the side, you blink down at him in confusion. Biting down onto his lip for a second, Ike reaches out to stroke your cheek with a weak smile. "Your personality is only one of the many things we both love about you..."

Your eyes tear up with emotion at his words, "I love you both too...", you softly utter out, surging forward to capture his lips in a hard kiss.

The kiss soon turns heated as Ike flips you over onto your back and you let out a squeal of excitement, he silently studies you for a moment as you gently brush aside the hair covering his eyes; nothing but love your eyes as you stared back at him. A dull ache forms in his chest at this and Ike wishes he could give more than this.

On one hand I count the reasons I could stay with you And hold you close to me All night long

So many lover's games I'd love to play with you On that hand there's no reason Why it's wrong

But on the other hand There's a golden band To remind me of someone Who would not understand On one hand, I could stay (aah) And be your lovin' man But the reason I must go Is on the other hand

It was the evening of Lauren's party, and you were nervous wreck as you bounced about to make sure everything was perfect. The ballroom was beautifully decorated, Lauren looked beautiful in her gown and all the guests were eagerly awaiting her grand entrance.

"You ready, Lo?", you go check up on her backstage.

"How do I look...?", she excitedly nods, twirling around to show off her dress.

"Like the Miramar princess that you are...", you beam in proud wonder at her, gently reaching out to fix her hair. "I'll be waiting for at the foot of the stairs", you carefully remind her, "once the music starts; that's your que to begin descending them and th-"

"I know, and then Dad will meet on the dance floor for our father-daughter dance...", Lauren cuts you off matter-of-factly.

"You're a big smarty-pants aren't you-", you gently flick her nose, and she softly chuckles at it. "Now go on...", you smile gently nudging her, "before I steal your spotlight."

Lauren flashes you broad smile in response, you turn it and turn to walk away; barely making it a few steps when she calls out your name suddenly. "Yes-", is all you manage to get out before she tackles you with a tight hug. "Everything ok, Lo...?", you concernedly cup the back of her head.

Pulling back slightly, Lauren smiles up at you. "Just wanted to say, thank you..."

"Awww, Lo...", you feel tears prickling at your eyes as you gently cup her face. "Anything for you-"

*****

You patiently stood at the bottom of the stairs to the side as the music started and right on que; out from behind the curtains stepped a glowing Lauren. Completely in awe at how beautiful she looked; you silently gestured with your hands in carefully guiding her down the steps. Lauren stops midway down and for second you panic that she might have frozen up in fear, only to witness her smile broadening as she practically jumped down the rest of the steps and sprinted into the direction of the crowd, where Ike's father was walking through to meet her halfway.

Clapping in applause with the guests and with a broad smile; you watch as Ike and his father hug, then comes Lauren. The smile quickly falls when Vera joins in, stepping aside soon after and capturing Ike's lips in deep kiss.

Feeling totally out of place as reality hit straight in the face; you slowly backed up off the dance floor and into the crowd, barely reaching the end of the crowd only to bump into someone behind you.

"You're only heading for heartache...", the person speaks up.

Immediately know who the voice belonged to; you turn around with an arched brow, "could say the same thing about you, Stevie. Either that or heading for an early grave." Stevie lets out an amused snort, opening his mouth but you cut him short. "Couldn't fuck your father's wife, so you did the Butcher's instead?" Smirking at his shocked expression, you softly pat him on the chest, "You guys aren't as subtle as you think you are..."

Feeling utterly smug by the interaction; you walk away victoriously. Pausing at the entrance, you take one last look at the dance and that's when your eyes met Ike's as he danced with Lauren. Flashing him a faint smile and a head nod; you then turned to leave thereafter. With sorrow filled eyes; Ike stares after your retreating form and he wishes yet again that he could give you more this...

In your arms, I feel the passion I thought had died When I looked into your eyes I found myself

And when I first kissed your lips I felt so alive I've got to hand it to you girl You're somethin' else

But on the other hand There's a golden band To remind me of someone Who would not understand On one hand, I could stay (aah) And be your lovin' man But the reason I must go Is on the other hand Yeah the reason I must go Is on the other hand 

"Do not call me that", you frown in displeasure yet continue to hook your arms around the nape of his neck to play with the curls rested there. "I do not wish to be called that."

Letting out a low groan; Marcus cups your bottom, grinding his pelvis against your armored stomach with a huge smirk. "That still does not take away the fact that you are technically now the princess of Rome and that you can be quite loud."

"Fair enough...", you chuckle, dropping your forehead against his chest in defeat. "Although...", you head pops back up with a mischievous smirk as you pretend to ponder something. "As a subject of the Roman Empire that means; you must do all within your power to ensure that I am well content..."

With pursed lips and Marcus stared through narrowed gaze down at you, "is that so...?"

Flashing him a toothy grin, you innocently shrug, "well, I am the princess of Rome, am I not...?"

"That you are...", Marcus bites into his lip, hands slowly reaching out to begin disrobing you. "Then allow me as your loyal subject, to aide in disrobing you for the evening, Princess..." Doing your best to remain motionless, you silently watched as Marcus made ritual of first removing your armor and then the rest of your clothing.

Once finished, Marcus slowly circled you; eyes silently scanning every detail of your naked figure.

"Have I passed your inspection, General...?", you finally breach the silence in the room.

Pausing in front of you; Marcus smirks as he reaches out to gently cup your cheek and gently dragging his thumb cross your lips. "Merely admiring the beauty of Rome, Princess."

Your lips spread into a smirk under his thumb. "Do I get the privilege of admiring the strength of Rome then?"

Marcus smiles, spreading his arms out in invitation, "whatever the princess wishes...?" You make quick work of his armor and clothing, returning the favor of silently circling him as well. "Have the expectations been met?", Marcus cockily remarks.

Loudly sucking in your breath and biting into your lip, you scan him once more from top to bottom. "The strength of Rome is mighty..."

Eyes darkened with lust; Marcus steps flushed against you, reaching up to tangle a hand in your hair and tipping down so your lips are close. "Then allow Rome's strength to worship its beauty...", he raspily utters, capturing your lips in a deep kiss.

The kiss immediately heated up as Marcus slowly leads you backwards to the bed, a soft gasp slips pass your lips as you gently fall onto the bed, with Marcus on top of you once reaching the foot of it. "Remain still as I worship you, my Goddess...", Marcus huskily breathes into your ear, peppering open-mouthed kisses along your neck and the rest of your body while slowly made his way downward.

You were in utter torture at Marcus' slow decent of your body, your eyes shut and back arching upward when he paused at your naval; softly nipping at the flesh surrounding it. "Marcus-", you softly whined, eyes slowly fluttering open and noticing him silently staring up at you. He remains silent but words were not needed with the way he was looking at you; eyes dark with desire and admiration, the feeling of his lips spreading into a smirk against your flesh as he finally moves further down.

"Perfection...", are Marcus' first words when faced with your glistening folds. You watched with bated breath as his head dropped downward to bury his face between your thighs; a deep groan of approval reverberates against your sex as he licked a long stripe through it.

"Gods...!", your back arched off the bed with a low curse and Marcus repays you with a triumphant smirk against your sex as he begins a full-frontal assault on it. You were a writhing mess on the bed as Marcus continued to keep you pinned down by your hips while his head remained buried between your thighs.

Marcus finally lifts his head from between your thighs when a slightly loud sound of pleasure slips your lips. "You were to remain silent, Princess...", he reminds you, proudly smirking as his fingers probed at your entrance. "I need you to remain completely silent during the next part...", Marcus warns just as slips two fingers deep inside you.

"Mm-", you manage to stifle the loud gasp by biting into your lip, silently glaring daggers at him as you attempt to calm your breathing.

"Silence, Princess...", Marcus warns smugly, flexing the fingers within of you for emphasis.

"I would not have difficulty if you were not torturing me as you were-", you manage to grit out. Marcus flashes you a victory smirk, softly chuckling at your state.

"Do you wish for me to stop?"

You shoot him a warning glare, "do not even think of it..."

"Then what is it that you wish for me to do, Princess...?", Marcus coos; making sure to curl his fingers, working them in and out of you at a slow pace.

"Gods, Marcus! Fuck me already!", you growled out in frustration; eyes shut tightly and back arched.

Cocking his head to the side, Marcus arches a brow at you. "What if wish to fuck you using my hands only...?"

Your eyes instantly snap open at his words, head tilting to the side as you challenge him. "Then I suggest, you get dressed and leave, so that I may find another that shall give me what I want..."

A dangerous look crosses Marcus' eyes as his free hand surges up to grasp your throat, "you shall do no such thing-", he lets out an aggressive growl, the grip on your throat tightening, causing your eyes to light up in excitement.

"Is that a command, General...?", you mischievously smirk up at him.

"Do not test me, Princess-", Marcus warns, knowing you were attempting to goat him.

"I do no such thing, General...", you purred out, tongue curled against the roof of your mouth, mischievously rocking your hips from side-to-side whilst pinned underneath him. "I am merely stating facts."

Through narrowed gaze, Marcus lowers his face so that your noses touch, "you forget one very important fact though, Princess...", he squeezes the hand around your throat with a low sneer, droplets of spittle landing on your lips and you lick it off with a throaty moan.

"What might that be, General...?", you rasp out, nuzzling his nose with your own.

Thinking it impossible for Marcus' eyes to darken even further but proven wrong when he silently studies your face with dangerous glint reflected in them. Flashing you a sadistic grin, Marcus shifts to whisper into your ear, seconds before thrusting into you. "You belong to me..."

Months had passed since the day your father was declared emperor and the alliance with Albinus had happened. Now, you along with your father and Marcus were deeply immersed in campaign against Niger to eliminate the treat to your father's reign. Marcus and you had been sent ahead of your father to Cyzicus; to offer Niger the opportunity to surrender and go into exile to avoid unnecessary bloodshed. You were stationed outside its borders, awaiting a response from Asellius Aemilianus, Niger's appointed commander. Camp had been set up a few days ago and those days were spent inside the general's tent; strategizing battle plans or with you bent over table whilst Marcus railed you from behind, the latter being what the two of you were doing at this very moment.

"At first, I had reservations over having you alongside me during battle-", Marcus rasps against your neck whilst slowly dragging his nose upward to nip at your ear. "Now though- ", he grinds himself deeper inside you with low groan. "Now I see the benefits of having you here..."

"Wh-what- might that be...?", you manager to whimper out through the immense pleasure of having your insides rearranged.

"A powerful warrior by my side on the battlefield and passionate whore underneath me in bed...", Marcus huskily breathes into your ear, pressing you further into the table with his body to pick up a more brutal thrusting pace. The soft slapping sounds of skin against skin echoed through the tent as Marcus vigorously worked himself in and out of you, the pleasure becoming too much to the point that he had to cover your mouth to avoid your sounds of pleasure reaching to the outside. "Hush now, Princess- we do not want the soldiers hearing how good of a whore you are being for me, now do we...?", Marcus grunts out on a partially harsh thrust, the grip he had on you tightening more when your walls clench around him like a vice in retaliation. "Fuck-", he grits out, burying his face into the side of your neck yet never slowly his pace. "This tight cunt of yours will be my downfall...", Marcus groans into your neck, triggering your orgasm as you attempt to warn him with muffled words. "I know love-", Marcus rasps out as his thrust begin to lose rhythm, "right behind you- let go-"

Your walls instantly clamp around him at the command as the climax hits you full forces; your eyes rolling back as you scream into the hand covering your mouth. Letting out a low grunt of approval as he continued fucking you to reach his own, pulling out of you with a muted growl into your neck as he reached his climax and collapses onto your back in exhaustion. "Gods- I almost forgot to pull out-", Marcus wheezes into your ear as his full weight presses down onto you. You were a heaving mess underneath him as you attempted to breathe through the hand still covering your mouth, Marcus realizing your lack of response was due to struggling to catch a breath; instantly releases his grip, turning your around in a state of panic. "Are you alright?!", his eyes blown wide in fear as he gently held your face.

You silently stared at him for a moment whilst attempting to settle your breathing, your lips finally spread into a broad smile, "I would not have mind..."

"Dulcissima...", Marcus drops his forehead against yours with a sigh of relief, "never frighten me like that again."

Cocking your head to the side; you blink up at him in confusion, "what do you mean...?"

Lifting his head from yours, Marcus' grip on your face tightens as he frowned at you. "I thought I had killed you-"

A soft smile breaks across your face as you reach up to place your hands over his, "you forget what I am capable of yet again, Carissimus..."

Marcus' frown deepens at your words, "and you forget that you are mine to protect."

You squint in response to his words, "is this the General speaking to the Princess or Marcus speaking to Valeria?"

"Do you feel this...?", Marcus places your hand over his heart, "it does not beat for the Princess of Rome. It beats for Valeria Severa, and it always shall. Not even eternity would make it stop beating for you..."

"Quite the romantic you are, Dulcissimus...", you smile at him.

"You are my heart, Valeria", Marcus stares down at you sincerely, reaching up to cup your face. "My life would be meaningless without you. I fear each day you are on the battlefield, fear that I may never see you again."

Tears formed in your eyes as you cup his face in return, "that shall never happen-"

"No one knows that for sure", Marcus solemnly remarks, gently brushing the hair from your face with a faint smile. "Only the Gods know what the future holds for us- and I-", Marcus sucks in a deep breath, resting his forehead against yours with a heavy exhale, "I pray that they never separate us..." Tears stream down your face at his words; you prayed that the Gods never take Marcus from you...

After some time, you finally muster up the strength to speak but get cut off by a solider outside of the tent. "General, a response from Aemilianus has been delivered!"

The two of you hastily dress to allow him entering, the solider solutes you both and silently leaves after handing Marcus the message. The tent obviously smelt of sex but neither of you were bothered, your father had made your engagement to Marcus public before the campaign to avoid any scandalous rumours.

"What does it say?", you enquire as Marcus silently reads the message.

"They refuse to surrender", Marcus responds, handing you the message.

Having shifted into battle mode, you nod in understanding. "We take the victory by force then."

"That seems to be the path ahead-", Marcus rubs at his face with a heavy exhale. Dropping them onto your shoulders with a stern look, "remember what I asked of you..."

"Never put myself in unnecessary danger, and stay within sight at all times...", you nod in confirmation.

"It is Ser Hawin Strong, here to see you, your Highness."

"Let him in", you command, dismissing both ladies then. "The two of you may leave to prepare yourselves..."

Waiting till they left; Harwin finally approaches you, "you look beautiful, my Love..."

You couldn't contain the smile spreading across your lips at seeing as Harwin stops in front of you; love so clearly presented within his eyes as he stared down at in you utter wonder. "And you are handsome as always...", you respond, wrapping your arms around the back of his neck.

Harwin's eyes turn dark with lust as he pulls you flushed up against his front, "how much time do we have?"

"Enough...", you breathlessly mutter, pulling him down for a kiss. Letting out deep growl, Harwin hoists you up in his arms, moving to settle into a nearby chair. "Help me with this", you request for him to remove your armored corset while sat in his lap. Harwin makes quick work of it, tossing it somewhere to the side as your tongues battled for dominance.

Having loosened the fastenings of your dress, Harwin yanks the top of it down to reveal your breasts. "Exquisite...", he mutters in a trance as they spill out into his awaiting palms.

"Har...", you whimper out breathlessly when his head tips down to take a nipple between his lips; head tilted backway, eyes shut tightly and fingers buried deep in the soft curls of his head as he moves onto the other breast then, alternating between the two as time went on.

Lifting his head; Harwin grabs hold of your hair, pulling you in for a hard kiss, huskily commanding. "Stand up." Eagerly scrambling off his lap; you watched as if in a trance as Harwin removed his trousers. "Come here...", he beckons with the one hand while the other lazily stroked his cock. Hastily you bunch up the skirt of your dress, climbing back into Harwin's lap and carefully suspending yourself above as he notched the tip of his cock at your entrance. "Careful, Love...", Harwin cautions as you slowing lower yourself onto him with soft whimpers, his heading head tipping to backward with a deep groan as your warmth encased his length tightly.

Having remain still for a moment to adjust; you finally begin slowly rocking onto Harwin's cock, your foreheads pressed against one another's whilst he gently guided you with a tight grip on your hips. "Tight as always-", Harwin groans out in satisfaction as your pace picked up with a bounce, "no matter how many times I fuck you-"

"Y- You are merely big...", you whimper out in response, eyes rolling back in your head when his tip hits a sensitive spot deep within you.

"You are a dragon rider... should be accustomed to ridding big things...", Harwin chuckles, gritting his teeth and planting his feet firmer on the ground to forcefully thrust up into you, "now ride, Princess!"

"You are much more time efficient in dressing me than my ladies. Mayhaps, I should dismiss them and appoint you in this duty...?", you smirk at Harwin through the mirror as he finished helping to rearrange your clothing back into place.

"Only if you agree to return the favor...", Harwin remarks, stepping flushed against your back and tipping down to place a soft kiss into the crook of your neck. "Will you assist me with my armor once we are wed?"

"Do I not do so already...?", you softly whimpered at his touch.

"As my lover, aye...", Harwin continues peppering kisses along the side of your neck, "I am speaking of as my wife though."

You turn around with a broad smile upon your lips, "if that is one of the duties you require of me as a wife, then I shall gladly do so...", wrapping your arms around the back of his neck and pulling him down for a kiss.

"Amongst others of course", Harwin remarks with a devilish smirk.

"Do tell me of these other duties you speak of...?", you encourage him with a few more kisses.

Letting out a muted growl into your mouth, Harwin rests his forehead against your own. "I would much rather show them to you... we do not have the leisure of time at this moment though."

"Fine...", you huff out in annoyance, gaze narrowed upon him. "You shall have to make up for it later tonight though."

Harwin softly chuckles at your response, pressing a kiss to your forehead then. "Your wish is my command, Princess..."

The festivities hadn't even properly begun, and you were already bored. Forced to sit at the royal table as per your station as the guest introductions were being done, with the only consolation that you were seated next to Lord Lyonel and with a direct view to where Harwin was seated.

"He will not disappear once you look elsewhere", your future father-by-law remarked, snapping you from your daze in Harwin's direction.

Feeling your face heat up at being caught, "am I that obvious?", you turn to look at him.

"Blatantly so...", Lyonel softly chuckles.

"I should enjoy the festivities then", you chuckle in response.

"You should...", Lyonel smirks, "soon there will be another wedding celebration, with you at the certain of it all."

"Noted", you nod in agreement. "That means that I should enjoy the festivities, because as the bride it will all be a blur."

"Precisely...", Lyonel smirks, "and once the formalities are done, you shall have the rest of the evening to enjoy my son's company."

Silently nodding in response, you chance one last look in Harwin's direction. Catching you staring at him; Harwin broadly smirks as he shoots you a wink, causing you to softly chuckle as neither of you seemed to want to break the connection. It unfortunately does happen when Jason Lannister makes his way to the high table.

"Congratulation, Your Grace...", the pompous ass greets your father and sister. "You have made a fine match for the princess."

"Thank you, Lord Jason...", Rhaenyra smugly smirks, "I can think of no better man than Ser Laenor."

You loudly snort at her subtle insult toward him, all three looks toward you then; Rhaenyra looked amused, Lannister looked confused, whilst your father silently glared at you. You flash them a toothy grin, Lannister shrugs it off like the idiot he was turning back toward your father and sister. "Well, if this only the welcoming fest, then I cannot imagine what you might have planned for the wedding..."

"Well, my daughter is the future queen...", your father proudly remarks. "I wanted this to be a wedding for the histories."

"Yes, and there is another to happen soon I am certain", Lannister shoots a look in your direction, looking like a wolf eyeing a lonely lamb.

"That is still to be decided", your father comments, staring at him through narrowed gaze.

Your hackles raised at him implying a possible union with him and just as you were about to say something; Lyonel placed a hand over your resting on the table. "Calm down, child. All shall be revealed soon enough."

Taking a deep breath, you silently nod and settle back down. The Lannister idiot, oblivious to everything; scans the hall. "Where is the queen...? I had hoped to pay my respects."

Pursing his lips at Lannister's words, "I understand the queen is readying herself for the celebrations", your father replies.

"This why men wage war...", Lannister remarks, "because women would never be ready for the battle in time..."

Rhaenyra merely looks uncomfortable at his words, whilst your father pretended to be amused, yet you could not remain silent. "Spoken like a man that has never seen war...", you snarkily retort from your seat, causing them to look at you.

"Well, no war has come to us, so it is understandable...", Lannister flashes cowardly grin in attempts to save face.

You open your retort but get cut off before uttering a word. "Your presence is always such a pleasure, Lord Jason...", Rhaenyra breaks the standoff as polite as possible.

Taking the hint, he awkwardly bows in departure. "Princess, Your Grace..."

Once Lannister stepped away, your father glares at you. "What?", you stare back at him innocently.

"Behave...", your father remarks in warning.

Your mood sullens then, "may I be excused?"

Arching a brow at you, he sighs out in defeat. "Once the formalities are done, you may roam about..."

"As you wish, Your Grace", you nod in agreement, causing him to soften a bit.

"Please behave...", your father shoots you a pleading look, causing to soften as well and you silently nod in agreement.

Your father shoots you a wink and you smile at him in response as you both settle your attentions back to the festivities. 

After having enquired from Bel about what Ben wanted to see him for and not having gotten an answer, Ike was shitting bricks during the short boat ride to Ben's yacht. Could he have found out about Ike and your connection?!

Who's sorry now? Who's sorry now? Whose heart is achin' for breakin' each vow? Who's sad and blue? Who's cryin' too? Just like I cried over you

*

Having arrived at the yacht, Ike was greeted by a group of clearly drunk and possibly high people, firing shots at a bunch of sharks nearby. Entering below, he finds an even more intoxicated Ben sitting at a small coffee table; pouring himself a drink that was clearly overflowing. "You know how much that bearded freak cost me down in Cuba...?", Ben remarks whilst continuing to over pour his drink.

"I don't know Ben... millions?", Ike nonchalantly responds with his hands buried inside his pants pockets in an attempt to downplay his anxiety.

"Every week...", Ben drawls, finally placing the bottle down, picking a lighter up then. "Millions", he flicks the lighter on and sets fire to the alcohol covered table, setting back in his seat with a heavy sigh. "Up in smoke..."

Relieved that this meeting was about business, Ike relaxes his guard and takes a seat. "Gone", Ben continues to stare at the flame as he continues to talk. "But he'll be out soon... or dead. Dictators change like the weather down there, and I'll be back... but this- this has taught me something Ike." He tilts his head to the side, deep in thought, "options... choices."

Knowing exactly in the direction he was heading; Ike finally speaks up. "Gambling on the beach."

"Your joint is prewired for slots, tables and wheels, right?", Ben remarks.

"You pull up the carpet and the marble, the condo is just sitting there", Ike responds carefully.

"You built the Miramar for gambling, you genius!", an excited Ben jumps up from his seat with his hands raised the in air victoriously.

Ike silently eyeballs up, yet has to restrain his displeasure, "the second it's legal, Ben", is his only response.

"Ike the magician... Ike the rain maker", an ecstatic Ben moves to the window. "Now how did you get city council to rezone fifty residentials acers...?", he remarks rubbing his thumb and index finger together suggestively.

"Those 'holy rollers' in Tallahassee, never gonna vote for-", Ike attempts to reason, but Ben cuts him off.

"Ike... where are you?", he nonchalantly comments.

"What?", Ike sighs out.

"Simple question", Ben remarks, his tone turning serious. "Where-are-you-now?"

Ike smirks at his instant change, "I'm on your boat Ben."

"Yes. Good", Ben stares at his surroundings weirdly, then back down at Ike. "You're on my boat, in the Gulf stream, in the middle of a shark feeding frenzy..."

"Ike leans back in his seat, staring Ben down whilst absentmindedly twirling his wedding ring. "You threatening me, Ben?"

"Abso-fucking-lutely, I'm threatening you...", Ben responds. "Carrot, Bull shark... whatever works." Ike merely stares at him as he continues his rant. "Focus... Isaac. We have a moment...", Ben takes his hand, guiding him up from his seat. "One door closes...", he leads Ike toward the window as they stare at the Miramar from across the water. "You built a palace... now it's time to be king."

Right to the end Just like a friend I tried to warn you somehow You had your way Now you must pay I'm glad that you're sorry now

*

Ike remains silent as he helplessly stares at his hotel. "You and I can wear this town like a diamond necklace", Ben remarks, leading him to the nearby counter. "Here... a hundred grand. Work that 'Evans charm' on those shit-kickers...", Ben flashes him a creepy grin and steps aside.

Ike stares at the briefcase for a moment, finally speaking up. "Where's Mike Strauss?"

Ben pauses mid-step, "Um, you mean that union guy, you asked me to talk to...?", he shrugs in remark, "well, I don't know... Your guess is as good as mine."

Knowing exactly what he meant, Ike takes a moment to compose himself and makes his move to leave but Ben stops him, "Ike..." Pausing at the foot of the steps, he turns around and Ben points toward the briefcase, "happy fishing...", he grins.

Silently sighing, Ike goes to take it and leaves. Now he had even more problems besides getting you and his daughter away from Ben to worry about.

Right to the end Just like a friend I tried to warn you somehow You had your way Now you must pay I'm glad that you're sorry now 

"We ready to get the show on the road?!", Max waltz into the room you were being held, with a sinister smile. You shoot him a silent glare, causing him to frown. "Thought you'd be more excited to be seeing your baby daddy after all these months...", he tsks at you in displeasure, instantly bursting out in laughter thereafter. "Oh, yes! How could I forget! It's because I plan on killing him..."

You refused to respond to his verbal jabs, choosing to remain silent in retaliation instead. You would not give him the satisfaction of seeing you crumble nor lash out. It gave him pleasure to witness, the sick bastard that he was, and you refused to feed into it.

"Well, you're no fun...", Max huffs out in disappointment, signaling his henchmen. "Escort her to the car so we can get the ball rolling."

"Is everything ready?", an anxious Clay asks.

"Everything's a Go. Just waiting on Max to send the meeting's location", Jensen nods in response, face void of any goofiness. This mission was too important for him to be acting the fool; your life and the life of your and Clay's unborn child was on the line.

"Good...", Clay nods, pressing his palms into his eyes with a sigh of relief.

Stepping up to him; Pooch places a reassuring hand onto his shoulder, "we'll get Y/N/N and your boy back home safely..."

Dropping his hands; Clay dead stares at him, "I hope to God we do."

"The location came through!", Jensen loudly interrupts then.

Pooch and Clay both rush to his side, "you have the intel on it?"

"Just came through from HQ", Jensen nods, tapping away at the keyboard. "It's an old, abandoned warehouse, the layout is being printed out as we speak."

"Good", Clay nods, "let's go over it and devise a solid plan."

Everyone huddled around the table as Clay went over the plan; all of them deeply concentrated on his every word, except for Aisha. She was clearly distracted, alternating between either checking her wristwatch or phone every few minutes and Clay had definitely picked up on it.

You were blindfolded from the minute they placed you inside the car, up until you had arrived at the exchange destination. It seemed to be an abandoned warehouse from what you could make out, but its whereabouts? You had no clue. Trapped inside what used to be an office by the looks of it, while a guard stood watch outside of it. For a supposed criminal genus, Max sure was dumb to believe that you wouldn't attempt to escape because you were pregnant. It was the main reason spurring you into doing exactly that. You weren't about to just sit stuck inside this grimy old office while Max killed your friends and the father of your child, you needed to come up with a plan to get out of here to find Clay and the team before it was too late.

Probably sensing your anxiety, your son decides to kick up a storm. Rubbing at the spot his kicks were concentrated, you wince out in discomfort, "give me a break kid... I'm trying to save our asses, as well as your dad's and uncles..." He gives an extra hard kick then, causing you to double over, and just as hard as the kick was; an idea hits you.

"Everyone on track with the plan?", an anxious Clay enquires as they made their way to the location. They couldn't afford to fuck this up. The lives of the woman he loved, and his son were at stake and there was no chance in hell that he was going to lose them, even if it meant he had to sacrifice his own life to save them.

"Cougar will be in his element; high up, with the best range for cover...", Jensen loudly recites the plan out. "Pooch will be on get-away duty, while Aisha and I are on backup."

Letting out a tense breath of relief; a satisfied Clay silently nods. Good. Everything needed to go according to plan. "So, we're all on the same page then?", Clay remarks, making extra sure to get a read on Aisha. He couldn't quite put his finger on it, but something about her seemed off.

This had to work, you only had one chance to do this and if it failed; it meant the death of the people you had grown to love as family, it meant the death of the man you loved, as well as your own and your son would be lost to you forever.

"It's showtime, lil one...", you exhale heavily, clutching your stomach and letting out loud cry. "Aah! Something wrong! Someone, please help!", you frantically banged on the door.

The door suddenly swings violently open, and a wide-eyed guard enters. "What's wrong?"

"It hurts! Something's wrong!", you wailed, forcing out the tears as you clutched your belly. "The baby... it's too early!"

"What do I do?!", the guard begins to panic at not knowing what to do.

"Hospital-", you whimpered; tears streaming down your face whilst clutching your belly.

"I- you're supposed to stay here-", the guard nervously stammers, eyes blown wide when you grab hold of his shirt.

"You forget that your boss wants this baby as his heir?! If something happens to it; he'll have your head!"

"Shit! You're right. I'll go call for help...", the guard panics, turning to leave but you double over again, clutching at your belly with another loud cry. "Fuck! Are you ok?", he moves forward to offer support, completely freaked out and not noticing your hand movement as you clung to him.

"It- it's lessening...", you whisper softly a moment later.

"You sure?", he nervously enquires, still holding onto you.

"Mhmm...", you hum in response, "just one problem though."

"What?", the guard frowns at hearing how calm you suddenly sounded and attempts to stand up straight but ends up getting pistol-whipped by his own gun.

The night was mostly blur for you after Javi’s speech, having thought to stick to Gabriela’s side through it; as you didn’t really know anyone else there, so you were totally caught off-guard when Javi collected you from her side; to introduce you to each and every one of his guests. What caught you even more off-guard was him introducing you as a ‘very close friend’, instead of his personal chef. Mingling amongst the rich wasn’t frightening as you thought it would be, the one that made you uneasy was his leech of a cousin and you had to deal with him on a regular basis. The guy gave you the creeps and this evening had been even more uncomfortable with the way he had been watching you, and for that reason you were thankful that Javi never once left your side. That was the reason why once all the guests had left and everyone else had retired for the evening; Javi and you found yourselves quietly walking alone in the gardens.

For the first time ever, you were nervous being alone in Javi’s company and you weren’t even sure why. The atmosphere between you felt different; more charged with something different than usual, something more than just a friendship bond as Javi led you through the gardens with a gentle hand on your lower back.

And you said nothing at all Well I couldn't have said it better myself Tonight the conversation takes the fall Just love me like you love nobody else

Little lady I think there's something on your mind I've known you long enough To know the words are not that hard to find

*

Feeling as if his heart was about to jump out of his chest; a nervous Javi knew it was now or never for him to confess his feelings for you, but he also knew it had to be with small steps or risk losing you. “Tonight was quite successful”, Javi casually remarks, snapping you out from your thoughts.

“Y-Yes...”, you stammer, nervously clearing your throat. “It was a beautiful party... thank you for inviting me.”

“Well, you’re practically my best friend...”, Javi goofily snorts, making you pause your steps.

“I am...?” You never knew that Javi considered your friendship to be so close and now you were feeling horrible for wanting more.

“Actually, that’s not true...”, Javi exhales heavily, causing your eyes to well up with tears as your heart dropped to your feet as he stared off into the garden. This was it... he was going to inform you that you were nothing but his employee and most probably fire you as well.

“You’re far more that-”, Javi blurts out, turning and noticing your tears. “Hey... what’s wrong...?”, Javi gently cups your cheeks, softly wiping the tears from them with his thumbs. “Why are you crying?”

“It’s nothing-”, you tearfully stutter out, but Javi doesn’t buy it as he gives you a stern look.

And the harder you try And the longer you go Well there's nothing but love In those eyes anymore You know what to say But you never know how You can keep your mouth shut Because it doesn't really Matter right now I will guide you all the way Because I know exactly What you're trying to say

You have the right To remain silent I'll get the lights You get that smile

*

“Fine...”, you huff out in annoyance, attempting to blink the tears away. You’re already gave yourself away, might as well let it all out. “I thought you were going to say something else...”

Javi continued wiping the tears, snorting in response, “what? That I didn’t consider you as a friend or something...?”

“Something like that...”, you mumble, gaze dropping to down to the ground in shame.

“It's true though”, Javi remarks, lifting your head to look at him. “You’re not only my best friend, but also the love of my life...”

Wh-Whaaat...? You stood open-mouthed at him.

And you say nothing at all Well I couldn't have said it better myself Tonight the conversation takes the fall Just love me like you love nobody else

When I step in the door and I stare at your face There are so many things that I wish I could say Well I struggle with words but they put up a fight You can keep your mouth shut Because it doesn't really matter tonight I will guide you All the way (tonight) Because I know exactly What you're trying to say

You have the right To remain silent I'll get the lights You get that smile

*

“Why so shocked...? Javi chuckles, brushing the hair from your face. “You really didn’t know...?”

“Not a clue...”, you dumbly shake your head.

“Guess I wasn’t being obvious enough”, Javi drops his hands from your face with a sigh of disappointment, spinning around and waving them in the air. “I’m such an idiot! Typical of me to mess this up!”

“Javi”, you attempt to get his attention, but he’s wrapped up inside a world of his own whilst continuing to scold himself. “Javi...”, you try once more, yet no acknowledgement. “Javi!”

“What?!”, he finally wheels back around, all wide-eyed as he stares at you.

“I love you...”, you smile at him goofily.

“Y-Yooou love meee...?”, Javi stutters, eyes wider than ever before.

He was so adorable when being an idiot... How could you not love him. Too emotional to speak; you bite into your lip and silently nod instead. Javi lets out a relieved chuckle, stepping forward to cup your face and brushing his thumbs back and forth across your cheeks; eyes silently pleading for a sign from you. You silently reach up to hook your arms around the back of Javi’s neck, pulling his head down for a kiss in response.

“I love you...”, Javi breaks from the kiss, resting his forehead against yours.

“I love you too”, you breathlessly utter, softly giggling when Javi nuzzled your nose with his own and silences you with a kiss.

And you say nothing at all Well I couldn't have said it better myself Tonight the conversation takes the fall Just love me like you love nobody else

And I know you feel the same You've been searching for the words Now you know what to say Oh yeah

Just say nothing Don't say a word Silence is gold Don't say a word Shhh

*

The kiss soon becomes heated as Javi and your hands roamed all over each other. Grasping the material of your dress; Javi slowly begins to bunch it up at your waist whilst pressing open-mouthed kisses to your throat, pausing when your hands grab hold of his to stop. As desperately you wanted Javi, you weren’t about to get intimate in the gardens where anyone could see you; especially with his creepy cousin constantly lurking about. Believing that he had read your signals wrong; Javi opens his mouth to apologize but you stop him with a finger over his lips. With a reassuring smile, you calmly take hold of his hand; to silently lead him into the house and from there, your bedroom. No further words were needed to be spoken tonight, not when you could rather instead show each other how you felt. There was enough time tomorrow for words, but tonight... Tonight, all you needed was to feel... To feel the love, you have for one other and nothing else.

This is the moment we've been waiting for (ohh yeah!) If I exercise my right And I will take your body language And hold it against you tonight And I know you feel the same I've wondered all my life If this moment comes Would I know what to say

Then you say nothing at all (So many times I stumbled on the words that I wanted to say) You said nothing at all (So many thoughts that I should have just let my heart explain) You said nothing at all (So many ways we could turn the words around) You said nothing at all (So many nights our hearts came crashing to the ground) You said nothing at all (So many dreams that are finally coming true) Well I couldn't have said it better myself (Now you finish me off when You finish my thoughts the way you do)

You said nothing at all Well I couldn't have said it better myself (I love you) Tonight the conversation takes the fall (Yeah, nobody else) Just love me like you love nobody else

You said nothing at all Well I couldn't have said it better myself Tonight the conversation takes the fall Just love me like you love nobody else (Just love me, just love me, just love me like you love nobody else) ... 

"I have had enough of that nonsense to last me an entire year and refuse to hear it from you as well."

Having teased your sister enough, you finally relent when noticing how close to tears she was becoming, "come, have a seat...", you pat the open spot next to you on the couch. "Tell me what bothers you?"

Throwing herself onto the couch, Rhaenyra tilts her head backward, letting out a heavy puff of air. "I am utterly sick and tired of all the wedding festival planning..."

"That is understandable", you nod in response, yet still a bit sceptic, "though I believe that is not the entire truth... out with it?"

Squinting one eye open to look at you, Rhaenyra straightens up with a heavy sigh, "you might be right..."

Although you always enjoyed being told this, you were a bit confused to what she was referring to. "About what?", you frown at her.

"Criston...", Rhaenyra grumbles out, twirling her fingers in her lap. "He has become extremely distant since our last conversation. He barely speaks and refuses to look me in the face, stares at the ground instead when addressing me."

"Can hardly blame him, now can we...?", you shrug in response.

"You are supposed to be on my side!", Rhaenyra scoffs in betrayal, causing you to roll your eyes.

"You fucked him, rejected his marriage proposal and then offered for him to be whore your instead. He has every right to be upset over it."

"Not all of us have the privilege to marry for love...", Rhaenyra snarls in response, causing you to scoff at her hostility.

"And who's fault is that? You were too lazy and small-minded to reach out and seek it, instead you went and got dethroned to a man who prefers the company of other men."

Catapulting up from the couch, Rhaenyra glares down at you. "Oh, please spare me...! As if Harwin is truly marrying you for love."

"What do you mean by that?", you frown, taken aback by her words.

"Do you honestly believe that you precious Harwin would have married you if were not a princess?", Rhaenyra viciously smirks at your look of devastation. "The only desirable thing about you is your title. What man would want a warrior for a wife? And a fat one at that too."

"Get out of my room!", you growl, jumping off the couch and pointing toward the door.

Rhaenyra realizing that she had gone too far, suddenly becomes remorseful. "Vi, I-"

"I said, get out!", you yell cutting her off.

Dropping her head in shame, Rhaenyra shoots you one last apologetic look before turning to leave. Feeling as if the life had been drained from you, you throw yourself back down onto the couch with a heavy heart and sighed. Rhaenyra was your sister, and you loved her dearly yet this time she had gone too far by using your insecurities as a means against you. This foreshadowing battle with Criston was her own to fight and you will not take any part in it. She made her bed and will have to lay in the soiled sheets of it.

"What is the matter, my love?", Harwin finally breaks the awkward silence whilst the two of you lounged in front of the hearth inside your chambers; your father had approved Harwin as your personal guard during the day as a means to allow you time together without arousing the suspicion of the court.

"Nothing...", was all you managed to utter, staring dazed at the fire but he was not convinced. Turning you in his lap; Harwin tilts your face upward to make eye contact.

"The truth."

Knowing it there was no other alternative; you finally voice the words that had been bothering you since Rhaenyra had spoken them. "If I were not of royal blood, would still have fallen in love with me?"

Harwin's gazed narrows into a deep scowl at your words, "where is all this doubt coming from?"

Silently studying his face for a moment; embarrassment floods seeps in as your gaze drops, "never mind."

"Do not do that...", Harwin lifts your head back up, brows furrowed with concern, "do not shut me out. We are one. You and I are one. Your happiness is my happiness as well as your sorrows."

With a faint smile and eyes filled with adoration, you reach out to gently cup his cheek. You loved this man with all your heart, yet the doubts lingered after your sister's words.

"You can tell me anything, never be afraid to voice your thoughts to me...", Harwin attempts once more.

Turning back towards the hearth; you silently stared for a moment at the flames to compose yourself, "Rhaenyra and I had an argument, and the remark came up during it", you finally confess, causing anger to raise within him at hearing it.

"Look at me", Harwin urges you, but you were too ashamed to do so. Taking hold of your chin, he turns your face back toward his. "My heart was forfeited to you the moment you rode into the encampment and removed your helm." Silently searching his eyes for any signs of deception, a broad smile spreads across your lips when none was seen. Harwin returns it, gently cupping your face in both his hands to intently stare deep into your eyes. "To me; you are strong, kind and far beautiful than any woman in the entire realm." Tears prickles your eyes as you softly chuckle at his words. "It is the truth", Harwin states, gently resting his forehead against your own. "To me, you are everything...", he softly utters, capturing your lips in a deep kiss. 

Part 21

“Most certainly”, Marcus remarks, turning toward on a much serious note. “Stay close to either of us.”

You shoot him scowl of displeasure, causing your father to softly chuckle. “No need to fret Acacius... she will protect the both of us.” His face instantly turning back as before to instruct you, “we are not invading lands this time, instead; we are reclaiming our home. They all traitors to the empire... No prisoners.”

Snapping into your battle stance, you acknowledge his words with a silently nod. The commander of the Praetorian Guard dismounts, making his way to the middle of the clearing separating the two parties. You look toward your father for direction, and he silently gives his nod of approval.

“What are you doing?”, Marcus hisses when you dismount from your horse.

“Hold, Acacius!”, your father orders when Marcus attempts to dismount as well when you move toward the commander.

“She will be vulnerable out there!”, Marcus fearfully protests.

Your father smirks at his word, spreading his arms out then. “Take a look around you...”, and that was when Marcus finally notices the four senior soldiers of your father’s legion were slowly trotting closer behind you; swords at ready with each step you took.

“She is never vulnerable... besides, she will have taken down at least ten of them by the time we join the fight.” Marcus was at wits end by the time you finally reached the commander; his gaze sharpen upon you for any signs out distress.

“Lady Severa... it is an honor to meet you”, the commander sarcastically smirks at you.

You remove your helmet; resting it under your arm and tilting your head with a sadistic smile, “and it will be an honor to slaughter you where you stand, traitor...”

“Why you little-”, the commander growls out, attempting to launch at you but in his fit of rage failed to notice that your sword was already unsheathed, not until it made contact with his neck, beheading him with one powerful swing.

The rest of the Praetorian Guards take a shocked step back at this, finally jumping into action when your helmet was launch at them as you let out an inhuman roar at them, “come on!!!”

Your sword makes contact with the first one to come at you at the exact moment that the senior soldiers at your back joined in, followed by the rest of the legionnaires.

“Still believe her to be vulnerable during these strategic moves...?”, your father proudly gloats as he and Marcus watched you calmly strolled through the carnage surrounding you after the battle.

Marcus would be lying by saying he hadn’t been distracted with fear for your safety during the battle, his eyes constantly searching for you as he fought opponents from each direction. Barely escaping fatal blows due to panicking when seeing you take on three opponents at the same time, impressing him even more when you took them out with brutal ease, he had never witnessed a woman capable of. You had seen him in trouble after that and jumped in to assist; playfully scolding him for being distracted before storming headfirst back into the battle.

“She is a force to be reckoned with...”, Marcus’ eyes beamed with pride as he watched you walk toward them. Even whilst covered in sweat, grime and the blood of your victims, you had never seemed more beautiful to him as you stopped in front of them.

“It is time to claim your empire, Imperator”, you declare with a fisted hand over your chest as you bowed in front of your father.

The streets of Rome were bustling as you rode through on your way to Palatine Hill; citizens eagerly following behind to witness what was to come. “Julianus will have more guards awaiting our arrival.”

“Where are the rest of them?”, you frown, confused when only noticing a handful of Praetorian Guards upon arriving at the palace.

“Not certain, but be prepared for an ambush”, Marcus responds, scanning the area through narrowed gaze.

Marcus and you were beside your father whilst walking up the steps of the palace, the senior soldiers were behind whilst the rest awaited in the street.

“Hail, Caesar!”, the Senate eagerly greet your father at the palace entrance.

“Where is your current emperor?”, your father responds with a raised brow.

“Right in front of us”, one of them answers, yet your father was still suspicious.

“Julianus?”

“Fret not, we disposed of that leech upon news that you would be arriving, Imperator”, another answers. Your father silently eyes the remaining guards, prompting them explain, “Julianus, the fool; sent nearly all of them to the boarder to intercept you. We made sure the ones that were loyal to our cause, were the ones left behind.”

“Smart thinking”, your father grins, yet not completely convinced. “I do wish to see the body though. As confirmation...”

Four guards present the deceased body of Julianus then and it is confirmed to him. “All hail, Emperor Severus!”, the Senate cry out yet again. “Hail, Caesar!”, you, along with all present joined in.

A round table meeting had been called after the dust had settled; your father, his senior soldiers, Marcus, yourself, as well as the Senate all present.

“Now that I have claimed the empire, comes the task of retaining it”, your father declares.

“Pescennius Niger has declared himself emperor”, Marcus remarks, “there is also word that Clodius Albinus might be interested as well.”

“Albinus had declined the offer of emperor after Commodus’ death,” one of the Senate comments, “why would he be interested in it now?”

“Because both of his enemies are staking claim onto it and he would be damned to allow it”, your father responds deep in thought then when an idea pops up. “Although...”

“What do you have in mind?”, Marcus smirks in remark at noticing the glint in his eyes.

“You know me too well”, your father returns the smirk, “Albinus’ hatred for Niger is far greater than for me... an alliance would be beneficial for both of us.”

“It could work, the Senate agrees. “What would it entitle though?”

“Administrative power and co-emperor", your father explains. “While he ensures the empire runs smoothly on that end, I can concentrate on eliminating the threat that is Niger then.”

The room was silent for quite some time until the Senate spoke in agreement, “will Albinus accept though?”

“If I offer him Gaul and Spain, he will”, your father responds. After the details had been talked over and agreements had been made it was already evening, and everyone had retired for the evening.

After the meeting, your father had requested Marcus and your presence in his chambers. “Before you question my sanity, know that there is a method to it”, were his first words. Both, Marcus and you remain silent as he explained. “Whilst Albinus shall have administrative power, the imperial power of emperor shall ultimately remain in my hands. Whilst he runs Rome for me, I can stay focused on eliminating Niger and once that is settled; I’ll take back the power I gave him.”

Nodding at his reasoning, you then speak up, “and what if he does not wish to relinquish said power back to you?”

“Then I shall take it bad by force”, your father states matter-of-factly, turning toward Marcus then. “I shall require the assistance of you and your legionnaires in the battle against Niger.”

“We are at your back and call as always...”, Marcus assures him.

“Then it is settled”, your father delightedly remarks, shooting Marcus a teasing grin then. “Do us all a favor and refrain from be distracting during battle... my daughter will not always be around to save you.”

You burst out laughing at this as Marcus side-eyed, “I shall try my best not to”, he remarked, a faint smirk pulling at his lips.

“Good”, your father nods, “now onto a different note. That being the topic of the relationship between you both...” Both Marcus and you sat up much straighter then. “I have spoken to each of your separately before this but now is the time to discuss this in union.” You silently eyed Marcus as he visibly squirmed in his seat whilst your father continued speaking. “Once we have defeated Niger, your engagement shall be announced. Marriage will not happen soon though... this is merely to protect your reputation”, he looks at you. “I still require that five years serves, more so now than ever.” You nodded in silent agreement, your father smiles at it. “Splendid. Now you may retire for the evening.”

As you both reached the door to leave, your father suddenly called out then. “Marcus, one last thing... the entire empire does not wish to hear you copulating with my daughter and neither do I. Please do keep the noise down.”

“Father!”, you gasp out, wishing the ground to swallow you at that very instant. Marcus’s ears had turned red as your father chuckled loudly at your embarrassment. “I am merely jesting... partially”, he raises his brows at both of you in a serious tone then. “I truly do not wish to hear anything. No get out of my sight. The two of you are nauseating to look at after this discussion...”, he smirks teasingly as he shoots you a wink.

Shaking your head with a smirk, “come...”, you drag Marcus with you. “Before my father thinks of more ways to embarrass us.”