I write fanfiction

Enjoy!

The ancient Romans knew exactly what they were doing building magnificent structures like the coliseums. A dome that captured an audience, piling them rows upon rows reaching high up in the sky. The construction itself enhanced the feeling of spectators witnessing something excellent.

It was the only comparison you could think of watching Ruben's football game at the Etihad stadium in Manchester. In this day and age Man City's friendly against Liverpool was the closest thing one could come to the reenactment of gladiators fighting in the coliseums.

"Go on City! Show em' how real champions do it!"

"Please, James. You're embarrassing yourself." Meela put a hand on her boyfriend's shoulder, forcing him back down in his seat. She then glanced at you, shaking her head with amusement in her eyes. "Men."

There were plenty of them surrounding the stadium. Although it was only a friendly, the games attendance might as well have been of a league cup final. The crowd, a sea divided by red and blue, came together in song, mocking their rival opponents. It was a unique experience compared to any of the games you had attended in Portugal. 

Your experience witnessing the games over there had always been with a more neutral attitude, not really rooting for any of the local teams. But now, with someone to cheer for you finally understood the passion for it all. The irrational and internal will for someone to be fueled by your presence. To hear your shouts and thrive from your effortless support.

"Goal!!!! City 2, Liverpool 1!!!"

Like James you shot to your feet, applauding the impressive play from City. A play that began with a clever pass from Ruben. Everything he did on the pitch was clever. It stirred something within you, watching him. He was ruthless and determined. Often directing his teammates where to run. And like he said, they did. 

He was him. 

Ruben was the captain.

"Fuck me, what a great game." James said with satisfaction as the players below left the pitch. It was the end of the game, City winning 2-1. "God I love football."

"You don't say." Meela said, rolling her pink shadowed eyes. "Let's go. I'm starving."

You followed her lead, leaving your seats and walking towards the crowded exit.

"What? Already?" 

You turned around, watching James trail his protesting steps behind you.

"Don't tell me that we're planning on leaving the stadium without meeting any of the players?"

"James." Meela hissed sharply. "Don't be ungrateful."

"What? Did I say something wrong?" His head shifted in question.

"This is Y/N's day off, not some meet and greet." Meela said, folding her arms. "She was kind enough to invite us to this game, let alone pick us up in Ruben's car. You are not using her to fulfill anymore of your boyhood dreams, got it?"

James, with a slight blossom to his cheeks, bowed his head in shame. "You're right. I'm sorry Y/N."

You shrugged. "It's okay. Maybe some other time." 

The three of you followed the stream of people, making your way out of the stadium and onto the crowded parking lot. The night was still young, the heat of summer lingering in the air.

"Shit, I really got to pee before we leave." Meela eyed the nearest bathroom que. "Y/N, where exactly did you park the car?"

"Over there." You pointed somewhere beyond the sea of scattering vehicles. Towards the reserved spots, where Ruben had told you to park his car, lending you a special parking pass for players and staff only.

"Okay, you guys go ahead. I'll catch up."

You and James made the walk in silence. The atmosphere was still buzzing amongst the young fans dressed in blue. They were reminiscing over the incredible game that they had just witnessed. It made you wonder whether Ruben was aware of the great impact that he had on people all over the world.

"Forgive me for what I said earlier." James cleared his throat beside you, remorse in his eyes. "Seeing city play at the Etihad is already a dream come true for me. I'm very grateful that you asked Meela to bring me along. Thank you."

You smiled. "No need to thank me James. I get it, Meela told me how big of a City fan you are, and now I understand why."

James' smile lingered on his lips as the two of you continued crossing the parking lot. "So, how is work going? What exactly do you do most of the days?"

"Nothing out of the ordinary. I'm mostly at home taking care of baby Thiago, which is a breeze really." Your last words were a lie. However you weren't sure why you felt compelled to tell such a lie. It's not like Thiago was a difficult baby to take care of, however he did have some disruptive sleeping patterns that you found quite out of ordinary for a baby his age.

"Again, forgive me for asking. But what's he like?"

"Thiago?"

"No, Ruben Dias."

"Oh." The question made a slight heatwave reach your face. "Well, he is…he is…." How could one describe a man like Ruben Dias? You had hardly known him for a week yet he had already shown you so many different sides to him. A curious side where Ruben seemed to give you his undivided attention. Then there was this reserved and mysterious side, where Ruben could put up a wall between himself and the world, denying anyone but the people he trusted access. But the part of Ruben that fascinated you the most, was the one you had witnessed tonight watching him lead Man City to victory over Liverpool. A side of him that you never thought existed. A raw and passionate side of him, that allured every sense in your body like a wolf's howl in the night.

"Ruben is…a great boss." You said short, swallowing another lie down your now dry throat.

"Well that's good, I guess." James shoved his hand in his jeans pockets. "Would've been terrible if he wasn't, no?"

"Yeah." You laughed half heartedly, masking the fact that your nervous system had gone berserk at the thought of going home to Ruben tonight. 

Which version of him were you getting? 

If it was the one you saw today on the football pitch, then so god you were in trouble.

"Hey, isn't that? — Holy shit!"

You and James approached Ruben's car, when suddenly a cluster of people appeared in your path.

"No way, that's Rodri…Stones, Haaland!" Man City players, leaving the stadium just like you. They were headed in the same direction, towards the reserved parking spots, shielded behind the stadium. The only fans present were….well, you and James. 

"I can't believe this is happening." James squealed beside you, retrieving his phone to take pictures. "Where is Meela?"

You looked around but didn't spot her anywhere. Assuming that she was still in the line for the ladies bathroom, you and James continued towards Ruben's car where two men were seen talking to each other. They were standing by the hood, deep in conversation. But the closer you got, their faces became recognizable. 

"Y/N!" Bernardo exclaimed, the first one to spot you. Ruben shifted his head, the smile on his face fading at the sight of you and James. "I heard you were coming to the game. Did you enjoy it?"  He left Ruben's side, greeting you with a hug and kiss on the cheek. He then turned to James who stood gaping with his mouth wide open. 

"This is James." You said, introducing him.

Bernardo's smile widened, offering James a firm handshake. "Nice to meet you James. I hope you enjoyed the game tonight."

"I….I'm a big fan." James stuttered. "The biggest fan." 

Bernardo laughed but remained respectful. "I'm glad you are. I hope to see you and Y/N at the next one,  okay." Glancing over his shoulder he gave Ruben a quick wave. "I'll see you tomorrow." 

Ruben responded with a nod of his head, but remained standing by the car.

"Shit, did that just happen?" James examined his hand, the one that Bernardo just shook. "I'm never washing my hands again."

"Right." You chuckled nervously, paying James no mind. Ruben's eyes were on you, his expression distinct and impossible to read.

"Hi." You finally spoke. A mistake on your side as it made James look towards the car, noticing Ruben standing beside it.

"Holy hell. Ruben Dias!" 

Ruben's expression furrowed.

"This must really be my lucky day!" Unaware of the tension between you, James went to shake Ruben's hand. Thankfully he didn't hesitate or pull away.  "Great game today mate. We really showed those scousers. That's what they get for stealing the title from us, am I right?"

Ruben raised a brow, yet to say a word. At that very moment you prayed for lightning to strike you down right where you  stood.

"I told Y/N that City losing the league this year was only due to the amount of injuries our side had. Right, Y/N? Didn't I tell you that?"

Your eyes widened as the attention shifted back to you. If only blood would stop rushing through your ears you could hear whatever had been said.

"She's just getting it now." James waved dismissively. "She was really impressed by you though, saying she had no idea that center backs could lead the game the way that you did tonight."

"James, please." You interrupted, a nervous smile on your face. "We should call Meela, don't you think? She's been gone for a long time." 

His head lifted, looking at the stadium's digital watch.  "Shit, you're right. Sorry Ruben, I've got to go check on my girlfriend. She’ll be really thrilled to meet you though."

An awkward silence followed his departure. Nevertheless you sighed in relief.

"What?" Ruben was looking at you, his unreadable expression now annoying you.

He shook his head. "Nothing."

You frowned, regarding him where he stood leaning against his car wearing a Man City tracksuit that had been rolled up at the sleeves.

"If you have something to say, say it."

A smirk widened his lips. "I'm glad you enjoyed my game."

You rolled your eyes.

"Your friend…" He emphasized, "Used the word impressed, no?"

You snorted. "Impressed? By who, you?"

He shrugged his shoulders, the devious sneer still lingering on his face. "Come on." He said, gesturing for you to hand him his car keys and get into the passenger's side. "Thaigo will be staying at Bernardo's tonight. Ines says he's sleeping, so it's best not to wake him."

"Oh. Okay." Your heart fluttered. You and Ruben would have the apartment to yourself tonight. 

No distractions. 

Nowhere to escape.

"Wait!" You hesitated. Ruben had just thrown his bag into the trunk, pausing with the door in his hand. "Meela and James… I drove them here."

Ruben nodded his head, shutting the door while you waited. The way he kept his eyes on you, curiously intense, made you clutch the car keys in your hand, to the point of hurting. Thankfully it didn't take long for James to return with Meela by his side. Compared to her boyfriend, Meela didn't make a spectacle of her encounter with Ruben. Although you noted how her eyes wandered with interest as the two of them shook hands.

On the road, James kept Ruben busy in the front seat, reminiscing about tonight's game and how City would be stronger coming back from the summer break. Meela leaned closer to you in the backseat, whispering in your ear. "He is definitely cuter in person. If I was Matt I'd be jealous too."

You dismissed her words with a wave of your hand. But by the time you and Ruben got back to the apartment, all you could think about was tonight's game. Something about it had thrown you off your high horse. Something in the way you viewed Ruben changed, making things magnificently harder for you to keep up the professional barrier between you. Not when your heart was ready to break it down like a wrecking ball.

"Are you hungry?"

"Huh?"

Ruben was going through the cabinets in the kitchen, preparing his usual post workout meal. There was a TV in your room but for some reason you parked yourself before the one in the living room, scrolling through the endless movie choices.

Ruben, who had just stepped out of the shower, held up a box of eggs. "I'm making scrambled eggs. I'll make some for you too."

You sat peering over the couch, your eyes timidly fixated on the light drops of water dripping from Ruben's hair onto his shoulders. "I had a burger before the game, so I'm good."

"You sure?"

You shook your head.

"Alright." 

Ruben went back to preparing his meal. The noises of him puttering around in the kitchen helped you relax a little. At some point you must have dozed off, waking up to a dip in the couch. Your eyes blinked open to see Ruben set down a bowl of popcorn on the coffee table, settling himself beside you. 

"Pick that one. It's really good." His face glowed with the TV light, his features soft and handsome. Shifting your head towards the TV, you saw that you had fallen asleep while failing to pick a movie, still deciding between The Joker and James Bond Skyfall. "The soundtrack is supposed to be great in this one." Ruben said, referring to the endless action franchise that was James Bond. He reached for the remote, selecting the movie for you.

You rubbed your tired eyes, but made the effort to sit up and look more engaged. However, after your brief nap, you were all tangled up in blankets, hogging them. 

"Merda." (Fuck). The task of untangling yourself was more difficult than it should've been.

"Wait, just—" Ruben watched you struggle, scooting closer to you on the couch. His solution was to drape the blankets over himself while you remained tangled up beside him. This left the two of you seated inches apart, Ruben's arms and leg brushing against yours. "Is this okay?" His voice was in your ear. So close and so deep that you failed to answer the question.

"Y/N?"

You jumped, Ruben's hand shrugging your knee.

"I'm sorry." He moved away from you.

"No." You exclaimed. "It's….this is okay for me."

He regarded you intensely, the light from the tv revealing the shape of his clenching jaw. "You sure?"

You nodded and grabbed the remote to press play on the movie. The two of you then settled down in the dimly lit living room.

Within minutes both you and Ruben fell asleep, right there on the couch. It was dreamless sleep for you, yet a restless one. You woke up to the silhouette of a dark room and  the surrounding furniture. The TV was off and something heavy pressed against your back. Amid the silence you heard it, Ruben's soft breathing pattern, blowing cool puffs of air against the back of your neck.

"Ruben?" Panic struck within you. You tried to move, but found the task impossible. Ruben's arms were wrapped around you like two heavy lodges. 

"Ruben, come on."

It was only right to wake him. However he was sleeping too heavily and made no efforts to let you out of his grip. 

"Ruben please, wake up."

"I love how you smell."

You went still.

The room fell silent, making you believe that it was all in your head.

Ruben's body stirred behind you, his grip tightening around your waist. "I want to keep you like this…all night." His voice was rough in your ear, tired yet alert. 

"Y/N..."

You didn't dare to move. Not when you were trapped like a mouse.

Your heart pounded in your chest, Ruben's lips brushing softly against the back of your neck.

"Say you want this."

You were trembling now. Surely he could feel it.

"Are you scared of me, is that it?"

You shook your head, but immediately regretted doing so as Ruben moved behind you, his hand creeping up the length of your thigh. "Good. I don't want you to be scared."

You braised yourself for anything. But that was it. Soon you felt it again, slow puffs of air blowing cooly against the back of your neck. Ruben was asleep, his hand weighing heavily against your thigh. Staying in this position would be a big mistake, but waking Ruben up again could be equally as disastrous. 

And so you stayed.  Remaining wrapped up in Ruben's arms, the heat from his body soothing your slow drift back to sleep. And soon you were just as lost in your dreams.

Prologue

Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

Part 4

Part 5

Part 6

Part 7

Part 8

Part 9

Part 10

Enjoy!

Besides playing football. Ruben was also extremely good at knowing when he had fucked up.

A week had almost passed and you were doing everything that was asked of you. More even, if Ruben counted the times you had picked up his grocery order and taken the liberty to prepare his post and pre workout meals. It was never in your job description to do these things, but just like Olga you did them anyway.

More than anything, Ruben wanted to thank you for being so dedicated to your job. However he was never given the chance to as you often found an excuse never to be in the same room as him whenever he was home. Nor did you give Ruben a chance to speak to you one on one without the baby being present. Not even at night, after Thiago was fast asleep in his room, since you would always make sure to lock yourself in your own room immediately after putting him to bed.

Figuring out these patterns is what made Ruben come to the realization that he must have fucked up somewhere for you to act this unfamiliar around him.

But when exactly?

With no League games happening during the summerbreak, Ruben had the occasional day off. He chose to spend those days with his son, relieving you in a way by taking Thiago for a walk in the park alongside Bernardo and little Charlotta.

"So how are things going at home?" Bernardo asked curiously. 

Even on a day like this, with the sun set high in the sky his friend had to find a way to dim Ruben's mood. He had done so every day since your arrival and would most likely continue doing so until the end of the week, when the time laps of their bet had run out.

"Good." Ruben groaned in response.

"You sure? Because I've heard the contrary."

Ruben's head shifted. "You have? When?"

Bernardo grinned. "Well, Ines tells me that she worries about Y/N. That she came around the house with the baby the other day but wasn't quite herself. Does that ring you a bell?"

"Why would it?" Ruben scuffed. "I don't know Y/N well enough to distinguish her moods. Maybe she's just tired."

"Oh, so you are working her hard?"

"What? No." Ruben frowned. "Did she tell Ines that?"

"No, but that's what she's suspecting considering what happened to Olga."

"I don't—" Ruben paused as the thought hit him. What if he was working you too hard? Maybe that's why you've acted so timid around him lately. "Fuck, maybe I am." Ruben sighed.

"There, there." Bernardo soothed. "At least now you know how to make things right."

"I do?" Ruben shifted to his friend. Bernardo kept an eye out for Charlotta who was running slightly ahead of them. She had taken interest in the duck pond in the middle of the park and was set to explore it for herself.

"Wait for Papa Charlotta!" Berando shouted after her but did not leave Ruben's side. Ruben, who waited patiently for the answer to his question.

He would never admit it to himself, but he liked having a woman in the house. Not just any woman. He liked having you around. It made him think less of his flaws as a father and more of what was needed of him as a provider who was trying to run a household.

"You should apologize."

"Huh?"

As the thoughts of you left Ruben's mind he found Bernardo staring back at him with a tilted smile. "You heard what I said." He nodded. "Just tell Y/N that you're sorry for putting such a workload on her and that you'll take on more of the responsibilities for yourself from now on."

"What?" Ruben exclaimed. "That's not what I want. That's not what I want at all."

Bernardo rolled his eyes, walking away from Ruben and the stroller.

"I'm serious Bernardo, this is not up for debate. I'm paying Y/N good money  to do her job. But if she can't handle the workload then—"

"Then what? You'll fire her by the end of the week only to employ another doomed contender? Is that what you want?"

A cool breeze swept over their heads rustling the trees above. Little Charlotta laughter was heard in the distance. The ducks had begun to gather around her, wishing to be fed. "What are you trying to say?" Ruben mumbled, a sense of defeat.

Bernardo sighed, placing a gentle hand on his friend's shoulder.  "Ruben, you're my best mate and I love you. But even I can tell that your need for a slave-like caretaker has nothing to do with your high standards as a parent. It has to do with you, and the fact that you can't trust another woman not to deceive you again.

Ruben huffed, shrugging Bernardo's hand away. He pushed Thiago's stroller ahead of him, resuming their walk towards the duck pond. "I just want what's best for my son. I don't see how that's a problem. "

"It's not." Bernardo pressed on, rushing to catch up to Ruben. "But you already have the best for your son." He said, forcing the stroller to come to a stop again.

"Fine. You're right." Ruben nodded. "Y/N is doing a good job and I should stop—"

"Not Y/N." Bernardo sighed. "Although Ines would definitely kill you if you ever gave her a reason to quit. What I really mean is that you Ruben, you are what's best for your son. With or without someone by your side. All Thiago needs is you."

"He does?"

The dent between Bernardo's bushy brows narrowed.  "Why is that so hard for you to wrap your big head around?"

Ruben frowned. "My head isn't that big."

Bernardo grinned. "It definitely is." With that he walked ahead, leaving Ruben behind to go play with Charlotta and the ducks. Ruben was left staring down at the stroller and the innocent eyes looking back at him. He was instantly overwhelmed with an anguished dread. The worst pain he ever felt since the wounds weren't visible and therefore couldn't be healed. Or at least that's what he thought. 

Nevertheless that wasn't a valid excuse to bring you down with him.

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

Your first day off went as such. You refused to meet up with friends to avoid bringing up Matt and how one phone call from him managed to make your new job miserable.

Spending the day at Ruben's apartment wasn't an option either, since the fear of his return made it impossible for you to truly relax. 

It wasn't that you feared him literally, however, his presence neither excited you or made your job any easier to do. It was nice to see him make time for his son, though. Even at such a young age you could tell that there was a strong attachment between father and son. And in Thiago's case, the most important attachment in his life.

The more time Ruben spent with his son the better. In a way, you were here to ensure that.

"I think they're back." Said Ines and moved away from the kitchen window, rushing out into the hall to meet Ruben and Bernardo at the door. You remained seated at the table, not to appear professional, but simply out of the paralyzing angst of facing Ruben again. 

It was definitely easier to avoid him back at the apartment, simply because you could excuse yourself with caretaking tasks, like Thiago's diaper needing changing etc. But here, at Ines' and Bernardo's, your behavior might raise questions.

"Olá, Y/N."

Luckily the first person to wander in the kitchen was Bernardo. He greeted you with the usual kiss on the cheeks and brimming smile.

"Ficou aqui o dia todo ou chegou agora?" (Have you been here all day or did you arrive just now?) He asked.

"Cheguei há cerca de uma hora.  Como foi a sua caminhada?" (I arrived about an hour ago.  How was your walk?)

Bernardo went over to the fridge grabbing himself something to drink. Unlike Ruben he had no fear of fizzy drinks. "Fomos ver os patos ao parque. A Charlotte ama-os." (We went to go see the ducks in the park. Charlotte loves them.)

"Right, Ruben?"

You shifted in your chair, realizing that Ruben was standing in the kitchen doorway,  carrying a sleeping Thiago in his arms, his dark eyes meeting you in an intense exchange.

"H…Hey." You muttered and fought not to lower your head.

"Hey." He retorted, quick and without emotion, not at all surprised that you chose to spend your day off anywhere else.

Well, fuck him, you thought initially. At least until Ines reentered the kitchen with Charlotta in her arms. "I'm heading upstairs to wash her off. Honey, will you get started on dinner?"

"Sure." Bernardo offered. "Ruben, Y/N, the three of you are staying for dinner, no?"

You nodded your head, but Ruben was quick to object. "We have a game tomorrow." He said, reminding his friend.

Bernardo chuckled.  "Yes, but we have to eat? It's the fuel of life."

Ruben remained resolute. "Sorry, but we have food at home."

You got up and out of your chair, Ruben throwing you a stern glance. A sudden need to apologize overcame you but the three of you were out of Ines and Bernardo's house quicker than you could comprehend.

Why was Ruben in such a rush? Did something happen during his and Bernardo's walk in the park?

Nonetheless, what followed was a silent car ride home. With only the engine to Ruben's Porsche tuning out the intensity of it all.

Thankfully, as you arrived back at the apartment Ruben respected the fact that it was still your day off by taking it upon himself to get Thiago ready for bed. It allowed you to retreat to your room without having to ask what the rushed exit from Bernardo and Ines was all about.

You took the time in the shower, washing your body and hair until all of you smelled of honeycomb and watermelon. The scent would definitely rub off on your bedsheets. But just as you lifted the covers there was a light knock on your door.

"Yes?"

"It's me."

It was Ruben. You froze momentarily, a sudden panic rising within you.

Ruben knocked again."Y/N? Are you there?"

"Coming!" Without thinking things through you made your way to the door, tugging it open. The draft it brought carried a scent of dandruff shampoo and aftershave. "Ruben. What's up?" You said cooly, while your insides rolled around in your stomach.

"Did I wake you?" Ruben asked, his eyes searching your face.

You shook your head. "I was just about to." You looked down on your pajamas, thankful that you learned your lesson not to sleep in your undies again. 

"Do you need anything?" You asked, Ruben who raised his head at the same time as you.

"Eh, yes. Or not really. I just thought I'd tell you about my game tomorrow."

"Oh, right. City's  friendly against Liverpool."

"Yeah, exactly." Ruben smiled. Perhaps because he didn't expect you to know his match schedule just yet. "I just wanted to let you know that Ines is taking Thiago for the day since I don't want him coming to any of my games yet."

"Oh. Okay."

"Yeah, I just want him out of the spotlight for as long as possible. At least until I've legally settled everything with his mother."

It brought you back a little, Ruben speaking about Thiago's mother. He hadn't done that before. At least not with you. There was a sense of jealousy spreading like a wildfire within you. Ruben had another woman in his life. Someone he would be bonded to forever whether he wanted to be or not. And that woman wasn't you.

"But I'd still love for you to come and watch me play."

"Me?" You shook your head to confirm that you weren't imagining things. Ruben was looking down at you, his eyes kind and sincere.

"Yeah, unless you prefer to have another day off." He nodded.

"I….I don't know what to say."

His smile widened. "Feel free to bring anyone you like. "

"Like who, my friends?"

Something flashed before his eyes, a slight hesitation. "Yes, anyone you like." With that being said Ruben made the notion to leave, giving you a slight bow with his head. 

"But, why?"

He had turned his back on you, stopping just a few steps from your open door. "Why what?" He turned around and asked.

"Why let me come to watch you play if Thiago's not there?" You needed an answer, more desperately than you thought. Ruben remained standing a few meters away from you. He regarded you up and down until a terrible heat dabbed your cheeks. "You're doing a great job." He shrugged. "You deserve it."

"I am? I do?"

He nodded, a serious look on his face. "If I've ever made you feel otherwise then I apologize. I am very pleased to have you here Y/N. We both are."

A week. 

Less than a week actually. 

Today made all the difference since that's how long it took for you to fall in love with a man you could never have.

Prologue

Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

Part 4

Part 5

Part 6

Part 7

Part 8

Part 9

Part 11

Enjoy!

It wasn't often that Ruben found himself roaming between the shelves of a grocery store. But with Y/N's arrival tomorrow, everything had to be in place. You had to have everything, he thought.

Everything to feel welcome. 

Everything to feel at home. 

Everything that would want you to stay with him forever.

Ruben let Bernardo accompany him for the day. He would naturally come to regret it, of course. However, Bernardo's inside knowledge on what it was like to live in proximity to a woman was very useful. At least when it came to living longer than a day or two together, which from Ruben's experience, would most likely be spent in bed. 

"Have you gotten rid of the cameras?"

"What?"

The two of them walk side by side down the grocery aisle, Ruben picking out the necessity that a woman might need for a monthly stay in a stranger's apartment. No one would come to bother them in this grocery store. It was just down the street to his apartment building. Both the staff and the store's customers were used to people like him coming through. People with money. This explained the store's abnormal grocery prices. 

Ruben picked out what he thought would be most useful to you, placing it in his already semi-full shopping cart.

"Ruben?" Bernardo repeated, pausing his steps. His question had been left unanswered. "Please, tell me that you got rid of the cameras in your apartment before Ines' cousin arrives?"

Ruben did everything but meet his friend's judging eyes.

"Ruben Gato Dias…"

"What? He scuffed. "It's my apartment. I can do whatever I want. Besides, I've already explained to you that it's the right safety precaution for my son. I won't leave him around strangers unsupervised. I'll have access to the security cameras through my phone if I need to. And—" Ruben interrupted, before Bernardo could open his mouth and protest. "I need to. End of the discussion."

Bernardo looked to choose his next words carefully, regarding Ruben skeptically, shaking his head in disappointment. "If for some reason you end up scaring Y/N away, ruining your own chances of finding a qualified caretaker in the process — What's so funny?"

Ruben's laughter interrupted. He was holding his stomach as it ached to laugh so hard.

"Alright, you can stop it now." Bernardo sighed. "I got it. You know everything and I know nothing, right?"

"So you admit it?"

Bernardo shook his head, a hint of amusement in his eyes. "I'll give the poor girl a week."

"A week?"

"Trust me she won’t last a week under your roof."

Ruben straightened his posture, offering Bernardo his hand. "Bet."

He shook it firmly, confirming their bet. "Oh, and please don't tell Ines that we're doing this. She’ll kill me, and you."

Ruben chuckled. "Trust me, I won't."

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

During the brief tour of Ruben's luxurious apartment you realized two things: One, that you made the guy sweat. Or at least made him feel slightly uneasy in his own home. Two, Ruben liked to keep things neat and tidy. From the plain color coordinated furniture, to the organized utensils in his kitchen drawer. The guy was a clean freak. Which, from your experience, didn't go very well when in care of children.

"You bought me tampons?"

"I bought you toiletries, yes."

"Wow, super size. How heavy of a flow do you think I have?"

Ruben scratched the back of his head, as the two of you stood in the door to the ensuite bathroom attached to your room for the month.  "I don't…know. It was two for one, so I just—"

"Ruben, I'm joking."

"Right…"

"Thanks though, for the toiletries…" 

"You're welcome." He said, clearing his throat. "Should we go over your daily schedule?" 

He led the way back to the living room as the tour had come to an end. Ruben had shown you everything you needed to know in order to settle into his apartment, and it was safe to say that your bedroom was bigger than your dorm back at university. 

"Unless…." Ruben altered his steps in front of you. Your head tilted, watching him watching you. "Do you have some questions already?" He asked, his eyes sincere, as if he truly wanted you to feel comfortable to come to him with any concern.

"Eh, yes. I guess that I do have some questions …"

"Ask me anything."

His sudden attentiveness brought you back a little. "Well, I assume that this isn't your only place to stay in the world." Because you're filthy rich, you wanted to add, but didn't.

"It isn't." Ruben confirmed with a humble nod.

"Exactly, so where does that leave me?"

"You?" He repeated, a slight dent appearing between his brows.

"Yes. When you leave, I mean." The question was uttered catastrophically, all on the behalf of your friends that needed confirmation about that Lisbon trip this summer.

"Y/N." Ruben said, with a voice and stare that brought everything inside of you to life. Like a flower sprouting its pebbles in the sun. The way he smiled at you, all lip no teeth, told you that your question had indeed been a stupid one. "Except for my parents, I don't have another person looking after my son when I'm in Portugal." He said.

"You have a house in Portugal?" You asked, pretending to be astonished by the fact.

"Of course. It's very beautiful, and—"  Ruben paused, a sudden realization hitting him. His head shifted away from you as he mumbled the words, "You'll see for yourself when we go there."

Your stomach twisted below your belly button, holding back your initial reaction to bounce with joy. 

"But to answer your question." He said, glancing over his shoulder. "Wherever I go you follow."

"Oh."

With the questions out of the way the two of you moved onto the living room, settling down on the couch. Ruben occasionally paused the read through of your contract to listen out for Thiago who slept in his room. He did this frequently, which made you more concerned for him than the baby.

"Okay…" Ruben sighed. "I'd say that your job is quite self explanatory. I need someone to be a caretaker for my son when I'm unable to take care of him myself. For this trial month your service is required daily and diligently in order to reassure that my son gets everything he needs when I'm not here. You'll follow the meal plans prepared by myself with help from my personal nutritionist. Meaning you'll never go beyond it without speaking to me first." He leaned forward until his elbows brushed his knees. "Have I made myself clear?"

You nodded your head slowly.

The smile he gave you was sincere but brief. "Good. Now, when it comes to your working schedule….."

The list went on and on. Another hour was spent like this, Ruben negotiating your terms and conditions for the month while you nodded your head, taking it all in while trying not to judge a man desperately seeking for a bit of stability in his life. That's the reason you were here, no? To help him. To serve his family. 

Nevertheless, memorizing the many terms and conditions for the job left you mushy in the brain and an urgent need to lay down. 

"We'll talk more in the morning." Ruben said, perhaps noticing how your eyes became heavy. He stood from the couch and shook your hand gracefully, holding onto it longer than necessary. Behind him night had fallen outside of the large apartment window. You could only imagine how beautiful the sunrise over the city skyline must be in the morning.

"Goodnight, Ruben." Your fingers slipped out of his grasp as you retreated to your room. There you took a quick shower before unpacking your suitcase. Once you settled in it was finally time to crawl into bed. Unfortunately, you barely got to enjoy the peace and quiet before your phone buzzed beneath your pillow.

"Hello?"

A male voice sparked through. "Y/N? It's me."

"Matt?"

The two of you hadn't spoken since the last night that you spent together. A night worth forgetting apparently.

"Yeah, it's me. How are you doing?"

"Me?" You reached for the night light, pressing the phone to your ear. "I'm good, how are you?"

A sigh. "I just got home." A door was heard opening and closing in the background.

"Oh. Well, how was your day?" You really didn't care less, however, during your last call with Tati you got the news about more clients leaving Winston Hill and how the law firm was fully experiencing an internal crisis.

"Not great." Matt replied while setting down a glass upon wood, followed by a bottle popping open. "I really wish you were here." He said, taking a long swing of whatever he was drinking. "I know that would help take some of the edge off, more than a beer at least." 

His gloomful laughter tickled your ear.  "Is it that bad?" You asked. 

"What?"

"Work."

"Oh, that. I don't know, it's quite intense now but 'the company will most likely pull through. I, on the other hand, don't know how much longer I can take it."

"Well, you are a premed Matt. You could always go back to—"

"I'm referring to us, Y/N." 

"Us?" You frowned.

"Yes. Don't you miss me? I for one miss having you here at night."

"Here we go again." You sat up in bed, ready to make yourself very clear—again. "Matthew, we've been over this. You and I are not—"

"Dating? Yeah I got that." He said bitterly. "But since we're not even hooking up anymore, what are we?"

"Friends?"

"I have enough friends Y/N."

"Matthew, don't be like that—."

"Then don't push me away."

"I'm not pushing. If anything you're pushing me to do something that I'll regret."

"Oh, so you regret being with me?"

"Yes!" You exclaimed. "Thank you for coming to the realization, finally."

There was a pause at the other end of the line. "Well then…." He muttered, voice trembling a little. "I guess that's that then."

"Matt."

"No, it's okay. I should've known that I would lose you to someone like Ruben Dias. But don't come running back to me when he has you taking care of more than his baby's needs."

"Excuse me! Matthew, what's that supposed to mean?"

The line went flat.

"Hello?" 

You were breathing heavily, flushed with anger and too rallied up to go back to bed. 

Frustrated, you got up and out of your room, looking for solace in Ruben's spotless kitchen. Perhaps a drink to cool you off. 

"Dammit."

Unfortunately, to your discovery Ruben neither drank or kept any soft drinks in his fridge. Why would he when he looked fit enough to join the army. The shape of him definitely hadn't gone unnoticed. Especially during your negotiation, when Ruben had rolled up the sleeves to his shirt, revealing a set of strong veins that grew up his tanned arms. Your gaze dropped to your hands in that moment, a terrible heat dabbing your cheeks. Hopefully Ruben hadn't noticed.

"Y/N?"

"Huh?"

"Is everything alright?"

Your awareness had dispatched for a second. An important second since that's how long it took for Ruben to leave his bedroom and wander into the kitchen.

"Are you hungry?" He looked down at you with raised brows.

Suddenly more of your awareness returned to you. Like the awareness of the draft between your bare legs. "Oh, my God. I'm so sorry."

"For being hungry?" He asked, regarding how you tugged at the hem of your oversized t-shirt meant for sleeping. Unlike you he was dressed more modestly, wearing a pair of sweats and a plain white t-shirt.

"No." You shied away, slowly backing out of the kitchen. However, Ruben followed.

"No? What were you doing in the kitchen then?"

"Oh, I was just….just…"

The two of you stopped in the hallway to your bedroom, Ruben folding his arms in suspicion. "Yes?"

"You know," You waved dismissively with the hand that wasn't preventing Ruben from getting a flattering glance of your pink panties " I was just looking for something cool to drink. Like a soda."

"I don't have any soda." 

"Yes. I noticed that." You laughed nervously. "That's why I'm heading back to my room to—."

"Who were you talking to?"

You looked up at him, tilting your head with his question.

"Earlier." He clarified. "Our bedrooms are wall to wall. I heard you speaking to someone on the phone."

"Oh. You heard all of that? I'm sorry if I was speaking too loud. Did I wake you?"

Ruben regarded you sternly, as if it was with effort that he didn't let his gaze drop below your chin. "No, but you could've." He glanced to the left. Not to show off his sharp jaw, but towards the room with the creaked door, where colorful lights painted the walls. "It's not my job to tell you how to do yours." Ruben said, returning to look at you. "But I highly recommend that you save your private conversation for when you're in the comfort of your own home."

"Excuse me?"

Ruben had turned to leave, but hesitated hearing the tone of your voice. 

It was your turn to fold your arms and look at him sternly. "What exactly is that supposed to mean?" 

"No offense Y/N," He said, stepping up to you. "But I'm a very private person. Just because I'm letting someone like you into my home doesn't mean I'm allowing you to parrot to your friends and significant others."

"Did you just call me a bird?"

"What?" He flinched. "No I didn't."

"Yes you did. Just now, you called me a parrot."

Ruben rolled his eyes. "It's just an English expression. I'm not sure what that translates to in Portuguese but it would mean all the same."

"I see. I guess it translates to boa noite, Ruben." (Goodnight Ruben.)" You turned your back on him, returning to your room.

You went to bed just as frustrated as you were when you got out of it. In the darkness you listened out for movement on the other end of your wall, however it was dead silent, Ruben returning to his room like a cat in the night. Or he hadn't returned at all. He probably went to check on the baby, your argument perhaps waking him up.

"Dammit." You cursed.  If you were going to last the month you had to become more closed off and more focused on the reason you were here, for the baby, not the baby's father.

Right there and then you decided that you were going to be more like Olga, minus the high cortisol. 

Yes, starting tomorrow, you thought, shifting in bed. Ruben would never  find another reason to degrade you like he did tonight. Tomorrow you'd be perfect. You'd be flawless.

Prologue

Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

Part 4

Part 5

Part 6

Part 7

Part 8

Enjoy!

Ruben planned to kill Bernardo.

"What's the worst that can happen?"

His friend's ignorant words still echoed in Ruben's head weeks after the disaster of a dinner at his house.

Personally, Ruben could think of several things that could go wrong with hiring a young inexperienced woman to care for his only child. 

Even if her experience was well advocated for, all he had was Ines and Bernardo's word for it. For a man like Ruben, this wasn't enough.

Who was this woman?

What were her motivations in life? Her previous occupations?

A background check had to be made.

With the help of a private detective and his connections at the law firm, where Y/N had briefly retained an internship, Ruben got what he needed fairly quickly.

The good thing was that Y/N seemed to be a well educated woman, with a university degree where she graduated on top of her class. 

Her resume of previous jobs were quite impressive as well, with no signs from her superiors that she had done less than a job well done.

Besides having Portuguese origins, it was nice to know that Y/N came from a good family, with values that were hopefully similar to the ones Ruben grew up with.

When it came to the negatives, Y/N had truly surprised Ruben, firstly by revealing that she had a series of criminal records here in England. All of them due to minor parking ticket offenses. Although the common trait of these parking offenses was that they were made in conjunction to different music festivals across the county, the latest offense occurred just a month ago.

Overall, from what he had gathered, there was no reason why Ruben shouldn't hire you for a trial period. It was important that you and his son were a match, although there was no doubt in his mind. 

You had already proven yourself during dinner. Hell, you had proven yourself amongst the sea of diapers in the bathroom where you met. And yet Ruben found himself searching for an excuse not to hire you. 

Something in the way your eyes had swept across the features of his face during dinner, studying him, allured  many unwanted and unprofessional desires within him.

If this was going to work. Ruben's son had to be the barrier between the two of you. Nothing more nothing less. If the professional relationship between you was ever altered then that would be it. He would have to get rid of you.

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

"Cheers to Y/N, for landing the job of every girl's dreams!"

"Cheers!"

Everyone bumped their wine glasses to Brenda's ironic toast. The small celebration happened under the dimmed lights of some fancy bar not too far from what would become your new home for the summer.

"Who knew that being a babysitter to rich people's kids would include free health care, unlimited transportation and housing?" Said Meela, putting her wine glass to her glossy lips. "I would've never gone to law school had I known that."

"Exactly Y/N, so don't fuck this up." Brenda sternly advised. "Or better yet, don't fuck Mr Dias or else our plan to meet you up in Lisbon in July will be thrown out the window."

"Thanks guy's, really." You laughed. Your friend's support meant everything. But you couldn't quite set aside the fact that this wasn't a regular babysitting gig. The job in itself came with a large amount of responsibility. Huge responsibility. 

And the workload….

My god how you dreaded it. However, during your brief phone call last week, Ines assured you that Ruben wouldn't throw everything at you during a trial month, while her husband was heard laughing in the background.

What the hell was so funny?

"Hey, look who Tati brought!" Brenda peered over the sea of heads in the crowding bar, as Tati was seen making her way towards your table with none other than Matt Dawson at her heels.

"What the hell Meela." Tati hissed, her form of greeting you all. Matt on the other hand, raised his hand in a slight wave, his smile widening at the sight of you. "I told you to pick a place where we could at least hear ourselves think. How are we supposed to celebrate Y/N here?"

"Calm down Chica." Brenda raised her wine glass in salute. "How was work? Was it that bad?"

"Worse. Tell them Matt." Tati plotted down in the vacant stool next to Meela, while Matt took the seat beside you. 

You found it funny how the two of them arrived wearing the same dark attire. The exclusive dress code of Winston Hill. Coincidently, after you abandoned your internship at the law firm, Matt took your place. It wasn't enough for him to finish on top of his class at med school. 

Tati explained that Matt's grandfather is practically the founder of the prestigious law firm, pushing his grandson, Matt, to try out the family business, at least for the summer.

It was a coincidence all the same, that resulted in several after work nights with Matt joining you and the girls. 

It was all fun and games until you found yourself going home with him almost every other night.

"One of our major clients decided to leave the firm, encouraging his rich friends to do the same." Matt explained, as an answer to Tati's question. He used his free hand to uncomfortably run it through his slicked back blond hair, not quite used to wearing that much amount of wax at work.

"Our bosses are freaking out." Tati said and signaled her drink order to the waitress walking by your table. 

"Well, why would the clients want to leave the firm?" You asked, settling against Matt, who brought his arm to wrap around your shoulders.

"I dunno?" Tati shrugged. "Could be due to our rival firm's. Some already have offices in London and are just expanding here in Manchester City. But that doesn't matter—" She blurred out. "Enough about work. We're here to celebrate Y/N, who will be financing our annual trip to Lisbon this year!"

There was another round of cheers for you. Tati and Matt had to wait for their drink orders to arrive, but when they did you toasted once more.

"At least you'll know that your employer is loyal." Tati said, taking a long swing of her beer bottle. "Ruben Dias is one of our few premium clients to remain at the firm."

"Wait, you're working for Ruben Dias?"

A stunned silence swept the table as Matt's eyes burned the side of your temple.

You turned to him, tilting your head.  "Didn't I tell you?"

"No, no you didn't."

Brenda tried to smother her laughter but failed, causing Meela to elbow her side.

Ignoring your friends, Matt regarded you with hurt in his eyes. "You're gonna be his new nanny, no?"

"Matt, I—."

His head swiftly turned to Tati. "That's what you told me, right. That Y/N got a new job as some rich guy's nanny."

"Yes, and?" Tati did not seem to appreciate Matt's sudden need to interrogate her, and neither did you.

"Matt. I'm sorry that I forgot to tell you. It just never came up."

His usual boyish sharm was wiped away, replaced by an insecure frown. "Or maybe you just didn't want to tell me."

"Excuse me?"

"Guys!" Meela erupted. "We're here to celebrate, not fight."

Your shoulders relaxed, but the heat in your cheeks still flushed your face.

"Meela is right." Brenda nodded. Thank god for your friends. "Besides, we're all really proud of Y/N, for landing this opportunity. Right, Matthew?"

He shifted his head, meeting your sterned faces. His arm had left your shoulders, but quickly returned. He gathered you in his arms, pressing a soft kiss to your cheek. "They're right. I'm sorry for overacting, I just….I just wished you'd told me."

Why? You wanted to reply. But as the night went on and the drinks started flowing the question answered itself.

"You're staying with him throughout the weeks, no?"

"Yeah, why?"

Out of all of the things you could talk about after sex. You could sense it where you lay in the darkness, Matt's hands wrapped around your naked body. The question had been in his mind throughout the entire night, and now, confined in the bedroom of his student apartment, the question was uttered at last.

"I want you to stay with me on the weekends."

"Okay…" You shifted in bed, tugging the sheets until you lay facing each other. Matt's eyes were wide in the night, a hint of blue even in the darkness. "Why?"

"It would be strange otherwise, don't you think?"

"What would be strange?"

"Your girlfriend spending her nights at another guy's house. Especially if that guy is Ruben Dias, the professional football player " He pulled you closer, a hand on your ass cheek, pressing you against his smooth thigh. "Let me at least have you on the weekends. Can't we agree to that?"

About a dozen warning bells rung your ears. "Matt, what the hell are you talking about?" You sat up in bed, a furrowed expression on your face,  although you doubted that he could see.

Matt lifted his head from the pillow, letting it rest in his hand as he lay on his side.

"First of all…" You spoke calmly, "I will not be spending night's at some random footballers house, Matt. I'm going to be working. Twenty-four hours a day. Secondly, you and I aren't—"

There was no way to put it nicely.

"We're not…."

"Together?" He suggested, white teeth sparkling in the night. "We've been hooking up almost every night for the past three weeks."

"Yes…hooking up."

His low laughter soothed your ears. Even more so as he tugged you to lay back down on the mattress.

"What's so funny?"

"You." He crawled on top of you, kissing your neck and then space between your collarbone.

You gasped, Matt's hand settling roughly between your legs. With tomorrow's hangover clouding your mind, it wouldn't be hard to continue with this mistake. 

To think of another man helps too. 

How would he have you in bed? 

How would it feel to cling on to shoulders as broad as his?

"Fuck, that feels good."

"You like that baby?" Matt put in his best efforts above you, grunting with every thrust, clenching his pale cheeks, not knowing that you were already drowning in the hands of another man.

"Take me Ruben."

Prologue

Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

Part 4

Part 5

Part 6

Part 7

Part 9

Enjoy! 👅

"What are you doing?"

"What does it look like I'm doing?"

You slumped back in the sofa, watching how Mason slid himself lower and lower on top of you. The movie you put on earlier became white noise in the background, the sound fading into the distance as you worried for what would come next.

"Mason, you don't have to—"

He lifted his head, pleading brown eyes staring back at you. "Come on. You never let me."

Well there was a reason for that.

"I'll make it good. Trust me."

You nodded. "Okay."

Sex with Mason was great. Amazing, actually. Even before the two of you started seeing each other romantically. He was gentle, attentive, and always caring for your needs before his own. But when it came to going down on you.....well, there was no gentle way to express your worries, but what if he was terrible at it?

It would certainly ruin things, wouldn't it? Considering how perfect everything was now.

Not to set the bar high but never had a guy with as slim lips as Mason's, given you a good time downstairs. It just wasn't in their nature.

"Mason." You gasped. The first sensation of his tongue jerking your body in suprise.

A low chuckle was heard from below. "I'm sorry. Did I scare you?"

"Oh, shut up."

You regretted those words. Because Mason obeyed, worsening the anticipation by not talking you through it.

He slid himself further down. Taking your sweatpants and panties along with him before settling down between your legs.

"Mason?"

"Shhh. I'm busy."

Your eyes darted at the ceiling, waiting. Just waiting.

"Unless..." A cold draft swept past your thighs, Mason, raising himself to look at you with slight concern in his eyes. "Unless you want me to stop?" He said. "Would you like me to stop, baby?"

It was so pure. His need for your consent. You knew that Mason wouldn't continue without it, and that's why you let him. "It's okay. I want you to." You assured.

"Are you sure?"

You sat up and reached for his face, cradling his cheeks between your hands. "I'm sure Mason. I want this."

He nodded and perked up to kiss your lips. You smiled and let your head drop back against the cuchens.

Things started off quite innocent, with Mason pressing tender kisses closer and closer to your slit. Teasing you this way. Your pulse rose with the heat from his mouth, the tickle of his mustache raising the hair on your arms.

"You smell....amazing."

You exhaled in relief. Followed by a quiet giggle.

"What?"

"What if I hadn't...smelled amazing?"

"I would've of told you."

"Would you have stopped?"

"No."

Your eyebrows elevated "Oh."

Who would dare stop a starving man from eating?

You quickly realized how much it pleased him to please you. With every moan that unintentionally escaped you, a low mutter echoed below. Mason, mumbling secret endereaments against your skin.

"I love you."

It filled your heart. Mason was so bare and open. Even though you were the one laying with your woha in his face.

"I love the way you taste. So sweet. So..."

"Mason."

"Yes?"

"Stop talking."

He had you on the edge. Already on the verge of bursting.

"Baby, are you—"

"Yes. God yes."

He was good at it. His mouth warm against your lips, his tongue knowing exactly when to circulate, to lick, or to just be there, pressing hard against your beating pulse.

You were wrong.

So wrong.

"Mason, I'm gonna....I'm gonna." You surprised yourself with a high-pitched shriek. "Mason, fuck."His finger, maybe one maybe two, arched your back, pressing your hips into his face, letting you ride out the last of your orgasm. It was embarrassing how hard you came. Succumbing to your boyfriend's hands and mouth.

Once you finished. Once the rhythmic spasms seized to posses your body, a smothering warmth overwhelmed you.

"Was it good? Did I do good baby?"

"Mason I—" You were lost for words, eyes wide, staring blankly at him. "You're....you're..."

His grin went from proud to complacent, maliciously complecant. "I was good wasn't I? Better than you thought."

You threw yourself at him, wrapping your arms around his neck as the two of you fell back on the sofa. A josyeus laughter threatened to burst your lungs. "I wanna go again."

"You do?"

"Yes."

"Like right now? Right after I just..."

"Again, please."

Mason chuckled nervously, working his now tight jaw. "I see that I've created a monster."

Enjoy ☀️

Summer was coming in hot.

Without a care in the world for neither work or training, you and Mason found a way to relax on a boat, docked near the coast surrounded by the Mediterranean Sea.

It was the perfect outlet to just be. To simply exist in each other's presence, far away from any pressure or expectations that you had of yourself or your lives.

"Babe, you hungry?"

No answer.

"Baby?"

The wind blew cooly underneath the shade of the parasol. You groaned as you lay on your back, your boyfriend tugging annoyingly at the thin straps of your bikini. "Mason...stop."

He shifted where he lay beside you, his voice a whisper in your ear. "Are you hungry? I can make you something to eat."

You waved your hand by your ear, chasing him away like a fly. "No, go away."

His laughter drummed in your ear but became more distant as Mason got up to make himself a snack in the kitchen below deck, while you returned to your peaceful sleep, drifting off to the sound of the sea, with the sun massaging your bare feet.

Maybe an hour passed before you woke up again. The sun was still set high in the sky, reflecting brightly against the surface of the deep blue sea.

"Mason?" You called out his name, your boyfriend nowhere to be found. "Baby?"

His towel still lay beside yours, the smell of his skin lingering in your nose.

"Mason?"

Had he gone for a swim, or was he still making a snack in the kitchen down below? Like you said, an hour could have passed since you had shut your eyes. But without your phone near it was impossible to tell.

Both you and Mason had agreed on no devices on this trip. However, you deeply regretted that now, seeing as you came up empty after a lap around deck, both below and above it. There were no traces of your boyfriend.

"Mason, come on!" You shouted, a slight anger rising within you. Had your boyfriend taken the smaller boat into land? Had he gone for a trip into town without you? If this was the case, then—

"I'm down here!"

You froze, searching for the sound of his voice.

"Jupp, down here. You're getting warmer."

"Mason, it's not funn—

"Warmer, keep walking."

You rolled your eyes, but let the sound of his voice guide you to the back of the boat, past where you had laid out your towels, towards the far end of the fleet. There, splashing around in the water was Mason, an amused smile on his lips as you appeared before him with your hands on your hips.

"Good morning sunshine. Sleep well?"

"Fuck you."

"Now, honey. I know how cranky you get when you haven't eaten in a while. But I did offer to make you something two hours ago."

"Two hours?" You gasped. "Has it been that long?"

Your boyfriend brimmed from ear to ear. "I guess we should take it easier with the red wine during dinner from now on."

You stepped up towards the edge of the boat, where Mason had neatly left his sunglasses and flip-flops, reaching down to playfully wack him in the head with the shoe.

"Ouch, whatchu' do that for?"

"Because I can."

Oh, yeah?"

"Yes."

"Well, can you stop being so sleepy and come join your boyfriend for a swim?"

You smiled. "Sure. Just give me a sec."

You stepped further out onto the deck, holding on to the railing in order to dip your toes and feel the temperature of the water. However, your boyfriend didn't like that, scrunching his face at you.

"What?"

"Just jump in."

"No way. I have to mentally prepare."

"For what?"

"The cold."

"It's not that cold baby, jump in!"

"Fine. I'm coming, I'm coming."

"Oh, and one more thing."

"What?" You pused with your hand on the railing, frowning at the way your boyfriend was grinning at you. "Mason, what is it?"

"Take off your bikini."

Heat flushed your face. "What? No way, Mason, there's people around."

"Not for another mile or so. Come on, I'm naked too."

You narrowed your eyes, trying to see beyond the waves of water that hid half of your boyfriend's body. "No, you're not." You protested.

"No? Why don't you jump in and find out for yourself."

"Mason, I can't—"

"Why not?" He laughed. "Trust me, you'll like it."

The water did look inviting.

And after spending so much time in the sun, it would be nice to cool down a bit.

"Come on. I know you wanna."

You scuffed at your boyfriend, although he could tell by the smile on your face that he had definitely won you over.

You moved quickly, stepping out of your bikini before jumping into the water.

"That's my girl!"

You did so without a count to three, resurfacing beside your boyfriend who was quick to rail you in and pin you against the side of the boat. "There you are. I've missed you."

"You have?" Your arms draped around his neck, his free hand caressing your cheek.

"Of course, I have. It's you and me, no?"

You smiled, mimicking the way Mason was already grinning at you. "Kiss me."

He chuckled but did not have to be told twice.

The kiss was raw. Two naked bodies pressing hard against each other. Cold lips seeking contact. Raking hands scratching soft skin.

"Mason." You moaned. his tongue swiping soflty across your bottom lip, his breath hot against your mouth.

"Yes, baby?" He was breathless, his arms keeping you both afloat.

"I don't want to swim anymore."

"No?" He pulled back, observing you with a drunk concentration. "What would you like to do instead?"

But Mason had other plans.

You raised your chin, teeth biting down on your lips, eyes big and seductive. "You know exactly what I want."

You could feel it, his flesh coming alive below you, growing hard against your folds. You could have him right here in the water. Guide his leaking tip right into the warmth of your folds, aching to feel him. To please him.

Bare cheeked the two of you hurried up and out of the water, wet footprints rushing towards the bedroom below deck. The mattress was damp against your back, Mason coming into you hard but slow. All senses in your nerve endings shot down your spine and through the arch in your back, numbing any sense of pain with every thrust.

"Fuck" was uttered often and hoarse. But in the end a breathless silence marked the level of your satisfaction.

"God, baby. I love how you feel."

Tangled up in the wet sheets, you turned around in his arms, meeting the eyes of a man in love. "Oh, yeah? And what exactly do I feel like?"

He chuckled but settled a hand against the swell of your breast, slowly but firmly rolling your nipple between his cold fingers. "Like this."

"Mhmm."

Enjoy!

"You've met? How?"

"And when?"

Dinner was beyond awkward. You arrived tonight with no expectations but to share a meal with your distant cousin and her family. Never in a million years did you think you'd meet him again. Mr Dias.

For some reason your encounter at Winston Hill hadn't left your mind since the disturbing event occurred just about a week ago. The encounter itself earned you a lecture from Tati who feared for her own job and yours.

"Do you know who that was!" She had lashed out in the lunch break room about an hour after the bathroom incident.

"Who, Mr Dias?" You answered obliviously, although you had already suspected that he was of importance. Not to quote the law firm's infamous slogan but — every client at Winston Hill was of importance.

"Yes, Mr Dias. Mr Ruben Dias." Tati exclaimed while balancing her third cup of coffee in her trembling hand.

"Do you realize that you just told Ruben Dias. The Ruben Dias, defender of one of England's most respected football clubs, to calm down.

"So? He did need to calm down, didn't he?"

Tati used her free hand to rub the pulse that throbbed her temple. Her distressed reaction alone sent you into a night long Google sweep on one Ruben Dias, and what was presented to you did not disappoint.

Apparently Ruben Dias was a man with a lot of baggage.

"Y/N?"

Your plates remained untouched as the hosts of the dinner, Ines and Bernardo, refused to serve any food until you and Ruben had explained your acquaintance. Unfortunately Ruben remained frozen, not indicating that he'd be the one to clear the thick air between you. This forced you into a corner. Forced you into taking action. 

"We've met….before." You nodded, looking towards Ruben for him to do the same. However that jerk neither denied or confirmed your statement by remaining hostile towards you with a curious, yet terrorizing gaze resting on his well trimmed face. Everything about Ruben Dias seemed well trimmed.

Except for his private life. 

Going down that rabbit hole made you unravel a series of articles, mostly published by different gossip outlets, which put the articles reliability into question. Nevertheless, one article in particular was of a sports column. A profoundly written piece on how Ruben may or may not be another victim of women who were eager to trap a man with a sniff of financial success. In other words, the article was accusing a woman named Jessica Springs. A woman who had been seeing Ruben romantically but not long term. However, long enough to birth a child and claim Ruben as the father.

It was a profound article indeed

 However, if it spoke a fragment of truth, your encounter with Ruben at Winston Hill would've made you the jerk and not him.

"Yes, we got that, you've met before." Ines butted in, pulling you out of your rattling thoughts.  "But where exactly did the two of you meet?"

Bernardo leaned in, curiously so. "And when?"

Your lips parted to answer the question, however, tiny footsteps interrupted the conversation around the table. Little Carlotta, dressed for sleep with a silk blanket tucked under her arm, entered the kitchen rubbing her tired eyes. No one had heard her coming down the stairs.

Both Ines and Bernardo shot up and out of their seats. "Lotta? Oh no, did we wake you?"

"Mommy." The toddler whimpered, stretching her tiny arms above her head. Both Ines and Bernardo picked up the child, soothing her little cries.

"Oh poor baby. We're sorry for being too loud. Come, let's put you back to bed."

"No." You found yourself uttering. Quietly so. No one had heard it. Well, no one except Ruben who watched how you silently prayed not to be left alone with him. Unfortunately, not all wishes come true. 

The two caring parents, forgettable and distracted by their prime care in the world, left the kitchen with little Carlotta carried between them, taking her back upstairs.

The silence that settled between you and Ruben became unbearable. Pushing you to say something. 

"God, I'm starving. Would it be rude not to wait?" 

He raised a skeptical brow as a reply to your question, his hazel eyes regarding how your fork tapped anxiously against the side of your plate. "Maybe you should calm down?"

"Excuse me?"

Across from you, Ruben's expression had shifted. It was less hostile now and slightly amused. "You heard what I said."

"I—." You opened your mouth to protest. To challenge him for being bluntly rude. However the light in his gaze found yours.

Your shoulders relaxed as you exhaled a laugh. "Right, I guess I deserve that."

Ruben shrugged. "It's not as easy as it seems."

"To relax?"

He nodded, and, to your surprise, began to enjoy the meal served before you.

Ines and Bernardo had made all of your favorite dishes from back home. There was Bacalhau and Francesinha, served with plenty of side dishes. Startled. You sat back and watched him, a man starving. His groan of satisfaction stirring something in the pit of your belly. 

"So…you know Ines." You stuttered. Even more so as Ruben raised his head, licking the corner of his mouth while staring blankly at you. "Through Bernardo, I mean."

He reached for the napkin beside his plate, pressing it gently against his slim lips, "I do." He said, his answer short but not uninviting.

Your face flushed with warmth. "I've heard good things about you."

"You have?" 

You bobbed your head. "Of course. Ines talks about you all the time." 

A lie. 

Why you felt the need to lie surprised even you. Perhaps because you had found out so much about Ruben's private life from a secondary source, but witnessed first hand the things that may be going on in his already hectic life.

"Hard to believe from our last encounter though." Ruben's words came out rough, without a hint of sarcasm as he peered at you from across the table, almost as if he could see how your hands fumbled nervously in your lap.

"Oh. Ruben, I'm so sorry if I came off—"

"I just fucking with you. It's okay."

You ceased to plead for his forgiveness, seeing how a friendly smile enveloped his face. "Right." You bowed your head, mumbling shamefully. "I really am sorry though. About everything…."

"Everything? What exactly have you heard?"

You raised your fallen head, shaking it in denial. "Ines has told me nothing, I swear."

Ruben chuckled. His first time doing so this evening, this year. But you didn't know that.

"Good. That's good." He nodded in approval, something shifting in his already thoughtful gaze. A sly curiosity towards you. 

Unfortunately rapid footsteps heard from above put an end to the moment. "I'm so sorry, Ruben." Ines came down the stairs and into the kitchen with her arms wrapped around a soft blanket. "Bernardo started singing lullabies to Carlotta to help her sleep. It woke Thiago up in his crib." She said, unraveling the disturbed baby in her arms. 

He was the smallest thing, his eyes blank with innocence and a pouting mouth, soft and oval shaped. "I don't know if you want to put him right back to sleep or if you just want to give him his last bottle now?" Ines rounded the table to hand Ruben his son.

It was an intense observation from your side. How Ruben went from a hard shell to a soft shell and than back to being a hard shell again. 

But unlike when his mannerism grew a costume to seeing  you again, his entire face furrowed in deep concentration with a slight irritation twitching his bushy brows. 

He was expected to make a decision. But didn't seem quite able to. Instead his gaze looked to you across from the table, stopping your heartbeat whilst doing so. "Y/N, what…what should I do?"

The question escaped him as if he was demanding the right answer to a test. But compared to a fabricated test, Ruben genuinely seemed lost in what to do.

"Give him to me." You raised your hands, nodding reassuringly. "I'll take him."

There was a moment of hesitation. The same hesitation that you had witnessed from him in the ladies bathroom at Winston Hill. Nevertheless, like he had done back then, Ruben obliged, handing over, what you suspected to be, the most valuable thing in his life.

Once the baby was in your arms the motherly instincts to offer skin to skin contact kicked in. Something told you that this might be something Ruben's son hadn't gotten much of in the earliest stages of his life.

Needless to say that it did the trick. Baby Thiago, with his soft intakes of air, closed his eyes with the warmth of your skin pressing against his cheek.

You were careful to rock him in your arms. The baby was so light and perhaps a bit malnourished that every movement risked disturbing him.

"Giving him the bottle now may wake him up later. In the middle of the night." You spoke calmly. " I'm sure you wouldn't want that."

"No."

Something in his voice. You looked up to find Ruben staring blankly at a spot below your chin. And it did not go unnoticed that when he batted his eyelashes his eyes became glossy.

"Ruben, I—"

"I told you she was good." Bernardo interrupted. You hadn't noticed him returning downstairs into the kitchen. He stood at the end of the table, arm wrapped around Ines' shoulders. Ines who also looked at you fondly. 

"Y/N has always been good with kids." She said assuringly. "Right, Y/N? Didn't you take care of your brothers and sisters when they were younger? I remember them always coming to you as if you were their mother. And to think that you were only a child yourself."

You smiled politely, however the memories weren't all doves and roses.

"Now, with more time on your hands…" She continued, swiftly glancing at Bernardo who failed to hide his delightful smile. "Perhaps you could help out Ruben? With the baby I mean."

Your eyes shifted between them before you turned to Ruben. He looked as appalled as you felt inside. The dinner, inviting both of you over. This was the reason. 

"You should consider it Ruben." Bernardo placed a persuasive hand on his friend's shoulder. Ruben's expression furrowed. But before he could object to the idea, Ines came in clutch, batting her long eyelashes in remorse. A method she used plenty during your childhood. It was a look that never deceived a woman. Men on the other hand….

"Just think of the benefits?" Bernardo suggested. "Hire Y/N as Thiago's caretaker. What's the worst that can happen?"

A lot of things.

You could think of at least eight things that could go wrong with this arrangement. Starting with how you would most likely suffer from a heart attack, seeing how fast it was beating after a mare smirk from the man that was Ruben Dias. 

The two of you were definitely not on the same level financially or aspirationally. And, considering the height differences between the two of you, you and Ruben weren't on the same level astronomically.

"Y/N?" Ine's voice broke through your anxious thoughts. Her smile kind and patient. 

You swallowed the lump in your throat. "Yes."

"Yes?"

"Maybe. I don't know." You shifted towards Ruben, glancing at him before looking down at the sleeping bundle in your arms.

An innocent life was at play.

Why would you ever agree to something like this? 

A favor for a man you know nothing about.

A man with plenty of baggage.

"But I'd like a trial."

"A trial?" Three voices spoke up simultaneously. Bernardo, Ines and Ruben, regarding you with wide eyes.

"For a month. " You nodded. "Or at least throughout the summer. You know, to see if we're a match." You and the baby, you meant to clarify, but found it impossible to tear your eyes away from Ruben's.

He nodded his head, slowly. Somewhat agreeing to your terms.

"Perfect!"

"Wonderful!"

Ines and Bernardo's happiness appeared more than on yours and Ruben's behalf.

"Agora, o que estamos à espera? Vamos comer!" (Now what are we waiting for? Let's eat!)

The tension in the kitchen lifted with those words and finally dinner was served.

Prologue

Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

Part 4

Part 5

Part 6

Enjoy!

There was no need to get too dressy for a family dinner. But if there was one thing your cousin Ines was great at, it was to throw together a fancy sunday meal.

You left the house dressed in a leather jacket to go with your leather black boots. The slight breeze outside soothed the micro hairs scattered along your exposed legs that thrived below your low cut dress. The cool air lasted throughout your commute from downtown Manchester to the gated community where Ines and her husband had their residence. It was a quiet community, unwelcoming to anyone who couldn't afford to install a garage big enough to house at least three luxurious vehicles. 

You blew a low whistle, on your way up your cousin's driveway. A red Lamborghini stood parked just below the streets to their house. With its tinted windows and obnoxious paintwork, you wondered if Ines husband, Bernardo, was going through another midlife crisis.

You rang the doorbell with a large smirk on your face as you longed for the part of the evening when everyones' bellies were full, when the dishes were all done and Bernardo had withdrawn from the kitchen to put their daughter, Carlotta, to sleep. That was the perfect time for two giggling cousins to catch up on life and revive the never ending family gossip. However, to your surprise, you weren't the only guest coming to dinner tonight.

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

"Y/N!"

"Inessa!"

Ruben and Bernardo stayed back setting the table while Ines left the kitchen to answer the doorbell.

A bright female voice echoed somewhere in the distance. Ruben couldn't help but to tilt his ear and listen in on the two women reconciling. 

Apparently Ines' cousin had lived in Manchester city for a while now, completing a bachelor degree in domestic law. It made Ruben question accepting his invitation to dinner tonight. If this was another one of Ines and Bernardo's attempts to set him up on a blind date, he was not interested.

"Please, feel at home."

Ines' voice was heard approaching. Ruben had just set down the last utensils as the women wandered into the elegant kitchen.

"Y/N, you made it!" Bernardo exclaimed and stepped away from the dinner table to embrace the wide eyed woman, who flashed a quick, but surprised look in Ruben's direction before stumbling backwards as Bernardo eagerly embraced her.

"How's school? I heard you're graduating soon."

"Uhm, yeah. Next month actually." The startled woman replied. She was young, but just by a few years. She and Ines shared no resemblance whatsoever though. 

A good thing, Ruben thought. 

He found himself fixing his posture while he waited to be introduced. 

This must have caught Ines' eyes as she was seen shielding an amused smile.

"Time flies doesn't it. Have you landed any job offers yet?" Bernardo asked, torturing the young woman with endless questions that could be saved for when they were all seated around the dinner table. 

She seemed quite disturbed. 

Ruben could relate, he hadn't eaten since lunch. Now, with Olga gone he had to figure out how to feed Thiago the correct formula. He had done so with his mother on the line, terrorizing him with his parents plans on moving in with Ruben to help raise her grandson at least until he had reached the age of three. Ruben then had to put the baby to sleep before arriving at Bernardo's. The task alone took him all afternoon.

"No job offers yet." The woman chuckled nervously. "Just the internship that I mentioned." Her eyes met Ruben's. To his surprise.

It was a shy exchange that lit up something within him. However that flame was put out faster than a flick of lights as Ruben's eyes narrowed at the woman.

Her face.

Her eyes.

Her lips.

They were too familiar. A fantasy stolen from his uncensored dreams.

"You?" He uttered. Unconsciously so. It redirected both Ines and Bernardo's attention. Not to mention the woman who appeared the least delight to encounter Ruben again. Beyond their first meeting inside his law firm's bathroom.

Prologue

Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

Part 4

Part 5

Enjoy!

Ruben must have done something wrong in his past life. Not that he believed in reincarnation or anything. However, he did believe in karma as his was most definitely disastrous. Why else would another babysitter want to quit on him?

"Lamento muito, senhor Dias. Simplesmente não acho que seja a pessoa certa para este trabalho. Há muitas exigências." (I'm so sorry, Mr Dias. I just don't think that I am the right person for this job. There are too many demands.)

It was with a heavy heart that Ruben accepted the keys to his apartment as Olga, his third baby sister in the past two months, handed them back to him. "Por favor, cuide-se." (Please, take care of yourself.) 

Minutes passed as Ruben stood by the front door in a stunned silence.

Where had he gone wrong? 

Was his demands really that absurd? Or were they just too many, like Olga said?

He shook his head. No, not if those demands assured the safety of his son.

Ruben clutched the keys in his hand and returned to the living room where his, now cold, dinner awaited him. Olga, with her suitcase in hand, had demanded his attention just as he sat down to enjoy it. 

Ruben reached for the remote and shut off the TV before moving on, taking a lap around the apartment to turn off the lights. 

Lost in the darkness, a dimmed light guided his way. The light glowed softly, shifting between the colors blue and red. With careful steps Ruben entered the baby's room. 

Smiling animals decorated the walls. Ruben had given his mother free hands. Free, being the keyword as she spared no expenses on renovating the then empty space. 

It pleased him. The room turned out great and the baby sometimes managed to sleep a full night below the colorful lights. But as Ruben peered open the door, he found his son struggling to go under, anxiously stirring his body from side to side.

"It's okay, I'm here." There was no point in staying with him until he slept. Ruben had a long day tomorrow and needed restful hours of his own. But as he lifted Thiago out of his crib and took him to his own bedroom, Ruben felt a sudden urge to weep. 

There he was, tucked into bed with a baby in his arms. An infant, with no sense of the world other than that it revolved around eating and pooping.

It was a hard thing to admit, but Ruben really needed help. 

It dawned on him earlier that week, when that young woman from the lawyers office told him to calm down, that he had no idea on how to do just that. How could he possibly be calm when an innocent life's existence depended solely on him and his sanity? How could Ruben be calm when he was so afraid of what would happen if he failed as a father?

He wanted to ask the young woman for advice. She seemed so confident on what to do, on how to move through the world despite holding none of the cards. He wanted to ask her whether she could take care of him too.

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

Matt kept texting you. His paramedic heroics at the club last week surley prevented you from bleeding out on the dance floor. It made your night a bit more exciting when your stilettos failed you and a gorgeous premed like Matt tended to your wounds in the ladies bathroom.

Despite his generosity and erotically skillful hands, you found yourself making up excuses not to hook up with him again. Tonight's excuse was valid though, seeing as your distant cousin and her husband invited you over for dinner. 

After hearing about your straining financial situation they made an offer to help you get back on your feet, which was quite embarrassing, but perhaps that's what family is for.

You should know, having plenty of them back home in Portugal. However, Ines was the only woman in your large family tree that you admired. Although she married rich, she was quite independent and inspired you to follow her path of creating a life for yourself abroad. She was definitely like the big sister you never had. Maybe a few words of wisdom wouldn't hurt coming from her.

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

The following weeks fueled Ruben with a deep bitterness. Bitterness for being as exhausted as he was. And bitterness towards the babysitting agency that failed to delegate Olga's replacement. 

Ruben needed someone who could meet up to the high demands that he had around his son. Someone who was organized and could follow rules without endless questioning. Simply put, Ruben needed someone who was available around the clock — 24/7.

"So…a slave then?"

"What?" Ruben irritatedly removed his earpods when Bernardo nudged his shoulder. They were seated together on the bus back to Manchester after another horrendous away game for the team. It was clear that Ruben's lack of focus was beginning to affect not just him, but the entire team's structure of defense.

"The demands you mentioned for your new babysitter." Bernardo asked skeptically, with a unique ability to put a bad game behind him faster than anyone Ruben knew. "They sound quite grave, don't you think?"

Ruben's head knocked back against his seat as he popped his earpods back in. "Please, Bernardo. We've been over this already. I only want what's best for my son."

"Well, so do I, and Ines."

Ruben rolled his eyes, but tilted his head to indicate that he was listening.

"Please Ruben, I insist that you and the baby stay for dinner tonight. Ines and I may have found a solution to your problems?"

"For the last time Bernardo, the answer is no."

"But why?"

A good question.

Why was he so stubborn? Bernardo was Ruben's best friend. He was just trying to help him out. The least Ruben could do was to listen to this so-called solution of his.

He sighed. "What time should we be there?"

A smug smile widened Bernardo's chapped lips.  "Around seven. Ines' cousin should've arrived around that time."

"Great. — Wait who?"

Not even the gloom of City's most embarrassing loss of the season could wipe away the bright expression on Bernardo's face. He was showing teeth now, like a friendly shark. "Like I said, we may have found a solution to your problems. You're just gonna have to trust me on this one."

Prologue

Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

Part 4

Enjoy!

Winston Hill law firm, was a private representative law firm in Castlefield,  Manchester. 

Located on Owen Street, one of the poshest neighborhoods in the city, the law firm took pride in their client roster. A roster consisting exclusively of upper class citizens that could afford to pay the ridiculous amounts that the law firm demanded for their services. 

One would think that such a prestigious establishment wouldn't want their female employees to dress like the sensual secretaries in the James Bond movies. Women who were clearly dressed to please the male gaze. However, you were wrong. Fitted into a tight pencil skirt you spent your first week at Winston Hill strutting around the office building, memorizing every senior lawyer's coffee orders. Other than the lack of blood circulation in your legs you saw no point in complaining. It was a low paying internship. A temporary one at that. 

The only previous work experience that you had was babysitting. You had done so for twelve years prior to moving from your home in Lisbon,  Portugal to study law in the UK. 

To think that out of those twelve years you only got paid for the last three of those years. But that's what you get for being the first born with a fertile mother and an absent father. At one point in time, your three brothers and little sister depended solely on you for their survival. Intense, for sure. But you all managed somehow. Now they were all grown up and could take care of themselves. But leaving them behind to pursue your own dreams, sometimes felt like a selfish betrayal. Luckily you had friends to convince you that it wasn't so.

"Y/N, what the hell are you doing? Where are the pencils?"

"What?"

Tati poked her head out into the hallway and found you staring into thin air. "The golden tip pencils?" She gestured hoplessley. "We need them for the conference room." 

"Oh, right. I'll go get them."

"Okay, but hurry. The first meeting starts in fifteen minutes."

You muttered bitterly as you moved down the hallway like an eager penguin. Unlike you, Tati had mastered the skill of walking fast in heels wearing a thight skirt. However, hadn't it been for your pencil skirt restricting your movements, you wouldn't have failed to catch the elevator to take you down to the storage room. Meaning you wouldn't have run into the hysterical woman with a crying baby in her arms searching for the ladies room. And if you hadn't run into her….you wouldn't have met him.

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

The hysterical woman rushed towards you in distress, the crying baby trembling in her arms. "Please, where is the bathroom?" She pleaded, in fairly broken English.

"J…just down the hall." You pointed and looked back as the hysterical woman passed you one her way to the ladies bathroom. Where did she come from? Why was she crying? And what the hell did that beeping sound come from? 

It came and went with the woman. You didn't think much of it while taking the elevator down to the storage room. But on your return to the conference room, Tati was nowhere to be found.  However voices were heard coming from down the hall.

"Oh, thank god you're here!" Tati exclaimed and left the crying woman's side, the same woman from earlier.

"What's going on?" You stepped into the women's bathroom for the door not to hit your back. You appeared to have stumbled into a disaster of some sort, with diapers and used baby wipes scattered all over the bathroom floor.

Tati looked more distressed about it than the woman clutching the now half naked baby. "Help me clean this mess up before the clients arrive."

""But what happened?" 

"I don't know? Ask her!" It was rude of Tati to point to the woman and the baby. But with her internship on the line she left you to handle things while she went to fetch a mop and some Ajax.

"I'm so sorry for my friend. Is everything alright?" You approached the woman with caution, since you had no idea what she was doing at Winston Hill. Was she a client of the firm or just a visitor? By the looks of it she might just have wandered into the building in order to change her son's diapers. He was clearly suffering from something he ate and his skin had grown a rash from those scented wipes that the woman seemed to have used on him.

"Do you need any help?" You asked to which the woman shook her head. "No? Are you sure? I can help the baby wash up while you get him a new diaper."

She was shy, but seemed to understand that you were only trying to help.

"Yeah? Do you want to hand him over to me?"

The woman nodded and handed over the baby with a sigh of relief.

"Hey, it's okay." You soothed, his tiny body trembling terribly in your arms. The rash he was suffering from had clearly broken out week's ago. "Did you bring his bag?" You asked, to which the woman finally answered.

"Yes, but Mr Dias won't let me use the baby powder that I bought him. He said the brand is too cheap."

"Well, what does he know?" You scuffed, but immediately regretted it since Mr Dias could be the woman's husband.

"He is angry today. So angry."

"Who, your husband?"

"Mr Dias is not my husband." The woman approached the sink to wash her hands. The bathroom light revealed her face. She was fairly young, perhaps in her early thirties. "The baby's mother…" She said with a sorrowful voice. "She won’t sign the papers."

"What papers?" You asked, bouncing the baby in your arms to stop him from crying.

"She wants to see the baby." The woman explained, setting the baby bag on the sink and retrieving a clean diaper and a new packet of wipes. "The papers, Mr Dias wants her to sign the papers and stay away. But the mother wants to see her baby."

"Well she has every right to." You frowned. This Dias guy seemed like a total asshole, fueling your hatred of controlling men. Especially those who loved to control women.

"You don't understand." The woman wiped the baby clean while he stirred in your arms. She did so swiftly as if in a hurry to get back the baby to its father, who you suspected to be Mr Dias.

"Mr Dias needs the baby's mother to stay away. She will make things difficult. Mr Dias already has a lot of stress."

"Well that doesn't mean he gets to push around the people that are trying to help him out. People like you."

The woman was brought back, slightly shocked by your consoling action of grabbing her hand. "You are very kind. Very very kind."

"Thank you. But I'm only—."

The woman let go of your hand as the loud beep returned. It woke up the baby who immediately began to cry.

"He's coming!" The woman retrieved something from her pocket, checking its lit up screen.

"Who, Mr Dias?"

"Yes. He's looking for me."

She rushed to unhand the baby from you, however, you shifted your body, refusing to hand him over.

"Please." She pleaded. "You don't understand, he is already very upset."

"He can be upset all he wants. No one gets to treat—."

"What's going?"

"Y/N?"

The door to the women's bathroom flung open, in the frame Tati and a man appeared. He was tall, almost too tall to fit in the door. His face was stern looking with a set jaw. A masculine looking man, with dark hair and a scruffy beard. His narrowed eyes were quite intimidating, however, something behind them hid a slight terror. 

He shifted his head between you and the woman. "Olga, explain!"

"M…Mr Dias, perdão." The woman made another attempt to unhand the baby from you, but again you refused.

"Y/N?" Tati hissed.

"Who the hell is she?" Mr Dias shouted.

The woman became more distressed with your actions, however you remained resolute.

"Give me my son." Mr Dias demanded. He even went as far as to step into the women's bathroom and only then did he notice the mess on the floor. "What's going on here? What the hell are you doing to my son?"

"Calm down." You hissed, to which the man reacted as if no one had ever spoken to him in that way.

"What the hell did you just say to me?"

You moved over to the sink, bouncing the disturbed baby in your arms. "If you must know, your son has a rash. A quite irritated one. It's causing him discomfort, as you can see."

"He has a what?"

"Y/N, what are you doing?"

You ignored Tati, who seemed to be looking out for the soon to be arriving clients. Perhaps Mr Dias was one of them.

"Por favor, seja útil e dê-me uma fralda." (Please make yourself useful and hand me a diaper.)

Mr Dias looked around himself, a tad confused. He was certainly not picking up any of the ditty diapers on the floor for you to use on his son.

"Da bolsa, seu idiota." (From the bag, you idiot.)

The woman was quicker to react, although stunned by your ability to speak portuguese. "Aqui, use este." (Here, use this one.)

"Obrigada." (Thank you).

With the diaper in your hand you went over to the changing bed, laying the baby on his back. He stirred on his bed, kicking his little feet. "There you go. I'm almost done." You were quick to change his diaper as your muscle memory kicked in. You change the baby's diaper but withheld the use of baby powder, seeing as Mr Dias narrowed gaze burned in the side of your temple. Thankfully he did not interweave.

"There. Now he's all clean." The baby was handed back to the woman, who quickly gathered the baby's belongings, while Mr Dias' eyes never left yours.

"You are right about the baby powder." You said.

He raised a brow.

"It's cheap and includes talcum, a toxic chemical that can be very harmful for infants. Baby oil should clear up the rash though. I recommend any brand that's scent free."

"I—". Mr Dias struggled to gather enough words to form a sentence. And he wouldn't get a chance to as Tati returned into the bathroom. "Y/N, the clients are here, let's go!"

"Right, the conference." You left the women's bathroom in a hurry, only catching a glimpse of Mr Dias' baffled expression, however, it was enough for you to realize how handsome he was.

Prologue

Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

Part 5

Enjoy! ❣️

It would take Ruben three months and a couple of visits from his parents to feel like he finally got a hang of his life again.

It was certainly turned upside down the day his son came into the world. Ruben hadn't gotten a full night's sleep since, which wasn't an ideal change of lifestyle for a professional athlete like him. But despite the many challenges, Ruben was determined to raise his children right.

For his son's first year in the world he planned to hire a full time wet nurse that could not only feed the baby but also be a maternal presence in his son's life. Ruben could only imagine having to grow up without a mother. His son would grow up to have many questions. Questions that Ruben promised to answer truthfully one day, so that his son could understand that despite how he came into this world he was very much wanted and loved by Ruben.

Even before the baby's arrival. Long before it actually. Ruben had a maintenance company come over and secure every inch of his luxury apartment. He had them remove all pointy edges, mirrors, glass bottles— you name it. Anything that could potentially harm his son had to go.

It eased his mind, knowing that he was leaving his infant son in a secure household. Although, Ruben might have taken things too far installing a high security camera in every room in his apartment, including the babysitter's room.

"Isn't that illegal?"

Ruben stood on the ball, pausing the play between him and his teammate. "Illegal…?" He thought about it, but dismissed the question with a shake of his head. "No, I don't think so. How could it be when it's my apartment and my son?"

"But it's creepy." Bernardo said, receiving Ruben's pass and returning it immediately. "At least you have to agree with that?"

Ruben stood on the ball. once more pausing the play. Scattered on the grass field surrounding them other players were doing the same, passing a football between themselves to the displeased gazes of the teams coach and assistants. Ruben was glad to be back training, however it ached his heart that he had a very good reason to stay at home.

"Ruben?" Bernardo alerted. "Did you hear what I said?"

"That I'm creepy for installing a camera in someone's bedroom. Yeah, I heard you." Ruben chuckled and returned the ball.

"And?—"

"The security system isn't for me to abuse Bernardo. It's to ensure the safety of my son."

"You're unbelievable, did you know that?"

Ruben laughed. He had much respect for Bernardo, his best friend, who had much to advise and educate Ruben on what it takes to raise children. However, with all due respect, Bernardo was a married man, with a stay at home wife who took care of the majority of things involving his now three year old daughter. All Bernardo had to do when he came home from training was to play with his baby until she fell asleep. Ruben on the other hand, was a single father, having to figure it out all on his own.

Not that he was complaining. But it was far from easy. Ruben would never admit to it, but the fear of failing as a father sometimes kept him up at night.

"Why don't you and the baby come over for dinner tonight?" Bernardo suggested. It would be the third time that they would've done so this week. Ruben had begun to suspect that Bernardo and his wife was just making sure that he hadn't fucked it all up yet, after his parents traveled back to Portugal at the end of last week.

"I dunno, I'm really tired, and I have a meeting with my lawyer this afternoon."

"Yeah, how so?"

Ruben shrugged his shoulders. "Perhaps something came up about the final settlements."

"Oh, okay. How about this weekend then, after the game. You should come over for dinner, Ines is cooking."

"That sounds nice Bernardo, really. But I just think I'm staying in this weekend."

Bernardo stood back with his hands on his hips and a smug smile on his face.

"What?" Ruben frowned.

"Nothing. I guess I just have to get used to the new you."

"The new me?"

"Yes. The new Ruben Dias. The responsible father. The retired party animal. No more fiesta!"

Ruben smirked as he passed Bernardo the ball. "Well, I guess you're right about that." Too much partying is what left him with his son, Thiago. Although he was a blessing to his life, Ruben was done with the rogue lifestyle he was once a custom to. A lifestyle that often resulted in brief night's with eager women who he never saw again. Perhaps it was time for Ruben to finally settle down and find someone that could accept both him and his son with no alternative motive. But due to his chosen profession this was most likely impossible.

Prologue

Part 1

Part 2

Enjoy! ❣️

Somewhere in a neatly furnished dorm room, squeezed into a bed meant for two, lay four girls snoring away the memories of yesterday's sins.

You were the first girl to stir awake, batting your eyes open to meet the bright sunlight that swept across the nearby campus.

The light was too much for you to handle at this hour. You wanted to reach for your phone and confirm the time. However, a foot and a thigh held you hostage amongst the sea of white duvet.

A yawn. "Last night was a movie, or whatever the kids say these days."

You tilted your head to see that Brenda was awake. "No, tomorrow was a reminder of how broke I am. Since when does a Guinness and a shot of vodka cost more than a week's worth of groceries?"

Brenda chuckled and shifted her crow's nest of a hair to get a better look at you. "I dunno Y/N, since the Irish found a way to punish the British for years of oppression."

"But I'm not British."

"Neither am I."

"Wait." You pinched the bridge of your nose. It was still sore from the fall you took on the dance floor. However, if it wasn't for that fall you wouldn't have gotten laid last night. "What was the point of this conversation again? I'm too hungover for your historical nonsense."

While Brenda laughed at your misery, another black haired head popped up from under the covers. "You were talking about how broke you are and how you should get a job." Tatiana, with her makeup still intact, joined in on your early morning conversation. She put a hand up to shield her eyes from intruding the sun.

"Right, a job." You scuffed.

"Yes, Y/N. If you're in need of some extra cash why not go down to the campus Starbucks and ask if they're hiring. If not that, please take up my offer and come work with me at the law firm that I'm interning at."

"I dunno." Your head dropped back onto your pillow.

"Well, why not?"

"Because…"

"Because what, Y/N? You said it yourself, you have no money."

"Maybe not. But I spend most of my days studying to become a lawyer. Why should I spend my free time working as one as well, when that time will come to me anyway."

"Come on Y/N." Brenda urged, followed by another extended yawn. "It might be a great opportunity for you."

"How so?"

"You'll get acquainted with the daily profession just like Tati has. And who knows, you might even attract some future clients, right Tati?"

She nodded agreeingly. "And look, maybe you'll end up hating it, but that would also be a good thing to find out sooner than later, no?"

Your friends were making valid points. However you weren't completely convinced.

"Just do it!" Shouted a muffled voice.

The foot and the thigh that held you hostage began to stir. A third head appeared from under the covers. Meela's hair wasn't a mess however, it never was considering the way she always covered it up beneath a silk bonnet. Even after a tipsy girls night out her routine continued.

"Just do it." She repeated, annoyingly so. "What's the worst that can happen, the firm giving you a permanent position after you graduate this summer?"

Point taken

"Fine, I'll do it. I'll come with you to work tomorrow."

So it was decided. Little did you know that your hungover decision would alter your life as you knew it forever.

Prologue

Part 1