(Dean)This was the day I was going to meet my kids….well, as a friend, not their dad, but it doesn't really matter, Bella has given me the chance to get to know them, that's enough, for now.I stand in front of my bedroom mirror, changing my outfit for the fifth time, in a bid to get the perfect outfit.Never in my entire life have I felt so many emotions at once. Ethan couldn't help but laugh at me when I kept asking him if I had chosen the right outfit. Ethan looks at me and shakes his head, a knowing smirk on his face. "You're freaking out, man. Need I remind you that you're meeting with your kids, you don't need perfection, they'd love you still," I let out a dragged breath. "I know. I just…. I want to look my best, I'll be spending quality time with them for the first time," I tell him like he doesn't know that yet."I hear ya bro, but I'm certain you don't need those," He points at the extra clothes I had brought out to try on. "Besides, I'm sure they'd be too distracted with
(Bella)I watch as my kids jumped all over Dean, telling him all about their day in school, showing him paintings and not to mention Jasmine bringing up Blossom just like she said she would.Nothing baffles me more than how comfortable they seemed around him, it just feels like they've known him since forever.And Dean? He seemed to be enjoying every bit of it, his smile has never left his face since he walked through that day.I tried as much as I can to avoid his gaze, I only speak when spoken to, and of course my super hyperactive kids didn't make it any easier, constantly getting me to talk to Dean.A smile did creep up my face from time to time as I watched Dean together with the kids, but I deadpanned anytime his gaze shifts to me.My kids were smiling quite a lot, they had this wide, beaming grin on their faces.I glanced at Jav, and my son's eyes were glowing as he looked at Dean with so much admiration, he has a wide smile glued to his face all through, it felt so good to see
(Bella)This is it! The day that I've been eagerly waiting for.Even though I tell myself it's just a casual weekend party with my colleagues, the nerves and excitement I feel say otherwise.Perhaps it's just my inner self wanting to unwind.I consider a knee-length satin burgundy dress, and a neckline that's just the right kind of bold, but looking at myself in the mirror had me second-guessing if it wasn't too daring.But then, I wanted to unwind, have fun maybe, it's been a while, and a daring dress it's just what fits.Eventually I decided against it, settling for a sparkling mini metallic sequin dress with a spicy rhinestone slit, it looked so perfect, daring and accentuates my curves perfectly.I didn't even have to look at the mirror twice to know that this is the one.It reminded me so much of my days in club forte, and too daring was a language I was well accustomed with, but then it wasn't a job I particularly enjoyed doing, the circumstances at the time was my biggest drive
(Dean)As Raymond wheeled the car into the driveway, I step down and sighted two familiar figures standing in front of my door.It's Mom and then… Ashley.I cursed under my breath, wondering why on earth would mother bring Ashley here, after I had strictly warned against it.I gritted my teeth, my hands fisting as annoyance and frustration bubble over.I sucked in a sharp breath, trying to stifle my anger, before taking a few steps forward, but not before telling Raymond to wait behind.God knows I have no time for this. "Dean," Mom calls out, a smile creeping up her face. "You're back," her smile grows even wider.I shifted my attention from my awkwardly excited mother to Ashley, and as usual she was wearing a rehearsed smile on.I give them a long stare before I blurted out. "What the hell are you doing here?" My question is directed at Ashley, who's smile instantly died on her lips."Dean! Behave, I raised you better than to talk to a woman like that," My mother snapped, giving me
(Bella)"You should be more careful," the black haired beauty winks at the bartender who looked like he never saw that coming.And then those gorgeous eyes landed on me and for a second I stilled, her mischievous grin is gone, replaced by a warm smile.And for some reason I couldn't stop a smile from creeping to my face as I hold her gaze and then she begins to walk up to me, her every step exudes confidence, drawing the attention of the people around.There's no denying it, she's elegant, so stunning, a badass in every word and the way she carries herself? Epic!There's something magnetic about her, something oddly familiar, I just can't wrap my head around why I feel drawn to a total stranger.And sure enough she appears before me, staring deep into my eyes and before I could will myself to say anything, she leans forward, pulling me into a big hug.Stunned, I blink. Not sure why I didn't feel the need to pull myself out of a stranger's embrace. Her hug brought silent comfort, warmt
(Dean)I opened the door to Rihanna's wide smile. "Hey bro," she says before stepping in.Her company is a welcomed distraction to my disheveled mind.I offered her a glass of wine before settling into the couch just across from her.She crosses her legs, taking a decent sip and then she watched me without saying a word."So what now?" she blurted out, bringing her glass down.I sighed, not sure how to put my emotions into words.When she didn't get a response, she straightens up, furrowing her eyebrows at me. "Look, you need to deal with this guilt. Otherwise, it's going to eat you alive—- and the tiniest chance you have of getting Bella back along with it,"I dragged in a sharp breath. "What if I lose her?" I find myself asking, unable to stop myself.Rihanna stares at me for a tad bit long before she drags in a shaky breath. "Trust me, you wouldn't want to know the pain of losing someone you love the most," she says, but there's an edge there.I hold her gaze, and I'm forced to ask
(Bella)I can't seem to ignore the way Ivy looks at me, like she's found a lost treasure!I'm seated at the spacious balcony, adjoining her hotel room, taking in the stunning view of the city, the lights twinkle like stars and the distant hum of traffic creates a soothing ambience.Just like she had suggested, we left the club and took a cab here. And for some reason, my overly cautious self felt safe."Here," Ivy hands me a glass of wine with a smile, settling just across from me.I take a short sip and then I studied her. "You look— so much like mom," a soft smile appears."I do?" She raises her eyebrows, eagerly looking at me.I nod. "Absolutely, I'd show you her pictures later," I say and I see her eyes perk up.She looked at me with such warmth and intensity, it felt like a balm, soothing my mind. "I'd really love that," she replies, a bittersweet smile creeping up her face, I see relief and something else flash through her eyes, —- maybe pain.But then my thoughts spirals and I f
(Ashley)I grip my phone tighter as I step down from my car, while Kendra hurriedly tried to catch up.I paced across the driveway, dialing Judy's number, it rings and yet no response.I clench my fist against my phone, feeling my blood boiling within me.She's been ignoring my calls since last night. Dean had surprisingly outed Raymond and I and the little indiscretion.Frankly, I never saw it coming. So you could imagine my shock when he revealed he had known all along.It was, well….But Judy is being ridiculous about it all, not like I did half of what I've done on my own. So, she should deal with it and stop acting like a goddamn saint!I don't care what she thinks, she can pretend she hates me but I know as well as she does that she's in this with me.If I go down, I'm definitely dragging her along with me.I paced, as much as I had convinced myself that Judy needs me no matter what, I could still feel the ounce of restlessness within me."Pick your goddamn phone!" I cursed, fee
(Bella)Those words were all it took, and Dean's lips are on mine again, devouring every inch of my mouth, I could barely catch my breath as the kiss grows more intense with every second.It feels like we're both starving, the passion is still there, as fiery as ever.Dean lifts me up against the wall, his lips still on mine, while I wrap my legs around his waist.After a few minutes of kissing me none stop, he gently brings me down, and striped me bare, discarding my dress and I watch his eyes darken as he stares at my body, eyes filled with admiration."You're so beautiful," his voice is hoarse and soaked in desire, he undid his button, shrugging out of his shirt, revealing a well-defined chest and sculpted abs.My eyes roams his body, exploring every fascinating inch of his chest and abdomen and then my face flushed as my eyes drifted to a certain bulge in his boxers briefs. When I look up to meet his gaze, he has a smirk.He took a single step forward and that was it, he whirls me
(Bella)The awkward silence lasted till Calvin was out of sight. I turn to look at Rihanna and she looks a little sad, her eyes pinned in the direction Calvin had taken.I clear my throat, snapping Rihanna back to reality. "Is everything okay?" I say, my eyebrows lifting in question.She forced a smile. "Oh, it's nothing," she waves it off. "How have you been, Bella. It's been such a long time," she says, her eyes lightening up again.There, she's being too obvious about changing gears but that's okay. I understand awkward moments better than most.I exhaled, offering a smile as warm as hers. "I've been great actually. It's so nice to see you," I say earnestly."Yeah," she mutters, her gaze softening. "We should catch up sometime," she says and I nod."Yeah, we should,"We talked a little more before she excused herself to join her date.As I watch her leave, I couldn't help but think about earlier, what was that?There's definitely something, it can't be nothing.Calvin looks like he
(Bella)I knew I wanted Dean, I wanted him so badly. Even now my body still tingles from his touch. I just realize how much I've missed him.That kiss, his gaze that makes me weak to my knees, it all reminded me that I was starving.I could feel the wave of heat washing over me when my eyes strayed to his crotch, I just couldn't help it, my mind instantly projected him naked, and his cock buried deep inside me, what those gorgeous hands of his could do to me.But then, I shook my head, inwardly scolding my lewd thoughts.My walls had crumbled to dust when Dean said he has and will always love me.Strangely I didn't doubt his love, I had looked into his eyes, searching for even the barest traces of lies but I found none.I see the way he looks at me and that itself tells me more than I need to know.A part of me wanted to tell him that I never stopped loving him. But I restrained myself from doing so. I'll put it down to being cautious, and yet my whole body screams at me to admit that
(Dean)I watch tears slip down the side of her face and now I feel like the biggest asshole in existence for making her cry.I see the doubt in her eyes and it fucking kills me, I know it's going to take a while before she'll fully trust me again.I'm willing to do anything, anything at all to get her to trust me again.But then, she pulls her hands free from mine and looks at me, her eyes a teary mess. "You don't get it, Dean. Ashley is crazy, she's dangerous, she'll try to hurt me, her threats were real, and your mother? She's unhinged. I" she pointed out and pause, as if remembering something. And then she looks at me. "Judy knew I had your kids long before you figured it out, she wanted to pay me out, to leave my kids to you and Ashley, she thinks the worst of me," her voice cracks, barely above a whisper and then she lowers her head.My eyes widens as I try to take in what I've just heard.My fist clench and unclench at my side.Ashley threatened her? And mother knew the kids we
(Bella)I flip over for what feels like the hundredth time, unable to sleep, my mind just won't stop racing, Dean's sad eyes haunted my mind.Frustrated, I throw off the covers and drag myself out of bed, wearing no more than red silk nightgown.I head to the kitchen to grab myself a bottle of water and go through my emails later, hoping it'd help quiet my mind, somehow. But not before checking in on Javier and Jasmine.With a bottle of water and a clean glass in hand, I move to the kitchen island and sat down. But just as I take the first gulp, I hear a knock on the door.I squint, checking the time on my phone. Who could possibly be knocking on my door, and at this time?It's a few minutes past 9PM, not too late but I don't usually have anyone over at this time.I place the glass back down and shuffle to the door. When I opened the door, I'm startled to see Dean standing there, ashen-faced.I didn't expect he'd be here, especially when I got his text earlier saying he had a late nig
(Bella)I could feel Dean's eyes on me the entire day and even as I join Calvin in speaking to a few guests, his gaze was still on me.I refused to meet his eyes, focusing my mind on anywhere but him. And then finally he walks up to Calvin and I, alongside his assistant, Humphrey."Dean," Calvin turns to meet him, shifting his attention from a guest to him, a soft smile in place, My heart raced with Dean's closeness but I didn't dare look at him.Well, not until he mutters. "I'll have to take my leave now, I have an urgent matter that needs my attention," he says but there's an edge in his voice and instinctively my eyes landed on his blue ones.I see an unmistakable glint of sadness in his eyes as it flickers between Calvin and I."Oh, that's fine, Dean." Calvin says calmly, extending his hands.Dean looks at the hand Calvin was offering and hesitantly he takes it, returning a tiny smile and then he turns but not without giving us both a once over.My stomach is tied up in a knot as I
(Bella)I haven't been able to get Dean, the kiss out of my head, from one lewd thought to another and it pretty much unsettles me.I'd like to think I've been ignoring him quite well and I'm sure he knows.I must be a terrible person because I didn't even ask if he was okay now, if Doctor Raven said anything that'd be of concern.I should ask but the urge to stay away from him was greater. And the next day we slipped into our co-parenting roles, and I try to keep away from him.I see his efforts into getting us to talk though, I feel his scorching gaze but I paid no mind, making sure there's no situation that'll leave us alone in one setting.Of what use will opening up to Dean or accepting my feelings for him be? It'll rile Judy and Ashley up, and then what?I can't risk it.They might be quiet now, staying off my back but I know it's only a matter of time.If they see I'm not here for Dean, and that I only have my kid's best interest at heart, maybe they'll finally let me be.Speak
(Dean)I turn to Rihanna, who's been watching me silently from across my desk. She finally speaks up. "So, not only are you avoiding your mom but the entire family?" Rihanna says, raising an eyebrow.I give her a look. "Don't be dramatic," I reply, shaking my head.She feigns a frown. "But that's what it looks like, you don't take your calls, and you barely return them,"I clear my throat and throw her a glare. "Well, it wasn't that bad, until you started bringing mother up, you know the rules, Rihanna and yet you choose not to abide by it," I tell her outrightly.Yeah, and not to mention that I know she's here to lecture me.She shrugs and lets out an exasperated sigh. "I know, and it's not like I have too much of a choice here, I have a sulking mother at home, and Judy came by the house yesterday, visibly sobbing. I've never in my entire existence seen Judy cry, I almost thought she's untouchable,""Don't be deceived by their stunts," I huffed, I know not to take whatever mother and
(Dean)I shouldn't. But she closes her eyes, and my mouth is on hers. My tongue entered her with ease, tangling with hers.The thrill of our tongues meeting races through my body. I fist her hair and drag her in more, she opens her mouth to me, and I'm flooded with need.The taste of her, the feel of her, the need, it's intoxicating, overwhelming.My mouth opens, and the kiss grows more intense, her body melts into mine and for a moment everything ceased to exist, just us, just this.God, I've missed her, this. Why did l ever let her go?But just then, her eyes slowly opens, and she pulls away quickly, breaking the moment.She tensed and looked away, she bites her lower lips, as if realizing what we've done. I see something flicker through her eyes, leaving me all confused.Does she regret kissing me back?She stands up quickly, and grabs her car keys, her nervousness seeping from miles away. "You should have Doctor Raven come in the morning for a proper checkup,"Thrown off, I blink.