CHAPTER EIGHT

The Unexpected News

Ivy's POV

As I unlocked the door to my apartment, I wondered what I was going to tell Noah.

Since he was born, I have never brought a man to my house, choosing not to deal with anything called relationship after my last fall out.

But now, Gabe was in the house and I had not really come up with an explanation for Noah's little mind. Though there was a possibility that he won't be around.

I was just coming back from the sitter’s house where I kept him before heading off to the cemetery where everything had gone nuts.

Taking a deep breath, I took Noah's hand and pushed the door open. To my satisfaction, Gabe was still there. He was sitting on the coach where he spent the night, holding a cup of smoking liquid.

Upon our entrance, he turned on the spot, his eyes sharp until he saw us and the frown on his face straightened out replaced by a smile.

“Hope you don't mind? I needed a cup of coffee. Can't do much in the morning without it.” He said holding up the cup.

I couldn't help the smile that curled up my lips. “It's fine. I remember telling you to make yourself comfortable.”

As if on cue, Noah began tugging at my hand. “Mommy, who is he?”

“Oh right, introductions.” I said chuckling “Honey, that is Gabe Maxwell. He is an officer of the law. When mommy got attacked at the cemetery yesterday, he saved her.”

“Gabe, this is my son Noah.” I said turning towards his direction.

“Pleasure to meet you Noah.” He said nodding towards my son.

“Wow. Do you have a gun?” Noah asked.

“Noah!” I exclaimed laughing. I expected him to say ‘thank you’ not ask for a gun.

“It's ok Ivy.” Gabe replied laughing as well. “Yes, I do have a gun.”

“Can I play with it?” Noah asked an awe in his voice that reflected on his face.

“Sorry pal. It's government property. I won't want you hurting yourself or your mommy okay?”

Noah looked deflated at Gabe’s reply and my heart went out to him. I made a mental note to get him a toy gun later.

It seemed Gabe didn't miss Noah's sudden change in disposition because the next moment, he placed the cup on the table and walked over to us, bending down to his level.

“Listen buddy, no need to feel bad. I know you want to play with a gun but I can't give you mine. You got it? How about this, if you cheer up for mommy, I will buy you your own gun when I come visiting next time.”

“I don't know if mom will let me keep it. She refuses to buy me a gun.” Noah stated pouting.

“Oh really?” Gabe asked turning his eyes on me, making heat rush to my face. “Um…eh Noah can have the gun.”

“Yes.” Noah squealed high-fiving Gabe.

“That's what I'm talking about.” Gabe said smiling. I smiled despite myself. Looking at the scene in front of me made my heart break a little. If only…

No.

No wishful thoughts about someone who rejected me on some baseless accusations.

Clearing my throat, I got both of their attention. “Noah, can you head upstairs to our room for a bit? I need to talk to uncle Gabe.”

“C'mon mom, I want to talk to him some more.”

“Not now Noah. When I'm done with him, you can have him all to yourself.”

“It's ok. I won't be leaving anytime soon, I promise.”

“Alright. I will just wait.” And with that, he padded his way upstairs.

“Hi,” I said cautiously.

“Hi.” he replied. “Are you okay?”

“Yeah, I'm fine. I'm just surprised that you are good with kids.” I stated.

“I'm good with a lot of things.” He replied with a coy smile.

“Do you have any kids?” I inquired my heart dropping to my stomach in worry which was stupid because I had a kid of my own.

“No, I don't.”

I couldn't explain it, but a wave of relief washed over me.

“Alright. Then it must be a natural gift that you have.” I said trying to play it cool.

“I guess so too.”

“I was wondering have you had people check out the scene of the attack?”

“Yes, I have. And after some thorough investigation, it's obvious that the attackers are not some no-name individuals.”

“So you are saying the attack was specifically targeted at me?”

“Exactly my point. It looks like the had an intent to kill but it also looks like a warning. Which ever way, I don't think it's safe for you to travel.”

“No, no, no. You can't say that. I need to get back to Europe. That's where my life and career is.”

“I understand that Ivy. But you have to trust me, you can't leave.”

“But why? If this was a message, doesn't it mean I need to get the hell out of this place as fast as possible?”

“Alright, imagine you decide to leave and on your way you get attacked by the same people, how do you think you will fare?”

“I would probably jump out of the car or something. Anything as long as I don't have to stay here.”

“What about your son? Noah.” He asked staring at me with arms folded across his chest. “Are you going to leave him in the car and jump out or something?”

“But—”

“There are no buts here.” He said cutting me off. “You either stay and let me protect you or go out there and face whatever happens to you without me.”

“Wait, did you say protect me?” I asked surprised by his choice of words.

“If you want me to, I'm more than willing to be by your side.” I said a sincere look in his eyes. “At least till everything boils over.”

“But, won't it affect your job or something?”

“Let me worry about that. I think the law will agree with me that protecting a single mother and her son from life threats is just as important as catching criminals.”

At his words, a gentle warmth coiled up in my belly. However, I couldn't help but worry at the idea of staying more than necessary here in Los Angeles. There was so much bad memories and I wanted to get away from it all.

Now, it seems I'm stuck here.