DASHIELLWith my hands in the pocket of the black slacks I threw on, I stared at the school, wondering what I was supposed to do. I didn't think things through when I visited the school. I even thought it would be like a walk in the park, with my legs taking me down the path with no destination in mind, but it wasn't so. Standing in front of the school humbled me. I could only stare at the structure, with no idea of what I was supposed to do. I needed to visit the kids, but couldn't think of how to do it. The security man who opened the smaller gate for a parent didn't look that friendly. With his lips in a thin line, and his gaze flickering around like that of a hawk, he didn't seem approachable. I leaned on my car and held my arms, my thoughts back to the kids and how to meet them. Leaving wasn't an option, not if I wanted to get to Nova's heart. Being free and friendly with the kids, and getting close to them will make everything easy for me, which was why I took the first step t
I fixed my gaze more on the number on the door as I strode down, trying to locate room 13. The security man was kind enough to point out their classroom, letting me know most of the teachers were in the building behind the colourful one I stepped into. Only a few stayed back to take care of the children as they went for their break. Though most of the kids were seated in their classes, I could hear sounds coming from the end of the hall. “How may I help you, sir?” I almost jumped out of my skin at the question. With my heart thumping loudly in my chest, I turned to see a young teacher smiling up at me, her brown eyes shining with mirth. She seemed amused by my reactions to her question. “Who are you?” She asked, forgoing her initial question. Her eyes narrowed in suspicion as she gave me an appraisal, the mirth in them vanishing the more I kept silent. Clearing my throat, while mentally beating myself for being shocked by a youngster, I smiled down at her, noting how young her act
“Oh.” I relaxed back, puzzled at how I reacted to the news. Had I not known better, I would have thought she was mine. Well, she will be, soon. Should everything work out between Nova and me, I will have to adopt the kids as mine. We will be one happy family, a family I will never let go of, regardless of what we encounter in the future. “What are you doing here?” His gentle question caused me to peer down at the cute boy, who had abandoned his painting, and now had his eyes fixed on me. “I came to visit you,” I responded, smiling down at him.“Really?” His eyes sparkled at that, only for his face to morph into a frown as he relaxed back on the bench he was sitting on. “Why are you here? Mum said we shouldn't speak to strangers.” “I'm not a stranger, am I?” I grinned at him, loving the charming gentleman he turned out to be. Nova certainly trained him well. I will give that credit to her. “But I don't know who you are,” he argued, a cute pout coming over his face as he stared at
NOVA“That will be all for today.” I got up from my chair, and checked the time on my wristwatch, frowning at the thoughts of my kids waiting for me to pick them up. Brion travelled to the States this morning and might be back on Friday, or Sunday, depending on how long it took for him to sort things and get his arse back. I only pray it doesn't extend to next week. The others rose with me, smiling as they walked to the exit, conversing with each other. It had been an overall good day, with the tour around the gallery and our lunch break in an eatery across the road. Miss Benita, the new intern in the design department, was the one who suggested the studio when she heard of the meeting, and it helped a lot. Getting the position was difficult, but I pulled it through with some connections. Working for Dashiell had some advantages, and that included getting away with most things. Not like my feelings for Dashiell had changed or anything. I just stating facts. In this city, all you ne
“Mum!” River ran over to me the moment I walked into the school. They were sitting in the waiting area with the proprietress when I stepped into the school with an eager Benita in tow. “Darling.” I squatted to carry him in my arms, placing a kiss as I grinned. “Did you miss Mum?” I patted his hair. “Of course! You were supposed to come pick us up ages ago. Why didn't you do that?” Pouting, he stared down at me, accusingly, his eyes narrowing as he watched me. “I'm sorry, darling.” Grinning, I got up, leaving Benita to gush over him like the fan girl she was. She sounded as if she had seen an angel with the way she squealed. Shaking my head at how childish she looked, I walked over to my darling. Willow sat next to the proprietress, with her arms folded and a pout on her face. “Darling?” I approached with care, realizing I had to thread carefully else I would get my head bitten off by my daughter, who hated it whenever I delayed taking them back, especially on days that I promi
“What do you need help with?” Folding my arms, I regarded him with a suspicious look. "Missing files.” He gestured once more to his desk. “My system had a minor problem and most of my work disappeared. I just need your help in regaining them. I believe they are somewhere. it's just..." He rubbed the back of his neck, peering at me helplessly.“As a software engineer?” I frowned, wondering if he hit his head somewhere. “You could have called the company's software engineer. Why will you call me when I have limited knowledge about this?” Despite my words, I walked over to his desk to check on the issue. "Because I know I can trust you,” his reply was filled with pride. Glaring, I plopped down on his armchair, grumbling as I checked his system. " I don't even know why you think I can do this. Computer systems are different from jewellery designs!" I glared at him. "I know they are different, and also how capable of this you are," he stated, his gaze fixed on mine, unwavering. "You ar
“Is it about the kids? I can adopt them as mine,” he hurried to say, thinking that would pave the way for him. “I swear to you I will do whatever you ask. I will go to the end of the world and even climb the highest mountain if that would make you forgive me.”"What if I order you to kill yourself?” I whirled around so I didn't have to look over my shoulders while talking to him. “Will you do that? What if I charge you to give your wealth to me?” I knew he was a proud man. All the promises he made were nothing but empty ones. He just wanted to get in my pants. That was all. He doesn't love me. The only reason he still clung on to me was the thrill of having me succumb. To him, I was nothing but a hard nut to crack, one he would go to every length to overpower, so he could feel like a man. What he was after was the thrill of the chase and nothing more. “If that's what you want.” His tone was resolute. “As long as it will earn your forgiveness, and put a smile on your face, I'm ready t
DASHIELL “What the damned hell are you doing in my office?” I seethed, turning to confront Lilith, who tried to hold my hand. “Why are you here? What did you say to Nova?” I was barely keeping my anger in check.“I missed you, Dash!” she cried, clinging to my right arm and placing her head on it. “Don't you feel the same?” She peered up, sniffing. "No, I don't.” I removed her hand from mine and placed my palms on either side of her face. “I don't want you to stoop so low as to do something of this nature, Lils. You are more than it. You don't have to let your rage control you.”“But I missed you!” She argued. “Please don't push me away, Dash. I missed you.” She held on to my hand like it was an anchor on a stormy night, sobs wrecking through her body. “We haven't gone this long without seeing each other, and it hurts.” “Lils —” “I'm sorry. I know you broke up with me because I was disturbing you for marriage. I won't do it again. Furthermore, I promise to be a cute little girlfrie