Amy let out a contented sigh as she watched Roserie sleep in her little bed. Although she knew she needed to get a move on as they didn't know how soon she would wake up, she could not help but stare at the little one. It felt surreal, that she had actually birthed another human. A little person who will soon be calling her mom.
"Wow", she mouthed before her lips curved up into a happy smile.
Her phone vibrated in her hand notifying her of a new message. She had already kissed Roserie goodnight and would not do it again, lest it wakes her. So, she simply left for her bed instead. As soon as she got under the covers, she chuckled when she saw the message.
Xavier: Guess who finally found someone? Starts with a G.
"Oooooooh", she said with a smile as she typed a response.
Amy: Spill
Zach walked in on this scene from their wardrobe. His brows subconsciously rose wondering who was making her smile like that. He walked past their bed and went to Roserie's to check on the little one. He also resisted the urge to kiss her forehead again knowing it might wake her up.
With that, he walked to their bed. Standing at the foot, he took off his shirt revealing his well sculpted chest. To his displeasure, Amy never looked up once. Her eyes were glued to her phone. He narrowed his eyes at her when he saw her smiling while typing.
Then he moved on to remove his sweats leaving him in his boxers. He neatly folded the clothes and placed them on his nightstand before getting into bed. To his surprise and displeasure, the woman was still seated on her side texting away leaving him alone and cold. Who could she be texting so late at night?
"Oh! My gosh", she said with a laugh as she read a text before proceeding to respond.
She didn't see Zach take his own phone and type something before putting it away. Almost instantly, her smile morphed into a jaw dropped shock. She looked at the man beside her in disbelief.
"Babe. "
"Finally remembered that you have a 'babe'?" He air quoted the last word as he raised his brows at her.
She bit her bottom lip, trying not to laugh at him at the same time confused. "Is that why you threatened to 'train' with Xavier if he doesn't stop texting me? How did you even know he was texting me?"
Zach shrugged, not wanting to admit anything. He knew George wouldn't dare do something like that and it being late meant Xavier had some juice to share. Amy didn't show it but she could never resist a good gossip.
"Are you that.... rough when you're training someone?"
Zach looked at her, he could see the genuine curiosity in her eyes. "Do you want to try?"
"Yeah? I mean I think it could help me lose the baby fat and the extra weight I gained."
His lips lifted into a smile as he pulled her into his arms. "Let's do that then."
She smiled and relaxed in his arms. "Thank you babe. And oh, please me gentle with me."
He chuckled as he caressed her head and lowered his already deep voice. "When have I not been gentle with her?"
She smacked his chest and chuckled as a dirty thought came to mind. She could vividly remember when he was not gentle with her, it made her blush. Zach kissed the top of her head. They fell silent and enjoyed each other's warmth when he felt a finger trace lines on his chest. He chuckled knowing what it meant.
"What is it?" He asked.
"Don't you want to know what Xavier told me?" She desperately wanted to share the gist.
He chuckled, "That George found someone?"
She gasped and immediately forced herself up to look at him in shock. "How did you know?"
"He told me", he said with a smile, enjoying her expression. "You won't believe who she is?"
"Who? Who? Tell me", she asked a little too eagerly and desperately.
He chuckled and brought her head down to his chest where it belongs. "Go to sleep."
"Baaaaaabe", she whined as she got back up. She pouted and blinked cutely. "Tell me, mm?"
"You don't want to wait till he tells everyone himself?" He are arched his brow.
"I can wait", she nodded. "But, are you okay with keeping stuff from me when we agreed not to?"
"Amy", he bit back a smile.
"Okay. Your choice", she said in resignation and lay back down. "You've started it."
He knew she was being dramatic but he decided to tell anyway. So he quickly leaned in and whispered in her ear, "Nora Thornton."
She took a second to register the name quickly got back up and stared at him in shock with eyes wide. "Stella's daughter?"
"Mm-hm."
"Wow. Wow. That's something I never saw coming... Wow."
"Yeah. Now let's go to sleep, we need it for the few days to come", he said as he gently helped her back down and kissed the top of her head.
"Wow", she was still in shock.
Back in Albany
Xavier was seated in his bed as he read through a file. He had long stopped texting Amy and resumed looking at the information he had gathered. It was on the men who had followed him. He would not have looked into them if they didn't follow him that time. He at least needed to know who his new enemy was.
"But what's the connection?" He mused as his thoughts wandered off to Lorraine.
The thought of them being behind her bruises made his blood boil. But that only meant they were dangerous....
The next day
"Got your everything?" Lorraine asked her brother.
"Yes."
"Did you close your window?"
"All done."
She nodded and looked around the house then let out a sigh. She took his hand and left after locking up. Stepping out of the building, they were both shocked to see Xavier leaning against his car with his hands stuffed in his trouser pockets.
"Xavier?" She was evidently surprised. She anxiously looked around before looking back at him. "What are you doing here?"
He smiled as he stood up straight and walked towards them. "To take him to school and you to work. Hey buddy?"
"Hi", Oliver smiled, loving the idea.
"No..... You..." She looked around worriedly, hoping no one was watching them. "You shouldn't...."
"Why? Am I making you uncomfortable?" He raised his brows and finally stopped before them.
"No, its... Look, we don't want to trouble you and we can manage just fine-"
"Trust me, it's no trouble. Besides, we're going in the same direction. Please don't turn me down."
She was troubled by the situation and he could tell. She bit her lower lip as she contemplated. She looked at the excited Oliver and at Xavier's pleading eyes. Guilt was eating at her insides. However, the more she delayed, the higher the chance of those people catching on.
"Alright."
"Yes!" Oliver could not help himself before Xavier high-fived him.
"Let's go", Xavier moved to place his hand on the small of her back.
She tensed up at his touch but forced herself to calm down though her heart was racing so fast. Oliver jumped at the back seat while Xavier got the door for her for the front seat before walking to his side. He was wearing a navy blue suit and looked so handsome with his blonde hair combed back.
He looked at her and smiled. He suddenly leaned in and she watched him with wide eyes as she leaned back till she hit the door. He stared at her for a few seconds before pulling on her seatbelt and securing it for her. He smiled when he saw her cheeks blush.
"You too buddy", he said to Oliver as he moved back to his seat.
"Already done", he patted the seatbelt.
"Good", he said without taking his eyes off Lorraine.
He finally changed the gear to drive and the left. It was when he moved his gaze to the road did she finally let out a breath she was holding. He heart was beating so hard she was sure the fabric of her dress especially on her chest was moving too.
Despite the butterflies he incited, she could not help but worry. His actions would definitely draw the attention of those people. She hated to think what they would do to him. After all, the same fate had befallen her.
Little did she know, Xavier wanted exactly just that. His gaze turned frosty as he spotted through the rearview mirror a certain black car tailing them.....
'Good. Very good....'
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