HAYDEN
I exhaled raggedly trying to control the turbulent emotions raging inside of me, threatening to choke me up from within.
She was sobbing aloud at my harsh spoken words, I could read the confusion in her wide gaze even as her lips denied it.
She needs me too, she just didn't realize it yet, I wasn't alone in this craziness, or else why would she give birth to our daughter who was a constant reminder to her of me?
She could deny it as much as she could but her body told otherwise.
I brushed my lips against hers gently just because I couldn't help it. The couch wasn't enough to keep any distance between us,
Fuck.
How much I needed this... this closeness.. the feel of her soft skin against mine.
I drew in a sharp breath and exhaled aloud, my desire-filled gaze focused on her for a moment, her face was quite pale, her eyes and the tip of her nose red-rimed, she looked like she was about to pass out, I didn't want that... Far from that, I wanted her healthy.
"Go to sleep " I murmured losing my grip on her arms and lay myself down on the couch beside her.
She didn't do as I told her, instead, her soft gaze was now studying me, surprise and confusion spread across her features for a moment, she was no doubt trying to figure out why I suddenly let her go.
I doubt she would come up with anything because I didn't understand anything myself.
My whole body burned with pressing need for her, my throbbing hardness was evident against her thighs... In the past, I would have taken her either way but this time was different, a part of me wanted to comfort her because for the rest of her life she would be stuck with me.
Never knowing the true taste of freedom, the rabbit has already been trapped by the wolf, all that was left was for the rabbit to be consumed completely.
But that could wait, not like she could go anywhere.
"If you keep staring at me like that I might just change my mind and fuck you " I spoke only half casually ... burying my cock deep inside her sweetness and completing what had been left undone this morning was what my body ached most.
The swiftness with which she peered her eyes shut was almost comical, the corners of my lips twitched slightly in a smile.
she's had a tough day and deserves some rest....she wasn't going anywhere and was definitely going to need all the strength she could... Being this close with her warmth all over me would have to be enough ....for now
It took some time before her breath turned even and I knew she was fast asleep.
I studied her features openly, one of my fingertips slowly reaching to caress her face gently.
"I'm sorry..but I can't give you what you probably want the most. Anything but that " I whispered to her sleeping form.
I closed my eyes after some time willing myself to fall asleep.
*
*
My eyes flew open to a light gentle tap on my shoulders. As the first thing, my gaze fell upon was a gaze so much like mine. Only it was settled on a chubby cute little face.
I took a glance at Gracie who was still asleep peacefully back to my little girl who was now speaking to me.
"Mommy still asleep ?"
I straightened up to my feet from the couch carefully not to awaken her.
"Yes, princess do you need something? "
I must say she was very friendly, it didn't matter what she addressed me as, I couldn't care less about that as long as both she and her mother are here with me.
" I'm fine uncle Hayden, I'm.. just a little hungry" she spoke in such a low tone like she wasn't supposed to be telling it to me, I was right because she peered another quick look at Gracie.
" That's fine, What do you want to eat, I'll make it for you"
The way her eyes widened in delight made my heart clenched, I should have been there when she was born... Or even before that. I should have been there to experience her first smile... her first words and all... But she is here with me now, so I pushed those thoughts aside.
"I would love some pancakes, mommy makes the best pancakes in the world! "
I smiled at that, it wasn't hard picturing Gracie in the kitchen making pancakes every morning.
" Pancakes it is, let's go make you some "
She nodded her head slowly following after me, she suddenly clasped my hand taking me by surprise for a moment... I stared at the spot she held my hand with such child-like trust and innocence.
I knew then that I would do anything to protect them both... Even if it meant dying a thousand times.
*
GRACIE
I opened my eyes slowly, my ears picking up distant voices... Both voices were unmistakable.
Hazel!
My heart skipped twice as I lunged out of the couch swiftly, how did I manage to wake up so late, thinking of the fact that Hazel was all alone with him sent my legs sprinting towards the direction of their combined voices.
My feet came to a sudden pause at the sight before me.
They were both in the kitchen, I could no longer hear what they conversed about, the expression on His face held me rooted where I stood.
He was laughing.
An actual one, not one of those dark scary ones he threw my way... Usually when he was about to hurt me.
I would admit that laughter suited him, making him look normal... Human even, not the man that promised to give everything to me... All of his darkness
My gaze directed back to Hazel.
She was happy with him, it made my heart clenched tight, all I ever wanted was for her to be happy, but with Hayden? How long would it last?
What if he hurts her? But the expression on his face told me he wouldn't... He wouldn't hurt something so precious and innocent.
But why couldn't he be the same as me... Light and carefree...
The thought sent a wave of longing through me.
I've never had a real family... They didn't want me, not even felt the slightest regret for what they did to me.
But now I have a family, Hazel adores me and Hayden..... He wants me... Just not in a normal way.
Why did I just call him family? The thought had flowed past so easily and it sent a wave of anxiety through me.
His words from last night replayed in my head, did I return to our former town despite the risk of him finding me because I wanted and yearned for him?
No...
I wouldn't allow his words from last night inside my head.
He had been totally wrong...
He's hurt me for so many years, scares me beyond humanly possible so why would I want him to find me?
"Mommy! You woke up! " Hazel's delightful squeal broke into my trail of thoughts.
"How are you, sweetie ?"
"Look uncle Hayden is making pancakes! "
I chose that moment to direct my gaze up to his, he returned my stare unflinchingly.
Unnerving.