Inferno desires

47

Xavier's POV:

I have been awake since five in the morning, working with Ayla to make this Christmas morning perfect for the kids. I let my Nova sleep in because she has been extremely tired due to the stress of her work, and with 'he who shall not be named'.

"Xavier I think we're finished. I have triple checked everything, and well... it's perfect!" Beams Ayla, a bright twinkle present in her icy blue eyes.

She's been looking much happier since her suicide attempt. And I know just because you look happier it doesn't mean your are happier, but she really has been showing signs of improvement. Heck, she's even going out of her way to talk to Kyro on a regular basis now.

Speaking of Kyro, he has also been helping us with getting everything prepared for today. Ayla had asked if she could invite him, and of course I said yes since I really like him. I think he's good for her. He makes her calm, and relieves her nerves And it's better that Ayla's attention is on Kyro then on my Nova.

"Should we wake everyone up then, cupcake?" He asks.

"Yeah, let's go do that," she smiles, grabbing his hand and leading him upstairs to where the kids' bedrooms are.

I watch Ayla walk away with a big smile on her face and I can't help but be happy for her. Although our relationship used to be rocky, I feel like I can now call her a friend. A good friend that will have my back when no one else will.

Heck, I might even say I enjoy her company when she isn't being a complete shit to me.

//////

I head into Rico's room to see Maya sleeping on Rico's bed, and him on the armchair beside her. Both sleeping soundly.

Why is Maya in here? She has a room with Heidi.

"Rico, time to wake up," I say quietly, tapping the side of his arm twice.

"Xavier she's sleeping," he says groggily, not opening his eyes. "Let her sleep."

"I know but—"

"Let her sleep," he repeats, his eyes now open and looking up at me. He carries a hard stare, and if I didn't know better, I would have thought he was raised in the mafia world.

"Rico, I don't think Maya would be happy if she woke up and found out that she missed Christmas morning," I say. "You can be the one to wake her up, but I need you two downstairs in ten."

I've noticed that since Rico has come here, he has taken a liking to Maya. Although he's not one for physical contact, he always lets Maya near him. Honestly I'm surprised he allows me to wake him up using the two tap method we came up with.

"Okay. Sorry," he says, looking down to his feet. "I'm just worried that, um, well she came into my room because she was having a nightmare," he says.

"A nightmare? About what?" I ask.

I have an idea that it's about the kidnapping. I always forget that Maya is just a little kid since she is already so mature, and doesn't complain even when things are bothering her.

"She wouldn't tell me," he says, shaking his head. "So stubborn," he mutters to himself.

"Xavy," yawns Maya, stretching her arms forward. Her hair was a mess and she still had sleep in her eyes.

"Hey mija," I smile, heading closer to the bed and grabbing her arms, lifting her into my arms. "How was your sleep?"

"Okay," she mumbles.

"Well, Santa came last night. Do you want to see what he left for you downstairs?" I say.

"Santa!" She beams, immediately leaving her tired self in the past. "Put me down Xavy, I need to see if he ate the cookies!" She squeals, squirming her way out of my arms and bolting to the door. "Rico, come on!" She calls back.