Remember When - Ace Merrill (BOOK 3)

Strike one

Ace and Oceane stumbled home, arms wrapped around each other, sloppy kisses here and there as they walked down the middle of the street.

Guided by the moonlight, they whispered sweet nothings into the other's ear and practically pulled each other down the street.

Yet they stopped as they saw an envelope taped to their front door.

Ace instantly stormed over as he ripped it off, looking down the pair saw the words on the front of the envelope.

Strike one

They didn't need more than that. They both raced into the house, waking those in the living room.

The parents both scrambled to rush up the stairs.

The alcohol gone from their system.

Their flirty behaviour overtaken by the fear for their children.

Yet as they flew into Ace's room, Salvatore instantly jumped up from his chair.

Ace and Oceane looked about confused as they saw all three of their children still fast asleep, each with their own pool of dribble and soft snores.

They exchanged a look as they quickly rushed back downstairs, making sure everyone was here.

Everyone was there.

They stared at each other confused as the others tried to find out what was happening.

Ace held up the envelope. "It was taped to the door."

Oceane tried to control her breathing as Connie pulled her in for a hug, trying to calm her down.

Seth took the envelope as he opened it up and read the inside page.

"What does it say?" Eyeball asked cautiously.

Seth sighed and ran a hand through his hair. "It says, scared you."

He chucked the page on the floor as Ace groaned out, swinging his hand around to smack the wall.

"Can't we just take this to the authorities?" Charlie asked as he looked around, still half tired from being woken up.

"Got no proof it's actually him." Austin mumbled.

"Who else is it gonna be?!" Ace snapped angrily.

Oceane walked over to him and put her hands on his chest, trying to calm him down.

"Look let's just take shifts tonight and we'll sort this out tomorrow." Hugo finally spoke the voice of reason.

Ace took Oceane's hand as he led her out the room and the pair went up the stairs.

Salvatore looked up from his chair as they re-entered the room.

Oceane went straight over to AJ's side as Ace told him what had happened.

"The children shall not leave my sight for the rest of the trip." Salvatore spoke confidently and firmly.

Oceane gave him a weak smile. "Thank you Salvatore."

He gave her a small nod as he sat back down. Ace moved to his other son's side as he sat down on the floor next to him.

Looking up at his son's sleeping face he reached up and gently brushed the hair from his face as he sighed and leant back against the wall.

Oceane lay down behind AJ as she let her arm drape over his stomach. AJ stirred and rolled over to snuggle into her as she held him tighter.

He had been taken last time and though he didn't remember it, she did. And she wouldn't let it happen again.

*****

"Mum!" AJ groaned as he struggled to almost breathe.

Oceane was holding him so tight as she quickly woke up and relaxed her grip.

"Why are you here?" He questioned looking up at her.

She shrugged slightly. "Just wanted to be with you." She mumbled quietly.

"Dads asleep." He whispered as they both sat up.

Salvatore was still asleep by AJ's side as Oceane saw Ace had his hand over his.

"Ma'am."

She looked up and saw Salvatore was still awake and was now standing, he had just let Hero out as she came charging around to her mother.

Oceane scooped her up and pulled her onto the bed with her.

"You can sleep now Salvatore." She said with a soft smile, he had stayed up all night to watch over them.

"With all due respect ma'am I don't feel the need to sleep as of now."

Oceane gave him a small nod. "Say if you do."

He responded with a simple nod in return as Hero tugged at her hair.

"I'm hungry." She mumbled.

"Let's get some breakfast then." Oceane mumbled as she let Hero climb down.

AJ followed her out of the bed as his brother woke up beside him.

"Food time douchebag." AJ snapped as he quickly received a smack from Oceane.

"Where the hell did you hear that?" She snapped harshly.

"Uncle Billy." AJ replied with a shrug.

Oceane sighed as she just shoved him gently out the room. One day she'd kill them for teaching the kids these words.

Salvatore raced up to his uncle happy as he stretched his arms out. Salvatore's hesitation was shorter than before as he quickly leant down to pick up the child.

They all went into the kitchen where half the squad were all there, looking tired and in desperate need of a proper nights sleep.

"Morning trouble." Charlie mumbled as AJ nudged up against him.

"Can you show us around today?" The boy asked up at his uncle. "Daddy said he would but he's still asleep."

Charlie instantly looked up at Oceane, awaiting her answer. Naturally she was hesitant.

"I would accompany them of course ma'am." Salvatore spoke as he still kept a hold of the boy.

She gave him a smile. "I'd feel better if you did."

Salvatore nodded in response. Though all the cobras and agents were tough and strong in their own rights, none were comparable to Salvatore.

Connie stumbled into the kitchen as AJ quickly leapt on her to give her a hug.

"Still want to go dress shopping?" Oceane asked with a laugh.

Connie grumbled but nodded. "Take your pick of the squad." She grumbled out as Vince offered her a coffee.

"Salvatore, Charlie, Billy, Ace, Seth, Austin, Hugo, Vince, Evans and Marco are to go with the kids." Oceane ordered what agents were in the room.

She knew it was a lot of them but she was taking no chances.

"We'll take Eyeball, Jack, Fuzzy, Nico and Bruce."

They all nodded as she accepted her own coffee from Vince.