𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐃𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐡

𝟑𝟗| 𝐖𝐞 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐰𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐝𝐢𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐲𝐨𝐮

ANTHEA

╚══ஓ๑♡๑ஓ══╝

When I got home, everyone glanced at the baby, silently wondering who he was. I sensed their questions.

I carefully cradled my precious son, in my arms, I couldn't help but feel a mixture of love and fear. As I looked into Ares' innocent eyes, I knew that I would do anything to protect him.

"Guys, I'm worried about Ares." I said with a hint of hesitation in my voice. "I don't want anything to happen to him."

"Anthea, we've got this. We will take care of Ares like he's our own. You have nothing to worry about." Eros spoke up first.

"We'll make sure to keep him safe at all times. No one will ever lay a finger on him." Joss chimed in.

"We'll install state-of-the-art security measures in your house and around Ares wherever he goes. We'll have eyes on him 24/7," Dong gives an advice.

"And if anyone even tries to harm him, they'll have to go through all of us first." Tyson too decided to add reassurance.

"We'll make sure Ares grows up to be the toughest, most badass little dude in the mafia world. No one will mess with him." Aiden adds.

Tears welled up in my eyes as I looked at my friends, overwhelmed with gratitude. "Thank you, guys. I don't know what I would do without you."

Eros gave me a reassuring squeeze on the shoulder. "Anthea, you've always had our backs. It's time for us to have yours."

"Let's go eat" Aiden says and we listen.

■□■□■□■□■□■

"Ares," I whispered, touching my belly. My eyes remained closed.

"Ares?" I repeated, now more frantic, searching everything around me.

"Where is Ares?" I said almost yelling.

"Anthea, calm down. He is safe; he is with Aiden upstairs," Eros reassured me. I went to check if he was there.

I went to check, finding Aiden's room empty. Then, I entered my room, where I found Aiden lying on his back with Ares on his chest. Both were sound asleep.

So cute.

I gently took Ares off Aiden's chest and placed him in his crib. Aiden woke up instantly, gripping my neck.

"Aiden," I said choking. He realizes it's me and lets it go.

"I am so sorry. Are you okay?" he asked. I nodded. "So sorry. I thought it was someone else."

"It's okay. At least I know you are protecting him."

He nodded and shifted awkwardly. "Well, then I will be leaving," he said, taking a step.

"Aiden," he stopped, looking back.

"Yes?"

"Can you stay here for tonight?" He stared at me and nodded. I already had pajamas, so I just pulled the covers and plopped onto the bed.

"I just need to change, and I will be right back," he said, and I nodded.

When he came back, he was wearing shorts and a hoodie, making him more attractive than he was. He sat next to me as I leaned my head on his chest; his hand stayed on my back.