Kind Regards

12. Family

Nico had his private doctor come in to examine the wound and do a check-up despite how many times I assured him I was okay.

It filled my heart with joy, seeing how concerned he was. He cared for me and as little as it sounds, to me it was everything I ever wanted.

Ryder laid at the end of the bed as I slept, awaiting Nico's return from whatever torture he had planned to subject my father to. I hadn't thought about what he would do, how he would execute it.

I glanced at my reflection in the mirror, tracing my fingers around my busted lip. This was the best shape I've been in after an encounter with my father; no bruises all over my body, nothing but a small cut and busted lip. This was a win.

"Morning sunshine" Nico spoke up, swiping his thumb down his jaw.

His shirt was partially unbuttoned with splatters of blood. I smiled at him, crossing my arms.

"Morning love" my voice was soft, still adjusting to the sunlight.

He leant against the counter, looking into my eyes. As tired as his eyes looked, you wouldn't be able to tell otherwise.

I took a step toward him, trailing my hand up his arm. His breath hitched, flickering his eyes from mine to my lips.

The blood stained the shirt though it didn't seem to bother him. This was my father's blood. I don't have to look over my shoulder every time I'm out, I don't have to feel so vulnerable.

"My father called earlier to check on you and Seb's been blowing up my phone" he sighed, flashing the screen.

I was shocked to see how many texts and missed calls he had from Sebastian. For a second I felt bad, that I should just talk to him to stop this.

"Don't feel bad love, it doesn't bother me. Your phone has been non-stop. I can call him and pass on the message to Athena too" He suggested.

He cupped my chin, concern filling his eyes. I shook my head, not bothered to deal with them just yet.

I reached for his shirt, looking into his eyes as I tugged on it. "May I? it's stained"

He nodded, trying to remain calm however his cheeks betrayed him. They turned the perfect shade of pink.

I began unbuttoning the shirt, feeling my heart beat race as my body heated. I was flustered, feeling his bare skin against mine.

"What are you doing to me" he muttered, placing his hands on my waist.

Hearing those six words sent shivers down my spine, making me speechless. He

knew the affect he had on me now and the smile on his face proved it.

I looked down at his bare chest, tracing my hands over his tattoos until I reached his shoulders. I pulled the shirt off, placing it in the basket before being pulled closer.

"For so long, I just believed no one would ever catch my eye let alone accept every part of me" he spoke softly.

"But you came into my life with those tear stained cheeks and bright brown eyes. I knew then that even if I couldn't have you, being your friend would have been enough. Even as a friend I would die and kill for you, just as I would now that I have you"

His reassurance triggered an emotional part of me, the one that has lingered for this my entire life. He fulfilled it all.

I caressed his jaw, smiling sheepishly as he chuckled revealing his dimple. I took this opportunity to kiss it, seeing his cheeks heat up again.