Trapping His Monster

10. A Changed Man

Sha'Kayla had just finished cleaning the apartment and was starting on her lunch when her husband stopped by. Luca was on his break and had been missing his wife all day. They hadn't been able to spend much time together since their son was born. Luca had been busy with setting up the baby's future. Sha'Kayla had been stuck with looking after him alone most days and making sure the apartment was always spotless.

"Baby, I'm home for a little while," Luca announced. "I'm just taking a break from being the smartest in the room."

"Really, Luca?" Sha'Kayla grinned.

"What? Until someone comes along to humble me, I'll keep reminding everyone of my accomplishments."

"Ah, well said."

"Where's Nathaniel?"

"Sleeping again. I'm glad." Sha'Kayla sighed. "I think he's sick. He's been whining all day and he almost has a fever. I wanted to take him to the clinic, but they always waste my time."

"Babe, I won't kill you for seeking real medical help."

"I know..."

Luca walked up behind his wife and hugged her. She leaned into his touch and was happy. This was the first time they'd had time to themselves. Nathaniel was always crying for attention. He'd have to learn he was going to get ignored every once in a while.

"How's your sister?" she asked.

"Still alive..." Luca didn't like talking about her.

"Luca!"

"What? I wish she'd stay out of my business."

"She's just grateful she doesn't have to live in a hospital anymore. She spent her whole life hooked up to machines. Babe, I think it's great she's trying to reconnect with you. Yeah, she may feel some type of way about me, but I know she'll like me...eventually."

"Eventually." Luca sighed and stepped back. "My boss invited me to a party tomorrow night. Do you want to go with me?"

"I don't have a new dress."

"I'll buy you one. The best."

"Well...if you really want me to go, then I'm down."

"I'll call the nanny and ask her if she's free."

"No need. I'll do it myself." Sha'Kayla turned away from the stove to look at her husband. "I--"

Nathaniel began crying from his bedroom. Sha'Kayla sighed and went to get their son. He'd cry harder and louder, if she didn't check on him.

Luca had just taken a seat when someone knocked on their door. He was tempted to pretend no one was home, but thought better of it. He had a few packages coming that needed to be signed upon delivery.

"Sha'Kera?" He looked behind him to see if Sha'Kayla was coming. "What are you doing here?"

"...I thought I'd check up on you," she said.

"What for? I don't have my kids for another couple of days. Are you okay?"

"Yeah, I'm fine." Sha'Kera's eyes began following Sha'Kayla walking behind her husband. Luca followed her gaze and sighed.

"I'm heading back to work. You wanna talk on the way out?"

"Sure."

"Hey, babe, I'm gonna head back to work. Why don't you take my card and get something nice? I'll text you the theme."

"Okay," Sha'Kayla muttered. "Don't be late for dinner. We're going to my parents'."

"Got it. Love you."