Luca
Aubrei's 4am alarm goes off, signaling it's time for our baby girl to eat.
"I got her." I tell Aubrei as she yawns.
"It's fine I can get her." She says still yawning.
"Baby, go back to sleep. You've been up all night." Really the whole three weeks we've left the hospital.
"Are you sure? I can—" I cut her off.
"I can feed her. You rest." She nods and lays back down.
"Thank you, Luca." She says as I sit me and Logan in a chair a few feet away from the bed.
"Don't thank me, amore. Not for this."
"Well for everything else." She watches me as I feed our daughter.
I silently welcome her and look back at my baby girl. Logan is the spitting image of Aubrei, the only exception is her eyes. They're exactly like mine. Hazel. They're also big and round. I can imagine Ryan's eyes being the same color and size.
My Ryan.
Some nights I dream she's with us. Playing, laughing, and fighting with her siblings. But reality always hits the second I open my eyes.
I would love to tell Aubrei about my dreams but I can't. Because I feel guilty. I should feel guilty.
If only I looked more into Victorias background.
I feel as if i'm the one who got my daughter killed.
"Baby?" Aubrei says loudly. "Are you okay?"
"I'm fine, amore." My voice betrays me. She looks at me concerned. Slowly she gets out of bed and sits in the other chair. Only thing separating us is the small side table.
"Talk to me, my life." She leans over and rubs my cheek.
I'm hesitant but I realize this is what a relationship is about. Communication.
"I feel responsible for Ryan's death." Her thumb stops circling my cheek, so I look at her.
"I know you do. I've known for a couple nights now." She clears her throat. "You would say her name in your sleep. You would always say it twice. The first time is always filled with delight, and the second one with despair." She sighs. "I'm sorry for not saying anything sooner but baby, Ryan's death was never your fault and never will be."
I sigh. "I just feel like I could have done something."
She turns my face to her. "There was nothing you could do, baby. Like you said, Ryan will always be with us. Please don't ever think it was your fault. Please."
I kiss her. "Okay, I won't."
We talk for a little while longer before she goes quiet. Looking at Aubrei, she fast asleep. I have no idea how much time has passed by me, being distracted by my thoughts. It's probably this damn chair. The first few weeks here, I would sit in this chair and just watch Aubrei sleep.
Not being creepy.
But just thinking of different circumstances. What life would have been like if we grew up normal.
If we met at college instead of a nightclub.
If I saw her at a jazz club, doing what she loves to do. Sing.
And what a voice she has. I've said it a million times before and i'll say it again. Aubrei has one of the most beautiful voices i've ever heard.
Some days when i'd hear her singing, I would stop what I was doing and listen.
Or when she'd hum while making breakfast.
It's a different pitch from her appearance. It's hard to describe but i'll try.
Her appearance gives off damsel in distress.
Her voice is fierce, powerful, and alluring. But it's also soothing and velvety. It's like a calming song whenever she speaks.
A siren.
One that I have dedicated myself to.
The only one.
Hearing slight snores from both my girls, I smile and lay Logan back in her bassinet. Then grabbing Aubrei and laying her in bed. I also check on my boys. Lorenzo is asleep in his room. Ma'Kai is no where to be found, until I reach the living room.
"Kai?" I call and his head snaps to me. He quickly reverts back to the tv and sneakily tries to wipe his eyes. "Son, what's wrong?"
"Nothing." He says quickly but I hear him about to break any second. Walking closer, I sit down on the other end of the couch.
"So the tears are for nothing?" I ask and he sighs.
"I'm just thinking of what's going to happen when we go back home." He swiftly wipes his eyes again. "I'm scared."
I'm next to sigh. "Me too." He looks at me in shock. "I am. I'm scared because I know that Aubrei will stop at nothing to keep you all safe. I'm scared because I know that i'm the exact same." I slightly shrug. "I know you're terrified of that woman but when I tell you, you have nothing to be afraid of. You don't. If it's the last thing I do, I will make sure nothing like that ever happens again."
"Will you teach me?" He asks and I already know what he's talking about.
I nod. "When the time is right, I will. I promise." He smiles briefly then yawns.
"Thanks dad." I get up and he hugs me. I hug him back. "For everything." I'm starting to feel emotional.
"No problem, kid." I ruffle his hair and he goes back to his room.
I walk back to my bedroom and see Aubrei sitting up against the headboard. She doesn't notice me yet she's too busy fidgeting with her fingers. Walking further into our room to make my presence known.
"I wasn't trying to listen to you and Kai's conversation, but I heard it." I nod slowly and get into the bed beside her.
"Yeah? What are your thoughts?"
"Nothing that doesn't involve chaos."
~•~~~•~•~~~•~•~~~•~•~~~•~•~
I dry my face off with my towel and stare at myself in the mirror.
Last time I stared at myself, I was planning Aubrei's death.
My hair has grown so much now. The curls now stopping above my shoulders. I don't know what she does but Aubrei takes care of my hair the same way she does hers.
Which I am thankful for.
"It's gotten so much longer." She smiles walking into our shared bathroom. "When I first met you, you had about this much." She grabs a piece showing my old length.
"You think i should cut it?"
"No, your hair is beautiful. I love your curl pattern." She pulls at the ends of my hair. "Plus, I like having something to pull on."
"Why would you need to pull on his hair?"
Aubrei clutches her chest and takes a deep breath.
"Oh my God, child." She looks at our oldest. "Almost gave me a heart attack." He laughs and apologizes. Still waiting for her to answer the question. "No reason, nosy boy." They leave out the bathroom while I finish.
Moments later, I walk into the living area and see my family all watching Spongebob.
It's moments like this that makes me want to stay Mark Maxwell.
A 26-year old, financial supervisor, with a family of five.
A smile appears on my face as I watch them.
My little family.
YOU ARE READING
| Devious Siren: OASIS | {18+}
General Fiction*This is part 2 of book 1, not book 2.* As Reign is in hiding, she is met with unexpected guests. Some of them seek her help and some want her in a body bag. New and old threats try to take advantage of the Mancini's dismay. Leaving the household, r...
