DD's // SAUDADE

- TWENTY -

Damon was away from the mansion all day, leaving behind Domenico with Monica. Deetra was around most of the time with James; Monica was polite to both of them, always smiling shyly. Thankfully, Domenico had found some stupid lie to explain to her the expensive mansion and the bodyguards.

Right now, Damon was walking towards his car as he had finished his dinner with a client. He had made a good deal, and he was pleased with it. The drug baron took the car's keys out of his pants pockets, whistling lowly. His eyes caught something, though, as he turned his head towards the park. A young woman was sitting on a bench, a baby was in her arms. She was pointing at many ducks in a close lake; the baby was smiling and laughing loudly.

"Abigail...."

Damon talked to himself before pushing the keys back into his pocket. With quick steps and a broad smile, he crossed the road walking straight to her. He didn't even look around for any cars; his eyes were pierced on her silhouette. Nothing was going to interrupt him. Not even the vehicle that was coming towards him and nearly hit him. Damon simply ignored both the car and the man that was swearing at him and entered the park.

Abigail raised her head and glared at the kingpin. He stood in front of her with his hands in his pockets and a gentle smile. The woman held into her kid, that was too focused on the ducks.

"Hey, Abigail..."

"Damon... What a surprise...."

"Can I have a seat?"

Damon pointed at the free space beside her with his index finger. Abigail looked at the bench and then at him, nodding slowly. The kingpin sat down, leaning his elbows on his knees before rubbing his palms together. He glared at the ducks that were swimming around and then at the baby between Abigail's arms.

"Why are you here alone?"

"Mason went to buy some pizza for the night, and then we'll head home."

"Oh...."

Damon glared around and then at a small paper bag that was beside Abigail. He pointed at it, confused.

"What's this?"

"Oh, just birdseed... Emma likes watching the ducks while I feed them...."

Damon grabbed the bag and held some birdseed in his palm. He threw it towards the lake quickly; soon, all the ducks covered the spot where it was. Emma's eyes shined under the moonlight as she giggled, loving the sight. The man smiled, seeing the kid's happiness reflecting on its small brownish eyes.

"She really likes ducks, hu?"

"Oh, you can't imagine!"

Abigail laughed, bringing Emma closer to her body. Damon stared at the ducks for a few seconds and then at the child.

"Can I hold her?"

"Um...."

Abigail started glaring around, worried before gulping. She didn't want anyone and especially Mason, to see Hopkins hugging Emma. Damon understood her in seconds; he sighed and laughed awkwardly.

"You don't have to -"

"No, no, it's fine!"

"Are you sure, Abigail? I don't think Mason will be really excited to see a drug baron holding his daughter."

Abigail rolled her eyes, knowing that she will regret this quick decision. She handed Emma to Damon gently and carefully. The man held her close to his chest like she was a fragile thing. He giggled, seeing her look around before starring at him with a half-opened mouth. Oh, how much he wanted to pinch her small fat cute cheeks.