Dangerous Desires

38

Arsenio's eyes widened at my words, the firmness in my voice catching him off guard. He knew I wasn't messing around, that I meant every word. "You don't have to worry about that," he said quickly, shaking his head and holding up his hands in a defensive gesture. "She's not coming here again, I swear. I'm not going to put your feelings through that again."

"I will let our son spend this weekend with you, on Monday I will come and pick him up," I walked out of the room.

Arsenio watched me walk away, a mix of guilt and relief washing over him. He knew he had a lot to figure out, a lot to make up to me. But for now, he was grateful that I was still allowing him to see Tenebroso. "Okay," he called out after me, his voice thick with gratitude. "I'll take care of him, I promise."

As I approached, Mark and Antonio both looked up, their expressions expectant. They could sense the tension in the air, and they were no doubt aware of the difficult discussion I had just had with Arsenio.

"Everything okay?" Mark asked quietly as I came to stand beside him, his eyes flicking between me and the spot where Arsenio had been. I nodded as I leaned in to whisper to Antonio "Kill that girl,".

Antonio's eyes widened slightly at my urgent whisper, surprised by the bluntness of my words. He looked around me to where the girl was still standing, before turning back to me. "You're sure?" He asked, his voice low and cautious.

I nodded "You're the man who does the best job. She ruined my family,".

Antonio's expression grew serious, his eyes hardening as he studied my determination. He knew I was a woman who wouldn't let anyone mess with my family and he respected that. "Alright," he said simply, his voice cold and deadly. "Leave it to me."

Mark stood beside me, holding Tenebroso gently in his arms. The baby was still happily playing with his hands, oblivious to the emotional turmoil that had just unfolded. "How are you holding up?" Mark asked quietly, his eyes meeting mine with concern.

"Struggling, I just want this nightmare to be over. My Mom told me before I came into this life not to fall in love because it would hurt me. I should've listened,".

Mark's expression softened, his gaze sympathetic. He could see the pain etched on my face, the struggle I was going through. "Love and heartache come hand in hand," he said quietly, gently bouncing Tenebroso in his arms. "You can't block one without the other."

He paused for a moment, gathering his thoughts, before continuing. "But you know, sometimes heartache can lead to something new and unexpected. Something...better," he said, his voice thoughtful.

I nodded as I looked into his eyes before one of the men spoke up "You look good with a kid in your arms Mark,".

Mark looked up at the man who had spoken, a small smile playing at the corners of his lips. He glanced down at Tenebroso, who was now happily gnawing on his little fist. "Oh, well," he said sheepishly, a hint of pink creeping into his cheeks. "I guess I've always had a soft spot for babies."

Mark glanced over at me, noticing the way I was looking at him. He could sense the difference in my demeanour too, the subtle shift in my mood. He tilted his head slightly, studying my expression. "Everything alright?" he asked quietly, his voice low so only I could hear.

"Yeah, everything is fine," I smiled softly.

Mark returned my smile with a gentle one of his own. He leaned in a bit closer, his voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "You seem calmer than you were just a moment ago," he observed, his gaze flickering briefly over to where Arsenio was standing.

"Because I'm with you," I replied quietly.

Something stirred within Mark's chest at my words, a small flicker of hope and excitement. He glanced down at Tenebroso as the baby tugged on his shirt, then back at me. "Is that so?" he asked quietly, a hint of a smirk on his lips.

"I feel safe with you and more comforted than I have these past 6 months,".

Mark's expression softened at my confession, the playful look in his eyes giving way to something more tender. He knew I had been going through a lot recently and the fact that he could bring me some comfort meant the world to him. "I'm glad I can be here for you," he said quietly, his voice filled with sincerity. "You deserve nothing less than to feel safe and protected."

He paused for a moment, glancing down at Tenebroso who was now starting to look a bit tired. The baby let out a small yawn, his eyelids drooping slightly. Mark chuckled softly, looking back up at me. "Looks like someone's getting sleepy," he said, his voice tender.

"He's going to be with Aresnio this weekend, then I will be picking him up on Monday," I said gently as I kissed Tenebroso on the head before gently picking him up and walking over to Arsenio "He is getting sleepy,".

Arsenio watched as I approached, his face a mixture of guilt and hope. He saw the tired look in Tenebroso's eyes and knew that the baby was ready for a nap. "Yeah, I see that," he said quietly, taking Tenebroso from your arms. The baby squirmed a little at the transition but quickly settled against his father's chest.

I looked at Arsenio firmly "Have fun with him," I said gently.

Arsenio's eyes met mine, a hint of sadness lurking in their depths. He knew he had messed up, and he could see the firmness in my gaze. "Thanks," he said quietly, adjusting Tenebroso against his chest. "I will. I'll take good care of him, I promise."

Mark watched as I walked over, his gaze never leaving my face. He could see the subtle smirk I was trying to hide, and it intrigued him. "What was that look for?" he asked quietly as I came to stand next to him again. "What are you scheming?"