If || rsl & r5 (SLOW UPDATES)

• 19 •

Charlotte's POV

We arrived home a few minutes later, and I sighed in relief that there had been no traffic. After seeing the magazine in the supermarket, I couldn't stop thinking about it even though Ross reassured me that everything would be okay. I wanted to believe him, I really did.

Mel grinned as soon as we walked inside, bags of groceries in our grasp, pulling me in for a hug. I gave her a puzzled look as she exclaimed, "I missed you, Char!"

Despite my confusion, I still wrapped my arms around her in return once I placed the bags I held on the ground. "I missed you too, Mel. What's up?"

"Oh, nothing. I'll leave you two alone now. Ian's fast asleep after watching a movie with me and playing with his toys. Gosh, he really can be a handful sometimes." I rolled my eyes as she winked at me, discreetly pointing her head towards Ross who was already busy looking for a film to watch.

"Will you ever stop?"

"Never, and you know it. Cheerio!" She giggled as she left my apartment.  I locked the door behind her and slipped my jacket and shoes off before making my way over towards Ross's side.

I nestled myself into his chest, his arms instantly wrapping around me to pull me closer as his fingers trailed over my skin, rubbing up and down my arm. I was aimlessly flicking through the channels when my breathing hitched at the feeling of Ross' breath against my neck.

"What's wrong, Char?" He mumbled against my ear and I seemed to freeze. It wasn't a bad feeling with having Ross so close to me, but I didn't want to end up doing something that I would possibly regret afterwards.

"Nothing. I'm sorry." I stared down at my lap, unwilling to look him in the eye. It was only when he lifted my chin with his fingers was I forced to look at him.

"What's wrong, love?"

"It's just, everything that's been happening lately and t-the article in that magazine...I can't stop thinking about it. I'm sorry for ruining the mood once again."

"Don't worry. I told you I'll sort it out, honey. I won't let anyone hurt you or our son, okay?" He pressed his lips to my forehead and I nodded, hiding my head back in his chest. I didn't think I'd ever get used to how good it felt to be back with him, cuddling into his chest and holding his hand.

Our cute moment was interrupted when I heard a knock on the door and I jumped up, peeking through the peep hole before turning around to face Ross who was staring at me, confusion written on his face.

"Who is it?"

"Some man, but I've never seen him before." I replied, a small pit of worry settling in my stomach. Why was a stranger outside my door?

Ross seemed to be lost in thought, before getting to his feet. "I'll open the door, baby."

I nodded and let Ross open the door, listening to the conversation from behind the only source of entrance to the apartment as he kept his arm on it, blocking the man from coming in if he tried anything.

"Good afternoon, Mr. Lynch. I'm from Teen Ink Magazine. Would it be okay if I asked you a few questions?"

"Hi, I'm kind of busy right now. Can we figure out a date and time where you can do your interview?" I discreetly watched Ross, noticing how he tensed up at the mention of the interview. Not gonna lie, he looked too attractive at the moment with his muscles so tense and his voice almost growling in irritation at the reporter.

"Are you sure? It's only going to take five minutes." The reporter continued. "It's just a few questions."

"No, I said I'm busy at the moment. If you want to organize an interview, message me on Twitter or Instagram. Goodbye." And with that, he slammed the door shut, effectively silencing the nosy journalist. He leaned against the wooden door, his fingers tugging at his hair before dragging his hand down his face in what looked like distress.

"Are you okay?" I stepped closer to him, taking his hands into mine as I gave him a sympathetic smile. I knew he loved his career and the music, but I could see how much he hated the side effects of being famous. After all, everything came with a price.

"I'm fine, beautiful. Don't worry about me." He pursed his lips into a small smile as he let go of my hands and instead, wrapped his arms around my waist, holding me close.

"I can see how much this affects you, Ross." I lifted my head up from his chest as I rested my hands on his sides, scrunching the hem of his shirt into my fist.

"I'm used to this. I promise I'll do whatever I can to protect you and our son, honey. I won't let anything happen to you because of the paparazzi or the fans."

"I know, Shor."

"I love it when you call me that, Charlie." He hugged me tightly, hiding his face in my hair, his blonde locks tickling my cheek. I giggled at the sensation, swatting the back of his head gently. "Come on, I want to see Ian."

Tugging on my hand, he pulled me down the hall, where Ian's door rested ajar. He grasped the doorknob and tried to push it open without it creaking, in fear he would wake the sleeping boy inside. When he was able to do so in silence, we made our way inside, smiling softly at the site in front of us. Our boy was nicely tucked underneath his blanket, his hair slightly ruffled against his pillow. Little snores were escaping his tiny body, and it was obvious that he was exhausted from a day of fun with his aunt Mel.

Not wanting to risk waking him up, we left his bedroom and returned back to the living room, where our groceries still remained in the bags. We put them away in silence, and I was thankful for the distraction. My mind was still reeling over the magazine, and I desperately wanted to stop thinking about it. But how could I? A reporter had already found out where we lived, and I had a feeling he wouldn't be the last. He may not have known my name, but if he could track down my address, it was only a matter of time before my name, including Ian's, was out there.

That thought alone was frightening.

Happy Easter!