UNBREAKABLE

Seven.

Their shocked faces were priceless. For the second time that day, Jim wished he had a camera to snap the expressions on their faces. He knew it would come as a surprise for everyone after they found out he and Alexis knew each other but truth be told, he didn't want Hayley to find out the connection just yet. She would run for the hills before his plans took off. Of course he knew what he was doing and he didn't do anything without a reason.

"You're here. How are you monkey?" Jim asked her.

"Ew no. Let's find another nickname. And I'm hungry but mom is over there fighting with that guy. Who is he anyway?" Alexis told him. She had been keeping secrets and now she was afraid to turn around and look at her mom. It was too soon to tell her anything but knowing Hayley, she would try and grill the answers out of her.

"That's my son JR. Don't worry about him, he's a big bear once you get to know him. Now let's go fill your tiny stomach. I'm sure Nancy can sneak us some appetizers before lunch." They walked hand in hand not even sparing a backwards glance. Jim was bubbling with excitement. Anyone who saw the two could feel the tension between them a mile away. He didn't care if it was good or bad tension. So long as it was there then everything was going to be fine.

"This is not over... Alexis stop right there. What did I tell you about strangers?" Hayley told JR and ran after her daughter. Was it possible everyone had lost their minds or was she living in a parallel universe?

"Relax mom. He's not a stranger I know him. He's Nick's friend." Alexis said brushing everything off.

"Nick? Who is that?" Hayley asked then kneeling down she tried to talk some sense into her daughter. "Sweetie this is how children get kidnapped and sold to other countries. What have I taught you about trusting people you don't know?"

"But I know Jim and Nick. Besides why would pops here sell me? So dramatic."

" Ugh stop saying that. I am not a drama queen." Hayley yelled but Alexis was practically skipping away with Jim.

"Why doesn't she get a punch?" JR mumbled somewhere behind Hayley. She hadn't noticed them following her in the house. Standing up she shot him a glare then noticed the man standing next to him. They were both tall and built like bodybuilders and on a normal day, she would be ogling them. After all she wasn't blind, these two were hot. Not that any of that mattered now.

"Excuse me but what did you say?" Hayley dared JR to repeat what he had said.

"I said why doesn't she get a.... "

"Shut up man. Unless you want another shiner." Nick told his friend. JR could be so dumb when it came to women.

"What, she asked" he retorted then followed his father and the gun obsessed girl.

Shaking her head Hayley followed him. She didn't know how Alexis knew Jim. It seemed like they were friends even and as much as she taught her daughter to be friendly this was just too much. What if they brainwashed her? At that thought she skidded to a halt so fast she she didn't see Nick behind her. And thank the almighty for his reflexes because he would have plowed into her and probably earn himself a broken face.

This woman was not the same person Nick had met at the hospital months ago. That one had been scared shitless and although pale she was stunning and soft and she had this aura that begged a man to drop everything and take care of her. The woman standing in front of him today thinking God knows what, intimidated him. She was still beautiful and she took his breath away, but she scared him too. Here was a tiny woman that could break or build empires, countries even. He would go as far as to say worlds because as much as she looked sweet and loving, she had an unbreakable personality. Strong enough to take on the Rutherfords and still be able to stand straight with head held up high.