REVENGE, DIAPER and SNACKS - Chapter 42: Chapter 42

After a small talk to the patrol huge policeman with a belly of a mother, Alec’s black sedan purred quietly along the damp street, the city lights glinting against the raindrops that still clung to the windows. I sat in the passenger seat, my back straight, arms wrapped protectively around a sleeping Aliya, while Jaya leaned against the opposite door, snoring softly, her little legs tangled in the seatbelt.
The silence in the car was thick but not uncomfortable. It was the kind of silence that made you think—reflect. Alec’s fingers tapped softly on the steering wheel, his eyes trained on the road ahead. He hadn’t said much since we left the hospital. Just quiet glances and the occasional clearing of his throat, like he had more to say but couldn’t find the words.
“We’re close,” he said finally, voice low, warm, steady. He radiated a danger so intense, I felt it pressing against my chest. Anyone dumb enough to stand between us in that moment would be torn apart in a heartbeat. Of course I play the scared mother with boobs so big I swore it would ruin my bra…correction, new extra super bra.
I shifted a little in my seat. “You can just drop us near the bus stop. We’ll walk from there.” I murmured with the tirediest voice I could muster. If I stayed here, pretending to be weak, smart and a goddess at the same time he’d keep looking at me like I was some fragile thing. I need to let him think that.
He blinked, turning slightly toward me. “What?”
“I said—”
“I heard you,” he cut in, a little incredulous. “But I’m not dropping you at a bus stop, Catherine. You’ve got three kids with you. It’s cold. It’s dark. And you’re still shaken up from the accident.”
I sighed. “I’m fine. We’re fine.”
God, I never thought there would be time in my life that I would act like a damsel in distress, and boy, I enjoyed every minute of this, somehow, Catherine, this body wanted to be one, for once in her life, she wanted to be the damsel saved by the knight in shining armour.
“I'm fine, really.” I purred, my voice light, teasing yet, wanting. But inside, my heart raced. Raced to just want to stab the bastard until his blood scattered on the wet dirty street, “I mean... I don't want to—” The last word slipped from my mouth awkwardly, a squeak I couldn't control. Great. Just great. Is this what it felt like to be fucking damsel? I quickly smothered the urge to bolt for the nonexistent exit.
“I didn’t ask if you were fine. I said I’m taking you home.” His expression hardened, a dark scowl painting his features. I couldn't help but feel a flicker of sympathy for him—ha! what a load of bollocks, I pretended to think that he was terrifying, but that scowl? It would keep even the bravest of women at arm’s length. And where would that leave me? Alone with him. Trapped in a cage with the embodiment of power.
There! I got you asshole.
“Please Catherine,” His tone wasn’t angry. It was firm, unyielding—like the voice of someone who’d already made the decision before asking. I opened my mouth to argue but stopped. He was doing it to show off. He was doing it to control me.
He was doing it because—despite everything—he cared?
What bullcrap! Of course, I know he thought he could have me under his palm by acting like a knight in fucking bullshit.
A few minutes later, he pulled into the familiar corner by my building. The old apartment complex stood like a weary soldier, its peeling paint and flickering porch light somehow comforting in its constancy. He shifted the gear into park and turned toward me.
“Let me carry her,” he offered gently, reaching toward Jaya.
Hell no! Not my kid. Catherine’s kid. NO!
I shook my head, for once I wanted to show him I am just a mere weak mother of three chaos. I bit my lip so hard and continued the momentary ploy.
But hell! Play it cool, Leon, I told myself. Don’t let him see how angry you are. I shook my head quickly, instinctively tightening my arms around her. “No, I got it,” I said. “She’s lighter than she looks.”
He paused, then nodded, pulling his hand back slowly.
I leaned over and gently nudged Jaya then to the two girls, “Baby, wake up. We’re home.”
Maya and Aliya groaned, their tiny eyelids fluttered open, dazed and confused, but Jaya yawned and looped her arms around my neck without protest. I grabbed Aliya’s hand, and motioned to Maya to follow me without questions and she followed sleepily, dragging her backpack behind her.
Before I stepped out, I turned to Alec, my voice softer now.
“Thank you,” I said. “I know we don’t talk like... like normal people do. But I mean it. You showing up after the accident—being there—I’ll never forget that.”