Romanov and I stared at each other, neither one's gaze moving away from the other's.

His hot breath hit my cheeks and I shivered because he was always so much warmer than me.

"You know you should stop touching me like this," I murmured finally, looking at the beauty-spot on his neck.

Romanov stilled above me and my eyes snapped to his, his stare hardened, and he moved closer, this time kissing my jaw.

"Like what?"

My breath hitched in my throat as his lips pressed against my cheeks, then the corner of my mouth. He stopped and moved back, his eyes on me.

Suddenly, he leaned forward, and his lips met mine, a light brush, like a spray of water by the sea.

He moved back, and I opened my eyes, already breathless.

"Like that," I breathed as he caressed my cheek with his thumb.

Everything seemed so unclear, I blinked trying to think about all the times he tried to pretend it never happened, about his dismissals, and his fiancée.

Thinking about the fiancée seemed sobering and I began struggling to move away.

"You know you should really stop" I bit out suddenly, "You can't keep doing this when you're engaged."

Immediately Romanov moved back, his eyes wide with surprise.

"What?" He muttered out, one eyebrow cocked up.

I frowned. "Engaged?" I nudged a finger into his solid chest "You?"

And when a minute later there came no reply my frown hardened, glaring straight into Romanov's now golden eyes.

"Oh, come on, your fiancée's clothes are in the closet in my room, Mr. Naight."

Romanov continued to glare, and I threw my hands against the bed, rolling my eyes as I did so. "What?!"

"I'm not engaged!" Romanov finally growled, in that moment I noticed how mad he looked, my eyes widened realizing how well he was controlling it.

"You're... you're not?" I blurted out, wide eyed staring into Romanov's blazing ones.

Roman suddenly blinked angrily and in a blur moved away, standing near the door, his hand gripping the knob.

"No, Miss. Olivia. Those clothes are from my designer aunt, for when I finally... get engaged."

Then turning the knob, Romanov pulled the door open and strode out, shutting the door behind him with a slam.

I blinked in surprise. My wide eyes stuck on the closed black door that Romanov had just strode out of, my mind still reeled with his words.

He wasn't engaged.

My mind still marvelling at the latest information, I turned away from the door and turned towards the large mass of the room.

The huge room surprisingly stood fully modernized, no hint of anything old castle like in it. My eyes moved from the sofas to the television set, then to the two doors settled on the further left, the two-large ceiling to floor glass windows settled along the right of the room had me mesmerized when I realized Romanov's room was on the highest tower.

The sound of the door click open sounded around the room and I turned just in time to see Marsha and Sophia moving in.

"Hello!" Sophia signed brightly, smiling at me.

Her cheeriness as opposed to last night's panic seemed contagious and I found myself smiling at both the women.

Marsha rushed forward, her hand holding fresh bandages, a guilty look on her face.

"Before you say it, it's okay Marsha. They're just kids... It was just a joke." I spoke up, putting my hand forward before Marsha could even break out into an apology.

Her face reddened, and I gasped when she just dropped down on the bed before me, her head bowing down.

"Oh Miss. Olivia, please do forgive my children. They didn't know how serious it was, I promise they won't play pranks anymore! Just don't let Master Rome forbid them from entering the castle! They have nowhere else to go without me with them."

I stared at the older woman crying before me and then turned to a sad looking Sophia, my mouth still open with shock.

"What did Romanov do?" I asked desperately, disappointed that the answer couldn't just come by just like that.

"Oh, when Meli told Master Romanov, he was so angry, oh yes he was. I was sure he would kill Meli had she been older and not my daughter. He told us that from now onwards my kids weren't allowed anywhere near the castle grounds or castle, and then told them to leave."

"What?" I blurted out suddenly, my mouth open, my eyes wide with shock.

"It's true! My s-second husband doesn't like the kids, and so I keep them with me in the castle grounds as long as I wish, but that was only if they didn't create mischief. I swear Miss. Olivia, my son is the sweetest, he would never. And Meli... She's good at heart. Oh, please make Master Romanov understand!" Marsha suddenly grabbed onto my hand, pleading.

Turning back to Sophia I began signing, "Can you please go and call Mr. Naight?"

Sophia's face however went white, she shook her head, looking very scared. "Oh no Miss, I must not! He'll get wild! He won't listen!"

I opened my mouth to reply but Marsha beat me to it, leaning forward she spoke out in a strong voice.

"He will listen to her!"

I wanted to shake my head, tell the woman I didn't think he would, but I was too shocked that Romanov could get so angry for me getting hurt. And seeing Marsha plead like this for her children, I had to try.

"Yes, please Sophia there is no need to get scared of him."

Sophia shook her head, "You don't know master's anger. He is truly a force of nature."

Beside me Marsha sighed, "Let's just change your bandages first, okay?"

Looking at her in the eye I smiled when she smiled sadly and nodded.

"Okay," I mumbled as I made a move of getting out of bed. Immediately Sophia's soft small hands were around me, helping me up. I smiled at her appreciatively when I finally stood on my feet, her arms still around me.

Smiling warmly at me, she moved a step back.

Turning towards Marsha I tried to lighten the mood. "Work your magic, doc"

The click and creak that echoed around the room had all three of us turning towards the door, a freshly bathed and dressed Romanov strode into the room, stopping in his step when his eyes landed on me standing beside his bed.

"What are you doing up?" He growled as he began storming forward.

I gulped, noticing the storm brewing in his eyes.

He was very angry.

"It's easier to change the bandage this way, and it doesn't hurt so much anymore. So, you know..."

Romanov's eyes narrowed, and he bit out angrily, "No I don't know."

Stubborn.

"You're not going to get out, are you?" I mumbled tiredly, rolling my eyes.

One second Romanov was twenty steps away and the next he was two.

I blinked.

"What do you think?" He hissed out.

Okay. Definitely Stubborn.

There wasn't a choice. And if there as I was too tired to think of it. So, sighing I pulled my shirt up to the underside of my breast and turned towards the two-wide eyed woman watching the exchange between Romanov and I silently, with wonder.

"Please,"

Immediately the two-woman reached forward and began undoing my already wrapped bandage, unwrapping them quickly and with precision.

Soon the bandages fell off and I gasped when my eyes landed on the three long scars spread from one end of my waist to the other. Each scar seemed to have protruded out, thick and a mixture of red and purple, and there were places where they were still raw.

My attention however broke when a low growl emitted before me and suddenly Romanov had his arms on each side of my waist. The sparks began their onslaught and shocked I looked up at him, his pitch-black eyes blazed. I gulped when slowly Romanov's eyes warmed, his expression entirely different then what I had ever seen before.

His eyes still on mine he extended his hands towards Marsha who held the bandage and ointment, Marsha still looking dazed placed both things in his extending palm.

"Everything will be gone by the afternoon," he mumbled slowly as I watched him shocked, apply ointment on each one of the thick claw marks, and then do the same to the three on my back too.

His gaze flickered to mine and he quickly looked back to my middle, beginning to wrap the white bandage around it.

"Even the scars," he finally mumbled again, securing the bandage, and straightening to his full length, he pulled my shirt back down, his gaze on me.

His hand still on the hem of my shirt he made a move to walk away and quickly my hand founds his, stopping him. His eyes widened with surprise and then narrowed.

I had a hunch he knew what was coming.

"Thank you, honestly—" I said sincerely but then stopped and tightened my hold on his large hand, "—But really, I beg you please, let Marsha's kids stay at the castle while she's here. They have nowhere else to go. Her wee lad is only just nine. Please?"

I thought I saw the corner of Romanov's lips quiver up in amusement at wee lad, and I smiled. Both my hands finding his.

"Please! I promise they won't be bad, and if they are, I promise I'll plead with you again."

His lips tilted up into a small smile again and I knew I had won.

Then suddenly his posture straightened, and with my hands still holding his, he turned towards Marsha and Sophia.

"Alright, you can have your kids here. Just... I don't want Olivia hurt again. Am I clear? —" His form stilled, and I knew it had all ended, the tiny moment of warmth was gone and the pretence I had concocted was back up. His face pulled into a mask.

Letting my hands go he took a step away.

"After all, she is the guest." 

~^~
The dressing table was the most beautiful I had seen. Carved with branches and intricately carved with flowers and leaves, all white, as each branch bordered the large mirror, it stood as the most beautiful thing I had ever had the opportunity to gaze my face upon.

Looking at the girl in the mirror, I sighed.

It seemed that Romanov had trashed everything in the room, save the bed where I had laid of course. But even that had been replaced, instead in replacement, stood another large king-sized bed, white curtains breezing freely by each thick pillar that stood beside it on each side.

I was glad however that an identical fluffy rug had replaced the old one, it would have been sad had it not been as fluffy, I loved sinking my toes in the soft rug.

The curtains now breezed in lightly, white, and pure, another heavier set of curtains, black, hung perfectly on each side of the long balcony door.

The new black and white theme seemed perfect.

Coming into the room where I had been... pranked on, had been a little awkward situation at first, but seeing Romanov had tried into completely redecorating it, and in such a fleeting time too, the room soon began to grow on me.

Looking back into the mirror I smiled slowly as I brought a hair tie and pulled my hair up into a carefree ponytail. A few wisps of hair already managed to free itself from the hair tie.

Getting up my and found my bag and I quickly turned towards the door, quickly making my way out of it.

I made a note to lock it.

Shoving the keys into my bag I flung it over my shoulder as I began walking along the corridors, following a path I knew would lead me out.

Finding my way to the main entrance seemed easy enough, finding my way into my car, which was parked amongst all the other lavish vehicles owned by Romanov, had been a task. He owned so many. Too many.

"Going somewhere?"

My keys in the ignition I groaned as I turned around and looked at a smirking Grayson.

"Home, I need to see my baby."

That ought to shut him up.

Grayson rolled his eyes as he leaned forward, his green eyes bland with no care at all.

"It's okay to tell me that you're going to go home to take care of your niece since your aunt is at work, Olivia." Grayson rolled his eyes again as he drawled out the words.

I didn't even bother asking him how he knew. Or rather he answered before I could.

"I did some digging, had to make sure your background was clear."

What?!

"I hope you know this bloody isn't a job interview, you don't need my background information." I hissed, suddenly feeling very irritated.

Again, Grayson rolled his eyes, and I almost wished it would get stuck somewhere in his socket.

"But it's fun! Olivia Amaleen Fredson. Born on the second of April—"

He stopped, a large grin on his face. "—well I won't mention the year, you're a lady after all. Born in York, brought up in London. Nerdy and yet one of the most popular girls throughout school. Rich, —"

Grayson's grin widened. "—very rich. Unfortunately lost your mum and dad in a car accident, in which you were on too. Lucky survivor. Then lost your sister and brother-in -law in another car accident. One in which you were supposed to be in."

He stopped, and I noticed he looked the sincerest he ever had since I'd met him. "I'm so sorry for your loss."

I blinked. Then shook my head. All the irritation I felt for him died with the grief that took over me, suddenly I felt very homesick.

"Can I go now?" I finally mumbled tiredly. Grayson's eyes widened with the lack of bite in my reply and he took a step back.

Immediately I drove away. My eyes catching a glimpse of a silent looking Grayson still standing where he had, staring after me.

An hour later I found myself driving into Prue's driveway. Her grey Porsche seemed missing and I wondered who was looking for Letty in her absence.

Walking over to the front door I slid my copy of the keys in and pushed the door open, carefully closing it behind me.

"Hello?"

My voice seemed to echo around the large home, well that was until walking further into the house I heard the sound of the television playing and a pair of feet walking around, slowly cooing in a soft tone.

I frowned, walking quickly towards the voice.

"Letty's such a good girl, oh yes she is, yes she is! Letty'll have her mashed carrots, won't she?"

Letty let out a shrill giggle and Dominic, who was currently holding her sighed with relief.

Jaydin on the other hand grinned, extending a spoon full of mush into the happy girl's mouth. "Oh yes she will!"

Thoroughly amused I let out a loud cough and instantly the two boys stilled, turning towards me.

Letty seeing me let out another loud gurgle of laughter and I smiled at her warmly, my insides turning into a mush that could be compared to the one Jaydin was currently trying to feed Letty.

Walking over to the two boys I extended my hand and quickly took Letty into my arms, smiling as Dominic made faces while Letty moved from his arms to mine.

"You boys seem really busy," I teased, smirking slightly.

Jaydin rolled his eyes as he brought a little liquid feeder and moved to help Letty drink the boiled water in it, quickly wiping her mouth with a wet cloth afterwards.

I smiled at Jaydin's paternal actions and moving Letty against my chest rubbed her back until she burped. I smiled, strangely feeling a new sense of accomplishment.

"Well Prue offered, and I couldn't say no. Even if we had class. Dom just tagged along to be honest." Jaydin finally replied as he too slumped down beside Dominic, letting his head fall back, his eyes closed in a peaceful action.

I smiled at Dominic. "Thank you for babysitting, Lolette."

Shrugging Dominic grinned as he eased further into the couch.

"It's no problem, really. You seem... Well." Dominic slowly grinned, and I couldn't help but blush. Immediately Jaydin began making choking sounds.

Dominic chucked as he punched his cousin on the shoulder, I would have personally punched harder.

"You have mail, by the way." Jaydin suddenly spoke up and I quickly moved towards where he was pointing at, Letty still in my arms.

Reaching the small package on the counter I smiled in relief when Dominic walked over to me and softly took Letty into his arms.

Instantly my fingers found the glued edges and began opening it, pulling out a two-page letter first.

Dear Olivia,

WHERE.HAVE.YOU.BEEN!? NO NOTE! CAR GONE! — okay I'll stop. On a more serious note, how are you? I'm absolutely depressed, I swear. London just isn't London without you....

I grinned.

Isabelle.

"Well... She seems like a comical character." Dominic blurted out from behind me, completely unashamed at reading my private letter. However strangely though I didn't feel offended. Instead I grinned.

"She has to be. She's studying. Criminal Psychology."

"Woo! That's a tough one" Jaydin suddenly exclaimed, still sprawled on the sofa. "How's she managed to survive two years?"

I grinned. "Isabelle is crazy. She's nothing if not dull and boring and that's what's made us best friends since preschool,"

"But why the letters though?" Dominic asked frowning.

Smiling I reached into the parcel and pulled out a small stack of pictures.

Holding up the stack I smiled at the boys. Letty now rested against Dominic's chest, asleep.

"Because Isabelle loves writing letters, it's something that's new between us. This way we're not just anyone on Messenger or Snapchat. Letters just change things. Plus, we send each other small stacks of pictures, of everything around us, —"

"—but never each selves." Jaydin cut me off, completing my sentence. His eyes rolling.

I nodded, "That way, when we meet each other it's more exciting."

"Girls are so weird." Jaydin shuddered and both Dom and I chuckled, amused at the weird expression in Jaydin's face.

It seemed like only minutes spent before it turned five in the afternoon and Dominic and Jaydin finally filtered out of the house.

I took in a slow breath of peace, quiet and... home —as I settled myself into the sofa, a now woken Letty cuddled in my arms. A small glob of saliva slipped out of the corner of her mouth and I immediately wiped it away, caressing the little gem's cheeks as I did.

The child in my arms showed me her toothless smile and my heart melted as I peeked deep into the already lightening blue eyes of Lolette. A trait she got from her father.

"You remind me so much of your mummy, Letty. But your eyes will be your father's. I'm sure of it." I whispered softly, slowly easing her light brown hair back.

Just then the sound of the door click open echoed around the room and I turned just in time to see a smiling Prue walk in.

"Hello darling, sorry I'm late. Victor called in another meeting with the client. I swear that man is a workaholic!" She exclaimed as she slumped down on the couch opposite mine, pulling each stiletto off one by one.

I however only smirked. "You like him,"

Prue stilled. "No!"

My smirk widened. "Oooh you do!"

Rolling her eyes Prue padded her way towards me, and slowly leaning down pressed a small peck on Letty's forehead.

"What time did you have to go ba—"

A loud crash outside stopped Prue in her words and she quickly turned towards the front door. Instantly walking towards the loud commotion, the next second.

I walked behind her, on her heels, Letty safe in my arms. Pulling the front door open Prue quickly rushed out just as another crash boomed into the darkening night.

I gasped as I stood staring at the source of the loud sounds. My black Audi stood in our driveway, windows broken, broken glasses scattered everywhere.

Thinking about the question Prue was just going to ask me a few minutes ago I numbly answered it out loud.

"Now."

"I'll get someone to drive it off to the mechanics first thing tomorrow." Prue blurted out, filling the shocked silence as we sat in the living room, only seconds after coming back in from the disaster scene outside.

My mind kept wondering who could do such a thing. My mind kept wondering and that confused me even more.

Could it be one of the neighbourhood delinquents?

I sighed. What other choice did I have?

I nodded. "Thanks, Prue."

"Who're you going to call, now?" Prue asked quietly, my mind quickly jumped around people who I could call. Clearly Prue couldn't drop me with a baby on board.

Suddenly a name struck forward and I quickly dialled Marsha's number, pressing on call.

She picked up on the first ring.

Silence followed, and I frowned, confused I slowly murmured a small "Hello?"

"Where are you!?"

I froze. My eyes widening at the uncensored rage that one question held.

Romanov had picked up Marsha's phone.

I gulped before replying. "I came home, but someone... wrecked my car. I — I need a ride."

Holding my breath, I waited as the silent grew on the other side of the phone.

"I'm coming to get you."

Then he disconnected the call.

"You're very tensed," Prue observed quite randomly.

An hour after the call with Romanov had disconnected, we sat silently on the sofa, Letty sleeping quietly on her cradle beside me.

Each minute of the hour had ended quite tensely — and I almost contemplated using my broken car to just drive over.

Thinking about Prue's question again I let out a low breath of tiredness and looked down. "No. It's just that I'm worried about my car."

A lie. Well, partially.

I was more tensed about Romanov than the car. And I had no idea why, I was allowed to come home as I pleased anyway.

Both Prue and I's thoughts were cut short when a loud car's horn sounded outside the house.

Immediately Prue moved towards the door and I turned towards my little bundle of joy, my adorably sleeping niece.

Trying to resist and losing I slowly picked her up and brought her against my chest. Smiling at the way her tiny mouth moved with the reaction to being moved. Leaning down I pressed a tiny kiss on her forehead. Her tiny hand found my hair and grabbed it unconsciously. My smile widened, and I rubbed my nose lightly against hers.

"I'll miss you too, sweetie" I whispered lovingly before slowly turning around and placing her back on her cradle, gently rocking it once then twice before Letty settled in.

Straightening up I turned around only to catch a silent Romanov's gaze on mine.

His expression gave nothing away. And when he turned towards a silently stunned Prue, he smiled and bid her a goodnight.

Then walked out of the house.

Saying my goodbye, I slowly followed behind him, getting into the front seat as he opened the door and moved towards his.

Quietly, Romanov drove out of the driveway.

*

Fifteen silent minutes passed into the drive when Romanov suddenly spoke up, saying something that completely shocked me.

"You'll be a great mum one day."