CADEN

The room was quiet as the sun barely rose when I struggled with a blurry vision. Squeezing my eyes with my free hand, I blinked rapidly before finally getting a clear view of the almost pitch-black surroundings.

There was the chirping of birds on the balcony, creating a sweet melody despite the cold weather. Despite the room heater, Mad and I were cuddling in a thick comforter above additional blankets.

I yawned and glanced at the nightstand clock, which said five in the morning.

I only had two hours of sleep, and it was enough.

It wasn't my protocol to sleep until daylight.

Yes, my parents had made sure I was awake before sunrise every day until I became this typical of myself.

The lovely scent of Mad's hair instantly descended upon me. That was before I reminisced about this whole situation: we shouldn't be laying here together at my father's. I shouldn't give him a reason to change his perspective on Mad. I shouldn't give him more reason to throw unnecessary fits.

Last night, I know I should've stood up for myself, but I don't know why with him present in a room, I seem to have frozen and done nothing to defend myself.

Pathetic.

I know, but with dad's presence, it's like I am ten and vulnerable again.

Those reminders affect me suddenly, and regret started dancing its way into my mind.

I will never stand up to him. I will always go through the same pain.

It was my hell.

Exhaling, I bring down my eyes to the reason I was still in one piece. She was laying on me. Our legs were tangled. Her hands were holding me tightly, and her cheek is pressed against my chest.

It's almost like she's scared of being alone.

Mad has to know that I am not going anywhere. Here was heaven to me, and I will give anything to be able to feel this every morning.

To stay in bed and benefit from her warmth against my body, the rhythm of her little tiny breathes.

Mad was a heavy sleeper, and two hours of sleep was never enough for her.

I know she needed rest, so I didn't attempt to wake her up.

With closed eyes, I just let myself relish this moment. My fingers tenderly messaged her scalp. Because having her to myself was priceless.

I wish we can freely have this without worrying about who's coming, who's about to prance through the door, or what society was going to create about us.

After a while of stroking Mad's hair, I heard her draw in a deep breath and her clasp around my torso loosen.

She shifted a little for our eyes to meet.

"Good morning!"

"I am still sleepy." She returns a smile.

"I know. I will take you to your room before dad and Martha wake up." I wish we never came here; we could be in bed in our apartment all day long.

Mad moans in denial, burying her face in the nook of my neck.

"Here." With a crook smirk, I began picking her in my arms.

"Caden, just a minute." She whines as I stood.

"You are going to keep requesting that," I said with her over my arms, as I quietly carry her in bride style to her bedroom.

In her room that smells everything about her, I lay her on the soft bed and begin to tuck her in.

Mad's eyes were narrowed as she scrutinizes me.

Okay!

I suspiciously settled her in and began to turn away, but her hands instinctively grabbed mine.

She sat up, desperate, and pulled me back to her.

"Make love to me!" Her gaze was intense and pleading as she held it up at me.

Damn!

She did request that.

How can I say no when I know we shouldn't? Not here. Not when my dad and Martha were just down the hall.

When I hesitated, she frowned and looked away.

That's not it; I didn't mean to hurt her.

I just thought we could be very careful around here. I don't want hell getting to us while we're very much alive.

"Nooo. No, no. Look at me." I stroke her chin softly and bring her eyes back to mine.

Her cheeks were flushed; her lower lips were folded between her teeth.

She was beautiful, even the darkness couldn't deny it.

To enlighten and also prove to her it's not what she thinks it is: I lean in and meld my lips on hers.

Instantly, she pulls me by the collar until I was hovering over her, yet she draws me closer, kissing me back softly.

Lips locked, I lightly sweep the tip of my tongue over her lower lip.

Our tongues move in rhythm, tagging lightly and the feeling is what I live for.

The excitement rises a very desirous pressure between us that we added the speed and depth of the kiss and it became rather desperate.

Gently detaching our lips, I train my mouth to her cheeks, then lowered a little to stroke the nape of her neck and trail kisses on her pulse.

When I reach a sensitive spot under her ear, she let out a titillating moan that worked something severe at the pit of my stomach.

Bringing my boxer to tighten up in a very uncomfortable sense.

My heartbeat rate was equal to hers, both in sync.

Instead, I linger my lips around that same spot that provokes sensual moans from her tasty lips.

This time, she pulls me nearer and arches her hips till our bodies were pressed together.

"Does that feel good?" I blow a low whisper in her ear.

Her breath was shaky but she responded a yes, and pull my head to reconnect our lips.

After what feels like hours, I continue my gentle assault around her neck, down to her upper chest as to where the shirt could give me access.

She tastes so good.

I kissed and licked every inch of her beautiful neck. Playfully nibbling her chin as she giggles pulling my mouth back to hers again.

When my fingers work their way around her whole body and stop by her chest, drawing teasing stroke over her hard nipples.

Her body vibrates underneath mine and her head falls back on the pillow with her eyes press close.

She likes it.

Good!

Her heavy breaths and shivers send chills of excitement down my stomach.

And at this point, my entirety became completely aroused and the desire of having Mad, naked beneath me invaded my sanity.

I want her so bad when I knew how dangerous that was.

MADISON

It was in the afternoon on Christmas day after we've opened the presents when mom insisted I stay in the kitchen so we could bake and spend some more time together.

Did I mention dad on the other hand had decided to skip the albums watching with Caden that mom had insisted and went out to grab some more wood?

Yes, we all know it was intentional. The man had spent the entire forenoon running unnecessary errands and up till now, he wasn't free.

While whisking the eggs as mom had urged for the cake, I couldn't push back the memories from earlier this morning.

The feeling is hard to describe. It was so exciting and priceless.

Caden made love to me on my bed and it felt so right.

Dude had managed to heat my whole body and left aches over every part that I want him to touch again.

He was addicting. There was no way I was getting enough of him. Not now! Not ever.

He was life. And my body responded to him without hesitation.

From the kitchen, I flash him a smile.

Caden had been staring at me from the living room, making it difficult for me to maintain a normal composure around mom.

Anytime we were close, he would steal kisses and subtle touches or whisper how much beautiful I look apart from the I love you's he gave.

Those made my Christmas, honestly.

"Was it Caden who fell asleep in your room or it was you who did at your brother's last night?"

What?

Breathe; Yes, that is hard when someone had spilled evidence that you've tried so hard to conceal.

Someone, that is your mother.

"I saw him carrying you to bed around five and left your room around seven." She finally spoke and those weren't really good.

Is this the time where I confessed? Or was it when she will disown me?

Apprehensive, I struggled for descriptions: "We had a long night talking about-bout school and here." I stuttered, mostly scared. I am sure I was pale.

"That's it?" She asked.

"What else could it be?" I nervously laugh, beating the eggs even harder. "Shouldn't we have a good siblings relationship?" I chuckled when mom's eyes won't stop surveying my sweaty face.

Shit! I was literally sweating in winter.

Can I be more rational and steady?

"Is a good thing you do. I hate it when you two fight."

Okay? That was unexpected.

I thought my complexion had already exposed me but she seems strayed just like I wanted her to be.

I wipe my forehead with the back of my hand and smile warmly at her.

"We have finally learned to live together mom. You rented that building and locked us up in it." I even joked.

However, it was true, Caden and I have finally learned to live together. I am afraid we've even been too extra.

"Is a good thing I did, though, right?"

"It wasn't a bad idea."

I was smiling down at the eggs when my phone buzzed from the island.

It was a text message from Caden.

"Wanna come around for a free tour?"

My smile spread wider as I type back an agreement and peeped at him. He was reclining on the costly sofa that amuses everyone. Well, everything in this house amuses guests.

CADEN

Mad and I ride together to a park on Staten Island.

It was a date, and I've spent the day planning it with some of my buddies around New York.

The funny thing is I've never been on an actual date, so doing this with Mad meant a lot to me.

It was my first.

The ride feels a bit longer for I was nervous, which Mad found adoring as she said.

And while we stroll through the vacant park, I quietly admire the full image of her beauty for she was entirely unaware.

Her flowing hair, the joyous expression she was wearing on her face. She looks so precious in a warm red coat and a bag hanging across her shoulder.

We walk together with her arm hooked around mine until we approach the bicycle a friend of mine had set among the evening package I've paid for.

"So that." I gesture to the bicycle packed by a bench.

"Uhm."

"We are riding that," I stated, and her brow suddenly rose.

"Like right now?"

"Yes... right now." I confirmed.

It was our easiest way to where we are headed to.

Her thin eyes were staring at me when I grab her wrist and lead her to the bicycle. "Come here, I have an idea."

"What are we doing?" She asked, chuckling.

The good thing about this time of the day on Christmas is; most parks were empty and uneventful because everyone was spending the day with their family.

Us? Negative.

"We are riding it," I told her while I unchain the single bicycle and straddle the thing.

I think her eyes grew wider.

"How?" She scans around the silent park when I hold out my hand for her.

Yes, I know. Riding a single bike seems crazy, but that's what we are going to experience.

"Come." I guide her closer and help her get on the middle handlebar.

She was facing me with both hands gripping my shoulders while she giggles in fear.

She was holy adorable.

"Relax," I whispered in her ear for she was hyperventilating.

At first, I smirk as I began recycling through gardens then I had to laugh at the way she presses her eyes close as she giggles and maintains her grip very firmly.

She was so close, very close that I feel my body reacting to the proximity.

The adorable sound of her laughter and screams filled the atmosphere.

Her intriguing scent when she leans on my shoulder, with arms wrapped around my neck.

It was perfect. The moment was my heaven.

After some minutes, we arrived at the location.

I let out a relieving breath before halting.

Smiling at the setting that cost me thousands, I kindly suggest: "Now I want you to close your eyes and gently get down, okay?"

She didn't oppose, rather she obliged.

She trusts me. Bro, she fucking trusts me.

After both getting off the bike, I drop the vehicle on the sandy ground and close her eyes with my palm, guiding her from behind with my other hand on her shoulder.

"Are we there?" She seems excited.

Yes, I was told girls like surprises.

"No... not yet"

"Are we close..." she asked again.

"Almost." I chuckle.

"Are we there yet?" She questioned again when we stopped walking.

God, she is so impatient. It makes me laugh.

I pray she loves it as much as I want her to. This means everything to me. The efforts and sacrifices I made. I hope it's worth it.

"So persist, my love," I whispered and she gasps from the last two words, I believe.

"Come on, Caden, I can't resist anymore."

Oh, I know.

Her heart rate was intense.

Then my own pressure comes up and I find it hard to function. "Alright."

What if she didn't like it? Would she hate it and get angry at me? I don't want her getting mad at me.

When I kept delaying, she playfully nudges my hand away from her eyes and exposes the surprise I laid for her.