Dante

"Come on bud. Let's go." I called out from the bottom of the stairs. "Coming daddy." My heart always fills with pride whenever I hear that word. Dressed in a spider-man shirt and Cars shorts I smiled in amusement watching my mini-me come running down the stairs with a bag full of his favorite outfits and toys on his back and a large buzz lightyear in his hand. "Where are we going?" he asked.

"Going on a little vacation. I want to show you the beach."

"Really? Maybe I will see some sharks. Daddy did you know sharks eat crabs?" he continued as we left the house. It was late in the afternoon but I know I had to get him out of New York. Away from his mother. After seeing the video of her lies I knew she will drag her very own son into her mess. He wasn't about to let Dane be a pawn in his mother's greedy game. How foolish was I to think she will choose me over him. He was richer and was actually royalty. Strapping Dane into his car seat, I was able to point out what he had of his mother. Her eyes were the only thing he had of her but he had his strong Italian background which I was truly proud of.

I listened to him talk about sharks then the B-list movie Sharknado while mentally checking off everything I needed to start a new life. With the silence money from Veronica, I was able to save enough to buy a house in a new state and to care for my son.

Not wanting to do a long car trip I decided to take a flight out of New York. I was grateful to the friends I had in high places. I was loaned a small jet to go to whatever state I chose and there I will have a brand new car waiting. Knowing The Hursts they will search for Dane just to trick Sebastien. After seeing my old friend on the news during one of his interviews, I can tell he changed drastically. He was once carefree and approachable now he was distant and cold. I do feel guilty in having played a part in getting him like that but I was foolishly in love.

At the airport I left the keys under the seat for the new owner, I had to cover all my tracks. You can never trust those with money in high places. "We're going on a plane?!" Dane asked excitedly. We were escorted into a private waiting area and were presently looking out at the tarmac. "Yes we are and we're going to be the only ones. That's our jet right there." I replied pointing out the white and blue jet being refueled.

"Wow!!" His face was pressed upon the glass his wild dark hair falling in his eyes.

I always wondered why he never asks for his mother again. He did twice and that was it. At the park, he was indifferent to the other kids with their mothers. He never asked for one but I need to find him a mother, one who will love him as his own. One who will actually want him in her life.

"Mr. Tavolini. We are ready to take off." The flight attendant said smiling at me suggestively. I was equally flattered and annoyed by her subtle come on. I had my son with me and she was suggesting that we join the Mile High Club. "Thank you. C'mon bud. Time to see it all up close." I said out loud. The excitement on his face was still there as he placed his tiny hand in my large ones. I will never get old of that proud feeling of just holding my son's hand. He was mine. Truly mine. From the moment I held him at one minute old to three and a half-year-old, I did everything to keep him happy and healthy. Listening and answering his many questions a part of me was worried that Veronica will find us. Anger flared inside of me knowing she wanted to make him a pawn, the same child she refused to hold in Greece. I was a single parent the moment I held him and I held no regrets.

We were escorted onto the plane and seated, Dane was bouncing in his seat when the pilot came to talk to him. I was really grateful to my friend for making it all happen. Retrieving my phone, I texted him my thanks.

'It's all good man. You take care of D. Everything has been shipped to the house.'

He knew of everything between Veronica and me, though he didn't like the concept we've hooked up because of his mutual friendship with Seb he still stuck by my side. Counting that as my last text to anyone in New York, I switched off my phone, breaking the sim card right after.

"Dane?"

"Yes daddy," he answered looking out the window as the jet taxied down the runway. Taking a deep breath, I memorized each sentence I was about to tell him.

"This vacation will be a long one. We won't be coming back to the city."

He stayed quiet for a moment then turned to me, "We're staying by the beach?" he asked with a serious expression.

"Yes, we are. New house. New car. Just you and I, bud."

"I like that a lot." he returned finally giving me the bright smile I loved.

"Me too."

Sebastien & Becca

"Are you sure about this? We did agree to stay low about us," she shouted from the closet. Sebastien was already dressed for their dinner date, idly strolling around her room. After her surprise visit to his office earlier today, everything fell into place. He was proud that he was moving on from the past with this incredible woman. No lingering doubts were in his mind about her, everything they did together felt right. She wanted the best for him as he wanted the same for her. Having her by his side all his anxiety and past pain disappeared. She was his anchor. He was so excited about his revelation that he was excited to share it with his parents. They were ecstatic about it all, his mother cried while his father asked when can they finally meet her. Sebastien wanted their relationship to be official, take hold of his love life hence the public outing.

"Yes, I am sweetheart," he called back reading an incoming text from Annalisa. He was replying to her text with a frown when Becca came out fully dressed. Clearing her throat, she got his attention instantly. "You never fail to impress me." was his response eyeing her greedily. Dressed in a grey sleeveless dress that highlighted her curves, it cinched at her small waist and with every move she made it glided like water on her flawless skin. Red pumps finished her look, she was sexier than Sebastien can imagine and she was his. Her red copper hair was styled in a casual up-do showing up a ruby red studded earring in her ear and minor makeup. "Neither do you." She replied walking towards him wrapping her arms around his neck. Sebastien opted for jeans, a white t-shirt, and a blue leather jacket. "You smell heavenly. Love your perfume," he mumbled against her neck, placing a kiss there then her cheek.

"Let's go before I change my mind about this. I'm already nervous." Becca said holding him tighter.

"I won't lie and say they won't be negative press if we are seen but I need to show these people that I'm living my own life. I was burned. I left home. Now I'm back where I found you. My beautiful smart confident girlfriend." Sebastien said placing kisses all over her face.

"Then I will be right next to you. I want to show them how strong you are. I'm proud of you Tien." she said touching his curls.

"That means a lot to me, sweetheart."

Crossing the lobby of the hotel was like a runway show to Becca, the hotel staff gawked at the two as they walked towards the doors with their hands intertwined with each other. She caught the glare from Casey who rolled her eyes and turned away from them. The two weren't close but the brush-off was a bit hurtful. Feeling a light squeeze on her hand Becca turned to Sebastien, "I chose you. Remember that." he said for her ears only. Her eyes soften at the comment and raised her head higher as they went to the awaiting car. He didn't tell her where they were headed but the comfortable conversation they had was another eyeopener for them both. "Sir. The media is here." the driver commented, the annoyance was heard in his voice. To Becca, all the people who worked for Sebastien, namely the McRoys, were protective of the family.

"It's alright, Sammy. The guards have been sent ahead. I kind of anticipated this after the way the hostess fan-girled when I made the reservation." Sebastien said grudgingly. Becca spotted the flashing of light ahead of them along with the makeshift path with two familiar guards at the curb patiently waiting. "Are you ready for this?" he asked of her. Taking his hand in hers, she placed a soft kiss on his cheek then hand, "I'm not backing down." she said. His heart swelled with pride at her words, she took a deep breath and threw her shoulders back just as the car stopped outside the restaurant.

One of the guards opened the backdoor allowing Sebastien to step out with his head held high. Cameras were flashing, questions were been thrown at him all were about Veronica and his child. Their attention was turned immediately when he stretched forward his hand back to the car. He grinned like a fool when his girl placed one lightly tanned long leg out on the curb, they went wild. She oozed class and sex all at the same time by one showing off her body. Becca slowly came out, holding his hand keeping her eyes only on him. The questions started, they wanted to know who she was. Placing an arm around her waist, he waved amicably to the cameras, Becca doing the same. Spotting one media channel his family had years of a good partnership with, he stepped up to the reporter. "Hello, Mike. It's been a long time." Sebastien said shaking the hand of the middle-aged reporter who was smiling widely at him.

"Your grace. Welcome back home. Your folks are well I hope." he asked sincerely. "Father is threatening to come back but mother is holding him back." Sebastien joked.

"I don't know why he tries. Any comment for me?" Mike asked catching the soft look between the young couple. Personally, the man was happy for the young heir but he had a story to do and it's always the truth. He loved the McRoys, they were good people.

"I actually came out to have a nice dinner with my girlfriend but I guess other things are being asked, so here I go. The engagement between Miss Hurst and I was called off four years ago before I left home. I did not father a child with her, if I did that child will be currently spoiled rotten by my parents. Infidelity was the reason but not on my part. I am aware of the negativity towards my family's name but I haven't a reason to lie. If you need more in-depth Mike you have the okay to interview me." Sebastien said into the mic over the noisy background.

"Thank you for clearing it up for us Seb. Have a nice night with your beautiful lady. Expect a call soon." Mike said shaking his hand once more.

"You're welcome, Mike. Goodnight," he said leading Becca into the restaurant. He released a nervous breath when they reached the hostess desk. "How does it feel?" she asked running her fingers across his cheek. Looking into her trusting blue eyes, he knew he made the right decision in venturing out tonight.

"Great. Let's continue our date," he said leaning forward to capture her lips. A satisfied sigh escaped her as he slowly moved his soft lips against hers, tasting her fruity lip gloss making his thirst for her turn into hunger. Not wanting to cause a big scene he stopped the kiss with him pressing his lips to her temple. Someone cleared their throat behind him, he was about to answer but his Becca beat him to it. "Excuse us. Table for two under McRoy."

Turning around he saw why she answered for him, the young woman was eyeing him without any pretense from head to toe, Becca was staking her claim. "Yes, ma'am. Right, this way." The hostess said leading them through the dining room to a private dining room. After settling their meals with the present waiter, they sat in comfortable silence, it was Becca who broke the silence.

"I've found a new job." she blurted out.

"You're leaving the hotel?"

Sebastien was thinking of scenarios that caused her to leave, the whole concept of her leaving the hotel freaked him out. He didn't expect it to affect him that much. "Baby. It's alright. I'm doing what you told me to do. Follow the career that I love and that's business management. The new job is six blocks away from the hotel. It's a restaurant. I believe I can help them, they need someone to up their profits and help the day-to-day running. I'm really excited about this." she explained. He listened on as she spoke about what she learned and the meeting she had with Mr. Raymond even her move on asking to stay at the hotel.

"That's great, sweetheart," He was truly happy for her, overall he was happy she wasn't leaving the hotel. "It is. Thank you for pushing me. It's what I really wanted to do but took the concierge job wanting to please my mother."she said holding his hand.

"You're welcome. I'm glad you've found a job you will be happy with."

Throughout dinner Sebastien couldn't take his eyes off her, little things she did he memorized it and was thinking about a future with her. His feelings for her were getting stronger and it reminded him of a similar explanation he gotten from his father.

"Did you know that my parents got married after dating for a week?" he commented.

"Really? And still together and so in love?" Becca asked in disbelief.

"Love at first sight my dad said. They were both at a different period of their lives but they gave in to what their hearts had to say," he answered keeping his gaze focused on hers. Sebastien wanted to relay to her what he was feeling for her without mentioning the words. Becca's heart thundered in her chest seeing the look in his eyes, he wasn't just talking about his parents. He was on a different level. Are they on the same level? Does it work so fast? She had two boyfriends before and it never felt like this, so perfect, so right. It was said there was no time limit on love. The heart always gets what it wants.

Taking her hand in his, showing her his soul, he was like an open book to her. Her eyes began to glisten with tears, shaking her head in disbelief. "I know what it is and I've been feeling it with you since I first saw you." he started.

"Tien... "

"I love you, sweetheart."