*** This is a clean version of Chapter 25. For anyone who is over 18 years, you can find a book on my profile called 'The Forbidden Diaries' which contains the explicit version. If any problems occur where you cannot view the book then you may have to follow me. Reading the explicit version is done at your own choice as I have made sure to notify you beforehand. ***

Chapter Twenty Five - Promises

A few days later.

I sigh as I smooth down the material of the grayish blue dress I'm wearing. It's a maxi dress made of silk with thin spaghetti straps resting on my shoulders. There's a high slit on the skirt and the material drapes downwards over my bust. The neckline reveals some of my cleavage but not to the point where it looks trashy.

I pair it with simple nude heels and keep my makeup natural. My hair rests against my back in loose curls that I hadn't bothered to take too long styling. All I can focus on is seeing Hunter today. Cory told me that Hunter agreed to visit Cory today.

"Zoe, are you ready to go yet?" Theo asks from outside my bedroom after knocking twice.

"Yes!" I call out before hurriedly grabbing my bag and opening the door.

Theo and Noah have come up to New York and have been staying here since last night. Roman couldn't get away from work so he's back in Houston. Evan and Michelle are with Ryder and Ella who just had a baby girl yesterday. She's an adorable little thing and they have called her Mila.

The boys all look handsome in their button ups and trousers with Noah wearing a sweatshirt and jeans. I compliment them as we head out the door and make our way downstairs. Zeke is waiting for us like I had asked and we quickly get into the car. The closer we get to Cory and Jordan's place the more nervous I become until Noah squeezes my hand reassuringly. I smile at him before forcing myself to calm down.

Eventually we arrive outside a large two-story house. I barely take it in as I get out of the car and watch Zeke leave. Apparently we're some of the first ones to arrive and Cory and Jordan show us where we'll be hiding. When Cory gets a text from Hunter that he's five minutes away Jordan makes sure the boys are hidden in the guest room before guiding me to the study.

"I'll text you when Cory's leading him to you, okay?"

"Okay, thank you Jordan." I smile gratefully and hug her.

"Good luck!" She grins before closing the door.

I breathe in and out deeply because I feel like I'm about to have a heart attack with how fast my heart is racing. I take a seat on the couch and glance around to pass the time. It seems like hours have gone by when Jordan finally texts me that Cory and Hunter are on their way. I struggle to remain calm as I hear their voices outside before the door handle turns.

Hunter is pushed inside by Cory before the door slams shut and is locked. I watch his brilliant blue eyes, that I've missed so much, widen as they lock with mine. His hair is a bit longer but other than that he looks handsome as ever in a thin grey jumper, black jeans, combat boots and a navy coat.

"Zoe." He breathes and my eyes brim with tears over the sound of his voice.

"Remember when I called you an egotistical moron?" My voice wavers as I watch the corners of his lips quirk ever so slightly. "Well, you can add idiotic and brainless to that too."

"I love you too, Red." He smiles but it falters when a broken sob escapes me. "I would never leave you. I know it's hard to believe with what I did but I can explain. Your family threatened me and especially you."

"What?" I croak as my eyes widen in shock.

He sighs and runs a hand through his hair. Turning he knocks on the door before it unlocks and Roman steps in with a firm nod to his brother. Both look at me with a serious expression and I struggle to wrap my head around the news I've just been given.

"Your father started texting me a while ago with all this bullshit about how he wanted to rebuild his broken relationship with you. I didn't believe it because you told me how manipulative he can be. After Cory's wedding I finally had enough and refused to break up with you. He got mad and started threatening me which I didn't care about...until he mentioned you."

"What did he say?" My voice is just a whisper now as my world comes crashing down. I should have known my father would go to such extreme lengths.

"He was going to bribe a person in the college to tamper with your grades." His eyes are ablaze with anger as he clenches his fists. "He had everything ready to go if I didn't comply with his orders. He had eyes on you and was going to ruin your college work. Your upcoming projects were going to be cancelled because he had the press ready with damaging shit that would ensure you couldn't work in the industry ever again. It was all lies but it would have made a negative impact regardless of the truth."

More tears spring to my eyes and I cover my mouth. My body trembles in both anger and grief. My family has always been controlling ever since I didn't conform to their sky-high expectations of me. They never wanted me to succeed. But going so far as to ruin my life? What did I ever do to deserve this? Why can't they leave me be?

"Zoe..." He murmurs gently with a pained look in his eyes. He steps closer with his arms out but then stops and bites his lip. "Sorry I –"

"Oh, just hug me you idiot!" I cry and he pulls me into his comforting embrace with a sad smile. "You could've told me Hunter. We could've gone to the police or – we could have done something!"

"I agree. Hunter should have told me but he had a dumb moment." We look at Roman to see him rolling his eyes.

Hunter bites his lip and nods regretfully. "I met him the morning you went to speak with your family. I had been trying to get through to him so that he would stop this. But not even the idea of going to jail stopped him...because he was sure he wouldn't be caught. He knew I loved you too much to let that happen to you. So, he wired me –"

"You could have refused and left –"

"It was at gunpoint. He has so many men working for him Zoe, it's insane. They followed me back to the apartment. They were in the building in case you didn't leave because your dad's order for me was to let you go then make it seem like I was leaving you because I wanted you to be with your family – which I never did." He rubs his hands up and down my arm soothingly yet it does nothing to calm the storm raging inside. "After you left they came into the apartment, forced me to write a note and then got me on a plane for Europe. Everything was planned down to the tiniest details. I had meetings with clients in the UK and France but I could've done them over video call. My boss didn't have a problem with me leaving though."

"H-How are you here then? Did he let you go? What happened?" I ask and he gently pushes me down onto the couch.

"Calm down Red, I'm here. Everything's okay, don't cry." He whispers before kissing my tears away. "I've been in a similar situation before but not as insane as this was. My boss and I came up with a safe word in case I get into trouble again. When I was talking to him on the phone I used it in a way that the men guarding me wouldn't become suspicious. Roman is everyone's third emergency contact so my boss contacted him after he couldn't get through to my parents."

"B-But Theo told me that Roman was trying to track you and..." I trail off as I realize that Roman knew his brother was in danger whereas everyone else thought differently.

"I got my team and followed him. I didn't want to tell anyone in case they let it slip to you because that would create a bigger and more dangerous mess." Roman's brows furrow as he takes a seat on the armchair opposite us. "The men guarding Hunter were careless enough to let him use his card at the ATM. I tracked him from there and finally found him in France. My team took out the men and we rushed back home to put your father in jail."

I blink in slight shock before his words register. My father is going to go to jail. I smile sadly and nod yet for some reason tears race down my cheeks at the thought. He deserves this one hundred percent but I guess I've always been holding onto the hope that perhaps someday my family will love me...only for those hopes to finally come crashing down once and for all.

Hunter soothes me as he tucks me into his side whereas Roman stands and kneels before me. He wipes my tears away with a shake of his head and says, "I'm sorry Zoe but I can't allow that man to walk free after what he did to my brother."

"I understand –"

"And most importantly what he did to you." Roman states and his forest green eyes light up in anger. "Nobody in this damn world should be controlling another human being. Your family has been tormenting you for years over petty reasons and it's time they get what they deserve."

I break into soft cries as all those years of pain and feeling worthless hits me. Hunter's grip immediately tightens in a comforting embrace as Roman rubs my arm. I calm down and tell them to continue while dabbing at my ruined makeup with a tissue they hand me. Hunter glances at both his brother and me before speaking again.

"The day before I met him I had cameras and recording devices set up at home, just as a precautionary measure. They caught everything along with airport footage of me leaving the country with those men. Plus, Roman's a part of the FBI so he alerted the department of what he was going out of the country for. We landed this morning and I had to go straight to the station where your father had been brought to. There's going to be a case and he's going to lose." He takes my hand and squeezes it reassuringly as I sniffle. "I'm so sorry. You don't deserve this Zoe and I wish I could have done something to let you know. So much happened so fast."

"I understand. My father had it all planned out extremely well apparently...or so he thought." I scoff with a roll of my eyes. "But I am angry that we didn't communicate Hunter, which is something I won't let go of so easily. I should have told you what was going on instead of thinking I could fix things on my own. You should have done the same. We lack communication skills which is so important to have in a relationship otherwise things blow up like they did."

"I know. I really messed up." He murmurs and his ocean blues drown with guilt.

"If you had just told me you wouldn't be in the dog-house right now." Roman mutters almost inaudibly but we hear it. Hunter grabs the nearest cushion and chucks it at his head with a glare but misses when Roman stands quickly and goes back to the armchair.

"Wait but Cory said he was going to get you to come back through your boss."

"The FBI alerted my boss that I was on my way back when they took him in for questioning. When Cory told him what he was planning to do my boss told Cory that he'll talk to me instead and that I couldn't deny someone I work for." Hunter explains as his thumb rubs soothing circles across my hand. "I only found out when I landed that my boss had told Cory I would meet him today. Roman called Theo and found out that you were here too so after visiting the station I came straight here."

"This is a lot to process." I admit before meeting their gazes. "I'm so sorry you both had to go through that because of my father. I feel so embarrassed."

"Don't be. It was out of your control. We're all safe and that's what matters but this is an ongoing case so keep the details private." Roman's lips quirk upwards in a reassuring smile but it's gone within seconds. "Now, I'm going to head back out there while you guys make up. Remember this is someone else's house!"

"Roman!" Hunter all but growls at his older brother as Roman chuckles deeply before leaving the room.

The door clicks shut gently and we're left alone in silence. Hunter nervously plays with his fingers as I sit beside him holding a slightly damp tissue. His lips are a little pursed and his brows are furrowed. Eventually he becomes too restless and he stands with a soft sigh.

"I fucked up majorly. I don't expect forgiveness because you're right...we lack open communication. I should have told you but –"

"You thought you were doing the right thing by trying to talk some sense into my father." I state delicately as I stand and cup his cheek. "But you don't know them as well as I do. You've never seen their true colors to realize that once they want something they don't listen to voices of reason."

"I'm so fucking stupid. I should have...I didn't want to push you because you were so upset but I should've just asked you. This mess could have been avoided." He takes me into his arms and my eyelids flutter shut at the familiar feeling. "I'm so sorry Zoe. I'm so, so sorry."

"I'm sorry too...because I'm also at fault. I should have told you instead of waiting. I didn't want to because...you've done so much for me." My voice breaks and this time I don't stop the tears. "I never wanted you to worry about me anymore. I thought I could handle this on my own and then tell you but it was so stupid of me. I should have told you from the start."

"Zoe..." He sighs as he cups my face in both hands.

"I just...I'm so angry at us. I was so mad at myself and at you for leaving like that but you were threatened and it was too late to do anything." I sob quietly as he hugs me to him. "I need you in my life Hunter. I almost lost you...you're my family, my everything."

"Hush, darlin. It's okay." He murmurs as he makes me sit on the couch again. Even his eyes brim with tears which breaks my heart. "I promise I'm going to spend the rest of my life making it up to you. You've proven your love for me so many times and I don't deserve it. I don't deserve your forgiveness just yet."

"No, we're both –"

"No. You're my everything too Zoe. You own my mind, body and soul." He whispers before brushing his lips against mine. "I saw that you were upset. I love you so much yet I didn't ask you to share your problems with me. That's my mistake. A mistake I don't intend on making again because I'm supposed to be there for you whether you like it or not sometimes."

He smiles shakily before wiping my tears. He tilts my chin up before his lips come crashing down on mine and I whimper at how much I've missed the feeling. The kiss is soft and sweet, it doesn't last long but I can feel every emotion of his poured into it. He eventually pulls away and rests his forehead against mine as he crouches before me.

"I was such a damn fool for hurting us." He whispers as he caresses my cheek. "I missed you."

"I missed you more." I sigh as I kiss every inch of his face before pecking his lips.

"Competitive as ever." He smirks with a playful roll of his eyes.

I swat his chest before pulling him back for another kiss. This time it's fierce, full of passion, hunger and longing. His arms wrap around mine as I wind mine around his neck. My fingers tangle themselves into his hair and I tug softly, loving how husky his groan is at the action. He swipes his tongue across my bottom lip and I don't hesitate to let him in. Our tongues play with each other lazily before our lungs eventually scream in protest for air. We pull away panting and he caresses my cheek.

"I love you."

"I love you too." I whisper as he pulls me up. "Promise that we'll work on communicating to each other? Our every doubt, fear, insecurity and worry...promise that we'll work on sharing more?"

"I promise." He presses a firm yet lingering kiss to my forehead. "I promise I won't let anything come between us ever again."

"I promise the same."

Eventually, after having a few more minutes with him, I text Jordan to let her know everything has been sorted out. She appears with a makeup bag which makes me laugh at her correct assumption that I would ruin my makeup after meeting Hunter. Hunter kisses me again before leaving to go find his brothers and Cory.

"Everything went well?" Jordan asks with a bright smile as she helps me redo my makeup.

"Yeah we cleared things up. My father got in the way and created this mess but things are looking up now." I breath out in relief as I put some concealer on. "Thank you Jordan...for everything. I appreciate it so much."

"Well we're glad we could help!" She grins before linking arms with me. "Now let's enjoy the party! I'm craving food again!"

I chuckle as we make our way out of the study. Jordan shows me around her house and it truly is a beautiful home. There's enough room for both to work and start a family. She's done a great job of decorating it, it's quite modern but still has that cosy vibe. The garden is spacious too with a pool and fencing all around the perimeter.

We meet up with the boys and I can tell Hunter's received an earful just by their expressions. His eyes shine with relief when they meet mine and he pulls me to him. Theo immediately quietens before huffing at his younger brother with a look that says they'll be continuing their talk afterwards.

"Come on! Let's have dinner!" Jordan exclaims excitedly before pulling me to the table.

We all take our seats at the long dining table and while we're being served Cory and Jordan make the announcement. They had only told Michelle, Theo and I because of the plan so it was great to see everyone's reactions. Jordan and Cory's mothers are over the moon and so excited they can barely sit still which makes everyone laugh.

I feel Hunter intertwine our hands under the table and look up to see him already staring. He smiles tenderly before pecking my cheek as we start our dinner. I feel whole again now that he's back. But throughout the dinner Michelle and Evan are texting Hunter now that they've found out he's back and they're not going easy on him. I can tell they're going to come over as soon as they get back from Canada, he had everyone worried sick after all.

"Can't wait for you to get ripped to shreds." Theo leans across me with a devilish smirk to Hunter.

He rolls his eyes with a small smile. "Do you think they'll stay mad for long?"

"Nah, once they hear what really happened they'll be fawning all over you." Theo grins and I shake my head in amusement when they fist bump each other. "Can't say the same about Zoe though."

"Hmm, he has a lot of grovelling to do that's for sure." I joke but I catch Hunter's eyes flicker with guilt before it's gone. His playful mood returns and his eyes darken slightly with lust as he stares at me.

"I can't wait." He smirks cheekily and a disbelieved laugh escapes me while Theo swats the back of his head.

"Behave!" He whisper-shouts playfully and Hunter quickly leans across me to pinch his thigh.

Theo's just about to retaliate when I push the two of them back into their seats. "Both of you behave!"

They settle down with a huff as the desserts are served. We spend the evening playing some group games before it's finally time to leave. I manage to sneak a gift to Jordan who scolds me lightly but thankfully accepts it. Zeke is waiting for us outside by the time we leave the house and we all squeeze in before driving off.

Sadly, the boys must leave as soon as we get back to the apartment because of school and their jobs so Hunter goes with Zeke to drop them off at the airport. I clean up the mess we all made while getting ready and the takeout boxes from last night. Although I had cooked last night Theo and Noah sneakily decided to order pizza around eleven at night because they were hungry again.

Cleansing my skin from the makeup I had on, I strip and get into the shower. After the stress and tear-filled day, I want to relax my tired body. I spend longer than necessary in the shower and pamper my body before finally deciding to get out. Choosing to air dry my hair I apply some moisturizer before realizing I've forgotten to bring my pajamas with me.

Sighing, I wrap a towel tightly around my body before stepping out. Only to freeze at the sight of Hunter waiting on the bed. I guess I took longer than I thought. His gaze is intense as it roams over my body before meeting mine. I gulp harshly when he stands and steps closer to me. He backs me up against the wall and I can't seem to look away. His ocean blue eyes burn with heavy desire and it causes a delicious heat to warm my body.

"I believe I have a lot of making up to do." He murmurs lowly yet huskily.

"H-Hunter..." I forgot what I was going to say and instead a soft moan escapes my lips when he leans down and presses an open-mouthed kiss to the base of my neck.

My legs turn to jelly and I clutch onto him as he peppers kisses down to the swell of my breasts. He tugs at the towel and watches it drop to the floor. I shiver, not because of the cold but because he licks his lips at the sight of my naked body.

He picks me up and throws me on the bed. I squeak when he doesn't give me the chance to sit up and instead pins my hands above my head. He peppers kisses to every inch of my body with apologies and promises escaping his lips in soft murmurs. The guilt and sadness in his voice brings tears to my eyes and he wipes away the traitorous ones with a knowing smile.

"I need you Hunter." I whisper against his lips after he pecks me.

He doesn't waste time in slipping on a condom and entering me. A strangled sound escapes me, a cross between a gasp and a moan. He kisses me hungrily as his hips rock against mine and I wrap my arms around his neck to pull him closer.

"Fuck, I've missed you Red." He groans as I urge him to move faster.

"Me too." I pant as he picks up the pace. "Shit! Don't stop!"

"I don't plan to, baby." He chuckles breathlessly.

I lose myself completely in the throes of pleasure. His lips meet my heated skin every now and then. I feel the familiar knot form deep in my belly and I guess he's close too. His name escapes my lips and my fingers dig into his back but I don't think he minds the pain. Just as we reach our peak together his lips come crashing down on mine and swallows my scream of pure pleasure.

The intensity of our kiss dies down with our high. Leaving me feeling cold and empty he cleans up in the bathroom before doing the same to me with a wet towel. I sigh contently when he slips into bed beside me and tucks me into his side. His fingertips trailing over my arm lazily makes me sleepy but I still manage to hear him when he speaks.

"I love you so much Zoe. I'm sorry for everything." He murmurs regretfully which makes me press a kiss to his jaw.

"I love you too Hunt and it's okay. Everything's going to be okay finally." I whisper before feeling him turn on his side to face me.

His arms tighten around me before pulling me flush against his warm chest. I trace his muscles aimlessly as I close my eyes, unable to keep them open anymore. A soft smile graces my lips when I feel him press kisses to every inch of my face. This moment feels like heaven with him by my side and I could lay here forever.

"Being away from you was like hell itself." He sighs as I run my fingers through his hair.

"You had us all so worried. I didn't know what to do with myself after my calls wouldn't go through." I watch him take my hand before brushing his lips against my knuckles, yet another thing that I missed so much.

"I'm sorry –"

"Hunt..." I cut him off with a stern look. "I'm not scolding you, just explaining."

"I hurt us badly. Of course, I feel guilt." He sighs and I shake my head before pecking him softly.

"You were threatened Hunter and I've experienced it personally. I know how easy it is to make the wrong decisions when any of my family members are involved. We're both at fault but now we know better. Let's leave this behind us, yeah?" I ask and smile brightly when he nods. "Although we're still going to receive a scolding from your parents."

"Me, not you. They love you!" He scoffs playfully which makes me laugh. "Will you tell me what happened that day?"

"I went to my parent's house but not with the intention to fix things between us. I was going to ask them to stop contacting me because I didn't believe for a second that they suddenly cared about me." I bite my lip as I recall the memory of that damned day. "They went on and on about how they could introduce me to people, how some bachelor was interested in me and would be a better match. They even set up a date knowing that I was already in a relationship with you. All they cared about was themselves and what I could do for them."

"You've had to go through so much for no reason, it's not fair." He murmurs softly as he tucks a strand of hair behind my ear.

"It's fine, at least I've cut them out of my life once and for all. I uh...I may have also told my mom and sister to kiss that bachelor's ass and see where it gets them instead of trying to set me up with him." I grin cheekily when he bursts out laughing.

"That's my girl!" He chuckles as he caresses my cheek.

"They won't bother us again, I promise. It's just you and I from now on."

"I wouldn't want it any other way." He grins handsomely before his lips come crashing down on mine once more.

We spend the night making up for lost time and it's safe to say that he brings me to heaven and back multiple times. I end up falling asleep after memorizing every dip and curve of his body, content in knowing that he'll be here tomorrow and every day after that. 

If anything is confusing/doesn't make sense please let me know and I will fix it or explain. I may have missed something so I would really appreciate any feedback ❤️

Update schedule is: twice weekly whenever I find time!

Chapter 26 is already up on Inkitt! Click the link in my bio or announcement post to read my book faster!

1. Download the app

2. Follow my profile

3. Put my book in your reading list!

- R.W. ♡