Nathaniel's birthday was two days away.

He hadn't told me. I found out through Claire, who mentioned it in passing the night before when we had coffee together at her place.

It had been almost a week since the news of Granger dropping out of the mayor race. His scandals were the talk of the country, which meant I had to bear seeing his ugly mug everywhere I turned.

The fact that Nathaniel had everything to do with it still boggled me. Maybe it was the sign that I needed to make my decision. Telling Nathaniel the full truth. Maybe he really would be able to help. Maybe he was powerful enough to do so.

Those thoughts kept me awake at night. But I was still hesitating.

I was changing my clothes in the locker room of the café, a frown etched on my face. What in the world should I get Nathaniel for his birthday? I shrugged on my coat and huffed.

"What are you thinking about?" Molly asked, leaning against the locker next to mine. I studied her for a moment, she might have an idea.

"My friend's birthday is a couple of days away and I don't know what to get him."

Her eyes lit up with mischief. "Him, huh?"

I rolled my eyes, closing my locker. "Yes. Him. Now, do you have any idea?"

She bit her bottom lip. "Hmm. I guess it depends. Do you know if he needs something? Or if he wanted something and hasn't had the chance to get it yet?"

I frowned. "He has everything," I grumbled.

"Those are the worst people to shop for," she said. "But, in that case I think a meaningful gift is better than an expensive one."

"Meaningful..." I sighed. "Can't you just give me a list of possible things I could get him."

Molly laughed, opening her locker and sticking her head inside. Her voice came out muffled. "It's not meaningful if I give you the idea."

Right. I left the café and went shopping in a nearby mall. I had one hour before I had to pick up Mark from school. I made the round of the shopping center twice. Nothing caught my eyes. By the end of the hour, I was desperate. What do you give a man who has it all?

I abandoned the search and worked my way out of the mall to pick up Mark. I would have to come back tomorrow. Or maybe I could find some ideas on the internet.

On my way out, I walked by a store that sold fabric, sewing and embroidery tools and material. The colorful display through the shop window made a smile appear on my face. I used to mend our dresses back in the House, add embellishment and embroidery for the girls who wanted them. It was one of the few tasks I'd enjoyed back then.

I was almost at the doors when an idea struck. It doesn't have to be expensive. Hmm.

I retracted my steps to the shop and began my quest. It would be a small gift, but the idea felt right.

I picked up Mark. He kept glancing at the shopping bag all the way to the apartment. His curiosity lasted until we were in the elevator. "What's in the bag?"

I smiled. "A gift for Nathaniel, his birthday is in two days. But don't tell him, it's a surprise."

"Okay," he mumbled.

Once we were home, I tucked the bag in a corner of my closet. Humming under my breath, I rolled up my sleeves and started on dinner. Mark was already sitting at the dining table, his homework spread in front of him.

I had left some steak to thaw before leaving for work. So I prepared a special marinade that Claire had taught me, tossed the steak in it, and let it sit. I'd cook it once Nathaniel got home. A warm meal is always better.

I got the vegetables out and rinsed them, glancing at Mark. He was focused on the book in front of him, wearing an adorable frown with puckered lips. I wanted to go there and pinch his cheeks, but he'd probably think I went crazy.

The doorbell rang.

Nathaniel must have left work early. Making my way to the front door with a smile, I wiped my hands in a kitchen towel and opened the door.

My smile disappeared.

A familiar blond man with scrutinizing blue eyes stood there, his arm braced on the door frame. His gaze trailed down my body, and a smile grew on his face.

Blake, Nathaniel's brother.

"So it's true, then," he mumbled.

"Excuse me?" I said, my grip on the doorknob tightening. I cursed my recklessness. Why didn't I check who it was before opening. Stupid, stupid Daphne.

"Nah, nothing." He straightened, looking over my shoulder inside. "So, we meet again. Remember me?"

"I do." I said, still frozen in place. He grinned.

"And I definitely remember you." His eyes flickered down my body again. I resisted the urge to slam the door on his face. He was Nathaniel's brother. "Nathaniel here?"

"No," I replied quickly. Maybe he would leave once he knew Nathaniel wasn't home.

No such luck.

"Can I wait inside then?" he asked with a wink. "I need to talk to him. Family business."

I got the hint alright. Family. Who was I to deny him entry to his brother's home?

In spite of my hesitation, Blake pushed past me inside. I closed the door and followed him, my hand instinctively going to the back of my pants. But there was no knife there. I lost the habit of having the knife on me while I was home.

Careless. I had grown careless and lazy.

I was angry at myself for letting my guard down. And I was angry at Blake for choosing to visit when Nathaniel wasn't here and for how dirty his gaze made me feel. I wanted to gauge his eyes out.

Mark looked up when Blake and I were within sight. He frowned a little bit, sitting up straighter. I could see his body tense at the foreign man in our home.

Blake looked between Mark and me with raised brows. I could almost hear the wheels of his mind turning.

He smirked, pointing at Mark. "Don't tell me I have a secret nephew."

I clenched my fist to keep from breaking his nose. "No, that's my brother," I replied calmly and turned to Mark. "Go finish your homework in the library."

Mark recognized my tone. He nodded, immediately gathering his scattered books.

"Why? He can stay here, we can get to know each other," Blake said, looking around the apartment.

Mark threw me an uneasy glance. He wanted to say something, but I shook my head and nodded to the direction of our rooms. I didn't want him here in case I decided to castrate Blake.

Maybe I was overreacting. But my gut instinct and experience with scum-like men told me otherwise. I doubted Blake's visit was accidental.

I resumed my spot behind the island. Setting the cutting board, I picked up the knife and began cutting the vegetables. Holding the knife gave me a little sense of security.

"You're living here," he said, strolling along to stand across the island from me. It wasn't a question, so I didn't answer.

He breathed out a sharp laugh. "No wonder I no longer see my brother out and about. He's having fun in the comfort of his own home!"

My hand paused its motions. My eyes cut up to him.

"Oooh." He smiled, slowly moving around the island. "The fire in those eyes, damn..."

If he kept speaking, Nathaniel would come home to his brother missing some part of his body. Preferably his tongue, but I could settle for a finger.

I didn't acknowledge his comment. "I'll call Nathaniel to let him know you're here."

Still holding the knife, I reached with my other hand for my phone. It was on the island. I picked it up. Blake's hand covered mine, his smile predatory.

"No need," he said, coming closer. "You can keep me company."

I clung to the phone and tried to pull my hand away. He tightened his grip and stepped even closer, standing tall over me.

"Let go," I said through gritted teeth.

He was tall but lean. Nothing like Nathaniel or Chris. He also didn't seem like the type who knew how to fight.

"Oh, come on," he said, leaning down until his face was inches from mine. He lowered his voice. "You even sent your little brother into his room, that has to mean something."

The grip on my knife was the only thing grounding me. Blake's features blurred. The smell of alcohol and drugs and sex was fresh in my nose. I was back in the House again. My body locked.

But when his breath fanned on my neck, the memory of the smell disappeared and I jerked to the present.

No. He was not going to touch me.

All my clandestine self-defense classes with Ester and Starlight, and later with Luke, took over my body. I waited. Just as his lips made a feathery contact with my skin, I moved. Letting go of the phone, I twisted my hand, took hold of his wrist and bent it into an unnatural angle. He cried out, pulling away from me and lowering his body in order to ease the painful grip I had on his wrist.

I pushed him the rest of the way down to his knees. Going around him, I released his wrist and grabbed his hair, jerking his head up. The tip of my knife poked his neck.

"Don't fucking touch me," I said, my chest heaving and my heart beating in my ears.

I didn't want to hurt him. Okay, that was a lie. Maybe I did want to. Just a little bit, but I couldn't. This was the real world. He was Nathaniel's brother. I just had to warn him to steer clear of me, and teach him a lesson not to touch others without their permission.

I dropped his hair and retreated the knife to my side. Blake fell on the floor with a grunt of pain, clutching his wrist to his chest. It wasn't broken, but the same couldn't be said for his ego.

The front door opened and Nathaniel came to view in a second. He froze, his wide eyes taking us in.

What a scene that was. His brother writhing on the kitchen floor and me standing over him with a knife in my hand and a murderous expression.

Nathaniel sobered from his shock rather quickly. With a dangerous calm, he took off his coat and flung it on the island. A storm brewed under the surface of his cool expression. Blake sat up, cradling his wrist.

Nathaniel walked over to me, almost stepping over his brother.

"You bitch!" Blake grunted. His face was red, in anger, embarrassment or pain, I didn't know and I didn't particularly care. "Nathaniel, she-"

"Shut up Blake," Nathaniel spoke, shooting his brother a seething glare. He reached out to take the knife from me. I took a startled step back, my body still on edge.

"It's okay," Nathaniel said, holding his hand out, his eyes on mine. "I'll take care of it."

I raised my hand. It was shaking. I was shaking. And gave him the knife. My fingers hurt from how tight I'd been gripping it.

"Why don't you go in," he said softly.

I nodded once and, without looking at his brother, moved around the island and rushed to Mark's room.

I stumbled inside without knocking. Mark stood by his bed, his fingers flicking and his books thrown on the mattress. As soon as he saw me, he froze. I wrapped him in a tight hug. My heart beat against my ribcage, so loud and hard it almost hurt.

After I calmed down a little, I pulled away and sat on the bed.

"Did the bad man leave?" Mark asked, sitting beside me.

"He's not- he's going to leave," I said, wrapping my arm around his shoulders. "Nathaniel is here."

He breathed out, his body slackened with relief. "Oh. Good."

After a beat of silence, I asked, "Why did you say he's a bad man?"

I really hoped he hadn't snuck out and witnessed what happened in the kitchen.

Mark raised his blue eyes to mine. They didn't look like the eyes of a child. He'd witnessed too much. My heart hurt for him.

"You looked at him like you used to look at the bad men back in," he lowered his voice and glanced at the door, "back in the House."

I sighed. "I did?"

"Yes." He said, looking down. "But Nathaniel is here. He's not the same."

Before I could comment, there was a knock on the door. I pulled Mark closer. "Come in."

Nathaniel poked his head inside with a smile. "Hey, I'm going to start cooking the steaks. Anyone hungry?"

"Is he gone?" Mark asked.

Nathaniel looked surprised for a second, then he nodded. "Yes. It's just us."

Mark picked up his books, stood up and walked to the door. Nathaniel stepped aside to let him out. I lost all my appetite.

Nathaniel stood at the door. "You okay?"

"Yeah. I'm sorry. He-"

"Daphne, don't." He frowned. "Don't apologize. I know how he can be. H@e probably deserved it."

"You don't even know what happened."

"No. But I know you. And I know him." He fell quiet, then a smile lit up his face. "My only regret was not getting here early to watch you snap his wrist."

"Is it broken?" I asked.

"Unfortunately, no," Nathaniel said, straightening up. "Probably would've done him some good. Come on, I'm starving."

"I don't really feel hungry." I crinkled my nose. The thought of eating made me feel nauseous.

Nathaniel smiled, looking at me for a long moment. I shifted on the bed. "What?"

He shook his head, still smiling. "Nothing. I'm just glad to see you're back."

At my puzzled look, he explained. "In the kitchen, earlier. You kind of looked like you did when you first got here."

Mark did say something like that. "Huh."

"Are you okay?" he asked, drawing closer to me. "Did he hurt you?"

I shrugged and stood up. "He didn't get the chance to. Don't worry about it."

"Of course I'll worry," Nathaniel grumbled.

He stopped inches from me, I had to crane my neck to look up at him. Until he sighed heavily, bent his head down and put his forehead on my shoulder. My body tensed. But as his warmth and familiar scent invaded my senses, I relaxed.

Tentatively, I raised my hand and put it on his head. His hair felt as silky as I had expected, and I couldn't resist the urge to thread my fingers through it.

"I'm fine," I said softly.

"Hmm," he replied, unconvinced. He lifted his head, taking my hand from his hair and placing a soft peck on my knuckles. "Come on. Let's go see if I can cook those steaks without burning them this time."

He didn't burn them. They were cooked to perfection. Probably because I had made him flip them despite his argument they weren't done yet. Surprisingly, the atmosphere during dinner was light, whetting my appetite again.

After Mark went to bed, I retired earlier than usual. Nathaniel shot me a questioning look that I ignored.

Nathaniel's gift kept me busy. Being focused on a task felt amazing. I'd forgotten how much I enjoyed embroidering. I worked until my eyes blurred and my fingers felt numb.

My sleep was haunted by memories of the past. Memories of the first time I recalled being used like a toy in the most vile of ways.

I had been a child, barely over seven years old. Memories I had buried and locked deep within. Memories of a time when my body still hadn't grown numb, when I still hadn't learned how to block everything. My life before the age of seven was a black hole in my memory. Probably for a good reason.

I woke up at dawn, drenched in sweat, my cheeks wet with bitter tears, gasping heavily and shaking like a leaf. Thank God Mark slept in another room now.

I rolled out of bed and jumped under the shower. Forcing those memories and emotions back inside their box, I closed the lid tightly on them, before beginning another day.

Breakfast, dropping Mark in school, work, picking up Mark, cooking dinner, working on the gift. Then another night haunted with memories that I locked away come morning again.

Luckily, my plan to surprise Nathaniel made it easy. After I got back from work, I made his favorite dessert; coffee chocolate cake, decorated it then put it in the fridge. I arranged containers and bottles around to hide it. Since the cake took time, I fixed a quick dinner.

Mark came from the library where he'd been reading. He sniffed. "I smell chocolate."

My eyes widened. "You do? crap."

"What?"

I bit the inside of my cheek. If Nathaniel smelled the cake he might get suspicious. "I made a cake for Nathaniel's birthday."

I turned on the range hood, but I knew it wouldn't get rid of the smell in time for him to come.

"His birthday is today?" Mark asked.

"No, it's tomorrow. I'm planning on surprising him at midnight," I said, moving to the french doors of the balcony. "Mark, put on your coat for a while. I need to air the smell out."

"Okay," he called, rushing to the entryway closet. A cold gust of wind blew into the apartment. I shivered and got my own coat, then checked on dinner.

The front door clicked open.

My eyes widened. I quickly closed the french doors. Why did he have to be home early today of all days?! I took off my coat and chucked it on the couch, gesturing wildly for Mark to do the same, my heart racing.

"It's freezing in here," Nathaniel called a second before he appeared. He looked at Mark and me with an arched brow. We were both standing in the living room with matching wide blue eyes.

"Hey," I said with a huff, still winded from my little sprint to close the french doors. "You're early."

"Yeah," he said. He narrowed his eyes for a second, moving slowly in. "I finished early today."

"Right," I cleared my throat and waved my hand around. "Why don't you change your clothes, and then we can have dinner?"

"Right." His eyes flickered between Mark and me, his lips twitching. Then he went to his room.

As soon as we heard his door click shut, Mark giggled then covered his mouth. I ruffled his hair then pushed him to the kitchen table.

"Can you save some of the cake for me?" He asked.

"Of course I will."

"Okay. But I think he knows," he whispered, glancing over his shoulders.

"Hopefully not," I grumbled. I didn't spend two days sneaking around for nothing.

Nathaniel didn't make any sign that he knew during dinner. Mark went to sleep, and Nathaniel and I sat on the living room couch with cups of hot tea.

"How is Mark doing in school?" Nathaniel asked.

"Good. I think he actually made a friend." I grinned, genuinely excited for the bit of news Dr. Shields had shared with me.

"Really? That's good," Nathaniel said with a smile.

"Apparently, the boy is some math prodigy. They get along well. Or so Dr. Shields says. When I asked Mark about it, he just shrugged and said the boy was alright."

Nathaniel chuckled. "That's Mark for you."

I glanced at the clock on the wall. Minutes moved by agonizingly slow. I shifted in my seat, waiting for midnight to strike. It was still ten minutes away, but I swear it was the longest ten minutes in my life.

Nathaniel yawned, put the mug on the table and stretched his arms. "Well, I think I'll head to bed."

"What?" I flickered my eyes to the lazy clock. "Already?"

Nathaniel's eyes crinkled at the corner as he sought my gaze. I couldn't keep myself from looking away in fear of giving myself away.

Chuckling, Nathaniel shook his head.

"What?" I asked.

"Nothing. You're just adorable."

Heat crawled up my neck. I flung a pillow at him, my face flushed. He caught it with a hearty laugh and set it aside. He stood up.

"It's just ten minutes anyway," he said. "It doesn't make a difference, let's eat that cake. I can't hold it in anymore."

My mouth fell open. He grinned deviously. "Jerk, you're insufferable! How did you know?"

"It was hard not to, love," he said, already walking to the fridge, "with the way you've been sneaking around and the smell of the cake, I kind of figured it out. I knew Claire wouldn't keep her mouth shut."

I grumbled under my breath, hurrying past him to the kitchen. He just had to be too perceptive.

"So much for a surprise. Let's eat the stupid cake."

Nathaniel chuckled, getting plates and forks while I set the cake on the island. I pursed my lips, disappointed that I didn't get to surprise him. I took out the candles I'd hid in the cupboard. Nathaniel stood next to me while I stuck the candles in the cake.

"Come on," Nathaniel drawled out. "Surprise or not, I like it all the same."

I scowled at him. His eyes softened as he chucked my chin. "Mhm?"

I huffed, a smile winning over. He was right. Surprise or not, it didn't matter. "Well, happy birthday!"

Nathaniel blew out the candles, and we ate two big pieces of cake, leaning against the kitchen counter. Nathaniel stuffed his face, his eyes lighting up.

"By the way, how did you know my age?" Nathaniel asked, before putting another big bite of the cake in his mouth. He really loved it.

"Claire."

He scoffed, rolling his eyes. "Of course."

"Why?" I asked with a smile, licking my fork clean. "Would you have taken down a couple of years if I asked you?"

He scowled. "I'm not that old."

"Twenty eight is old enough."

He grew silent for a long minute. I arched my brow at him, amused. He was looking at me with an unidentifiable glint.

"You think twenty eight is old?" he finally asked, looking genuinely bothered.

I laughed so hard, the cake almost came out of my nose. "Just teasing you Nathaniel! You're still young. Geez, I thought only old women were sensitive about their age."

Sulking, he shoved another piece of cake in his mouth, sending a mock glare my way. I chuckled, then remembered my gift. Holding up a finger to Nathaniel, I put my plate on the island. "Wait a second."

I rushed to my closet where I'd hidden the gift. I had it wrapped and ready earlier today. It looked so meager and silly in my hands now. I shook my head. No sense in dwelling on it now.

Back in the kitchen, Nathaniel had finished his cake and was stealing bites from my plate. He stopped when he saw the wrapped rectangular shape in my hand. I handed it to him, then stepped back and linked my hands behind my back. My nerves ate at me as he unwrapped the little box.

"It's not fancy or anything, but I thought something handmade would be more meaningful."

He put the black thin box on the island. Taking off the lid, he revealed two handkerchiefs, folded side by side, in gray and navy blue, and two ties in matching colors. On each of them, his initials were embroidered in elegant curvy letters. N.J.M.

Nathaniel Jackson Maxwell.

He gingerly took one of the pocket squares, his thumb brushing over the writing I had stitched thread by thread over the last couple of nights. He was quiet.

Maybe this was a bad idea? Before the thought took root in my head, Nathaniel grinned, and my embarrassment dwindled.

"They're beautiful," he said, taking the other handkerchief. I exhaled deeply.

"Thank you," I murmured.

"You did them yourself?" He held up the fabric to the light. "I didn't know you liked embroidery."

"I do." I hesitated. "I used to mend our clothes back... there. The girls would come for me if they wanted something stitched up or they wanted to alter their clothes. I enjoyed it."

"Mhm, maybe you can do it for a living," he said. "You could take classes in fashion design or something similar, see if you find yourself in it."

I ran my finger on the handkerchiefs. I hadn't thought about it that way. Maybe because I was too busy thinking about Mark's life?

"I guess, once I have more funds. I don't know if it'll work."

He looked like he was about to say something, but he shook his head. "You could try. If it doesn't work, then try something else. You're still young. You have your whole life ahead of you."

He smiled, looking at the box of handkerchiefs like it was the most expensive of gifts. I was glad I had stayed late two nights in a row, and ready to do it again if it meant I could see him smile like that.

It was very worth it.

**** ********** ****

"I'm tired of this weather," Claire sighed, glaring at the gray sky above us. "It's almost March for goodness sake!"

I chuckled, wrapping my arm around Mark's shoulders. It was a Saturday, so Mark came with me to the café. We met Claire there, and she was leaving just as my shift ended.

We stopped by Claire's car and she turned to look at me. "Are you sure you don't want a ride?"

"The apartment is just a short walk away, Claire. We'll be fine." I waved her off.

She was going to pick up her kids from her mother in law's, on the other side of the city. There was no need for her to drive us home when it was just a few blocks away.

"Okay, I'm going to drop by after getting the kids," she said. "I should talk to Nathaniel. I was at my father's the other day, and Blake came home with a black eye. He almost lost it when I mentioned Nathaniel. I think the two fought."

I froze. "Oh."

"Yeah," she shook her head. "Boys. I'll see you two later."

Mark and I stood at the sidewalk as she drove away. A black eye, huh?

"Let's go, Mark." I adjusted the strap of my bag. "What do you want for dinner?"

Mark shrugged. "I don't know, I still feel full from the cake Claire got me."

I ruffled his curly head. "Alright, then. I'll think of something."

"Is Nathaniel home yet?"

"I don't think so. He'll probably be there late in the evening." Nathaniel had some business outside of the city today. He had left early in the morning.

The streets were buzzing with activity even when the heavy dark clouds threatened to pour down at any moment. I was lost in my thoughts, instinctively dodging people on the sidewalk with my arm around Mark's shoulders. Did Nathaniel really punch Blake? I would ask him. I didn't feel bad that Blake was punched, to be honest, but I didn't want to be the reason for a rift between the two brothers. Although Blake had brought it upon himself.

We were walking by an alley, when I felt a harsh tug on my arm.

My back hit the wall with enough force to take my breath away. The back of my head knocked against the wall. Dizzy and breathless, I opened my eyes, and my heart dropped to my knees.

"Found you."

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See you tomorrow!

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Just kidding! The next chapter is coming in fifteen minutes!  :p