💖 Don't forget to vote/comment! 💖

***Mark's POV***

Early morning rising, watch the sun shining. Her amber rays of glory, announcing her story. The clouds are her protectors, safely act as reflectors. She beams bright, after recovering from night. You can't see the tracks of her tears, rain showered away all her fears. The birds flying high, the sun brightens their sky. The moon said goodnight, letting the sun have the spotlight. Look as she shines so, oh what a beauty to behold. The sun, she says hello, what a beauty to behold.

I close the small book of poetry and set it beside my bed. My fingers find my hair and I plunder my mop while willing myself to start my day.

Standing up, I walk to my balcony and open the curtains to either side. I push the doors open and let the sun say her good morning bid.

I listen as the birds chirp, acting as though the worlds of the humans below aren't slowly unraveling. I take a seat at Gray's small table and place my elbows down before propping my chin on top of my folded hands.

I wonder what Sebastian is doing? Have I crossed his mind? Does he question where I am at and what I am doing at any point in my day?

I would do anything, literally anything to see those bright sky blue eyes. I would swim the English Channel to touch those long fingers and feel their warmth encasing my hands.

I know I'm not doing myself any justice with my train of thought. I can't help it. My heart wants what it wants.

I just wish I had the ability to fulfill my own desires.

I sit for a while and stare as the clouds protect the sun. She really is a sight to behold. Her stunning light cast shades of gold, orange, pink and even purple across the early morning skies.

"Hey, how are you holding up?" My head turns to the adorable guy as he takes the seat across from me.

"Much the same I suppose." I wave my hand out in front of me.

"Can't get him out of your head, Huh?" Mak asks sympathetically.

"I don't want to." I truthfully admit.

"I understand. I have never been in your shoes but, I can empathize with you. I'm sorry that life has been such a cunt to you Mark." I wasn't expecting a slur in that statement. I can't help the small chuckle that escapes.

"Me too Mak. Thanks." Mak places his hand over one of mine and pulls it towards him. His arms circle around me as he stands.

Needing the hug he offers, I stand up and bring the small guy to my chest. My arms wrap around his back and I place my cheek on top of his thick brown hair.

"You're a good guy, Mak." I whisper.

"So are you." Mak squeezes me tighter. It's so comforting. He's really a genuine friend.

"I came in to ask if you want to get breakfast with us? You can say no. We will understand." Mak offers.

"No. Breakfast sounds great. Give me a minute to get ready. I will be right out." I promise.

Mak unravels from our embrace and slowly makes his way from my room. I close the balcony doors as I head in to get ready for the day.

I quickly find an outfit to put on and sit down on my bed to slide on my socks and shoes.

In the bathroom, I stare at my current reflection. On the outside, I look tired but, fine. On the inside my body is warring with itself.

I just feel like I'm not doing enough to find him.

I comb my hair, brush my teeth and put on deodorant. Then I splash cool water over my face and try to seem less miserable than I feel.

Giving up, I dry my face and close my bedroom door as I walk into the living room.

Grey smiles slightly and I feel guilt claw at my back.

I know they suffer with me. I hate that.

"Good morning." I send Grey a genuine smile. They don't need this everyday. They don't deserve to worry with me, about me and over me.

"Mark, cut the shit." Grey walks over and grabs me. He swaddles me in his large arms. My chest hits his shoulder. I roll my eyes and batter my eyelashes, willing what's on the inside not to come leaking to the outside.

I walk my fingers up Grey's back and press them in to his broad, muscular shoulders. My head relaxes and I accept the comfort he gives.

"Sorry." I mumble into his shirt.

"You're human. We don't expect you to pretend to be okay. You're clearly not. That is acceptable." Grey pulls me back and rests his forearms on my shoulder. He cages me in and his large hand cradles my head.

"We are going to find Seb. You need him. I have a gut feeling he needs you. We aren't giving up. You shouldn't either." Grey speaks softly. His words are full of promises that I desperately want to cling to.

I close my eyes and nod my head. I feel his forehead connect with mine and I sigh at the contact. Being loved, in any form, is so fucking amazing.

These people that surround me support me so God damned much. I don't take it for granted. I never will.

"We're going to breakfast. Dad said he wants to talk to us. You in particular." Grey supplies.

"Let's get going. I'm not one to piss that man off. We all know he hates waiting." I chuckle because Daddy Parker is a fucking beast. I am not poking that bear.

"True story. Come on." Mak grabs the keys to his Bentley SUV and I follow behind him as he leads Grey and I out of the penthouse. We step on the elevator and Mak wraps his hand around my waist.

"Love you." Mak whispers. He leans his head down on my bicep and closes his eyes.

I look down at him and I can't help but smile.

I'm fucking lucky to have these guys by my side.

We step off of the elevator and I climb in the back. Grey takes the passenger seat and Mak gets behind the wheel.

"Where are Kip and Mario?" I ask.

"They are taking Kip's truck. Although that thing should have its own postal code." Grey looks at me thru his visor mirror and I nod in complete agreement. That truck could give a tank a run for its money.

We pull up outside of a small bistro that sits on the Manhattan strip. We get out and head towards the front door.

Walking in, we spot Daddy Parker sitting with Amelia. Amelia catches our party and stands up to greet us. Her beautiful smile lights the whole fucking restaurant.

"Baby." Amelia kisses Grey's cheek and squeezes his shoulders.

Next she grabs Mak and pulls him into a sweet embrace. She grabs his cheeks and kisses him on his forehead and nose.

Amelia gives me a knowing smile and pulls me in for a hug that makes me warm and cozy.

"How you holding up, sweetie? Do you need anything? I could get you a puppy." Mama Amelia places a longer kiss on my cheek. I feel like a child, eating up her loving shower of adoration.

"That won't be necessary, yet. But, I will let you know." I wink and give her tiny waist a small squeeze.

"We love you Mark. You're our son, just the same as Grey and Mak." Amelia grabs my hand and pulls me to the seat on her opposite side.

Daddy Parker smiles at me. His eyes crinkle. He's so damn sexy. Mak is going to have a hot old man one day. Greyson look just like a younger Martin.

The waitress comes over and takes our drink order. Grey tacks on the drinks for Kip and Mario who haven't made it in yet.

"Where are those two at?" I ask suspiciously.

"Almost here. Mario said they ran by the office. One of the cameras was cutting in and out." Mr. Martin explains.

"I'm willing to bet ten bucks, they are screwing in our camera room." I smirk knowingly.

"That's a sure bet on your side." Grey chuckles. He isn't stupid.

I'm not upset about the fact. I'm just envious.

"What is for breakfast?" Mario comes bustling into the bistro and plops down beside Mak, loudly.

The guy is hulking. I doubt he can do anything without alerting attention his way.

"Food." I scoff.

"Oh precious. You're in a great mood." Mario throws his balled up straw wrapper, hitting me in between the eyes.

"Children, behave before you get a spanking." Amelia sends us a sweet smile as she tries to get us to act our age.

"Who is dishing out the spanking?" I wiggle my brows at Amelia. She giggles and reaches over to slap my shoulder.

"Watch yourself Mark. That's my wife." Martin chuckles while playfully warning me. I take no heed. We all flirt with the both of them. This isn't unusual.

"You can spank me, Martin." I wink at Daddy Parker. He crinkles his eyes over at me.

"Dear God. I have no normal children." Martin shakes his head and waves the waitress our way.

"Normal is overrated." Mak high fives me and Daddy Parker gives him an I got my eyes on you gesture.

"I like your eyes on me." Mak giggles manically when Martin throws a paper napkin at his face.

"We're ready to order. Excuse us if we're loud. We are hosting our children. They are special." Martin smirks as he degrades us jokingly.

"I don't mind. This is an extremely beautiful family. Attractive too." The waitress smiles sweetly.

"Thanks." Martin begins ordering all the food we already decided upon. The waitress walks away after staring for a few more minutes.

"Poor girl." Mak pipes up.

"Why?" I ask innocently.

"She has a rude awakening if she hopes for attention from this group." Amelia giggles as she finishes Mak's thought.

Mak nods his head and picks up his coffee before smiling as he takes a sip.

"So, I needed to talk to everyone." Martin looks around the table, making sure he has all of our attention.

None of us are stupid enough to ignore Martin Fucking Parker.

Satisfied with our undivided attention, Martin starts his explanation.

"Next week, we have a very important business meeting overseas. All of us are required to go. Amelia will run Parker, Inc. from the house while we are out of the country. Any objections?" Martin glances around the table.

"What kind of meeting?" I ask curiously.

"The kind that will change our lives. I'm not permitted to expose the details until we have met with the other person involved." Martin clarifies.

"Got ya." I agree. No way I am pushing the man when he clearly doesn't wanting us asking questions.

"How long will you be gone?" Amelia asks the question I was thinking.

"As long as it takes, love. I will call you every morning and night. If you need to join us, I will send for you." Martin kisses Amelia sweetly.

"I know, babe. I'm not worried." Amelia softly caresses Martin's cheek.

The waitress comes over and starts settling our plates in front of us. My steak and eggs look delicious.

"Pack for two weeks to be on the safe side. Make sure everything is in order before we go." Martin makes little demands and we eat the mouth watering breakfast.

"Mak, you know what we discussed?" Martin asks his son in law to be.

"Yes, Sir. I have it handled." Mak confirms whatever they discussed.

"I had no doubt." Martin winks at Mak, effectively making Mak beam.

"I love that you two are so close, but being left out sucks." Grey whines.

"Too bad. Not everything is your business." Martin laughs when Grey sends him an evil glare.

"Pipe down, boy. Mak has to fill you in anyways. Just give him time." Martin smirks when Grey makes an irritated face. He is so cute when he pretends to be offended.

We eat our breakfast and say goodbye to Amelia.

Then we head to the office to work.

Yeah, sometimes we actually work.