Almost 11 Years Later

~ Madison's POV ~

I looked up from the book I was reading when I heard footsteps coming into the master bedroom. Shifting my eyes away from the page, I took in Kenzie's puffy eyes and red nose as she came over to where I was sitting up in my bed.

"Mama." She let out a small whimper as I pulled back the covers and she got into my bed. Putting the book to the side, I pulled her in for a hug as I stroked her hair for a few minutes while we lay there until she eventually looked at me through her damp lashes.

"What happened Kenzie? Why are you crying?"

The children were supposed to be getting ready for school when she came into my room that morning..

"Donny...I broke up with him." Her lower lip wobbled again as she began to cry while I pulled her in for another hug. "Why baby? I thought you like him?"

"I did but he...he kissed Lexi King. People said they saw him go upstairs with her at that party on Friday night after they kissed downstairs."

I may have been 36 years old but I still knew exactly what it meant to be seen going upstairs with someone at one of those highschool parties.

I had my own experience of that when I got drunk off my ass.

Before I could start trying to give her a motherly pep talk, the door opened again and Cameron came in wearing his football jersey obviously searching for his twin. When he saw her lying with me, he frowned as he came over to the bed.

"Kenzie why are you crying? What happened?"

I knew it was a bad idea for him to find out, but unfortunately I couldn't try and hide it from him forever, or even just for the rest of his time in high school - that might have worked too.

"Donny kissed Lexi King. I think they did much more than that though." She turned to look at Cameron with cautious eyes, knowing he would probably flip at the information she just told him.

Someone hurt his little sister which would anger him but the fact Donny was the reason for her tears didn't make it any better. Cameron had been so against her getting a boyfriend when it all first started. To him it didn't even matter that she was almost 16 years old.

"He did?" She nodded her head, watching the way he clenched his jaw and his fists much like Santiago would do if he was angry.

"When?"

"The party on Friday night, it happened after we came home." Both Kenzie and I watched Cameron as he shook his head before eventually turning around, storming out of the room.

"Cameron!"

Kenzie was quick to jump out of the bed with me following closely behind her as we went downstairs.

"Cameron stop!" He completely ignored me as he ran down the stairs and to the front door where he stopped to put his shoes on.

Just as he was about to open the front door, it opened anyway revealing Santiago. I let out a small breath of relief when I saw their father blocking the exit of the house.

"What's going on?"

"Move."

When Cameron ignored Santi's question, my husband closed the front door behind himself, placing a hand on Cameron's shoulder to stop him from trying to reach the door.

Eventually, Cameron let out a frustrated sigh and stepped backwards to put some space between himself and his father.

"That son of a bitch hurt Kenzie."

"Cameron!" Both Santiago and Cameron ignored my shout and instead Santi turned his attention to Kenzie who still had puffy eyes and a red nose.

"What did he do?" His tone had also dropped dangerously low as he took in the sight of his daughter crying.

Santiago and Kenzie had a special kind of relationship. I couldn't exactly explain it, but all I could say is that with the love he had for her, there is nothing he wouldn't do for her.

"Nothing dad. Cameron please just leave it." Her plea fell on deaf ears when Cameron tried to go for the door again, but once again was stopped by his father.

"Answer me."

"He kissed someone else, he probably screwed her too, so if you'll excuse me I still have time to pummel him before school starts."

"Cameron! Stop it." This time when I shouted, he turned to look at me, sending me a glare.

The fact Santiago wasn't even trying to tell him off for his language was really getting to me.

"You know it's true mama. He deserves it." I nodded my head as grabbed his hand, pulling him closer to me.

"Maybe it is true and maybe he deserves it but I'm not letting you beat some kid up who is a year older than you."

"I train with dad everyday, I could take him easily." When he said this I glanced over at Santi who was smirking at me. "It's true, he could."

I narrowed my eyes at the way he was encouraging Cameron, before shaking my head.

"This is your fault. You're teaching our son to use violence to control his anger instead of being calm and reasonable."

"He wanted to learn to fight, its better he trains with me than with other idiots at a gym."

I shook my head again at his response before I turned my attention to my 15 year old son.

"Number one, you don't use language like that in this house. Number two, you aren't going to be fighting anyone. I agreed to let your father teach you to fight for self defence purposes only, nothing else."

"But mama-"

"No buts. Go and give your sister a hug and then finish getting ready."

Once again he let out a sigh, but did as I said. I watched as he made his way over to Kenzie to give her a hug, wiping away her tears with his thumbs afterwards.

"I'll make sure he can never touch another girl again Kenzie. Don't worry." I rolled my eyes when he mumbled the words quietly to her.

"Go upstairs."

Cameron left to go upstairs while Santiago gestured to Kenzie to come over to him by the front door before he pulled her in for a hug.

"My beautiful baby girl, don't let him hurt you. You're too good for him baby. You're my princess, no man deserves your tears Kenzie. One day you'll find your prince and I promise you, he will treat you just how you deserve to be treated, absolutely perfectly. I love you Kenzie, I'm always here for you."

A few tears escaped her eyes as she hugged him back before she eventually pulled away from him, giving him a tearful smile.

"I love you too daddy."

He placed a kiss on her forehead before she eventually went back upstairs to get ready for school.

As soon as the twins were upstairs, I turned my attention to my husband who was now leaning against the front door with a smirk playing on his lips.

"Don't you dare smirk at me. You're lucky I love you otherwise you'd be sleeping in the guest room for the foreseeable future."

When he heard my words, he pushed himself off the door and came over to me, wrapping his arms around my waist. I felt his breath on my skin as he brought his face towards my ear.

"But then who would make you feel so damn good every night?"

"I have a vibrator, it'll do." I gave him a smirk of my own as I pushed him away, laughing when I saw his dumbfounded expression.

"When did you get that?" Santiago followed me into the kitchen waiting for my answer.

"When you and Arturo went to Italy. You were gone for a month, I had to do something."

When I stopped by the counter, he came up behind me, wrapping his arms around my waist. "You'll have to give me a show then baby."

Just as I relaxed against him when he started kissing my neck from behind, the sound of pattering feet coming down the stairs caught my attention.

"Romeo get your ass back here!"

I let out a sigh when I heard Cameron's angry voice as he ran down the stairs probably chasing his younger brother. I wasn't surprised to see Romeo run into the kitchen with Cameron's phone but what did surprise me was the fact he had Tobias following him.

The two of them laughed as they came and hid behind Santiago and I just as Cameron came into the kitchen. He looked around the open plan kitchen and living area with a menacing glare until his eyes landed on the 10 year old and 8 year old behind us.

"Give it back you little fu-"

"Cameron that's enough. What did I just tell you about your language?"

"Mama they keep taking my shi- things. Tell them to stop." When I turned to look at Romeo and Tobias, they just gave me their usual cheeky grins causing me to smile.

I couldn't help it, they were just too cute.

"Romeo give it back baby."

"But I want to play the crushy game."

He pouted his lips while Cameron just stepped around Santi and I and snatched the phone out of his hand.

"It's called Candy Crush. If you had just asked me I would have let you play. You didn't need to steal my phone."

"Really?" Romeo smiled with wide eyes while Cameron just nodded, handing the phone back to him.

"Stop stealing my things and you can use them whenever you want.
Just don't break anything." When he said the last part he gave Tobias a pointed look causing him to giggle.

He was referring to his iPad that now has a huge crack going through the screen.

"Sorry I dropped it Cammy." Cameron just nodded his head, smiling as he ruffled Tobias's hair.

Cameron may have mild anger issues and very little control over his language but he was still the sweetest kid ever. He loved all of his siblings, very, very much.

"Mama can I have pancakes now?"

And he was a mama's boy at heart, especially a mama's boy who still loved pancakes.

I let out a laugh as I pulled him in for a hug, causing him to hug me back instantly. He never had a problem with hugging me which I found so sweet. I was always scared that my kids would eventually stop wanting to give hugs as much as they used to but so far none of them have.

"Of course you can. Call your sisters before you sit down please."

He nodded his head before going back upstairs leaving me to start on their breakfast. Thankfully, I married the best human ever so he did most of the work for me.

Even if he was the leader of one of the most powerful organisations in the world, it didn't mean he ever skipped on his responsibilities as a father or a husband.

He always did his best to be there for us which included helping me to make breakfast.

Most probably it was because he was either scared of me or scared of no sex.

A few moments later Cameron came back into the kitchen, going over to the table to sit down with his younger brothers.

"Mama, Kenzie crying." I looked over at the kitchen door when Kenzie walked in holding hands with my youngest daughter Layla who was 6 years old.

So yes, Santiago got his wish and we ended up having five children.

"She said bitch hurt her feelings."

When Layla used that word, my mouth dropped open and there was a loud clatter behind me when Santiago dropped something.

The room fell deadly silent until Cameron and Kenzie both burst out into laughter. The fact the eldest of my children found it funny only made Romeo and Tobias laugh too while Layla just stood there looking confused.

"What I say?"

"Layla that's a bad word, please don't say it again."

The fact Santiago was telling Layla not to swear while he doesn't care about Cameron swearing is just...ugh.

"Feelings?" When she said it she quickly put a hand over mouth thinking she said a bad word.

"No Layla, daddy means bitch."

"Kenzie." Santiago shot her a look causing her to laugh before she took her little sister over to the table where the boys were all sitting waiting for their pancakes.

While Santiago was busy cooking the pancakes, I looked over at the table where the children were all sitting around the table.

The boys were busy passing the phone between themselves playing Candy Crush while Kenzie and also Cameron were conversing with Layla, telling her some kind of joke.

Even though there was an age span of nine years between our children, they all still got on so well.

Apart from the arguing, fighting, bickering and screaming, they really did get on well.

"Guys, don't forget tonight we're going to uncle Arturo's house for dinner."

Even though I was speaking to everyone, my words were mostly directed at Cameron who almost always tried to get out of everything.

This time wasn't any different.

"But mama after football practice I have a-"

"No."

"But I-"

"Nope."

"But-"

"Cameron."

Eventually he let out a huff and slumped back into his chair.

"Fine."

I gave him a teasing smile causing him to glare at me from across the kitchen.

"I love you too Cammy."

Finally once we'd all eaten breakfast, they got ready to leave for school. That day Santiago was taking the twins to school while
I took Romeo, Tobias and Layla to their school.

As usual once they were all delivered to school, our day went by quickly. Santiago went off to deal with whatever he did and I went for my shift at the local care home.

I did used to work in a hospital in LA and I loved it but once I'd given birth to Romeo and then two years later I was pregnant with Tobias it quickly became clear I wouldn't get that kind of freedom again.

So the care home worked since I could choose my own timings during the day and they were pretty flexible with my hours.

I didn't necessarily have to work since Santiago was obviously very rich, but I just did it anyway. I worked so hard to get my nursing degree that I didn't want to waste it and I also wanted to make my life more useful than just being a stay at home mother.

"Mama?" Just as I pulled up to the high school, I turned to look at Layla who was busy drinking her juice box in the back seat.

My usual routine was to leave the care home with enough time to get some errands done before I went to pick the younger children up first. Then we all went to the high school to get Kenzie.

Cameron usually did something else after school so he hardly ever came home straight away. Mostly it was football practice or detention.

"Yes baby girl?"

"When will I go to big school like Kenzie?" When she said this, she, along with Tobias and Romeo looked out the window in awe.

High school always appears to be much better than it actually is. I guess I was lucky since I had Santi to get me through it because I couldn't have done it without him.

"Soon baby. You're only 6 right now, so it'll be a little while yet."

She nodded her head before taking another sip of her juice.

We sat there for a little while longer while I made small talk with my children in the back of the car while we waited for Kenzie to come out of her school.

"Thirsty mama?" Layla held her juice box out to me with a smile while I just shook my head.

"I'm okay, but please be careful. Your daddy will get upset if any juice spills."

She nodded her head as she put the straw back in her mouth taking another slurp.

"I'm careful mama."

"No you're not. You spilled it last time." When she heard Romeo's words, Layla turned to look at him with a frown.

"Did not!"

"You did!"

Although I could tell Romeo was trying to throw her under the bus, I was actually more concerned that she spilled juice in the car and didn't tell me.

She wasn't exactly careful like she said she was. She was by far my messiest child and I had five to choose from.

All of them could have passed for the messiest but once I met this little girl, I knew they were a dream compared to her.

"When did you spill it Layla?"

"I didn't mama. I just...I just dropped a tiny bit." She used her thumb and her forefinger to make a 'tiny' gesture. She gave me a grin when she did this but as soon as she saw my frown when I tried to lean into the back to have a look at the seats and the floor, her grin dropped.

"I'm sorry mama." She pouted her lips as she stared at me before her eyes filled with tears.

"It's okay, I'm not angry. It's okay." I reached out and stroked her cheek giving her a soft smile just as Kenzie got into the front seat of my car.

Thankfully, since we rarely ever had to drive all five of my children somewhere at the same time, Santi and I didn't have to drive those ugly station wagons. We still managed to drive nice cars that fit all of the children in if needed.

Usually at least one of the children had a club, detention, some kind of music or sports practice or an invite to a friends house or something like that.

"What time are we going to Uncle Arty's house?" I glanced over at Kenzie as I drove back home, noticing that this was the first time she'd spoken since she got in the car.

"7pm. Your daddy is going to pick Cameron up from football practice and then he'll need to take a shower before we go." She nodded her head before she let out a sigh, leaning back into the leather seat.

"How was school baby?" When I questioned her in a soft tone she glanced over at me.

One thing I loved about my relationship with Kenzie was that she always told me whatever was going on in her life. She hardly ever kept any secrets from me.

I know most people wouldn't believe that but she really didn't. She even found a pack of condoms a few days ago in our bedroom and instead of getting embarrassed I just told her the truth about them and gave her the talk.

I'd rather she learned about that stuff from me than from some friends who would pressure her into things she wasn't ready for.

"It was horrible. Everyone was taking about Donny and Lexi King, it was true, they had sex. I saw him in class and he didn't even care about my feelings."

"Did he say anything to you?" She nodded her head at my question, turning in her seat to face me.

"He asked me for a pencil like we hadn't been together for three months before he just cheated on me."

"Did you give him one?" When Romeo spoke up from the back seat, Kenzie turned her attention to her ten year old brother.

"Of course I didn't. But, it didn't matter because stupid Lexi King gave him one."

I'm starting regret my decision to stop Cameron from pummelling him.

"Also, I have to tell you something but you can't get mad. Cameron asked me to tell you so that you wouldn't lose your shi- uh...marbles."

Good save.

"Hm?" Just as I pulled up through the gates and into the drive way, I turned to look at her.

"Cameron got into a fight with Donny and beat the shi- crap out of him. I don't think the teachers found out though."

I'm starting to think my children have swearing problems.

"So he's not in trouble?" She shook her head, grabbing her school bag which was on the floor.

"Not yet and maybe not ever." I nodded my head as I let out a sigh.

He really made my life entertaining to say the least.

"Come on then, I want you all to get your homework done before we go later please."

"Mama I have math homework can you help?"

You got to love being a mom.

<<<<<<< >>>>>> <<<<<<<

"Ow! Dad I wasn't ready dad what the fu-"

"You want to fight at school then you can fight here too, let's go."

"I didn't want to hurt you old man but fine, if that's what you want."

I frowned at the sound of the voices followed by Santi's laugh coming from the hallway as I walked down the stairs holding Layla's hand. As we reached the top of the stairs my eyes widened when I saw Santiago and Cameron with their fists up, circling each other in the entry hall.

The worst part was that Kenzie, Tobias and Romeo were all watching them at the side of the hallway.

Even Pancake was watching.

"Is that all you've got?" Santiago sent Cameron a smirk after Cameron tried to punch him. It was clear he just spurred him on even more and soon they were throwing punch after punch at each other.

Of course Santi wasn't hurting Cameron but Cameron was putting his all into the fight.

"What the hell are you doing?" At the sound of my voice from the top of the stairs they instantly stopped what they were doing, both turning to look at me.

"Cameron Miguel Hernández, get your butt in the shower right now, we're going to be late otherwise."

Cameron nodded his head as he stripped off his football jersey, tossing it to his father with a smirk before he spoke.

"I won."

You'll never guess what Santi said next. I'll give you a hint, it rhymes with 'puck you'.

Now I know where my children are picking up all their bad language.

It was their father.

I just stood their glaring at the scene in front of me as Santiago tossed the jersey back to our eldest child who began to make his way up the stairs.

When he reached us he leaned down to press a kiss to Layla's cheek before he smiled at me showing off his dimples.

He was only fifteen and yet he looked so much older, especially with the amount of training he did for football and then with Santi too.

With his father being the leader of El Dios Del Diablo, he always set this extreme expectation on himself that he had to be just as strong and powerful as his father.

"Hey mama. You look beautiful."

"Shower."

He nodded his head as he walked past me and towards his room. Layla quickly let go of my hand and went downstairs to go and play with her siblings while I went down to Santi who was watching me.

"You really do look beautiful."

I glanced down at the simple black dress I was wearing before giving him a soft smile.

"Thanks. Also, there's spare blankets in the closet in the guest room if you get cold."

"Wait, what?"

His confused expression was so cute but unfortunately for him I was still mad.

"You're the reason the kids have been swearing so much, especially Cameron. Santiago this isn't a joke. I know you're close with him but you can't swear and-"

He quickly cut me off by leaning forward to press his lips to mine in a soft kiss.

Even after all these years his kiss melted me into a puddle of mush.

"He's 15, almost 16 years old. If we're strict on him here he'll just hide it all from us. At least this way I know which words he's saying and which ones aren't allowed."

"That's a ridiculous parenting style."

"But it's working." He gave me a grin while I just let out a tired sigh as I rested my forehead on his chest. Santiago rubbed my back soothingly, as he held me in his arms.

"You think we've got time for a quickie before we go?"

"Absolutely not, I'm still mad at you."

"Okay, but do I have to sleep in the guest room?" I lifted my head away from his chest to look at him before I let out a sigh.

"I'll think about it. Maybe if you behave tonight I'll let you off."

The smile he gave me after that was enough to dissipate all my anger but of course I wasn't going to tell him that.

Santiago and I often disagree on many, many aspects of raising our children, it happens with almost every couple. The thing about us is that we're so strong as a couple that we never let it affect us.

We both know that we're going to face so many challenges with them in the coming years, especially as the twins get older but we're prepared for it.

Finally after ten minutes of waiting for Cameron to take a shower and get ready, we left the house to walk to Arturo's house.

His house was so close to ours that we always found it easier to walk, especially after dinner when we all tend to over eat.

Lucia is definitely one of the best cooks I've ever met.

"It's about time."

I rose an eyebrow at Arturo as he opened the door, giving us a glare before he fixed his gaze on the children.

"You know the only reason we invite your parents is because they bring you guys."

Santiago rolled his eyes at Arturo's comment while the kids just laughed before each taking a moment to give their God father a hug.

Excuse the pun.

Once we went into the house, Arturo was scrambling to pick up random toys scattered around the hallway and in the living room.

"I told them to tidy up earlier but the little shi-"

"Hey! Don't call them that."

At the sound of Lucia's voice we turned to look at her as she came into the living room holding her daughter in her arms.

"Sorry." Arturo sent her a sheepish smile while she just rolled her eyes.

"Hey guys. Sorry about the mess, the kids are losing it a little bit today." As usual she gave us a bright smile, almost lighting up the whole room as she did.

Lucia and Arturo were what I would class as couple goals.

They were so cute. Even to this day, 11 years after they met, Lucia still blushes whenever he says anything risqué to her.

They got married pretty quickly after Arturo proposed but they waited at least two years before they finally had a baby boy together.

Seeing Arturo as a father was definitely something that took a while for me to get used to.

But, after that they had another baby and then waited quite a few years before their final one to complete their family of five.

Lucia and Arturo were definitely the closest thing Santiago and I had to family. Neither of us had our parents around and even Santiago's sister had pretty much moved on.

She and Sienna come back from time to time to visit but ever since Santiago took over El Dios Del Diablo a lot changed. Instead of staying here in Mexico City they decided to just travel the world together spending months on end in every country that they visit.

The last I heard they were in Mauritius where they'd been for five months.

"The kids are upstairs guys. We'll call you when it's time for dinner."

As soon as she mentioned her two children who were playing upstairs, all my children except for the twins rushed out of the living room heading upstairs.

The twins at 15 years old were much older than Arturo's eldest two children who were 8 and 6 so they didn't really enjoy playing their games too often.

Kenzie much more preferred to stay and play with their 9 month old baby girl anyway.

"Lucia do you need any help in the kitchen?" Once we all took a seat in the living room, I asked the question to Lucia who instantly shook her head.

"Everything for the dinner is ready but the chicken still needs twenty minutes in the oven."

I nodded my head at her response as my attention moved to Kenzie who was playing a little game with Carina on the floor.

"What happened to your knuckles?" When Arturo questioned Cameron, we all turned to look at Cameron's busted knuckles from his fight today at school.

I still hadn't gotten a chance to shout at him for that.

"I beat the crap out of Donny Dickface."

At the mention of her ex, Kenzie glared at her twin brother from her place on the floor with Carina, although anyone could tell she was amused the name Cameron used.

"His name is Donny Dilfaze."

"No one cares, be quiet." Cameron dismissed her correction causing Arturo to laugh who looked between the twins clearly sensing some tension.

"What did he do?"

"He broke her heart." As soon as Cameron elaborated on what had happened with Kenzie and her boyfriend, the room fell silent.

It wasn't out of awkwardness though, it was because the levels of testosterone shot up so quickly.

Both Cameron and Santiago were obviously angry about what happened but Arturo was also extremely protective of Kenzie.

She was his little princess after all and his God daughter.

"You beat him up? Is he still breathing?"

"Unfortunately." Cameron clenched his jaw while Arturo just smirked. A moment later he took out his gun, twirling it around his finger, his sinister smirk only increasing.

"Shall we go on a trip mini Hernández?"

A smirk then tugged at Cameron's lips while the only sane people in the room which happened to be Lucia, myself and Kenzie all watched on in horror.

"Absolutely not! Arturo put that away, you're not corrupting my 15 year old son anymore than his father already has."

Arturo's smirk dropped and he turned to look at me with a glare and then at Santi.

"Santi tell her that this is necessary. She doesn't have a say in it."

We all turned to look at my husband who was already looking at me. Taking that opportunity I rose an eyebrow at him, giving him a threatening look as I waited for him to speak.

"So...I really think you should put that gun away."

"But bro, Donny Littledick hurt Kenzie and-"

"I know Arturo but I'm not sleeping in the freaking guest room so put your gun away."

I couldn't stop the victorious smirk that found its way onto my face when Arturo begrudgingly put his gun away on Santiago's orders.

"Mama has you wrapped around her little finger." Cameron gave his father a teasing smirk causing a round of laughter to erupt around the room.

He wasn't wrong there.

"Shut up or I'll make you sleep in the garage tonight."

Of course Cameron just grinned at this.

One thing he'd always beg for was for Santiago to let him drive the expensive cars he owned. He'd only been allowed to do it a couple of times though. So, being locked in the garage where we keep all the cars and car keys would be a dream for him.

"You want me to sleep in the room where you keep the Lamborghinis, the Maserati, the Bentley and-"

"Just shut up."

Cameron laughed as Santiago wrapped an around him, pulling him into his side.

They were so much more like bestfriends sometimes rather than father and son and it warmed my heart to see it.

For the rest of the evening we tried to stay away from anything related to Kenzie and Donny Dilfaze or Santiago's dangerous business.

For once it was just a normal dinner between two very close families.

We talked about our past, sharing some stories about the things we'd gone through - both good and bad. We talked about our future and the things we wanted to do as families separately and together.

And we talked about the present. We talked about how grateful we were to be blessed with so many children, with good friends and most importantly family.

I never imagined I would lose both of my parents or even go through any of the things that happened in my life ever since I met Santiago outside that club when I was 21 years old.

The wounds in my heart were still there but the scars were barely visible anymore. My heart now completely and totally belong to my three perfect sons, two beautiful daughters and my loving husband.

He was my bestfriend and my soul mate.

They were all I needed in this life.

When a hand reached for mine as we walked back home taking me out of my thoughts, I turned my head to look at Santiago who was smiling at me.

"I love you Maddie."

His words came out in a low whisper as he leaned closer to me to say them. He rubbed his thumb over the back of my hand causing me to smile at the simple yet so affectionate gesture.

"I love you too Santi."

He quickly pecked my lips before we both turned our attention back to the conversation going on between our children as we walked back home.

Back to the beautiful home that we'd built together.

The End ✨

Omg I can't believe it's finished. I absolutely love this book so much, I hope you all did too!

Thank you so much for reading it ❤️ I appreciate every single one of you.

I've already started planning my next book so look out on this story for the announcement for it.

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