David moaned and rolled over onto his side, his hands searching for Natalie's warm body. The bed sheets tangled around his waist as he found her and buried his face into her hair. She whimpered peacefully in her sleep next to him, letting his body spoon her from behind.

It had been a long night for both. Exploration and reacquainting of each other's bodies, making passionate love by candlelight to the howling winds outside the window. He had the young woman shaking and trembling in desire, neither letting go until that desire was satiated.

When they were wrapped in each other's embrace, Natalie asked David about his stay in the hospital and events that followed. He told her every detail, save for the jail part, about the doctor's trying to find the right medication combo and therapy sessions each day, one on one and group.

Remember, Lexi's voice rang in his head, tell her what she wants to hear. Tell her you had therapy and could clearly see what you did was wrong. Tell her anything to get her to melt into your arms.

"Everything got to a point that just seemed...hopeless," he confessed through streams of tears. She listened with an open mind and felt, for the first time in years, the old David starting to come back to her and begged him to make love to her once more.

David let out a small breath and felt her shiver. He kissed her shoulder and shifted onto his back, the gentle tugging in his groin forcing him from the comfortable and warm blankets. Having no other clothes except for what he'd shown up in, David pulled on his jeans and padded from the bedroom.

He flicked the light on in the small bathroom, standing in front of the toilet and sighed at that wonderful feeling of release leaving his body. He offered up his thanks to every god, goddess, and deity that he could think of and some that he was sure were made up, for allowing the fates to cross their paths again.

Soon as I'm able, he thought to himself, I get rid of that little cunt and give my son the life he deserves. With Lexi's blessing, I have a second chance to raise my new son. Maybe my Mistress would allow me to keep Natalie's body to savor it, even for a couple days.

David washed his hands and gave his reflection a quick once over, noticing that even though he was exhausted, his blue eyes were bright and radiant. A tiny knock came at the door. He opened it, half expecting to see Natalie standing there smiling at him but instead was met with his teary son.

"Daddy..." Raiden cried and reached out his small hands.

David picked him up and hugged him to his chest. "Morning, Squirt...what's up?" He wiped away the crocodile tears as the boy shook his head.

"Big scary monsters...in there," and he pointed to his room and pouted.

"Let's go see where the big bad monsters are," David whispered, walking into the child's room and turning on the bedside lamp. He opened the closet door and peeked under the bed. "See? No monsters."

David laid Raiden back in his bed and tucked him in. "Daddy, can you stay?" Raiden asked, "I'm scared."

"I'll stay till all those monsters are gone. No one and nothing will hurt you...Daddy's promise." David crawled into the bed and curled Raiden to his bare chest with the child's teddy bear, listening to his soft sniffles and his hands wrapping around one of David's fingers.

"Haha that tickles!" Raiden giggled with his nose wiggling like a bunny, David's chest hair tickling him. "You smell like mama."

David kissed his nose. "I've been with your mama all night. Talking about you and her..."

"Did you kiiiiiisssssyyyy?" The child giggled quietly.

"A few kisses, yes," David replied, seeing so much of himself mirrored in this little soul.

"You have more me's?"

David smiled at the child's curiosity. "I have twins, a boy and a girl, and a younger daughter. Then there's you." He booped Raiden's nose and chuckled.

Raiden buried his head into David's chest hair and the crook of his arm. "Can you stay here? Mama is sad."

"That's the plan, Squirt...I don't want Mama to be sad anymore..."

*~*

Natalie whimpered against the sunlight, reaching out across the sheets for David. Her fingers only found the soft linen. It couldn't have been a dream. She could smell him on the pillow, his natural musk and a faint hint of his favorite shampoo. She'd know that smell anywhere.

Her eyes cracked open and blinked the sleep away. Sure enough, the right side was empty. She moaned and buried her face into her own pillow. He probably went back home and back to Lexi, she thought. How could I have been so stupid?

However, when she picked up her tossed away nightie, David's t-shirt was still slung over the window seat. His phone and wallet lay on the nightstand, along with his favorite watch and wedding band. Natalie pulled on her robe and drifted down the short hallway, peeking into Raiden's room.

She leaned against the door frame and took in the sight. There he was. David was curled up with Raiden on his bed, both boys with messy curls and snoring lightly. Raiden's favorite teddy bear lay forgotten and he was tightly snuggled into his Daddy's chest.

Natalie wiped the wetness away from her eyes and went downstairs to put on a pot of coffee. Soon she had the flattop full of sizzling bacon and sausage, eggs and pancakes, dancing to the Christmas music playing softly from the stereo.

It wasn't long before David hobbled down holding Raiden, smiling at the dancing woman. "Mama you're funny," Raiden giggled, looking on as David pulled Natalie in for a toe-curling kiss. "Kissy!!!"

"Come on, munchkin," Natalie blushed, "time for breakfast." She pointed to his seat at the table as David poured himself some coffee, cut up half a pancake with some egg and sausage. She put the plate in front of Raiden, watching him dig in with gusto.

"And how is my beautiful angel today?" David asked.

"Um...kinda worried when I woke up and you weren't there," Natalie admitted, "thought you'd had second thoughts or something."

David slid a hand under Natalie's chin, his eyes piercing her's and reading her soul like a book. So long apart and it had driven him into madness. He knew without a doubt he was right in his ways and wouldn't change his opinion for anything.

"Never. I meant every word last night even though I know it'll take a while to earn your trust back completely," David promised. He glanced to make sure Raiden was still preoccupied with his breakfast and cartoons before giving Natalie a deeper kiss.

"I would like to try," Natalie said, holding out a piece of bacon to David, who took a big bite and licked his lips. "It was really nice getting to see the old David come back. Although..."

"Although what?"

Natalie took David's hand in her own, biting her bottom lip and kissed his knuckles. "I tried to forget that other part of you but...I don't know. I feel like that's where everything got all fucked up."

David exhaled and gently turned their bodies so he was blocking Raiden's view. "It was my fault for letting it go that far. I failed in my responsibility to protect you when you actually needed protection from me."

"What makes you so sure that I don't need to protect myself from you still?"

"You shouldn't ever stop protecting yourself...from anyone," he whispered, resting his forehead against hers, brushing their lips together.

Natalie leaned up on her tiptoes and melted into David's kiss, trying her hardest to let things flow free between them. As David's hand went instinctively to her neck, Natalie pushed herself from him and stepped back several steps. "No...I don't...I can't rush into this like last time."

"But last night you said..."

"Last night was really nice and I'm not saying it shouldn't have happened. Fuck...it just shouldn't have happened that quick," Natalie said with a shake of her head.

"If that's what it'll take to prove to you that I've changed, we can take it slow," David replied. "Just please don't push me away." He hesitated and took a step towards her.

"I'm trying not to," Natalie replied with a half smile, letting David reach out and stroke her cheek with the back of his fingers. A tingle of anticipation ran down his spine as he forced himself to turn back to the stove and helped her finish cooking.

They sat at the table with Raiden, quietly enjoying the food with David asking Raiden about his friends and interest until Natalie spoke up. "So...when do you leave next?" She asked hesitantly.

"On tour?" David clarified and she nodded. "I don't know. We finished the last one without Richie, things are a bit...up in the air. Jon's in a deep depression so he hasn't been interested in writing at all. My only thing is Memphis opening on the West End in London and I can't even be there...so...I don't know..."

"Why can't you be at your own show opening?"

David toyed with a slice of bacon. "I was allowed to go on tour only because my Psychiatrist and a U.S Marshall travelled with me and it was work. They took my Passport when I got back. Stuck in Jersey for a year."

"I'm sorry, D...I didn't know," Natalie replied, reaching over to wipe off syrup that Raiden was drooling down his chin. "Things have been too chaotic around here to keep up with anything."

"What about...after everything? Did you...date? At All?"

Natalie raised an eyebrow at his question and snorted. "That's something you really don't have the right to ask considering you're married, right?"

"It's just a question, Nat," he growled, furrowing his brows and his lips forming a tight line. There were several moments of awkward silence, the only sound from the cartoons and Raiden drinking his juice.

She sighed and nodded, swallowing thickly at the look of shock and hurt on David's face. "Richie and I were...casually together for a while. The first couple of months were...dark. Trying to process and cope with feelings of abandonment, guilt, fear, betrayal, and shame took a toll on me."

David reached across the table and took her hand in his, caressing the back with his thumb. "You don't have to feel alone anymore, babygirl. I'm here for you both," he said quietly.

"I don't know if I'm naive for believing what you say or if you being here is too good to be true. I just don't want Raiden getting hurt," Natalie replied, glancing over at their son. "I couldn't care less about getting hurt myself anymore...just don't hurt him..."

David pressed his lips to her fingers. "I don't intend to rest until I have kissed every scar on your body and healed every wound in your soul that I inflicted," he promised.

"You'll be exhausted," she countered.

"I know...but you're more than worth it." They finished breakfast and David entertained Raiden on the floor with his toy keyboard while Natalie washed dishes and tossed in a load of laundry.

Every now and then she would check in on them until she dropped onto the sofa after lunch a couple hours later. David snuggled up to her and smiled when she didn't pull away this time. "Darlin', do you think...well...would you like to go on a date tonight?"

Natalie bit her lip and glanced over at Raiden, the heat and anticipation of David's eyes burning into her. "I think I'd like that."

"How about I go back to my place, make myself decent and be back here around...7? Maybe Asbury Park for dinner and some live music?" David asked.

"That's a good place for us to start," she replied and smiled.

Later that night, Natalie opened the door and made David's mouth drop with her short strapless red dress, thin studded belt, and black heels. Her smokey eye, vampy red lipstick and the Rolex watch David had bought her in Australia completed the look.

"You look...amazing," David breathed and Natalie stood aside for him to enter.

"Do you remember getting it for me?"

"Vividly," he answered, his heart beating wildly.

Natalie grabbed her black tea-length coat and kissed Raiden. "You be a good boy for Mandy, okay? I'll be back later tonight."

"Okay, Mama," Raiden said and hugged David as well. "Daddy, make Mama happy."

"I'm gonna try, Squirt," David replied and ruffled his son's hair. "You ready?" He asked Natalie who nodded and pulled on her coat.

As they stepped out into the wintery night, Natalie turned around to see Raiden standing on the sofa and looking out the large picture window. He waved excitedly and Natalie blew a kiss to him, climbing into the passenger seat of David's Mercedes.

"Fuck, I haven't been inside this car in a long time," she commented.

The engine purred to life and the console lit up. "You still run cool?" She nodded in response and David turned on the heat for her. They smiled at each other as David backed out of the driveway, Raiden still watching from the window.

The Asbury Park Boardwalk was already crowded when they arrived and Natalie held tight to David's hand as not to get separated. He led her into the cozy and upscale McLoone's Supper Club, giving his name to the smiling hostess.

"Of course, Mr. Bryan," she greeted, "Right this way."

Natalie glanced around at their fellow diners, noticing how much David still stuck out like a sore thumb. While everyone else was dressed to the nines, David had chosen an expensive pair of blue distressed Phillipe Plein jeans with black boots, a black t-shirt, and his favorite leather jacket.

A sore thumb, maybe, she thought to herself, but still the carelessly handsome rockstar you first fell in love with.

"Nat?" David's voice snapped her away from her thoughts and she looked up at him in question. "I asked if I could help you out of your coat," he said kindly.

"Oh yes, thank you," she replied softly. He pulled out her chair and she smiled, sitting and taking in her surroundings.

David ordered a bottle of the finest red wine and Natalie swallowed, feeling her throat dry as a desert. "...and two glasses of ice water too," he finished and the waitress walked away. "You okay?"

"I'm sorry...just not used to this anymore," she gestured around. "Haven't been here for...what...five years? Got spoiled to pizza nights at home or lowkey outings."

"Damn, could have saved myself a fortune," David laughed and winked at her. "Although it seems Raiden inherited my appetite."

"Yes he does like to eat," she agreed, "I just wish it was something more than chicken nuggets and toasted cheese."

"If you'd rather go elsewhere, we can," he offered.

"No, no, this is fine," Natalie replied, "Just give me a minute to adjust." She schooled herself to keep a benign face when she opened the menu.

David chuckled when their waiter came around and popped open a wine bottle, pouring two glasses and handing them over. "I think for now we'll start with the calamari and marinara," he ordered and the waiter left. "For the longest time, Colton would only eat fries and chicken nuggets. Gabby was a little more curious and would try anything put in front of her."

"So there's hope?" Nat smiled as she took a sip of wine.

"There's always hope," David said, sipped his wine and met her eyes. "Maybe I could take a stab at it." He chuckled inwardly at the word stab. That fun could come much much later.

Natalie's eyes flew up to meet his blue ones at his unfortunate choice of words. "I...I beg your pardon?" she murmured.

David raised an eyebrow in mock confusion. "Taking a stab at getting Raiden to try different foods. Are you sure you're okay?"

"Oh!" she released a breath she didn't know she had held, "Oh, of course. I'm sorry. Just...just a bad memory."

"Fuck, babygirl...don't be sorry," David said. He took a chance and moved his chair to her side of the table, angling his body towards her and resting his arm behind her. "Talk to me..."

"You don't remember, do you?" she asked searching his face for any artifice.

Every detail right down to you riding Sambora's cock...David shook his head and whispered, "Not everything...would you tell me?"

Nat reached for her glass and took a fortifying sip before continuing in a low, haunted voice, "It was one of the texts you sent. One of the death threats."

"I couldn't ever do that to you," he said smoothly, moving Natalie's hair away from her neck and over her shoulder. His fingertips grazed her warm skin along her back, raising goosebumps.

"You were different. You turned into a completely different man," Nat shook her head, "I couldn't trust you; none of us could. Jon. Richie. You'd threatened them too. Tico was off your radar because he was in Florida, but you turned against your brothers."

David sipped at his wine for a few moments, wrinkling his nose at Richie's name. "Richie...Richie...what all went on there? I remember going into his house and seeing...you get into bed with him...watching you ride his cock like I'd taught you to ride mine..."

"Look, I don't want to fight over Richie tonight," Nat folded her hands in her lap, closing down a little, "but I don't know what I would have done without him over the years."

"Please just tell me," David begged. "I'm doing my best to be open and honest. I just want the same in return...please..."

"Alright," she sighed, "Yes, we slept together when we both needed to feel the touch of a friend. It turned into something more after I found out I was pregnant. I tried to put a stop to it but it just...felt right at the time so I rolled with it. He was my rock through these past years."

David stared into his lap for a moment, thinking over his next words carefully. "Was it...was it the same feeling when I made love to you last night? Or...was it different than being with Richie?"

"Honestly?" Nat flicked her eyes to his, "Richie knew how to idolize me and treat me like a queen but...but there was just something missing."

You were my painslut and Richie is a pansy, that's what was missing. Your tears and begging, that beautiful ass red and swollen, bleeding just for me.

"What was missing?" David felt his lips pull at the corners of his mouth, neither noticing the waiter set down their appetizer.

Natalie took her time in deciding if she should take a chance on her next words but already knowing they were going to leave her lips. "You. You were missing."

Jackpot!

Both fell silent following her words, David laying his hand over hers. He cupped her chin with his other hand and lifted her eyes to his.

"Not anymore," he said simply and brushed his lips lightly over hers.

When the kiss broke Natalie took a deep cleansing breath and chose to change the subject, "We should eat. I hate to waste money on uneaten food."

David looked at the calamari and chuckled. "Oh shit, when did that get here?"

"I'm not really sure, to be honest," she smiled. "So how are the kids? I miss them."

"God I've missed that smile," David said and pulled the plate towards them, handing Natalie a fork. "Well, Gabby moved to Brooklyn after graduating. She's doing some acting and comedy work. Colton works for Live Nation and lives in Hoboken. Lily...I haven't seen much of her but she's a junior in high school. Honor student."

Over a full bottle of wine, Calamari and shared dishes of lobster ravioli and filet medallions, David told Natalie about April filing for full custody after his arrest. She asked about his reconciliation with Jon but avoided the topic when David mentioned Richie's leaving.

If she'd been honest and told him about Richie confiding in her before leaving the band, the night would have been over with. In fact, Richie had flown her down to Hawaii the night before he failed to fly into Calgary for the concert. They'd just finished making love when he picked up the phone and called his agent.

The rest of the night was a dizzying haze of crowd and music. David brought her into the Stone Pony where a local blues-rock band were taking the stage. They danced together in time to the bass and drums, swaying and David dipping her.

He was asked to join them for a couple songs and Natalie stood in front of the keyboard, feeling the fangirl rising up and sniffing the air.

David entertained the crowd with Bad Medicine and It's My Life while Natalie danced and sang along. When the people wanted more, he led into Wanted with the female singer lending her haunting vocals to the melody.

"Alright...one more...this is a song that has taken on a whole new meaning for me," David started, "It became more desperate and pleading for this very special, amazing woman to give me a second chance...even though I'm probably the last person to deserve it with the hell I put her through. So...babygirl...this one's for you."

He started the opening chords of his acoustic version of In These Arms, a slow piano ballad. Natalie's breathing became shaky as she tried to remain composed, watching his fingers dance over the ivory keys effortlessly.

She remained transfixed as he sang, his soulful voice conveying the desperation of a broken man with the heavy burden of guilt and shame. He maintained eye contact with her the entire song and she found herself leaning against the stage towards him.

"You want commitment. Take a look into these eyes, these eyes are fire...that burn for you tonight. I would give anything...my blood, my love, my life...if you were in these arms tonight..." David ended with a short key scale and the audience cheered.

He gave a short bow and hugged the band members, rushing from the stage and back over to Natalie. Noticing her dark pink cheeks and lopsided smile, David said, "Come on, let's get you home."

Natalie held tight to his arm as they walked back to the car, glancing up at him every now and then, letting her head sag against him. He got her into the passenger seat and buckled, chuckling when she reached out and pinched his ass.

"I like those jeans," she giggled.

"And apparently wine likes you," he joked and kissed her forehead. He patiently fought the crowd trying to leave and once they hit the highway, Natalie's eyes were drooping and her fingers curled around the fabric of his t-shirt.

"You were great on stage," Natalie murmured, "Always loved that song."

David's eyes widened and his silenced a grunt when Natalie's hand trailed down his jeans and between his legs, squeezing his bulge gently. Instead of running with it, he took her hand in his and raised it to his lips, kissing it and whispering, "I love your touch but not yet."

The only light left on was the dim lamp next to the sofa when they arrived home. David helped Natalie from the car and up to the front door. She fumbled with her keys before David steadied her hand enough to slip in the key and unlock it.

Mandy was studying on the sofa and smiled when the two entered. "You two have fun?"

"Mmhmm," Natalie nodded as David pulled off her coat.

"Raiden asleep?" He asked the teenager.

"Like a rock," Mandy responded, packing up her school books and binders. David handed her $200, more than double what Natalie usually paid her and both bid the girl goodnight.

Natalie flung her arms around David's neck and grinned. "You wanna stay the night again?"

"Tempting but I respect what you said this morning about it being too soon," David apologized, knowing that Natalie would be all over him if he stayed. He knew her advances would be something he'd be unable to refuse. "How about I get you tucked into bed and promise I'll come back tomorrow?"

"How much do you promise?"

"All the promises," he replied and easily scooped her into his arms. She clung onto him as she was carried up the stairs and into the bedroom.

David carefully set her on the bed and turned on the bedside lamp. He set to work removing her shoes and jewelry, dress and strapless bra. Natalie climbed under the blankets and David leaned over, his hands on either side of her.

"Thank you, D," she whispered, reaching up to stroke his cheek. "I had a nice time tonight."

"So did I, babygirl." David smiled and dipped his head to kiss her sweetly. "Sleep well, my Queen." He turned off the lamp and reached the door when Natalie's voice piped up sleepily.

"Will you lock up? Keys in my purse..."

"I will. Sweet dreams, darlin'."

He closed the door and peeked into Raiden's room, finding his son snoring lightly and snuggled up with his favorite dinosaur. David took the house key off its ring, not wanting Natalie to wake up and panic when they were missing.

Once he'd shut off all the lights, he locked the door and slipped the key under the tiny gap where Natalie would find it in the morning. The snow had started to fall once more and David hurried to his car, taking a moment as the engine warmed up to stare at the house.

As he started the trek back to Colts Neck, his phone vibrated and he looked to see it was Lexi. Hesitantly he accepted the call. "Hey, Lex..."

"How'd it go, lover?"

"It was pleasant, Mistress. She's in bed and I'm heading home."

Lexi giggled and simpered, "Such a good boy. Did you get those legs to spread?"

"With very little effort, Mistress. I fucked her tight pussy till she was writhing and screaming in pleasure."

"Mmm, good boy. That makes me so wet," she whispered.

David raised an eyebrow. "Please show me, Mistress."

"Hurry home then. I had to grab a few things but I can stay a little longer. Hurry up before you miss dessert."

David had to grip the steering wheel to stop his hands from shaking. "I'll be there in ten minutes, my Queen," he answered curtly.

"Oh and one more thing..."

"What's that?"

He could practically see the smirk on his wife's lips as she said, "Tell her that short red dress really is unbecoming for a mother," and the line went dead.