A.N I'm really pleased that so far everyone seems to be enjoying this story. I'm having such a good time writing this AU I think it's because it is something a bit different and it's a really nice feeling to know other people are enjoying reading my idea too so thank you for your comments!

"Well you certainly made an impression the other night?"

Alex raised one eyebrow in question as she poured fresh coffee into a large mug and handed it over to Kubra who was smiling at her smugly.

"I've seen Ava twice since last week and each time it's been Alex this and Alex that, it's rather annoying actually"

Alex let out a throaty chuckle "Are you jealous Kubra?"

Kubra snorted and sipped at his drink they were standing in her open plan kitchen leaning against the work tops at her apartment. Alex had been shocked when Kubra had sent her a message that evening informing her of his plan to drop by. His visit was purely social and Alex felt a slight awkwardness in her tight shoulders she was not used to him visiting her at home.

"What's the deal with you and the kid anyway?"

"What do you mean?"

"Well you've hardly struck me as the fatherly type in all the time we've worked together and yet you seem to be quite fond of her"

Kubra rolled his eyes at the gentle teasing before answering "Her mother came to me for help and Ava was part of the package. At first I was hesitant, intent on Ava being, how do you put in, not seen and definitely not heard. I must admit even I've been surprised at how much I have come to enjoy the child's company. She's had a difficult upbringing and I suppose I have been drawn to helping her"

It seemed to be a common theme amongst Kubra's cartel the reasons or situations may have differed but each of the more prominent members had suffered with some sort of hardship growing up. Alex's was purely monetary having grown up dirt poor with a mother who tried so hard but it never seemed to be enough. Aydin had been orphaned early on growing up practically alone on the streets of New York. Kubra had grown up between foster homes, his mother a common prostitute, his father a drug dealer. Kubra had told her this in confidence one night after she had asked him about his family just in drunken conversation. He had become embarrassed, an emotion she had never seen on the features of her strict stoic boss, and Alex on learning his tale had never brought it up again.

"It isn't her fault that her self centred privileged parents have managed to ruin their own lives and she's a good girl"

Alex went quiet studying Kubra over the rim of her coffee cup carefully his face had creased with pure disdain and Alex knew that something must have struck a chord deep within her boss for him to show such a level of emotion regarding something other than business.

"How did you end up taking in the mother?"

Kubra's features seemed to change quickly, schooled into a mask of careful nonchalance and Alex looked at him with her eyes narrowed. He seemed to be making a conscious effort to look detached.

"She was running from an abusive fiancé I agreed to provide a place for her and Ava to stay if she agreed to whore herself for me on occasion. She eagerly accepted so win win in my view"

Shrugging his shoulders Kubra continued "She is a natural blonde, athletic, attractive. She looks typically middle class not like my usual girls which makes her all the more appealing. I knew I could make use of her and she was desperate, would have done anything to keep herself and the child safe. Let's say I saw an opportunity and took it. It has been a successful gamble, a couple of my new associates have taken a real shine to her and she has been working most nights ever since"

Alex just nodded feeling slightly troubled by the story it made her uncomfortable sometimes the line of business she was in and who she associated with. It was a common view from the men in the business that women were only useful when on their backs and it both infuriated her and saddened her that this was the attitude they had.

"Don't look like that I have given her and the child a home it was more than she deserved"

Alex bristled slightly and she struggled to keep her tone neutral.

"You said she had an abusive partner how is that her fault really?"

"She picked him"

Alex opened her mouth to continue her argument but Kubra waved his arm at her his face pinched with irritation.

"I'm not discussing this any further I have acted in a way that benefits myself and her. I am not a charity I have a business to run, a business that needs to make money. I cannot just take in every waif and stray and not have anything offered in return"

His steely glare caused her to shift uncomfortably and she raised her hands conceding defeat smiling hesitantly.

"Hey I'm not judging you're the boss you can run your business as you see fit ... As long as I'm your favourite employee, best paid, best treated and all that I'm not going to interfere"

They both laughed but Alex still felt slightly sceptical about Kubra's story she was convinced there was something more to it and she wondered whether the woman was a person from his past. His demeanour seemed to exude bitterness and disdain when he talked about Ava's mother and Alex pondered over the possibility that she was an ex girlfriend of his. Feeling the silence becoming slightly oppressive Alex decided to move the conversation along starting with why Kubra was actually here, in her apartment.

"So is this just a social call?"

"Actually I wanted to ask a favour"

Alex nodded her head and refilled the two now empty cups adding two sugars to Kubra's but nothing to her own. Black coffee was her only drug in life, the only one she was willing to be addicted to.

"I am out to a meeting tomorrow night and I need to take the girl's mother with me. Would you look after Ava just for the night? We will be coming back but I can imagine it will be the early hours of the morning"

Alex snorted chuckling slightly convinced Kubra was pulling her leg, when she noticed that Kubra was looking at her intently she stared in disbelief.

"Me?! Oh come on is there not someone else who can take her?"

"Aydin and Devon are the only two who know about the reality of the situation. Aydin I have sent on a trip of his own and Devon isn't exactly the best babysitter around"

"And you think I am?"

Kubra looked at her his voice although calm was firm and Alex knew there was no changing his mind.

"You will be fine and Ava really likes you"

"We spent two hours together that's it"

"And yet she's done nothing but talk about you for the best part of a week. Ava will behave, she will be thrilled that she will get to see you again. It will ease my concerns and her mother's if she is willing to be left without her for a night. I know I promised you time off but this is hardly a taxing night's work"

Alex scowled heavily knowing that this was an order and not a request no matter how politely Kubra phrased it.

"I need the mother to be compliant Alex. I wouldn't have even considered asking you, believe me, but this is a very important deal. If the mother is distracted over Ava she won't be able to do her job properly"

"Which is to what exactly? Lie there and let whichever men do as they please"

Her tone was biting and she knew it but she had never agreed with Kubra and the way he treated his whores. It annoyed her that women could be used as a gift, an incentive, when it came to business transactions as if they were just another commodity and it disgusted her.

"Do not get on your high horse Alex my girls know what they are getting into, they are on the payroll just like everyone else. The only difference is while I pay you for your intelligence I pay them for their willing bodies"

"Do not compare me to a whore Kubra. I will look after the girl but just for one night and please do not make a habit of asking"

Kubra smiled coldly "I am your boss, I pay your wages, do not forget that. Favourite or not Alex I still expect you to do as you are told. If I want you to babysit the child you will"

Inclining her head in defeat Alex held her tongue knowing it would not do well to argue with the man sat across from her. As he so kindly put it he did pay her wages after all.

"Would you prefer to have Ava here or at the Casino?"

Now that was a question bringing Ava here was mixing work and home a little too closely for her liking but then again having Kubra here now was already infringing upon her dislike for bringing business to her personal life. It was a rule that she had tried to follow ever since Piper had left her in Paris knowing that the fundamental reason for Piper's departure from her life was because she couldn't separate their relationship from her work life. At the time she always justified the two mixing because she was treating Piper to the high life travelling to exotic locations staying in luxury accommodation. Piper, although thrilled with the travelling initially, always said that the sights and cities were great to explore but only when she had her girlfriend at her side. Alex never really got why Piper complained so much they still got time together just her business meetings had to fit in between. Now that she was older and wiser she wished she could turn back the clock and remedy the one fear that Piper seemed to always have at the forefront of her mind which she knew had been a major factor of their break up. The notion that Piper was only ever another mule to Alex, someone to keep her bed warm and do as they were told.

Shaking herself mentally Alex thought about Kubra's question on where to have Ava for the night. At the Casino it would be strictly business and the girl was used to living in the hotel which would probably make her feel more at ease. Alex did not want to do anything that could potentially rock the boat already dreading the task that had been thrust upon her. She knew it would be awkward enough without dealing with any temper tantrums from an upset eight year old.

"I'll come to the Casino"

"Well if you could be at your suite for 7 o clock I will bring Ava to you at about quarter past. Please do not be late this meeting is very important and I will already be pressed for time"

"Would it not be better for you if I came to her suite, we could stay there instead of you bringing her to my place?"

Alex thought the girl would be more comfortable in her own rooms and she presumed she would have toys or games to keep her amused.

Kubra shook his head forcefully "No I will bring her to you"

"And what about the mother will she not want to see just who will be looking after her child for the evening? Surely she would like to at least clap eyes on the person being entrusted with her daughter?"

Kubra's lip curled obviously in distaste "She will do as instructed I trust you and that should be good enough for her. If it isn't she will have me to answer to"

Alex's stomach squirmed with unease but she did not voice her thoughts not wanting to argue. Kubra finished his coffee in silence before he smiled his thanks and made his way straight for the door. Now that his reason for visiting was complete he obviously did not see the need to linger.

"Seven o clock Alex I look forward to seeing you tomorrow"

Once he had left Alex made her way to her living area and sat down heavily letting her head fall back on to the couch she let out a loud groan. Babysitting was not in her job description and she was already dreading the thought of spending an entire night with a kid she barely knew. Knowing that thinking about the task would drive her to distraction Alex glanced at her phone noting it was only 8 o clock. Decision made Alex stood up quickly and made her way to her bathroom her plan was to go out, get wasted and find a willing woman. That, she thought wickedly, would definitely rid her of the unpleasant thoughts regarding her new assignment.

"Why do I have to stay here can't I come with you?"

Piper's hand stilled in her task of applying her mascara they had already had this conversation at least four times today and Piper wasn't certain she could take the questioning for much longer, her patience beginning to wear thin. She was already a bag of nerves dreading the clock striking seven knowing exactly what it was she would be partaking in this evening. Kubra had informed her of what she was expected to do for the evening calmly as though she was doing something as mundane as popping to the shop for some milk. His causal air did not ease her worries and she wished with every fibre of her being that by some sort of miracle she could remain here with her baby girl. In the last 6 days she had been relieved of her duties and Piper had almost began to feel happy again after spending time with Ava which had been wonderful. Now she felt truly awful, fear was overwhelming each of her senses threatening to twist her body into knots.

"It's work darling you cannot come with me you know this and Kubra has promised me that we will back first thing in the morning"

Finishing the final touches to her make up Piper stood from her dressing table and moved to the bed were her daughter sat worrying her lip between her teeth. She pressed a gentle kiss to the forehead of the small pouting blonde and pulled her into her side cuddling her close. Piper sighed softly when she felt Ava's small arms automatically wrap around her middle tightly her little fingers clinging to her dress.

"I'll be back before you know it and then we can go out for the day do something nice just me and you how about that?"

Hesitant wide blue eyes locked with her own and Piper made sure to smile encouragingly. She watched as Ava's face scrunched up in concentration before it broke with a hesitant smile.

"Could we go to the zoo?"

Relieved that she had successfully managed to placate her ever inquisitive daughter Piper at that point would have agreed to anything. The zoo seemed like an easy request to grant especially since she had promised Ava an adventure when they had ran from Larry in the dead of night. So far they had stayed mostly the hotel.

"Yes if that's what you want"

Ava looked up at her and beamed her gorgeous smile lighting up her features which had been sulky and drawn all day.

"Thank you mummy! Can we go and see the lizards I want to see if I can spot one like the little stone one that Alex has"

And there was her other source of discomfort casually dropped into conversation by her daughter who was unaware how much pain it brought her mother to hear that name spoken aloud with such eagerness. For the past week Ava had not stopped talking about her new friend who had the same name and had read 'All the books in the world ever!'. Each time Alex was mentioned it made Piper smile painfully, it seemed all Chapman women were fascinated with one Alex Vause. Knowing Alex was so close and yet had never felt further away was haunting Piper in a way she hadn't thought possible. Her heart ached for her ex lover and as much as it pained her to hear Ava talk about Alex she found she unexpectedly craved it wanting to hear every snippet of detail, no matter how trivial. She knew it was futile there was no need for her to know what Alex's suite looked like or whether she still drank her coffee black with no sugar. It was information she did not need for Alex would never want her back in her life in any format. Piper had broken her heart in the worst possible way leaving the woman she repeatedly said 'I love you' to on the day her mother died. It was an impulsive action she had regretted the moment she had returned home and had never forgiven herself for since.

"Do you think we'll see one?"

"Sorry darling what was that?"

Ava rolled her eyes "A lizard mummy like the one Alex got in Bali. Will we see one?"

Piper smiled hesitantly "Maybe"

Noticing that 7 o clock was rapidly approaching Piper swallowed hard and gently untangled herself from Ava's hold. Standing up she sprayed her perfume on her neck choosing Chanel no 5 over her preferred Armani Code not wanting her favourite perfume to become associated with the heinous job she had to perform.

"Do you really have to go tonight mummy?"

"I do darling I wish I didn't but Kubra needs me to go and I cannot disappoint him can I? Not when he is kind enough to let us live here"

"Your mother is right Ava you should listen to her wise words"

Piper flinched as Kubra's voice rang out, she hadn't heard the door opening, and she struggled to keep her face impassive as she turned to see him leaning against the doorframe, his eyes roaming up and down her figure his gaze appraising.

"You look ... pleasing Piper"

Inclining her head in thanks Piper struggled to tamper down the nerves that were threatening to claw their way out of her stomach.

"Mummy is beautiful"

Piper's heart melted and she moved so that she could wrap her arms around her baby and she laughed when Ava squirmed as she squeezed her hard.

"And you my angel are even more so"

Ava smiled at Kubra's praise before it dropped from her face as she realised that it was time for her to go.

"Can I stay here tonight? Please uncle Kubra I don't want to go and stay with Devon it's so boring"

Piper opened her mouth to chastise Ava for her cheekiness not wanting her daughter to cause upset but Kubra merely smiled at her childish grumbling and gestured for her to come closer. Once Ava was standing in front of him he knelt down to her level and placed his hands on her shoulders gently.

"You are not nearly old enough to stay on your own but I have a a better plan for you tonight"

Ava did not look convinced the slight scowl across her brow not lessening at Kubra's words and she fidgeted from side to side.

"Devon will not be looking after you"

Ava's expression turned curious her body stilling and Piper found herself staring and irritation with unease she trusted Devon although quiet and serious, two traits which did not sit well with Ava, Piper found him to be an attentive sitter.

"Who will? I will not have Ava left with just anybody Kubra"

Kubra's eyes flashed with anger and Piper took a step back her posture visibly wilting. She cursed her actions as she noticed Ava was now looking between them hesitantly her teeth reaching for her lip.

"I'm sure you will approve Piper Alex has agreed to look after young Ava for the evening while you earn your keep whoring yourself to Mr Anderson's men"

Piper flushed with embarrassment and she turned to Ava with her stomach leaden with dread waiting for her daughter's inevitable question. Luckily Ava seemed not to have taken any notice of Kubra's words after learning who she was spending her evening with. Her face was alight with pure happiness as she bounced around on Piper's bed with glee.

"Awesome! Did you hear that mummy I get to see Alex!"

Piper smiled softly feeling her stomach flip at the smug smile adorning Kubra's features, he knew exactly how much this was hurting her and he revelled in it. It was torturous how her daughter would be spending an evening with the love of her life while she would be passed between salacious men like a play thing. It made her almost sick with longing her heart aching and it disgusted her how cruel Kubra could be, his smirking face a clear indication of his amusement.

"Well Piper it's time meet me in the lobby in precisely five minutes. I'm just going to escort this little lady upstairs then I'll be with you. Ava are you ready?"

"Nearly"

Ava flung herself into her arms with a hurried 'I love you' before she tore into the living looking for her bag and hoody to take with her.

"Speak out of turn again and I will punish you Piper. I will tell your daughter exactly what type of woman her useless mother is, why it is your fault you're living the way you are"

Piper nodded meekly feeling the tears beginning to build and she tried to blink them away rapidly not wanting them to fall and spoil her makeup that she had taken so long to perfect.

"Five minutes then we'll see how much of a whore you are won't we? Do not disappoint me Piper it'll only make your miserable existence even worse"

Piper nodded and as she plastered a fake smile on her face to wave her daughter goodnight she could feel her stomach twisting as the bile threatening to choke her built in her throat. The trembling in her extremities only increased as Kubra turned to smirk at her from the doorway, his smile cruel and taunting, his eyes hard with disdain. Tonight was going to be difficult and Piper was trying her damnedest not to crumble, she wouldn't give Kubra the sick satisfaction she knew he desperately craved. Reaching for her black trench coat she pulled the familiar material around her firmly doing up each button precisely feeling as though she was pulling on her armour. Once it was firmly fastened she straightened her back and drew on her inner strength pulling on her relaxed façade. Tonight she would not give Kubra any reason to punish her, no tonight she was going to do her job and succeed even if she felt as though she was selling her soul to the devil just to survive.