AN: I'm so glad to have caught up. Hopefully everyone has been doing good lately.

Chapter 16

Normal POV

2:00am

Nothing but silence the late night streets were empty, the cold air was freezing surfaces with thin layers of ice. Families safe in their homes sleeping peacefully til it was time to wake up...

After a long day Courtney was deep asleep in her bed underneath warm blankets hugging her pillow tightly, with the semester ending at the end of the month most days she was preparing for exams and getting assignments done.

Slowly moving her body into a different position just then loud sounds from outside we're heard making Courtney's eyes open.

* Shatter *

Raising her head from the pillow blinking a few times Courtney feels more conscious, " what was that? " she asks herself sitting up looking towards where the noise was coming from.

All of sudden it started getting louder and more aggressive followed by screams coming from the other residents.

Removing her blankets before rushing over to her window to see what was going on outside at this hour.

Moving the sheer window curtain to the side Courtney peaks to see a group vandalizing the complex throwing objects at random parts of the building along damaging the property. Moving away from the window reaching for her phone Courtney dialled 911 barely hearing the first ring suddenly glass is heard shattering close by.

Reacting to the sound Courtney gets down unsure of how close it was or if it was going to get closer to her apartment, trying to keep herself calm she puts her phone on speaker...

Operator: " 911 what's your emergency "

As Courtney was about to speak she hears a louder shattering sound along with the one scream she would never forget...

" MOMMY "

Her eyes opening up immediately running to her daughters room upon opening the door Serenity is frightened on the floor with her blanket. Walking in she sees the window being broken open and one of the vandals trying to get in...

" OH MY GOD!!!! " Courtney screams quickly picking up Serenity from the floor running fast down the hall and locking them inside the bathroom.

Catching her breath Courtney holds Serenity tight against her, " mommy I'm scared " she cries holding onto her moms neck " I know I know honey" breathes Courtney trying to compose herself, this is the second scariest moment she's experienced in all the years that she's lived in this complex acts like this never occurred. What was suppose to be a safe neighbourhood no longer felt safe.

" I want daddy " said Serenity looking up to Courtney...

Operator: hello? Are you alright?

Forgetting that she had her phone in her hand Courtney speaks...

Courtney: no, someone just broke through my daughters window

Operator: I see your location the police are close to arriving, another resident called. Are you and your child safe mam?

Sighing in relief Courtney the adrenaline she felt starting to lessen

Courtney: yes, were in our bathroom with the door locked

Operator: Stay in there till the police arrive mam, I'll notify them of your whereabouts. What's your apartment number?

Courtney: First floor apartment B22

The sound of police sirens could be heard arriving along with some confrontations and other sounds

Courtney: I hear them

Operator: I've notified an officer they will come to your front door

Courtney: Thank you

* knock * knock *

Unlocking the door and slowly opening the door just as the operator said a knock came to the door, coming out the bathroom Courtney checks the hall before walking out along with peaking into Serenity's room but gets nervous seeing the broken window.

Arriving at the door Courtney opens to see two police officers they immediately went to check where the damage was done needles to say it was one of many areas that needed to get added to the report as well as used as evidence.

The officers also informed Courtney that it wouldn't be safe to stay in the apartment til the damage was fixed and asked if there was someone they could stay with. Taking a moment she knew who she could call...

* ring * * ring *

a rough like groan was heard from underneath the pillows the owner currently had his head covered so that sounds of the night wouldn't disturb him til the morning.

* ring * * ring *

" Fuck " grunts the voice in a dry like tone finally removing the pillow, with eyes still closed he extends his hand out to the night stand reaching out for his phone that wouldn't stop ringing til it was answered. A few attempts of searching and he finally sat up in his bed along with opening his eyes to show tired blue green, looking at the screen Duncans eyes take a moment to adjust at the brightness of the light.

* ring * * ring *

Yawning loud Duncan reads the callers name, " Courtney " he says taking the call...

Duncan: Hey babe

Courtney: * Panicked voice * Duncan you need to get here

Waking up from the sound of her voice he stands up from the bed

Duncan: Calm down, are you and Serenity okay?

Courtney: The complex was vandalized by this group. They ruined the building and broke windows including Serenity's and one of them tried getting in

That line was all it took for Duncan...

Duncan: I'm coming now

Hanging up the phone call Duncan grabs a black hoodie and sweat pants along with his red converse shoes. Once dressed he grabs his car keys and runs out to the garage.

Thankfully with the streets empty so late Duncan speed right to Courtneys, he was feeling anxious, panicked and angry during the drive. He needed to get there as quickly as possible he wanted or more towards needed to see both Courtney and Serenity safe and unharmed, anyone that messed with them would be dealing with him.

Arriving at the complex Duncan got a chill going up his spine seeing the police cars that were parked around the parking lot as well as on the other side, some were patrolling and securing the area while other officers were arresting some of the perpetrators that didn't escape before they arrived.

Stepping out from his car Duncan looked around at the scene only to get flashbacks from that night but he wasn't going to let it keep haunting him like it did the first few times while in jail. Inhaling to keep cool he walks around the scene attempting to not make any eye contact with the delinquents that caused damage.

Seeing the door to Courtney's apartment open along he sprinted to the entrance...

Walking inside he saw two police officers one in the living room talking into a walkie talkie and one by the hallway both looked at him for a momentarily just as one of them was about to say something Courtney came out carrying Serenity with her plush deer...

" Daddy " called Serenity in excitement,

Duncan quickly rushed to them, " are you okay? " he breathes wrapping his arms around them both " yeah " answered Courtney in a shaken tone of voice " we can't stay here not until the damages are repaired " she adds walking down the hall with Duncan following her.

Walking into Serenity's room Duncan's blood boils seeing the broken in window with the glass broken inside his daughters room, " I should of been here at least I would of chased that bastard who did this away " said Duncan approaching the window.

" Daddy it was scary " said Serenity hugging her plush deer.

Turning back to look at both Courtney and there daughter Duncan saw how scared they were, " your both going to stay with me til we find a new and safe place for you both to live in" he says looking serious, " just go get things for the both of you and WE will talk once we get to my place " adds Duncan.

20 minutes later

The police informed Courtney that the broken window to her apartment will be boarded as well as the others, she was also informed that a few of the perpetrators were under custody.

As soon as enough clothing and other necessities were packed. Duncan carried both bags while Courtney carried Serenity to his car.

Looking out the window of the back seat Serenity stares at the building " where we going mommy? " she asks her mom while being put in her car seat, " we're going to stay with daddy for a few days " answered Courtney fastening the straps " what about our house? " Serenity asks. After securing her daughter in the car seat Courtney looks into her eyes before standing straight trying to answer the question.

Closing the trunk of the car Duncan walks to the drivers seat " don't worry honey WE will figure something out " answers Duncan meeting his eyes with Courtneys while opening the door " lets go" he adds gesturing for them to leave.

30 minutes later

When they arrived at Duncans home Serenity fell asleep during the silent drive. Courtney carefully carried her following Duncan to his loft while he carried the bags.

Inside the elevator they didn't say anything so that they didn't wake up there daughter, this night was the terrible and not to be expected.

As soon as the elevator reached the destines floor the doors opened, " ladies first " said Duncan smiling at Courtney " thank you " she whispers walking out first followed by him, " how long have you lived here? " Courtney asks looking around at the neat and quiet hallway of the floor " about half a year " Duncan answers getting his key out.

Looking surprised hearing his reply Courtneys eyes open up " good for you Duncan " she says as he opens the door " I told you Ive been working hard " he replies standing to the side letting her walk in first. As she walked inside Courtneys eyes open up seeing the loft it was bigger then she imagine it was all hard wood floors, a few walls were covered with bricks some were not.

The living room had a big window with a view the furniture was all black ( couch, love seat and arm chairs ) their was a big tv with a decent sound system. The kitchen was big and spacious with stainless steel appliances and close by was a table with niches on the sides and 2 chairs at the ends.

On the other side of the room she saw the small hallway most likely where the bedroom and bathroom were located.

" Woah " breathes Courtney continuing to walk forward.

" Impressed " asks Duncan walk past her going towards the hallway " it ain't much but it's cozy and its home" he adds turning the lights on to his bedroom " I'll take the couch you and Serenity take my room ".

Courtney's POV

Walking to his bedroom I take a peak inside to see it neat and organized, the bed was a decent queen size bed with dark green sheets and a matching blanket. Duncan had a dresser on the side and a decent sized closet, looking towards the window there was even a decent view.

Going over to the bed I carefully place Serenity down like Duncan she was a deep sleeper, once she was comfortable I put the blanket on her and check to see she's okay. The lights in the room get low turning around Duncan is adjusting it so that it's not as bright but a cross between dark - light.

" Something tells me neither of us is going to sleep immediately yet " whispers Duncan standing beside me looking at Serenity sleeping " how could I go back to sleep after what happened today " I sigh placing Serenity's deer under the blanket with her " I'm glad she was able to go back to sleep " I add giving her a kiss on the cheek " lets leave the door open a bit " said Duncan leaning to Serenity giving her a kiss.

Nodding in agreement we quietly walk out of the room towards the living room. I settle down on the couch " how was this even possible " I thought to myself feeling like I was sitting on a cloud " this feels so nice " I breath closing my eyes momentarily unaware I was making particular noises.

" Wow...I'm kinda getting jealous of the couch " said Duncan standing on the side making me open my eyes quick " I was just getting comfortable " I answered sitting properly looking at him embarrassed I noticed him holding two wine glasses and a bottle of wine, " I thought you would like a night cap " explains Duncan sitting down beside me placing the glasses on the coffee table in front of me.

While he pours the red wine into the glasses my eyes were focused on him and how much he really has grown up, even tonight him coming for us was something.

" Thank you Duncan " I said getting his attention as he was halfway into pouring wine in the other glass " for what? " he asks putting the bottle down on the table turning to look at me " everything including for tonight " I explain putting my hands on my lap before I continue talking " honestly I've been keeping my guard up since you met Serenity ".

Seeing a glass of wine in front of me I meet Duncans gaze for a moment before accepting it " I already knew babe" Duncans says pouring wine into the part filled glass " I figure you would be worried if I ever bailed out but I haven't and never will " he explains putting the bottle down then looks at me again" you can talk to me about anything either it be your concerns/worries, if you struggle or when your in a situation you can't get out off rely on me to be there and help you especially when you've been doing it all by yourself "

Nodding in agreement I finally take a sip of wine and reflect on what he just said and everything Duncan said was right. Taking another sip of wine I was realizing how delicious it was he's got really good taste, but I couldn't think about that now.

" I'll try just give me time " I said looking at him as he took a sip of his drink " that's a step but I want you to accept my financial Courtney " said Duncan only to make me upset " please not this again Duncan " I answer looking up at the ceiling " its my responsibility to help you plus you know well that child support is law " replies Duncan catching me off guard in my field " your right it is but I haven't wanted to accept it in case you left " I answer feeling a weight off my shoulder on telling another truth.

Shaking his head before taking a sip of wine Duncan speaks " like I said I'm not going anywhere and I'm not leaving you or Serenity to be some asshole who doesn't care about his kid and their mother ".

Sighing heavily I rub my temples for a bit thinking momentarily " okay I'll accept your help Duncan " I replied looking at the glass " but we gotta have some kind of arrangements to figure it out " I added turning my head to look at Duncan " well if by arrangements you mean we have sexual excha..." not even letting him finish the last part I smack him on the shoulder " your such a pervert " I breath moving away from him along with crossing my leg " I'm kidding...unless you want to " Duncan teases this time I just took another sip of wine.

Composing myself before speaking " for a moment I was taking you serious Duncan what I meant was we need to talk to a mediator and judge " I sigh drinking my wine " alright we can do that but in addition to child support I want to also add so that it covers rent and other expenses " said Duncan sounding serious picking up the bottle.

Swallowing what I was drinking my eyes open looking at him " I know your going to say it's too much but I don't want you to work at that club anymore " he explains filling his glass " just focus on what matters, Serenity and let me take care of everything just let me " he adds sounding frustrated.

Putting my glass on the table I look into his eyes seeing he means what he says but also wants to show he can provide for us, in a way its all he's wanted to do since he found out about Serenity.

Smiling at him I hold his face in my hands before slowly bring him closer to my face " thank you " I whisper before pressing my lips onto his for a short kiss then pull him away " I greatly appreciate it " I add gently caressing his cheek with my thumb.

We stayed up a bit longer talking about other topics and drinking more wine, til eventually we fell asleep with our arms wrapped around one another on the couch

AN: Let me know what you think? Hopefully everyone's enjoying the story so far.