I woke up all sweaty from an unusual nightmare, panting, desperate for vengeance.

Damn that Nathan, who was no more living in this world but had now become a permanent part of my nightmares. As if Hugh and my mother and my past wasn't enough.

I went for a shower, washing away the nightmare. Taking coffee with me to the home office, I checked my phone. There was a message from Raúl. She denied the offer.

I had expected that much. I knew she would be mad at me for yesterday. I had stood her up—I deserved it.

It was just past eight. Leaning against the chair, I texted him. I'll be ready to go in half an hour.

He texted back, I'll be there.

I readied myself, missing the routine I had set with Eva. I always used to get up early and watch her sleep, loving those moments when she was unconscious, naked, peaceful. I loved making her coffee and then listening her moan when I made her the perfect half-and-half, the way she liked it. I loved going with her to work and coming home to her. I loved the nights where we spent having sex, fucking each other, making love till the night faded into a day. I loved spending my weekends with her.

I was missing her terribly. I wanted to be with her, have her in my arms, kiss her senseless, listen to her rambling or see her admiring the city.

Raúl was waiting for me with the Mercedes outside the building. He tipped his hat, greeting me. Once on the road, j asked him to tell me everything.

"She denied. She said she would rather take the cab."

I sighed. I had already expected this much. She was too mad, and too stubborn for her own good. She made me crazy—always. Every fucking time. But that was the difficulty. Even when she made me crazy, I was crazy about her, never able to leave her.

"And then she told me to give you a message: she won't require your transportation services now or in the future."

He stopped abruptly.

"There is more?"

"She told you to fuck yourself."

"Hmm." I murmured, amused. She really could make me go mad or crazy.

And only she could. If it would have been anyone else to say that, I have would have never thought about it. Like it didn't happen. But she made me think about it.

And she looked extremely fuckable when she was mad.

My dick was hard as I thought about her looking mad, and how she would give me control then...

I called Angus from the Mercedes. He picked up in two rings. "Good morning, Mr. Cross."

"Good morning, Angus. What are the updates this morning? Is she going at work?"

"Aye. She is on the way, by foot."

"She didn't get in the car." It wasn't a question.

"She was mad."

"I know. Follow her, Angus. Everywhere. I don't want to take any chance with her."

"Already on it."

·

·

·

The first thing I checked after entering my office was Eva's arrival. It had become a routine of mine to check on her arrival and departure. It seemed like no matter how much early I came, my day never started unless she was with me, in any was possible. And right now I didn't have her completely so I was working with what I had—her pieces.

She looked up at camera again for a second, and I looked at her, not able to part my gaze from hers until she exited on the twentieth floor.

Then I looked at the internet, looking for any information on me about last night. It was there. A photo of Corinne and I caught in an almost intimate moment from the look. I had my hand at her back. She looked at me with shine in her eyes and I was whispering something against her temple, my lips almost touching her hair. There was one more. She was holding my arm, one hand cupping my biceps as we welcomed someone, our eyes meeting. There was a genuine smile on my face and she looked at me like she was in love with me.

Guess they will do the trick, I thought sarcastically. If Eva saw them, she will break. But they were important as I had laid it out like we had a breakup for one week now and I was getting back with Corinne. It was important. Else I had a motive for the murder, and right now it was more important to escape the crime I did, never becoming a suspect.

Now that the photos convinced I and Eva weren't an item anymore, no one would dig up for a motive. And who would think of me as the culprit. I was a man of no nuisance, and all knew I wasn't one who kills someone for my ex.

I shoved the pictures away, not caring of them, and started my day.

·

·

·

I got a call from my subsidiary hotel's manager, Joseph, at eleven. I was already expecting it, knowing what was the news they had.

"Cross." I greeted. "How can I help you, Joseph?"

"I wanted to tell you that a murder has been done in the hotel."

I played my part well. "What? How? When? Who?"

"It was a man named Nathan Barker, who was staying in the room on the third floor since a week and half. He was found dead by the room-service. He wasn't opening the door and there was a small leakage problem from the air conditioner, so we had to break it. We found him lying at the door, stabbed in the chest with a knife last night. Detectives will soon be examining the crime scene."

"Does Mr. Theason knows about it?"

"I told him before calling you."

"And how is the hotel team managing it? How are the guests?"

"The team is working extremely well, and as of guests, it was hard to control them as they were acting frantically, not that I blame them, but we managed it."

"Good. Keep me updated, and also tell me if Detectives find any clue or evidence."

"Okay."

I prayed they find none, but I had to be realistic.

"I'll come at the hotel myself. Inform me when the detectives come and go. I'll be there when possible."

"Sure, Mr. Cross. Have a good day."

Yeah, I will. I was going to see Eva today. Maybe she'll forgive me, though I knew it was unlikely. But I was nervous as I wanted his father to like me. She may never say it but I knew her father's approval mattered for her. If she didn't get it, she may still stay with me but it would always haunt her that her father is not a part of her life. And Eva's request to bring someone with me now made sense. If I went there alone, I would be a nervous wreck, but if Ireland will be with me, I won't be all alone.

The buzzing of phone interrupted my musing. It was Corinne. I let it go to the voicemail, resuming my work. It beeped. She has sent me the few photos of us clicked last night. With it was a text: We look so good and happy together. When can we meet again? I didn't reply.

My phone rang again. It was Arnoldo.

"Hello, Arnoldo. How are you?"

He spoke in Italian, "I'm fine, but I wanted to ask you. How are you? I just saw a couple of photos of you and Corinne, yesterday, at some publicity mixers. Rumours are there that you are getting back with her."

I knew this was to be expected after my two social events where she was with me. But I hadn't expected Arnoldo to see them.

"They're rumours, Arnoldo. Nothing true."

"Then isn't it true that you were there with Corinne instead of Eva."

I sighed, "Yes. I was."

"And you were with her even on Monday."

Not a question, as he had seen me with her at our restaurant. He had even shown me his disapproval by shaking his head. It wasn't just him, but all my friends didn't like her, detested her for how she left me and went for another person and then came back and is trying her best to gain me back.

"I know."

"Where is that Gideon who punched a man just because he kissed Eva?"

"It's not that, Arnoldo. I just asked Corinne for a favour. Nothing much."

"Then explain me why, Gideon. Did you break up with Eva? Does she know about this? I know I don't have any right to interfere in your life, but I just want to make sure you are not making a rash decision."

"It's not that simple, Arnoldo. It's... fucked up. I have a great deal of shit already to deal with—if you don't throw some more on me, it would be very appreciated."

"Okay. I just called to inform you that we are having a boys' night at my place, tomorrow at eight."

"I'll be there."

"Can I give you a piece of advice, my friend?" I didn't say anything. " Don't play games with Eva. I've seen what powers she has on you, and I don't want your life to be a mess."

I counted till eight in my head before answering. "Thanks, Arnoldo. I'll be there by eight."

Eva had told me that Arnoldo didn't like her now for how the events had turned that night, but I hadn't accepted that. He was one of my closest friend, still is, but if he dislikes Eva for her one mistake, I won't be able to be with him. I was very sensitive when it came to Eva, and I want everyone to trade water with care when it comes to her. I had already let go of Magdalene, I won't mind cutting a few more people off my life.

I was working for a new product I was interested in when Arash came in.

"Dealt with the insurance company. They can be very hard, but I made sure each and every loss is been covered under it."

"Nice to hear it."

"Are you going through a break up with Eva?" I looked at him with questioning eyes but didn't answer. "Corinne was with you yesterday, wasn't she?"

"Stop being girls with reading the gossips."

"Hey! I didn't. The manager told me that. He was describing the whole night to me with some food after the insurance people had gone. He told me about her."

"Then stop gossiping like girls."

"You didn't answer me."

"Because there is nothing to discuss." I snapped, "I am not with Corinne. Is that enough for you? Now, stop invading my personal life and look what I have in my mind."

I let work distract us from the conversation we had as I didn't have any answer for that. I didn't know if Eva and I were still together. I had broken her again and again this whole week and it won't be surprising if Eva don't want to be with me anymore. But I didn't know for sure. I had no answers. No fucking clue.

·

·

·

I called Angus to take me to the hotel where Nathan was murdered. I wanted to discuss Eva and her security with him, and as Eva wasn't going anywhere today after lunch, I asked Angus to drive me.

He met me at the Crossfire, tipping his hat like he always did.

Leaning against the seat, I watched the people walking on the street in July's heat. "Nathan was found dead this morning." I informed him.

Looking at me from the rear view mirror, he nodded. "Aye. I know."

He knew what I did. But I was not frightened that someone knew. He didn't know how or when, but he knew. He didn't judge me, though. His eyes were gentle when he looked at me. He knew everything about me and he knew how much Eva mattered to me. He had suspected that on Monday itself that I would do something like this. "He never deserved to live. It's better he's dead. At least he won't haunt Eva from now on."

I nodded. He was right.

"About Eva. I want you still shadowing her everywhere. The detectives are examining the case and I don't want her rounded by them at any time."

He nodded, knowing how they played games. "Consider it done."

"Also, her dad is in the city, so they will be going around for sightseeing or so. He is a cop."

"No worries."

I sighed. Angus had always been a father figure for me. When no one believed me, he did. He helped me cop up, taught me how to be brave and not show any worries to the world. He told me that I was an innocent in what happened to me, that I wasn't a culprit of myself. He was not only my personal driver when I was a kid, but also my guide. Whenever anything happened, I always ran to him. Not my mother or Chris, but him. That was why when I became capable, I hired him to be my personal bodyguard, because I trusted him with my life.

"Eva has invited me for dinner today, with her father."

He knew it was a first time for me when I would be meeting one's father. I haven't been romantically involved in the past and he always used to look at me disappointedly for that. He always told me, "Everyone need someone to spend your life with. You can't cut everyone off your life."

His eyes were bright. "He'll love you."

"You're a father yourself, Angus. Help me."

He looked at me with kind eyes, eyes that knew too much. "Just be yourself, lad. Look after Eva like you do. If he loves her and finds her happy with you, it'll do the trick."

"Are you sure?"

Eva had told me about her father in the weekend. She daughter-worshipped him. She had said, with so much love in her eyes for her father, "He has just gotten a chance to be a father in the last four years, so he is very possessive of me. And he is very much like you, commanding, an alpha in himself."

"We fathers just want our babies to be happy. And if they find one who makes them happy, we'll be supportive."

"I don't know what should I take for dinner. Ireland is coming with me, too."

He looked at me surprised. He also knew that I never indulged in the Vidal's unless it was of something important.

I explained. "Eva asked me to bring her, have her family meet mine, or a part of mine."

"It's about time, Gideon. You've always isolated yourself from others, it's time you let people enter in your life. Ireland is a very smart kid. Just like you."

"She is a teenager!" I had no idea how to deal with them. They all whined about everything.

"And your sister. Treat her like that and she'll do the rest."

"Are you and Eva teaming up against me?" I grumbled.

He laughed. "I would like to see that, too."

"Will you come with me to pick her up or should I ask Raúl in case you —"

"Don't make me the bridge between you two, Gideon. She will be waiting for her brother, spend some time with him. She won't talk with you openly if there's an outsider."

I sighed. "Okay. Tell me when you see Eva purchasing anything. I want to surprise her by bringing something meaningful for the dinner."

"Okay."

We pulled up at the hotel. He smiled at me and tipped his hat. I smiled back, going inside.

The meeting with the manager went well, nothing not expected. He told me about all the things the detectives did, said. No, not even a single evidence was found. No, no one saw someone suspicious come and go yesterday or at late night. Yes, the cameras were in repairs so nothing was recorded. No, no one heard any thing or sound. I told him to report me when anything new comes up. I also assured some guests who were staying that we will look into it, that no one will be harmed.

It was all over in half-an-hour, as I had expected. Angus drove me back to Crossfire.

"Don't worry, lad." He told me when I was about to exit the car. "You'll do fine. With Ireland and Eva's father, both."

"Thanks, Angus."

He smiled and was gone.

·

·

·

I pulled out in the Vidal estate into the circular drive out front, fuming with the past memories I have with this house.

Every child has a special place where he has a lot of memories, a place he wants to hides whenever a thing doesn't happen their way. But I never had one. And the one I thought I could rely on made my childhood a nightmare. Every corner of the house was filled with haunted memories, filled with the disappointment that my mother never believed me, not Chris who had vowed to my mother to become a father figure to me.

I debated about going inside or standing here. I was leaning towards standing here, but I knew my mother would be hurt. She was already disappointed in me, I didn't want her to be any more. And, stupidly enough—as I always did—I thought she will see me how I am and maybe then she'll love me enough.

I moved to the house, hating every step I take, and rang the doorbell.

The houseman, Jeff, opened the door, surprised. "Hello, Gideon. What a surprise! Come in. Martha was just going to make cookies."

"I always loved her cookies." I murmured entering in. Martha had been our cook since I know, and she always babysat us when required. She didn't know what happened to me but I had always wondered how would she react. Would she believe me or just like my mother refuse to think about it. "But I'm in a hurry today. Is Ireland ready?"

"She'll be down in a few minutes, I guess."

"I'll just wait then."

"I'll bring you a few cookies. To go?"

I grinned. "Perfect. I'll get them when I drop Ireland."

My mom entered in the living room, asking who was at the door, and her beautiful face turned up in a more beautiful one when she beamed up finding me. "Oh, Gideon. What a surprise!"

I had gotten my face and my eyes from my mother. The worst part about it was that I always imagined her looking at me with such anger and let-down whenever I looked at myself in the mirror.

I braced myself when she came to me and kissed me on the mouth. "How is it going with Corinne?"

"We're just friends, mom." I murmured, taking a step back for much needed space from her.

"Sure, but love can always nurture when given a chance. And you've always loved her. Sure you took a step back when she left you but —"

"Yes, mom. She left me, and I don't think I can take her back. Besides I am taking Ireland to Eva's for dinner. Her father will be there."

"You're going too fast, don't you think? And she is even not your type."

I knew she always liked Corinne. Our families had become friends when we were dating and they were still in touch. Ever since Corinne had announced that she and Jean-François Giroux were not able to work things out in their marriage, my mom had been binding expectations that we will end up together. She refused to consider me with anyone else, looking happy for a change—real happy and gloating and laughing and showing intimacy on the road—but she refused to see that. She still wanted me to behave according to the name I had built.

"You don't know about my type, mom. And you can't ask me to act according to your wish. You want me to get back with Corinne, but I'm sorry that won't happen."

"You are just like your father." Either she complimented me or said it as an accusation, I never understood.

"Sorry I'm late, Gideon." Ireland stepped out the stairs, looking perfectly beautiful.

She had dressed herself in a pink sundress with a blue jacket that highlighted her eyes. Her black hair, so like mine, was pulled down across her chest with a hairband wore on the top of her hand. Her lean, slim and slender silhouette was adorned with high, strappy heels and a little makeup. Her face, which she, too, had inherited from our mother, beamed when she found me waiting for her.

"It was worth it. You look amazing."

"Had to give a competition." She laughed.

I smiled and placed my hand on her back. With heels, she almost reached to my shoulder, just like Eva. I wonder what they both will look like sitting next to each other.

"Ready to go?"

"Yes. Bye, mom." She turned to her and kissed her cheek. "See you at night."

"Bye, honey. Bye, Gideon." I simply nodded.

Making Ireland comfortable in her seat, I closed the door and rounded the car.

She greeted me in with the comment, "This is new." she gestured to the Mercedes.

I nodded, getting on the road. "You should see the new Aston Martin I bought."

"I call shotgun." She was already comfortable with me.

I smiled despite of thinking about it. "Sure."

"So, what brought this up?"

Using the reason Eva gave me, I told her. "I am meeting Eva's family. I thought to level it up I should get one of mine too. And kids always soften grownups." I added, not thinking about it.

"Hey! I'm not a kid anymore. I'll be starting high school this September." Her lips turned in a pout, but then she let it go. "Speaking of which, what did you choose as your second language?"

"What are you leaning forward to?"

"I was thinking about Spanish, but my friends were talking about French. I am confused."

"Do what you want to. Your friends can choose for themselves."

"I know. You didn't answer my question."

"I had chosen Spanish myself. Then for college I had taken a few extra classes for several languages. Just like you, I didn't want to look dumb getting in Columbia."

"So I thought. I had been thinking about various things and my hobbies and my interests."

"It's always good to have options."

"So tell me about what you had chosen." She ordered.

I told her about my college times, remembering those days. She laughed sometimes, and then at times she asked me about why I did that. It was easy to talk with her. She added the difference between our times, and laughed when I frowned at some things.

She was describing about her friends and her interest in one particular boy reared me up. I was worried for her. Knowing boys like me and Cary and Christopher always wandered the High school. "Do you have a boyfriend?"

"What? Why? We are going to impress your girlfriend, so can we please not talk about my love life?"

"That's not an answer."

"And I'm not answering that." She snapped.

"Ireland!"

"Don't be all grown-up on me, Gideon! I have already gotten mom on that, and we all know she can be a handful. Tell me about Eva's dad."

I absolutely knew that. And thinking about Eva's dad, it was not a good thing. I never knew how he would react when he sees me or observe me.

"I don't know much." I told her truthfully. "I've never met him before. But he means so much to Eva, so I want everything to go smooth."

"Well, you look perfectly normal for that."

I smiled lightly, appreciating her comment. I had dressed in a worn out jeans and a Yankee's shirt. I knew that baseball will be a good start. And I had already taken out my Rolex, knowing through Eva what his father felt about money. I wanted to even things out a little for a good start.

"And you'll do great. I'll help you if things get out of control."

"Thanks." I was touched.

"You'll see. A kid to your rescue." I had to smile at that.

I had never appreciated Ireland, always taking her as one of my half siblings whom I never got to know. She was just a toddler when I moved out to the city for my high school and college. But she was not only a teenager but also a grown up lady, whose temper matched mine. I knew one thing, if she ever had a boyfriend, he will have to first get through me.

·

·

·

We pulled at Eva's apartment in nearly one hour, beating the traffic. She too enjoyed the twilight time in New York, taking in things like a new comer. I slowed down a few times so she could take time to appreciate it.

When we entered the elevator, I was anxious as never before. I couldn't place the feeling though. I knew I was anxious to meet Eva, see her really, and not through camera, after a very long time. I was longing to be near her, thinking how will she greet me. The take out beer I had bought—Angus had informed me earlier that she was making Mexican so I had bought Dos Equis for dinner as my part—was still chilled in my hands. I hoped she would appreciate the effort.

But I knew a part of me was keyed up because of her father's presence. I wanted—needed—him to like me. And a part of me wanted to reconcile with Eva. If only for within the boundaries of her home. I would give her a partial truth explanation, tell her something to make up with the excuses I had been making and keeping us away.

The ding told us that we were there.

It felt so different being on this floor but not going to the apartment next door that I had taken, but go to Eva's, just like I used to in the past month. It felt all too surreal.

The door was closed, but I still had her keys. Using them, I went inside.

The soothing voice of Morrison filled the air. Ireland hummed along as we moved to the kitchen from where an unknown sound was coming.

I stopped at the breakfast bar. I couldn't move or look away from the scene.

Dressed in a casual jeans and a tank top with hair moved up in a messy bun, Eva was swinging to the melody in the arms of her dad, her face positively glowing. She was laughing, singing a song with her dad, twirling a circle, waltzing, oblivious of us.

My eyes stung at the scene in front of us. I had never seen her so happy in the past week. I had missed her smile, missed the sound of her laughter. I had missed seeing her.

She was the epitome of my happiness, of my heart. Cheerful, happy, giddy.

I barely registered the hardening of my dick, paid no attention to the tingles I felt seeing her. I just saw her, loosing myself in her.

She met my eyes and stumbled, clearly shocked. Her eyes were as wide as golf-balls when she saw me standing with Ireland, and her smile was chased away by a numb expression.

Her dad smiled, catching her before she fell, teasing, his eyes only for her. "You got two left feet?"

"Eva's a wonderful dancer." I moved across the bar and into the kitchen with Ireland. "I hadn't realized she was such a good singer, as well. Gideon Cross." I introduced myself, holding out my hand.

"Victor Reyes." He was a six feet tall, handsome man, with part Latino in appearance. He had black, wavy hair, so opposite of Eva, but his eyes were stormy, clear, transparent grey. So like Eva's. In khaki jeans and a black button-down shirt, he looked like a New Yorker, but his gaze was of a cop. He looked me up and down, raking me in, his eyes full of knowledge. Even in a casual attire, he commanded knowledge and attention of everyone. Just like me, as Eva calls, he commanded attention, liking control on his own terms.

He waved his shiny, spoiled fingers. "I'm a bit messy."

"I don't mind."

He shrugged and shook my hand, his grip tight.

Eva gave us a napkin, not looking me in the eye, and smiled at my sister, hugging her carefully. "I'm so glad you could make it." She leaned back. "You look gorgeous!"

"So do you!"

If anyone asked me, I would say they both looked gorgeous in their own way. Ireland's lean body was beautiful in her own way, and Eva's petite and voluptuous one demanded attention and attraction in her own. They both could make men go on their knees.

"You look shaken up." Victor said, grabbing my attention from the two girls I was busy looking at. "You okay?"

I nodded. "I'm fine. Just a busy day."

I gave him the beer bottle I had brought. He read the label and thanked, keeping it in the fridge. Ireland helped Eva in rolling the enchiladas while Victor busied himself in making the sauce. As there was nothing to do, I stood at the bar, leaning my hip against the counter, watching both of them—my girls, it felt so good to think of them like that—work.

Eva guided Ireland how to do it and she concentrated to do it right. They both easily got comfortable, laughing and catching up. She even got comfortable with Victor, who was very warm towards her, conversing with her about small things. There was a point where Victor told Ireland Eva made a huge mess in the kitchen in San Diego and Eva defended herself, ending up laughing with the others.

I felt like an outsider again. It seemed they all had forgotten that I was here.

I was used to it. I had always been left out. By my parents, by my new family, by my friends due to my father's past, everywhere. It didn't hurt now.

But what hurt like a twisting knife in the chest was Eva's ignorance. Not even once she looked at me or greeted me. She was trying to think I wasn't present. It was very clear in the way she carried herself. Her shoulders were tight, hunched straight and back in defence, her jaw was tight while she worked.

I knew I deserved it but it still hurt so much.

Victor excused himself to freshen up and I grabbed the opportunity by moving closer to Eva, standing just behind her, moving my hands around her waist. I brushed my lips against her temple, missing those moments when I used to kiss her senseless. I was hard for her and I was no hesitate in showing her that.

She tensed up, her shoulders squaring as she tried to lean away from me. "Don't. I'd rather we didn't pretend." Her voice was no more than a whisper, but it had a cutting edge.

I felt like my air way squeezed out of my body. I couldn't breathe. I needed to hold onto her, but she was trying to move away from me. I couldn't let her. I moved my fingers to her hips, kneading them, needing the connection.

The phone buzzed, breaking the movement. I had put it in a DND mode. It meant it was an urgent call.

It was Angus. "Excuse me." I told them, going to the hall way seeking privacy, then to him, "Yes?"

"It's the detectives. They were present at the Fifth Avenue, checking on you. The receptionist told them that you had left around five and hadn't come since. They were suspicious. So I had to interject that you were at Eva's for dinner. They were suspecting you hard."

I pinched the bridge of my nose. Of course, the detectives will suspect me. The prime suspects were, obviously, I, Shanton, Eva and Monica. I had already anticipated their arrival, but now they would come here. Eva would come to know about Nathan being in New York since almost two cities. That we had hidden this information from her when we all know how Eva felt about that.

"Thank you, Angus."

"They will probably ask why are you there."

"I can handle it. You don't worry. Can you call Madani and tell him that I may need his assistance in this, and tell him to call me in half an hour or so."

"On it."

"Thank you. Did they ask anything to you?"

"No."

"And if they did, which they will —"

"I know how to handle them."

"Keep an eye on the situation." The receptionist of both the buildings had no clue where I spent my nights. For them, I was staying in my penthouse at Fifth Avenue, the presence of this apartment and my nights were ghosted."

"Okay."

I entered the kitchen again just as Ireland was saying something to Eva. I heard it.

"But you said you loved him." Ireland's tone was a little accusatory.

I waited for he reply, wanting, no! needing, to hear those words again.

She breathed deeply. "That's not always enough."

Before I could adjust myself, hide the pain from my eyes by listening that, she turned and looked at me, her face torn. I couldn't move my eyes off her.

I took a deep breath, getting myself in control, hiding my every emotion from everyone like I was habitual of. Even from the one who always read me, always saw everything through me.

"Would you like a beer?" I asked softly, still looking at her. It amazed me my voice was not as much hoarse or gruff as the emotions building inside me were.

She nodded. I went to the fridge, turning my back to her. I took a deep breath before saying anything. Then, "Want a glass?"

"No."

I turned over to look at my sister who was eyeing us with mature eyes, understanding everything was off. "You thirsty? There's soda, water, milk."

"How about one of those beers?"

"Try again." I scowled. She shot me a big smile, seeming pleased with something. I just hoped that the tension between I and Eva doesn't affect their growing friendship. Ireland was already fond of Eva.

I took a bottle of beer and handed it to Eva. Her fingers brushed mine when she came forward to take it from me, and I hold onto that small touch like a lifeline. Her gaze lifted to me. Her stormy eyes were very sad, hurt all the way over. There so much pain in there, but I saw love too. She still loved me, even if not enough to whisk the pain away, and that was enough for me.

A moment passed and then a minute but neither of us moved. My body was very much aware of hers. The night we had spent together the last time seemed years ago instead of two days. I was so needy of her touch, so hungry of her love.

She tugged the bottle away and turned around, hiding herself from me. I, too, closed my eyes at the pain. I was eager to give her all the answers she wanted, she needed, but it wasn't a good time. The detectives were on their way to here and Eva had to be purposefully oblivious to all this nuisance if she wanted her clean chit from being a suspect. Her honest reactions were our strongest alibis right now.

"Can I help with anything?"

She answered without looking at me, without even a small glance. "Can you see if we can get Cary out here? He's got a wheelchair."

"All right."

I moved to Cary's room to find him trying to adjust his hair looking in the mirror. He appeared good now, his many bandages being taken off him, his cast the only thing that disturbed his else regular movements. In a jeans and a button down shirt he looked as good as ever, his bruises not too profound now.

"Hi, Cary. How are you?"

The look he gave me was pure hatred, loathing. "Can we cut the pleasantries, Cross. You seem to be very good at them, already."

"Look Cary, I know I've hurt —"

"Listen Cross, I'm not the one who needs explanation or justifications. You messed it up, you clear it. But she had already been crying tons over you. Just make sure you don't make her cry anymore. I cannot look at that, and I won't mind, at all, going to the hospital back with you this time."

I took a deep breath and tried to count till ten. "Let's go outside." He nodded, not taking my help.

Outside everyone was arranging the table. We all took the chairs then, with Victor on the head of the table and I and Eva beside him. Ireland busied herself with Cary, who made her laugh and all the way comfortable.

"Are you a Yankee's fan?" Victor asked, and I used the question as a life-saviour as I told him about how much I liked baseball. Then we talked about golf and then just random talks.

I understood what Eva meant by commanding attention. Just like me, Victor was used to getting things done in his own way, which lead to both of us trying to gain the upper hand. He was very protective of Eva and I was trying to make him see that I too was possessive about her. Things were a little heated between us, but the tension was visible on Eva's face.

My phone rang twice in between. One time it was Arash who told me to text me whenever I need him and he'll be here in a few minutes. The next was from Angus who told me that the detectives had just interrogated him grabbing the opportunity but couldn't get any answers from him. I told him to keep me updated.

I entered the hallway again, to resume my dinner, but something was off. Eva was clearing the table and Victor was standing at the gate. Cary sat with Ireland on the dining chair.

"What happen?" I queried, looking at Ireland.

Cary answered. "It's the detectives. I guess they finally got a lead."

I nodded, though I knew better. It were the detectives but not the ones who had took Cary's case.

The bell rang and Victor welcomed the two armed NYPD detectives inside.

The female detective was a thin woman with a severe face and sharp, intelligent, blue eyes which were very focused on Eva. The male detective was an old, tall and a stout man with sharp eyes as well, which, unlike the other detective, raking in the room and all of us. Both of them wore an unbuttoned jacket which did nothing to hide their badges or their guns.

The female spoke, "I'm Detective Shelley Graves of the NYPD. This is my partner Detective Richard Michna. We're sorry to disturb you on a Friday night." her voice for all of us but her eyes still on Eva making her uncomfortable. I wanted to stand between them, but knowing it would be an inconsiderate move, I fixed my feet on the floor and waited for them to proceed.

Eva greeted them, but it was the sure and confident movement of Victor that had the attention of the detectives. Detective Michna asked Victor as he closed the door. "You on the job?"

"In California. I'm visiting Eva, my daughter. What's this about?"

"We'd just like to ask you a few questions, Miss Tramell," Graves said. She looked at me then. "And you, too, Mr. Cross."

"Does this have something to do with the attack on Cary?" Eva asked.

Detective Graves looked at Cary. "Why don't we sit down?"

We all moved to the living room, with Victor pushing Cary's chair, and my eyes fixed on the detectives. Eva and Ireland took the seat on the couch while all the others, including the detectives, remained standing.

Their eyes moved to take in the house. "Nice place you've got here." Detective Michna said.

"Thank you." But Eva's voice betrayed her when she looked at Cary. I looked at her through my peripheral vision, not looking at her directly. She tried to look at me but I didn't turn my head to meet hers.

"How long are you in town?" He asked Victor, trying to sound friendly.

"Just for the weekend."

Detective Graves smiled, looking at Eva. "You go out to California a lot to see your dad?"

"I just moved from there a couple months ago."

"I went to Disneyland once when I was a kid," she said, going for small talk. "That was a while ago, obviously. I've been meaning to get back out there."

Detective Michna took the conversation then, pulling out a notepad out of his interior pocket of his jacket. "We just need to ask you a couple of questions. We don't want to hold you up any longer than we have to."

Graved nodded, her eyes still on Eva, as she blurted the question I dreaded. "Can you tell us if you're familiar with a man named Nathan Barker, Miss Tramell?"

Eva's face turned pale, her lips turning white. Her hands trembled. I tried to show no emotion, but I couldn't resist the curling of my fingers in a fist.

Cary cursed and pushed onto his feet unsteadily and sat beside Eva taking her hand, his eyes on detective just like mine.

Graves took a seat beside her, while Michna's gaze locked with me. He looked at my posture, which I tried to relax, and then moved back to Eva.

"Miss Tramell?" Graves asked further.

"He's her former stepbrother," Cary snapped. "What's this about?"

"When's the last time you saw Barker?" Michna asked.

"Eight years ago." She mumbled hoarsely.

"Did you know he was here in New York?" Eva shook her head violently.

Michna nodded, but it was Victor who questioned, "Where's this going?"

Eva's looked at me for help. Victor didn't know anything about Nathan or why was Eva behaving this way. I knew what Eva was thinking now. Keep Victor in dark. I didn't look at her though, as I didn't want to show any emotion and Michna was constantly gauging my every move.

"Mr. Cross?" Graves asked, my eyes briefly taking in Eva, looking at her shaken form, before I gave Graves my full attention. "What about you?"

"What about me?"

"Do you know Nathan Barker?"

"You wouldn't be asking that question if you didn't know the answer."

"Is there a point to these questions?" Victor asked, taking in Eva's form. She was panting, visibly shaking.

It was this reason I didn't want Eva to know about Nathan being so close to hers. The constant providing of protection, vigilance, strict rules, 24X7 eyes on her would never take the pale look from her face.

"Can you just tell us where you were yesterday, Miss Tramell?"

"Where I was? Yesterday?" She repeated, her voice a small mumble. She wasn't coherent.

"Don't answer that," Victor ordered. "This interview isn't going any further until we know what this is about."

Michna nodded, as if he'd expected the interruption. "Nathan Barker was found dead this morning."

No sooner he completed the sentence than Victor said grimly, in his cop's commanding voice, cutting the questionnaire off. "We're done here. If you have any further questions, you can make an appointment for my daughter to come in with counsel."

Michna looked at me again. "Would you mind telling us where you were yesterday?"

I took the few steps forward and moved to them, speaking, "Why don't we talk while I show you out?" leaving no point of discussion behind. I didn't want Eva to hear any of our conversation. She didn't have to learn about Nathan and his tactics and his arrival at Crossfire or any of the things which would surely make her faint.

The detectives nodded, standing up. They took Eva's number and thanked her for her time and apologized for interrupting the dinner.

I showed them out, stepping out with them and into the elevator.

"So Mr. Cross," Detective Graves said, turning to look at me. "How many times did you meet Nathan?

"Two times. Both times he had come to meet me at my building, Crossfire, during office hours, nearly around noon. I had talked with him over phone then. Twice."

"For what?"

"Is the seal of Nathan's record broken?" I asked instead.

"Yes." Michna said and Graves nodded. We exited the elevator and made our way to the sidewalk where they had parked their vehicles. "We broke the seal before looking into the case. We know about the charges on him, about the sexual abusing Miss Tramell had to suffer, and the payment she received for the abuse she had."

I nodded, hating him even more. "Eva was shattered, always afraid of him. He took it to his advantage and made a few images and videos about... his sexual abusing... on Eva. He said he would exchange them for two and a half million."

"Did he ask Richard Shanton, too?"

"Yes. I got a call from Shanton. He had paid him and destroyed the evidence."

"But you didn't pay." Not a question.

"No." I confirmed. "Not at first. I didn't pay him a penny. He came the second time then, but I still didn't. Then I called him this Monday when he had attacked Cary. I knew it was him—you can say it was an instinct. He confirmed it on the phone. I told him that I and Eva were no more together, that it wouldn't do him good for asking money from her ex, but he said if I at least cared for her, then I had to pay him five millions. I agreed on that, asking him around one week as I couldn't make a huge transaction for personal use without making anyone suspicious."

"Did you pay him then."

"I was going to, by today midnight. I called him around yesterday noon to tell him the same."

"Yesterday noon? Isn't that early?"

"To make sure he leaves, I had arranged a flight ticket and transportation modes for him to Mexico. I had called him yesterday to inform the same. Also I knew he would go for media frenzy so I told him in advance."

"And where were you last night?"

"At my hotel Crossling. There was a pre-launch event of a new product I had acquired—Kingsman Vodka."

"You were there with Mrs. Giroux."

"Yes. She was my date—a favour for a friend."

"And when did you reach home then?"

"I departed from the hotel at around three and reached my house at Fifth Avenue in about twenty minutes."

"So you had went directly to your home."

"Yes."

Detective Graves took the conversation then. "About you and Miss Tramell. You broke up with her." It wasn't a question so I didn't add anything. She waited for me to say something then added herself. "Can we know why?"

I knew this question could be a major deal breaker, so I took the events of Friday night to form my answer, staying close to the partial truth to make it more convincing.

"She and Brett Kline," Michna noted it, adding the singer of Golden song to which I nodded and continued, "They had a sort of relationship in the past. And she still had feelings for him. She kissed him Friday night when we were at his concert and I and Brett had a brawl. I realized I couldn't be with her if she still had feelings for her ex."

"But you were still ready to pay for her, and even today."

My answer was ready as I had anticipated this question.

"As Nathan had said, I still had feelings for her. And I have seen what he did to her shattered her. You even saw that yourself. I didn't want to let her live in a fear of him. So I decided I would pay him."

"Not at first, though."

"At first I took him lightly, that what will he do except for threatening me with the videos and images, but when he attacked Cary," they both nodded, telling me I was right about that, "I knew he was a danger, a threat to Eva, so I told him I would pay."

"And about dinner?" Graves pressed.

"Eva had told me two weeks prior that her dad will come in the city and I had promised her I would be there with Ireland. She is fond of Eva and wanted to meet her and her father. So I agreed to come for Ireland. I hope you can understand how many things a brother has to do for his sister."

Graves nodded. "We girls know how to take advantages." I smiled too. "Okay, Mr. Cross, we will let you go back now."

I nodded. "Tell me if you find anything. And please keep Ireland and her father away from all these shit. Ireland is still a kid, and Victor has no clue about what Nathan did. If we could only keep it that way?" I prompted.

"Okay." Michna shook my hand and sat in the car. Graves took the wheel, nodding. I nodded, too, and watched them go.

I breathed in a relief when they were gone and went upstairs, anxious to see Eva. She may have many questions for me now—about Nathan, about what I told the detectives. But I wasn't prepared to answer her those questions. She had seen and heard enough for today.

I was decided about that when I opened the door and saw Eva in the hallway. Our gazes met for a moment and held each other. I could read she had so many questions in her eyes but she looked away and went straight to her door, the sound of locking it reverberating in my ears.

Ireland stepped out of the kitchen pushing Cary's wheelchair. "What did they ask you, Gideon? Is everything okay?"

She was terrified by all this. I could hear it in her voice and see it in her eyes. Even Cary was not his usual cheery self. He looked grim, looking at me for answers.

"Everything's fine, Ireland. Why don't you go and help Victor?"

She looked at me for a second but then nodded and went in. I turned to Cary and told him we need to talk and took him to the living room. I sat on the couch and he sat in front of me.

"What is it, Cross?"

"It was Nathan, Cary. He was the one who hit you with a bat."

His face paled, looking like a teenager. "What?"

"The detectives just told me this. He wanted to scare Eva and you are the closest one to her. So he hurt her indirectly."

"Oh." He mumbled, still pale and panting.

"They know about Eva's past. I told them to not mention any of that to Victor. Please take care of Eva. I have to go now. Ireland is shaken, too. I need to take her home. I'll see you around." He didn't say anything. So I stood up and went inside.

Victor was doing the dishes and Ireland was drying them. He was telling her about some interesting things to cheer her up and she was smiling faintly for him.

Till now I was just thinking about how Eva reacted, but now I could see that Nathan had not only frightened and terrified Eva, but everybody—Cary, Victor, even my baby sister.

Damn that bastard, damn him to the deepest of hells.

"Ready to go, Ireland?"

She turned and nodded. Victor looked at me and nodded, apparently having nothing to say to me.

"Thanks for having me over, Victor. The dinner was great."

He nodded, sizing me up. "Will I see you tomorrow?" he asked.

"It's upto Eva."

He nodded again, talking to Ireland than and kissing her cheek as a goodbye. He told her to meet him when he is next time in town and she promised to do so. He saw us to the elevator and then he was gone inside.

Ireland turned to me when we stepped inside the elevator. "Are you okay?"

She was worried about me. I was instantly uncomfortable and tried to shake off my demeanour and wear a smile for her.

"Don't worry about me. Are you fine? You seem pretty shaken up."

"The detectives were a little intimidating. I mean, to see them in the television in a different thing but to see them live, interrogating. It was too much. I mean I had a different impression of detectives—thanks to the show Brooklyn 99—but it all felt so surreal."

"Sorry you had to see that."

She didn't say anything and followed me to the car. I made her comfortable there and took the wheels. I noticed the time on the dashboard. It was just past ten.

"Eva was pretty bad. She wasn't feeling well." She commented once we were on the road, merging in the traffic.

"I know." I breathed. I had seen how bad she took it. She was pale, pretty much shaken up when she heard it. And worse, I couldn't hold her when she needed me the most.

"Cary told me about Nathan."

"What?"

"Cool down. He just told me he was an abuser and hated—no loathed—Eva. And she was frightened of him, always." I sighed. He still had the power to frighten her, even when he was dead. "Why to deliberately hurt someone, terrify them?" She was talking to herself, and then suddenly she said in a loud, gruff voice: "Guys like them do not deserve to live."

"I guess it is good that he is dead now."

Abusers like Nathan, like Hugh, never deserved to live, to make others life hell. And their supporters deserved to be dead, too. Just like the Lucases. They were as much a criminals as Hugh, who took my everything from me.

"Yeah." She mumbled, looking out the glass to the city that we were passing through.

How I wish someone was furious for me too, from my family, just like Ireland was for Eva. What done is done and I could never change that. But it would still be good to know that there was someone who was worried for me, shattered for what happened to me.

"Why is she mad at you?" She asked with her back at me, bringing me back from my musings. "You guys were having a lot of tension."

"I guess I said something to her and she said something. Don't worry, we are adults—we'll solve our problems."

"I like her."

"I know."

"And I hate her. Corinne. She has no right to leave you and come back as if nothing happened."

"I don't disagree."

"But you were still spending time with her!" Clearly she had seen the pictures too. "Why?"

"Business and personal life never run together, Ireland. There are a few things which we have to do even when we hate them."

"Are you going to breakup with Eva? Is she going to?"

I liked it that she was worried about me, worried about my personal life. And it became more and more hard to look at her like a teenager and not as my sister.

"It's not that simple. We are having a few problems. That's it."

"That's not an answer."

I inhaled deeply. "I have no fucking clue. It all seems messed up right now. It's all upto her, I guess."

"But don't you get any say in this relationship?"

At least she was the one I could say a partial truth. "I was the one who pushed her away unconsciously. This leaves me no right to have a say."

"But you will work things out, won't you."

"There's always a way, Ireland. Always. Sometimes, time and distance gives us perspective. We must give time to time, and wait for every piece to fall in it's place."

We both were silent then. "Don't tell anything about this to mom, please. I don't want her to worry."

"I wasn't going to, idiot. I am not a catty person."

I smiled. "I know that."

She smiled and again looked outside the glass, enjoying the night view of the city.

For the first time I loved the silence. It felt too much easy to breathe with her beside me. I hadn't felt like that with anyone except for Eva, and it felt good to have someone from my family who knew something more about me. Eva was right about bringing her to dinner. She wasn't a kid anymore, she was a grown up. And Angus was right. I have to give her a chance to see me. I can't always push her away.

When we pulled in the driveway, she sighed. "It took a short time. Well, thanks for inviting me."

I nodded. "Well, it turned out I was right. Kids do soften grownups."

She laughed. "I told you, didn't I, that I will come to your rescue."

I laughed softly, kissing her head—I wasn't thinking about it but it just happened. "Thanks for saving my butt, kiddo."

She beamed at me, surprised, with shiny eyes. "I'll remember about the favour, bro." She teased as she hugged me.

I wasn't prepared for that. It suddenly felt too much. I was still deciding about hugging her back, but was interrupted as Chris and mom came out. Chris smiled warmly at me and my mother's face turned into a big grin as she watched me with Ireland.

"Come in, Gideon. You had a long drive."

"And I have to drive back." I pointed out.

I didn't want to think about this house, the memories it held. Staying in it for a night was too much.

"Okay."

I had already met him today for a meeting regarding Vidal Records so we didn't have anything else to say. I tipped my head at him and was about to leave but my mother stopped me.

"You want some cookies?"

I thought about denying, not wanting to take anything from her, but Ireland was also here, and I certainly didn't want her to see me arrogant after I had spend a good time with her. "Okay."

She gave me the take-out box she had in her hands. "Corinne called me today. She said you are rejecting her calls?"

"I know whose call to attend and whose not. " I snapped, not able to take it anymore. "It would be a great deal for me, mother, if you stop pushing me. Good night."

She was hurt but I had no more space for any more drama. I took the take-out box from her hands, waved bye to Ireland who kissed my cheek in return, and was out on the road within a few seconds.

I kept the volume high of music as I drove, not wanting to think anything but not able to stop thinking about today's events, especially Eva. I couldn't take her pale, shattered face out of my mind. And the worst part was I couldn't be near her tonight. The detectives would like to know about my whereabouts for the night and I wasn't willing to take any risk.

I let the high volume dissolve my tension as I drove to my penthouse.