I broke down.

Wrapping my arms around his neck I clutched onto him like my life depended on it. The sobs that just kept coming and coming and the tears that followed behind them were uncontrollable. The images of those two men and my mother's cruel sadistic smile just kept replaying over and over in my mind.

Why would she do that to me? How could she do that to me? How...how could she let them come in there and-Shantel stop it! It never happened. It wasn't real.

I was pulled out of my thoughts by a calloused hand gently lifting my chin.

"Shantel, listen to me. I don't know what happened, but you can't let it eat at you like this. You're stronger than that, I know you are and I'm here. I promise I will protect you with my life, whatever it was it was just a dream and it's over...and I'll be damned if ever it happens again." He spoke with such passion and softness I was pulled into a trance by his dark pools of chocolate staring back at me. Just then I noticed how close we were and...god he was not wearing a shirt. Glancing down I nearly gasped, I knew he was well built any girl would be able to see that, but I didn't know just how built. The man was built like Hercules; he was barrel-chested, had abs that looked like they were photo-shopped and his arms...don't get me started on those arms. Absentmindedly I reached my hand out and lightly ram it down his chest and across his abs.

Shantel, get a hold of yourself!

Blinking myself back to reality I hastily pulled my hand back and glanced up to meet his eyes once again, which now held a look of amusement and something else I couldn't quite put my finger on. His trademark smirk was back and I rolled my eyes, heat rushing to my cheeks.

I really need to learn to control that.

"I know, I know...I'm sexy, but next time touching's gonna cost ya." He said with his cocky attitude returning as well.

"Whatever." We were still in the same position; one of my arms were around his neck, the other one resting on his arm and both of his arms were wrapped around my waist in a pretty tight grip. My heart involuntarily started to pick up speed again. His eyes shifted to the wall in awkwardness as he released his hold on me.

"Well uhh I-I'm gonna go back to bed...try to keep it down iight." He murmured now back to his old, arrogant, tough guy self. He shuffled off of my bed and headed for the door...something tugged at my chest watching him leave and I tried to ignore it...but I couldn't.

Don't do it...don't you do it.

He was nearly out into the hall when my feelings won over my logic,

"Riley, wait," I finally managed to croak out. He peaked back around the corner, brow raised as if to ask 'What is it?', "stay with me...please."

My voice cracked a little at the end; I could hear the weakness and desperation in my voice and I hated it. He started at me for what felt like ever; I could see the mental conflict he was having with himself in his eyes. Ultimately, they softened as he gave in and came back to bed. I tried to hide the small smile that was playing at my lips by facing away from him. He crawled in next to me, sinking the bed with his weight, and I expected him to just turn over and go to sleep, but the feel off his arms wrapping around my waist and pulling me back to his chest surprised me. This time my cheeks broke out in a flare and I'm pretty sure my whole face was red.

"Don't get too happy, ok?" He chuckled quoting my words from earlier, his cool breath fanning my ear caused a shiver to do laps down my spine and run all the way back up.

"Oh, just shut up and go to sleep." I snapped playfully. I welcomed sleep forgetting all about my nightmare feeling more secure and just...happy. Couldn't remember a time having ever been this happy. Completely oblivious, mind half-conscious, my body automatically inverted so that I was now comfortably snuggled into his chest. I could hear his soft snores and felt his chest rising and falling gradually; concluding that he was sleep. His alluring masculine scent of Axe and spice was practically suffocating me, but I liked it. Inhaling deeply I let his scent and presence cloud around me and cloak me in a sense of pleasure and content as I slipped into the most peaceful sleep I had had in a long time.

I woke up to the smell of eggs, chocolate and batter. Rubbing the sleep from my eyes I sat up and tried to recollect where I was, looking around and seeing all the shopping bags in the closet and the silk bed spread I realized...

I'm not in my room.

Then it all came rushing back to me...Shantel screaming...nightmare...comforting her...sleeping in her bed...my arms wrapped tightly around her waist while she was nuzzled into my chest. The lazy grin that crept up onto my face was inevitable and it left as soon as it came.

Can't get too close or attached to this girl...how do you know she doesn't have one of D-Mac's goons waiting on the neighbor's roof with a sniper right now.

Shaking my head I planted my feet on the floor and followed the delicious aroma to the kitchen. My eyes widened as they caught sight of the red head in my kitchen.

"Uhh...Shantel?" The lady turned around and confirmed it was in fact Shantel only she looked a lil...different. Her hair was dyed blood red like Rihanna used to have and her blue eyes were now jade green...she also had this big ass grin on her face.

I know we didn't have sex last night so what the fuck is she so happy abo-awhh shit...I think she found my weed stash.

"Goodmorning! Soo...what do you think?" She asked twirling in a circle.

"Well it looks nice...but what's with hair dye and contacts? You know you kind of remind me of Jessica Rabbit..." I stated sitting in my usual spot at the end of the kitchen table next to patio door.

"Thanks and I-"

"But then again Jessica Rabbit is more of a fiery carrot-top...nahh that shade is more like Yosemite Sam...or a tampon." I corrected snickering at the sight of her smile turning into a scowl.

' Ha. Ha. Well since I'm supposed to be dead I figured I'm gonna need a disguise cause I'm definitely not sitting in this house all day." She responded placing the food on the table. I gotta say it looked pretty good...she made an omelet which had cheese, mushrooms and bacon in it from what I could see and potatoes, garlic and onion in it from what I could smell, she also placed down these pancake looking pastries that were wrapped up like taco's filled with strawberries and drizzled with chocolate, along with some bacon and my coffee.

"And what's wrong with my house?" I asked raising a brow, she once again rolled her eyes and handed me a napkin.

"Oh nothing...it's just that if I were to be stuck in a house with a guy for the rest of my life I'd prefer if he wasn't a walking STD " She argued with a smirk, then it was my turn to roll my eyes.

"Whatever, smartass, this isn't poisoned or anything is it?" I inquired poking at the fluffy cheese pocket.

"Just taste it." She whined taking a seat next to me. I gave her a skeptic look before taking a bite, on the inside I was jumping up and down, doing cartwheels and back-flips but on the outside I made sure to keep a straight face.

"It's iight." I mumbled scarfing down the rest of it.

Who knew she could cook...cleans up; check, amazing cooking skills; check, beautiful face; check, rockin' body; check, all that's left is to see how she is in bed and I just might have to cuff her.

"Mhmm...you're welcome. Well, I'll be in the living room." She got up from the table and strutted to the couch. I found myself staring at her ass...I couldn't help it I mean I'm not sure if she was switching that hard on purpose to get my attention or if there was just so much back there she had to shift the weight in order to be able to walk properly.

Trust me if you were in my position you'd be looking too fellas.

Finishing my breakfast and placing the dishes in the dishwasher I took a quick shower and threw on a lil something; some jeans, a white Polo, my chain and my black and white Air Jordan XIII retro's. Suddenly my phone buzzed and I prayed to God it wasn't who I was thinking it was.

Office. Now. -Sage. Shit...just this once you couldn't of helped me out, huh.

Rushing down the stairs I stopped for a second desperately flipping through my phone to see if anyone had given me a heads-up.

"What's wrong?" I looked over my shoulder to see Shantel standing there; blue eyes back and full of fear and confusion. Just then I actually noticed what she was wearing; she had on black sweatpants from Victoria's Secret, light blue almost teal zip-up hoodie also from Victoria's Secret, some light brown UGG's and her hair was braided upwards in the back in a high side ponytail, but what got me the most was that her hoodie was slightly unzipped and since I got a good foot and some inches on her looking down I caught a pretty good glimpse of her white bra edged in lace...and it was a push-up.

Focus! Damnit! Can you at least try to keep it in your pants just this once, shit is serious.

"I-I uhh...I gotta go. You should probably stay here where it's safe, don't let anyone in besides me and if you hear anything suspicious there's a gun upstairs in the top drawer of my side table next to my bed in my room which is the first door to your right and the dogs are trained so they'll know what to do. I gotta go." Rushing all that out I raced to the door.

"Riley, wai-" I heard her calling, but just this once I couldn't let her phase me. Locking the door behind me I got in my Rolls Royce and headed toward Sage's. A million thoughts running through my mind.

What does he want? Does he know about Shantel? What if he's just trying to lure me out to get to her? How do I know she's safe? Shit! Ii didn't even give her my number before I left...GOD FUCKING DAMNIT!

It was too late to turn around now and if I arrived any later than usual Sage would be suspicious if he doesn't already know, all I could do now was sit and hope that she was safe and ok. If anything happens to her...shaking those thoughts out of my head I tried as best as I could to stay focused and remain well...normal. If I walked into his office all high strung and shit he'd probably put a bullet in my head right on the spot.

Just keep it cool.

Took about half an hour to get to the building and before I stepped out of the car I took a few deep breaths to gather myself, threw on my shades and headed into the building. As soon as I walked in the building the tension in the atmosphere hit me like a brick. I knew shit was about to go down once I glanced over at Arnel, Carter, Vince and Mike; my niggas, the only ones I have known and fully trust since I got into this business, and they refused to meet my eyes but I know they saw me because as soon as I passed them they tensed up like a motherfucker. Surprisingly Cindy wasn't there.

Wonder why.

I walked straight to Sage's office and let myself in.

"Got another job for me?" I asked nonchalantly taking a seat on the exact same couch that's been there since forever; still had that same gloss and new couch smell.

"Cut the bullshit, Freeman. Now, you know I am not one to tolerate anyone trying to play me...and I'll admit I'm a little surprised you'd be dumb enough to try it." I swear my heart stopped in those few seconds as I took in what he just said. I fought to control my ragged breathing as my heart started to pick up again and to the best of my ability keep my composure.

"What are you talking about, Sage?" I asked making sure to keep the fear and suspicion out of my voice so it would remain strong and clear.

"Where's the body, Riley?" He asked taking a seat right dead in front of me. The look on his face was one I'd never seen before...his eyes were hard and the expression on his face was one of pure anger and malevolence, it almost seemed as if he had taken over by the Devil as his face darkened in fury.

"Where do you think it is? I got rid of it." I replied coolly stretching out on the couch.

"Don't lie to me, boy." He growled leaning forward trying to stare me down, I met him halfway not backing down and removing my shades to match his gaze with my own.

"How long have I been working for you? Out of all these years I've done everything you told me no questions asked and when have I ever done some shit like that to you? Never." He scanned my eyes looking for what I assumed was some type of falter. If I was younger in this same situation I would've cracked as soon as I walked in the door. I used to view Sage as...a God. Someone who was untouchable, a man who demanded respect or else you lost your life. I still respect him, I respect his power, but just now it came to me that...I no longer fear him. After all these years of serving him and having him practically begging me to save his ass time after time again now I've come to realize he's just my boss. Just like a policeman has to listen to his commanding officer, just like a firefighter has to listen to his chief and just like a consiglieri has to listen to his Don.

"Alright...out of my office. I don't want to see your face for another week." Throwing my shades back on I saluted him and hauled my ass out that lion cage as fast as I could.

God, I hope she's ok.

I decided to take a risk and go a little faster than legally allowed...not that fast just...you know about 55 on an open street. Thankfully there were no cops around...or little kids crossing. I was just about to turn and head onto the expressway when I noticed a black Mercedes following up close behind from out my side mirror.

Shit.

Quickly maneuvering the over-priced vehicle onto the nearest street, a little close to the sidewalk, I punched it to 60 mph, whoever it was caught on and followed up close behind still. Went through just about every trick alley and blind street I could think of and I just could not shake him.

I know.

I made a sharp turn and headed to the only safe place no thug would dare go unless he was ready to take a one way trip to the big house...and have fun finger popping each other's assholes with the inmates. (A:N/ Heehee got that from 21 Jumpstreet, funniest movie ever. If you haven't seen it...I feel truly sorry for you).

"Daddy! Daddy!" As soon as I stepped into the house the center of my world came launching themselves into my arms.

"Hey! How're my two mini revolutionaries?" I asked balancing them on each arm.

I remember when Jazmine first found out she was pregnant...took me a while to actually comprehend the word father and when the doctor told us she would be popping out twins I passed out in his office...not one of my finer moments. But I couldn't ask for anything better. The job I have is brutal and it requires a lot of time and focus, but I always find time for them and Jazmine, family comes before anything and everything. Speaking of family...hope Riley learns that one day there's more to life than bullets and money. I prayed that he'd learn that as he was growing up, but I guess he still has more growing up to do.

"Mommy taught us adjectives!" Trinity exclaimed, brown eyes sparkling. She had my hair and eyes, but the complexion and innocent beauty of her mother. However, she isn't as naive as Jazmine was when she was little and I made sure of that. From the minute they were born I started teaching them about the world, good and bad, right from wrong. I also made sure to tutor them in a little martial arts every now and then...my kids won't be weak and reliant. Just makes me feel better knowing if I'm not here they can protect themselves and Jazmine.

"Oh, she did? That sounds fun too bad I missed it. How bout you go help set the dinner table?" I asked just as Jazmine came strutting out of the kitchen; strawberry blonde hair tied back with a bandana falling in wild curls down her back, wearing a green strapless dress that matched her eyes perfectly, red apron hanging loosely off her hips. Even after all these years she was still the only woman for me and lovelier than any angel.

"Ok!" She hoped down from my arms and darted into the kitchen leaving just me, little Riley and Jazmine.

"Hey, baby!" Jazmine chirped planting a quick kiss on my lips. I'll never know how she manages to maintain the same essence every time I kiss her; strawberries my favorite. I groaned in dissatisfaction.

When you're a working man who gets up not only before Jesus and the mexicans, but your wife as well and don't get home till later on well you have needs.

"Can't let dinner burn." She giggled with a final peck to my cheek. Shrugging out of my coat I hung it up and sat in my chair that was strictly off limits to anyone and everyone besides me...even the kids.

"So, big man...how was your day?" I asked sitting him on my knee. Already, at 3, he's a perfect replica of me. Besides you know the emerald orbs, mulatto skin tone and cleanly shaven head, courtesy of Jazmine...just like me. He sees the world the same way I did and still do, only I make sure to teach him not to be a jackass.

"Horrible." He grumbled crossing his little arms, I chuckled. He had already inherited my signature scowl and everything.

"And why is that?"

"Trinity just had to have a play date wit Lauren today when she knew I had important work to do! And I clearly told both of em to STAY OUT OF MY ROOM, but Lauren kept bugging me an' asking questions while I was tryin' ta work Can you believe the girl had no idea who George Zimmerman is?!. She even ruined my work space with all these flowers and silly notes." Typical.

Ok, maybe I have a little more teaching to do...but, what can I say he is my son.

Riley's a handsome boy with his mothers eyes and my chiseled features it's no surprise he's got girls fawning after him already.

"Well you see little man-" I was interrupted by the sound of a fist on our front door ringing throughout the cream halls.

"One sec." I set him down on the floor and went to go answer the door.

Who the hell could that be?

Unlocking the door the second I pulled it open came busting in a man I couldn't recognize. Following my instincts I pulled the gun from the side table next to the door and aimed at the dumbass who dared invade my home at this time.

Lucky I keep my katana upstairs...his death will be quick.

My yes widened at who just so happened to decide now would be a good time to visit.

"What the hell?!" Haven't had Huey point a gun at my head since I was 8, "is this how you greet your family?" I asked raising a brow.

"Riley what the hell are you doing here?" Huey blurted putting his piece away.

"I may have rubbed off on you moe' den I thought." I remarked plopping down on the couch.

"I won't ask you again." He snarled crossing his arms.

Looks like old Huey's back.

"Ok, someone was following me and I had no choice but to come here." His eyes darkened as a vein nearly burst from his forehead.

"Trinity! Riley! Go upstairs, please." I couldn't believe my eyes when two kids ran up to him. They were the splitting image of Jaz and Huey; the little boy would clearly get Huey's height, he had Jaz's eyes and skin, but Huey's face structure and famous scowl, the little girl had Huey's eyes and hair but Jaz's angel face.

Wonder what they're attitudes are like.

"Daddy, who's that?" Trinity asked cowering behind her father while the boy stood in front of him arms crossed.

Yea, he's Huey's son alright.

"Yea, why is he here? I heard him burst through the door, that's breaking and entering. Bout two years for a white man and five for a black man...could be fifteen if we plant some jewelry on him and call the cops now." I raised and eyebrow at that.

Then again maybe my name is suited for him.

"Upstairs." Huey ordered with a little more force. The little girl scrambled up the steps while the boy took his sweet time peering over his shoulder every second.

"Huey, what is-oh. Hi, Riley didn't know you'd be coming over!" Jazmine bubbled wiping her hands. She immediately walked over to greet me with her million dollar smile and a bear hug.

"Jazmine can you go check on the kids, please?" Huey barked. Jazmine flinched from his tone, but still followed the kids nonetheless.

"Now, let me get this straight...," He started, pacing the room, "you were being followed by whoever who probably had intentions of killing your ass and you led them here?!" He roared snatching me up by the collar of my shirt.

"Aye! Watch the Polo! And calm down they didn't follow me, all they know is that I came down this way...for all they know I could've kept going." I explained desperately trying to pry his fingers loose before they could latch on to my throat.

"You better hope so." He growled releasing me.

Things really haven't changed as much as I thought.

Welp that's the 6th chapter! Can you believe it? Six chapters already...I for one have no idea how long this story is gonna be. But I do know I'm going to try to make it to at least 25 chapters...and after that maybe even a sequel but that all depends on what you guy's want. Anyway I tried to make things a little more interesting in this chapter and I just couldn't keep Huey and Jazzy away for too long :3. Some of you may be wondering how the twins can speak so well, but a child only learns what they're are taught and exposed to and with Huey as a father they started learning at a pretty early age. I think I'm going to have fun incorporating them into the story more as it goes on...lil Riley is something isn't he lol. Now, to the questions:

-Who was following Riley?

-Is Shantel safe at home?

-Does Sage really trust Riley or is he still a lil suspicious?

-Is Riley feeling a lil more than he puts on for Shantel?

-Will Shantel stay with Riley or hit the road the first chance she gets?

-Is D-Mac on Riley's trail?

-Is Shantel falling a little too hard too fast?

-Aren't Huey and Jazmine just the cutest? Yes...yes I know.

Until next time folks

~xXBrokenThoughtsXx