Damien Stryker's P. O. V

No matter how many times I chide myself on doing so, it is as if my very own eyes are against me and will not adhere to my command as they repeatedly trail back to the somewhat obnoxious woman besides me. However as obnoxious as she may be, she still somehow managed to wrap me around her little finger and I sadly admit that I would try to do anything in my power to please her in whatever way possible. Not only does her flaming red hair and captivating brown eyes catch my attention whenever she walks into the room but so does the blinding smile that lights up her face and my emotions along with it. Every single thing about her, whether her looks or her personality makes me feel a myriad of emotions I never really know one could before. The emotions ranging from absolute endearment to a certain degree of annoyance at some of her acts somehow catches me by surprise.

"Greg?" Comes a soft lilting voice belonging to none other then the woman besides me, her head resting on my shoulder as she presses her hand to mine while I don't even spare another second to interlock our fingers together.

The man in question turns around in his seat with an expectant look on his face, eyes straying to me before heading back to Serena.

"How did you barge into Damien's office when he locked the door?" Serena asks, voice coated in confusion and her brows furrowed together as she tries to understand how those events occurred. The familiar annoyance at my best friend shines through me as not only is she giving him attention but the cocky grin on his face that he flashes us.

"I had a key made." He answers simply with a causal shrug before turning around. My annoyance increasing tenfold as I should have known beforehand that handing Greg a spare set of keys to my office was something I never should have done. Giving someone keys to my office required me to undoubtedly trust them not only in regards to the content of the things lying in my office, but my trust in their integrity and themselves as a person. I should have known that Greg one day would have barged in before much like he did today but hopefully it isn't a daily occurrence and one that occurs on a limited scale.

The thoughts in my mind bring me to a realisation as I turn to a tired looking Serena, the entire half of her body curled up against me as much as the seating arrangement in the car allows.

"Serena, remind me to give you a set of keys to the office okay?" I whisper gently into her ear, not wanting to disturb her but needing to tell Serena so that she reminds me lest I forget. All Serena does is let out a tired noise signifying that she heard me as she nuzzles her head into my neck.

I remain silent and grasp her hand tightly, knowing that she doesn't understand how important that was to do and what it means but that in itself makes me feel as if I've done something right.

*********

Serena Mclane's P. O. V

The fatigue that seems to follow me everywhere doesn't seem to stop even when Damien gently nudges me up to get up. My eyes feel drowsy and are mere inches away from shutting closed, only to open up after a good hours of sleep.

"We're here Serena." Damien ushers as he tugs at our intertwined hands to pull me up. I blink a few times, resisting the urge to fall asleep as I stumble out of the car. I feel another body casually throw their arm over my shoulders, lending me their support, acting as if I can't even hold my own body weight. Nonetheless, I pass Greg a grateful grin who smiles back at me. Taking a few steps towards my old family home, my eyes rake over the entirety of the building only to find everything being the same. To me it feels as if years have gone by but in reality it only has been a handful of months. Something I'm not sure whether I'm grateful for or not.

Before Greg and I can even get to the precipice of the door, I find myself getting pulled away from the blond haired man and into the clutches of a bothered looking Damien who wraps me tightly into his arms to such an extent that I can barely walk straight.

"I swear Greg. You've gotten too close to Serena today as it is." Damien grumbles in his cold voice though his hold around me exudes only comfort. His entire persona further gets contradicted as he places a swift kiss on the top of my head. The answering smile that lights up my face doesn't go ignored by him as he tightens his hold.

A clearing of a throat interrupts our little moment, my head snapping up at the harsh baritone, strands of hair that have escaped my ruffled up hair, flying along with the motion. I blush a deep red as my father eyes Damien and I but says nothing. I glance at Greg who holds an amused smile but that increases when he looks at my father.

Is Greg insane?

"Roger. We needed to talk." Damien says bluntly as he eyes my father who stands in the doorway, face down and looking at the floor before motioning us inside. As we pass by, my eyes widen at my father who watches the both of us with a small smile, making me have a double take.

I shake my head and follow all the men into the entryway, feeling quite cramped among all the people in such a small place. A scattering of footsteps approach us as my frizzy haired mother appears, eyes bright as she smiles at all of us. No doubt in a good mood.

"Roger never told me you would all be here. I'll make some snacks." She says politely, gaze scanning over everyone. Unable to help myself, I let go of Damien who watches me in confusion as I approaches my mother who also stares back but with an incredible amount of caution. Her once bright look now dimmed as she frowns at the ground. I can hear Damien's soft murmurs from behind me as the three men leave to the office in hopes to give us privacy. Walking forward, I take a few steps before I wrap my arms around my mother who immediately hugs me back, the both of us finding comfort in each other's embrace.

"I never could apologise properly." Comes the soft voice of my childhood as she raises her hand to stroke the back of my head. After a few moments I find the strength to pull back, watching her brown eyes in confusion.

"It is rather a conversation for another day as you all are so busy with the business and other mess that everyone's been brought into but still. Trust me when I say that I noticed what was going even though I didn't really know much except the gist of everything," she continues, hand reaching out to hold mine which I allow her to do, still wrapped up in confusion and also slight amusement as I realise that with such concentration in listening to her words that I slowly started to tilt my head much like Damien.

I guess we're both rubbing off on each other.

"You're father never really told me about Damien's father and all that came with him but he did tell me that they are dangerous men and he wanted to do everything in his power to keep you safe. Sarah was always a priority but Roger knew that you taking over the business would put you in the limelight and so, much to my dismay and begging to not go through with it, he started to shun you," my mother takes a deep breath as her hold on my hand tightens while I find myself wondering why everyone seems to be opening up to me nowadays, "I know it is no excuse and that it was very bad parenting for your father to treat you like that for all those years, especially without any explanation but I want you to know that I hated every moment of it and that the reason why I never spoke up against his actions were because I was scared myself. I never want to lose you or Sarah." She finishes, loving gaze now turning watery as my mother holds back a sniffle, trying her hardest not to burst into tears. The grudge I still hold against my father is not the same one as I hold for my mother as I feel my resolve weaken, immediately wrapping my arms around her in another embrace.

Wanting to feel her motherly touch which I cant help to but to miss.

"Well you should get going and talk to your father. I don't want to keep them waiting." My mother croaks, voice thick with emotion as she pulls back and lays a comforting hand on my shoulder before we both part ways.

Trying to take my mind off of the somewhat heartfelt moment is a task in itself but I manage to gather my thoughts as I stride into my fathers office, eyes immediately seeking out Damien who stands next to an empty chair while everyone else occupies the remaining ones. I give him a timid smile to assure him that I'm indeed fine and that the frown lingering on his face shouldn't be there anymore.

"Should we get started?" Greg questions as he folds his arms over his chest and leans back into his chair, trying his best to look professional. We all nod and I stand next to Damien who motions for me to sit down in the chair while I shoot him I'm a questioning glance.

"I don't want you to stand." Damien whispers lowly as he pulls the seat out for me to sit on comfortably. My heart warms at the man's actions and my heart starts to bloom with love as I succumb to his demands, taking seat but my gaze still set on him that is until he wanders behind me only for him to place his hands comfortingly on my shoulders.

My Dad clears his throat as he rubs his hands together and opens one of his many drawers that accompany the office desk, taking out a sealed Manila envelope that looks very familiar, "It has been a matter of hours or rather minutes since you've sent out the contract and that is why I've asked you to come here, Arturo has already gotten wind of it and he has called me about the contract. He knows everything." My father voices out as his lips set into a grim line, watching each of our reactions intently.

Greg and Damien exchange looks however I can only see Greg's reaction as he looks incredibly perturbed. I remain calm, hoping against hope that luck works in our favour.

"What has he said?" Damien questions slowly, grip staring to tighten on me before he lets go as soon as he realises.

My father tilts his head in thought before that same smile graces his face, "He thinks it's for the best."

My mouth drops open and I look at my own Dad as if he's grown two heads, not believing him in the slightest.

"Arturo claims that in hindsight a person that wants the position would do a better job then one who only works because he has no other option-"

So apparently all it took to resolve an issue so big that it could have landed us in prison till the day we die was due to a sudden bout of common sense?

Some people truly do amaze me.

-"Arturo has also requested my presence which is why I'll be flying out to Italy tonight. I've booked my ticket on the first available flight and I will come bearing news as soon a I possibly can." My Dad finishes causing me to take in a deep breath as I stand up sharply.

"This all seems a little too peaceful and quick for my liking." I say suspiciously, not trusting Arturo or his words a single bit.

My father goes to open his mouth but I speak up and end up cutting him off, "I have a strong feeling that this is a trap." I comment further, crossing my arms over my chest in a stance of defiance as even Greg nods his head while standing up.

"I'd have to agree. No man related to Damien is that sensible and level headed," Greg muses, managing to even jab at Damien in a serious time like this. To further prove his point, "No offence Damien."

I roll my eyes and watch my father tentatively as he too gets up, approaching me with a timid smile as he shrugs.

"It must be done. And besides, Arturo and the Familia have a code of conduct about killing guests that's that they have invited. It looks bad." My father says casually as he passes by me and over to what I only now notice is a small brown suitcase sufficient for one.

Silence lingers as my father picks it up and we all follow him out of the room, my mind dazed as I try to think of ways for this not to happen but know that my father is adamant on going.

"I don't know why I came. I could have been told this on the phone." Greg wonders aloud as he realises that a family moment might occur causing him to feel awkward. Damien turns to glare at the man as he grasps a hold of my hand, "Yes you shouldn't have. Next time, don't." He says bluntly before turning around to catch sight of my mother and father embracing. My mother didn't seem affected and it only now dawns on me that my Dad must have lied and told her that he was going on a simple business trip.

The next few minutes a rush of goodbyes and always hugs from me and swift nods from Damien and before I know it, my father off or the airport and Greg casually steals a tray of freshly baked cookies that my mum had made prior to our arrival, claiming that it was going to go to waste anyways, then heading off on his merry way.

My mother fidgets by the open door as she glances from me to Damien, hands scrunching up her apron as she takes a hesitant step forwards before retracing her step back.

"What is it mum?" I ask finally, knowing my mother wants to ask something but is apprehensive to do so in front of Damien.

"Well I know this might seem very silly but this is the first time I've been left alone in a long time. It's always been either you or Sarah staying home along with me and since your sister is off galavanting with that fiancé of hers, I was wondering if maybe you could stay for the night?" She asks hesitantly, eyes darting from me to Damien.

I know for a fact that being in the house along has never bothered her, what does is that she knows situations are dire and she doesn't want to be alone. I myself don't feel comfortable knowing my mother could be in harms way and immediately find myself agreeing.

"Of course I can. I'll stay in my old bedroom provided you haven't turned it into that small spa room you have always wanted." I joke to bring down the tense atmosphere in the room.

My mother ceases her fidgeting and smiles a vibrant smile as she thanks me. All the while Damien's grip on my hand tightens till he pulls me into him just as my mother scurries away.

"No way in hell are you staying on your own here." Damien practically hisses at me as I turn his arms to look at him.

"My mum won't do anything to hurt me." I say and gaze at him weirdly till he scoffs and plants a kiss to the tip of my nose.

"I'm staying with you." He says with conviction as he drags me to where my mother disappeared off to so that I can inform her of his plans.

"Mum, Damien's staying the night as well." I grumble tiredly, the drowsy sleep evading my senses once more and hitting me like a slap to the face.

"I'm sharing the bed with you as well." Damien says lowly so my mother doesn't hear.

I raise an eyebrow and look at him in question, growing amused as a faint tint of pink rises up his neck and to his cheeks.

"I can't sleep alone anymore." He admits as my heart soars high with jubilation, knowing that we most definitely have each other wrapped around one another's finger.

-------------

AN: Yay for long chapters! I need me a guy like Damien and a guy like Greg and a cute guy with an amazing personality in general who doesn't judge me on the amount of food I eat. Do dreams ever come true? *sigh* Remember when I said there were like two chapters left for Damien? Yeah I lied 😐. Well not purposely because I'm so indecisive and I just write this as I go along- idek. So yeah there's a few more shit to add so yeah.

Also thank you so much for the cover! I unfortunately don't know your username so could you PM me or comment so I can give you credit. Xx

Question: The one cliché you despise?

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