I sat down, pleased with my breakfast.
Mmm… this is so good.
— God, don’t burst, — Hades muttered.
— Oh, shut up.
Pancakes — warm, soft, a little buttery.
Pickles — cold, crunchy in that perfect way.
My favorite bananas — perfectly yellow, just how I like them.
And… a bit of beer.
I paused for a second, staring at the glass.
Hm.
— You don’t usually drink beer, — Hades drawled.
— Yeah… — I shrugged and took a sip. — But today I felt like it.
Cold. Light. Exactly the mood.
I leaned back slightly, looked over all this goodness, and smiled:
— I can feel it — today’s gonna be a really good day.
And then — the doorbell.
— Shit…
I grimaced, not even getting up.
Everyone was already looking at me.
— What? — I raised an eyebrow. — I’m not expecting anyone.
I scanned the room.
Kids — at school and university.
Mine — all here.
— Except Caleb, — Hades added calmly.
I waved it off without thinking:
— Yeah, fuck that bastard.
I looked around again.
Even Nate was here.
After he got better… and the kids locked onto me with those puppy eyes…
I had no choice.
Nate moved back into the estate.
So yeah.
Everyone’s here. Everyone’s close.
The door opened.
— Cops?
The hell?
They walked in like they owned the place.
No bullshit.
Showed a warrant — that was it.
They started cuffing us one by one.
I stared like I’d lost my mind.
— Nate. Jonathan. Josh…
Guys, any ideas?
Nate swallowed.
And right after him — like on cue:
Jonathan.
Josh.
Even Aaron.
— And what’s his problem? — Hades snorted.
That’s when I snapped.
Slowly looked at all of them.
— I’ll skin every single one of you alive.
The guys flushed.
— Don’t you dare look me in the eyes.
Silence.
Only the sound of handcuffs clicking.
I turned to one of the cops, already composed, cold:
— Excuse me. What exactly are we being charged with?
— Tax evasion and money laundering, miss.
I stared at him.
— Fraud? Are you fucking serious?
Fucking idiots…
I swallowed hard.
Not now.
Get your shit together.
My whole body tensed.
Get your shit together.
With Nate it’s always like this.
Fucking idiot.
Nate is perfect at everything.
As a father.
As a husband.
As a lover.
But damn it — he has one massive flaw:
You have to spell everything out for him.
If you don’t — he won’t do anything.
— Aaah…
I clenched my jaw.
How the hell am I supposed to relax if I constantly have to stay on top of everything just to tell him what to do?
— Baby…
I shot him a sharp look.
— Don’t even  start.
I straightened up as much as the cuffs allowed.
God, that was humiliating —
walking out of the estate like this.
In handcuffs.
In front of everyone.
— Thank God the kids aren’t here. I’d be embarrassed for you, — Hades said.
I turned.
— What?
He was just standing there… filming everything on his phone.
What a fucking bastard.
— Yeah, yeah… keep going.
I jerked forward.
— I’ll get you, you asshole.
He crossed one leg over the other, relaxed.
— Sure. Right after you and your little dogs get out. What, you’re looking at ten years?
I snapped back:
— Asshole.
— Bye-bye, sweetheart.
And then — like out of nowhere — Colin appeared.
Just… stepped in and stood in the doorway.
— Senator, — the cops straightened up immediately and almost nodded in unison.
I stared at him.
— You’re a senator?!
— I’ll tell you later, — Colin said quietly, almost under his breath.
I… smiled.
Right there, in that stupid, ridiculous situation.
God… how did this guy even become a senator?
— His father, — Hades said lazily.
Right.
Of course.
A whole dynasty. It all made sense.
The cops immediately got busy.
They let us go. The cuffs clicked — and it felt like something filthy had just come off my skin.
I rubbed my wrists.
Ugh.
Being in cuffs is disgusting.
Nate snapped back to life:
— Baby…
— Shut up.
Didn’t even look at him.
I turned to Colin:
— Colin, these are the guys.
Guys — this is Colin.
Sebastian showed up right on time, as always:
— Miss?
— Get the Alpha ready.
— Miss…
— Shit…
I dropped my shoulders.
Great.
Now the Alpha too.
I looked at Colin and softened for a second. Just a second.
Did the whole puppy-eyes thing:
— Colin, will you drive me?
— Of course.
— Perfect.
— Baby… — Nate started again.
I turned sharply.
— Don’t you dare talk to me.
Don’t you dare, Nate.
I don’t even want to hear how badly you all messed this up.
And there it goes again.
— You idiots…
Three of you. Three.
And you still managed to screw it up?
I stepped forward, almost crashing into each of them, locking eyes one by one.
— What do you even need brains for?
I spat to the side.
Silence.
I closed my eyes.
Deep breath.

Aston Martin.
— Where to?
— Take me somewhere far…
Maybe by the water.
But first — pizza.
Colin nodded. No questions.
I narrowed my eyes.
Damn… I didn’t warn security.
Who knows.
I’ve seen this guy twice in my life.
— Stay close.
My phone beeped instantly.
“Understood, miss.”
Good.
I leaned back in the seat.
— So… how did you become a senator?
— I always wanted to change the world… just never got around to it…
I rolled my eyes.
What an idiot.
— You know…
— Colin… — I didn’t even turn, just kept staring out the window — please, just be quiet for a minute.
— Sorry.
And finally — silence.
Real silence. Alive.
Colin quietly handed me the pizza.
Then he drove me to the lake.
I got out of the car, took a deeper breath.
— If this is too much for you — you can leave.
I know, all this emotional stuff is too much for boys.
He just nodded.
I walked closer to the water.
Sat down on a huge rock.
I clicked my tongue softly.
Looked around.
Froze.
Listened.
Hm.
They’re taking too long…
Whatever.
I slid off the rock and dropped right into the meadow, into the flowers.
Hands under my head.
Just lying there. Eating pizza.
I love Margherita.
Warm, soft, the cheese pulling apart — perfect.
Damn… wish I had some whiskey.
And then the wolves came.
Quiet.
Carefully creeping closer, like they always knew where to find me.
— Hey, guys…
They immediately started rubbing against me — warm, alive.
I hugged them, buried my face in their fur.
And that was it.
I broke.
Tears started pouring.
— Guys… this is such shit…
The lead wolf lifted his head and howled into the air.
Low. Deep.
And the rest followed.
I just sat there, waiting for them to finish.
Listening.
Then I exhaled… and started taking off my clothes — down to my underwear.
— God, I hate these clothes…
Wish I could just walk around naked.
The wolves immediately surrounded me, curled around me.
Warm. Calm.
I relaxed, sank into them.
— Guys… I love you so much…
There was a lot of pizza.
A lot.
Like six boxes.
Water was almost gone — I had to sip it slowly.
I stared up at the sky.
— Guys… what if those guys take everything?..
The estate.
The school.
The cars.
The plane.
Nothing will be left.
— Serves you right, — Hades muttered.
Acting tough… but he’s tearing up too.
I let out a quiet huff.
— Come here… come on, let me hug you.
Hades lay down next to me.
And then the rest started showing up.
Spirits.
Ursula.
Jafar.
Mushu.
Basically — all mine.
I smiled.
— Come on, guys… we’ll get out of this.
We’ve been through worse, right?
— Yeah.
I closed my eyes.
My body finally let go.
I was so overwhelmed…
I just fell asleep.
Right there.
Among my wolves.
16:41
— Damn… I really gotta pee.
— Find some bushes, — Hades said lazily.
— God, where?! Everything here is… perfect!
I looked around.
Clean. Beautiful. Perfect.
Of course. Not a single proper bush.
— Damn… I’m about to piss myself.
I bolted.
Running, looking around, trying to figure out where the hell I can go.
And then—
Oh. Mike was supposed to come get us…
I’ll hide behind the car.
I ran up.
— AAH!
I grabbed my chest.
— Damn… you’re still here?!
Colin was standing by the car.
Calm. Like this was completely normal.
He politely closed his eyes.
— Oh my God… I’m not even dressed…
I covered myself fast.
— Damn it, turn around! Turn around!!
— Oh… uh… okay, okay…
— Colin, go take a walk!
— But—
— God, just go somewhere, I need to pee!
— Alright, alright…
He turned and stepped aside.
I dropped down fast.
And… I just sat there.
And started laughing.
— God… what is wrong with me…
Peeing next to a senator’s car.
I was losing it.
— Don’t fall over, — Hades snorted.
— Shut up…
Finally done, I jumped up and ran back down — to get dressed.
— Colin! — I instantly switched to a “business tone,” even though I was still trying not to laugh.
— Miss?
He played along immediately.
— Sir, I just peed next to your car and now I’m ready to go home.
— As you wish, milady.
We both lost it and started laughing.
I caught my breath.
— Listen, Colin…
— Yeah?
— Do you mind if we go on foot?
— Not at all, miss.
— Perfect.
And we started walking back.
Quiet. Calm.
I nudged a small rock with my shoe.
— Listen… I’m sorry. Today…
Actually last time too…
I don’t know, it’s just… a phase or something.
I sighed.
— I’ve been a bit… off. Sorry.
I usually try to be polite…
and today I snapped and got rude…
I looked at him.
— I really feel bad.
He just smiled a little.
— Don’t worry about it. It’s fine.
I exhaled.
— Good.
— Yeah, sure, don’t worry, sweetheart — with a name like that, he’s probably heard worse, — Hades and Mushu were dying laughing.
— Shut up, guys.
— At least he didn’t bring his dead squirrel, — Jafar added.
— Careful, there are mosquitoes around — he might kill one and call a rescue helicopter, — Hades said.
I grimaced.
— You assholes…
— Won’t you sit down?
— Why?
— I want to sit on your back. I’m tired.
He laughed.
— Oh, is that how it is…
You made me walk, and now I have to carry you?
I pouted immediately, pretending.
— Sir, I thought you were a gentleman.
— Oh, of course, of course.
He crouched down.
I stepped back a bit.
Like… getting ready to run.
And the next second — I kicked him and took off.
Colin went down, completely confused for a second.
Then looked up… and laughed.
— Hey, get back here!
And took off after me.
— Hey! Stop!
I ran as fast as I could, heels clicking loudly, hair messy, breath catching.
But—
Colin caught up with me easily.
I was already out of breath.
— I’m actually faster than this…
It’s just… you know… well… it’s kind of a hereditary thing.
— Oh really?
— Yeah. Some kind of… rare condition.
— Really? What’s it called? Maybe I’ve heard of it?
— No… it’s… well…
It’s more like… some kind of weird magic…
— Uh-huh.
He was already cracking up.
— You asshole…
I waved my hand.
— That’s it. I’m really tired.
Come on, carry me.
Colin picked me up.
I was completely drained.
The stress hit hard.
I cursed Caleb in my head.
God…
With him, with his protection — I completely forgot what it’s like…
To be back in that masculine energy.
To carry responsibility again.
To make decisions.
And suddenly… I started crying.
Just like that.
— You okay? — Colin stopped.
— Terrible.
— What happened?
He carefully put me down.
And I just—slap.
Hit him across the face.
— I hate that question!
“What happened, what happened!”
Only an idiot asks that!
— Sorry, sorry, please…
And I started crying again.
— Go away!
— Why?
— Because I know you men!
You all get scared shitless — “emotions, oh no, so scary!”
And you can go to hell too!
You’re a coward just like the rest!
He calmly sat down next to me.
— Can I?
— No! Get lost!
I kicked him.
He just laughed.
— I grew up with sisters…
I’m not scared of emotions.
— Ha. Liar.
— Nope.
He shook his head.
I looked at him.
And it was strange…
Maybe because I wasn’t trying to charm him…
Or maybe he really is like that…
But something in me believed him.
— Fine…
I exhaled.
— I broke up with a guy.
And now… I miss him.
I don’t even know if he’s an asshole or not…
But I miss him like hell.
Colin smirked.
That hit me hard.
— Oh, you think that’s funny?! You asshole!
— You asshole!!
And right away — tears again.
— I’m opening up to you here, you asshole!
— Go to hell! Get lost!
Colin immediately raised his hands:
— Sorry, sorry…
Not laughing at you. I just remembered how you ran off to pee earlier…
I froze.
Blink.
Turned around — and walked off.
— What an asshole…
I’m here talking about my drama and he’s… thinking about something else?!
Why the hell did I even go with him…
I started looking around.
Mike should be somewhere here.
Stopped. Waiting.
Colin ran up to me, almost right next to me:
— I’m sorry, please.
— Screw you.
— Please…
— Bye.
And then — a car.
Michael.
I lit up instantly.
— Finally.
— Please… I’m sorry…
— If you don’t back off — I’ll tell Mike and he’ll drag you away.
Colin raised his hands, giving up.
— I’m sorry… really.
I didn’t answer.
Got into the car.
I lit a cigarette.
— Mike, turn the music up.
He did.
— Like that… more.
More.
The music started blasting through the car.
— And close the window, please.
— Yes, miss.
— Thank you.
And I snapped.
— Asshoooooles!!
All these men — they’re all asshooooles!!
Damn it…
I was almost yelling, exhaling smoke.
— I should start making music!
— Yeah, and suicide rates will go up even more, — Hades said lazily.
— You asshole!
— And you’re one to talk—
— Oh, and you’re perfect?
— Bitch.
— Asshole!
— Idiot.
— Moron.
Pause.
— You want pizza?
— Yeah.
And we sat there eating pizza.
I took a bite, chewing, staring out the window.
— What are you going to do? — Hades and Jafar were staring at me.
I shrugged.
— I’ll sit… and wait.
— For what?
— I don’t know.
I’ll just wait.
— Get the fisherman moving, — Hades muttered.
— I don’t know… I don’t know…
— What about your people?
And I froze.
Right.
I took out my phone.
— I’ll write to my people.
Opened the site.
And wrote.
Just like that:
that someone is in deep shit…
and I need help.
— You drinking? — Hades asked.
I snorted.
— Pff…
don’t even ask.
Bring it.
— Damn, you’re acting like a man — aren’t girls supposed to be drowning in tears? — Hades stared at me.
— Hell if I know, guys… but I’m drinking. Bring it.

21:08
I was already pretty drunk.
But happy.
Cody and I had gotten properly wasted at the bar, and now we were walking home — slowly, swaying, laughing.
I was relaxed.
Behind us — security.
Ten guys.
All in cars.
Good. I’m safe.
Good.
Good.
— So? — Cody nudged me.
— What?!
— The guys can’t sit still. Especially Nate.
— Especially Nate, especially Nate… — I started mocking her.
She nudged me with her elbow.
I smiled.
— Oh, Nate…
We’ve been through so much.
The alcohol hit.
Damn.
And tears started running.
— It pisses me off…
Everyone thinks Nate is perfect.
So much that it feels like I’m supposed to be with him.
I stumbled a bit, grabbed onto Cody tighter.
— I can’t just walk away from perfection, right?!
Walking, leaning on her…
And I realize:
my heart — belongs to Caleb.
I can’t do anything about it.
I closed my eyes for a second.
Remembered him.
Myself next to him.
Caleb is different.
— He…
God… I…
I don’t even know…
I exhaled.
— But he means everything to me…
Cody hiccupped.
— Then forgive him.
I threw my head back sharply.
— No!
No way!
No.
— Oops…
Pause.
And I threw up.
— Disgusting, — Hades said calmly.
— Poor whore, — Mushu added.
And they both burst out laughing.
— What a bunch of pigs…
Cody politely turned away, pretending nothing was happening.
Then back to me:
— So you’re really ready not to forgive him out of pride…
Even though you both love each other?
— Hic… no… it’s different…
— Hic.
I turned around.
Behind us — three tinted Audis.
— Heeeey, guys…
Damn… hic…
Can you at least give us some water?
— I’ll take whiskey, — Cody added calmly.
I turned to her.
— What?
Then I’ll have some too!
She narrowed her eyes.
— You, babe, won’t handle more.
— What?!
I can handle it, damn it!
I waved my hand.
— Just a second…
And I threw up again.
— Perfect… just perfect, — I muttered, wiping my lips.
Finally security caught up and handed us bottles of water.
I took a greedy sip, then another… life slowly started coming back.
We kept walking.
— It’s different… it’s different… — I mumbled, stumbling over my words.
— If I forgive that bastard… he won’t take me seriously.
He’ll think he can treat me like that.
And that’s it… goodbye respect.
Cody sighed.
— Listen… I don’t know…
I feel like Caleb isn’t like that.
I froze.
Damn.
Again — drip, drip, drip.
Because I knew it too.
— He’s not like that…
I exhaled.
— That asshole called me… explained everything…
And… I believed him… but still played the victim just in case.
Cody let out a small laugh.
I shook my head.
— He’s not like that… Caleb’s not like that…
That’s the whole problem.
I stared ahead, unfocused.
— He’s nothing like other guys…
Caleb… he’s different… damn…
— Different…
— What?!
I turned to Cody.
She was already reaching for me.
She hugged me.
And I broke down. Almost theatrical, but with something real underneath.
— I love him to death…
That bastard…
— Hey, what about the senator? — Hades said lazily.
I waved it off.

23:15
I walked in, still slightly swaying.
Nate rushed out immediately.
— Baby—
— Shut up.
Hic.
— Oops…
I swayed, and Jonathan caught me.
— Thank you, darling.
He smiled.
— Mom—
Logan appeared out of nowhere.
— Not now, son.
— Mom—
— I said not now.
I looked around.
— Everyone out.
Only those who deserve a beating stay.
— Baby—
— Shut your mouth!
I turned sharply to Nate.
— This is your fault, damn it.
He snapped:
— Why is it that Jonathan and Josh… hell, everyone gets forgiven except me?!
I looked at the others.
— Guys, out.
I’ll talk to Nate alone.
They left.
The door shut.
— Why are you like this?! — he snapped. — Damn it, Nazokat, why do you always treat me like this?!
I choked on the audacity.
— I… I… you… you… you—
And then I snapped.
I started smashing everything I could reach.
— You want to know?!
Oh, you want to know?!
I threw something at the wall.
— Damn it, Nate, how the hell are you this stupid?!
He flushed.
— AAAAH!
— I’ll say whatever I want!
And don’t you dare talk back to me!
I stepped closer.
— You’re a father, damn it!
They look up to you!
To you, to Jonathan, to Josh, to Aaron!
I pointed at him.
— What the hell have you all done?!
— Baby—
— Shut your mouth!
I was almost out of breath.
— It’s your responsibility, and you know it!
Don’t give me that nonsense about equality and support!
I ran a hand through my hair.
— I support you!
All of you! Always!
But I’m not doing your job!
I stared straight into his eyes.
— You’re a man.
So go handle it.
— Baby—
— Don’t you dare interrupt me!
I’m right on the edge.
— This isn’t news, Nate.
You know me perfectly well.
Quieter. But sharp:
— I’m the woman here, damn it.
Go deal with your guys…
and come back with an answer.
Pause.
He’s looking at me.
— Angel…
I was drained.
— What now…
And suddenly:
— Kiss me.
— What?!
I stepped back.
— What the hell are you talking about?!
— Maybe we should call the doctor again… — Hades drawled.
— Get lost. Not now.
— What are you talking about, Nate?!
He took a step closer.
And my breath caught.
Damn.
My body is aching like crazy.
I’m tired.
I’m exhausted.
I’m drunk.
And I want sex so badly it hurts.
Nate — right in front of me.
Fired up.
Dangerous.
Fucking attractive.
I swallowed.
Trying to pull myself together.
— Don’t come any closer…
Don’t come any closer…
No. No. No.
Nate let out a low growl.
Turned.
And walked out.
I just stood there.
And only then exhaled.
— Fuck… that was close.

— Damn… Nate’s got a backbone now, — Mushu stretched lazily.
— Yeah… just not clear if that’s a good thing or not.
— What do you mean?
— I’m worried… Nate might end up in anger management classes too.
— Oh yeah! — Mushu perked up. — That’d be hilarious if both psychos end up in the same group. Caleb and Nate… they’d tear each other apart in there…
I swallowed again.
— God… a fight between men is pure sex…
Hades rolled his eyes.
— That’s all you ever think about.
I shrugged.
— Well what can I say… it’s true.
Not my fault.
— Really?
— Yes!
Both Nate and Caleb… they’re both so hot… both built… solid.
I closed my eyes.
— Damn…
Hades, a bit more careful:
— Listen, baby… would you… sleep with Nate?
I took a deep breath.
Thought about it.
— I don’t know…
If it hits me… if I drown in it…
Pause.
— But… I don’t know…
Damn… probably not.
— ?
I started crying.
— Guys… sex isn’t just physical…
It’s about love too…
I pressed my lips together.
— And I miss Caleb…
My voice broke.
— Damn… I miss that bastard so much…
They all went quiet.
Moved closer.
Wrapped around me.
— Poor idiot… — Hades said quietly.
I sat there.
Just sat.
A second. Another.
And then—
something snapped.
I burst out laughing, loud, uncontrollable.
— What an asshole…
No, seriously… what an absolute asshole…
3:21
I’m walking, smoking.
I got drunk again.
Music blasting in my headphones.
Forest all around.
I’m dancing… like I’ve completely lost it.
Hades,
Pocahontas,
Jafar — all here.
Everyone’s dancing.
Everyone’s yelling.
— Yeah, yeah, yeah!
Clap.
— Uma mma mama uuumma!
Clap.
— We dancing in love!
I spin.
Drink.
Laugh.
— It takes one… dancing in love…
We’re all spinning like lunatics.
I take a sip…
and stumble.
— Ow!
— Damn!
I kick a rock.
— You asshole…
Gggget the hell outta here!
— Hey, looks like the girl’s completely wasted, — Hades snorted.
I turned sharply:
— What, you gonna rape me?!
He snorted.
— You’ve got nerve.
— Yeah.
I waved my hand.
— Alright, guys, bye.
— Bye, baby.
They stayed dancing.
And I — staggering — made my way back to the estate.
— Hic…
Oops…
— Maybe you should drink less, milady, — Hades drawled.
— Right, sir…
And like an idiot, I started blowing kisses into the air, acting like I’m in some movie.
— Milady, may I escort you…
— Of course, siiiir…
I tried to curtsy gracefully…
And just dropped.
— Oops.
— Ahem…
Got up.
Tried again.
— Poor security… they have to watch this mess, — Hades said.
I looked around.
— Ohhh… guys, you’re here again?
— Yeah…
Hades grimaced, but still took my arm.
On the other side — Jafar.
I broke into a wide smile.
— Well… now I’m in safe hands…
— Don’t flatter yourself, — Hades muttered.
6:41
— Ahhh, for fuck’s sake…
I shot up.
— What the hell is that noise?!
All crumpled, still drunk, I dragged myself to the window and looked out.
Helicopters.
One after another.
Landing right on the property.
— You’ve got to be kidding me…
The door opens.
— Mom—
— OH NO, NO, NO!
Turn around!
— Damn it, son!
You can’t just walk in like that, knock first!
Logan immediately turned away.
I panicked:
hair — up,
lipstick — or whatever was left of it — smeared back on,
grabbed a robe.
Though…
My robe, of course… is something else.
I don’t wear normal home clothes.
But still better than standing in front of my son
in black lace lingerie and stockings,
sprawled on the bed in heels.
— Wow… what a whore… — Hades dragged out.
— Yeah.
I quickly fixed my hair.
— My dear… turn a little more to the right… just a bit…
He obediently turned even further away.
I slipped into the dressing room.
Changed.
Came out looking somewhat human again.
— Son, I’m listening. What happened?
— Mom… hey?
— What’s going on?
I glanced at the clock.
— Why aren’t you at university?
— I was going… but then this started…
Mom, what are those helicopters?
— I don’t know yet, sweetheart.
I’m going to shower, get myself together, and come down, okay?
— Okay.
I walked up, kissed him.
— Don’t worry. We’ll figure everything out.
The door closed.
— Yeah, how exactly?! — Hades was already pacing around the room, grabbing his head.
I sighed.
— I should probably stop drinking…
Shower.
Hot water.
Makeup.
Hair.
Mini.
Top.
I stand in front of the mirror.
Look at myself.
— Come on… pull yourself together…
We’ve handled worse than this.
A slight smirk.
— It’s just helicopters.
Pause.
— Come on, kitten.
You’ve got this.
I nodded to myself.

Dining room
I stand there.
Completely composed.
Looking through the huge windows.
Guys… shaking hands with someone.
Security everywhere.
— What the hell is going on?..
I step outside.
Squint.
That’s… that’s…
— Is that… my guys?!
I take off running.
— HEY!!
I practically burst out.
— GUYS!!
WHAT ARE YOU DOING HERE?!
And then it hits me.
Hollywood.
Politicians.
Military.
Even medics.
Helicopters landing one after another.
The estate filling up with ridiculously expensive cars.
I almost pass out from the scale of it.
— You… came…
I look at them like I can’t believe it.
— You actually care…
— Guys…
— You came…
Almost all of them — with wives, girlfriends.
I run toward them.
Hugging everyone I can reach.
— Guys…
I’m so glad you’re okay…
— My boys…
Clinging to each of them.
They’re glowing.
Their marriages — solid.
Money — flowing.
All of them strong. Powerful.
— Guys…
Tears running.
— I can’t believe…
you didn’t leave me…
We move into the living room.
Everyone talking at once.
— What’s the plan?
I raise my hand.
— Okay…
I’m starting to lose track.
I look at all of them.
— Guys… I don’t want to sound like a bitch…
but you’re going to have to sit in groups.
Someone lets out a snort.
— I need to understand who’s where.
People start moving.
The estate is huge — thank God.
But still — chaos.
Some go one way, some another.
Eventually — they sit.
But… all over the place.
— Sebastian!
— Miss?
— Prepare the ballroom. Now.
— Of course, miss.
He disappears instantly.
— Sebastian, fast!
— Yes, miss.
He’s already running.
I exhale.
— Good…
I look at them.
— Guuuuys…
how did you even know?..
I smile through the tension.
— God…
I can’t believe you’re here…
Not even ten minutes pass.
The hall is ready.
We all move as a crowd —
all these “important people”
and me in my mini skirt —
into the ballroom.
They sit down in groups.
I stand in front of them.
— Guys…
Ahem.
— Oops.
I raise my hands.
— Sorry…
and girls.
And wives.
And girlfriends.
— Sorry.
Pause.
I look at all of them.
— What are we going to do…
Quieter.
— We’re in deep shit.

Hollywood and the politicians go first.
And my head starts spinning.
Physically.
— Guys… I can’t do this…
I feel myself starting to blush.
— Guys… I have a bit of a problem…
— More like a condition, — Hades added lazily.
— Shut up!
And apparently I said that out loud, because my people started laughing.
I shift awkwardly.
— Guys… it’s really hard for me to process information when it’s spoken.
I barely absorb it.
— Yeah, that’s called being clinically stupid, — Hades kept going.
— Get lost, asshole.
The guys give a quick nod.
And immediately start writing things down.
I exhale.
That’s exactly why I love them.
But there’s no time.
I glance at the window.
More helicopters. More and more of them.
And then it hits me.
There are too many of them.
We won’t fit everyone.
Not even in the ballroom.
— Damn…
— Colin!
— Miss?
— Listen… can you make it happen so I can take off on my plane?
He narrows his eyes.
— You’re flying it yourself?
— Yes.
— I see.
— Does that change anything?
— No… — he smirks slightly. — Just thinking how you’d look in a pilot’s uniform.
I freeze.
A second.
And I burst out laughing.
— What an idiot…
I pulled myself together instantly.
— So… are you gonna do something?
He shook his head.
— No, baby.
You absolutely can’t leave the city right now.
I lowered my gaze slightly.
— I see…
— What happened?
I exhaled.
— Hard to explain…
A couple of minutes — connecting.
Finally — it went through.
FaceTime.
Colin stared at the screen.
— Damn… that’s insane…
— Yeah.
I listened.
Nodded.
— Okay… got it… I’ll come by in… I’ll try to be there within an hour, — Colin said.
— Alright.
— Bye.
— Bye.

I stepped into the hallway.
Nate immediately intercepted me.
— Baby… kitten…
Without thinking—
I slapped him.
— Idiot!
He immediately:
— Baby, baby, please… I’m sorry…
I shouldn’t have acted like that…
I took a breath.
Got ready.
About to lay it all out.
Everything.
But…
It’s Nate.
Damn.
I flushed.
— You… forgive me too.
He looked surprised.
I looked away.
— I’m not any better… I lost it…
Everyone makes mistakes.
— Nate…
I swallowed.
— The kids matter most.
We have to protect them.
He gave a short nod.
Quietly:
— Can I?
I smiled.
— You can.
He pulled me into a tight hug.
For real.
Warm.
Then kissed the top of my head.
— You’re amazing.
I snorted.
— Ha! I know.
I was about to walk away.
— Hey, kitten, wait—
— Yeah?
I stopped.
And the next second—
Nate pinched my ass.
I flushed instantly.
— God, you’re such an idiot!
And slapped him again.
He just smirked.
— Worth it, baby.


Talking to the guys was draining me.
I hate this—
being all stuck together,
sitting,
figuring things out.
It’s exhausting as hell.
They all look at me.
Like — whatever you say, we’ll do.
I swallowed.
Walked out into the hallway.
Then went upstairs.
And just… fell asleep.

16:41
— Oh my God… oh my God…
I shot up.
— Damn… damn…
— DAMN!
— Where… who…
I looked around.
— Oh God… did I… fall asleep?..
I quickly pulled myself together and ran downstairs.
Empty.
— Damn… where is everyone?!
No one.
I ran out into the garden.
No one there either.
— God… where is… EVERYONE?!
I shouted:
— SEBASTIAN!
As always, he appeared out of nowhere.
— Miss.
— Where is everyone?!
— Miss…
— WHAT?!
He silently turned and led me.
Bedroom seven.
I walked in.
By the window — Caleb.
I swallowed.
He turned.
— Kitten…
And it hit me instantly.
I started crying.
But pulled myself together just as fast.
Clenched my hand.
And marched straight toward him.
Sharp.
Lifted my hand.
Swung—
He caught my wrist mid-air.
And—
kissed me.
I just… shut down.
My legs gave out.
— God…
— Hello, angel…
He brushed his nose along my neck.
— Seriously? We’re just giving in like that? — Hades drawled.
— Get lost…
I pulled him in and kissed him back.
— And what about you, Mr. Caleb… took you long enough.
— I was dealing with your problems, miss.
I smiled.
And flushed.
It always throws me off when he’s like this…
Grown.
Collected.
Heavy.
— You’re making me blush…
A cocky smirk.
— That’s what I live for, darling.
I exhaled.
He gently laid me down on the bed.
I arched.
He leaned in, grabbed my jaw—
and I slipped again, giving in to his strength, to his dominance…