ArdalA workout is just what I need after everything that happened with Kadeem. With the babies safely in bed for the night and Hannah looking after them, I figure I should make use of my time at the gym. Maybe I can even imagine the punching bag is Kadeem’s face.I still can’t believe him. I know that he can be cunning and wicked, but this has reached a whole new level. I never could have imagined he’d kiss me like that and show no remorse.He has a girlfriend. He has a child on the way.And he threw away what we had years ago. How can he just suddenly have a change of heart?Because he doesn’t know who you are, I think as I walk into the private training room. I sigh as I toss down my bag, opening it up to get out my gloves.It’s true. It has to be true. Kadeem hasn’t asked me any questions, showed any hints that he suspects I’m Ardal.Although, that still doesn’t explain why he decided to kiss me in the first place. Or why he’d be willing to kiss me despite his relationship with Su
ErbaoSitting on Milo’s bed, the babies stared down at the pages they had spread out over the comforter, trying to make sense of it all. They’d realized their daddy’s agency had sent over some paperwork with their offer email, which had to be signed and completed before the shoot the following day. After secretly printing everything off, the babies had dashed back into their room - pretending to be asleep as they’d gotten to work.“My brain hurts,” Lottie complained, falling back on the mattress. “I’m tired of reading these big words. They don’t make sense.”It was true - there were a lot of words in the contract they didn’t understand. They’d already spent ten minutes whispering about why the paperwork had included the word lawyer - not understanding why they might need one. However, they eventually dismissed the matter before moving onto another section.“We’re almost done,” Ezra stated, his finger scanning down the page. Only, as he reached the bottom, he paused.“Erbao,” the oldes
KadeemThere was already a hint of a smile on his lips as Kadeem walked into the studio. He heard the children’s eager voices before he saw them. They were all over the place, freely running around the set as multiple members of the crew chased after them.Kadeem came to a stop, his hands resting on his hips as he took in the scene again. He swore he was about to laugh as one of the little boys began to jump on the bed and then leapt as soon as a woman tried to grab them. Watching the clever escape made something warm pull at Kadeem’s heart.Figuring he should put his team out of their misery, the Alpha suddenly cleared his throat.“Excuse me,” he began, his deep voice having an immediate effect. The whole room seemed to come to a standstill, everyone’s head snapping in his direction. The instant relief that ran over his crew's faces didn’t go unmissed.Nor did the happiness that flashed over the little girl’s face as she dashed toward him. Kadeem wasn’t sure what came over him, but t
KadeemDespite Sam’s warnings, Kadeem didn’t ‘ease up.’ He spent the rest of the day at the studio, forgetting all about his intentions to go to the gym as he watched the babies work their magic.They were perfect saints, listening to every request to his team without fail. Once the day’s filming was over, Kadeem stayed true to his word and gladly handed them over his pocket watch.And the next day, Kadeem was one of the first people to arrive at the studio. Only, that time he brought along a few gifts. He couldn’t help but notice how each baby showed interest in different matters, leading him to give one boy a few books, the other some sweets, and the girl a couple of expensive and beautiful dolls.The children were beyond themselves as they received their presents - the girl immediately tugging on his arm and asking him to open one of her dolls. Kadeem wore a smile as he tore the box open, soon handing the doll back to her. She hugged it tightly, offering out sweet “thank yous.”Kad
ErbaoFeeling better, Erbao decided to join his siblings on set that day. He was growing tired of seeing the other babies’ excitement and hearing stories about his father - he wanted to see him again. Plus, his siblings had said that daddy had been asking them a lot of questions lately - Erbao wanted to make sure none of them let anything accidentally slip.Only, as the four arrived at the studio, frowns were spread across their faces as they discovered their daddy wasn’t there. Apparently, he was going to be out for the day because he had other business to handle, leaving Erbao feeling disappointed.“Maybe we should mess around again,” Lottie commented, tugging at her brother’s sleeve. “Then daddy will come help.”But Erbao shook his head.“No,” he replied. “It’s not worth it.” He’d just have to find another way to see his father again.“Be on your best behavior,” Erbao stated then, lifting his head and giving a nod. “We should make daddy proud while he’s gone.”Taking that in stride
Kadeem“Kadeem.”Hearing the familiar voice behind him, Kadeem swiveled in his chair, his eyes soon falling on the woman he’d expected to find.“Hello, grandma,” he drew out, watching as the woman smoothly walked into the room. However, she soon stopped, giving him a quirk of her brow.“Aren’t you going to offer me a seat?” she questioned. “You know…that’s what your son did this afternoon when he saw me hobbling around. I see he has better manners than you do.”Kadeem resisted the urge to shudder at his grandmother’s words - the word “son” slithering under his skin. However, his gaze instead became more fixed on her features.“Please, sit,” he murmured out slowly just before the woman took the seat across from him. The moment she gave him a knowing smirk, he continued.“I know all about the little stunt you pulled,” Kadeem informed her. “Sam showed me the tapes.”“Well, I just wanted to meet my grandchildren for myself,” she announced without a hint of remorse. Again, her words made h
ArdalI can’t stop fidgeting. I’m not pacing anymore, but my fingers still twitch at my sides or mindlessly brushing escaped hairs out my face every few seconds.I’m supposed to be meeting with Kadeem for another training session. It’s the first time I’ll see him since the incident at the studio or after I made the call to Merrick. I have no idea what to expect, but I know I need to appear perfectly normal so Kadeem doesn’t somehow get suspicious.Taking a deep breath, I straighten my arms at my sides, contemplating if I should do some stretching. However, my shoulders are soon jumping as I hear the door to the training room open.I sense him immediately - my body perfectly aware of his every move despite my back being turned to him. Slowly, I swivel, my eyes locking on Kadeem just as he comes to a stop. He stands at least ten feet away, his arms crossing over his chest.“Hair up, gloves on,” he orders before he nods toward the ring. “Let’s go.”Brows beginning to pull together, Kadee
ArdalWe hit the water in a heap, the impact of our bodies sending a splash upward. As I go under the surface, Kadeem’s hand leaves my wrist, but that doesn’t mean we’re no longer touching.No, instead our legs tangle and then untangle, our hips brush, our hands bump each other's stomachs. Our limbs inevitably connect as we try to correct ourselves, but - while me touching him is purely accidental - I’m not sure I can say the same thing for Kadeem.After ten seconds of our little dance, my skin is left burning despite the cold water that surrounds us. I finally manage to gain space between us, allowing me to shoot up and break through the surface once more.“You’re an asshole,” I tell Kadeem when he pops up too. I’m panting a little, but I’m still able to give him a firm glare.But Kadeem doesn’t care for my disapproval. Instead, he eats it up as he usually does.“What?” he asks. “You slipped.”My annoyed gaze only hardens on him, my arms tempted to send a big splash toward his face.