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Alette's POV

"Here are your pregnancy test results," Dr. Munroe said.

My eyes widened and my heart fell to my stomach.

"It's negative!"

I let out a breath and she smiled sheepishly.

"Sorry Faye, should've worded that better," she chuckled, gathering her papers, "Your stitches look good, and you've healed perfectly from the surgery. I just did your blood work, and that was a part of it. Thought I'd let you know, sorry for the moment of panic."

I almost threw up.

I swallowed, smiling weakly, "T-Thank you Dr. Munroe," I got up to leave the room and she followed behind me, chatting with me about other things.

We walked to the waiting room and the moment we turned the corner, Ares stood up from his seat and scanned my body.

In a few steps, he stood in front of us, and I wrapped my hand around his arm.

Dr. Munroe smiled knowingly at him, "Everything is perfect with Faye, she's all good and healed. I would advise against any extremely heavy lifting and movement just till the end of the week, but other than that, she's as good as new!"

Ares nodded at Dr. Munroe, and with one more goodbye, his strong arm wrapped around my waist, and we walked out of the building to the car.

Despite his strong grip on my waist, I managed to trip slightly over a small rock and he immediately looked at me.

"What's wrong? Do you need to go back? Is it your stitches? Do you need a wheelch-"

"Reecie," I laughed softly, placing my hand on his chest, "It was just a rock, my love, I tripped."

He let out a breath through his nose.

He pulled me closer to him as we walked, making sure to be mindful of the two-week-old stiches on my body.

He buckled me in when we got to the car and we began to drive home.

He rested his hand on my leg, and I leaned my head back onto the headrest, closing my eyes.

"You're fine, Alette?"

His low voice made me open my eyes. I sent him a reassuring smile, "I'm okay Ares, just sleepy."

The check-up was at 8:00AM, and I had gotten up early to make it to the appointment on time.

"Is your side hurting? Are you sure you don't want to stay at the hospital for a few days?"

I giggled, grabbing his hand and giving it a small kiss.

"It was just appendicitis, Reece, I'm completely fine now. It's been two weeks."

He still looked slightly uneasy, so I hugged his arm close to my body as he drove.

The day that Ares left for work, I began feeling a slight stinging pain on my lower right abdomen. I had gotten the pain a few days earlier as well, but it was exceedingly bad that day.

I had foolishly thought that the pains were cramps or because of stress, and I left it alone.

Then, with how busy Ares was with his work, I didn't want to bring it up to him.

Turned out, ignoring the pain was a bad idea, because I had fainted and scared the living daylights out of Josephine, who had then promptly called the ambulance.

I don't remember much else after that; I woke up in a hospital bed with some new stitches and a removed appendix.

My eyes had opened to Reece sitting uncomfortably in the hospital chair.

Needless to say, he didn't let me do anything for the next two weeks, waiting on me hand and foot.

I kissed his bicep, wanting him to feel more relaxed. I knew the past two weeks had been tough on him.

I couldn't imagine coming home and hearing the news the Ares was in the hospital, and then having to see him go through surgery.

I knew he had struggled with seeing me go through that, and I just wanted to do all that I could to reassure him.

Stupid appendix.

What an unnecessary organ.

He pulled into the driveway and parked the car; I unbuckled my seatbelt and he hurried over to my side, picking me up, bridal style.

"I can walk you know, lovebug," I sighed adoringly, a small smile playing at my lips as he lifted me into his arms.

He didn't say anything, just gripped onto me tighter.

I wrapped my arms around his neck, laying my head on his shoulder as he carried me towards the front door.

"Let me at least grab the stuff from the car Reecie," I tried again.

"If you think that I'm going to let you do anything at all before you're fully healed, you're sorely mistaken, Alette," his voice left no room for arguments, and I could feel a pout form on my lips.

I turned my head slightly to look at the door.

"How are you going to open the door without putting me down hm?" I asked him, my tone teasing.

He looked at me, his face unmoving as we stood in front of the door.

I win.

And then the door opened.

My smile dropped as his lips quirked up slightly.

I narrowed my eyes at him.

He won.

Jakob stepped out of the house, papers in his hand.

I gave him a sheepish smile and small wave.

He nodded back, "How are you feeling now, Ms. Faye?"

"I'm good thank you Jakob," I smiled softly, and he nodded his head again, "Did you want to stay from some coffee or a snack Jakob?"

He shook his head, "I've got some work to finish. Thank you, feel better soon Ms. Faye," he nodded at Ares and walked to his car.

I didn't fail to notice his tense shoulders and bandaged knuckles. Jakob was so serious all the time; it was astonishing. He looked deadly right now, wearing all black, with a leather jacket on top. I could also see the gun holstered at his side.

Ares walked into the house, dropping me onto the bench by the door and taking off my shoes. Then he picked me back up and placed me softly on the couch.

"I'm getting your pills, do you want to eat something as well?" he asked me, pulling his dark sweater off, leaving him in a fitted white t-shirt.

I felt my throat dry at his muscles and my cheeks tinged pink.

"Nope," my voice was high-pitched, "Nothing to eat."

I couldn't think straight when he looked like that.

He nodded his head, and I sat back into the sofa, stretching my arms out slightly. Grasso jumped onto the sofa, and I pet his fur.

Ares returned with a bottle of pills and a tall glass of water.

I took the pill from him, scrunching my nose at the thought of taking it, but he raised his brow and I conceded.

I washed it down with a huge gulp of water and he looked satisfied.

"That's my good girl."

I blushed, stupid butterflies.

Grasso jumped into my lap and I pet his head slowly.

"I feel icky, I want to take a shower Reecie," I murmured softly. I hadn't showered in a few days because of my stitches not healing properly at first.

"Now? Or later?" he asked, closing the lid of the painkillers.

I sighed, cuddling Grasso closer to me, "Now I think. I might fall asleep later."

He nodded, then, "Finish."

He pointed at my glass of water and walked to put the medicine away in the kitchen.

I finished the rest of the water slowly, scratching behind Grasso's ears.

Ares walked back into the room, his eyes satisfied as they saw the empty glass.

I let Grasso out of my lap, and he hissed as he passed by Reece, who just rolled his eyes at him. I giggled as he walked away, and then turned my head up to look at my man.

Perfection personified.

I tilted my head to the side and lifted my arms up. He had an approving glint in his eyes as he bent down to pick me up. I wrapped my legs around his waist, and buried my face in his neck blushingly when his hands rested on my bum.

He carried me up the stairs, and into the room that had over the last few weeks, become ours.

I had my moments of insecurity here and there, but I had decided to use the techniques that I had learned from Dr. Esa: confront the thoughts before they make me spiral.

We talked about it, and he reassured me that I wasn't intruding in his space; that he wouldn't trade what we had for the world. That I meant so much to him.

And then he kissed me deeply, and showed me exactly how much I meant to him.

I blushed deeply, thinking about how wonderful our intimate moments felt. Sure, I was sore for a day or two after, but it was perfect.

He made me feel so beautiful and loved each and every second, and I did my best to make him feel the same.

He placed me down on the bed, brushing some of my hair away, "Bath?"

I shook my head, "Just a shower I think."

"Do you want me to get you something to wear?"

I nodded, and he nodded back, "Sweats?"

I shook my head, biting my lip, "I t-think I want to wear a dress. I've been in pyjamas for the past two weeks."

I felt happy and pretty in dresses, and I think I needed that to feel refreshed at this moment.

He nodded his head and I tilted my head to the side again, looking at him shyly.

"Will you pick one for me?"

He paused, and then nodded.

He walked into the closet for a few minutes, and I heard him rifling through the hangers. After a while, he walked back out, holding a flowy pale yellow dress. It had thin straps that tied into bows on my shoulders. It ended just above my knees, and it was so cute.

"That's perfect!" I smiled; I had completely forgotten that I even owned the dress.

His shoulders eased, and he nodded, placing the dress on the bed.

"Thank you, baby," I kissed his chest, and walked into the bathroom without closing the door. I couldn't decipher the look on his face as he watched me, but he ran a hand through his hair, his eyes conflicted.

My arms already ached at the thought of washing my hair. Josephine had come over a few days ago to help me wash my hair in the sink, and thank goodness for that because it hurt to lift my arms up for too long because of my stitches.

I looked at Ares who was watching me, and held out my hand, "Should we save some water?"

I let out a smile that I had been holding in, and he looked visibly relieved, nodding his head.

He walked into the bathroom, grabbing our towels.

"Don't get any ideas though, mister," I pointed my finger at him.

He stifled his almost-smirk, and took off his shirt.

My finger dropped.

I gulped, "That wasn't very nice of you," I mumbled under my breath.

He helped me undress, and I stepped into the shower with him. The water was warm, and it soothed my whole body.

He grabbed my shampoo as the water cascaded over us. Making sure my hair was wet, he massaged it into my hair. He washed it out, and repeated the process with the conditioner. He left the conditioner in my hair as he reached for the body wash and washcloth.

He washed my body meticulously, and I melted under his touch. I was ready to fall asleep on the cold shower tiles, with the way his hands massaged the knots in my body.

More than anything, the care and love in his eyes, the softness of his touch, made me want to burst into tears.

He made me feel beautiful and loved without saying a word.

I was so blessed.

I rinsed myself off and then looked up at him, his frame looking massive even in his big stand in shower.

"My turn."

He watched me with intense eyes as I soaped him up.

I pushed his chest lightly, making him sit down on the marble bench in the shower. He placed his hands on my waist, his head tilted back with his eyes closed as I massaged shampoo in his hair.

He was a huge fan of head massages. He usually lay on top of me when we slept and it worked out perfectly for the both of us.

Having his weight on top of me made me feel more secure when I slept, and he loved it when I ran my fingers through his hair at night.

I tugged on his hand to make him stand up again, and he rinsed the shampoo out.

Not being able to take it any longer, I stood on my tiptoes, as high as I could go, and caught his lips in a deep kiss.

He bent down, pulling me closer to him, and he kissed me back with the same vigour.

"I love you, my Reece," I whispered to him.

He kissed my forehead, "I love you, my angel."

He turned off the shower and wrapped a big fluffy towel around me, and then tied one on his lower body.

He kissed my shoulder, walking out of the bathroom to change as I washed my face in the sink.

By the time I washed, dried and moisturized my face, he was changed into a pair of jeans that fit him too well and was waiting for me in the room with a tub of my favourite Shea butter moisturizer.

He guided me to the bed, and I plopped down. He got on his knees in front of me, and grabbed one leg first; moisturizing it thoroughly with his big, rough hands.

I was going to melt into a puddle.

He moisturized my arms and torso; we didn't speak though. I watched him, and he just concentrated on what he was doing.

I knew that this was making him feel better, so I just let him do it.

It was thoroughly enjoyable for me too.

He finished, closing the tub of moisturizer, and I walked to the closet, grabbing a pair of soft lacy underwear, and matching yellow bra.

I loved when everything matched, including my undergarments, so the fact that my underwear and bra matched my dress, made me happy.

It seemed as though Reece approved too, because he sat on the bed, leaning his elbows on his knees as he watched me with dark eyes.

I slipped on my underwear. I didn't intend on making eye contact with him as I did so, but I felt his eyes on me so I looked up.

The heat in his eyes made my heart pound, and I had to avert my gaze. I had acted plenty bold around him, but that didn't take away from the fact that he made me feel astronomically shy.

I put on my bra, watching his eyes zero in on my chest.

He was...obsessed with it. There was no other way of putting it.

I was literally putting on clothes and he looked at me as though he wanted to eat me.

You'd love that though, wouldn't you?

I blushed crimson at my own thoughts and had to avert my eyes again.

He loosened up for what seemed like the first time today, and spoke lowly from the bed.

"My baby's having those naughty thoughts again, hm?"

I turned even redder and abruptly turned away from him, grabbing my dress and sliding it down my body.

I walked over to him shyly, and turned around so that he could zip it up for me.

He stood up, and slowly zipped my dress up. Then he moved my damp hair over one shoulder, and bent down, pressing his lips to my shoulder. He moved up and kissed the side of my neck, slowly.

I sucked in a breath, closing my eyes at the touch.

He turned me around to face him.

He placed one big hand on the back of my neck, his rough fingers splayed out, tangling into my hair.

He tilted my head up; his hand was domineering as he held me in place, but his other hand gently cupped my face and he leaned down to kiss me softly.

He pulled away too soon, but not before I saw the storm in his eyes.

I wanted it to go away.

I grab his hand and give it a kiss, walking over to the vanity to apply some lip balm and grab my silver ring. I slipped it on my finger, and looked towards him. He had pulled out his phone after hearing a notification ring.

"Reecie?"

He locked his phone and put it in his pocket, looking at me, "Angel?"

"Can we bake a cake?"

"Lead the way, my little baker," he tilted the head towards the door.

I giggled, and grabbed his hand.

We walked towards the stairs, and I didn't hesitate when he scooped me up into his arms. He smoothed the dress down, making sure I wasn't flashing my underwear.

He walked us into the kitchen and deposited me on the counter.

I made a move to get off, but he placed his hand on my thigh, "I'll get the stuff out. Tell me what we need."

I nodded, and softly told him the things we needed. I watched him move around the kitchen, getting all the ingredients, and placing them neatly on the counter.

There was something that was the matter with him.

I couldn't place my finger on it.

It had been two weeks since my surgery, and I had recovered just fine. I knew that his lack of conversation and overall apprehension wasn't because of that.

I wanted him to talk to me. Talk so I could help him.

I didn't want to push him too hard.

He didn't have to talk to me, but that didn't mean that I couldn't comfort him.

With my mind made up, I looked at him grabbing eggs from the fridge.

"Aresius?"

He paused mid-movement, and slowly turned around to face me.

"Come here, my love," I opened my arms and he waited a few seconds, watching me.

Then, in two long strides, he stood in front of me as I sat on the on the counter, fitting his body in between my legs.

He rested his head on my chest and I wrapped my arms around his head, holding him close.

"You can talk to me, gorgeous," I murmured softly into his hair.

I felt him sigh into my chest, and he finally pulled away after a few moments.

"I-I apologize for being-"

"Don't apologize, my love," I shushed him quickly, "You have nothing to be sorry for. I just don't want you suffering in silence."

I brushed a piece of hair out of his eyes.

He held eye contact for what felt like an eternity, and it was still too soon when I he looked away.

"I've just got something I've been working on, it's chewing up my nerves. Thank you for being patient with me, darling."

I knew it wasn't the whole truth, but it was as much as he was willing to share, and that was enough for now.

"I love you. I'm here for you," I leaned forwards to kiss his forehead, "Always."

"Yeah?"

There was an emotion in his eyes that I couldn't quite place.

I nodded vehemently nonetheless, wanting to reassure him, "Always."

"I love you, my angel."

He kissed me softly, and helped me off the counter. I looked towards the array of ingredients on the counter, and yelped as I felt him swat my butt playfully.

"We've got a cake to bake," he said lowly.

I'm sure he didn't mean for his voice to do things to me.

But it did things to me.

I patted my pink cheeks and grabbed two aprons; we slipped them on, and I didn't miss the heated look he sent in my direction when I twirled around in it just for fun.

I asked him to grab a mixing bowl, and then stared at him in his little pink apron the whole time he was getting it.

He looked so darn good in it.

Sure he had his own aprons to wear, but he definitely looked cuter in the ruffles.

He got the bowl out, and I cracked three eggs into it and added some sugar and honey; I began whipping the eggs to make them nice and fluffly.

Whilst I did that, I asked Reecie to measure out all the dry ingredients in a separate bowls and preheat the oven.

Once the eggs were whipped, I sifted in the dry ingredients, and folded them into the batter.

I added some melted butter and warm milk and mixed that in as well.

I asked him to line some baking tins with parchment, beaming excitedly when he chose the heart shaped pans.

Heart shaped anything was a million times cuter than regular shapes.