Running (baby daddy series #2) {COMPLETED}

| 20 | Mob princess

Paulina POV

"Oh my god! How could you keep something like this from me?!" I shout at my father, furious.

"Tigrice, I wanted to tell you, I really did. But you would have slammed the door in my face if I did, and I need someone to take over after me," he explained in a calm tone.

"So this is what it's all about-you needing an heir for your company!"

"No, that's not all. I love you, and I always will. You don't just take over my company, but also our crew. You're the Novak princess."

"What the hell are you talking about?!"

"In our world, you're famous, legendary even. You see, there's no way out of this life, and since you were born into it, you can't escape your destiny. Other gangs respect us, all except for one god damn boss..." he grumbles with hatred.

"So everything is about hatred, fear, and respect here? These are human beings for crying out loud! How dare you speak ill of people for not respecting you like that!"

"You've never been more like your mother, as you are right now. No, it's not just about that. I can try to explain everything, but you won't understand it, because you're not in our mob world. Yet."

"Who is the boss you don't like?"

"He owns the Winston corporation... That disgusting man is an offspring of the very same man who killed your mother and took you away from me!" he shouts and slams his fist into the desk he's sitting behind.

   I can't believe it! Damien's father killed my mother and put me away in the foster care system? I knew that their father was a ruthless man, but I could never believe he would hurt a woman. Even I know that women and children are a big no-no in this world, it's a disgrace to go after them.

"I'm sure that you can understand my hatred now."

"You can't hate a man who isn't responsible for your personal pain. Mr.Winston is not his father." I say with force, feeling that I need to defend him.

"Maybe I can, maybe not. It doesn't matter either way. Because you're here, and I can finally be happy again." he says with a smile. "Are you sure that you can get the children on your own?"

"I'm sure. If you come with, they are going to be worried. It's better this way."

"If you say so, I will have Gregorio ready with the car."

***

   When the elevator ding indicates that I'm on the right floor, I'm starting to get anxious. How can I explain that we're going to my father's house? They don't know that the man I've called father for 18 years isn't the right person for the title. I breathe in and knock on the door before entering.

"Hello, anyone home?" I shout, and hear thumping.

"Mommy! You're here!" Caleb shouts and runs up to my waiting arms.

"Hello, baby. How are you?" I ask and kiss his head.

   He doesn't have any time to answer, because the other three come running and make me fall on the floor. We group hug, and they all get one of my famous 'mommy-kisses.' The brothers and Adrien walks into the hallway, Adrien hugs me.

"Is it time now?" he asks and smiles.

"Yeah, it's time," I answer and turn towards my kids. "What do you say about sleeping at grandpa's place?"

"We have a grandpa?!" Darby exclaims and looks at me with big eyes.

"Yes, now you do. Go and pack your things."

"Okay, mommy!" they yell in unison, and disappear.

"You're not taking Fiona to that bastard's place!" Damien growls.

"He's not my father, and that woman is not my mother," I answer calmly.

"He's not?"

"Now, my mother died when I was six, and I was placed in the foster care system. Don't ask me how I ended up with those people, because I don't know."

"How can you be so sure that he's your dad?"

"Because he calls me 'tigrice,' my dad did that when I was little. I remember that and his scent; it's him." I answer, smiling. "Kids, hurry up! Gregorio is waiting downstairs with the car!"

"Gregorio?"

"Yes, he's our driver for the day."

"Wow, is your dad filthy rich or what?"

"You wouldn't believe me if I told you, believe me."

"Try me," he answers and puts his arms over his chest.

"No, I won't. Because your family is competition and have bad blood between you, it's not worth it to start any feuds over this."

"Is it Ravellie's?!" he growls.

"Firstly, how can you even think that I would ever go with him if he were from that family? Secondly, I still won't tell you and thirdly, don't make me choose between you and my father, because you simply can't win."

"So you're the one withholding information now?" he asks with a death stare.

"Don't even start with me, Damien, I mean it!" I growl back. "You're still not telling me everything that I have the right to know, so just shut that mouth of yours before you start yapping about something you can't take back... Again!"

   He looks taken aback but don't say anything. Not that he had the opportunity anyway, the kids are putting on their shoes, ready to leave. They hug each other and walk out the door. Before I can go, Damien takes my arm in his hand, making me stop.

"When can I see Fi again?" he asks.

"I don't know. Look, I won't take her away from you. I promise, okay? But I really need to leave right now, can we talk later about this?"

"Alright, have fun..." he mumbles, and I walk away.

***

"When we reach grandpa's house, you will behave yourself and no running indoors. No swears. Am I making myself clear?"

"Yes, mommy!"

   I nod my head and help them out of the car. They look at the large house, and the white-haired man is standing at the front door. The children look at me, uncertain about what to do. I nod at them, and they run towards him.

"Grandpa!"

   He catches them one by one, and hug them. This may be strange and difficult to understand, but on the other hand, you must remember that these children have longed for a grandparent mainly because they heard other kids talk about their being amazing and giving them things. You know how children are...

"It's enjoyable to meet all of you, finally! Welcome to my home, you can go anywhere you want except my office. Look around for a moment while I talk to your mother." he tells them, and they sprint inside.

"Hi," I say and greet him with a hug even though I've been away for about an hour.

"My tigrice, every single second away from you, is pure misery. Now that I've finally found you, I'm never going to let you go."

"Sounds good to me, father," I answer and take his arm before we walk inside.

   The children chase a poor housekeeper carrying a tray of chocolate cookies and milk, praying to taste just a little bit. I clear my throat, and they stop immediately when they see me, I strain my eyes and put my arms crossed-waiting to hear an explanation for their behavior.

"It was Noah's idea!" Darby revealed, much to his brother's dismay.

"It was not!"

"Yes, it was!"

"Enough!" they quiet down immediately and look down at the floor in shame. "I have told you repeatedly not to run around when we're inside, but you do anyway. All four of you, go and apologize to that poor woman, right now!"

"Yes, ma'am," they answer in unison.

   They always call me mommy, but when I'm scolding and asking them to shape up, this is the answer I expect and get. I don't play around, and they know that. They walk in a straight line at a slow pace and look for the woman they chased through half the house.

"You've raised them well, my dear." my father says proudly and put one of his hands on my shoulder.

"Someone has to. I don't tolerate this kind of behavior, and they know it. This is the consequence."

"Do they understand the concept with it?"

"Slightly, I've been trying to teach them that actions have consequences and that we might hurt people in the process if we don't think about our actions beforehand. They're not there yet, but someday they will be."

"You're a wonderful mom, Paulina. Your mother would've been so proud of you," he says and caress my cheek.    

"Grandpa! Are you coming? We want cookies!" Darby shouts in excitement, which Ivan laughs at.

"I'm coming; I'm coming."

   We walk into the living room and sit down. Fiona climbs into my lap like she usually does when we're at a new place with new people, and the boys are chatting happily with my father. They're telling him about their favorite toys, hobbies, food, and everything else he should know about them.

"And you, princess?" he asks Fiona.

"My favorite is mommy," she answers shyly, and he chuckles at her.

"That was a good answer, darling."

   She snuggles into my neck; she does that when she's shy, like many other kids. We talk and spend family time together, all of us. I've never felt more happier and safe then I do right now. My children love their grandfather, and he smiles whenever he catches my eyes.

***

"Here is your room. I hope that you'll find it comfortable. I had some things brought in here, but if you miss something, don't hesitate to tell me, and I'll buy it for you." my father says and walks before me inside the big purple bedroom.

"I'm sure it's fine, dad. It's a beautiful room and an amazing view!"

   And it truly is! I can see a big forest at the end of the property, and it's a massive pool in the backyard. It was a long time ago since I felt safe, except for this house with my family, the only place was in Damien's arms... I need to talk to him and figure things out. Someday.

"Thank you for everything," I say and smile with tears pooling in my eyes, suddenly feeling emotional.

"It's me who should thank you, tigrice. You've given me everything I always wanted, and I'm so proud of you," he says and hugs me close before walking out again.

   I lay down on the bed and look at my phone. Damien has texted me, telling me that he misses the kids, but also me-that it feels empty and quiet at his place when neither one of us is there with him. I smile at the letters and the words which find their way into my heart immediately.

   He's still holding my heart, that wonderful man of mine who isn't mine. But he will be, mark my words. It's now when I've met my father, I realize how important he is to Fiona, and the boys too even though he isn't their biological father. We have to make things work.

   I miss him every day, and I love him with all my heart, so why is it so damn hard for us to break through the wall we've both set up? We are meant to be together, and I haven't been whole since we broke apart. He's my end and my beginning, and we're going to take over the world together.