When we were kissing, it felt like nothing else existed in the world. It was like time froze and all that was left to do was fully engulf myself in Dwayne's amazing scent.

After he finally released my lips, I caught Dwayne catch a glimpse of a clock and then freak out.

It was 12:07am.

"Fuck! I gotta go Nae. Make yourself at home." he said before he left in a hurry.

"WAIT! Where are you going Dwayne. Please stay." I pleaded

Without looking back at me, he protested "Nae, I have business I have to handle"

I began a soft whimper that I tried to hide, but was an epic fail. As my head was in my palms, I began to hear Dwayne's heavy footsteps coming closer to me. Eventually, the footsteps stopped and I was unexpectedly lifted into the same muscular arms that I knew all too well. I think he has a think for lifting.

I kept my eyes closed while he carried me up a flight of stairs because I trusted him for some reason. When we reached the top of the stairs, he pushed a door open with his hips. Before I knew it, I was lying in a gigantic, plush, king sized bed cradled in Dwayne's arms.

He began stroking my hair softly then said in an almost whisper voice "What's wrong Nae? What're you scared of? Talk to me."

I then began to full on sob into his shoulder before finally deciding that I was comfortable enough with him to open up.

*flashback*

March 6th, 2001
"HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU, HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO DANAEEE, HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU" my parents, Matthias and Aaliyah (my younger siblings) sung in unison.

Today's my 8th birthday, everything's going to be perfect!

I did my usual morning routine, ya know brushing my teeth, washing my face. But before I could even finish my morning routine, my parents started fighting again.

"I can't do this anymore Kevin! You've been cheating on me for 10 plus years and the only reason I've stayed is for the kids! And at this point, I'm not even sure I want them to stay either."

My mother's words stunned me. Did she really mean it? For the rest of my day, that's all it consisted of. Arguing. Until later on that night when my life changed forever.

I was lying in bed trying to fall asleep to the sound of rain pitter pattering outside of my window until I heard gunshots and my siblings screaming. I automatically went to my hiding spot that helped me when all of the hide and seek games I'd ever played. I sat there in silence until finally, someone can bursting through my door.

"Come out little girl. Your mom wants you dead and that's what I'm here to do. Finish you."

I remained silent.

"Fine, you can live for now. But watch your back for the rest of your life because I won't stop until you're dead Danae Kennedy."