4 comments/ 7429 views/ 1 favorites Love and Mistakes Ch. 06 By: AshiraDatya CHAPTER SIX "Hello?" Dex said into the phone. "Hey grandpa," Netalia murmured, glancing up at Cory who looked like he had just conquered the world. "Grandpa? You had the baby?" Dex asked. "A boy," Netalia confirmed. "How are you feeling?" Dex wanted to know. "Tired but good," Netalia answered. "We named him Sebastian Matthew," Netalia told her father. "Oh sweetie," Dex didn't know what else to say. He looked up as Shella walked into his study and held out the phone. "It's Neta," he mouthed. "Netalia, is everything okay?" Shella asked. "Everything's fine Mom. I had the baby," Netalia told her mother. "We'll be there soon," Shella promised before hanging up the phone. Netalia hit end and looked at Cory and sighed. "Let me guess, your mother is on her way?" he asked dryly. She nodded. "Where is she?" Shella demanded, three hours later. "Resting," Cory answered, glancing past his mother to Dex and the kids. "I want to see her," Shella said. Dex rolled his eyes and grinned. "Let her rest Shel," Dex told her quietly. Shella whirled around and opened her mouth to speak but the look on his face caused her to close her mouth again. "Uncle Cory!" Sara exclaimed. Cory laughed as Sara launched herself at him. "He's your brother, not your uncle," Paul told Sara, rolling his eyes. "He's right kid, but that's no reason for you to be so damn rude," Cory murmured, turning his glance towards Paul when he said the final half of his statement. "Can we see the baby?" Sara asked. This time, it was Samuel and Aaron's turn to roll their eyes. "Don't mind Sara, she's been completely baby crazed for the last month," Aaron said with a grin. "That's okay Aaron, as long as she waits another thirty years before she has one of her own," Cory joked. Dex laughed loudly. "I will agree with you on that," Dex said with a grin. Shella chuckled. ~~~~~~~~~~~ "Are you up for a visitor?" Aimee asked, opening the door a little. Netalia gave a tired smile but nodded before her sister and her niece walked into the room. "Is my mom here yet?" Netalia asked. "Yes. She's driving Cory and your father crazy," Aimee answered. "He's pretty," Lizzie said, peering down at the baby. "Can he talk?" she asked. Netalia and Aimee laughed. "He's too little sweetie, he won't be able to talk for a long time yet," Aimee told her daughter. Lizzie pouted and poked at the baby's forehead; Aimee quickly grabbed the young girl's hand. "You can't do that Liz, you could hurt him," she cautioned gently. Lizzy pouted again and waited impatiently for her mother to say it was time to leave. At six and her father's only child, she was just a little bit spoiled. Everyone looked up as Cory peeked his head into the room. "Your mom is about to tear my head off out here," he told Netalia. She giggled and rolled her eyes. "I'm not kidding," he added. "I'll let you and your mom visit," Aimee told Netalia. She nodded and waved to Lizzie as they walked out of the room. Not even thirty seconds later, her mother was walking into the bedroom, an excited smile on her face. "Oh Neta, he's beautiful," Shella murmured, her eyes tearing up. "Mom, don't cry," Netalia pleaded, beginning to panic. "Was it as bad as you thought?" Shella asked her daughter. "Only until I had the epidural," Netalia admitted. Shella chuckled and scooped her newborn grandson into her arms. He stared at her with crystal clear blue eyes. "Hello precious boy," Shella crooned, running her index finger down the boy's tiny nose. "How are you doing?" Netalia asked. "I'm fine Netalia. Besides, this isn't about me, this is about you," Shella answered. "Mom, I'm not a child, you don't have to protect me," Netalia stopped talking when she saw the look her mother was giving her. Both women looked up when Dex walked into the room. "Hi daddy," she murmured. Dex grinned and pushed Cory in front of him. "I don't know if should shoot you Cory or give you a cigar," Dex said. "Neither," Shella and Netalia said at the same time. They looked at each other and laughed. "Why shoot me?" Cory asked. "Because I was with her mother when she had Paul and the trio of trouble. You hurt my daughter," Dex answered. "But it's a good hurt. Stop being an ass," Netalia told her father. He turned to her, an eye brow raised. "When did you think you could start sassing me?" he asked, a small smile on his face. "Dexter David, knock it off," Shella said, rolling her eyes. He chuckled and patted Cory on the back of his shoulder. "I'm kidding. Just do everyone a favor and wait about ten years before you have the next one," Dex advised. Netalia rolled her eyes and Cory grinned. Dex peered over at his grandson who was beginning to fidget and fuss in his grandmother's arms. "I think someone's hungry," Shella said, passing the small boy into his mother's arms. "We'll come back and see you later," Dex told Netalia, pressing a kiss to the top of her head. He followed Shella out; only Cory remained in the room. "Do you want to be alone?" Cory asked. Netalia shook her head and he smiled as he sat down on the edge of the bed. "I love you," he whispered as Netalia began feeding their son. She smiled and leaned her head onto his shoulder. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ "I can't believe you're here!" Stacey exclaimed as Netalia walked into the apartment. She gave her friend a hug. "Oh look at him!" she squealed. Netalia laughed and passed her three month old son to Stacey. "He's beautiful Neta!" Stacey gushed. The baby gurgled and slapped his hands making Netalia giggle. "How are you feeling?" Stacey wanted to know. "Pretty good. Cory helps by getting up with him at night," Netalia answered. "Aww," Stacey murmured, tickling Sebastian's belly. He made a silly face which had his mother laughing again. "Hey Neta." She looked up to see Carter walking into the living room, Calla walking behind him on unsteady legs. "Hi Carter. Oh my Gosh, she's so big! You didn't tell me she was walking!" Netalia exclaimed. Calla looked at Netalia with interest until Sebastian began to fuss in Stacey's arms. "My mommy!" Calla announced with a pout. Stacey laughed and passed Sebastian back to his mother before she knelt down in front of her daughter. "It's okay for me to hold other babies Calla, I'll always love you," Stacey murmured. The little girl pouted but giggled when Carter lifted her up and tickled her. "So where's the rest of the group?" Netalia asked. "They'll be at the rehearsal tomorrow. Where's Cory?" Carter answered. "At the hotel on a phone conference with someone important but I can't remember his name," Netalia admitted. Carter laughed. "I have to run to a meeting myself. I'll be back by four. If you and Cory are agreeable to it, Stace and I would like to take you guys out to dinner," Carter told her. "I'll call Cory in about an hour and talk with him, but it should be fine," Netalia answered. Carter nodded, kissed Stacey on the cheek and walked out the door. "Why are we meeting your ex for dinner?" Cory asked as he changed out of his business suit and into a pair of tan khaki pants and a clean button down tee-shirt. "Because Carter and Stacey are my friends," Netalia answered, running a brush through her hair. "Why can't we just stay in? Have some alone time," Cory wanted to know, wrapping his arms around her waist and pulling her to him. "Cory," she moaned, pulling away slightly. "It's been so long," he murmured huskily. "We have to be there in an hour," Netalia reminded him as he slid his hands up her legs and under her dress. "Plenty of time," Cory said, slipping her panties down her legs. Before Netalia could protest, Cory pushed his own pants and his boxers down, letting them fall around his ankles as he turned her so that she faced him and thrust into her. "Cory," she groaned, closed her eyes as her body readjusted to the feeling of being full. He chuckled and thrust hard and fast before reaching up to gently tweak a nipple. She shivered as he pressed her against the bathroom counter. "Cory," she whispered, her hips met his thrust for thrust as he slid his hands behind her butt, pushing her closer to him. She gave a small scream as she came, her orgasm sparked his and he came deep inside her. "Shit," he groaned. Netalia giggled and pushed him away gently. "Now I have to shower again," she joked. Cory gave her a pointed look and grabbed some toilet paper. "What if ..." he looked up and saw a flat, plastic medication container. "What is that?" he asked. "Birth control. Billy wrote the prescription when he was visiting last month," she answered. Cory gave a small sigh of relief but his eyes narrowed slightly. "Does that mean you don't want more children?" he wanted to know. "I want more children, just not right way," Netalia said, pulling her dress over her shoulder. She stepped into the tub and turned the shower on and washed quickly. "Nice of you to join us," Carter teased as Cory and Netalia finally made it to the restaurant. "It was my fault. I got distracted," Cory said. Carter glanced at Netalia who blushed. "I'm sure you did," he said with a grin. "Where's the baby?" Stacey asked. "With Jason, Tina, Tommy and Kara. They wanted to have a baby around," Netalia answered. "That's understandable, they're adorable," Stacey said. Netalia nodded and took a sip of the cola that the waitress had sat in front of her. "Exhausting though," she muttered. "Let's not talk about the kids right now," Cory suggested. Carter nodded his agreement as the waitress poised to take their orders. ~~~~~~~~~~~ "Netalia, what is this?" Cory asked as he walked into the kitchen. She looked up from her bread dough and he had to smile as he saw the flour smudges on her face. "What is what?" she wanted to know, punching down the dough in front of her. He waited for her to place the dough back into the bowl, cover the bowl and wash her hands before handing her the letter. She opened it, read it and shrieked. "I got in!" she exclaimed, throwing her arms around Cory's neck. "Got in to where?" Cory wanted to know. "To the CIA!" "The Central Intelligence Agency?" Cory asked, raising an eyebrow. Netalia laughed and shook her head. "The Culinary Institute of America," she answered. "It's one of the top culinary arts schools in the world," she added. "What in the world made you apply?" Cory wanted to know. "I love cooking Cory and I know I can be a great chef," Netalia answered. "Netalia, you don't have to work, in fact, it's generally frowned upon when royalty works," Cory reminded her. "Why? Why is it frowned upon? I would think that it would help non-royals to see that just because someone is a king or queen or a prince doesn't mean that they don't see the value in working hard!" Netalia exclaimed. "Neta, I'm not saying that. You should spend time with Bastian and with your parents, not working," Cory murmured. Netalia glared at him and left the room, steaming. "What are you doing?" Cory asked, walking into their bedroom. It had been two weeks since their argument and they had hardly spoken; Netalia had avoided him like the plague. "I'm packing, what does it look like?" Netalia answered. "Where are you going?" Cory wanted to know. "New York to look at the CIA," Netalia said. "Why?" Cory asked. "Because I want to look at the school before I decide if I am going to enroll or defer to your suggestions," Netalia told him. "Leave Sebastian here," Cory said. "I'm going to be gone for nearly a week Cory, I can't leave him here," Netalia said. Cory crossed the room and leaned against the dresser as she pulled clothes out of the drawers. "You will not take my son away from me Netalia," he warned. "I'm only going to be gone for a week Cory. Don't you threaten me," Netalia said, closing the bag and walking away. ~~~~~~~~~~~ "I don't believe this!" Cory shouted, three days later. "What's wrong Core?" Devin asked, walking into his brother's office with a stack of mail. "Netalia. She fucking enrolled in culinary school," Cory answered. He picked up a bottle of Johnny Walker Blue and poured himself a generous glass. "So? She's young Cory, let her do this. She gave up all of her hopes and dreams to be with you, to marry you and to start a life with you," Devin said. "Netalia is going to take my son away from me again!" Cory snapped. "Cory, will you listen to yourself? You're acting like an insane man! This is why she left you the first time! You're almost twenty two years old Cory and you went to Harvard and got a business degree. You've grown up in a palace, but dad made damn sure that you could do anything you wanted. He wanted you to stay in Europe but you had to go to Harvard. He let you go, let you live in the dorms, hid your identity, made you like a regular kid. You had girlfriends and only when mom got sick did you come home for good. Netalia lived a regular civilian life for the first ten years of her life and Dex and Shella let her do what she pleased within reason. You're trying to keep her contained, locked up and she's going to fight you tooth and nail," Devon warned. "What are you so afraid of?" he wanted to know. "I don't know," Cory admitted. "Then maybe you and Netalia do need some time apart until you know the answer to that question. She isn't going to take Sebastian from you, she isn't like that. She just wants the chance to live her own life," Devon told his brother. Cory nodded and took a long drink of his scotch. "Go easy on the spirits little brother," Devon warned. Cory watched his brother walk out of the office before he picked up the phone. "Morgan, this is Cory. I need for you to keep an eye on someone for me. Her name is Netalia. She just enrolled at the CIA in New York. Make sure she's safe, and that guys don't get too close." Love and Mistakes Ch. 07-08 CHAPTER SEVEN "Hi, I'm Jordan." Netalia looked up to see a tall, well built man standing in front of her with chestnut brown hair and sparkling green eyes. "I'm Netalia," she said softly, politely. "I guess we're lab partners," Jordan said with a charming grin. Netalia smiled and shook his hand. He sat down next to her as the professor walked into the room. "Welcome to your introduction to pastry." Netalia shifted uncomfortably in her chair and sighed softly. "Are you okay?" Jordan whispered. Netalia gave a small smile and nodded before returning her attention to the professor. "So where are you from?" Jordan asked as the class was dismissed. "Oak Grove originally but I've been living in Liera for the past year or so," Netalia answered. "I'm from Detroit," Jordan told her. Netalia smiled. "What class do you have next?" he wanted to know. "Why?" Netalia asked. "I was hoping to see a friendly face," he answered. "I have a traditional math class. I promised my mother I wouldn't forget to take it," Netalia said. Jordan laughed and looked at her schedule. "My class is right across the hall, I'll walk you there," he told her. "Who is he Netalia?" Cory asked later that night. "You're having me followed?" Netalia asked, not surprised. "Netalia, who is he?" Cory growled. "He's my lab partner for my pastry class," Netalia told him. "How's Bastian?" Cory wanted to know. He could practically hear the smile in her voice. "Sebastian is doing great. I think he's teething a little though, he's been fussy tonight," Netalia answered. "Poor kid. Neta, are you sure this is what you want?" Cory asked. "I'm sure," Netalia said. "You want to be away from me this badly? Have I been that horrible that you want to be as far away from me as possible?" Cory asked, the tone of his voice told Netalia that he didn't understand. "Cory, have you ever wanted to do something so bad that it hurt?" Netalia wanted to know. "Sure," he answered. "I've wanted to be a chef for as long as I could remember. Before my parents died, Josh and Andrea that is, Andrea was teaching me about cooking and running a business. When I met my birth mom, her love of cooking helped to make me understand that if I enjoyed something as much as I do cooking and baking that I should follow my dreams. It isn't that I want to be away from you, it's that I have to do this," Netalia said softly. "I miss you," Cory told her. "I miss you too. You can come visit me soon," she promised. "I'll hold you to it," Cory said before hanging up the phone. ~~~~~~~~~~ "Jordan, what are you doing here?" Netalia asked from the doorway of her apartment. "The school has practically shut down due to illness and since you were one of the first ones sick, I wanted to see if you were okay," Jordan answered. Netalia smiled and let him into the apartment, pulling her robe around her more tightly. "Is your son doing okay?" he wanted to know. Netalia nodded. "His father took him back to Liera until I've recovered, maybe a little longer actually, Cory's missed Sebastian," Netalia answered. "I still think of the Little Mermaid when I hear his name," Jordan said with a grin. Netalia laughed and sat down onto the couch. In the time since she had been in New York, she and Cory seemed to drift further apart, arguing whenever they spoke or saw each other while she and Jordan had grown very close; even making out a time or two. "Are you okay?" Jordan asked, studying her closely. Netalia nodded and forced a smile and thoughts of her argument with Cory from her mind. "Would you like some hot chocolate?" Netalia asked. Jordan nodded and followed her into the kitchen. "Oh my God, are you serious?!" Netalia exclaimed. Jordan nodded through his laughter. "I thought Pritchard was going to have a coronary when Leanne started talking about lard being unhealthy," Jordan laughed. "I wish I had seen that," Netalia groaned, taking a sip of her hot chocolate. "What?" she asked, staring at Jordan curiously. "You have whipped cream on your lips," Jordan said. She reached up to wipe it away but he caught her hand with his. "Let me," he whispered. Her mouth went dry when his lips met hers and he gently kissed the sugary cream from them. His hands cupped her face as he deepened the kiss. Netalia pulled away, her eyes wide. "You're so beautiful," he murmured before kissing her again. "Jordan, we shouldn't," she managed to say after pulling away. She stood up, hoping to put some distance between them but her cat jumped down off of the mantle of the fire place, tripping Netalia as she started to move away; she landed in Jordan's lap. She blushed as she felt his hardness press up against her and moaned as his fingers tweaked a nipple. Netalia found herself captivated by the look in Jordan's eyes. Wrapping her arms around his neck, she pressed herself up more firmly against him; kissed him until they were both breathless. Without either saying a word, Jordan seemed to know what she was thinking. He lifted her up gently as he stood up and carried her into the bedroom before placing her carefully on the bed. Silently, they quickly dispensed with their clothes; before he dropped his pants to the floor, Jordan pulled a foil packet out of his back pocket. She raised an eye brow. "My father told me to keep one with me at all times," Jordan said with a sheepish grin. Netalia smiled, took the packet from him, tore it open and rolled it down his hard length. He groaned, lifted her into his arms and as she wrapped her legs around his waist, he pushed into her slowly. She moaned as they fell against the bed, moved together, their bodies melding together like they were built for each other. "You're beautiful," he moaned, nibbling on her neck. Netalia's breath caught in her throat as she tried to make sense of the feelings flooding her as he thrust harder and deeper into her. Her eyes widened and she screamed his name as she came, surprised that her climax had snuck up on her. Jordan cried out hoarsely as he emptied his seed into the condom. They lay together, Jordan still deep inside her, panting. "Did I hurt you?" Jordan wanted to know. "No," Netalia managed to say. Jordan smiled, kissed her and pulled away from her. Netalia moaned in protest and reached for him. "Shower," he insisted, pulling her up off of the bed. "What?" Jordan asked, catching her staring at him. Netalia blushed and looked away. "Netalia, what?" he asked. "You're only the second man I've had sex with," she murmured. "Is that good for us or bad for us?" he asked. "Well, that depends. Do you plan on knocking me up any time soon?" Netalia wanted to know. "No," Jordan answered bluntly. "Then it's good for us," Netalia said. Jordan smiled as he lathered soap into the wash cloth. He studied her body as he washed her and teased her tender clit making her squirm. "You're so beautiful," he murmured, pressing a kiss to the back of her shoulder after she had rinsed off. Netalia smiled shyly as she climbed out of the shower. "Are you ready for another round?" he asked. "No!" Jordan raised an eye brow. "I need some sleep. I've been up since five thirty," Netalia groaned. "Why?" Jordan asked. "Habit. Sebastian usually wakes up around then," she admitted. Jordan chuckled and grabbed the change of clothes she had handed him. "Where'd these come from?" Jordan asked, holding up the boxers. "My friend Stacey and her fiancee were here last week. Carter left a pair of his boxers here by mistake. I washed them and figured you'd rather sleep in clean boxers then the ones you wore over here," Netalia said. He grinned. "I don't sleep in clothing," Jordan said, his eyes twinkling. Netalia blushed and pulled her long tee-shirt over her head. "That's not a woman's shirt," Jordan observed. "Are you getting territorial?" Netalia asked. "No, just making an observation," Jordan assured her. "It's my Uncle Jason's. He teaches Martial Arts in Oak Grove. He had these shirts made up for some of his students and I stole one last time I went for a visit," Netalia said. Jordan chuckled and lay back against the pillow. "You should get some sleep beautiful," he murmured, seeing her yawn. Netalia smiled slightly and nodded before laying in the curve of his arm. He watched as she drifted off to sleep with a small yet contented smile on her face. ~~~~~~~~~~~ -months later- "Cory, when are you bringing Sebastian back? I miss him," Netalia stirred the sauce she was working on. She looked up as Jordan walked into the kitchen carrying a large bouquet of flowers and smiled. "When are you going to stop fucking your lab partner?" Cory countered. "What?" Netalia gasped. "You don't think I know? C'mon Netalia, I've been having you followed and you know it," Cory said. "How could you ..." "I also have your apartment bugged," Cory told her. "What gives you the right?" she asked, angrily. "You're my WIFE Netalia, that gives me the right!" Cory exclaimed. "Like you haven't been seeing other women!" Netalia snapped. "Says who?" Cory challenged. "Aimee. She said she and Devon caught you with three girls in your bed last month so get the fuck off of your high horse Cory!" Netalia shouted. "Give up your boyfriend Netalia and this ridiculous dream of becoming a chef and I'll forgive you for having this affair; after all, your only other real boyfriend fucked your best friend and even knocked her up while claiming to love you. You were bound to need to experiment somewhere. Come home to me and I won't have to kill him," Cory said, his voice low and gentle, but also very cold and serious. Netalia shivered. "I mean it Netalia. Come back to Liera or I will kill him," Cory threatened. "Go to hell!" Netalia snapped, slamming the phone down on the receiver. Jordan looked at her in concern. "What's wrong?" Jordan wanted to know. "Cory found out about us," Netalia said. Jordan sighed. "He's threatened to kill you," she added. "I wish him luck. All of my brothers are cops," Jordan said. Netalia shook her head. "He's royalty Jordan, he has access to some really kick ass security guards; one of them is following me around," Netalia reminded him. "He doesn't know this city Netalia," Jordan murmured. Netalia turned around, taking a deep breath to keep from breaking down. "Netalia, I'll be fine," he promised, wrapping his arms around her and pulling her close. Netalia inhaled the smell of Jordan's cologne and smiled, feeling secure in his arms. ~~~~~~~~~~~ "I thought she would be different!" Cory exclaimed. Devon said nothing, he just watched his brother pace. "Did you know she was going to have an affair?" Cory asked his brother. Devon rolled his eyes. "Cory, you're being over dramatic. You practically pushed her away by being an overbearing jackass; are you really surprised that she would be drawn to another guy? She's nineteen!" Devon exclaimed. "But she promised to love and obey me and to be faithful to me," Cory snapped. "And you promised the same to her, and you have been so far from faithful that if extra-marital affairs were fatal, you would have been died two weeks into your relationship. How you managed to hide them from her or not pick up some horrendous disease is beyond me. You want everyone to think you're a saint, and a victim in this, but you don't have me fooled little brother. You're ten thousand times the bastard our father was. The only difference between you and our father is you've never hit a woman as far as I know of anyway," Devon said. "It's socially acceptable for men to have extra-marital affairs," Cory grumbled. "And if King Dex ever finds out, he'll find a loophole to grant Netalia a divorce. You know he can't stand people being unfaithful," Devon reminded his brother. "Shut up Devon," Cory snapped. Devon looked up as Aimee walked in carrying a fussy Sebastian. "When are you going to take Sebastian back to his mother?" Aimee asked. "I thought you liked taking care of him," Cory said, surprised. "I don't mind for a little while Core, but in case you haven't noticed, I have a daughter of my own," Aimee snapped. "What crawled up your ass?" Cory asked, taking his son from his sister. "Your son needs his mother," Aimee said, glancing at Devon. He studied her carefully and grinned when she nodded softly. "What is up with you two?" Cory wanted to know, looking from his brother to Aimee, puzzled. "I'll tell you later," Devon said, taking Aimee's hand and leading her quickly from the study. Cory looked down at Sebastian and smiled. "It looks like it's just you and me kid," he muttered. "Want mama!" Sebastian whined. Cory growled and shook his son gently. "Your mother isn't here Bastian, she's too busy being a whore," Cory said. ~~~~~~~~~~~~ :flashback: "So how long have you and Cory been married for?" Jordan asked as he and Netalia worked on their food for the homework assignment; they had to make a five course meal of their favorite comfort foods that consisted of soup, salad, an appetizer, an entree and a dessert. "A year Tuesday," Netalia murmured, tasting her soup and sighing. "This just doesn't taste right," she grumbled. "Let me taste," Jordan said, grabbing a plastic spoon and dipping it into the concoction. Netalia waited as Jordan let the soup rest on his tongue, tasting the flavors. "You need some more garlic, not too much, a bit more salt, try sea instead of Kosher and maybe just a little bit more parsley," Jordan suggested. Netalia made the suggested adjustments, stirred the soup and let it sit for a few moments before tasting it again. "Much better," she agreed. Jordan grinned. "I aim to please," he joked. Netalia laughed and turned her attention to her entree. "What's your entree?" Jordan wanted to know. "My mom always made the best chicken patties, and since this assignment is supposed to be food that comforts us, that's at the top of my list," Netalia answered. "It's pretty simple," Jordan murmured. "Yeah, but it's good and more flavorful then the boxed junk, not to mention cheaper and healthier," Netalia said, adding some garlic powder, salt and all purpose seasoning to her ground chicken and mixing it together. Jordan watched as Netalia dipped her hands into some lukewarm water before forming the chicken mixture into patties and dredging it in some seasoned panko before placing it in a non stick skillet with some heated olive oil. "Smells good," Jordan said, sniffing the air appreciatively. They both turned as the door opened to reveal Cory and an anxious Sebastian. "Hey, you weren't due in for a week," Netalia murmured as she washed her hands. "I wanted to surprise you. What's going on?" Cory asked. "We have to make a five course meal for our professors next week so we're perfecting our recipes," Netalia answered, reaching for Sebastian. "Why is he here?" Cory asked softly, trying not to appear too rude. "To give me feedback and vice versa. He's my lab partner Cory," Netalia said, hugging her son close. Cory and Jordan looked at each other, as if they were sizing each other up. Cory nearly growled when someone knocked on the door. "Grow up Cory and trust me," Netalia hissed, walking to the door and opening it. Cory relaxed he saw Steve, one of Netalia's friends from Oak Grove standing in the doorway. "Hey Stevie," Netalia said, giving her old friend a hug. "Hey gorgeous," Steve murmured, pressing a kiss to her cheek. He glanced at Cory and then at Jordan and grinned. "How is it that you end up surrounded by hotties?" Steve asked. Jordan looked up, surprised and Cory burst out laughing. "Just lucky that way I guess," Netalia teased. Cory growled when Jordan recovered quickly and laughed. "Remind me to set you up with my brother," Jordan said, pulling his wallet out of his back pocket. "He looks delicious," Steve told Jordan. Jordan shrugged. "I couldn't tell you," Jordan said, returning to the stove. Netalia carefully pushed Sebastian into Steve's hands and flipped the chicken patties over. ~~~~~~~~~~ "Netalia, what are you doing here?" Jordan asked groggily, hours later, opening the door to his apartment. "What's wrong?" he wanted to know, seeing her eyes filled with tears. "Cory and I got in a huge fight. He wants me to change lab partners, he doesn't trust you to be around me," Netalia whispered. Jordan opened the door and let her in, ignoring the sudden tightness in his pants. "Did he hurt you?" Jordan asked, closing the door behind her. "A little," Netalia admitted. She pulled her coat off, revealing her sheer night gown. Jordan groaned as he felt himself harden more. Netalia blushed as she realized just how much her night gown showed off. Jordan's eyes narrowed angrily as he saw the finger marks on her light skin. "I'm okay," she murmured. Jordan traced the bruises and kissed them gently. "Jordan, what are you doing?" she asked. Jordan pulled his head up from her arms and kissed her lips, pulling her to him. "Jordan," she murmured weakly as she felt him pressed hard against her. Before either of them knew it, Netalia was pushing his sweat pants down his legs as Jordan carried her into his bedroom and placed her gently in the middle of his bed. She moaned as he pushed carefully inside her. He thrust slowly, gently, groaning when her hips rose to meet his. "You're so beautiful," Jordan murmured, nibbling on her ear. Their lovemaking was slow and sweet but passionate; their climaxes surprised them both but they couldn't stop it, the storm swept over them like a hurricane crashes on land and they fell asleep, Jordan still buried deep inside her, his arms around her, holding her, protecting her from harm. :end flashback: "Netalia!" Jordan exclaimed, snapping his fingers in front of her face. Netalia looked up and blushed. "You okay?" he asked. "Yeah. I was just remembering what drove us together in the first place," Netalia admitted. Jordan smiled and kissed her. "I love you," Jordan murmured. Before she could answer, he carried her back into the bedroom to make love to her again. Netalia sat up slowly, drowsily and her eyes widened when she heard someone pounding on the door. She sat up and pulled on her robe as she made her way to the front door. "Aimee, Devon, what are you doing here?" Netalia asked. Her eyes widened more when she saw a sleeping Sebastian in Aimee's arms and Lizzie's hand tucked into Devon's tightly. "Cory's lost it. He knows you refused to stop seeing Jordan or to come home," Devon said. He grinned at her state of undress and Netalia blushed. "Go get dressed and quickly," he added. Netalia hurried back to her room and shook Jordan awake. They dressed and returned to the living room. "You have yourself in one hell of a pickle young lady!" Netalia jumped and Jordan took a step forward, unsure of who the newcomer was. "Dad, what are you doing here?" Netalia asked. "Devon asked for some backup. Your mother, Paul and the terrible trio stayed in Tria as to not tip off Cory. He gave Devon and Aimee permission to bring Sebastian to see you because Sebastian has been asking for his mother. Devon called and said that Cory was preparing to kill you both," Dex said, glancing from his daughter to Jordan. His eyes narrowed at the man who had been sleeping with his daughter. "Don't do that dad," Netalia warned, seeing the look on her father's face. Dex's gaze turned back to Netalia and softened when he saw the fear in her eyes. Aimee stepped forward and slid a sleeping Sebastian from her arms into Netalia's and she held her son close. It had been nearly a year since she had seen him; Cory had claimed that now that the child had stopped nursing, his place was to be by his father's side, to learn how to be a man and now that Netalia had seen what kind of a man Cory truly was, she was terrified for her safety and for her son. Love and Mistakes Ch. 07-08 "What do we do now?" Jordan asked, running his hand over Sebastian's sleeping head. Dex sighed when he saw the gesture and saw the look in the young man's eyes; regretting that he had practically pushed his daughter into marrying Cory. "Dad, don't go there," Netalia said softly. Dex looked at his daughter and shook his head with a rueful smile. "You're just like your mother," he murmured with a grin. He sighed and handed Jordan a small duffel bag. "The three of you need to ..." "Wait! Don't say anything else!" Netalia exclaimed. Dex looked at Netalia in surprise and his eyes narrowed as he read, "Cory's bugged the apartment." "We go for breakfast, the time change is a killer," Dex said. Netalia nodded and grabbed her back pack. "I'd better grab my books, I have class in a few hours," Jordan sighed. ~~~~~~~~~ "What do we do?" Netalia asked after their orders had been taken. "You disappear for awhile. You can take Sebastian with you or I can keep him in Tria with your mom and the kids and I," Dex said. Netalia hesitated and glanced at Jordan who wore an equally troubled look on his face. "We'll take Sebastian with us. He belongs with his mother," Jordan told Dex. Dex nodded; he got a good vibe from Jordan, a better one than he got from Cory; why he ignored that darker vibe, he didn't know. "Cory's frozen my bank account. The only account I have access to is to the savings account that I opened when I had to start working," Netalia said. Dex growled. "I wanted to live a normal life," she reminded her father. "I have a duffel bag of money in the trunk of the car. You'll take it with you," Dex told her. Netalia nodded and sighed as her father rushed them through breakfast. Netalia buckled Sebastian into his car seat in the back of the car while Devon and Dex loaded bags of clothes and food into the trunk of the car. "I'm scared daddy," she whispered when Dex pulled her in for a hug. "It's going to be okay kid, I promise," Dex murmured. Netalia gave a shaky laugh as her father kissed her cheek. "Cory's going to be pissed at you Dev," Netalia warned. "I know, but I'd rather have him pissed at me then kill you for following your heart. Especially when he's being like this," Devon said. Netalia raked her gaze over her sister and turned her eyes back towards Devon, a look of concern in her eyes. "We'll be fine Neta. I'm sending Aimee and Lizzie to Tria," Devon promised. "I'll look after them as if they were my own blood," Dex promised. Devon nodded and gave his sister a hug. "I'm sorry I got you into this," Netalia whispered. "Just keep my nephew safe and don't hate me for what my brother has done," Devon told her. Netalia gave a small smile. "I promise," she whispered. She turned as Jordan touched her shoulder. "We should go," he murmured. Netalia nodded and gave her family one last hug before she climbed into the car. "Now what?" Devon asked Dex as the car disappeared from sight. "You get your brother to grant my daughter a divorce or I will kill him for even threatening to hurt my daughter," Dex said, his voice calm but deadly serious. Devon nodded as Darius pulled up with the spare town car. "I'll do my best," Devon promised. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ "What the fuck did you do?" Cory shouted, swinging at his brother. Devon ducked the blow and grabbed his brother's arm. "Cool off Core," Devon warned. "You helped my wife run off with her boyfriend and my son!" Cory roared. "Because you're out of control!" Devon shouted back. "She is my wife, and she has no business being with any other man unless he is family!" Cory exclaimed. "You're an idiot!" Devon exclaimed. "I want my son back! I said you could take him for a visit, not leave him with that little whore!" Cory yelled. "She is his mother Cory! She has a right to see him!" "Fuck you!" Cory shouted. He swung at his brother again, this time his fist connected with Devon's nose. "Tell me where they are Devon, or I will fucking kill you!" Cory exclaimed, throwing punch after punch, connecting with his brother's face and chest. It took four palace guards to pull Cory off of an almost unconscious Devon. Devon's loyal guard Brett helped Devon stand. "Get him out of here," Devon managed to say. The guards led Cory from the palace despite his screams and protests. CHAPTER EIGHT "Netalia, we're here," Jordan said softly. Netalia sat up and looked around. "It's just a small hunting cabin and we can only stay here for a few days, but we'll be safe. Nobody even knows I own this place," Jordan told her. Netalia nodded and yawned as she unhooked her seat belt. Netalia pulled a sleeping Sebastian from his car seat and carried him into the cabin as Jordan carried in bags. "Are you alright?" he asked as he set up the portable crib that Devon had sent. "No," she admitted, placing Sebastian in the crib and covering him up. "Come here," Jordan murmured, taking her hand and pulling her gently to him. He tilted her face up towards his and frowned slightly when he saw the silent tears streaming down her face. "Talk to me." "I just don't know how all this happened. I thought Cory loved me and I loved him, I really did Jordan! I mean, I've known him since I was eleven years old and I never once would have thought him capable of violence," Netalia whispered. Jordan hugged her and sighed. "I won't let him hurt you again Netalia, I promise. He won't hurt either of you," Jordan said. "I'm more worried about him hurting you then me. I know he won't hurt Sebastian. He loves him," Netalia murmured. "He can't touch me Netalia, I promise," Jordan soothed, kissing the tears away. That night, as Netalia lay in Jordan's arms, warm and secure did she remember the flat, plastic pill container sitting in her medicine cabinet. ~~~~~~~~~~~ "How are you feeling?" Shella asked, sitting down on a bench next to Aimee. Aimee looked at Shella with a small smile as they watched Lizzie and Sam playing together in the surf. "I'm worried about Devon. He had to kick Cory out of the palace. He'll be coming for Lizzie and me next. He'll do anything to get Netalia and Sebastian back," Aimee murmured. "He won't get very far. Darius is the best guard there is," Shella promised Aimee. "Excuse me ladies, Aimee, here's a letter from Devon," Dex said, joining them. Aimee took the envelope and opened it. She gasped and dropped the contents to the ground. "Aimee?" Dex asked, looking at the younger woman in concern. "Cory arranged for your father and grandfather's murders!" Aimee exclaimed. Dex frowned, picked up the letter and read it. "He also found out about Carter and Stacey and made it so that Netalia and Lucy to find them together," Dex said grimly. His eyes flashed with anger which turned to concern the minute Darius stepped up to them, guards closed around them and Dex turned towards the beach. "Sam, Lizzie, you kids need to come back here, right now!" Dex called. Lizzie and Sam ran to the adults, protests on their lips. "Dex?" Shella asked. "Not now Shel. Right now, I need for everyone to be in the panic room," Darius said gently. "Get the rest of the kids Dare," Dex told him. Darius nodded and hurried away. "I didn't expect you to face me yourself," Cory said in surprise when he walked into the foyer of the palace. "You had my father killed," Dex growled. "I apologize for that, he was a good man, a kind man, but I wanted to meet your daughter," Cory admitted. "Why?" Dex asked. "I saw her picture in a magazine. She looked so beautiful, innocent. I needed her," Cory answered. "She was eleven years old!" Dex shouted. "And now she's my wife," Cory said triumphantly. "You killed my father just to get my daughter here?" Dex asked, his voice low but deadly. "You wouldn't have killed to get back together with Shella?" Cory retorted. "No, I wouldn't have! Shella loved Paul and was happy with him. It may have killed me to admit it, but if Paul was who she wanted to be with then as long as she didn't shut me out completely, as long as she allowed me to be in Netalia's life, then I was willing to live without her," Dex answered. "You're a weaker man than I thought," Cory sneered. "That isn't weak Cory, that's being so in love with someone that you put their happiness and their needs first," Dex corrected. "Well, I guess I got lucky then when Paul died, because if he hadn't, you and Shella never would have gotten married and I would have gotten to not only marry your oldest daughter, but take her virginity from her!" Cory smirked. Dex saw red and advanced on Cory, intending to smash his fist into Cory's face and grinning with satisfaction when Cory's nose broke with a shattering crack. It didn't happen that way however; Cory pulled out a pistol and fired, hitting Dex in the center of his chest; the bullet struck just below Dex's heart, collapsing a lung. Cory slipped away while the guards trickled in, working desperately to save their king. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ "Netalia, what's wrong?" Jordan asked, hurrying from the kitchen when she cried out. Netalia stood up from the computer and ran to him, burying her face in Jordan's chest. "Lia, what is it?" Jordan asked again. "Cory shot my dad," Netalia whispered before her knees gave out from under her. Had it not been for Jordan, Netalia would have crashed to the floor. Jordan carried Netalia carefully to the bedroom and placed her gently on the bed, returning to the living room only when Sebastian started crying. "Is he okay?" Netalia asked from the doorway, her eyes red from crying. "He's fine, just hungry," Jordan said, tickling the toddler, grinning when the boy giggled. "I'll make something to eat," Netalia murmured. "Stay here with your son, I'll make something," Jordan insisted. Netalia smiled and knelt down by her son who launched himself at her. "He's missed you," Jordan observed. Netalia's smile widened as Sebastian started pulling building blocks out of the bag on the floor. "Something smells good," Netalia commented from the doorway. Jordan looked up and smiled. "How's your dad?" Jordan asked. "I don't know, there isn't another email," Netalia murmured. "I'm sure he'll be fine, he's a strong guy," Jordan assured her, setting a plate of food on the table. "Eat," he added. Netalia watched as he walked into the living room and returned a minute later with Sebastian, smiled as Jordan carefully buckled the toddler into his high chair. Netalia sat down next to her son and took a bite of the food on the plate. "Will he eat spaghetti?" Jordan asked. Netalia nodded and grinned when her son dug into the plate of food. "Thank you," Netalia murmured. "For what?" Jordan asked. "Coming with me," Netalia said. "I love you Lia," Jordan told her, honestly. Netalia smiled slightly and sighed. They ate their meal in relative silence. "Are you tired?" Jordan asked as Netalia cleaned up the dishes. Netalia nodded. "Go on to bed, I'll clean up," he told her. Netalia smiled gratefully and walked into the bedroom. ~~~~~~~~~~~~ "How is he?" Darius asked Shella softly. "Still unconscious. The doctor says he'll live though," Shella answered. Darius smiled and gave Shella a hug. "How are you holding up?" Darius wanted to know. "I'm worried about Dex and about Netalia," she admitted. "I am too. I wish Dex would have let me gone with them," Darius said. "That would have been a dead give away," Shella sighed. Darius nodded and they both looked up as Billy walked into the hall. "He's asking for you," Billy told Shella. She stood up quickly and walked into the room. "Is Netalia safe?" Dex asked. "Yes. She replied to the email I sent to tell her about you being shot and said that she and Jordan had make it to safety," Shella told him, slipping her hand into his. "Good," Dex said, his voice raspy. Shella helped him take a sip of water from the cup on the bed side table. "I can't believe I encouraged a relationship between Netalia and Cory," Dex muttered, bitterly. "We all make mistakes," Shella murmured. "I just hope this one doesn't get her killed," Dex said. Shella said nothing as Dex drifted back off to sleep. ~~~~~~~~~~~ "Any word from your mom?" Jordan asked a few days later. "My dad's doing okay. The bullet collapsed his lung and he nearly died, but Billy had flown in when Jason told him about what was happening with Cory and I and his plane had just landed when dad was shot. Billy's experience as an ER doc saved my dad's life," Netalia murmured. Jordan smiled gently and set a plate of pancakes down in front of her. "Eat up babe, we have to leave before night fall," Jordan said. Netalia nodded and nibbled at her pancakes. "Are you okay?" Jordan asked quietly as the drove away from the cabin. "I'm okay," Netalia murmured. "Talk to me Lia, you've been so quiet the last few days," Jordan pleaded. "My husband is trying to kill us Jordan, it's a lot to take in," Netalia snapped. Jordan sighed and focused on driving. "I'm sorry Jordan," she murmured. He reached for her hand and squeezed it gently. "It's okay. I won't let anything happen to you," Jordan promised her. Netalia gave a small smile and watched the scenery fly by. When they stopped that night, Netalia pulled out the pre-paid phone Dex had given them before they had fled New York and dialed a number that she had committed to memory. "Hello?" "Billy, it's Netalia, do you have a minute?" "What's up kid? Are you okay?" Billy asked. "I left my medication in the bathroom," Netalia said. "Oh boy." "What do I do? We don't have anything!" Netalia wanted to know. "Buy some latex," Billy suggested. "Or non latex if you share your mom's allergy," he added. "But what if it's too late?" Netalia asked, clearly panicking. Billy sighed. "Netalia, calm down, panicking won't help anything. You need to tell Jordan what's going on and hope he loves you like he says he does," Billy told her. "How's my dad?" Netalia asked as Jordan walked into the hotel room with bags of fast food. "He's doing better but he's trying to over do it so he can help you guys," Billy answered. "Hang on," he added. "What's wrong?" Dex's voice came over the line, concern making his voice sound more gruff than usual. "Nothing dad, I'm just worried about a few things," Netalia answered. "Are you safe?" Dex asked. "Yes daddy, I'm safe," Netalia told him. "I'm sorry I'm going to miss your birthday," Dex murmured. Netalia sighed and tried to fight the tears she felt welling in her eyes. "It's going to be the last one I miss, I promise," Dex told her. "It's okay dad, it's my fault anyway," Netalia whispered. "What? Why do you say that?" Dex demanded to know. "I should have just done what Cory asked and stayed in Liera," Netalia sniffled. "Netalia Rosa you listen to me!" Dex exclaimed. "Calm down dad, you'll make yourself worse," Netalia pleaded. "Listen carefully. This mess with Cory is more my fault than anyone's. I pushed the two of you together because I believed he cared for you. I was clearly wrong." Before Netalia could say anything, she could hear her mother scolding Dex. "What's wrong?" Netalia asked. "Your father is trying to take over the world," Shella said dryly. Netalia giggled and Jordan grinned, relieved to hear her laughing. "Billy gave me the gist of what you called him about," Shella added. "I'm on pins and needles," Netalia admitted. "Are you late?" Shella asked. "No, not yet at least," Netalia said. "Just keep track and when you have a chance, go into the drug store, or better yet, appease your mother and stay celibate for awhile," Shella said dryly. Netalia laughed and glanced at Jordan who was feeding Sebastian carefully. "Netalia?" Shella asked. "Yeah?" "How is Jordan with Sebastian?" Shella wanted to know. "More patient than Cory ever was," Netalia answered. "He's acting a lot like dad did with the terrible trio and with Paul," she added. Shella smiled, relieved. "I have to go mom, dinner's getting cold. Tell the rest of the kids that I love them, and tell dad not to over do it," Netalia said. "I will. Take care sweetie," Shella murmured before hanging up the phone. ~~~~~~~~~~~ -months later- Cory studied the print out in his hands and grabbed the phone when it rang. "Where is she?" Cory barked. "Very good. Thank you for your help. This is something I want to take care of on my own," he said before hanging up. "Netalia?" Jordan called, walking into the hotel room. She looked up from the book she was reading and offered a small smile. "Feeling better?" he asked. "Yeah, it's easier to breathe," Netalia answered, taking the proffered cup of soup. "Is Sebastian asleep?" "He's out like a light," Jordan confirmed. He toyed with Netalia's hair as she ate the soup in between coughs. "I can't believe I got sick like that," Netalia groaned, setting the cup on the bed side table. "You scared the shit out of me," Jordan teased. "I'm sorry," Netalia murmured. Jordan smiled, kissed her and held her close. "It's okay," he murmured. She moaned as his hands did things to her body that one usually only found in a novel, cried out as he slid deep inside her. "Jordan," she moaned, her body rising to meet his thrust for thrust. Their bodies moved as one as reality slipped away and passion took over. Each thrust had soft mewling noises coming from Netalia, turning Jordan on more and more. Netalia cried out loudly and bit down on Jordan's shoulder to keep from screaming; her orgasm spurred his on and he spewed his seed deep within her. "I love you," Jordan whispered, kissing her gently, lovingly. They lay together, wrapped in each others arms and drifted off to sleep. Cries from the smaller room woke Netalia suddenly and she groaned as her eyes focused on the alarm clock; 3:30 AM. "Damn it Sebastian, it's too early," she muttered, pushing herself up. "I've got him, go back to sleep," Jordan told her, getting out of bed. He pulled his robe around him as he walked. "Hey buddy, it's awfully early for this," Jordan commented, lifting the crying boy from his bed. "Leave my son alone," a low, menacing voice growled from the bathroom. Jordan spun around, his eyes wide as they focused on Cory and the gun in his hand. "Mama," Sebastian whimpered. "Sebastian, come to daddy," Cory commanded. Sebastian glanced up at Jordan, puzzled. "Mommy's in the other room," Jordan said quietly, setting him down. Sebastian made a beeline for the other bedroom. "Netalia, get Sebastian and hide!" Jordan shouted. Netalia had heard Cory's voice and was waiting for her son, but was greeted by Sebastian's screams. "I won't hurt our son Netalia, you know that, but if you don't come out, I'm going to kill your boyfriend here," Cory threatened. "Cory, he hasn't done anything to you!" Netalia exclaimed, she eased into the other room. "Netalia, I can take care of myself, you need to go, now!" Jordan said urgently. "I'm not leaving without you or Sebastian," Netalia said firmly. "I promised your father that I would take care of you!" Jordan exclaimed. "Too bad you won't live to keep that promise!" Cory spat, cocking the gun and pulling the trigger. "Cory stop!" Netalia screamed, her eyes going wide as Sebastian started back towards Jordan. Jordan dove for the small boy, grabbed him, pulled Sebastian against him and dropped to the ground as Netalia's ear piercing scream filled the small room at the same time the bullet blasted from the gun. "Oh God, what have I done?" Cory thought, his mind going blank when he saw Jordan reaching for Sebastian. "Is my son hurt?" Cory demanded, crossing the room and turning Jordan over. Netalia reached Jordan at the same time Cory did and cried out as her legs gave out at seeing the blood that covered her lover and her son. For a moment, neither of them moved; Cory watched as Netalia carefully extracted Sebastian's body from Jordan's arms. "Neta?" Cory asked, his voice surprisingly quiet. Netalia ignored him and performed the rescue breathing that Billy had taught her while she had been pregnant. As she performed the chest compressions, blood gushed from his body and over her hands. After a few moments, Netalia stood up, shaking, her hands covered in the blood of her son. "Netalia?" Cory asked again. Love and Mistakes Ch. 07-08 "He's gone Cory," Netalia said, her voice full of anger and pain. She turned on her husband and started beating him with her fists. "You killed our son!" she screamed, tears streaming down her face. She pushed him into a wall before she turned and ran back to where Jordan lay. She took a deep breath as she wiped her hands on the pants she had hastily pulled on before checking Jordan's body for a pulse. She breathed a sigh of relief, he had a faint pulse. Her breath caught in her throat when Jordan's eyes opened. "Is Sebastian okay?" Jordan managed to ask, his voice full of pain. Netalia managed not to break down. "Netalia, is Sebastian okay?" Jordan asked again. "No," she whispered, finding the gun shot wound. Jordan closed his eyes and when he opened them again, they were glossy, full of tears. "I'm sorry beautiful, I tried to ..." Jordan started coughing, blood trickled down over his lips. "Jordan, don't die on me, please," Netalia whispered, using one hand to press her tee shirt over the wound and the other to wipe the blood away. Jordan coughed again, blood splattered all over her face but Netalia made no move to wipe it away. "Jordan, please, please stay with me!" Netalia cried, hearing the sirens moving closer. "Back away from him Netalia," Cory warned. "Go fuck yourself Cory! There isn't a damn thing you can do to me right now that will make me want to leave with you. If you want to kill me, then just kill me already!" Netalia snapped. "You have to live Lia," Jordan managed. "Without Sebastian and without you, I don't want to," Netalia whispered. "No!" she whimpered as Jordan's eyes closed. "Jordan, wake up! You have to wake up!" she shouted. She hardly heard the police storm the room; she moved only when the paramedic moved her to get to Jordan. Netalia turned back to the broken body of her son and cradled him against her. She pressed her forehead to Sebastian's and cried as she held him as if she was wishing to be able to trade her life for his. "Ma'am, let me take him," one of the paramedics said gently. As Netalia handed the lifeless body of her son over to the paramedic, she groaned, her eyes rolled back in her head and the world went dark. Please don't hate me. I look forward to feedback; if you have questions, please leave a user name so that I can answer your questions and if you have negative comments, please send them in an email. Thanks for reading. Ashira Love and Mistakes Ch. 09-10 CHAPTER NINE "Netalia!" she looked up as her mother called her name, her eyes filled with tears; she stood and gave her parents each a tight hug. "What happened?" Dex asked, his hand on the small of Shella's back. "I don't know how, but Cory finally found us," Netalia whispered. "Is Sebastian okay? How about Jordan?" Shella wanted to know. "Cory had a gun, he pointed it at Jordan. Sebastian was supposed to be coming into the other room, to me, but he headed back towards Jordan a-as Cory pulled the trigger," Netalia's voice trembled and her eyes filled with more tears. Dex and Shella exchanged glances but said nothing, waited for Netalia to continue. "Jordan tried to shield Sebastian but the bullet hit them both." Netalia took a shaky breath and slid bonelessly back into the chair. "Jordan's in surgery, it's bad." Netalia covered her eyes with her hand and fought for composure. "Netalia," Dex said gently but firmly. "What about Sebastian?" he asked. "He's gone," Netalia whispered, unable to stop the tears from flooding her face. "What do you mean he's gone?" Shella asked. "She means I killed our son." Netalia looked up to see Cory standing with two uniformed police officers. The look she gave him broke Cory's heart and he finally realized what a fool he had been. "I'm sorry Neta, I didn't mean for any of this," Cory said. Netalia stood up and walked over to him, noticing Devon and Aimee standing a few feet behind him. "You know I never wanted to hurt Sebastian," he murmured. "I know. You were just out to hurt me," Netalia said quietly. "No, never. I just didn't want you to leave me and I thought by acting like my father, you'd stay with me like my mother stayed with him. I never realized it would cause you to run into someone else' bed. Can you forgive me?" Cory asked. "Forgive you? You expect me to forgive you? You shot and killed our son! He was two years old Cory and you killed him because you wanted to kill the one man who actually took care of me and loved me the way I deserved to be loved! He didn't issue threats, he didn't hit me and he treated Sebastian like my dad treats my brothers and sister! He didn't care that Sebastian wasn't his, he was willing to care for him like he was! Not to take Sebastian away from you, to make him love you less, but because he was mine! I hope you rot in hell Cory! Not only that, but I hope that when you get into that cold, dark cell in the federal prison that Bubba makes you his bitch!" Netalia screamed. "I have diplomatic immunity. I'm not going to prison," Cory reminded her. "Not anymore. I revoked your immunity," Devon said from behind his brother. His eyes were dark with pain, anger and frustration as he stared at his younger brother. "What happened to you Cory? You were such a sweet kid when we were growing up. When did you change into a man that I don't even recognize?" Devon asked. Cory said nothing; he shot Netalia one last glance that revealed how much he regretted his actions before the police began to lead him away. "Netalia!" Cory exclaimed, stopping dead in his tracks. Netalia looked up. "I love you," he told her before the police dragged him away. "You should get some rest kid," Billy suggested a few hours later. "I can't. Not until I know if Jordan's going to be okay," Netalia whispered, blinking back the hot tears that threatened to slide down her cheeks. "You won't do him any good if you get yourself sick," Billy reminded her. "I'm not going anywhere Billy," Netalia told him firmly. ~~~~~~~~~ "Damn it Netalia, get out of that chair and come back to the hotel!" Carter exclaimed from the doorway. Netalia looked up and her eyes widened when she saw Carter and Steve standing there. She was out of her chair so fast that it made her dizzy; Carter hurried to steady her. "C'mon, you're going to come to the hotel for a few hours," Carter insisted. Netalia started to protest and Carter nodded at Steve. Steve shook his head with a sigh and hauled Netalia into his arms, carrying her over his shoulder as if she were a sack of potatoes and carried her from the hospital room. Hours later, Steve was calling Billy to the hotel room after Netalia had spent several hours sick. When Billy found her, she was sitting in front of the toilet, her head laying softly against the bowl. "Netalia, where does it hurt?" Billy asked, kneeling down before her. "I'm just a ball of emotions right now," Netalia murmured, turning to look at him. "It's more than that," Billy told her. "Add exhaustion to that and you've got how I'm feeling," Netalia muttered. "No Netalia, there's more," Billy said gently. "What do you mean?" Netalia wanted to know. Her eyes widened as she stared into hers. "No," she whispered. "You aren't happy about it?" Billy asked, a bit surprised. "I'm almost twenty one years old and I bury my son tomorrow and my boyfriend is in a coma, how happy do you think I should be?" Netalia snapped. "Netalia, you need to stop feeling sorry for yourself and start taking care of yourself. I'm ordering up a cup of chicken soup from the dining room and you're going to eat at least half of it, do you understand me?" Billy asked, going into what Shella called his doctor mode; Netalia just called it his anal retentive mode. He read the expression on her face and grinned. "Don't make me call your parents," he warned. Netalia sighed and nodded, allowed Billy to help her stand. He followed her back into the bedroom and when she climbed into the bed, covered her up. "Hang in there kid," Billy said, pressing a gentle kiss to her forehead before turning to walk away. "Billy," Netalia murmured. He turned around. "Thanks." "Anytime," Billy promised before leaving the room. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ "Netalia, I'm so sorry," Aimee whispered, giving her sister a tight hug. Netalia gave her friend a warm smile, at least as warm of a smile as she could muster. Devon hung back hesitantly. "I don't hate you Devon," Netalia assured him. Devon smiled in relief and hugged her tightly. "You okay?" Devon asked when Netalia winced. "Been better, but I'll live," Netalia murmured, fighting the urge to throw up. She had no idea how she was going to make it through the service as the minister told them all to be seated. Before the service could begin however, Cory arrived, handcuffed. He looked so worn out, so old that Netalia hardly recognized him. "He has no right," Dex muttered. "Yes dad, he does. Cory was a good father and I know that while he meant to hurt Jordan, he never ever meant to hurt Sebastian. Let him stay," Netalia murmured. Shella gave her daughter's hand a squeeze. The service went by quickly and Netalia's body wracked with violent sobs as the tiny casket was lowered into the ground. She felt her father put his arm around her, but she pulled away and ran towards the casket. "Wait, no! You can't!" she exclaimed, trying to jump down into the hole. "Please, don't take him!" Carter and Steve made their way from their friends and family and carefully but firmly pulled Netalia away from the grave. "Let me go!" she shouted, struggling to get out of their arms. "No," Carter said firmly. "Carter, please, let me go to Sebastian! He needs me, he's just a little boy, he'll be scared without me," Netalia pleaded. "No Netalia," Carter repeated. Netalia's elbow connected with Carter's abdomen but Steve grabbed her arm and held her tightly. "Stevie please!" Netalia cried. Tears flowed freely down Steve's cheeks and he made no attempt to wipe them away. "Netalia," he started to say. He prepared for Netalia to make a break for it but her knees buckled and he eased her to the ground; sat next to her and cradled her in his arms. When it was over, a slightly more composed Netalia found herself standing face to face with her husband. "Thank you for letting me stay," Cory said quietly. "I know you loved him Cory and I know you didn't mean to hurt him," Netalia told him. Her voice was soft and quiet but her eyes were tired and angry. Cory took something one of the guards with him was holding. "This is for you," Cory told her. Netalia took the folder and opened it and stared at him in surprise. "If Jordan wakes up, you're free to be with him," Cory said, kissing her lips lightly before walking away. "What did he give you?" Dex demanded to know. Netalia handed the folder to her father. "A divorce." ~~~~~~~~~~~~ "Has there been any change?" Netalia asked the nurse as she walked into Jordan's room. The nurse turned and smiled before moving out of Netalia's line of sight. Netalia looked towards the bed and gasped when she saw Jordan sitting, eating a bowl of Cheerios slowly. "Jordan?" she whispered, her eyes going wide. "You're okay!" Jordan breathed. Netalia nodded, fighting back tears. "Where's Sebastian?" Jordan asked. His words, combined with the stress of the funeral hit her like a ton of bricks and she began to cry, her chest heaving at the force of her sobs. Alarmed, Jordan tried to get out of bed and grimaced. Netalia shook her head and hurried towards him. "I'm so sorry baby," Jordan murmured, wrapping his arms around her, ignoring the tug in his chest. He held her until her tears subsided. "How have you been doing?" he asked. "Wait, stupid question," he chided himself. "It's okay to ask Jordan. I've been on pins and needles worried about you," Netalia murmured. Jordan shifted on the bed and covered her lips with his. She moaned as she kissed him back, closed her eyes as one of his hands cupped her breast and squeezed gently; she winced slightly. Jordan started to pull away but Netalia pulled him back to her. "Don't stop," she pleaded. "Excuse me, but this is the Intensive Care Unit, not a brothel!" a nurse exclaimed. They pulled apart quickly, Netalia's face was bright pink until a wave of nausea hit. She hurried into the bathroom and dropped to her knees before the toilet just in time. As Netalia came out of the bathroom, Jordan frowned; all the color had drained from her cheeks. "Young lady, if you are ill, you can't be in the ICU. You could risk his recovery!" the doctor exclaimed from the doorway. "I'm not sick! It's emotions!" Netalia protested. The doctor shook his head and grabbed her arm. "Until this young man is out of the woods, it doesn't matter if it's nerves, exhaustion or anything else; if you are vomiting, you will not come into this room," the doctor said matter of factly. Netalia turned and stared at Jordan from the doorway and sighed. "Jordan, I'm fine, really," she said, seeing the look of concern on his face. "Go get some rest, and come back when you feel better," Jordan told her. Netalia sighed but nodded and walked away. "Are you still vomiting?" the nurse asked as Netalia headed to Jordan's room. "Yes but it's from ..." "Stay out until you have recovered," the nurse snapped. Netalia sighed but left the hospital, resigned to not being allowed to see Jordan for a very long time. ~~~~~~~~~~ "Where's Netalia? She hasn't even tried to come visit," Jordan wanted to know. Shella and Dex glanced at each other and wondered if they were doing the right thing. "She's left Jordan," Dex said slowly. "What? Is she hurt? Where has she gone? Why would she leave? Is she still sick?" The questions flowed from Jordan like water from a pitcher. "She was never sick Jordan," Shella said, reaching for the younger man's hand. "Than why was she getting sick and banned from the room?" Jordan asked. "Have you heard of morning sickness?" Shella asked carefully. "Yes, my sister had it when she was preg..." realization dawned on him and his eyes widened. "Where did she go?" Jordan asked, panic setting in. "To the CIA," Shella answered. "She graduated," she added with a wide smile. Jordan grinned. "But now I don't know where she is," Shella said. His grin fell. "Was she ever going to tell me?" Jordan asked. "I don't know," Shella answered. It had been nearly two months since Cory had caught up with them and turned their lives upside down and Jordan was itching to search for Netalia, to prove to her how much he loved her. "When can I get out of here?" he asked when the doctor walked in. The doctor looked over at Shella and Dex. "The day after tomorrow if your vitals still look good," the doctor answered. "I want out of here now," Jordan growled. "You need more time to recover," the doctor protested. "You don't understand! There is a girl out there whose life has been ripped apart; her ex husband tracked us down and shot me and killed their son in the process. She needs someone to take care of her and you're going to let me out of here right now so that I can go find her and be there for her!" Jordan exclaimed. "Calm down son. You can't help Netalia until you're well yourself," Dex said. Jordan turned to look at the man who had fathered his girl. "I need to find her," Jordan protested. "I know, but you need to get yourself better first," Dex insisted. Jordan sighed but nodded. "Two more days, minimum," the doctor said before walking out of the room. "We're going back to our hotel to see if Darius has managed to find anything," Shella told Jordan. Jordan waited ten minutes and buzzed the nurses station. "I want to sign out AMA," Jordan told the nurse. ~~~~~~~~~~~~ "Can you cook?" a woman asked Netalia. Netalia gave a small smile and nodded. "I just got my degree from the CIA," Netalia answered. "Then what are you doing in a dive like this?" the woman wanted to know. "I've been through some stuff and I just need to lay low for awhile," Netalia answered. "Running from an abusive boyfriend?" the woman asked. "My ex-husband shot my boyfriend and killed my son," Netalia said. The woman gave a sympathetic smile. "I can't pay you a lot. Do you have a place to stay?" she wanted to know. "Not yet," Netalia admitted. "I have a duplex and the half I rent out isn't rented right now. I can let you have it for a hundred a month, that won't leave you a lot for groceries, but it will include utilities and it's clean," she said. Netalia smiled. "Sounds perfect," she murmured. "When can I move in and when can I start?" she asked. "I can take you back in about a half hour and you can start tomorrow. My name's Nancy by the way," she added. "Hey Nancy, I'd like to try out a new dish, if that's okay with you," Netalia said early the next morning. "Netalia, this is the country, folks around here told like fancy food," Nancy warned. "I know. It isn't fancy, it's something my mom used to make," Netalia told her. "Take my car and twenty bucks out of the drawer; buy what you need to buy and come make it for me. If I like it, I'll send Ben to the store to buy enough so that it can go on the menu," Nancy said. "This is pretty good," Nancy admitted. "Simple, homey and full of flavor," she added. "My mom used to make them for me," Netalia said. "I'll have it on the menu starting Monday," Nancy told Netalia. -weeks later- "You should take a break before the rush hits," Carmen told Netalia. Netalia shook her head and stretched. "I need to keep working," Netalia protested. "Netalia, you're going to burn yourself out," Carmen warned. Netalia started to protest again but made a mad dash to the bathroom instead. "Netalia, are you sick?" Carmen asked, knocking on the door. "If you're sick, go home," Nancy added. Netalia rinsed out her mouth and walked back into the kitchen. "I'm not sick," Netalia said. "Then why ..." "I'm thirteen weeks pregnant," Netalia admitted. "You poor thing," Nancy murmured. "Pregnant and alone. Take the rest of the day off honey, you should rest," she added. "If I stop to rest, I'm going to lose my mind. I need to cook, please," Netalia pleaded. "Okay, but if you feel tired, take it easy," Nancy warned. Netalia nodded and returned to work. CHAPTER TEN "Hello?" "Is this Paul, Sam or Aaron?" Jordan asked. "It's Paul, you must be Jordan," Paul answered. "Yeah, I'm just calling to ask your mom a question," Jordan said. Jordan winced when Paul shouted for Shella without pulling the phone away from his ear. "Jordan, have you found her?" Shella asked. "Not yet, but I think I'm close. I hired a PI. He heard a story about a diner in some podunk town in Kansas going from mediocre to outstanding. I'm on my way there now," Jordan said. "Be careful when you see her Jordan, she's hurting," Shella warned. "I will. I'll let you know if I find her," Jordan promised before hanging up. ~~~~~~~~~~~ "We need two chicken soups and chicken patties!" Lauren, one of the waitresses called out. "Here's your soup," Netalia said, setting two large bowls on the counter. "How are you doing Netalia?" Nancy asked as she pulled french fries out of the deep fryer. "Just a little tired," Netalia told her, rubbing the small of her back. "Have you tried to find out if your boyfriend is okay or not?" Nancy wanted to know. "No, I've been too afraid that if I call, they'll tell me he's gone," Netalia answered. "Does he even know you're pregnant?" Nancy asked. "No," Netalia admitted. Jordan walked into the restaurant and grinned when he smelled the food cooking; Netalia was definitely responsible for the succulent smells coming from the kitchen. "May I help you doll?" Lauren asked, walking over to Jordan. "I'm looking for someone," Jordan said. "You just found one," Lauren said with a grin. Jordan smiled when he heard Netalia's voice from the kitchen. "You know her?" Lauren asked, seeing the expression on his face change. "Yes. Don't tell her I'm here yet, I just wanted to make sure she's doing okay before I talk to her," Jordan said. "Would you like something to eat?" Lauren asked. "Yeah, that'd be great. Lia's cooking is to die for. Is there a table that will let me see her but have her not see me?" Jordan wanted to know. Lauren's eyes narrowed. "You're not that crazy ex-husband of hers are you?" Lauren wanted to know. "No. I'm the boyfriend," Jordan answered. Lauren nodded and led him to a table. He glanced at the menu she handed him. "I'll take the chicken patty, a slice of tomato and a few pieces of lettuce and extra ketchup with a side of the deep fried portabello mushrooms and a sprite," Jordan ordered. Lauren nodded and walked away. Jordan smiled when he saw Netalia look up when she received his order, a wistful smile on her face. Her face was still pale and he searched for hints of the pregnancy and panicked a little when he found none. ~~~~~~~~~~~~ "Dad, I'm leaving!" Paul exclaimed. "Where are you going?" Dex asked. "I'm meeting up with Parker to the movies," Paul answered. "Be back by eleven," Dex told him. Paul nodded and walked out the door. "Have you heard from Darius about Netalia?" Shella asked as the door closed. "No, have you heard from Jordan?" Dex asked. "He thinks he found her," Shella murmured. "Good. It will be nice to have her back," Dex said. "How was the movie?" Shella asked, looking up as Paul walked into the house. "Fine," Paul said, walking past her. "Wait, Paul, come back here," Shella said, putting her book down and meeting her son half way. Paul tried to avoid looking at his mother's face. "Why do you have a split lip?" Shella demanded to know. "Parker and I were sparring after the movie. He was faster," Paul answered. Shella studied her son's face carefully before letting him go. "Mom, Sam won't share the legos!" Aaron shouted from upstairs. Shella sighed and slowly made her way up the stairs. "What is the problem Sam?" Shella wanted to know. "I was playing with them first, I'm trying to make a great big castle," Sam answered. "Sam, when your father and I bought these for you guys, we bought them for both of you to share and play with together. That means you need to let Aaron play with the legos too. If you don't, I'll make you have a tea party with your sister, Mary and Julia tomorrow," Shella said. Sam rolled his eyes. Love and Mistakes Ch. 09-10 "Okay Aaron, you can play with the legos, but I need all the big ones to make my tower," Sam said. "Why don't you both work on the tower, that way you can get it twice as big," Shella suggested. "Good idea Sam," Aaron said with a toothy grin. Shella nodded, headed back for the stairs, stopped and watched her boys for a minute before she went in search of her husband. "You're tense tonight," Dex observed as he massaged Shella's shoulders gently. She winced when he hit a large knot; Dex frowned and went to work, kneading the knot as gently as he could. "I'm worried about Netalia. I don't know where she is, if she's safe or if she's been seeing a doctor," Shella murmured. "You have to trust her Shel. I know Netalia has been through a lot, but she isn't a child, and I'm sure, despite all she's gone through lately and all she's feeling that she's seen an OB. She's a smart girl," Dex said. Shella gave a small smile and nodded. "I know, and you're right, but that isn't going to make me stop worrying. Not until I see her, or at the very least, talk to her on the phone," Shella said. Dex chuckled slightly. "I'm with you," he admitted. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ "Back again doll?" Lauren asked as Jordan walked into the restaurant. Jordan nodded, his stomach tied in knots as nerves at away at him. "We close in two minutes," Lauren warned. "I know. I'll just take my usual," Jordan said. "But could you tell Netalia that one of the customers wants her to bring out the meal herself? Make up a reason, but I need to see her and I don't want to scare her," Jordan added. "Sure," Lauren said giving him an easy smile. She was jealous of the fact that Netalia had gotten someone as fine as Jordan. Lauren walked into the kitchen. "You know girl, in that uniform, you don't even look pregnant," she commented. "I know," Netalia said with a chuckle. "Are you sure you're pregnant?" Lauren asked. "Yeah. Are we done for the night?" Netalia wanted to know. "Nope, one last ticket. He just walked in but I have a problem. I got a text from my brother, my mom's in the hospital and I need to leave now; it doesn't look good. I know you aren't a waitress, but the guy that just walked in is the last one here, do you think you could handle taking his food out to him? He's at table three" Lauren asked. "No problem Lauren, go take care of your mom," Netalia said. Lauren nodded, punched out and slipped out the back door. Jordan waited nervously and toyed with the straw in his glass of water. He didn't know how Netalia would react to seeing him but he hoped she wouldn't be upset or scared. A million thoughts ran through his head; was he ready to be a father and if he wasn't, should he stay anyway or leave? Did he love Netalia enough to try to make it work? He knew, deep down that he did, but he was scared; he had never loved anyone like he loved Netalia, and that love had almost gotten him killed. The fact that he hadn't been able to save Sebastian and keep him safe like he had promised ate away at him like stomach acid ate at an ulcer. Would Netalia forgive him for not being able to save the little boy he had promised to protect? All thoughts drifted away when he saw Netalia in the doorway to the dining room. She glanced around and when she found table three, she carried the plate of food over, without really paying attention to who was sitting at the table. "Can I get you anything else?" Netalia asked. Jordan swallowed and hoped his voice wouldn't crack. "Hello Netalia," he said. Netalia finally looked at him, eyes wide, a soft gasp escaped her lips. "Jordan?" she whispered. He nodded, stood up, reached for her. For a moment, neither of them spoke; Jordan held his breath as he waited for Netalia to make the first move. Finally, after what seemed like ages, Netalia launched herself into his arms. He sighed in relief and held her close; he could feel the subtle changes her body, the hard roundness of her abdomen and even the feel of her breasts against his chest felt different. "Are you okay? There wasn't any permanent damage was there?" Netalia asked. "I'm fine Lia," Jordan promised. "Thank God," she whispered, tears springing to her eyes. Jordan could feel the dampness of her tears against the softness of his shirt. "Don't cry Lia, please," Jordan pleaded. "She's been doing that a lot lately," a man said from the doorway where the kitchen and dining room met. Jordan's eyes snapped forward, his heart racing as different thoughts ran through his mind. Had Netalia been seeing this man? "My name is Luis, I'm Nancy's, husband," the man introduced himself as if he read Jordan's mind. "Jordan St. James," Jordan said as Luis walked over to them. Luis set the plate of food down next to Jordan's plate and extended his right hand to Jordan who took it and shook it. "You sit down missy and eat everything on that plate now; then I want you to go home. You've been working almost non-stop for the last two weeks and you need to slow down before you get sick," Luis warned. Netalia started to protest, but the look of concern on Jordan's face stopped her. Jordan and Netalia ate in relative silence, stole glances at each other when they thought the other wasn't looking. "How have you been?" Jordan asked finally. Netalia shrugged. "I've been okay. I still miss Sebastian," Netalia murmured. "I think you always will," Jordan told her. Netalia smiled slightly and tried to blink away the tears that sprang to her eyes. He reached across the table and squeezed her hand. "I miss him too," he admitted. Netalia's smile widened a bit and she reached for her glass of water. "Are you ready to go?" Netalia asked softly. Jordan nodded, stood and reached for his wallet. "Your money's no good here Mr. St. James," Luis said from behind the counter. Jordan started to protest but Luis shook his head. "You save your money for that baby," Luis told Jordan. Netalia blanched, not knowing that Jordan already knew about the baby. "It's okay Lia, I already know," Jordan said softly as he led her out to his car. "How?" Netalia asked. "Your mom told me," Jordan said. Netalia shook her head and sighed. "Don't be mad, she was hoping that if I knew, that I'd go off after you," he added. "And did you?" Netalia asked. "I was going to come after you regardless, but the thought of you being alone and pregnant with my child terrified me," Jordan admitted. "Where are you staying?" he asked. Netalia directed him to the tiny apartment. "It's cute," Jordan told her. "Yeah, very quaint and cozy," Netalia murmured. While Jordan surveyed the apartment, Netalia retreated to her bedroom to take off the excessively baggy uniform. Netalia glanced up to see Jordan standing in the doorway with an odd look on his face. "Jordan, are you okay?" Netalia asked, reaching for a tank top. "I'm fine," he answered, taking a few steps towards her. He drank her in; her hair was tied back into a tight pony tail and she now wore a light peach tank top with a pair of blue jeans; the soft swell of her abdomen made her look, in his opinion, sexy as hell and he felt himself harden while he studied her. "What's wrong?" Netalia wanted to know. "Nothing's wrong. I was just trying to imprint the way you look to memory," Jordan said. "Are you leaving?" Netalia asked, secretly panicking at the thought. "Not without you," Jordan promised. "I was just thinking how beautiful you look right now," he added. "You must have had some brain damage because this is not beautiful," Netalia told him. Jordan shook his head. "Netalia Rosa, you are the most beautiful woman I've ever seen and I don't think I've ever seen you look as sexy as you do right now," Jordan insisted. "Show me," Netalia whispered, emotions raging through her. Jordan pulled her to him and kissed her hard, a hand slipping down her jeans, past her panties and brushed by her clit. Netalia moaned and arched against him. "Wait," Jordan managed. He pulled his hand out of her pants and slowly undressed her, savoring every inch of her; worshiping her body with a sensual kiss. By the time Jordan had pulled off her jeans, Netalia was moaning loudly and writhing on the bed. Jordan grinned as he stretched out beside her. He dipped two of his fingers deep inside her, stroking her gently causing her to wimper pleadingly at him. "Jordan, please," she whispered, reaching for his belt buckle. Jordan stood up quickly and pulled his jeans and boxers off and threw them across the room before pulling his tee-shirt over his head. He kissed her tenderly as he slipped inside her. Netalia moaned and raised her hips to meet his. Jordan tried to take things slowly, but after months of being without her had him thrusting frantically inside her. The noises Netalia was making were driving Jordan crazy. "God Netalia, you're so beautiful," he murmured, cupping a breast gently. He brushed his thumb over the nipple until it was a hard, stiff peak. Netalia cried out loudly and clung to Jordan as her orgasm swept over her; hers triggered his and he pulsed within her, his seed shooting into her. Netalia opened her eyes, rolled over and smiled softly when she saw Jordan asleep next to her. He was laying on his back and Netalia traced the scar from the shooting and surgery with a finger and released a troubled sigh before getting out of bed. "Netalia?" Jordan asked, propping himself up in bed. She turned and looked at him. "Are you okay?" he wanted to know. "No," she admitted before walking into the bathroom. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ "How are you doing?" Jordan asked, glancing at her quickly before turning his concentration back to the road. "I'm tired, but I'll be glad to see my family," Netalia admitted. "Why did you take off like that?" Jordan wanted to know. "I needed some time alone to think," Netalia answered. "But you didn't call your parents to let them you that you're okay," Jordan said. "I know. I didn't want anyone to know where I was. I wanted to think without pressure," Netalia murmured. "Your mom and dad were worried," Jordan told her. Netalia nodded. "I figured as much," she said quietly. When Jordan glanced at her again, her eyes were closed. He opened his mouth to say something, but decided that it was best to let her sleep. "Netalia, we're almost there," Jordan said, shaking her gently. Netalia's eyes fluttered open and she blinked slowly as she looked around. She could see her parents waiting on the front porch as Jordan pulled into a driveway. "Are you alright?" Shella asked when Netalia stepped out of the car. "Yes," Netalia murmured, giving her mother a hug. "Don't you ever do that again," Dex scolded, pulling his daughter into his arms. "I needed some space," Netalia grumbled. "Regardless, never disappear like that again," Dex told her firmly. Netalia gave a watery smile and nodded sheepishly. "Netalia!" Sara shouted, running out of the house, Aaron and Sam right behind her. Paul stood on the bottom step, a defiant expression on his face. "Hey guys," Netalia said, kneeling down and giving her brothers and sister a hug. "Dinner is almost ready," Shella announced, ushering everyone inside the house. "Netalia?" Jordan asked, walking out to the balcony. Netalia turned and gave a small smile. "We probably should talk about what we're going to do," he added. "What do you want to do?" Netalia asked. "I don't know. I never really thought about having kids right now," Jordan admitted. "You were so good with Sebastian," Netalia murmured. Jordan gave a sad smile. "I would have died for him Lia, I wish to God that I could take his place, to spare you the pain of having lost him," Jordan told her. "But then I would have lost you," Netalia whispered. Jordan sighed but said nothing as he studied her face. He looked up as Dex knocked quietly on the door to the deck. "I have one of the guest rooms set up," Dex told Jordan. Jordan nodded and returned his attention to Netalia. "Lia, look at me," Jordan said softly. She looked up at him with tear stained eyes. "I'll do anything you want me to do. If you want me to walk away from you, I'll do it, but please let me have a chance to get to know our baby," he murmured. Netalia wiped the tears away and nodded. "I'm tired, I'm going to bed," she said before walking away. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ "Mommy!" Sebastian exclaimed through huge sobs. "Sebastian?" Netalia asked, looking around. It was dark, foggy and cold; she panicked, thinking her beautiful son was lost in the dark. "Sebastian, call for me again!" Netalia called. "Mommy help!" Sebastian cried. Netalia pushed past a large black sheet hanging from a clothes line and found herself face to face with her little boy, a pool of blood in the center of his chest. "You killed me mommy," Sebastian told her. "No, Sebastian, I didn't kill you! I tried to protect you!" Netalia protested. "It's all your fault," Sebastian said. "NO!" Netalia screamed. "It is your fault Neta. You choose to whore yourself out instead of staying with me and our son. It's your fault our son is dead," Cory said, standing next to Sebastian. "NO!" Netalia screamed. "Lia!" Jordan exclaimed, shaking her gently. Netalia sat up with a shrill scream and Jordan instantly pulled her to him, wrapped his arms around her and held her as she cried. "What happened?" Dex asked as he, Shella and Darius approached the room. "You can put your gun away Darius," he added. "I think she just had a bad dream," Jordan said. "It's my fault," Netalia moaned. "What's your fault?" Jordan asked, turning his attention back to Netalia. "Sebastian's death. It's my fault. I killed my son!" Netalia exclaimed. "No, Lia, it isn't your fault. It was an accident," Jordan soothed. "It's my fault! Nothing you can say will make me think otherwise!" Netalia cried. Jordan glanced helplessly at Shella who was already on the phone. Billy got there within minutes and Jordan moved so that the doctor could get close to her. "Netalia, listen to me. You need to calm down or I'll have to sedate you," Billy warned. "I killed my baby," Netalia whimpered through sob induced hiccups. "Netalia, calm down," Billy tried again. "It's my fault!" she cried. Billy sighed and started rummaging through his bag. "She's pregnant," Jordan told him quietly. Billy looked at him sharply, sighed but grabbed a different sedative and injected Netalia with it. "I gave her a low dose of Vistairl; it won't hurt the baby but it will make her sleepy. I suggest you get a therapist to come and speak with her," Billy murmured, leading Jordan out to the hall. "Is she going to be okay?" Dex asked. He was deeply worried about his daughter, in the years that he had known her, he had never seen her react this badly to a situation. "Yes, in time, she'll be fine," Billy promised. "She should speak with a therapist," he added. "Whatever she needs," Dex promised. "Will you stay since it's this late?" he asked. "Yes, I want to look in on Netalia in the morning anyway," Billy answered. "Everyone go back to bed," Dex commanded. "Where do you think you're going?" he asked Jordan. "I'm not leaving Netalia alone tonight," Jordan answered. "Let him go," Shella said softly. "If Neta's breathing quickens for more than a few minutes and if her pulse goes up, come get me instantly," Billy told Jordan. Jordan nodded and disappeared into Netalia's room. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ "Are you sure you want to do this?" Jordan asked Netalia as they walked up the sidewalk leading to the prison. "I need to talk to Cory," Netalia murmured. "You know he's going to go off the deep end when he sees that you're pregnant," Jordan warned. "I need closure," Netalia told him. "What are you doing here?" Cory asked. "I needed to see you," Netalia said. "Why?" Cory wanted to know. "I had a really horrible nightmare the other night. Sebastian was blaming me for his death," Netalia murmured. Cory reached across the table and squeezed her hand. "I'm the one to blame Netalia. Yes, you cheated on me and yes, it pissed me off and you shouldn't have taken Sebastian on the run with you, but with as angry as I was, I understand why you did. But understand this, you had no part in Bastian's death, that was all me and my blinding rage. As pissed at you as I was, you were a great mother to our son," Cory told her. Tears filled her eyes and a few trailed down her cheeks. Cory leaned across the table and wiped them away. "Are you alright? You look a little pale," Cory murmured. "I'm okay," Netalia said softly. "She's more than okay, she's fine!" a man at a nearby table hooted. "C'mere baby, how about you give me a lap dance?" he asked with a leering grin. "She's off limits," Cory growled. The man stood up, grabbed Netalia's arm and pulled her up and into his arms. "Let her go," Cory insisted, standing up. "Make me your highness," the man sneered. As Cory stepped towards the man and Netalia, a guard stepped forward. "Let her go Wallace," the guard warned. Wallace considered how close the guard was and pushed Netalia into Cory's arms. Cory's eyes went wide and he stared at Netalia in surprise. "You're pregnant?" Cory asked. "Yes. I didn't mean for it to happen," Netalia murmured. Cory sighed and shook his head. "Are you alright? Do you need to see a doctor?" Cory asked. Netalia shook her head but Cory turned to one of the guards. "Hey Scott, she might need to see the nurse," Cory told one of the guards. Scott walked over to the table. "What's up Cory?" Scott asked. "She's pregnant," Cory told the guard. "I'm fine, he just grabbed my arm," Netalia protested. "Are you sure?" Cory asked. "Yes. And if I need a doctor later, Billy is staying with my parents for a few days while his house gets fumigated," Netalia answered. Cory nodded, satisfied with her answer. "Netalia," Cory called as she turned to leave the room. Netalia turned back around to face her ex husband. "I wish things had been different, that I had been a better husband to you. I hope you can forgive me one day and that you find someone to make you happy. Be safe Netalia. I promise you, I won't do anything more to hurt you," Cory said. Netalia gave him a small smile and left the prison. ~~~~~~~~~~~~ "Hello?" Netalia said into the phone. "Netalia, it's Devon. I have good news and bad news for you." "Hey Dev, it's good to hear your voice, is everything okay?" Netalia wanted to know. "It's a girl," Devon announced. "Oh Dev, that's great!" Netalia exclaimed. "We named her Savannah Grace," Devon said. "I'm happy for you," Netalia murmured. "But what's the bad news?" she wanted to know. "I got a call from the prison this morning. Cory committed suicide some time last night," Devon said gently. "Netalia?" Devon asked, growing concern when he heard a small thud followed by a larger thud. ~~~~~~~~~~~~ "Hey Netalia," Devon said softly as she hesitantly made her way over to him. "Hi Dev, I'm sorry about Cory. Despite all he's done to me, I did love him and I know you did too," Netalia murmured. "You don't belong here you little whore. You're no better than Eden. I bet Sebastian wasn't even Cory's son!" an older version of Devon snapped. "That's enough father," Devon growled. He turned back to Netalia. "Ignore him, everyone else does," he suggested. Netalia gave a small smile and allowed Devon to pull her into a hug. He gave her a questioning look, she sighed and nodded. "How are you?" Devon asked. "Confused, tired, emotional, upset; go ahead and take your pick," Netalia answered. Devon chuckled. "Do you have a picture of Savannah I could see? How's Aimee doing? What about Lizzie? I bet she's huge!" Netalia exclaimed. Love and Mistakes Ch. 09-10 "Yes, she is. She turns nine next month. Aimee's doing great, I swear, she's the perfect mother," Devon answered, pulling out his wallet to show Netalia the pictures. "Oh Dev, she's beautiful," Netalia murmured. "Yes, she is." "King Dex, it's good to see you again," Devon said. "Yes, hello Dex," Devon's father greeted. "Martin," Dex said politely. "Netalia, are you sure you want to be here?" Dex asked gently. Netalia looked torn. "Netalia, you don't have to stay if you don't want to, I appreciate you stopping by, but if this is going to be too much for you, you should go," Devon said, giving Netalia a meaningful look. Netalia gave Devon a grateful smile. "Oh, before you go, in the note Cory left, he asked that I bring this to you and give it to you. It's something he had been working on since Sebastian was born and for all of his faults, I know my brother loved that little boy more than life itself," Devon murmured. Tears filled Netalia's eyes as she nodded and accepted the package. "I know. And he was a good father," Netalia agreed. She gave Devon another hug. "Congrats on Savannah, she's absolutely perfect. Please tell Aimee and Lizzy I said hello and that I miss them," Netalia murmured. "I will. Take care Neta," Devon said. Netalia nodded, smiled then turned and followed her father out of the church. ~~~~~~~~~~ "Does everything look okay?" Jordan asked as the technician performed the ultrasound. Netalia rolled her eyes; it was the fifth time in ten minutes that he had asked that. "I know you are curious and worried and it's perfectly normal, but if something appears to be off, I will let you know," the technician said politely. Jordan watched, fascinated as he watched the child he and Netalia created move around. "I can't get a clear shot of the genitals, so I can't tell you what the sex is, but I can tell you that things look perfect as far as I can tell. Your doctor will be able to tell you more," she told Netalia. Netalia nodded, thanked the woman and as soon as she was cleaned up and checked out, she left the clinic, Jordan hurrying behind. "Netalia, what the hell is the matter with you?" Jordan asked a few days later. "Nothing," Netalia muttered as she peeled some apples. "Come on Netalia, I know you better than that." He pulled the apple and peeler from her hands and pulled her to him. "Lia, talk to me," he murmured. "I'm overwhelmed by all of this. If someone had told me when I married Cory that I would have cheated on him, ran from him when he decided to kill me and my boyfriend and lose my son all within the same time frame, I would have asked what drugs they were taking and where I could get some. So much has happened and I haven't had time to process any of it," Netalia said. "Lia, I know that was a lot, and I know you miss Sebastian, so do I, but we can't change the past," Jordan reminded her. "I know that Jordan," Netalia sighed. She sighed when the baby insider her kicked out; Jordan smiled and touched his hand against her abdomen. "I wish you wouldn't do that," she muttered. "Why not?" Jordan asked. Netalia sighed, pulled away and reached for the apple again. "Netalia, talk to me," Jordan said firmly. "I'm not even sure if I want the baby or not Jordan," Netalia said finally. "What?" Jordan asked, his eyes widening with surprise. "I just buried my son, not even a year ago and his father three weeks ago," Netalia reminded him. "Netalia, he hurt you, he doesn't deserve for you to mourn him," Jordan growled. "But he gave me Sebastian." "Yeah, and took him away!" Jordan exclaimed. "I loved him Jordan. Despite all of his faults, I loved him," Netalia whispered. "And what about me? Do you love me?" Jordan asked, not one hundred percent sure he wanted to know the answer to that. "I love you Jordan; I just don't what kind of love it is," Netalia said softly. Jordan let go of her hands and took a step back. "What will it take?" Jordan asked. "Can you give me some time? Time alone, to think? I promise to keep you updated on what the OB says about the baby, if you want to know and if you want, I'll call you when I go into labor, but I need time," Netalia said. "You only have a nine weeks to go," Jordan reminded her. "I know. And I know you want to be here to help me through this, and I appreciate it, but I feel like I can't breathe around you. I just need some more time apart then we've been getting," Netalia murmured. Jordan sighed. "Are you sure?" Jordan asked. Netalia nodded, unable to trust her voice; afraid that if she opened her mouth to speak, she would tell him she wasn't sure of anything and that she was scared shit-less. "Okay Lia. I'll do anything to keep from causing you more pain. You know how to get a hold of me if you need me," Jordan said. He pressed his lips to hers tenderly before walking out of the door and into the heat of the afternoon. * I know some of you will be disappointed by some of the events in these two chapters, but the story will have a mostly happy ending to it, I promise! Thanks for reading! Ashira Love and Mistakes Ch. 11 "Netalia, what are you doing?" Stacey asked her friend as they sat in the garden, pulling the weeds. "I'm giving Jordan a chance to walk away," Netalia answered. "You're being an idiot," Stacey said. Netalia looked up sharply. "He loves you Netalia and you're going to just let him walk away? Haven't you been hurt enough?" Stacey asked. "I don't know what I want out of life anymore," Netalia whispered. They looked up when they heard the giggling of a small child to see Carter, Jordan and Calla walk out to the yard. A flash of guilt and pain ripped through her as Netalia watched Jordan play with Calla. Jordan glanced up, saw Netalia watching him and smiled kindly. She looked away quickly and pushed herself up off the ground. "Are you okay?" Jordan asked, watching her closely. "I'm fine. I just need to use the bathroom," Netalia answered. "Is it just me or does she seem a little tense?" Jordan asked. "She's majorly stressed and that's not good. I don't even know if she wants to have the baby," Stacey admitted. Jordan did not look pleased by her statement but pushed his anxiety back down and turned his attention back to the demanding toddler that was asking Uncle Jordan to come play. ~~~~~~~~~~ Netalia groaned and clutched the counter as her entire abdomen was gripped by cramps. "Jordan," she whispered, struggling to get to the bathroom door. The pain was intense, it didn't feel like labor to her and it scared her. She finally reached the door and pulled it open before the pain became too intense for her to handle. "Jordan!" Netalia cried out, falling to her knees as the vice grip like pain rippled through her body. "Someone help me!" she screamed as loud as she could. The pain was mind boggling and Netalia knew something wasn't right; something was terribly wrong with her baby. "Jordan!" Netalia cried, trying to crawl to where someone could hear her. Another wave of pain ripped through her and Netalia found herself unable to move any further. She could see Jordan outside and hear the giggles of Calla. "Jordan!" she exclaimed. The door was closed and he couldn't hear her. Netalia fumbled in her pocket for her cell phone and dialed Jordan's cell phone number. As Jordan answered the phone, Netalia felt a gush of fluid rush from her body and cried out when she realized it was bloody. "Netalia? What's wrong? Are you okay?" Jordan asked. "Help me," Netalia whispered. Jordan closed his phone with a snap and hurried into the house, his eyes widening when he saw Netalia laying on the floor, her eyes wide with panic. "Jordan, help me," she pleaded. Jordan knelt down beside her as he dialed 9-1-1. "Jordan, is everything okay?" Carter asked. "Keep Calla outside!" Jordan ordered. "Is she going to be okay?" Jordan asked the doctor. "I'll let you know. I need you to stay outside while I examine her," the doctor told Jordan. Netalia clutched at his hand. "Let him stay," Netalia pleaded. The doctor hesitated then nodded. "Just stay out of my way," he warned. "I'm scared," Netalia whispered. Jordan gave her hand a gentle squeeze and hoped his own fear wasn't overly obvious. "Jordan?" she asked as another wave a pain hit. "I'm right here," Jordan promised. "What's going on?" Jordan asked the doctor after nearly a half hour had passed. "We need to do a C-section now," the doctor told them. "Why? What exactly is going on?" Jordan demanded to know. "Netalia's blood pressure is very high, have you been under an extreme amount of stress lately?" the doctor asked. Netalia snorted. "Her ex husband killed her son almost nine months ago," Jordan said softly. The doctor nodded. "That would do it. I need to get Netalia into the operating room. Would you like to scrub in?" the doctor asked Jordan. Jordan glanced at Netalia and nodded. "Then lets go," the doctor said, as nurses shuffled in to wheel Netalia up to the Operating room. "Nearly there Netalia," the doctor said, slicing through her skin. "I want this baby out in no more than forty seconds," the doctor told the nurses. He looked up at her over the drape. "You're going to feel a little pressure now," he warned. Netalia said nothing, but she closed her eyes. "What's going on?" Jordan asked as a hush fell over the room. "Is everything okay?" Before anyone could answer, the alarms attached to the monitors started going off. "What's wrong?" Jordan wanted to know. The doctor passed the baby off to a nurse and another one pulled Jordan aside. "She's bleeding Jordan, and I'm not going to lie to you, it isn't looking good right now. We'll do everything we can," the nurse told him gently. A weak but angry cry filled the room, catching Jordan's attention. "It's a girl," one of the nurses working on the baby said with a smile. "Is she okay?" Jordan asked. "She's a little small but she should be just fine. We'll have to evaluate her to be sure," the nurse answered. Jordan studied the crying, squirming creature in the plastic bassinet in awe as he traced the outline of her face with his finger. The baby grabbed a hold of Jordan's finger and held tight and he was lost. All of his doubts were gone, he knew he would rather die than leave this little girl or her mother alone. Jordan glanced back over and watched the doctors as the raced to save Netalia. "Please God, don't let Netalia die," he whispered softly. ~~~~~~~~~~~ "Jordan, what's going on in there?" Shella asked, bolting out of her chair. "They're closing up now. They had a hard time stopping the bleeding but Netalia's fine," Jordan answered wearily. "How's the baby?" Dex asked, clutching Shella's hand in his own. "She's perfect," Jordan beamed. "She?" Shella asked. Jordan nodded. "Six pounds eight ounces," Jordan rattled off the numbers. "When can we see her?" Shella wanted to know. "The baby or Netalia?" Jordan asked. "Either," Shella answered. "It's going to be a few hours before anyone can see Netalia, but you can see the baby as soon as she's cleaned up, so in about a half hour," Jordan told her. Shella smiled and gave Jordan a warm hug. "Oh she's so beautiful," Shella murmured. Jordan nodded, unable to keep his emotions from flaring up. "She looks like Netalia did when she was born," Shella told Jordan. "I'm buying a chastity belt," Jordan muttered. "Hey, is it too late to get Sara fitted for one?" Dex joked, peering down at his grand daughter. Shella laughed and slid her hand into her husband's. "Don't break my daughter's heart Jordan," he warned. "I'll do my best," Jordan promised. Jordan walked into Netalia's hospital room nervously, the fragrance from the rose he carried in his hand made him smile; Netalia loved roses. He just hoped the special gift around the stem would prove to her how much he loved her. She looked up and gave a wan smile. "How are you feeling?" Jordan asked, handing her the rose and kissing her tenderly. "Sore," Netalia murmured. "It's beautiful Jordan," she added. Netalia ran her fingers down the stem, surprised that the rose did not have thorns; she stopped when she came across a simple gold band with a small diamond in the center. "Jordan ..." "I love you Netalia. I want to make a home with you and our daughter." Jordan slipped the ring off of the stem of the rose and onto her finger. "Will you marry me?" he asked. ~~~~~~~~ "Devon, it's Jason. Netalia had a complication this afternoon with her pregnancy." "How is she?" Devon asked instantly. "She's going to be just fine. She had a little girl. Netalia's resting right now and I think spending some time with Jordan," Jason answered. "Would she like to see us?" Devon wanted to know. "Maybe in a week or two, but she's probably going to be overwhelmed for awhile," Jason told him. "Okay, I'll call in a few weeks, thanks for letting me know," Devon said before hanging up the phone. "Jason?" Tina asked softly. He turned and smiled. "Hey babe," Jason said, pulled her to him and kissed her hard. "Not here," she scolded. "Why not?" Jason asked with a mock pout. "Because we're in a hospital where your niece just had a baby," Tina said. Jason laughed. "I wouldn't mind finding a broom closet," he teased. "You are incorrigible," Tina groaned, swatting at him with the back of her hand. Jason laughed again, but his laughter ended when he saw the look on her face. "What's wrong?" Jason asked. "I've been sick Jason, more sick then I've wanted to admit," Tina started. "Why didn't you tell me? I would have come back Tina, the competition doesn't mean as much to me as you do," Jason growled. "Shut up and listen." Jason sighed and crossed his arms over his chest. "I went to the doctor's last week and she ran a bunch of tests and blood work and I had Billy double check them to be sure because I nearly had a heart attack when Doctor Maylor gave me the results," Tina continued. "Just answer me this, are you alright?" Jason wanted to know. "I'm great," Tina said. She noticed Shella and Dex walking towards them so she stepped up to Jason and whispered something in his ear. His eyes widened and he stared at his wife. "I know, I had the same reaction," Tina said. "Is everything okay?" Shella asked. "Yup, how's Netalia?" Tina wanted to know. "She's awake, Jordan just went in a few minutes ago," Shella answered. "So what's going on?" "I'll tell you later, now isn't the time," Jason told his sister. Shella gave him a concerned look but let it go. ~~~~~~~~~~~ "What did you say?" Netalia whispered. "I just asked you to marry me. If the ring isn't big enough, I'll save up money to buy you one that you really want," Jordan answered, forcing himself not to start panicking. "The ring is fine Jordan," Netalia said, sliding the ring off her finger. "Then why are you taking it off?" Jordan asked. "Because I can't marry you," Netalia told him. "What?" Jordan asked, stunned as Netalia placed the ring into the palm of his hand. "I can't marry you Jordan, not now, not after what I did to Sebastian," Netalia answered. "Damn it Netalia, you didn't do a damn thing to Sebastian! You loved that little boy with all you had, and you were a great mother Netalia! That child never needed anything that you didn't give him!" Jordan shouted. "Except life! Actions have consequences, and my actions, my relationship with you, the consequences to that was for my son to die and for you to get shot!" Netalia exclaimed. "Yes, actions have consequences, and yes, I got shot and Sebastian is gone, and as much as it kills me that he's gone and I'm still here, we have a beautiful little girl Netalia. Your mother said she looks like you did when you were born! Don't throw that away or lessen it because you miss Sebastian; I miss him too by the way!" Jordan snapped. The nurse chose that moment to wheel the bassinet into Netalia's room. "Somebody wants her mommy," the nurse cooed as she parked the bassinet at the edge of the bed. Netalia made no attempt at moving, she didn't even flick her eyes towards the daughter she had carried. "Netalia, what are you doing?" Jordan asked softly. The nurse looked at Netalia in concern, sure that the young girl was suffering from Postpartum depression. "It's okay, you can go about the rest of your duties," Jordan told the nurse. The nurse hesitated but nodded and left the room. "Just leave me alone Jordan," Netalia whispered. Before he could say anything, the doctor walked into the room. "How are you feeling?" the doctor asked. "I want to go home," Netalia said. "You need at least forty-eight hours of hospitalization," the doctor protested. "Then I'm signing out against medical advice," Netalia said stubbornly. "Netalia, what are you doing?" Jordan asked again, concerned. "I'm leaving," Netalia answered, climbing out of bed. She started rooting around in the drawers for clothes and sighed when she couldn't find any. Jordan watched silently as Netalia searched the bag of belongings at the side of her bed. "Jackpot," Netalia said as she found a pair of shoes, a shirt and a skirt. "Mom left these didn't she?" she asked. Jordan nodded and mentally cursed Shella. "Miss, I must advise against this, you need to be here, to make sure you don't get an infection," the doctor protested again. "Just give me the damn form," Netalia snapped. "What about the baby? She can't leave for another few days, minimum," the doctor wanted to know. Netalia stopped pulling on her clothing long enough to look down at the tiny baby she and Jordan had created. "Her father can take care of her," Netalia said softly. She signed the form and finished pulling on her clothes. "Netalia, don't leave like this, you should stay!" Jordan exclaimed. "I need space Jordan, and I can't have that here," Netalia reminded him. "Netalia, stay until you're stronger and then you can go," Jordan pleaded. "I have no idea on how to take care of a new born!" he exclaimed. The baby picked up on the anxiety in his voice and began to cry. Netalia stopped dead in her tracks as maternal instinct fought to take over. "Netalia," Jordan murmured. Netalia turned towards the crying baby and gently lifted her into her arms. "Jordan, in the top drawer is a pre-made bottle, all you have to do is twist the nipple on to it," Netalia said quietly. Jordan found the bottle and nipple and assembled the bottle quickly. "Sit down," she murmured. Jordan sat in the rocking chair and Netalia gently placed the baby in his arms. "Feed her," Netalia insisted. Jordan nudged the nipple inside the baby's mouth and grinned when she began to drink greedily. "We need to name her something," Jordan said softly. Netalia nodded. "Larissa," Netalia suggested. Jordan smiled and nodded. "It's perfect," he agreed. "Hell, I probably would have agreed with Edith or Edna or Freda after what Netalia went through," he thought to himself. Netalia smiled, grabbed the sheet of paper that the birth announcement would be printed from and wrote down the baby's name. "Tell my parents I'll call them in a few days to let them know where I am. Mom will help you with Larissa," Netalia said. "You aren't going to be here?" Jordan asked. "I need some space to think Jordan and I can't do that around you or Larissa," Netalia told him before walking away. ~~~~~~~~~~ "How are you doing?" Shella asked Jordan a few weeks later. "I'm seriously overwhelmed and sleep deprived," Jordan answered. Shella laughed a little. "I know how you feel. Do you need any help?" Shella asked. "I would seriously love to get out for a few hours," Jordan admitted. "I have no idea how Netalia did this when Sebastian was a baby," Jordan groaned. Shella laughed again. "I'll take Larissa for the night, you go ahead and have some time to yourself," Shella told him. "Thanks," Jordan said with a sheepish grin. "Have you heard from Netalia yet?" Shella asked. "No, have you?" Jordan asked. "She sent an email saying that she got back to Plain View and that she's okay," Shella answered. "Did she ask about Larissa?" Jordan wanted to know. "Just if she was doing okay and how were you adjusting," Shella answered. "I could use her," Jordan told Shella. "I know, and I'm not trying to make excuses for her, but she's been through so much lately," Shella murmured. Jordan nodded. "I've been through a lot myself," Jordan reminded Shella. "Yes, but Cory killed Dex's father just to get Netalia to Tria so that he could get to know her, and on top of that, he arranged to have Stacey and Carter discovered," Shella said. Larissa chose that moment to begin crying. "I've got her, why don't you call some of the guys and go out for a guys night out," Shella suggested. She patted Jordan on the shoulder and headed upstairs. "Carter, it's Jordan. Shella's got Larissa tonight, come have a drink with me." "Let me clear it with Stace," Carter told him. He covered the mouth piece of the receiver. "I'm in," he said a minute later. "Great, I'll meet you at the pub in a half hour," Jordan said, hanging up the phone. He looked up as Shella walked back downstairs with a cooing Larissa in her arms. Despite his exhaustion, Jordan grinned. "You're hooked," Shella said with a small smile. "I am," Jordan confirmed. "I'm scared shitless that I'm going to make a mistake or hurt her, but that little girl means the world to me. The only person that means as much to me as Larissa does is her mother," Jordan said. "That's the way it should be," Dex said from the doorway. "I called for company. Don't worry, we won't fool around until Larissa's been quiet for a few hours," Shella teased. Jordan laughed and groaned. "I don't need the mental image of Dex's lily white ass on my bed or on my couch," Jordan groaned. Dex laughed. "And I don't want you to have the mental image of my wife's ass on anything in your apartment," Dex told him. "All I can say is that if Netalia looks as good as her mother does when she's Shella's age, Netalia will be doing really well," Jordan remarked. Dex looked a little miffed but grinned. "Yes, she will," he agreed. "All right boys, enough. Dex, order dinner," Shella insisted. "You don't have to do that. I've got a ton of food in the freezer, all homemade," Jordan said. "Thanks Jordan," Shella said with a smile before he walked out. ~~~~~~~~~~ "Order up!" Netalia called. "Girl, where's that baby of yours?" Nancy asked. "With her father," Netalia answered. "Then what the hell are you doing here?" Nancy wanted to know. "I needed some time to think. Had Jordan not come and found me, I probably would have put her up for adoption," Netalia admitted. "You're still pining away for your son," Nancy observed. "I miss him so much," Netalia whispered, silent tears streaming down her face. Nancy motioned to Luis to take over in the kitchen and she pulled Netalia outside. "I know how you're feeling. A few days before our first wedding anniversary, I found out I was pregnant. I waited until the date of our anniversary to tell Luis. He was thrilled, we both were. Seven months in, the doctor couldn't hear a fetal heart beat. The ultrasound revealed that the baby was gone. Because of how far along I was, they couldn't perform an abortion, they had to induce labor. It took me fourteen hours before the baby came. I was so traumatized that it nearly destroyed our marriage. On the fifth anniversary of the stillbirth, we both got rip roaring drunk and for the first time in years, slept together. I got pregnant again and we sat on pins and needles for nine months. It was enough to get us both into therapy, and it helped," Nancy murmured. "What happened with the pregnancy?" Netalia asked. "Mom, we're here!" Netalia jumped back as two squealing children ran from the restaurant. "Grandma!" they shouted. "Douglas turns thirty nine this year. Michael is nine and Maria is seven," Nancy said, kneeling down and scooping her grandchildren into her arms. The rest of the day was a blur and before she knew it, Netalia was helping Luis close. "I heard Nancy told you about the stillbirth," Luis said softly. Netalia nodded. "I'm sorry that happened to you," Netalia murmured. "So are we, but after we got some help, we became closer and had a beautiful boy and now two amazing grandchildren. It's perfectly fine to miss your son and it's normal to feel some guilt; it's called survivor's guilt. A lot of people who lose someone they love experience it. The key to living a normal life is to realize that it's okay to go on living. Sebastian wouldn't want to see his mother upset and hurting, no matter how young he was when he was taken," Luis told her. They both looked up as Nancy and the kids came into the kitchen. "Netalia, why don't you come join us for dinner," Nancy suggested. Netalia felt like being alone, but she didn't want to be rude so she nodded. "Good. Stop by at seven," Nancy told her. Love and Mistakes Ch. 11 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Netalia couldn't help but laugh at the stories being shared. There was love in the family and it was impossible to mistake it for anything else. Her heart ached; she missed her parents and siblings, but most of all, she missed Jordan. "You're awfully quiet tonight Netalia," Nancy observed. "I'm just thinking," Netalia murmured. "About?" Nancy asked. "I miss my family and Jordan," Netalia answered. "What about the baby?" Nancy wanted to know. "I never even held her," Netalia whispered, hot tears welling up in her eyes. "How old is she?" Nancy asked. "Almost three months," Netalia answered. "Go home Netalia, go to your family, to your daughter," Nancy told her. "What if he won't take me back?" Netalia asked. "That's a chance you have to take. That little girl of yours is going to need a mother," Nancy said. She gave Netalia a tight hug. "You always have a place here," she added. Netalia smiled as Nancy walked away, her mind buzzing with thoughts. With a shake of her head, Netalia said her goodbyes and made her way to her half of the duplex. Netalia scribbled a note that simply said, "Going home." Love and Mistakes Ch. 12-13 CHAPTER TWELVE "Can you get the door Les?" Jordan asked. "Sure," she agreed, slipping down the stairs. "May I help you?" she asked. "I'm here to see Jordan," Netalia said, her heart racing. Had Jordan moved on already? "He's busy right now," Les told her. "I need to see Jordan," Netalia said again. "And I told you he's busy," Les repeated. "Who is it Les?" Jordan asked, heading towards the door, Larissa in his arms. He stopped short, his eyes wide when he saw Netalia standing in the doorway. "Netalia," he breathed. Les raised an eye brow, this was something she hadn't suspected; her eyes narrowed when she focused on Netalia once again. "I didn't know you had company, I'll come back later," Netalia murmured. Jordan shot Les a look and she nodded. "Don't go on my account, I have to leave for work. I'll talk to you later Jordan, take care of yourself and this cutie over here," Les said, giving Jordan a quick kiss on the cheek. "Later Les," Jordan said. "Come in Netalia," he added. Netalia stepped inside the house, swallowed over the lump in her throat that had formed at the sight of Jordan cradling their daughter. "Would you like to hold her?" Jordan asked gently. Netalia nodded, afraid that if she spoke, she would begin to cry and not be able to stop. Jordan transferred Larissa to Netalia's arms gently and grinned. "You look good with a baby in your arms," he murmured. Netalia smiled slightly and followed Jordan into the living room. "How are you?" Jordan asked. "I'm okay. I've done a lot of thinking," Netalia told him. "She's so beautiful," Netalia breathed. Jordan nodded. Larissa gurgled and waved her hands making Netalia laugh. "Why did you leave me?" Jordan asked abruptly. "I wasn't sure about what I wanted out of life. After Sebastian died, I felt lost. I know I had you and my family, but I just didn't know where I fit," Netalia murmured. "I was in love with you Netalia," Jordan said. "Was?" Netalia asked, her heart pounding. "I still am," Jordan clarified. He glanced down at Larissa who was now sleeping soundly in Netalia's arms. "Do you want me to take her?" Jordan asked. Netalia shook her head. He grinned. "You should call your mother, let her know you're back," Jordan said. ~~~~~~~~~~~~ "That was Netalia," Shella said, walking into Dex's office. "Is she okay?" Dex asked, standing up. "She sounded better than she did the last time I heard from her. She's at Jordan's," Shella answered. Dex grabbed his jacket and followed his wife out the door. "She's in the kitchen," Jordan said, his face frozen in an unreadable mask. "Is she okay?" Dex asked. "She seems to be. We got in a fight after she called you," Jordan sighed. "Are you crazy Jordan?" Dex growled. "Am I crazy? She walked out on me, on our daughter!" Jordan exclaimed. "She's been through hell!" Dex shouted. "And so have I!" "Enough!" Netalia yelled from the doorway. Jordan turned towards her and the angry gaze on his face softened when he saw her red rimmed eyes. "Don't yell at him dad," Netalia pleaded. "Are you alright?" Shella asked, trying to preserve the peace. "I'm better than I was," Netalia answered. "I still have a long way to go," she added. Netalia told them about Nancy and Luis and after spending several hours making sure Netalia wasn't going to disappear again, Dex and Shella left the condo. "Lia?" Jordan asked from the doorway of the bedroom. "What are you doing?" "Looking for blankets and a pillow," Netalia answered. "Why?" Jordan wanted to know. "So I can sleep downstairs," she murmured. "No you don't. I'm not letting you out of my sight," Jordan argued, gently pulling her into his bedroom. "I'm not ready for sex Jordan," Netalia said softly. Jordan smiled and kissed her gently. "That's okay. We'll take this at your pace," he promised. "I'm going to need to talk to a professional. I'll most likely have a lot of bad days before it gets better," she warned. "I love you Netalia and I'll wait as long as it takes," Jordan murmured. Netalia smiled at that before chewing on her bottom lip. "What?" Jordan asked. "Who was that woman that was here earlier?" Netalia wanted to know. "That was Leslie. She's my only sister," Jordan told her with a laugh. "She seemed angry with me," Netalia observed. "She is. You left her little brother to raise a baby. She doesn't know much about last year, just that your ex went crazy," Jordan told her. Netalia opened her mouth to speak but Jordan silenced her with a kiss. "Get some sleep. Larissa will be up for a bottle in four hours and after three months of waking up with her, it's your turn," Jordan joked. Netalia giggled and settled into Jordan's embrace. ~~~~~~~~~~~~ "Hello Netalia." Netalia looked up to see Jordan's sister Leslie standing in front of her. "Good morning, why don't you join me," Netalia suggested. Leslie sat down at the table and studied the young woman in front of her. "Why'd you leave my brother to raise your child?" Leslie demanded. "She's my child too," Netalia said defensively. "Some mother you are," Leslie spat. "Aunt Netalia!" Netalia looked up to see Lizzie racing towards her. "Oh my God! Look at you!" Netalia exclaimed, wrapping her arms around the little girl. "This must be Savannah, ooh, she's even cuter than the pictures show!" Netalia squealed. "Hey Neta," Devon said with a grin. "Hey you! Where's Aimee?" Netalia asked. "In the bathroom," Devon answered. "How have you been?" he asked. "I've been better, but I'm getting better," Netalia answered. Devon nodded knowingly. "How have you been? I can't imagine what you're going through. I know how much Cory meant to you," Netalia murmured. "Cory was my brother, and the man he became when he hurt you, Jordan and Sebast- that wasn't my brother. The man he became while he sat in that prison wasn't my brother. My brother was a kind, caring man, but something our father told him, twisted him around," Devon said, shaking his head regretfully. "Mommy, look who we found!" Lizzie exclaimed, seeing her mother approach the table. "It's good to see you!" Netalia said, hugging her sister. "You're looking well," Aimee commented. "How's Jordan?" she asked. "My brother is none of your concern," Leslie snapped. Netalia blushed, she had forgotten about Leslie. "Leslie, this is Devon and his wife Aimee. This ball of kinetic energy is their daughter Lizzie and this sweet, quiet little love is Savannah. Guys, this is Jordan's older sister Leslie," Netalia introduced. "Nice description," Devon said with a chuckle. "How's your father?" Devon asked. "Dad's being dad. He and mom are going back to Tria on Saturday; from what I hear, Paul has been sulking and the terrible trio are up to no good," Netalia said with a grin. "You look sad," Devon observed. "I am, but I'm getting better," Netalia murmured. Leslie watched Netalia interact with the people, who in her mind had rudely interrupted. She was about to say something when a large, muscular man walked up to them. "Your highness, you need to come back to the compound at once," he said. "Darius, is everything alright?" Netalia asked in alarm. "Your father's collapsed Netalia. Billy says he's had a heart attack," Darius said gently. Netalia's mind raced as fear gripped her. This couldn't be happening, not when she was trying to get her life back. She vaguely remembered someone shouting her name as the world went black around her. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ "Can you hear me Netalia?" She opened her eyes slowly to find Billy sitting next to her, a look of concern on his face. "How's my dad?" Netalia wanted to know. Billy grinned for a moment and when the grin faded seconds after it formed, Netalia's heart was gripped with fear. "It isn't good Netalia. He's having bi-pass surgery as we speak," Billy said gently. He checked her vitals and frowned when he saw how high her blood pressure was. "Dex is going to be fine," he assured her. "Let me talk to her," Jordan said softly. Billy nodded and slipped from the room. "Lia?" Jordan asked. He sat down on the side of the bed and wrapped his arms around her as she began to fall apart. "Why is it that when things start to feel right, everything comes crashing down?" Netalia whimpered. "I don't know," Jordan murmured. "It's okay Lia, I've got you," he added. "It isn't okay! Everything I touch, almost everyone I love has left me or been hurt by me," Netalia wailed. Jordan closed his eyes and sighed; upon reopening them, he saw Leslie standing in the door way, confused by what was happening. "Not everyone. I'm still here, Larissa's still here and we're both fine," Jordan said quietly. Netalia looked up at him and sniffled. "I nearly got you killed. And I walked out on you and our daughter," Netalia reminded him. "You didn't nearly get me killed Lia," Jordan growled. "That was all Cory." "But I got Sebastian killed. He's gone because I couldn't save him. I couldn't do the one thing that Cory told me I had to do to keep him safe," Netalia sobbed. Jordan's arms tightened around her as he wondered if they would ever be free of Cory and the pain he had caused. "That was not your fault Netalia Rosa. You listen to me, and you listen to me now. Cory was unstable, he did not understand what it was like to love someone. He did not understand the give and take that is required to make a relationship work. He pushed you too hard, he hurt you and you came to me. I love you Netalia, and no matter what has happened or will happen, I will continue to love you and Larissa like I loved Sebastian. I know you're hurting, but I'm hurting too. That boy was special Lia, very special." Netalia sniffled and Jordan wiped a tear away. "Do you remember that morning, a few days before Devon and your dad came to talk to us, we made pancakes from scratch? Sebastian tried to help add flour to the batter," Jordan murmured. "And he dropped the brand new, just opened bag of flour onto the floor and it went everywhere. He looked like a ghost," Netalia finished. Jordan nodded and chuckled; Netalia smiled through her tears. "Remember the good about him Netalia. Don't remember how he died or at whose hands. He loved you Netalia, and had he lived, he would have been one hell of a kid. He would want you to move on, not feel guilty," Jordan murmured. His arms tightened around her as her sobs increased and he only let go when Billy and Shella walked over to them. "How is he?" Jordan asked, praying for Netalia's sake that Dex was going to be alright. "He's doing a lot better than we expected. In fact, he's already asking to see his grand daughter," Billy answered. Netalia started to laugh and couldn't stop until her laughter became chest heaving sobs. She cried until she fell asleep, her head leaned on Jordan's shoulder. He gently eased Netalia's head to the pillow and followed Shella out of the room, Leslie following close behind. ~~~~~~~~~~~ "What happened to her Jor?" Leslie wanted to know. "It's a long story," Jordan warned. "If you want me to be able to get along with her after what she's done to you, I need to know," Leslie told him. "I guess the story starts, at least the part that you need to know about, when Lia was ten. Shella had put Netalia up for adoption at birth, and Dex didn't even know she existed until he came home for a friend's wedding; a mutual friend of Shella's and Dex's." Leslie's eyes widened and when Jordan paused to take a sip of coffee, she asked, "Who was Sebastian?" "Her son," Jordan answered. "Her what?" "Her son. Netalia married Cory, with her father's blessing and permission the day she turned eighteen. She got pregnant not long after the ceremony and during her pregnancy, Cory started getting very possessive. She ran into an old friend, someone she had wanted to date for a while, and had it not been for the fact that Netalia moved to Tria when she was twelve, she would have dated him, probably even married him. Anyway, Cory got a little rough, tried having very forceful sex, at least, that's what Netalia's said. She moved in with her parents for awhile, and after a while, she forgave Cory and moved back home. After Sebastian was born, Netalia decided she wanted to pursue a degree in culinary arts. Cory protested but she took Sebastian and went anyway. At first, things were okay between them, but Cory had her followed and bugged the apartment. He showed up for a surprise visit one day while we were testing recipes at her apartment. He got the wrong idea and hurt her. She came to me, and that's how we got together. God, Les, you should have met Sebastian, he was the sweetest, most intelligent I ever met, and given the fact that he was only about sixteen months old when I met him, that's saying a lot," Jordan said. "What happened to Sebastian?" Leslie asked. "Cory found out about Jordan and I; told me if I didn't stop fucking Jordan and come home, he'd kill Jordan. My father and Cory's brother Devon flew to New York with Sebastian; he'd been staying at Cory's; they helped us run. Cory's private investigator was good though, and after awhile, he found us. Jordan got up to take care of Sebastian who had had a bad dream and Cory burst into the room. Jordan tried to send Sebastian into the other bedroom, to me, but for some reason, Sebastian turned back and headed back towards Jordan at the last minute. Cory didn't see Sebastian walk back towards Jordan until after he had pulled the trigger," Netalia said from the doorway. Jordan turned, a look of concern on his face. "Larissa had a wet diaper, but went right back to sleep after I changed her," she added. "Lia, you know I tried to save Sebastian. I tried to shield him with my body," Jordan murmured. "I know you did, and despite all I've done, I love you more for it," Netalia told him. "I'm so sorry that I couldn't save him," Jordan whispered, pulling Netalia in for a hug. Leslie didn't know what to say; the young woman standing in Jordan's embrace seemed broken and traumatized; it was no wonder she had bolted after giving birth to Larissa. She'd been enough in the last year to scare the most hardcore prostitute into abstinence. Everyone looked up as Shella walked into the room. "Mom?" Netalia asked, almost afraid to hear the answer. "Your dad's awake and talking. He's asking for a multitude of foods that Billy's saying he can no longer eat," Shella announced. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ "Daddy?" Netalia asked softly, walking into her father's hospital room. "Hey kiddo," Dex said with a grin. "I hope you smuggled me in some cheesecake," he added. "Sorry dad but no. Mom all but did a cavity search. I think she would have too if Jordan hadn't volunteered to perform one later," Netalia said with a grin. Dex groaned, laughed and covered his eyes with his hand. "I don't want to think about you and sex in the same sentence," he growled. Netalia laughed. "I'm way past old enough dad, I've had two children," she reminded him. Dex sighed as he saw tears spring to his daughter's eyes at the thought of her lost son. "Netalia, you aren't to blame for any of this," Dex told her firmly. "Sure I am. I've stressed you out so much over the last year," Netalia murmured. "Netalia, I've been under stress since the day your grandfather was killed. You scared me more than stressed me out. I was so worried for you," Dex told his daughter. "I don't know what I would have done if you hadn't made it. I couldn't breathe when Darius told me," Netalia admitted. "But, I'm seeing a therapist. I'm done letting my problems get the best of me," she added. "I love you too kid and I'm proud of you," Dex said. He could see Jordan in the doorway, holding a squirmy Larissa. "Go, be with your daughter," he added. Netalia smiled and gave her dad a tight hug. "Call me if you need me," Netalia murmured. "I will," Dex promised. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ "Netalia, dinner's ready," Jordan murmured, stepping into the bathroom. "Where's Larissa?" Netalia asked as she stepped out of the shower. "With my parents. Mom was thrilled to finally get to hold her granddaughter," Jordan answered. Netalia grinned. "I love you Lia," he murmured, pulling her close. "I love you too," Netalia replied, moaning when he lowered his lips to hers. She closed her eyes, loving the feel of his hardness pressed against her. "Make love to me Jordan, please," Netalia whispered. Jordan pulled away slightly. "Are you sure? Absolutely sure?" Jordan asked cautiously. "I'm positive. I want you Jordan, I need you inside me," Netalia whispered. Jordan groaned, swept her into his arms and carried her into the bedroom. "I'm not going to be very gentle. I've been waiting six months for this," he warned. "I'll take it anyway you want to dish it out," Netalia told him. Jordan groaned again and pulled his jeans and boxers off quickly before thrusting into her. Netalia moaned as her hips raised to meet his. She met him thrust for thrust, their mouths devoured every inch of naked skin. Netalia cried out and arched her back as Jordan closed his mouth around a nipple. "Jordan!" she gasped, feeling the tension build within her. "You're beautiful," Jordan breathed. He worked her harder, faster, bringing her to the edge of a cliff. They fell together, crying out and moaning loudly. They fell asleep together, in each others arms. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ "Mommy!" Sebastian exclaimed. Netalia looked around, surprised to find her son standing in front of her. "Hi buddy. I'm so sorry that I hurt you," Netalia murmured. "You didn't hurt me mommy. I love you mommy. Be happy for me," Sebastian said. His image began to wane and tears filled Netalia's eyes. "I love you baby," she whispered. "Is everything okay?" Jordan asked, propping himself up on one elbow to study Netalia's face. "Everything's great. I love you Jordan," Netalia answered. "I love you too," Jordan said with a soft smile. He reached into the night stand and pulled out a small box. He opened the box nervously, his heart beating so loudly he was sure she could hear is as if it were in her hands. "I want to marry you Lia, please say yes," Jordan pleaded. Netalia grinned as she saw Cory and Sebastian standing in her mind, each giving her a thumbs up. "How soon can you get the minister here?" Netalia asked. Jordan grinned in relief and kissed her, his tongue slipping into her mouth to mingle with hers. "I love you," he murmured again as he slipped the diamond ring onto her finger. "I love you too," Netalia whispered, her eyes filling with tears. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ "Luis, we're going on a trip!" Nancy called. -6 months later- "Are you alright?" Ashley asked Netalia. "I'm nervous as hell!" Netalia said, taking a deep breath. She turned to look at one of her mother's oldest friends and grinned. "When are you and Billy going to stop dancing around each other?" Netalia wanted to know. "We aren't. We've tried dating, it doesn't work," Ashley murmured. Netalia gave a sympathetic smile and turned when her parents walked into the room. "You look beautiful," Dex said with a smile. "Thanks daddy," Netalia said softly. "Are you ready?" Shella asked. "Just about," Netalia replied. "She just needs something old," Ashley told her friends. Shella and Dex glanced at each other and Dex grinned. "This was your grandmother's," Dex said, handing Netalia a small box. Netalia opened it and her eyes widened when she saw the earrings. "They're beautiful," Netalia breathed. She swapped them for the earrings she was already wearing and hugged her parents tightly. "Let's not keep Jordan waiting," Dex told his daughter. Dex walked Netalia down the aisle and gave Jordan a smile when he met them and reached for her hand. Dex and Shella watched through tear filled eyes as Netalia exchanged vows with Jordan. Love and Mistakes Ch. 12-13 "Mom, Dad, this is Nancy and Luis, they own the diner that I worked at," Netalia introduced. "Thank you for taking care of my daughter," Dex said. "Netalia is a beautiful young woman, I'm glad to see she's finally happy," Nancy told him. "It's good to see her smile again," Shella murmured after the reception that night. Dex nodded. "I never thought I'd see Netalia happy again," Dex agreed. The sound of a crying baby had them both turning around. "Hey beautiful," Dex crooned, lifting his grand-daughter out of her portable crib. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ "Jordan!" Netalia gasped, her hips lifting off the bed as his tongue filled her. "You're beautiful," Jordan mumbled, his lips still against her moist opening. He teased and licked her clit and replaced his tongue with his fingers. Netalia whimpered and squirmed. "Jordan please!" Netalia whimpered. He chuckled as he thrust deeply within her. Netalia moaned in pleasure as he thrust in and out slowly, driving her to a fever pitch. "Jordan," she whimpered, trying to thrust her hips up to meet his. Jordan chuckled again and pushed her hips back against the bed. "Just lay back and enjoy," Jordan murmured, kissing her. Netalia gasped as Jordan's lips lowered over a nipple and sucked on it gently while he thrust in her in long, fluid strokes. Netalia dug her nails into Jordan's back as he released her hips to wrap his arms around his wife's body, pulling her closer. Netalia met him thrust for thrust, loving the feel of him deep within her. "I love you so much," Jordan moaned, "Jordan!" Netalia gasped. She could feel her orgasm building. Jordan began thrusting faster, the tip of his cock stroked her g-spot and they came together with loud moans. "Jordan," she whispered as he turned them so that they were laying on their sides. He was still hard within her and she squirmed against him. "Good God woman, are you trying to kill me?" Jordan groaned. "No," Netalia whispered with a giggle. Her giggle turned into a moan as Jordan began thrusting into her again. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ "Happy anniversary," Jordan said, sliding across the bed and kissing Netalia gently. "Morning," Netalia murmured with a smile. "Mommy, daddy!" Larissa exclaimed, running into the bedroom. At five, she was a handful with curly light brown hair and stunning green eyes. "Good morning princess," Jordan told his daughter, giving her a hug. "Let's make pancakes!" Larissa suggested. Netalia and Jordan looked at each other. "Sorry princess, I have plans for mommy today," Jordan said gently. Larissa pouted. "You'll be spending the day with aunt Stacey and uncle Carter and Calla," Jordan added. "Yay!" Larissa exclaimed. "Now go downstairs and we'll be right there," Netalia told her daughter. "What's your surprise?" Netalia asked. "This," Jordan answered, leading Netalia into an older building. "What is it?" Netalia asked. "Our restaurant," Jordan said with a grin. He flipped on the lights and Netalia gasped. The walls were painted a warm caramel color. The tables had a glass top with a peach table cloth. "It's something we've always talked about, and I figured now would be the perfect time. Larissa's in Kindergarten, which leaves you with hardly nothing to do during the day." Jordan stopped talking as he noticed the look on Netalia's face. "What's wrong?" Jordan asked. "Nothing," Netalia whispered. She wrapped her arms around his neck and held him close. "But I have a surprise for you too," she added. "What?" Jordan asked. "I'm not going to have as much free time as you thought I'd have," Netalia began. "What do you mean?" Jordan asked. "I'm pregnant," Netalia told him, her heart pounding, her whole body a bundle of nerves. She squealed when Jordan picked her up and spun her around before kissing her passionately. "How far along are you? Is everything okay? Are you feeling alright?" Jordan asked anxiously. "Believe it or not, almost four months. I'm fine, the baby's healthy," Netalia answered. "Almost four months? How did you not know until recently?" Jordan asked. "I don't know. The doctor said things like that can happen if there's enough stress," Netalia answered. Jordan nodded, and sighed, remembering the major blowout that they had every time they saw his parents. His father thought Netalia was a tramp and his mother thought she wasn't good enough for her son. They hated it that Netalia had been married and divorced and above all else, they hated that she had nearly gotten Jordan killed. Despite this, both Jordan and Netalia knew that his parents adored Larissa and had no doubts that she was Jordan's child. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ "Jordan, where are we going?" his mother wanted to know. "It's a surprise, trust me, you'll like it," Jordan told his mother. "Trust the boy Bethany, you've raised a good son," his father said. "Like you didn't have a hand in that Russell," Bethany snapped. Jordan rolled his eyes. "Why are we at this dive?" Bethany asked. "It's my restaurant," Jordan said. "What?" Russell asked in surprise. "I haven't had a chance to get the outside fixed up because I've been focusing on the dining room," Jordan told them, opening the door. "This is Melissa, she's an old friend of Netalia's. She's going to act as a waitress tonight," he added. "And where is your wife?" Russell inquired. "She'll be here, she had an appointment," Jordan told them. "How do you know what to order?" Bethany asked as Melissa walked away. "Because I know my wife and I know what she likes," Jordan answered with a roll of his eyes. "Where is Larissa?" Bethany wanted to know. "She's at a sleep over," Jordan said. He looked up when Netalia joined them giving Jordan a wink. "Here's your meal," Melissa announced, setting plates of food down in front of them. "This is absolutely amazing," Russell said. "It is very good. Whoever your chef is, give him a raise," Bethany agreed. "You're looking at my chef," Jordan told his mother. "What?" Bethany asked. "Netalia's the chef," Jordan said. "Really? Where did you learn to cook like this young lady?" Russell asked. "My mothers taught me," Netalia murmured. "You mean Shella?" "I mean my adoptive mother and my birth mother," Netalia said. Bethany nodded, she had forgotten that Shella had put Netalia up for adoption when she had been born. "So when is this place going to open?" Russell wanted to know. "Next week. Netalia's uncle Jason is going to come up with some of Shella's friends from high school to help finish the outside," Jordan answered. He glanced at Netalia. "Are you alright?" he asked. "I'm fine, just a little warm," Netalia murmured. "A lot better than I'm going to be in four and a half months," she grumbled. Jordan laughed. "What do you mean?" Bethany asked. "We're having another baby," Jordan told his parents excitedly. His parents did not look pleased at the news, in fact, they had seemed more excited about the new restaurant. Netalia sighed and picked at her chicken. "I want the two of you to listen to me, and listen good," Jordan began. His parents looked at him in surprise; never in his twenty-eight years had he ever taken anything other than a respectful tone when speaking with them. "I love Netalia, and she is my wife. No matter what you think or how you feel about Netalia, that is how it is. I want to make this pregnancy as stress free as possible; especially with what happened when Netalia was pregnant with Larissa," Jordan snapped. "If you can't accept Netalia, or give her a chance, then this is the last time you will see us, let alone speak to us until after the baby comes," he added. "What do you mean after what happened when Netalia was pregnant with Larissa?" Bethany wanted to know. "Netalia nearly died," Jordan said. They finished their meals in silence. "So, what is your decision?" Jordan asked his parents. "We'll play nice," Russell said firmly, giving his wife a look that dared her to disagree. CHAPTER THIRTEEN "Are you nervous?" Jordan asked as they waited for the first customers to walk in. "About cooking for a crowd or being pregnant?" Netalia asked. "The first one," Jordan said. "Nope. The experience in Nancy's diner has helped with that. I'm more nervous about being pregnant again," Netalia admitted. "Why?" Jordan asked. "After the complications I had with Larissa ..." Jordan hugged her close and kissed her lovingly. "You and our baby are going to be just fine," Jordan promised. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ "That was unbelievable," Jordan said with a groan when they finally returned home that night. Netalia nodded and winced as she slipped her feet out of her shoes. "Here, let me," Jordan murmured, sitting down on the floor in front of the chair that Netalia had sat down in. She moaned as he began massaging her feet. Jordan grinned and worked his way up her legs and kissed her gently, his hands were under her skirt, his fingers slipped in and out of her moist heat teasingly. "Jordan!" she whimpered. Jordan chuckled. "I have to have you now, if I hurt you, tell me," he groaned. He pulled his jeans and boxers down over his legs as she slipped her soaked panties down. Netalia cried out loudly as Jordan sank into her. "God, you're so damn tight," Jordan moaned. He moved slowly within her, the friction drove them both crazy. "Faster," Netalia whimpered. "I don't want to hurt you," Jordan groaned. "Faster, now, please!" Netalia pleaded. Jordan obliged happily, thrusting in and out of her, speeding up with each thrust. She screamed as pleasure over took her, her body shaking as Jordan gave one final thrust before spewing his seed deep within her. Netalia moaned softly as Jordan pulled out of her slowly. "I love you," Jordan whispered before scooping Netalia into his arms and carrying her up the stairs and into their room. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ "Dex, I just heard from Jordan. Netalia had the baby," Shella said, walking into her husband's study. Dex looked up. "Boy or a girl?" he wanted to know. "A boy," Shella answered with a small. Dex grinned and hugged his wife. "What are you working on?" she wanted to know. "Naming Paul has my successor," Dex answered. "Even if he isn't biologically yours?" Shella asked in surprise. Dex smiled. "He's our son Shel, no matter who fathered him," Dex told her. Shella smiled and hugged him. "I love you," Shella murmured. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ "How are you feeling?" Jordan asked, sitting down on the edge of the hospital bed. "Like I just popped out a ten pound weight," Netalia joked. Jordan laughed. "Close, he was nine and a half pounds," Jordan said. Netalia smiled and yawned. "What should we call him?" Jordan wanted to know. "I don't know, I haven't really thought about it," she admitted. "What was your adoptive father's name?" Jordan asked. "Joshua," Netalia answered. "How about Joshua Bastian?" Jordan suggested. Netalia smiled, tears coming to her eyes. "I love it," she whispered. Jordan kissed Netalia gently and lifted his son out of his mother's arms and held him close. "Welcome to the world Joshua Bastian St. James. Your big brother will watch out for you, always," Jordan crooned in the baby's ear. Netalia smiled as she watched her husband introduce Larissa to her baby brother. It was their first night home from the hospital, and Larissa was so curious about the new arrival. "Hey," Jordan said, after he had put Larissa to bed. He stepped out on the balcony and wrapped his arms around her. "Hi," she murmured. "How are you feeling?" Jordan asked. "I feel great. We have two beautiful children and I love you," Netalia answered. "What are you looking at?" Jordan asked. Netalia pointed out a star. "It seems so much brighter than the rest," Netalia murmured. As they watched, the star brightened, dimmed and brightened again, almost as if it were winking at them before it went out completely. As the light of the star faded, Netalia felt an overwhelming sense of peace. "Good bye Sebastian, I'll love you always," Netalia whispered. Jordan hugged her close before following Netalia into the house. Life could only get better and he couldn't wait to experience all life had to offer with his beautiful wife and wonderful children. This is the end of Love and Mistakes. I hope you enjoyed the series. Thank you for your comments and concerns and suggestions. And for those of you who tell me to stop having all of my characters get pregnant, one of the next stories that is brewing, will be different than my normal stories. :) Ashira