Bound by Fire: Burning desire (#2)

Ace p.o.v.

Not knowing what to do I decided to go to the only person that has always been there for me, no matter what. Hoping that she can help. So Daleyza, Aiden and I were on a plane to South Africa. Daleyza was still paranoid and didn’t let Aiden out of her sight.

“Are you going to tell me where we are going?” she whispered once Aiden was asleep.

“You’ll see.”

I saw an eye roll in response and let it go because it wasn’t the time to provoke her. I fell asleep behind my laptop. These last weeks I’ve let all the legal businesses loose a bit. It was time to take the reins again. I felt someone shake my shoulder and I grabbed the hand in reflex.

“What the hell Ace?” I heard Daleyza curse beside me. Looking up I noticed she was the one whose hand I held in a death grip. I let it go and she massaged her hand. “Dinner is being served.” She mumbled and went back to her seat. I took a deep breath to compose myself. During dinner Daleyza kept shooting daggers at me. Every time I looked up she averted her gaze, but I didn’t miss the hint of anger in them.

After an 18 hour flight we finally reached our destination. Aiden was asleep so I carried him in my arms as Daleyza followed me staring at her surroundings. I could see it in her eyes she had a lot of questions, but she didn’t ask any.

The carried was uneventful and before we knew it we pulled up to a two story house with a large lawn. Aiden had already woken up and looked around with excitement. I was about to knock when the door opened revealing my mother. She smiled brightly seeing me.

“Hi mama.”

“Is that how you greet your mama? Come here give me a hug.” She didn’t even finish her sentence as she pulled me in a hug. I placed a kiss on her cheek and turned to introduce her to Daleyza and Aiden.

“Mama this is my wife Daleyza and my son Aiden. And this is my mother, Ida Tarasovna.”

“You’re married??” mom pulled my ear. When she finally let go she gave Daleyza a hug and picked Aiden up. Aiden was already comfortable around her. “Come in, dears.”

We went into the living room and sat down. Daleyza kept staring at my mother with a weird expression on her face. Maybe she’s not used to people being so over friendly. My mother is the sweetest person I know. Around her I’m just her son. I honestly don’t know how a sweet woman like her got entangled with my father.

“Have I been away from you for so long that you forget to invite me to your wedding?” She chastised me.

“There was no ceremony.” I shrugged.

“You could’ve at least told me I have a grandson.” She turned to Aiden. “Do you like cookies Aiden?” he nodded and they walked away. Probably to get Aiden cookies.

“Are you okay?” I finally asked Daleyza.

“Are you going to explain why we’re here?”

“I thought my mother could help you.” I sighed.

“Help? You think I need help. I’m fine Ace.” She snapped.

“Daleyza …” before I could say anything else Aiden rushed in followed by my mother.

“Mama look grandmama gave me chocolate cookies.” He exclaimed happily. Daleyza smiled and nodded her head.

“Owh you must be tired. I’ll show you to your room so you can rest.” Mom led us upstairs and showed us the two guest bedrooms. She always had a room ready for me. The one next to my bedroom was for Aiden. The rooms weren’t so big so she thought it would be too crowded if the three of us stayed in one room.

“I don’t think it’s a good idea for Aiden to sleep alone. I’m going to sleep with him.” Daleyza started pacing through the room as soon as mom left.

“I don’t think it’s a good idea.” I shook my head trying to reason with her but she wasn’t willing to understand.

“Ace…”

“Daleyza… You have nightmares… You scream in your sleep, you trash and push everything around you away. Do you really want Aiden to be around when that happens?” she became completely still hearing that. Letting out an exasperated breath she sat on the bed holding her head in her hands.

I didn’t know what to say to her. She had a tortured look on her face and I didn’t have anything to say to her that would make her feel better. I shook my head. Why do these types of thoughts keep popping up in my mind?

My phone started vibrating and I welcomed the distraction. Answering the call I walked out of the room. I was about to enter my room after finishing my call with Vik, when I felt a hand on my arm. Turning around I came face to face with my mother. Her concerned gaze didn’t go unnoticed.

“Are you okay, son?” The strained smile on my face was answer enough for her. She enveloped me in a warm hug. “You want to talk about it?”

She didn’t wait for me to answer and pulled me towards the balcony. No matter how cold hearted I turn for the world my mother had always been my weak spot.

“You know you’ve been away too long when I just find out about your marriage and 5 year old son.”

“Actually he's almostseven years. So much has happened.” I sighed. She looked at me waiting to explain. So I told her about Daleyza being away when she was pregnant. What happened when she came back. “I tried really hard to protect them.” I sigh.

“I know, sweetie. I can see that.”

“I don’t know what to do anymore. She seems so different since she woke up…”

“That’s probably because she doesn’t know how to deal with this properly.”

“She isn’t new to this lifestyle. She grew up in a mafia family herself.”

“Growing up in one and seeing your child growing up in one are two different things.” She probably saw the confusion on my face because she spoke up without me having to say anything. “A mother feels things differently.” She places one hand on my shoulder. Pressing it down lightly. “It’s getting late. You should go to bed.” Placing a gentle kiss on my cheek she walked inside leaving me alone with my thoughts.