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“We both know that Zayn is too smart for his own good,” Emil chuckles as my eyes narrow on the screen. There’s a blind spot where I can’t see my son on the cameras, and I need to get Theo to fix that. I also may need to add some floodlights.

The street light situation has always left something to be desired here.

“He has an overactive imagination that is well fed,” I allow, pushing away my phone. “I’m not surprised Ciaran followed him when he heard something. I get the impression that he’s the kind of guy who would chase anyone he saw lurking around the house. The man also plays dirty, and will find a way to get Zayn to trust him.

“I’m starting to wonder if Zayn can feel some of the history we have. He steps in front of me when we go to skating lessons, and I didn’t think about it because he’s naturally protective.”

“Good boy,” Emil says approvingly.

Of course he’s for it. “Alastair is his father,” I sigh. “The three of them want a relationship with Zayn. What they did to me affected my entire family, Emil. I don’t want it to become some kind of curse that follows my son as well.”

“I would say you’re being theatrical, yet I can’t. Generational curses have a way of burrowing down until they can’t be dug out,” Emil grumbles. “Your parents and I have reacted harsher than we might have if we hadn’t almost lost Rachelle. The games of stupid boys aren’t always simple games. I might not like the hockey jocks, but I’ll allow them to prove themselves. You look very… flushed today, Noor.”

My eyes widen and I shake my head, wishing I had thought to bring my water bottle outside with me. I need something to hide behind.

“I was cleaning,” I shrug.

My grandfather cannot tell I was fucked against a bathroom wall last night. Nope.

“Did you require assistance in the bathroom at dinner last night?” he asks, smirking. Gah! “There’s a video camera in the hallway at the restaurant you were at. Theo was checking them periodically, but went back after I got my message from Zayn.”

“Oh my god!” I yell, my cheeks flaming as he finishes his coffee.

“I’m starting to wonder if the four of you haven’t always been inevitable,” Emil says, sobering. “Circling each other in an orbit without knowledge of the other for years… They’ve really been buying your art?”

“Apparently they’re obsessed with it,” I sigh. “I never know who buys them since they’re on consignment. I simply get the check once the transaction is complete. Ciaran stares at my paintings like a man who is drowning, and the only cure is⁠—”

“You.” Emil places the cup down on the table with a light click. “I would say I’m not sure how healthy that is, but who the fuck am I kidding? They’re single minded in their desire to be with you again. Ciaran almost killed himself to make that happen.”

“How do you know about that?” I ask softly.

“I had the hospital reports pulled, even though they kept it quiet. He had to have his stomach pumped, mija. It takes some serious shit to decide you can’t live without someone when you have two other people you claim to love,” Emil mutters. “I can’t say I know everything about everyone, but it’s pretty damn close. We regularly track their whereabouts, and when Ciaran went to the hospital, Theo pulled the records.

“You know we’ve popped up in their lives to test and check on them, and they passed my last one with flying colors. To be fair, I wouldn’t have touched her used pussy either.”

“Ew,” I squeal. He told me about every encounter he’s had with the guys over the years the day after my birthday. I have to admit the strip club discussion turned my stomach.

“I also adore Julia,” he adds. “She knows there are days I need to do very questionable things to get my point across.”

That’s one way to put it.

“Yes…”

“Ciaran, would sacrifice himself for you,” Emil says finally. “I believe they all would, and they've grown into decent men. This once, I will put aside my prejudice to say that they deserve the chance you’re giving them. However they will not survive it if they fuck it up.”

“I know,” I say, feeling my heart mending. In a way, I need his approval to know I’m doing the right thing. It’s been lukewarm at best before this, and I’ve been worried about it. If my family doesn’t accept them, then our relationship has failed before it’s really started.

“Give them a little more leeway,” he groans, as if he’s annoyed with himself. “Zayn needs to understand what these men are to him before things get too far. Let them drop hints without fear that Jared will sue them into oblivion. He’s not going to do that as long as the contract works in your favor.”

I nod, beginning to breathe easier. “Anything else?” I ask.

“That’s all for now. What are you doing today?” he asks.

“Ahhh. I’m not sure. I finished my current projects. I don’t have anything pressing to do.”

“Good,” Emil says, nodding. “We’re going out then. The holidays are coming, and this house doesn’t reflect that yet, does it?”

I wrinkle my nose, because he’s right. I usually put out a few things for thanksgiving, but Christmas has become my holiday to decorate for. Zayn enjoys lights and all the fun decorations I put up while he’s at school.