Chapter 23

Theodore’s P.O.V

Can we take a minute to applaud just how unbelievably senseless I can be sometimes? Seriously though, why the hell am I like this?

To this date, I still have no bloody clue.

I had no idea what my intentions toward Maya were but I did know that she made the typical me break all of my typical rules. For instance, we kissed and it ended up being nothing but a kiss. Hell, if it had been any other woman, I would have taken it a step further but like I said earlier, Maya is just too precious for that. She reminds me of incorruptibility and I really shouldn’t let her get mixed up with a man who doesn’t have any sober intents towards her, on anyone else for that matter.

And yet the devil in me just couldn’t shake this feeling of want away.

What happened between us this morning was purely impulse. I had no idea she would show up in my bedroom, looking like the incarnation of sin itself. You see, she could literally wear sackcloth and I’d still find her attractive. It’s odd, but it is what it is. I did, however, enjoy ruffling her feathers and hearing her groan to my touch messed me up so badly I had to have another shower just to calm myself down…hence why I took so long to come downstairs.

Against my better judgement, I discretely hinted towards Meredith that there really wasn’t much she could do to stop me from being around Maya. I know she cares deeply about me and worries about my well being but I know for a fact that she has been giving Maya a gruelling time ever since she stepped foot in this house. It was a subtle way of telling her to back off, or else she would not be too fond of the repercussions.

“Here you go,” Maya mumbled and slid the plate with a small stack of pancakes, practically drenched in syrup, chocolate chips, eggs and some bacon. I looked at her angelic face. She was trying so desperately not to make eye contact and it brought a smile to my lips. Seems like someone hasn’t fully recovered from our little encounter this morning…

She stepped back from my side and looked at me expectantly. Just for the hell of it, I took my time to slice up a piece before popping it in my mouth.

And then my tastebuds exploded.

Damn, how can milk mixed with flour taste this good? I always found it rather absurd that Americans just wouldn’t stop raving about these circular eatables but now I know what the fuss is all about. But I had a slight inkling that she had put extra effort into making these extra scrumptious for more because she wanted to please me. The mere thought of it made my heart thud uncomfortably. Nobody in quite a while had tried to impress me, and to say I’m flattered is an understatement.

Aiden regarded me with guarded eyes. “Well dad, what do you think? Are they the best things you’ve ever tasted or what?” he asked eagerly and I took in another forkful. It was like heaven was dancing in my mouth. I don’t think I’d ever tasted anything this good…other than Maya. Bloody hell, what a perverted perception!

Brianna smirked at Maya. “See, he’s so captivated he can’t even speak!” she laughed and Maya smiled before tucking a loose tendril behind her ear.

“I’m glad,” she said sweetly before going into the kitchen. After today, I am never eating toast ever again.

My mother walked into the room a couple of minutes later and did a double take when she saw me. “Theodore Clifford Duke! Where have you been?” she fired rapidly, eyes flaming and lips quirked downward in contempt. Great, my little joyous moment has been perpetually ruined.

I groaned out loud. “Mother, must you use my middle name?” I whined, triggering the kids to snigger at my plight. I shot them a dirty look, which made them shut up altogether.

She walked up to me and did the unthinkable. She threw her arms around me, and at first, I thought it was to strangle me but her grip remained relatively loose. It was a hug, and very out of character for my mother. “Never disappear on us like that, you hear me? I was worried sick for you. You didn’t even call or message me? Do you want my poor, failing heart to stop?” she sobbed and I immediately felt guilty. Okay, maybe ghosting her wasn’t such a good idea. I never want so see my mum cry or hurt because of my never-ending stupidity.

“I’m honestly very sorry, mum. I promise that I won’t do it again,” I vowed and returned the hug, only for her to basically shove me away and slap the back of my head. My face almost hit the table.

“Are you bloody kidding me?” I yelled with a glare and she pointed her finger at me.

“That, will teach you a lesson. I don’t care how old you are, you will always be eligible for disciplinary correction. Isn’t that right, my babies?” She asked Brianna and Aiden. The little miscreants acquiesced, making me grind my teeth.

I pushed my chair back and readjusted my jacket. “Go get ready, we’re leaving soon,” I instructed the twins and they shot out of their chairs in merriment toward the kitchen to get Maya, I guess.

My mother proceeded to take a seat at the table. “And where is it that you’re going? Shouldn’t you be at work?” she prodded, totally overlooking the fact that she’d just humiliated me in front of my offspring for the umpteenth time.

“Out,” I retorted nonchalantly and she smiled affectionately at me.

She drummed her fingers on the table just as Meredith walked in with her food. “I hope you, Maya and the kids have fun.” Meredith’s face pivoted so hard at those words that I was afraid that she would get whiplash.

“Oh, so you’re playing one happy family now? How wonderful,” she remarked through a wintry smile before practically storming off. I shook my head at her upsetting behaviour before making my way to the garage. I hadn’t made it too far when I spotted Leslie washing the cars, along with my other driver Oliver.

Both of them stood at attention as I approached them. “Leslie,” I said his name and his Adam’s apple wobbled as he gulped audibly. I still hadn’t forgotten about him kissing Maya’s cheek and the other fact that he’d gone out with her. That is unpardonable and he must be punished accordingly.

“Yes sir?” he worded hesitantly. Ah, so he was aware of his faults huh? That made it all the more fun.

I smiled menacingly at him. “From now onwards, you and Oliver will be swapping duties. You’ll be my personal chauffer and Oliver will be the family chauffer. Am I clear?” I commanded maliciously, and they both nodded their heads. I saw the look of fear and hate flash in Leslie’s eyes but I didn’t care. This is my property and I can do whatever the hell I please.

“Daddy! Are you ready to go?” Brianna hollered from behind me and I swivelled around to see her waddle her small feet over to me, whilst Maya was crouched down beside Aiden, helping him to fasten his shoelaces securely. I’d never seen Aiden quite open up to any female who was his mother…not even Meredith. But he seemed to getting along with her quite well. And that was so very peculiar to me.

You know what they say, children are the best judges of character.

I looked down at Brianna before lifting her in my arms. “Sure, darling. I know we’re going to have loads of fun,” I cooed at her, making her giggle. When I flickered my eyes over to Maya, she was having a subtle eye conversation with Leslie, who was smirking and winked at her. She rolled her eyes before her gaze met mine and the playful looked wiped off her face instantaneously.

This made my irritation spike. I mean seriously, could they not blatantly flirt when I was around? What the hell am I saying? They are not supposed to do it even when I’m around! Yet again, I could just fire him right here, right now but that would only make me seem like I cared about whatever was happening between the both of them. That’s because you do, dammit! My inner voice, albeit being occasionally a nag, was indeed right this time around. Nobody, and I mean nobody, was allowed to express any romantic emotions towards Maya. Ever. It’s an unreasonable notion but all reason at this point had flown past my head the moment I laid eyes on her, and if I’m being honest, I doubt I’d be able to shake these feelings away.

“Leslie, get one of the SUVs out. You’re coming with us.”

Today was intended for amusement, and amusing it shall be.

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Hi guys. Hope you are well. I had a great weekend, how about you? Super happy that this is my last week at school as I write my last exam for the semester on Wednesday.

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Next update: Friday 9 December

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Deetronite ️❤️❤️❤️