Finding Nymphaea's Haven

Chapter Three: Fire Begins

POV

Nymphaea(Delilah)

I can't remember the last time I slept through the night. It felt refreshing, feeling rested. I was able to do some yoga, make breakfast, get the kids up and ready, and myself ready. Along with having everything ready tonight for Mr. Anderson. I still felt this rush of energy in me. I was actually looking forward to what the day had in store.

After I dropped the kids off at Nia's apartment, I headed to the office to file some paperwork that needed to be done before Monday. It was a crazy week for the lawyers at the firm. With a new boss taking over that hasn't been in the office and the cases that have been brought to us since we've been under new management. Everything has been crazy. I wish I didn't have to be in here on a Saturday morning. Especially before my shift at the bar. But this job has been a blessing for my family. I can't afford to lose it. I've worked so hard to keep my position. These ladies up here are more experienced in this stuff than I am. But that doesn't stop me from learning and trying.

Once I was completely done, it was close to one. I had an hour before my shift. I went to the bathroom before I left the office. I went to a taco food truck that was down the street. I ordered the Carne asada tacos and a cup of elote. I was driving to the bar after I got my food.

I got there in time to eat before I clocked in. I'm sitting at the bar eating my food and sketching. I decided to sketch my next tattoo. So far, I have six of them. This one was a portrait sketch of a lioness with two cubs in front of her. There are vines with sunflowers. I wanted to do this one to remind myself that the twins will always be who I put first before anything or anyone.

"That's beautiful!" Daisy said, standing in front of me. Staring down at the sketch. I smiled at her.

"Thank you. I think I'm going to get it on my birthday. I have been saving up just to get this done. I think I'm gonna get it on my left shoulder." My birthday is on the eighteenth of July. I definitely wanted to do this sometime next week before that day. Since the carnival and rodeo is on my birthday.

"Oh my God, yes! Tattoo birthday bash is just what you need. Hell, I need one." She laughed.

"Well, let's make a girl's day out of it! I'll tell Nia. You know she'll be up for it. " I smiled at her. It's been a while since we all had a day together. I actually miss spending time with the girls. I used to be a wallflower type of person. But being here has kind of felt like home.

"Yes! And we can all get a matching tats!" She starts to squeal and jump up and down in place. I laughed at her enthusiasm. She really knew how to make things more positive.

Work went by pretty quickly today. Customers are coming and going. Making plenty in tips to use for tonight. Even making a little extra to put towards the matching tattoo. We all decided to do a halloween pinup character all three next to each other. Daisy chose sexy bride of Frankenstein. Nia went with sexy devil lady. I went with sexy witch. We all love Halloween, and I actually met Daisy at Nia's halloween party.

When it was a little after six, Daisy and I clocked out. Mr. Anderson was going to come by the house at eight so we could head out. He had to make sure everything would be fine. He left one of the guys there in charge. He would have been my choice as well. He's proven he can be ready for this challenge.

Daisy rode with me to my house. I had called Nia earlier to let her know to meet us there around this time. We jammed to music the whole way there. This time playing Drake, Khelani, The Weeknd, Halsey, and more like that. We were having a good time.

When we were halfway there, I heard my phone chirp. I knew it was a text, and I didn't want to look while driving.

"Hey, can you check that, please?" I asked Daisy, staying focused on the road while listening to her.

It was quiet for a second until she busted out laughing. Making me want to jump out of my skin. She scared the s**t out of me.

"It's Mr. Mystery Man." She said in a teasing tone. She started laughing again and hard this time. "I knew you were digging him!" She said with triumph in her tone.

"It's not even like that. I've only texted him twice, actually. Besides, you and Nia had me thinking maybe I could dip a toe in the water." I'm not even sure why I needed to explain it to her. Maybe she was just teasing. It was still kind of annoying, but I brushed it off quickly.

"Oh girl! He's got it bad for you!" She laughed again. Letting out tears this time.

"Please don't pee in my car." I said, shaking my head. "What makes you think that?"

"Well when a man says 'I don't think you can handle how f****d my surprises are', he's holding back cause he doesn't want to be desperate or pushy. Especially if it's a mysterious man like him." She said while investigating my reaction to his text.

"Although his f****d surprises might blow your brains out." She says as she begins to bellow laughing again. Making me side eye her for a split second before focusing back on driving.

What did he mean by f****d surprises? Was he trying to scare me or warn me? Either way, it made me take a step back and be very cautious. I can't get involved in something that could put the twins at risk.

When we got to the house, I got the twins dinner ready and then got ready while they ate. Daisy and Nia had my radio on while they got ready as well in my room. Daisy was taking a shower while Nia was fixing her hair. I started on my makeup. I kept checking on the twins periodically. Making sure they were alright. They started watching a movie after they were done eating.

We were dressed and ready thirty minutes before Mr. Anderson was supposed to be here. We spent the time watching the movie with the twins. Chatting with them when they would ask something.

When Mr. Anderson showed up, I told him everything he needed to know. He pretty much knew where everything was since he's watched them here before. The twins immediately jumped in his arms. Hauling him over to the kitchen demanding for popcorn in a sweet way. We yelled bye at them as we walked out.

We drove to the destination that was given to Daisy. It was her boyfriend and his friends that was throwing this shindig. We arrived at a cabin that was about thirty minutes outside of town.

It was a beautiful scenery. The modern yet old-fashioned look to the cabin made it feel cozy. Surrounded by trees and such greenery. The edge of the lake downhill from the cabin was beautiful underneath the moonlight and the glow of the fire they had going down there.

"This is beautiful!" I said as we parked and got out. We started walking towards where everyone was by the lake.

"I love being out here. Justin's family owns this place. It's their vacation house." Daisy said as we walked. Turns out she's been here a couple of times with them. I guess things were getting serious between them if she's going on family vacays with his family.

We finally made our way to the bonfire. Listening to the music. Watching everyone dance to it. Some people were sitting chatting with others. There were even people swimming with just undergarments on.

It was a lively party. The kind of thing I don't usually do. But the girls and Mr. Anderson was right. I need to live a little and stop being so uptight.

We sat on some large wooden stumps that was circled around the fire. They has been sanded down and polished to sit on. Making their own seats to enjoy having a fire here. We talked with Justin and his friends. Drinking the beer that was supplied.

I noticed Nia started flirting with one of his friends. I couldn't remember his name. I only knew Marcus and Aris.

Marcus is Justin's friend from school. He was the same height and build as Justin. Both over six feet. He had short brown hair and hazel brown eyes. A pretty chill and nice guy. He's married with two kids. I've met his wife and she is absolutely stunning. She looked similar to Nia but with dirty blonde hair and blue eyes.

Aris is Justin's younger brother. He was completely different from Justin. You wouldn't have guessed they were related. He was the same height as the guys but with more muscles. He had black haggy hair and dark brown eyes. The looks of a model and the body of a fighter. The kind of guy the ladies wanted to be with. There was no denying he couldn't get a girl either. I've seen how he picks up random girls. They never last long with him. He always moves on to a new woman after a couple of weeks. But he still tries to sway me when he gets any chance.

I noticed he was staring me down. Drinking his beer. I had a feeling he was going to shoot his shot if I stayed any longer. Honestly, I'm not in the mood for his stunts and egotistical personality.

"I'm going to get something to drink." I told Daisy holding up my second empty bottle. She held a thumbs up while she was making out with Justin. I chuckled and walked over to the coolers. I looked in them to only find Mike's Hard Lemonade or Smirinoff Ice. I grabbed a Smirinoff and started drinking it. Looking around at what everyone was doing and the landscape of the place.

"Hello, Delilah." A familiar deep voice said behind me.

I turned around to find the voice belonging to Atticus. I was shocked to see him here, and my face was definitely expressing that. He kept looking me up and down. Making me feel anxious under his stare. But I didn't shy away this time. It must have been the alcohol that gave the burst of confidence.

I gave him a small, warm smile and stuck my free hand on my hip. Feeling my posture relax a little while he checked me out. He can keep doing it all night if he wants. I had no objections about it for tonight.

"Hi Atticus. It's funny to run into you here." I said, staring at him. Reading his face for a second before I started looking at his lips. They were full and soft under his beard and mustache. I looked back at him. He looked proud of watching me stare at him.

"Yeah, I know the people who own this place. Who are you here with?" He said as he grabbed a Mike's Hard Lemonade out of a cooler. I watched the way his body moved. His muscles constricting and flexing a little on their own. Making me feel wet between my legs. There's something about this man that makes me forget everything that has happened. Looking so graceful in a black t-shirt and blue jeans. Deep down, I'm glad I didn't refuse the outfit Nia chose for me.

"I came with my friends. Justin is dating Daisy. That's how we knew about the party." I told him before taking a drink. I felt my nerves start getting anxious again, and I didn't want to feel that. Not right now.

"You came alone, better for me." He said with an attractive smile. His eyes were full of lust and making it harder for me to keep my witts to myself.

I laughed and smiled. "I'm not surprised you would think that."

"Well, if you're not in a hurry back to your friends, I can show you a few surprises. Might just blow you away."

I looked at him for a few seconds. Thinking about what he said just now and the text from earlier. I still hadn't forgotten about it. I just knew I needed to be cautious still. But I also felt like, in a weird way, I could actually trust him.

I smiled and nodded my head. "Surprise me then."

We walked along the edge of the lake. I took my boots off in the grass. Letting my feet feel the wet sand from the waves coming up from the wind blowing. It was warm out. Making my buzz feel a little more heightened than earlier before he showed up. But breathing in his colonge was causing the buzz more than the alcohol. Leaving my mouth watering from it.

"So tell me about yourself, Delilah. I'm curious why a woman like you is in a small city like this." He said, looking ahead.

I shrugged, knowing he may not have seen but doubt it. He's been exploring my body with his eyes this whole time.

"There's not much to tell. My friend Nia moved here during our high school years. We lost touch for a year after that but got in contact and kept in contact since then. I needed a new start from where I was, and she helped me do that. I work at the bar and as an assistant for a law firm." I said to him. I paused for a second. He made a comment that caught my attention.

I stopped for a second until he stopped to look back at me a second later. "And what was that supposed to mean?" I said, raising an eyebrow at him.

He chuckled and shook his head lightly. Staring at me and biting his lower lip. Making my breath hitch for a moment.

"You just look like you would fit in with a big glamorous city. I still feel like I know you, though." He said to me. Walking towards me.

I looked down at my feet. Hiding my blushed face from him. I shook my head after he said that. "I'm certain we've never met before. I would have remembered you."

"Oh, is that so?" His tone was playfully then. "What makes you so certain you would have remembered me?"

When I looked up, he was only two feet away from me. Looking into my eyes intently. Holding my gaze with his. I could feel his warm breath lightly hit my face. Making my skin start to tingle everywhere.

"With a face like yours, it wouldn't be easy to forget." I said in a sultry way. Giving him the hint that he was attractive. I was hoping he would make a move.

He then closed the distance between us. Looking down at my lips. He bit his lower lip again. Surrounding me with his scent to breathe in.

"Your lips... They look astonishing. They're making it hard for me." He said in a deep, low voice. Making the hairs on the back up my neck stand up. I was definitely captivated by his lips, too.

"Hard for what?" I studied his face for a moment. Seeing the lust in his eyes grow bigger. Before he answered, he used his thumb to trace my lips softly. The same hand holding my chin up. I felt my knees grow weak. I'm thinking to myself to keep standing. To not let my knees cave in.

"To keep myself under control. I need to taste them and savor your taste." His face came closer to mine then. Just leaving a little bit of space between our lips. Taunting me to make the first move. But I won't give in that easily.

"Well, you're going to have to just use your imagination cause I don't make the first move." He bellowed out a laugh. It made me wonder what he was thinking now.

"Why use imagination when I can find out right now."

His lips came crashing into mine. Not giving me a chance to say anything or prepare myself. It was hard but tender. The wait was worth it, though. The sparks running through my body made me feel electric. Wanting this kiss to last all night.

I felt him pull me closer to him. As if I wasn't close enough already. But I didn't mind it. Knowing he was needing me closer made me even wetter in my underwear. He kept his hand on my lower back and the other on the back of my neck. Keeping my body captive under his touch. I wanted more and more from him. I needed it. I needed this intoxicated feeling to not go away.

"What the hell are you doing here!?" I heard someone yell. Footsteps are growing closer to us. He didn't let go until someone pulled him away. It was Aris. Which didn't surprise me it was him. But it did make me realize what his jealousy will make him do.

I looked between the two men. Staring each other down. Aris had his hands balled up into fists at his side. This was about to get ugly if they didn't break it up now.

Aris then looked at me. The hurt on his face made me feel a little guilty. Then again I did tell this man I just wanted to be friends. It's not like I lead him on or anything.

"Delilah, you can't trust him. He's bad news." He pleaded at me.

"What's wrong, cousin? Are you not glad to have me back?" Atticus said to Aris.

I shook my head. I'm trying to make sure what I heard was correct. He didn't say anything about being related to him and Justin. This man has secrets and clearly doesn't like to share them.

"Wait a second, you two are related?" I said, pointing at them both. All of a sudden, everything started to spin. I was unsure if it was from the news I had just discovered or from the alcohol. It all hit so fast, not giving me a chance to keep up.

"Delilah, come on, I'm taking you home." Aris demanded stepping towards me. He tried to grab my arm, but I pulled away quickly. I looked at him with a straight look on my face. Making the anger grow in me.

"If you try to grab me again, I will swing Aris. I'm not going anywhere. You're not bossing me around." I said coldy at him.

The look on his face was definitely building up with rage. I wasn't going to let him treat me like that. No one was ever going to treat me like that ever again. Over my dead body.

"You're drunk and making a big deal. And clearly, not making the right choice. You need to come with me." He barked at me this time. He started to move closer to me again. That was until Atticus stepped right in his way.

"She said she's not going with you, Ari. Let it go. She turned you down. You just can't quit though, can you?" The tone in Atticus's voice made me mesmerized of him. He wasn't lying about what he said. I've kindly turned down Aris more than once. It was getting annoying he kept doing it.

Aris stepped closer into Atticus's face. Wanting to hit him so badly. It was honestly making me worry cause they're both built to fight. I knew what I was about to do could be a really f*****g stupid move.

I stepped towards them. Pushing my way between them. I got between them with no trouble. The lifting and working out has paid off. I stretched my arms out. Looking at them both.

"That is enough. Aris, you walk away now. Or I will get Justin involved. I've had enough of your shit." My voice was firm but more threatening. I was ready for anything he tried.

I looked to my other side at Atticus. I gave him a softer look than I did Aris. I knew Atticus could take him, but I also knew he could get hurt pretty badly. I knew what I needed to say to convince him to drop it.

"It's not worth it. I just need you to come with me, please?" I looked into his eyes. Pleading him with mine. I didn't want this to spoil what was going on between us. I'm sure I'll probably regret what happens in the morning, but I wasn't worried about that. I wanted to stay in that moment for as long as possible.

He gave me a mischievous smile. The grin on his face tells me that he wanted to hear me say that. I didn't care though. I wanted him to take me and surprise my body like it's never been surprised before.

He walked towards me. Reaching his hand out for mine. I didn't pull away when he grabbed it gently but firm enough to be in control now. Once he had my hand he pulled me closer and walked away from Aris. Leaving him standing there watching us walk away. It wasn't going to bother me. He shouldn't have done that. No matter what he thinks of Atticus. It's my decision on what I do, not his.

"So, where to? Maybe your place?" He whispered into my ear. His breath lingering on my earlobe. Sending shivers down my spine.

I shook my head. "Not my place. I don't let just anyone in my home. It's something you have to earn." I grinned up at him.

His laugh sounded like a ferocious animal. Accepting the challenge for what it wanted. It made me even more drawn to him.

"I'm definitely up to that challenge. I don't mind waiting. I'm good at that." He said teasingly. His face looked serious though. I knew he meant it.

I pulled him down to meet my lips with his. He didn't refuse. Letting me keep him there for quite some time. Long enough to slip my tongue in his mouth. Tasting a sweet minty taste. Making my mouth water for more. Before I broke away I bit on bis bottom lip. Just tender enough while pulling away slowly. Watching his face while doing it. I noticed how he wanted to take over and ravage my body right here.

"We can go to mine then. If you want to tell your friends. I'll meet you in the front of the cabin." He said before he kissed me. Leaving me breathless.

I walked over where Nia and Daisy was standing by the coolers. Nia looked at me first and started whistling. I shook my head at her.

"Well, well, well! Looks like you found arm candy!" She said while giggling. I could tell she was drunk.

"Are you guys planning on going to your place still?" I asked her while noticing the guy she was making out with earlier staring at her from behind. I could tell she was going to lucky tonight.

"We are, but something tells me you have a proposition for me." She gave me a devilish grin.

"Would you guys be willing to crash at the house with the twins? They can stay too. I don't want to keep Mr. Anderson there all night."

"You know, I was really hoping you'd actually ask that. Daisy invited him and hoped you'd actually let loose." She said, wriggling her eyebrows at me. Of course, he knew I'd be here if these two took it upon themselves to tell him. Oh well, worth the setup.

"I'll be home before the twins wake up. I'll send you my location when I get there. Try not to have too much fun." I said and hugged her.

"And you have a lot of fun tonight." She whispers to me while hugging me back. I laughed at her statement. I told them bye and headed towards the cabin.

Once I got close enough, I saw Atticus leaning against the stair rails on the front porch. His hands in his pockets. His posture was relaxed. Making him look like he just came from the front of a magazine. Just when I got closer to him, he grabbed my hand and led the way to his car. Opening the door for me to get in.