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Getting Lost in Translation (Santiago ‘Pope’ Garcia x desi!reader)

Masterlist

Warnings: Violence, mentions of torture, mentions of PTSD, mentions of trafficking (drug and human), non-sexual nudity, swearing

Word Count: 5.4 k

Summary: You go undercover with Santiago Garcia to get information about a drug/human trafficking cartel. 

A/N: Take a shot every time I say “dupatta” and you’ll end up in the hospital (sorry). Also is it really a Santiago fan fic if you don't mention his gammy knees AHAHAHA <333

.・。.・゜✭・.・✫・゜・。.

Your POV

You’ve always enjoyed the quiet village life, with people who lived real lives, rather than the calculated and time managed life that you had to endure when growing up. You were grateful for your upbringing in a well-to-do household which allowed you to study and grow up in comfort. 

After five years of medical school and two years working as a doctor in a city hospital, you decided that it was time to give back to the community that needed help the most. One day, you quit your job and never turned back, cutting off all contact with your family, working as an English and Science teacher at a small village in Tamil Nadu, India. You used your knowledge of languages to help the folks of the village by acting as a translator with those who offer foreign aid. 

You woke up at the crack of dawn and went to bed when the moon was up high in the sky. It was tough but you loved every second of it. You were finally happy. 

That was until something horrible started happening in your village. Children were going missing and you started spending your time comforting distraught parents. These were children that you taught in the small school and your heart ached with every second that they were gone. 

The police had done some investigation of their own and found out that the kids’ disappearance was linked to a trafficking ring, which made you feel helpless and you almost lost yourself with the worry that you were experiencing. 

Nevertheless, you had to get it together and find some type of solution to help these families, and after weeks of requesting for aid, you were finally due to meet the group of individuals who would help find these kids. 

So here you were standing with the police at the airport, waiting. They had told you that they would be there at 1 pm but apparently their flight from Miami had been delayed. You nervously fiddle with your big jimmikis as your eyes scan the people coming out of arrivals. Suddenly, you spot a team of big burly western men walking towards you and the officers. 

“That’s them, isn’t it, officer.” You say in Tamil to the police officer beside you. 

“Yes, ma.” he replies, waving them towards where they were standing. 

“Hi! I’m Y/N and I’ll be your translator while you are here.” you say, stepping up, offering your hand to the nearest of the men. 

A tall man with a baseball cap that said ‘Standard Heating Oil’ took your hand and shook it, quickly introducing his team as they loaded their luggage into the trucks. “I’m Frankie, this is my team. The brothers, Benny and Will on the far left, Tom in the middle and Santiago on my right.”

“Nice to meet all of you.” you say, giving them a toothy grin, which they all returned except for the man with salt and pepper curls, Santiago. His face was arranged into a calculated and poised manner that showed little to no emotion. 

You quickly translated a few conversations between the group of men and the police before getting into the van and a few minutes later, the van was speeding towards the outskirts of the city towards the village that was about two hours away. You stayed silent throughout the ride, choosing to admire the scenery outside, occasionally eavesdropping on the conversations that the men were having behind you.

They seemed like a chummy bunch and you were briefed about the field experience that they had, which made you feel slightly better about letting them take hold of the ropes and find these children. The van abruptly stops and you peak to the front to see what was going on. A cow was crossing the road, a regular occurrence here in India.

“I heard people here worship cows, Will.” one of the men says, making you turn to look at them with a disdainful look on your face. 

“We do not worship cows, we respect them. Many people here consider the cow to be a sacred symbol of life that should be protected and revered.” You say, pointedly, trying not to roll your eyes at the men.

Santiago and Frankie chuckled.

“Oopsie, sorry, missy.” said Benny with a smile, leaning his weight forward onto the seat in front of him. 

“See Benny, they don’t worship your girlfriend.” Will says, earning a punch from Benny. 

“She said, respect boys.” Frankie said, sending an unyielding glare at the both of them. He was clearly the mother goose of the team and the other two men actually listened to him. 

“You sound incredibly eloquent for someone who is living in a small rural village. What’s your story?” Tom asked.

“Studied in the UK and worked as a doctor for a few years and decided that there are a lot of people who need help in outskirt villages.” you shrug. “I also speak multiple languages to help with foreign aid.” 

“Impressive.” Tom nods, approvingly.

“So you guys are used to working together?” you asked, awkwardly trying to keep the conversation a float, tucking a strand of hair behind your ear. 

“Oh yea,” Frankie says “We’ve always been a team and we were tracking the same cartel that we think is operating throughout South India and other parts of the world for quite a while now, that's why we answered to your distress signal. We believe that it is a human trafficking organization as well as a drug trafficking organization.” 

“Those poor children, I know them personally. I can’t imagine what they are going through right now.” you say biting your bottom lip, swallowing the tears that are threatening to bubble out of your eyes.  

“You personally know them?” Will asks.

“Yea, they are my students,” you say. “Very bright kids, quick learners.”

Just as Frankie opened his mouth to ask another question, the van stopped again, signifying that you had arrived at your destination. You adjusted your dupatta, draping it ever so lightly over your hair, smoothed your kurta top and stepped out of the van, waiting for the men to follow you out. 

You led them to the house of the village head and instructed them to remove their boots and socks before entering. Santiago groaned as he bent down to pull his socks off and you heard a light fluster of pain. You waited for him to finish and you followed him into the house.

Tom started to explain their plan, and where they are planning to infiltrate this group. You rapidly translate the information to the village head, taking down some notes yourself. You were impressed by the amount of detail put together in this plan. The intel that they had already collected showed that the children are being kept alive in a village not far from here. If everything went smoothly, the kids would be back with them. But then came the tricky situation.

“We will need someone to come with one of us to stay in the opposite village so that we can make sure that the information we got isn’t bogus without drawing attention to ourselves.” Santiago finally spoke. 

You were slightly taken aback by his voice. It was soft but had an edge to it that tickled you. His slight accent sounded pleasantly melodious to your ears but still maintained an air of authority that could quiet a room in an instant. You blinked, focusing on the information that he had just said, translating it to the village head.

You wait for him to respond and you sigh when he does.

“He wants me to go.” you say to Santiago, looking him in his eyes for the first time, holding his gaze. Santiago stares back, his eyes unwavering.

“And rightfully so, you have medical skills and can pass off as a villager.” Tom says, nodding. 

“Then I’ll go with you.” Santiago says. 

“Do you have a plan on how you are going to disguise yourself?” you ask.

“Yea, I was thinking of going in as a deaf and mute man,” he says.

“Great, I can sign, this will go perfectly.” you say finalizing it.

“Good job, team, now we can start the preparation.” Tom said, finalizing the meeting.

.・。.・゜✭・.・✫・゜・。.

The police had gotten you and Santiago a small hut to live in at the outskirts of the opposite village for him to do his reconnaissance. You both were to pose as husband and wife and they had given you a fake thaali to be worn on a yellow string around your neck to signify your marriage. You slyly noticed that Santiago didn’t wear a ring, unlike Frankie and Tom but you assumed that he had a girlfriend somewhere in America. 

“Hold still,” you tell him, wrapping your old dupatta around his face to conceal his identity. He wanted to go into the markets where most of the town gossip would buzz about. He was dressed in some clothes that were given to him by the village head and had his bulletproof vest under it. 

“I am holding still, your hands are shaking.” he said, smugly. 

Your hands were shaking. You were a trained medical professional and your hands were shaking. Santiago made you feel nervous. He is a very intimidating man. This whole operation made you feel nervous. You just wanted it to be over as soon as it started. 

“Pin,” you held out your hand and Santiago dropped the pin into it. 

You quickly pin the edge and step back to admire your handy work, and catch his eyes. He had the most beautiful baby doe eyes, framed with long eyelashes that could make any girl jealous. You stared a little too long until Santiago clears his throat.

“Done staring, chica?” He says, amusement lacing his voice. 

“Wasn’t staring.” You mumbled, grabbing your saree’s pallu and draping it over your head, tucking the ends into your blouse. Turning you look at the mirror behind you and mark the parting of your hair with a little bit of red kumkum, adjusting your pottu. 

“Do I look like I can pass as someone’s wife?” You say, turning back to Santiago. 

“Yea, you look great.” He answered.

“That's not what I asked, but thanks.” You both walk to the market center, you gripping Santiago’s firm bicep and stirring him around. You strike up a conversation with one of the vegetable sellers.

“I’ve never seen you here before, ma.” The man says in Tamil.

“Yea, uncle, my husband and I moved here a few weeks ago, didn’t have the energy to come out. He’s deaf and mute and our child went missing a few months ago.” you answer, staring into space as your eyes teared up. 

“Oh no, I’m so sorry, ma. Things like that have been happening here too, you know?” He says as you pick a few vegetables. 

“What do you mean?” You sniff.

“We think it's the gang of people at the south end of the village,” he leans closer and whispers. “Children have been going missing and no one is here to defend them.” 

You allowed a tear to drip down your face and you turned to Santiago and signed to him, that you have information. Paying for your vegetables, you thanked the old man and walked along the path. 

“Vegetable soup again?” Santiago whispered. 

“Seriously, we are undercover and that's what you’re worried about?” You hiss back. 

“I’m a hungry man, chica.” he whispers back after a while. You could hear an exaggerated pout in his voice.

“Make do with what you have,” you say, as you stir him to the meat store.

“See, I knew you were nice.” He whispered, his eyes sparkling.

You rolled your eyes and bought some mutton to cook something for the man. After all, he was the one helping you and so far, everything has been going pretty good. 

“Do you find me intimidating, cariño?” Santiago suddenly asks as he chopped the vegetables using his knife while you cooked the rice and mutton into something edible. You look up, not expecting his question, the both of you usually cook and eat silently. He had an eyebrow cocked up and a ghost of a smirk on his face. 

“Obviously.” You say, looking back at the mutton dish. 

“How so?” he persisted.

“Because you’re so, well, you? You just have that infuriatingly calm look etched on your face that doesn’t give me any information to work with. You’re obviously a military man who’s very particular about following the rules and I’ve been known to bend the rules sometimes and I’m scared that I would slip up and upset you.” You blurt out. 

Silence.

“I’ll try to be less intimidating. You’re right, I am very particular about protocol but you’ve followed everything down to a T so far and all the information that you have gotten has been matching perfectly with the intel that we already have.” He says, smiling.

You smile back, absorbing Santiago’s smile. It was genuine and it was a beautiful smile. It contorted his face in a different, more healing way and it was making him seem younger than he is. 

Over dinner, he told you about his boys and how they served together. He also told you all the weird things they would do, which elicited a laugh from you that echoed around the small hut. 

You tell him about your life before this and how different everything was, until the both of you had sleep lulling in your eyes. You don’t remember the last thing you said before closing your eyes, but you did know that you felt significantly more comfortable with Santiago around. 

.・。.・゜✭・.・✫・゜・。.

You woke up abruptly to Santiago thrashing violently in his sleep. You’re familiar with the effects of PTSD on a person, you’ve seen it many times before, but this just hurts to watch. 

You grabbed his shoulders and lightly held him until he stopped shaking. His breathing softens and he opens his eyes, looking up at you and then jumping away from your grasp. 

“It's ok, it was just a dream. You’re here.” you say, grabbing a hold of his hand. He reciprocated the touch by squeezing your hand. 

“Sorry I woke you, cariño.” He says softly. 

“It's alright, you wanna talk about it?” you say, just out of courtesy, not really expecting him to say much about it. 

“My team and I came out of a very tough mission recently and I feel like I am the one to be blamed for all the mistakes that we made.” he whispers. “There were a lot of people’s lives on the line and we lost all of them because of one small error.”

You look up, shocked, not expecting a full revelation from Santiago. You mask your shock and scooch closer to him and put a hand on his back, rubbing circles.

“Hey, what happened, happened, alright? Past tense. Stay here, with me in the present.” you say soothingly. You knew nothing could change what had happened and Santiago would always have to carry that pain with him, but you tried anyway. 

He nodded without a word and you both just sat in the dark for a while just listening to each other's breathing and the crickets outside.

“Go back to sleep, we have a long day tomorrow.” You whisper into Santiago’s ear. 

.・。.・゜✭・.・✫・゜・。.

You let the cool water of the river envelope you with its freshness. You were used to bathing in cold water so early in the morning after living a year in the village. It helps with waking you up and you feel refreshed throughout the day. 

Despite telling Santiago to sleep, you stayed awake all night staring at his sleeping face. Even though you find it hard to admit it, you were definitely harboring a small crush on Santiago Garcia. A part of you wanted to wake up every morning with him by your side. He is a very handsome man and has pretty good intentions as far as you could tell. You spent all night memorizing every single detail that was etched into his face, wondering whether each one of those lines has its own story. 

Your thoughts were cut off by a sound close to your right and you grabbed the knife that you had strapped to your thigh and held it in front of you. 

“Who’s there?” You say in Tamil and then repeating the line again in English while cautiously step forward from the river. 

“Yo, it's just me- HOLY FUCK!!!” Santiago screamed, eyes wide, frozen to the spot. 

“DUDE WHAT ARE YOU SCREAMING AT??!” You yell back at him. 

Then you look down and realize that Santiago caught a full view of your very topless body. You facepalm, grabbing your towel and wrapping it around you.  

“Sorry, sorry, gods Santiago, you of all people should know not to sneak up on me.” You chastise him, folding your arms across your chest. 

“Pretty amazing way to start my morning though.” He says, after regaining what's left of his brain cells.

Your mouth twisted into a scowl. 

“I guess we have to get even now.” You say, smugly, trying to hide your ulterior motive of wanting to see Santiago Garcia shirtless. 

“Easy, your wish is my command, princesa.” He says, whipping his shirt off with one swift motion. 

God damn.

Yep, exactly what you expected, sculpted by Michelangelo for the gods, even by the gods or greater than the gods. You've had your fair share of men in medical school, but nothing comes close to this archangel. 

“Like what you see?” He tilts his head to catch your expression but you keep your emotions steady, not allowing them to leak onto your face. 

You shrug and avoid his eyes, swooping down to grab your clothes that you wanted to wash. He pulls off his trousers and walks into the lake. 

Tightening the hold of your towel, you begin to wash your saree and underclothes, hanging them to dry on a rock nearby as you watch Santiago do laps around the river, his muscles flexing. You snap yourself out of it and walk back to the small hut to change. 

When you got out, Santiago had a towel wrapped around his waist, a little too low slung for your sanity. He was adjusting a mirror on the tree to shave his face. 

Suddenly, you hear something to your far left and you feel like you were being watched. Your peripheral vision caught sight of the trees moving and you moved closer to Santiago. 

“Santi, give me the razor, and don’t talk.” you whisper. You give him a smile and sign that there are people watching. He nodded, handing you the razor as you closed the gap. 

“There is someone in the trees to our left.” You whisper as you lather the soap onto his face, caressing his jaw. He places a hand on your exposed midriff and turns the both of you around so that he is facing the trees while you start calmly shaving his face, fingers moving to taut the skin, cleaning the razor every so often trying hard not to focus on Santiago’s fingers on your skin. 

You start to sing softly in Tamil, to act nonchalant, and watch as Santiago’s eyes scan the trees rapidly over your head. 

“I count two to the right.” He whispers back, tilting his head up to allow you better access. You place a finger to his lips to shush him and after a while you turn his head, starting on the other side.

Are they still watching? You sign. 

Santiago nods, barely. 

You finish shaving his face and wipe the access soap off with your fingers, leaving a small kiss on his nose which took him by surprise but he didn’t react, knowing that they were undercover. He pulled you in for a hug and murmured in your hair “Whatever happens, just trust me”. He kisses your forehead and pulls away, giving you a small smile, grabbing onto your hand, leading you into the hut.

Once inside, Santiago rushed around to get dressed and you frantically packed all the stuff you had into the one bag that you brought, along with Santiago’s stuff and stuffed it under a pile of hay. Santiago grabbed the satellite phone and called Frankie. You watch as he paces around speaking in frantic Spanish giving orders to his team mate.

 For days now he’s been in contact with Frankie, giving him the information that they have been collecting. Just before he could put the phone down, a knock sounded at the door. You tossed Santiago a dupatta and he quickly covered his face as you crossed the floor towards the door. 

“Who’s there?” You say in Tamil as you open the door, revealing three men. 

“Hello, kanna, we would like to ask you and your husband a few questions.” One of the men answered, smiling. 

They all looked like village folk but you’ve never seen their faces before. You turned and signed to Santiago and he nodded his head. Stepping back, you grab onto Santiago’s arm and the both of you sit cross legged in front of the men. 

You answered their questions with an unwavering face after telling them that your husband was deaf and dumb. You also tell them the same sob story that you had been telling the village people. 

One of the men leaned forward and grabbed your thali, harshly pulling you with it as they observed it. You feel Santiago flinch beside you as you beg them to not hurt you. They push you down by your shoulders making you gasp. 

“We’re going to ask you again. Who are you and who is he?” One of the men snarled into your face as you tried to recoil away. 

“Please, please don’t hurt me and my husband. Don’t hurt him, he doesn’t know what's going on.” You pleaded and wailed, trying to get away from the question. 

“Hey guys, look here, he's not Indian, is he?”At the corner of your eye, another one of the men had ripped your dupatta off Santiago’s face and your heart stops. 

“I think we need to take these two to our boss.” You noticed that Santiago wasn’t doing anything to defend himself as they pushed him towards you. 

“Don’t say anything, let them capture us.” Santiago whispers into your ear. 

He was offering you and him up as bait. You looked into his eyes and went with it. Went with the trust that you had built up with him over the two and a half weeks. 

You nod as the men bound your hands and blindfold you. You let yourself be dragged up by them and then they lead you out of the hut into the forest. Your bare feet hurt against the harsh forest floor but you didn’t say a single word. 

After what felt like hours you hear yourself approaching different voices, not of the men who kidnapped you and Santiago. You were pushed into your knees and you heard Santiago groan beside you, slight relief spreading through you when you heard his voice. 

Your blindfold was ripped off and you blinked, adjusting to the light. You first turned to Santiago who was kneeling uncomfortably beside you, his beautiful face caked with sweat, curls scruffy. Then you turned to the person who was standing in front of you, trying to decipher his features. 

“What do we have here? An American and a village woman. What an unlikely pairing.” He says in English. “Let me get straight to the point. Tell us who you are and we will decide our next course of action.” 

Santiago stayed silent, staring up at the man, gaze unflattering. 

“Military? CIA? Police? RAW?” The man stepped closer to you, lifting your chin up to face him. He was a big bald man with a giant mustache.

You and Santiago stay silent. 

“Looks like we have to bring out the big guns.” The man says, gesturing to his henchmen.

“You don’t have to worry, chellam, I don’t hit women.” He says to you, squeezing your cheek, your eyes widening with fear. 

Then the torture started. They started to hit Santiago with such brutality that you couldn’t help but scream. It went on for so long and you screamed at them to stop until your throat was sore. 

Santiago was bloody and battered and yet, he still didn’t say a single word. After a while the henchmen gave up, throwing the both of you into a closed cell. 

Santiago’s POV

The room around him spun uncontrollably and pain soared through him in horrible waves. He felt like he was reaching a light, trying to grasp it. No. It wasn’t a light, it was a sound. He tried grasping onto it, but it kept slipping away. Then he felt it, a soft nudge beside him and he grasped onto the sound, letting it envelop him.

It was her voice. She was pleading with him to stay with her, stay in the present, like she did yesterday when he awoke from the horrible nightmare. She was saying his name, and he clung onto that, the way it rolled off her tongue melodiously and reached his ears, canceling out all the ringing that he had been listening to for the past few minutes, or hours. 

He slowly opened his eyes, and focused on her form. She looked relatively unhurt but he could vaguely see tears streaming down her beautiful face. He tried to tell her that he was ok, but all he could do was taste iron in his mouth. He spat out the blood and shook his head, breathing in and out to steady the spinning. 

“Santiago, I need you to listen to me,” Y/N says, kicking her legs over his own outstretched ones. “I need you to pull my saree over my thigh and grab the knife that’s strapped to it.”

He nodded, still trying to process.

“Santi, come on, look at me, pull.” She whispers frantically, shaking her legs. 

His head snapped up at her again and he fumbled with her saree, trying to pull it up to gain access to the knife. Finally after several tries, he pushed the fabric over where the knife was and pulled it, holding it in front of him, unsure of what to do next. 

“Come on, free yourself.” She instructed and he turned the knife towards his bounded hands, autopilot taking over as he sawed himself loose. 

He leaned back, trying to blink away the pain as he focused on freeing her, so as to not cut her. 

The second he frees her, he hears gunshots and yelling. He laughs, completely delirious to the pain. 

“My boys are here.” He says as he slips into unconsciousness.

Your POV

Santiago falls back as you feel your hands slip out of the restraints. You hear him mumble something incoherent as you swung our legs off his own and start slapping him to keep him awake. 

“No, no, no, stay with me, you idiot.” You hiss, feeling his pulse. It was there, but faint. 

You pull his shirt up and run your fingers over his body in the dark, checking for any cuts. You feel something warm and wet, pulling back to smell the familiar twang of iron. You pull the pallu of your saree off your shoulder and use it to stem the bleeding, pressing hard with one hand, the other still slapping Santiago’s face. 

“Pope! Y/N! Where are you guys?” A familiar voice called out. 

“Frankie! Frankie, in here, in the cells, Santi’s bleeding out, please, I need a med pack, stat!” You yell as loud as your sore throat could handle. 

Frankie appears in front of you with full tactical gear and shoots the lock of the cell. In seconds, he got a flashlight and the med pack out. You examined the wound under the dim stream of light and it was still beading with blood. 

You instruct Frankie to douse the wound with disinfectant and your hands as you thread a needle. As fast as you possibly could, you sewed the wound shut.

You sigh and turn to Frankie, shaking your head. 

“I know, he’s a little stupid, but you’ll get use to it.” He smiles down at his unconscious friend. “We got the kids and the others are currently doing a headcount.”

“How did you guys find us?” You say, holding onto Santiago’s hand.

“He has a tracker on him and after that frantic phone call, we traced you guys here. Let me guess, he refused to speak?” He says, squinting at where your hand was.

“Yep, didn’t say a single word, the stubborn man. Your timing is impeccable. I couldn’t imagine what would have happened if you didn’t turn up in time.” You say, your eyes welling up with fresh tears again.

“Hey, it's alright, let's get this man to the hospital, okay?” 

.・。.・゜✭・.・✫・゜・。.

“Hey.” You hear a voice and you sit up immediately, rubbing the sleep out of your eyes.

“Hey, yourself. Do you know how stupid that was?” You glare at the man on the bed in front of you. 

“Mmm, kinda, but we’re alive right?” He says, giving you a smile.

You roll your eyes, biting your cheek to prevent yourself from smiling back at him. His eyes went slightly glassy as if he was thinking about something.

“What are you thinking about?” You couldn’t stop yourself from asking him, snapping him out of his daze.

“Your tits.” He replied without hesitation.

“¿Qué? You know what, nevermind, I don’t even want to know.” Frankie says, making Santiago snap his head to his left where Frankie was lounging on a chair.

You massage your temples, embarrassment creeping up your face. 

“Oh, hi Catfish, didn’t see you there.” Santi grins.

“Well, good morning to you too, cabrón.” he says getting up and giving Santiago a kiss on his forehead, making him cringe into the pillows and you giggle at the sight.

Frankie left the room, closing the door behind him, not before uttering “No monkey business, you two.”

“Asshole,” Santiago chuckles, before turning back to you.

“You’ve got a lot of admirers who visited you.” you say, scanning his face.

You were so glad to be present during the reunion of the children and their parents. All of the children were relatively unharmed but the bruises on their wrist signified the burden of the trauma that they had to carry for the rest of their lives.

Santiago shifts and pats the bed. You hesitate, but eventually climb in, snuggling lightly into his side.

“I have to admit, you are growing on me, Pope.” You mutter as his good arm pulls you closer. 

“Mmm, I know.” He whispers, kissing your forehead.

“If you pull a stunt like that again, I swear, I will kill you myself.” You say in Tamil.

“I think we’re getting lost in translation, cariño.” He mumbles into your hair, slipping back into sleep. 

.・。.・゜✭・.・✫・゜・。.

Translation:

Jimmikis: A style of earring worn by women of the Indian subcontinent.

Ma: Indians usually call all women “ma”, can be a term of endearment but also is used casually.

Thaali: A mangala sutra, or thaali, is a necklace that the groom ties around the bride's neck in the Indian subcontinent. The necklace serves as a visual marker of status as a married Hindu woman. Mangala sutra's origin dates back to the 6th Century AD as a single yellow thread was tied around the bride for protection from other men and evil spirits. The term mangala sutra in Sanskrit means holy thread.

Dupatta: The dupattā is a shawl traditionally worn by women in Indian subcontinent to cover the head and shoulders 

Chica: Girl

Saree: A sari or saree is a women's garment from the Indian subcontinent,that consists of an un-stitched stretch of woven fabric arranged over the body as a robe, with one end tied to the waist, while the other end rests over one shoulder as a stole, baring a part of the midriff.

Pallu: The loose end of a sari, worn over one shoulder or the head

Kumkum: AKA sindoor. Kumkum is a powder used for social and religious markings in India. It is either made from turmeric or saffron. The turmeric is dried and powdered with a bit of slaked lime, which turns the rich yellow powder into a red color. Kumkum is most often applied by Indians to the forehead

Pottu: A bindi or pottu is a coloured dot or, in modern times, a sticker worn on the center of the forehead, originally by Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists and Jains from the Indian subcontinent.

Cariño: Sweetie

Princesa: Princess

Kanna: Sweetie

Chellam: Darling

¿Qué?: What?

Cabrón: Dumbass

My Heart Is A Safehouse For You | Part 3

Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3

Santiago Garcia x Reader

Word Count: 3,964

Rating: T

Summary: Set prior to the events in the Triple Frontier universe. There is a 3 year contract to obtain intelligence and dismantle as many cartel related activities as possible - hopefully leading up to toppling one of the most prolific traffickers in Columbia. Can the reader help the team decipher the cartel’s next movements, and will they possibly lose their heart in the process?

Notes: Taking all the background liberties with this one. Littering everyone’s backstory we know from the film and pretending the guys banded back together for a 3 year contract mission, that paid them pretty decently and kept them relatively at low risk.

Not beta read or proofread.

———-

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All gifs used with permission and made by the wonderful @uuuhshiny

Will 'Ironhead' Miller x female reader

Series Summary: After the Publix incident and breakup with his fiancé, Will begins to find peace and healing when he least expected it, but navigating falling in love again while living with PTSD doesn't come without its hurdles. Can building trust and a healthy relationship prove to outweigh all the demons he faces and finally allow Will to live the life he never thought he deserved?

Series Warnings: Rated E, 18+ only. Swearing. Various sexual activities. Traumas associated with PTSD (violence, nightmares). Please see each individual chapter for detailed warnings.

Part 1 - You've seen Will at the gym many times before, and he you, and today you finally share a moment, discovering your assumptions about him are right.

Part 2 - Will's dreaded grocery run turns out better than expected, and things dial up a notch when he invites you to watch Benny's fight later that night.

Part 3 - You're back at the gym attempting to distract yourself from thinking of Will, your conversation from the night before weighing on your mind, but it turns out Captain Miller has even less restraint when it comes to you than he thought he did.

Part 4 - You stay for an eventful night with Will, helping him through an anxiety attack brought on by a nightmare, all while learning more about each other and taking advantage of his amplified energy and restlessness.

Part 5 - More days of bliss continue for you and Will, including a proper date where lustful feelings are balanced with hesitations, and another nightmare brings things crashing down.

Part 6 - Will starts to distance himself from you to the point of being unable to mend things and tension rises between the Miller brothers over his actions.

Part 7 - Unanswered questions amp up every emotion that time does nothing to lessen, and so much uncertainty raises the concern if everything will turn out okay or if moving on is the only answer.

Part 8 - You and Will finally discuss how to navigate your relationship, and after establishing a comfortable rhythm again, something causes a disruption to test you once more.

Part 9 - Will's feelings come to light in the aftermath of your run-in with Cam, and after more rifts between the two Miller brothers, your relationship progresses to the next step.

Part 10 - Comfortable domestication sets into your routines after Will officially moves in with you, and a quick stop at the grocery store on the way home from the gym earns Will another reputation at Publix.

Part 11

Choose One. 

Triple Frontier character x f! reader

Don’t talk to me this was supposed to be a drabble but idk how to stop. No description because this literally feels like I took 4 pages out of a book and threw them down with no explanation.

No specific TF character is the love interest, choose one of them as your fave and enjoy the angsty ride. No description of reader, nicknames Black Widow and princess.

Warnings- mention of smutty stuff but pretty tame, Tom being an SOB, swearing, drinking 

Word count- 2700  

The evening air in the small South American town you were based in was growing cooler as the sun had set. You were seated, squished between two of your teammates, Frankie and Will, while Benny and Santi sat on the floor of the common area building, leaning against a small coffee table. Each of you were putting back beers like they were the last on earth, and just enjoying each other’s company. The conversation had swiftly changed to the favourite subject of the group, Santi’s love life.  

Will commented, “I think we all know the biggest slut around here is Pope. Didn’t you hook up with Tara from scheduling last week? She was only here for 3 days, and you still managed to get her into bed.” he said, leaning past you to give Santi a shit eating grin. 

The group let out a boisterous laugh at Santi’s copious infidelities. He threw his hands up conceding, “Hey laugh it up, if I’m gonna be teased for getting laid the most I will gladly take it.”  

Benny interjected, “Honestly, considering Black Widow is one of the only women at this base, I can’t believe she isn’t the one who’s getting laid the most.” He pointed at you, to which you shrugged and brought your cold beer to your lips with a smirk. You had your fair share of base affairs, but every guy you had tried out failed to truly satisfy you the way you needed, so they didn’t stay on the roster very long. Besides, they were only ever a distraction from what you truly wanted but couldn’t have. 

Santi nodded along, “Yeah why are you hanging out with us all the time when you could be getting it on every minute of the day?” 

You chewed the inside of your cheek in thought before responding, “Maybe that’s the thing, there’s not a whole lot of fun when it’s just like a guaranteed thing. I at least want to work for it a little, cuz in all honestly, I think with all single men considered, you guys are only one’s at this base who haven’t tried to sleep with me.”  

You let out a chuckle as the group went quiet, each of them looking at one another with an embarrassed look on their faces. Frankie’s ears grew red underneath his curly brown locks and baseball hat. You immediately noticed the way Santi downed the rest of his drink and Benny and Will exchanged a knowing glance.  

Your eyebrows furrowed with confusion at the sudden change in demeanor. “What’d I say?” 

 Frankie leaned in and shook his head, “Nothing, you didn’t say anything wrong.” 

“Okay, well then why does it feel like something just happened?” You questioned.  

Benny went to open his mouth but was quickly slapped on the arm by Will, causing him to look away from your gaze toward the dull beige ceiling that was adorned with water stains.  

You perked up in your seat between Frankie and Will on the old leather couch, “Okay, now you guys are freaking me out, what’s up?” 

The air grew thicker as Santi finally turned his attention back to you with a huff, “Widow, now don’t shoot the messenger here,” he said putting his hands on his chest to speak as earnestly as possible, “but when you joined the team, Tom made us all promise not to sleep with you.”  

Your mouth dropped; you had been a part of this team as their sniper for 8 months. Four of the guys had welcomed you with open arms, but not Tom. He had been nothing but a pain in your ass since the moment the Sergeant introduced you. You still remember the day vividly. Being transferred out of your old team after months of belittlement by the macho muscle heads you had been paired with. Each of them had welcomed you with a smile and worked hard to form a personal bond with you. Except for Tom of course, he immediately started calling you princess and continued the belittlement of your previous squad.  

Before you could speak, none other than Tom entered the common area room you were all seated in. Blood boiled to the surface as you rose from your seat and started towards him. Meak calls of protest rang out behind you from the group of men, but it was pointless. Your red face was met with his equally aggressive facade.  

Stopping mere feet in front of him you crossed your arms and raised your head high, “You son of a bitch who do you think you are deciding who I can and can’t sleep with?” You said with a strong tone.  

Tom’s eyebrows popped up with shock, he looked over your shoulder to the four men all seated with their heads down. He smirked and turned his attention back to you. “So, they finally told you huh? That’s fine, it was the right decision then and it’s the right decision now.”  

“I have worked tirelessly for this team for 8 months, and yet you still only have ever seen me as a,- a sexual thing and a fucking distraction. You’ve never seen me as the same as anyone else here on this team.” Heat rising in your voice with each matter-of-fact word.  

Tom scoffs and crosses his arms, “Don’t get all self-righteous on me princess. You’re no better than any of us when it comes to sexualizing your team. As if you haven’t thought about each and every one of us here. Even me I bet; you seem like you’d be into a little hate sex.”  

You stuttered, “In your fucking dreams Tom-,” 

“No, actually, in yours. Don’t think we haven’t heard you. We all share that bunk house.” His voice lowered to a seductive whisper, and you took a deep swallow.  “You really think we haven’t heard the deep breathing, the slight moans, the creak in the box spring, all coming from your bed late at night. Or maybe you wanted us to hear it. Maybe while you do it, you’re thinking about what would happen if one of us heard and decided to slide into bed with you. What would happen if one of us finally broke that boundary, offering to finish you off. So, before you come at me, claiming I only see you as a sexual thing, why don’t you think about how many times you’ve gotten off thinking about one of us in these 8 months.” 

Your body shivered and your hair stood straight on your arms. His words cut through you like a knife, as you knew that most of it was true. The four men behind you were some of the most attractive men you’d ever met and were kind to boot. Of course you had thought about them, who wouldn’t, but it was none of Tom’s business, nevertheless.  

He looked up in thought, enjoying your stunned moment, as the rest of the guys held breaths and chewed fingernails, desperate not to get pulled into the situation. “You know, I told the Sergeant that I’d be willing to make it work with you, but now I’m not so sure. Maybe it’s about time you transfer to another base where there are less, what did you call it? Distractions.” he said pointedly, staring into your eyes with fire.  

You glared back at him, considering your options. Finally, an idea sparked, and you were willing to try it if it meant you would be staying on this team. Not just to continue being a thorn in Tom’s side, but to stay with the guys you had developed so many feelings for. Especially the one you had felt your heart tug toward for months now. Pulling your stern look into a sly smirk, you take a step inward and drop your arms to your sides, caging Tom in with your body to the point that he was doing his best not to touch your chest with his crossed arms. “You know Tom, you actually missed the beginning of this conversation. In which I informed the guys that besides them, every other single man on this base has tried to sleep with me. Give that some thought, and then accept the fact that, I’m not going anywhere.” You bite your lip and step back, turning your back on him and returning to the seated area where the group was sitting. You decided not to make eye contact with them as you collected your drink and phone. Turning swiftly on your heels you started towards the door, calling out just as you were about to exit, “Don’t wait up for me boys, got some business to take care of.” You declare with a wink, flipping your hair over your shoulder as you leave.  

Tom turns his head away from the door and pinches the bridge of his nose, “Is the Sergeant single?” he asks with a deep breath out his nose.  

Nodding his head, looking down at the cool white tile flooring of the room Will responds, “Yeah, got divorced last year.”  

“Son of bitch, isn’t that fucking great.” Tom exhales. “What the fuck guys?” he asks, turning his attention to the men and opening his arms wide. 

Santi’s mouth gapped, “Us? What about you? You’re the one that came up with that misogynistic rule and that fucking violating monologue.” He pointed towards the door you left from, exasperated by the situation.  

Tom waved his hands authoritatively, “You know what, I don’t wanna hear about it. We have a meeting at 8 tomorrow, if she’s not there, she’s out and I don’t care who she’s slept with. I’ll personally escort her stateside if I have to. All of you get some shut eye.” He turned and bound out the door, slamming it closed behind him.  

A chill fell upon the group as they released the breaths they were holding, unsure of what was to come.  

Benny scratched his nose and said in a low voice, “I thought I was the only one.” 

Frankie crossed his arms on his chest and leaned back asking, “Only one for what?” 

He shrugged, “Only one to hear her. Have you guys?” he asked, looking between the three uncomfortable faces around him.  

Santi let out a groan as he stood from his seat on the floor, “We all do it man, keeps us sane. Just supposed to ignore it.”  

Frankie and Benny shared an agonizing glance and stood, all of them retreating to their bunks in silence. Each of them lay there awake, wondering if you were going to come back that night, and when the clock chimed for midnight, they knew they had their answer.  

In all honesty, sleeping with the Sergeant wasn’t something you were expecting would be happening. He was actually quite handsome with a Kevin Costner vibe to him and showed you a good time. Plus, you certainly wouldn’t have to be worrying about Tom medaling in your assignment now that you’ve got his boss wrapped around your finger. When you arrived back to the bunk house it was empty, all of the team had seemingly already left for the morning assignment meeting.  

“She’s gonna be here.” Frankie said sternly, leaning against a desk, bracing his hands on the cool wood top as Benny paced in front of him.  

“I don’t know man she was pretty pissed last night.” The younger man stated, scratching the back of his head and looking sheepishly at the door.  

Will and Santi sat at the desks lined up in the room, arms crossed and giving each other worried glances. Benny startled as Tom entered carrying his clip board of the assignment run down. He glanced around the room and smirked taking notice in your absence.  

“Well, if princess isn’t here in let’s see,” he pulls his wrist to his face to analyze the time on his watch, “30 seconds I guess we’ll be looking for a new sniper again. Shame really, she was a good shot, just couldn’t shut the fu-,” 

“Morning, gentleman, and Tom.” You say as you skip through the open door, brushing past Tom and taking a seat on the desk beside Santi. Crossing your arms and legs and providing Tom with a pointed stare. The rest of the men looked to one another with utter shock and fear of your boldness.  

Tom gave a strong huff, “Just on time, late night?”  

“Late night, early morning. The Sergeant says hi by the way.” You say with a wink.  

He bares his teeth and shifts on his feet, “Alright, I’ve been thinking about our little issue here. I may have over stepped.” He puts on a sly grin and your defenses only triple, unsure where this false change of heart might be coming from.  

“You’re right, you and the guys here should be able to sleep with whomever you want. So, by all means, choose one.” he says, squaring his shoulders with confidence. 

Your eyebrows pop up in confusion, “Choose one?” You repeat.  

He shrugs and gestures to the men, “Yeah, choose one. Clearly you want to otherwise you wouldn’t have thrown such a fit. I’m a reasonable guy, but I do still think it would be a bad idea for you to be toe curling with everyone here. So, as a compromise, you can have one of them.” 

You take a deep breath, considering his proposition. Glancing around the room at the four men, they all look at you with desperate faces. Your eyes meet with the one you’ve been falling for all this time and a shiver runs through your body as his eyes burn into you with desire. All that’s been unspoken between the two of you slowly bubbling to the surface as you both consider what Tom has said. This whole time you thought he wouldn’t be interested. Wouldn’t want you the way you wanted him. Knowing now by the look on his face, the only thing truly keeping the two of you apart was the juvenile rule Tom had thrust upon him. His eyes said a thousand words. I want you. I’ve wanted you this whole time. Choose me. Love me the way I love you. You’ve thought about it a hundred times. What it would be like to finally take his face in your hands and pull him close in for a kiss. What it would sound like for the words that hung in your throat to finally spill out and for him to say the same. How it would feel to have his hand skate up the back of your uniform and settle on the small of your back before falling desperately into the sheets. 

Your daydreams and pining were suddenly cut short when your attention was brought back to the clearing of Toms throat. You shift your weight on the desk, “Interesting proposition Tom, I’ll have to think about it.”  

He grits his teeth, “Oh come on princess, I think you should give us an answer right now. Don’t wanna leave the guys hanging. They deserve to know who is gonna get the absolute pleasure of the Sergeants sloppy seconds.”  

You shake your head and roll your eyes at his derogatory comment, “You had the night to think about it Tom, I think I deserve the same.”  

The group looks to Tom, awaiting his answer. He takes a scan of the room and sees the stern faces. Nodding confidently, “Once again, I’m a reasonable man. We’ll talk tomorrow. Today, we have a day trip to take, and I want everyone focused anyway.” he says, snapping his knuckles on the clipboard in his hand. 

As Tom drummed on about the plan, you stole your last weary glance at the man you longed for, that you may finally have within reach. The one you’ll choose and will choose you, everyday for the rest of your lives. 

Will Miller- Sugar Daddy edition 

Summary: Cinderella didn’t meet Prince Charming at a Starbucks on her way to her 9-5, but Prince Charming also didn’t have chiseled abs like Will does so I’d say this fairytale is an improvement on the original. 

About: Continuation of the sugar daddies AU Triple Frontier collection. See Frankie’s story or original teaser post for more information.  

Warnings and Information: 18 + minors, DNI, age difference, reader is 20s, Will is 40s, Will works with an organization called The War Amps (see top of story for info, pretending it is in the US as well), amputee, hospital, reader has hair, alcohol, swearing, smut, oral f receiving, protected piv. 

Photo is just for the collage, does not depict readers skin colour or weight. 

Word Count: 12+k 

The War Amps; is a Canadian organization whose main purpose is assisting veteran amputees. The non-profit serves to provide war veterans with financial and advisory support. The organization also provides programs that target the needs of children, adults and veterans who are amputees and use donations to assist in providing them with prosthetics. https://www.waramps.ca/home/  

“Mocha cookie crumble Frappuccino for a-,” 

“Yep, that’s me.” You say, stepping out of the waiting line and towards the counter. Taking the drink from the barista you offer a sweet smile and turn to head towards the exit. Thankful for the warm and sugary liquid to get you through the next few hours of appointments. The chilly late March air pricks your cheeks as you step out onto the sidewalk. You clutch your drink closely to your mouth to enjoy the warmth radiating out of the little paper cup. 

Your favourite Starbucks in all of New York city, as they are the only ones to make your coffee perfectly every time, was just a few blocks away from the pediatrician’s office you are a nurse at. Thank goodness for that, as it is exactly what you need to get through the long day of back-to-back appointments and endless children screaming as you administer shots. Due to the fact that your attending physician at the office is “Mr. No Shots.” Which unfortunately makes you, “Ms. Kids Hate Her.” Thankfully, your daily indulgence of a sweet coffee and your coworkers make the mundane day fly by fast enough.  

Settling down near the end of the day in the staff room comes as a relief to your tired feet. Sitting back in your chair you fall into the usual conversation with your coworker Ross. 

“I just can’t find a guy on these damn apps; I don’t know what I’m doing wrong.” He says in a huff, tossing his phone down on the table and running his hands through his red hair. 

You nod in agreement, “Honestly I haven’t even looked at my profile in weeks, it all got so overwhelming swiping and reading through all those pointless pages where people basically lie to your face just to get in your pants.” 

He sits up straighter in his chair and reaches for his coffee, “I wish I could just meet someone the old-fashioned way you know?” 

“What, like at a bar or coffee shop?” you ask. 

“Yeah, something organic that isn’t all fake like these apps.” he says, shaking his head and sipping from his cup.  

Another one of your coworkers Deepti comes into the room, mumbling about a stain on her scrub pants. She goes to the sink and grabs a washcloth before rinsing it with soap and water to begin scrubbing at the material on her leg. 

“What’s that from?” You ask, leaning further back in your chair and peering over at the clock on the wall. 

She rolls her eyes, “That annoying Jennings kid, squeezed his juice box on me.” After sufficiently wetting her scrubs, she turns back to the pair of you. “So, what are you two talking about?" 

"Men." you say in unison, which earns a groan from Deepti.  

“Ugh, I’d rather not.” 

Ross asks, “No luck in that department for you either huh?” 

“Nope.” She says with a pop of the p. 

“Ross wants to get away from the apps and meet someone the old-fashioned way, like a coffee shop, or perhaps even a ball at midnight in his own little fairytale.” You quip with a smirk, the pure idea of it seeming laughable.  

Deepti smiles, “Ever the romantic, Ross. Never change.”  

Ross laughs, “Alright well then how are you meeting men Ms. Smarty Pants?” he asks with a pointed look at you. 

You shrug, “I guess I’m not, haven’t had a decent date in a hot minute.” 

Heading towards the door for her next appointment, Deepti calls over her shoulder. “I’m sure it will happen when you least expect it.” 

Standing in line for your usual order, you scroll mindlessly on the dating app you swore you wouldn’t touch again. Your order gets called and you slide your phone into your scrub pants to take it from the barista, just as you do every day.  

As you turn you hear a voice over your shoulder. “That’s quite the order.”  

Whipping your head around you come face to face with the most handsome man you’ve ever seen. Tall, blonde, manicured beard, an impressively built body as you can see through his tight fitting sweater and the most piercing blue eyes.  

Stuttering slightly, you comment, “Oh, uh, yeah I guess it is.” With a blush forming on your cheeks. You quickly excuse yourself before you simply melt from his gaze. During your walk to work you shake your head of the thought of the man. He was so handsome, why was he talking to you like that? You’ve never seen him before in that shop, and let’s be honest, you probably never will again. Starbucks are a dime a dozen in this city and the likelihood of catching him again seemed impossible.  

“Mocha cookie-,” 

“That’s me.” You say, stepping forward once again. Clutching your warm coffee close to your chest, you look around and see that the handsome stranger is nowhere to be seen. Approaching the door, you’re halted when it comes swinging open and your eyes widen at the sight of him.  

He smiles shyly and stands to the side to allow you through. You nod politely and pass by him.  

“Have a nice day.” You hear calling over your shoulder.  

“Oh, yeah you too.” You say quickly, peeking back at him to see he is merely standing in the doorway watching you walk away.  

That was odd, you think. Maybe he’s just a really outgoing guy? Maybe he’s one of those people that’s really nice to people in scrubs because of the pandemic. Maybe you’ll never know.  

Another day, another pleasantry from hot blondie and again you’re dumbfounded. How’s your day this and enjoy your coffee that. Nothing more, nothing less.  

Leaning against the counter in the staff room at work you swirl a spoon in your microwaved cup of soup and think to yourself. 

Deepti looks up from her book and notices how your eyebrows are knitted together, “What’s up?” 

Snapping to, you place your untouched and now cold soup on the counter behind you. “Oh, just thinking, about this guy.” 

She immediately perks up in her seat, “A guy? Really? Tell me everything.” 

 Shrugging you reply, “There’s not much to tell, that’s the problem. I have been seeing him at Starbucks every day for the last week and every day he just says something nice to me and that’s it. No name, no what’s your number, nothing but a polite, how do you do, and then he’s gone.” 

“Hm, does he talk to everyone like that?” she asks. 

“No, I even stood at the back of the room the other day to see if he would strike up conversation with anyone else and he didn’t. But before he left, he walked past me and said the colour of my scrubs was nice. I don’t even know where to go from that.” You say exasperated.  

Deepti purses her lips and squints in thought, “That is weird, maybe you should just try talking to him next time. Ask him a follow up question.”  

Chewing the inside of your cheek you figure that is the only way to progress whatever this is and see what this guy’s deal is.  

The next day, you stand in the back with your arms crossed and scanning the room. Hot blondie walks in shortly after you place your order and appears to be looking around, possibly for you. You are hidden perfectly behind a post against the wall and when he thinks you aren’t there, his shoulders fall slightly, and he steps into line to place his order.  

Your order is called out once again and his head immediately perks up to look around once more. You walk out of your hiding spot and to the counter to take your order with your usual smile. Starting towards the door you make a point of walking towards him. He watches you the entire time and holds that same shy smile on his face.  

“Nice weather out there today.” He comments as you approach. 

This time you stop, “Yeah, do you walk to work as well?” you say, trying to be casual.  

His eyebrows rise with your sudden boldness, and he smiles even bigger, “No, I actually live in the neighborhood so just come here to get a little something to start my day.”  

Nodding you reply, “Ah, well, I work just down the road so I swing by here for my own little liquid courage to take on the day. Anyway, I should get going, bye.” You say confidently as you hold your breath and brush past him.  

“Bye.” Is all you hear as you press the door open and slide out, a smile growing sheepishly on your face as you tackle your walk to work.  

Feeling optimistic and hopeful, you once again enter your usual Starbucks in the same neighborhood you do every workday. Just as you are approaching the line to order, a familiar voice rings in your ear to your left.  

“Mocha cookie crumble Frappuccino?” 

Turning where you stand, you come face to face with hot blondie, holding two coffees and offering a kind smile.  

“Um, yeah that’s me.” You say, matching his smile.  

He huffs a laugh out of his nose and offers you the drink. Your fingers graze each other’s as you take it from him, and a shiver runs down your spine. “Thank you.” 

“Will.” He says.  

“Will.”  

He smirks, “I do have to admit, I’ve heard your name by now. But I just call you Cookie because of your order to be perfectly honest.”  

You suppress a giggle at the adorable nickname, “Well, to be perfectly honest, I’ve been calling you hot blondie in my head so.”  

He laughs, “That works too, glad to know you think I’m hot at least.”  

Damn this guy is smooth. You fear you may begin to sweat if he keeps looking at you like that.  

Will looks down for a moment before meeting your gaze again. “I hope I’m not being too forward, but I uh, put my number on your cup. Thought maybe you’d like to go out sometime.” Will says with a hopeful smile.  

Looking at him intently you think to yourself, how old is this guy? Is he really picking up a girl in a coffee shop? Maybe he’s too old for the apps and this is all he knows. The undetermined age difference makes you weary but doing your best to pull from the hopeless romantic you beg is still deep down inside of you, you smile back at him. “Yeah, I would like that, I’ll text you.”  

He walks you out and stands aside to hold the door open for you, offering a sweet “Have a good day, see you tomorrow.” As you turn to head towards the office, you think to yourself, Ross is never gonna let you live this one down.  

The sky has already grown dark by the time you push through your apartment door. Your corgi, Gus comes barreling towards you at full speed.  

“Hey Gus Gus.” You say down to the little guy. Placing your backpack and keys on the white countertop you let out a sigh of exhaustion. You loved your job but boy was it tiring. As you start to prepare your dinner, your roommate Carrie steps through the door.  

“Hey, how was your day?” she asks, kicking off her shoes and pulling the claw clip out of her hair to let her curly locks fall.  

Offering a tired smile you reply, “Good, how about you?” 

“It was good. I won’t be home for dinner though, going out with Chris.” She says, heading to the bathroom to begin getting ready for her date.  

Returning to your prep, you begin chopping your potatoes and look over at your backpack that holds the ripped off phone number from the cup.  

Once Carrie is gone and your belly is full, you fall lazily onto the couch and turn on any reality show Netflix has to offer so your tired brain can relax. Gus curls up on the chair across the room and you look between him and your roommate’s empty room. Maybe you were a little lonely. Carrie was your friend for sure, but she had her own life to live as well. Since moving to the city, it had been difficult to make friends and boyfriends. Not that you’re not a social person, but getting a real connection is difficult. Sure, maybe you could put yourself out there a little more, and maybe this text you’re about to send will push you in the right direction.  

Hey hot blondie 

You bite your lip at your text, hoping it comes off as playful as you would like it to be. Not a minute later your phone pings back at you.  

Well, hey there Cookie, didn’t think I’d be hearing from you so soon 

Crap, was that too soon? You are pretty out of practice with this type of thing, maybe wait a few minutes before you respond to make yourself seem less eager. Chewing your fingernail, you stare down at the phone, trying to think of a flirty response.  

Just trying to secure my free coffee tomorrow 😉 

You grin to yourself and watch as his message quickly appears once again. 

Oh, I see how it is, just looking for a sugar daddy huh? 😉 

I mean, in this economy, who isn’t lol 

Haha, so what are you doing tonight? 

Just watching some brain rot on Netflix with my dog, hbu? 

Nothing either, wanna hang out? 

Your eyes widen and your shoulders pull off the couch. Was this a hookup thing or a spontaneous romantic thing? It was hard to tell.  

What did you have in mind? 

Weathers nice, wanna meet for a walk with your dog? 

Looking down at your snuggly best friend you grin with excitement. 

Sounds good, meet at Starbucks in 20? 

See ya there, Cookie. 

As you and Gus walk up to your meet up, all bundled up in a coat and scarf, you see Will waiting by the storefront. He’s wearing a fitted black coat, and dark jeans with boots. His eyes immediately brighten when he catches sight of you approaching.  

“Hey, how are you?” he says, his smile spreading across his face swiftly.  

Smiling back at him you reply, “I’m good thanks, how about you?” 

“Great, and who is this little fella?” he asks, kneeling down to let Gus jump on his knee.  

“This is Gus.”  

Standing back up he meets your eyes, “He’s a cutie. Do you wanna get a drink?” He asks, pointing over his shoulder to the store. 

Waving your free hand casually you shake your head, “Oh no, I just didn’t know where you lived so I thought this would be a good meeting point. I’m good to just go for a walk.”  

Nodding, he steps aside to allow you to continue on the sidewalk. He quickly steps over to your left to stand between you and the busy road. “So, you said you work near here? What do you do?” He asks.  

“I’m a nurse at a pediatricians office a few blocks over, and then my apartment is just down the road from here.” You say confidently.  

He nods, “A nurse huh? I figured something like that with the scrubs. Good for you, I’m sure that’s a tough job.” 

Shrugging your shoulders you reply, “It’s not too bad, I do love working with kids and trying to help them feel better, even if it’s just in spirit. Days get long though.” He smiles at your answer, “What do you do for work?” You ask. 

Will clears his throat and looks around at the people passing by, you see his eye line dart around faster than you can think before he replies. “I was in special forces, for about 15 years. Now, I work with the VA and the War Amps.” 

Your eyebrows raise, “Wow, that’s a long time to serve for. I can’t imagine, but good for you for helping all those people with the VA and War Amps. I’ve heard great things about them.” 

He smiles, “Yeah, you would love the War Amps, get to meet the most incredible kids there and their spirit is just, so inspiring for me. It’s hard to deal with injuries, I definitely had my fair share in the service, but I was still one of the lucky ones. So, I try to give back with my time and money as much as I can.”  

“That’s amazing, I’d love to see that. Sometimes I think I could be doing more to help with my degree than just, administering vaccines and wrapping up sprained ankles.” You say, almost to yourself. You don’t know why you’re speaking so vulnerably so quickly, isn’t this the what’s your favourite colour stage of a date? 

“I’m sure you make more of a difference than you think, but I could definitely take you by the hospital some time so you could check out the program.” Will says, his heartfelt blue eyes piercing your soul every time he looks at you. 

Clearing your throat to pull yourself back from the clouds he has sent you to, you ask, “So, that is your volunteer work I presume, what do you do for work?” 

Pulling his lips tight he stutters, “Um, I don’t really work anymore. I retired from special forces, and then did some private work that paid well and now I just invest in the stock market. It only takes up a few hours of my day so the rest I get to spend doing what I really love.”  

“Oh, wow, that’s really impressive. How do you do with the stocks? I’ve never understood any of that stuff.”  

“Pretty well, I’m good with numbers. Always had a habit of counting things and keeping track so I look at it all a little different I guess.” 

You smile, “What do you mean by counting things?” you ask.  

He clears his throat, “Well for example, I’ve uh-, kept track of every time I’ve made the same speech at the VA. I’m well into the 200s at this point. So, there’s big counts and then there’s small counts, like twelve.” He says quietly, giving you a knowing smile. 

Squinting your eyes you ask, “What have you counted twelve times?” 

“Twelve, is how many times,” he begins, looking sheepishly down at the snow crunching under his boots. “I saw you in that Starbucks before I finally got the nerve to talk to you.”  

Your chest flushes and you have to bite your lip to stop the agonizing grin that is threatening to crack your cold to touch cheeks. He looks equally as charmed as he stares back at you, waiting for your response.  

“I feel bad,” You begin to say, “I didn’t notice you until you finally did talk to me.”  

He shrugs, “That’s okay, every time you were either rushing out the door, or on your phone, or I was just not looking to be seen. There was this really adorable time, I think it was number seven, where you held the door open for this older gentleman and he said you were as sweet as sugar, and then you just had the biggest smile on your face.” His face beams at the memory as he scratches his beard.  

A smile breaks out on your face as well, “Oh I remember that guy. He completely made my day.” You say, your heart warming with each step you take with Will, Gus trotting beside you along the path.  

Will chuckles, “You kinda made my day every day after that.” He confesses.  

Blushing you reply, “You’re pretty charming you know that right?” 

He shrugs, “So I’ve been told.” 

The rest of the walk is just as lovely as the beginning. You learn a little more about his time in the service and his friends, especially his younger brother Benny that he’s going to visit in April. You tell him about your education, having graduated 4 years ago. How you grew up in Brooklyn and finally made it across the bridge when you got this job at the pediatrician’s office.  

He walks you back to your apartment building, giving you the worst puppy dog eyes you’ve ever seen when he turns to face you.  

“I had a really nice time Will.” You say, giving him a loving smile.  

Will nods, “Me too Cookie. You know, I’m going to the hospital on Saturday morning if you’d like to come and meet the kids?” 

Your excitement is undeniable when you agree and thank him for the offer.  

“Alright well, I’ll let you get back to your Netflix. Talk to you later?” He says. You nod and he steps a foot closer to plant a gentle kiss on your chilly cheek before squeezing your elbow and stepping past you to head home.  

You watch him leave, his broad shoulders stretching his coat within an inch of its life. A group of women walk by him and immediately turn their heads to catch a second look. You smile to yourself as they walk by and comment on how deliriously good looking, he is. He never gave them even one look, let alone a second. Returning back to your apartment you give Gus some more food and water to refresh after the walk and slip into your sweats. Sliding back onto the couch you flip on the tv, choosing one of your favourite Disney princess classics to relax to. You try to focus on the movie in front of you, not the way your cheek still feels warm from his endearing kiss.  

The rest of the week leaves you excited for each new day, stepping into the Starbucks you were immediately greeted by Will waiting at a table with your coffee in hand and ready to make the brisk walk to your work with you before heading back home.   

Saturday morning comes and you are buzzing as you wait for him to pick you up for the visit. His text comes through that he’s waiting downstairs in a black car, and you eagerly grab your backpack to leave. You’re met with a black Lincoln town car and Will waving at you from the back seat. He did say he made good money in the private sector and traded stocks; you guess you should’ve figured he was pretty well off.  

Sliding into the sleek car you smile at him, and he leans in to kiss your cheek again. “Hey, how are you?” you ask.  

“Better now that you’re here. How was your call with your parents last night? Are they having a good trip?” he asks intently.  

Slightly taken aback that he remembered your scheduled call with your parents while they are on their vacation in Japan last night. “Oh, yeah it was really nice. They’re having a great time. Thanks for asking.” You say bashfully.  

“Of course. Have they sent you any pictures?”  

You spend the rest of the ride over showing him all the pictures your mom has sent you. For a second you stare at the crinkles around his eyes when he smiles and the grey speckles in his beard. Could he be closer in age to your parents than to you? You knew he wasn’t exactly 29, but maybe he was a little older than you thought.  

Your thoughts are cut short as the car comes to a halt in front of the hospital. You and Will depart and head into the rehabilitation unit. Stepping through the doors you look around at all the equipment and patients. To your left there is an elderly man working on walking, his knee has a brace on it and someone who you assume is his wife is standing near offering him words of encouragement. Will takes your hand and leads you into an area near the back of the unit, a smile stretching across his face when he sees a little boy seated by the standing bars. He has a dinosaur printed prosthetic leg from the knee down and is reading a book.  

“Hey James.” Will says, as he slides down into the seat beside the boy.  

 He smiles back, “Hi Will!” 

“How’s my man doing?” 

“Good, I got an A on my math test this week. Thanks for helping me study.” James says enthusiastically.  

Nodding, Will replies, “No problem, I knew you could do it.” He looks up at you, just standing there enjoying the interaction and gestures to you to come closer. “James, I want you to meet my friend here. She’s thinking about doing some volunteer work with the War Amps too.”  

You step closer and kneel down in front of them on the carpet. “Hi James, it’s nice to meet you.”  

“Nice to meet you too.” He replies, before turning to Will and using his hand to cover his mouth, says, “She’s really pretty.”  

You and Will both giggle, and Will looks back at you before covering his mouth and whispering back. “I know right, I called dibs already so don’t even think about.”  

The three of you laugh again, before you settle and spend an hour talking with James and watching him work with Will on his balance. Will is so intentional and sweet with the boy, you can’t help but feel a warmth in your heart. He is so unlike any other guy you’ve met.  

Leaving the hospital, you agree to go for lunch. To your amazement, the car pulls up outside a restaurant you have been dying to go to but could never afford or get a reservation to. Turning to Will you ask, “How did you get a table at this place so quickly?” 

Shrugging, he replies, “I know the owner.” He offers a flirtatious wink before climbing out of the car and meeting you round the other side.  

The entrance to the restaurant has tall doors and a doorman standing aside to open it for you. A chandelier is the first thing that catches your eye as you take in the regal décor of the main room. Lucious red and greens all about, creating a rich atmosphere, that looks as delicious as it smells.  

Will steps up to the hostess stand with your hand firmly gripped in his. “Table for two.”  

“Of course, Mr. Miller, right this way.” The young blonde women says before leading you both deep into the restaurant. She pulls a curtain aside and you step through into a private room with a fireplace and bar. Will pulls your chair out for you, and as you sit down you marvel at the pure wealth of it all.  

A waitress follows quickly to take your drink orders before leaving the two of you alone.  

“How do you know the owner?” you ask inquisitively. 

Will takes a sip of the water on the table before commenting, “My friend Pope, the one I told you about from my team. He owns it, and a bunch of other ones. The one he is mainly at is in Vegas.”  

“Huh, wow he did very well for himself too.” You speak. “So, Pope is in Vegas, Fish is in Tennessee, and Benny is in Kentucky. What brought you to New York?” 

“Well, I spent so much time in little camps or on bases, it was so quiet, and you just felt like the only people in the world. I thought it would be nice to be around the noise and all these people. This is kind of the loudest and busiest city in the US so, I found my way here a few years ago.” 

“Was it everything you thought it would be?”  

He sucks his teeth slightly, “Yes and no.” 

“How’s that?” you ask, tucking your hand under your chin. 

“It’s what I thought in terms of noise and busyness, but I guess I still found myself a little lonely. I think I need to work harder at meeting people and creating a new family here. First my family was my family, then my team was my family, and now, well it’s just me.” 

His answer leaves you a little sad. You come from a big family, with your parents and 3 siblings and cousins upon cousins. You couldn’t imagine being by yourself in this big city.  

You dine over a delicious meal, and he takes you back to your apartment. Walking through the halls he keeps a gentle hand on your back and his presence in itself makes you feel safer than you’ve ever felt.  

“Well, this is me.” You say, gesturing to your bright yellow door you had to beg the landlord to let you paint.  

He smiles and says, “Once again I had a great time, Cookie.”  

You blush at the nickname, and your breath hitches as he steps closer and begins to lean in. You raise your arms up to rest around his firm shoulders as his hands find their home on your hips. Your lips dance delicately close and the two of you smile sweetly, before he gently presses his lips to yours. His lips are sweet and move lovingly with yours. He pulls away a few moments later and looks into your eyes before resting his head against yours.  

“I’ve been thinking about doing that for a long time now.” He says earnestly.  

“I’ve been thinking about, not as long as you obviously because you saw me first.” You laugh with him. “But um, I have wanted to do it since our walk the other day. I appreciate the waiting though; I do like to take things slow if that’s okay.”  

Will brings his hands up to cup your face and looks deeply into your eyes, “Of course, whatever you’re comfortable with.”  

His piercing blue eyes and sweet words make you want to melt right there on that awful casino patterned carpet in your apartment building hallway. You finally peel yourself out of his arms and step into your apartment, resting your head back on the door after it closes to reel in the morning you’ve had.  

Carrie walks into the kitchen and sees your fussed state. She comments with a smirk on her face, “So, I guess your day with hot blondie went pretty well huh?”  

A smile grows on your face as you step towards the island and put your bag down. “It was perfect. The trip to the hospital was perfect, the lunch was perfect, ugh he’s just so-,” 

“Perfect?” she interjects with a laugh.  

As the flowers and trees start to blossom, so does your relationship with Will. Every morning you get coffee and walk to work together, and every night you spend hours texting, facetiming or going on dates. Whether it be a simple walk or another dinner at Popes restaurant. He was the easiest guy you’ve ever spoken to, and chivalrous to boot. Near the end of April, he was set to go visit his brother and you couldn’t help the little pout that sprang out on your face when he told you he was leaving, knowing you’ll miss him a ton.  

Standing in the lunchroom at work you smile at your phone reading your texts with Will. 

What do you have planned for tonight? 

Benny is dragging me to a night club opening…can you tell he’s the younger brother? 

Oh no, lol! Wish I could go with you to make it a little less painful.  

That would be great, he’s stalking some poor girl from his gym he’s got a huge crush on, so I have to wingman.  

“Is it that guy again?” Deepti comments when she looks up from her book and sees the goofy look on your face.  

You straighten up and reply, “I don’t know who you’re talking about.” You say sarcastically.  

She rolls her eyes, “Oh please, you’re in love.”  

“Who’s in love?” Ross asks surprised as he walks into the lunchroom.  

You roll your eyes back at her and scoff. 

“Ms. Fairytales don’t exist.” Deepti confirms.  

Ross’ mouth gaps and he looks at you with wild eyes, “Have you been holding out on us with some juicy details?”  

“Come on guys, it’s no big deal. We’ve been dating for like a month.” You comment exasperated.  

“Oh, well do tell. Is he hot?” Ross asks, sitting down and egging you on to spill the beans.  

Biting your lip, you let out a tiny squeal. “Yes, yes, he’s soooo hot. He has blonde hair, the most beautiful blue eyes, a beard and his body is something that Greek sculptors would use as a model for their art. He is just the most charming man I’ve ever met.” 

Ross and Deepti are reeling in your confession and Ross continues his interrogation. “So, have you, you know yet?” He asks, popping his eyebrows up and down. 

Humming to yourself you respond, “Not yet, I just wanted to take it slow.”  

“How slow?” Deepti asks. 

“Um, I think it’s been slow enough. We’ve made out lots and gotten a little handsy, but I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t ready for more. Maybe once he gets back.” You say, almost to yourself.  

They give each other a knowing look as you get lost in your daydreams.  

Laying in bed that night binging a new show you found, your phone pings again with a new message from Will.  

Am I a bad brother if I wanna bail on Ben? This place is so loud. 

Smiling to yourself, you reply.  

I’d say you put your time in. Sorry you’re not having fun! 

It’s okay, I think he finally found that girl so I’m gonna head back to his place.  

Alright drive safe! 

Hey, just wanted to let you know I’m at his place now.  

Aw thanks for letting me know! Glad your hearing is protected now 😉 

Haha yeah much better now. So, what have you been up to this evening? 

Just laying in bed watching tv.  

Now that sounds like my kind of night. 

You scroll through your messages with Will and notice the complete lack of flirting. Maybe it was time you stepped it up a notch. You have been seeing him for a few weeks now, and it may be best to move past the PG rating of your relationship. Rolling onto your back you think for a moment before responding. 

It would definitely be a lot better if you were here with me. 

Holding your breath you wait for his response. You begin to grow nervous until his name pops up again in the text chain. 

Oh yeah? And whys that? 

Well, cuz then I wouldn’t be watching the show all by myself.  

Is that all we’d be doing? 

His response makes your heart skip a beat and a bit of wetness start to form on your panties.  

Not necessarily, is there anything you have in mind 😉 

Oh, trust me I’ve got a lot on my mind. Since I got home, I’ve been thinking about lying with you in your bed. Spooning you while we watch your show. Holding you tight and kissing your neck to see what pretty little noises you can make.   

That sounds like a dream. Tell me more. 

Then I’d slide my hand up your shirt and feel how soft your skin is cuz baby I just know you’d feel so perfect. And I’d keep kissing down your neck and your shoulders and… 

You wait for a few moments, but no additional text comes through, the ache between your legs is palpable and you want to beg him to keep going. 

And? 

You ask, hoping he will give you what you need to find your release as you slide your hand beneath the band of your panties. The notification finally pops up as you’re rereading the messages and drawing tiny circles on your clit.  

And I guess you’ll have to find out the rest when I get back baby 😉 

“Dammit Will.” You groan to yourself, pulling your hand back up and trying to calm yourself down.  

Can’t wait, want me to just jump you in Starbucks the first day you’re back? 

Lol not exactly what I was thinking. But I have been meaning to ask you, the first Monday in May, got any plans? Could you get off work? 

I’ve got some vacation days I could use, why? What are you thinking? 

Book it off, and it’s a surprise. But I promise at the end of the night, you’ll get to see everything I’ve been wanting to do with you for weeks now, if you want it.  

Trust me, I want it.  

The first Monday of May. The colour has returned to the leaves and you’ve abandoned your heavy winter jacket for a lighter yellow jacket with jeans and sneakers. Due to the glorious weather and the sun beating down, you decide to make the walk to Wills apartment instead of a taxi. He sent you his address and the strict instructions of; 

No makeup 

Don’t do your hair 

Bring an overnight bag 

This is your first time being at Wills apartment, every time you plan a stay in date, he always says he wants to come to your place because it’s so perfectly “you”. That his apartment doesn’t have a woman’s touch, and he finds himself more comfortable cozied up on your thrift store couch with you and Gus than he ever has on his. You’re glad he feels so at home with you, however, if things do get serious, you can’t imagine him moving in with you and Carrie. You’d surely have to move in with him or find something together. But that thought seems miles ahead of where you’re at. You haven’t even slept with him yet so maybe pump the breaks on thinking of introducing him to your parents.  

You check your phone as you have been following the directions and come to a stop in front of a tall old building. The stone on it almost resembles that of a castle and the door is large with dark wood and gold accents. A doorkeeper stands at the top of the stone stairs and eyes you from below. You glance down at the address again and back up, confirming it to be true. He lives in one of the most expensive apartment buildings in the area. You’ve seen this building as you drive by in a cab, always imagining what kind of people could afford to live here. You’ve even Zillowed the units, most of them going for at least $5 million due to the views.  

Taking a deep breath you step forward, dragging your carryon suitcase behind you as you eye the stairs and wonder how you’re gonna get it up them without looking like a total idiot. Before you can, the door man leaps from his post and trots down the steps to meet you.  

“Ms. Uh,- Cookie? Is it? I’m Juan.” the man with a thick South American accent asks with an awkward smile.  

You smirk and nod, “Uh yeah that’s me, I guess. Did Will say I was coming?”  

He nods, “Yes ma’am, he didn’t give me much to go on though I’ll be honest.” He says as he takes the suitcase from your hands and leads you to the stairs. “All he said was that his girlfriend Cookie was coming and that I would know it’s you because you’d be the most beautiful woman, I’d see all day.” He says with joy in his voice.  

Blushing, you reply. “Well, thank you for your help. Do you know what unit he is? I think he forgot that in his message?” You ask, scrolling through your messages again.  

“Ah, yes ma’am, he is in the penthouse.” 

Your head whips up to hopefully see humor behind his eyes with his joke, but he is dead serious. “Okay, um, great. Thank you, Juan.”  

“Have a lovely evening.” He says, opening the door for you.  

Stepping inside Wills building is a dream, high ceilings with chandeliers that twinkle more than the stars in the sky. Lounge areas of rich velvet couches and wood tables probably older than the state of New Jersey scatter around the room as socialites mull about. You immediately feel out of place in your Converse and ripped jeans but pulling as much confidence you can muster together you head towards the elevator.  

The elevator chimes and you meet another attendant, they provide you with a courteous smile and ask what floor.  

Taking a gulp of air, you step in and say, “Um, penthouse? Will Millers.”  

He nods and presses the button before the doors glide closed before you.  

A moment later they open once more, and you are met with a short hallway to a double door. Saying your thanks, you exit and roll your suitcase behind you. Before you can reach the end and tap on the door, it swings open, and Will smiles brightly at you from behind it. He looks as perfect as ever with hair and beard grown out a bit, a white T-shirt and jeans on. His muscles flex as he leans on the door frame.  

“Hey baby, you made it. Come on in.” He says, offering to take your suitcase from you.  

“Thank you, and yeah it was easier to find than I thought.” Stepping through the door you’re surprised to see such a modern designed room. All black and grey sleek furniture. You can see why he thinks yours is more comfortable. Your eyes catch the light at the end of the room, and you can’t help but jog over to the edge to stand in front of the large windows looking over the beautiful view. He steps up behind you and looks at nothing but your face of wonder.  

“Nice, isn’t it?”  

“It’s breathtaking, my view of is the neighboring buildings trash storage.” You quip and he chuckles beneath his breath.  

“Here, let me show you the rest.” He says, taking your hand.  

You follow him along the rest of the apartment, taking in more views and basking in the pure luxury of the place. The kitchen is straight out of a magazine and there are rooms upon rooms of entertainment systems, bars, more space than you could even imagine what to do with.  

He comes to a halt in front of a double door and takes your hands in his. “This is my favourite room, and I had planned on sharing it with you in a more intimate way, but due to the little surprise that I have planned for you today, this will have to do.”  

You hold your breath with anticipation as he lets go of your hands and grabs the handles, pushing them open and revealing the primary bedroom. A large bed pressed up against the wall is the only thing you see before taking in the irregularities in the space. Garment racks lining the walls, hair and makeup station set up, a variety of men’s and women’s shoes scattered around the room.  

Walking in and taking in the spectacle before you, you ask quietly. “What is all this?” 

You feel a hand find your waist and his breathe tickle your ear, “It’s your surprise.”  

Turning in his hold you look at him with furrowed eyebrows, still unsure what he means.  

Smirking, Will continues. “What happens every first Monday of May in New York?” 

The wheels in your head start turning until a click finally sounds and your eyes blow wide. “The Met Gala?” You ask excitedly. 

He nods, “Every year they have a table for a few charities to send a representative and a guest. The War Amps got selected this year and I was invited by the director to take the spots due to my donations and the fact that I am easier on the eyes than most of their donators, as she said.” He laughs at that and your mouth gaps at his confession. “So, I was wondering, would you like to go to the Met Gala with me?”  

The smile of your face might just break your cheeks, the most luxurious event in NYC, peppered with every celebrity you follow on social media, on the arm of the most handsome man in the world. How could you say no? 

“Yes, yes, a thousand times yes. I am so excited.” A realization hits you quickly, “But wait, what am I gonna wear?” 

“Don’t worry about that, hair and makeup will be here soon to get us ready and there are about a dozen dresses over in those garment bags for you to choose from. I may have snuck a peak in your closet one time to get your size.” He says with a wink and a twinkle in his blue eyes.  

The emotion begins to well up in you, “Will, this is, - this is the most amazing thing that’s ever happened to me. Thank you.”  

He steps closer and pulls your hands up to place a kiss to your knuckles, “Well, you’re the most amazing thing that’s ever happened to me. So, I’m glad I can return the favour.” 

Your eyes meet and he lets go of your hands, they instinctively find their way to his shoulders as his fall to your waist. Your lips meet, the taste of him sending a shockwave down your spine. The kiss suddenly deepens, and he starts to back you up towards the king-sized bed covered in a luscious dark grey comforter. The back of your knees hit the edge of the bed as you both fall down onto it. He hovers above you, licking into your mouth, moaning together as you grab at his T-shirt, desperate to feel the warmth and strength underneath. His hand starts to wander down your body towards your jeans when the phone beside the bed begins to ring. You stop kissing and open your eyes, looking at each other with the same humor and annoyance to your unexpected interruption.  

Will huffs a laugh out and taps your plump lips with his finger. “This isn’t over.” He smiles before pushing himself up and adjusting his now swollen cock in his jeans quickly, walking over to the phone.  

You wait patiently on the bed, still buzzing from the way Wills kisses make you feel like you’ve had 4 tequila shots.  

“Okay, thanks. Send them up.” He says before placing the receiver back down and sauntering over to you at the end of the bed.  

His words on the phone leave a sexy pout on your face knowing your time has been further interrupted. “The team is here to get started, they’re on their way up.” He takes your hand and hauls you effortlessly back to your feet before tucking a strand of hair behind your ear, gazing into your eyes. “The selfish man in me wants to send them all away and cancel tonight just to have you to have you all to myself, but I can’t wait to see how stunning you are going to look tonight so I guess I’ll have to wait.”  

You and Will spend the next few hours getting ready and snacking on the pizza he got for everyone delivered. It is finally time to get dressed and he plants a kiss to your forehead before he and his team head down the hall with his outfit for the evening, closing the doors behind them.  

Running your fingers through the dresses that have been pulled from their garment bags you smile to yourself, unable to believe this is your life right now. Your family was never broke by any means, but they kept everything reasonable. Your prom dress was from a department store, your university graduation dress from a small boutique in Queens. It was always more than enough for you, but as you stand there marveling at the exquisite and deliriously expensive gowns, the little girl in you who always dreamed of being a princess that lived in a tower in the sky couldn’t help but smile. 

Will stands in the foyer waiting, his attention is suddenly caught as he hears the sound of heels clicking on the hard wood flooring and he turns to see you walking towards him. A long silver dress covered in sparkles with straps hanging off the shoulders and a high slit on your leg with diamond earrings more expensive than your parent’s car. Your heels are silver and glittery, the way they shimmer in the fluorescent lighting they look like they could be made of glass. He takes one look at you and his breath leaves his chest. His hand swiftly follows it, placing it over his heart as he watches you with pure devotion.  

You can’t help but smile as you take in his appearance as well. A dark blue suit with matching shirt, his hair slicked back perfectly and a jeweled piece around his collar. Meeting him in his place he takes your hand and spins you around before pulling you close.  

“You are, the most beautiful woman in the world, you know that right?” he says through a whispered breath.  

“You’re not so bad yourself.” You say, your eyes flicking to his mouth. 

Will tries to steady his breathing, realizing you were still in the presence of an audience. “Let’s get out of here, alright?” 

He takes your hand, and you follow him to the elevator, your heartbeat thumping loudly in your chest at the anticipation. The elevator chimes and he leads you through the lobby of the building. All eyes are on you as your dress glimmers with the chandelier lighting. A little girl passing by with her mother whispers just loud enough for you to here, “Mommy is that a princess?”  

You blush and Will smiles with you. The door is opened for you by Juan, and he smiles at you. “You look beautiful Ms. Cookie.”  

Before you can respond you are bombarded with the flash of photographers, clearly waiting for attendees of the night’s gala. Will keeps you firmly pressed against him as he leads you to the black car waiting at the curb, shielding you from any greedy photographer trying to get too close. The door is opened by the driver for you and Will as you slide into the black leather seats.  

Once the car has departed Will looks you up and down again, “That little girl was right by the way, you do look like a princess.”  

“I feel like one, getting ready up there, having people do my hair and makeup, this dress, it all feels like a fairytale.” You say.  

He takes your hand and kisses it gently, “Can I be your Prince Charming then?”  

“Absolutely, now I guess I just have to hope this doesn’t turn into a pumpkin at the end of the night.” You laugh. 

The lights of the city pass as you make your way to the gala, waiting in line for your exit, your nerves are getting the better of you and your leg begins bouncing. Will immediately notices and places a firm hand on your exposed knee.  

“Hey, it’s okay. They’re not worried about us, a few pictures and then we’ll be up the stairs and in the clear.” he says, offering a reassuring smile.  

He’s right, you can do this you think. The door suddenly opens, and you’re ushered out to get checked in. Will holds your hand firmly as he passes through each check in and to the waiting area for the stairs. You smile and point out all the celebrities you are fans of to Will and explain what they’re in. Having been in the service for so long, he missed out on a lot of media, so you have been sufficiently filling him in over the last few weeks of your must watches.  

“Mr. Miller, please head towards the staircase, and stop at landings 1 and 3 for photos.” A woman in a long black dress and headset informs you.  

Will looks at you and lets a deep breath out of his nose, “Alright, here we go. If at any point you’re done just let me know and we’ll head straight to the top.”  

You smile and rub his arm for reassurance, before you both step towards the opening of the stairs. The grand staircase is beautifully decorated and lined with hundreds of photographers. The lights are blinding but you do your best to put on a smile to match Wills as he confidently works up the first set of stairs to the landing. He stops and pulls you in close, you rest a hand on his shoulder and smile at the flashing cameras.  

Before you know it you and Will have moved up the stairs and are entering the gala. Hoards of celebrities pass by, and you do your best to keep your squeals to a minimum, not that Will would mind. The gala passes in a whirlwind of pleasant conversations, delicious food and even more delicious champagne. All the while Will devotes his attention to you both emotionally and physically. He meets your eyes and asks how you’re doing, if you need anything, and keeps a hand firmly on your body which sends a continuous rush to your core as you do your best to breathe out of your nose to calm your sheer attraction to him.  

The way his shoulders press into his suit jacket, his pants hanging perfectly on his legs, his strong hands holding you close at every chance they get. He’s intoxicating to be around, and you stare at the time on your phone as you think about what the rest of the night is to hold. He promised to show you everything he’s been wanting to do to you since your first date and the pool in your panties is a constant reminder that you so badly want him to. You can hardly believe you’re willing for one of the most incredible experiences of your life to end but each time Will tells you how beautiful you look or you catch how his eyes sparkle in the lights of the ballroom, you melt a little bit further and have to push back the agonizing urge to whisper in his ear and ask him to take you home. 

You’re seated at your table, people watching and resting your feet from the strain of your heels when Wills phone on the table lights up with a text message. You both look down and see the time of midnight. 

Will looks you up and down, “Well Cinderella, should we go check to make sure that car didn’t turn into a pumpkin?” 

Your eyes widen with excitement and you nod. He takes your hand to help you stand and waits dutifully as you collect your things in your purse before heading to the stairs again. They are almost bare now, most of the photographers having left for the night or moved to separate exit points. You begin the walk down the stairs before having a sudden realization.  

“Oh Will, before we leave, I saw a washroom just up the stairs and I’m gonna go before we leave, just in case there’s traffic.” He nods and you turn to walk up the stairs. Stumbling slightly up one of the steps and you step right out of your shoe. Steadying yourself you turn and look down, to see Will with the biggest smirk on his face. He walks up the steps as you wait with hitched breath. He leans down to pick up the shoe and falls to one knee in front of you.  

“I guess you really are Cinderella huh?” he says with a smile full of wonder.  

Seeing him kneel before you makes your heart thump loudly in your chest. He reaches his hand out and you gently place your foot into it, before he carefully slides the glittery heel back onto your foot. He rises up in front of you, gaze burning with desire.  

Taking a deep breath you say, “I guess so. At least I know she has a happy ending.”  

“I know you will.” He says confidently.  

Trying to contain the wistful smile on your face you gesture towards the top of the stairs, “Well, I’ll be right back.”  

Once in the washroom you take deep breaths and stare at yourself in the mirror. Surely you can’t be falling for this man. It’s just smoke and mirrors. Just the romance of the night, there’s no way it could be real. However, he does make you feel more than any other man ever has. His touch has electrified you at every linger, his words healing something inside that you didn’t know was broken. All you know for sure is, if tonight goes the way you think it will. You will be undeniably, unapologetically, unbelievably, falling in love with Will Miller.  

The excitement was building the entire way back to Wills apartment. You had to keep reminding yourself to breathe and as the elevator door finally dings at the penthouse floor. He ushers you out with a hand on the small of your back, leading you into the unknown.  

Once inside, Will takes your hand and leads you quietly to his bedroom, you follow along with a devilish grin on your face. He stands in front of the door and pulls you closely into his arms.  

“I just wanna remind you, we don’t have to do anything tonight alright? We can go in there, cuddle and go to sleep if that’s all you want. Or we can take that next step, together.” He whispers calmly to you. 

The champagne running through your veins and the sheer desire that you feel for Will has your boldness stepped up a notch, no longer nervous of what was to come. So, you step closer to him and whisper back in the sultriest voice you can. “Will, I just want you to fuck me in every way you’ve thought about since you saw me in that damn Starbucks.”  

His eyebrows pop up and he watches you as you slip out of his grasp and push open the double doors. Sauntering over to the bed with your hips swaying in every direction before settling on the end of the bed, tapping the comforter beside you and eyeing him. He smirks and steps into the room, closing the doors behind him. His broad shoulders take up so much space as he stands in front of you, taking his suit jacket off and slowly removing the cufflinks on his shirt sleeves. All the while staring you down, tracing every inch of your body with his eyes. You could damn near feel their touch as the anticipation grows between your legs, you have to cross them and squeeze slightly to release a little bit of pressure that has built.  

Hovering over you he says in a commanding tone, “Stand up princess.”  

You raise an eyebrow at the new authoritative state he is in and oblige. He takes your hips in his hands and turns you around, taking the zipper of your dress in his fingers and slowly pulling it down to reveal your bare back and the top of your lace black panties. You let the dress fall to your feet and step out of it. He swiftly scoops it up off the floor and takes it to the hangers near the door, carefully placing it back where it belongs. When he turns back you’ve turned back around and he’s met with your bare breasts, your panties and your glass slippers still upon your feet. He bites his lip and walks back over to you, looking you up and down.  

“Fuck, I can’t wait to do everything I’ve been thinking about, Cookie.” He whispers, unbuttoning his shirt and toeing off his shoes. The dark navy button down is finally open, and your eyes widen as he peels it off his shoulders, revealing his chiseled abs so hard you could bounce a ball off of them.  

Perking up on the bed you run your hands down his body, taking in the defined pecks and strong arm muscles. You fingers dance on his abs before leaning forward and licking a stripe up them. Will lets out a low chuckle before his hand takes your chin and points your head up to look at him. His eyes are full of desire as he squints and takes in the look of your bare breasts again. He suddenly swoops down, lifting you up into his arms with ease and throwing you further down on the bed.  

You can’t help but giggle before he reaches up and takes your heels off your feet, tossing them aside. He unbuttons his pants and pushes them down his thick thighs before climbing up the bed over top of you.  

He encapsulates your mouth with an agonizing kiss, the way your tongues move together is nothing short of perfect. Will pulls your bottom lip out with his teeth before smirking. “The first thing I have been dying to have you do.” He begins, punctuating his sentence with a loving kiss. “Is, I want you to sit on my face.”  

Your eyebrows pop up at his proposition before nodding and rolling out from underneath him. He rolls onto his back and watches as you get onto your knees to slowly pull your lace panties down your thighs, rolling onto your side to finish sliding them off. You crawl over to him and place your legs on either side of his body, giving him a devilish grin.  

“Beautiful.” He comments, taking in the sight of your bare body and glistening pussy.  

Your heart pounds as you move up on his body and position yourself with your thighs on either side of his head, grasping the dark wood headboard for balance.  

Will lets out a groan and kisses the inside of your thighs, his hands coming around from underneath you to pull at you slightly and open you up even further. You take a deep breath before feeling the first flick of his tongue on you, right from your weeping hole to your swollen clit. A moan comes out of your throat, and you brace yourself on the headboard for what’s to come. He licks again and again, pulling your thighs back and forth with his hands as he makes you fuck his face. The slight scrape of his facial hair on your sensitive only adds to the stimulation. The headboard slams against the wall over and over as your head falls back and you bite your lip, trying not to break your resolve just yet. It’s all for not when he sucks your clit into his mouth and causes the damn to break. Your orgasm rocks you and you have to grip the headboard to keep from your legs letting you down. He continues to suck you as you soak his beard until you finally let a deep breath out moan at the pleasure. Your clit still thrumming, he reaches a hand farther and inward to start drawing tiny circles on your clit as his tongue laps at your entrance. Your head falls forward against the headboard at the feeling, he continues his movements until you are falling closer and closer to another devastating orgasm. It hits you again and it takes every bit of strength not to punch the wall in front of you as the sensation overpowers every nerve in your body. You finally finish with deep breaths and pull away slightly from his overstimulating tongue. He kneads your thighs as you blink slowly, trying to get the dizziness to go away before climbing off of him and plopping your body down on the bed beside him.  

Through huffed breaths you muster out some words, “Fuck, that was, that was incredible.”  

Will smirks and wipes his beard with his hand, “Mm, you taste so good baby. I love making you cum all over my face.” He leans forward and plants a kiss on your lips, licking into you so you can taste just how good he makes you feel.  

He pops up on his knees and reaches over your limp body to pull open the side table drawer, plucking a condom out of the box and putting it on himself. You watch through hooded eyes as he rolls you onto your side and slides your top leg up slightly. His warm hand rolls up and down your body before grasping his length and notching it at your entrance. You stare at the view outside his window as you feel the initial stretch of his cock in your pussy. The glistening lights of New York, the silence of being on the top floor of the building, the feeling of a devastatingly handsome man fucking you from behind. You can’t imagine a better place to be in the world right now.  

You grip the comforter underneath you as he fully slides himself into your wet hole. His size is perfect and fills you up in a way you’ve never felt before. Laying behind you he reaches his arm back around and holds you tightly, cupping one of your breasts. Will peppers your neck with kisses, “Is this alright baby?” he asks.  

“Ugh, yes Will, you feel so good. I need you to move, please.” You beg.  

With that his hips snap back and forth behind you, rutting into you at a quick pace. The drag of his cock in and out has you seeing stars again. The feeling is overwhelming and the way he pinches your nipple between his fingers make you moan his name.  

He grunts behind you and nips at your neck, “Fuck baby, you’re taking me so well. So fucking tight. I need your to cum again I need to feel how tight you get when you finish.”  

It’s not long before his wish is granted, and you are tightening your fingers around the fabric below you and crying out. You squeeze him so tight you damn near push him right out of you. He firmly grabs your hips and pulls you flush with him as he moves slowly in and out of you, fucking you through the sensation of your third orgasm. The feeling is enough to tip him over the edge as he spills himself inside the condom with a primal groan in your ear, squeezing your ass with his free hand. His body falls relaxed on you and he huffs out a laugh as he buries his face in your neck.  

“That was, better than I thought it was gonna be.” he says, taking deep breathes before he rolls onto his back. You wince at the sudden emptiness you feel without him in or on you.  

Turning over you rest your head on his firm chest and skate your hand up and down his abs. “That was amazing baby, I felt something I really hadn’t in a long time, maybe ever. You know?” You say, looking up at him with doe eyes.  

Will looks down at you and brings his hand to cup your cheek, his eyes trail between yours and your lips and he whispers softly. “I think I might be falling in love with you.”  

The heat of the summer was surely upon you as you peel your thighs off the leather seats of Wills town car and step out into the humidity. Squinting your eyes from the sunshine, you look around at the Brooklyn neighborhood you used to call home and smile. Will rounds the car and wraps his arm around your waist.  

“You ready for this?” You ask with a bit of sarcasm in your voice. 

He nods, “Ready as I’ll ever be.”  

You smile at each other before stepping towards the stairs leading to the two-story home. Pushing the door open you are immediately met with the sounds of yelling and children’s laughter.  

“Hey everyone!” You call as you and Will move about the house.  

Wills senses are overwhelmed as he dodges a child running past him with a badminton racket and shakes the hands of half a dozen people while you introduce siblings, in-laws, nieces and nephews, and your parents. He looks around at the business of the house and at how natural you look in it and it warms his heart. 

He watches in the kitchen holding his beer your father gave him as you busy around with your mom and sister. It’s all, “Yes I know when the roast needs to sliced.” And “Have you seen the stirring spoon for the sauce?” Every once in a while, you widen your eyes at him and he smirks, taking in the sheer humor of your relationships with your family.  

After the craziness of dinner, you finish cleaning up and lean on the counter, drinking your wine. “Where’s Will?” You ask, peaking into the living room where most of the family has settled.  

Your mom wipes the countertop with a wet rag. “He went out back, probably needed a bit of fresh air.”  

“Hm.” You acknowledge, “So, what do you and dad think about him?” You ask inquisitively.  

She stops her movement and looks back to you, “We were, a little surprised at the age difference I’ll be honest. But he seems like a very nice man, and he obviously treats you very well so, we can’t complain.”  

You smile and look at the window that leads to the back yard.  

“Also, he’s really hot.” She quips.  

Your mouth falls open with disgust, “Ugh, mom don’t say my boyfriends hot.”  

She shrugs, “Hey I’m not too old for him.”  

“Gross.” You laugh, “Well I should probably check on him.” You take your wine glass and go to the back door before turning and pointing at your mother. “And hey, I don’t wanna see that photo album of you during your modeling phase come out tonight, or any night young lady.” You laugh.  

She raises her hands up in the air in innocence and goes back to her cleaning.  

The sight of Wills broad shoulders gets you every time. He sits on the edge of the desk stairs looking out into your mother’s meticulously cared for garden.  

He looks up at you and rests a hand on your back as you settle beside him.  

“Sorry my family is a little crazy.” You say, leaning your head on his shoulder.  

He shakes his head, “No, no it’s perfect. This is, exactly what I needed. I missed this, the big families, the noise, the constant movement. I’ve been sitting still for too long now, not able to find a new family. But this, this could be it, and I love it. I’ve loved every second since we got here.”  

A smile breaks out on your face and warmth fills your heart. You lean in and kiss him deeply before resting your head against his. “I love you Will.” You whisper.  

He smiles and closes his eyes, “I love you too Cookie. Thank you for bringing me here today. I can’t wait for this to be us.”  

Leaning back slightly you ask him, “Do you want kids? I guess we never really talked about it.”  

“Yeah, I know it’s a bit late for me, but I think I could still have a couple kids. If that’s something you would want.” He assures you.  

Nodding you grin, “Yeah, yeah I’d like that.” You begin to lean in for another kiss before the sound of the sliding glass door interrupts your bliss.  

“Alright princess, get on in here and help your mother with the cake.” Your dad remarks from the door, a knowing grin on his face as he watches your flustered state having been caught kissing your boyfriend at the family dinner.  

“Princess?” Will asks, standing up from his spot and taking your hand to help you do the same. 

You huff out a laugh, “He’s been calling me that since I ran off to be in the big city. No longer the pauper in Brooklyn he says, now a princess in tall castle. I’d hardly call my apartment building a castle though.”  

He takes your hand and swings you into him, enveloping you in a tight hug. “Hm, well then maybe it’s time for Cinderella to finally get that castle huh? What do you think about moving in with me?”  

Your mouth gaps at his suggestion, you stutter. “Uh, um, - yes. Holy shit yes, I’d love to.”  

Will smiles, “Perfect, now you can quit that shitty job and work with me at the War Amps. I’ll take care you baby, I promise.”  

Your heart swells and you grab his face, pulling him into a kiss. The first kiss of your happily ever after.