3

" You okay? " Jack asked in concern, looking her over.

" Yeah I'm fine " she answered, her voice betraying her.

" Okay. Are you still willing to be his babysitter? " He queried.

" If you'll allow me to " She answered, her gaze not on Jack but Alex.

" Mind you, Alex understand every word spoken and harsh words or harsh treatment won't be tolerated. He feels pain too " He stated, all humour gone in his voice, replacing it with the tone of a protective brother.

Ava was somewhat annoyed with Jack's words. How could he say that? Placing her hands on her hips, she told him quietly, " Everyone is different, Jack. We're all different. I don't know if you're saying this because you've had experience with cruel babysitters before but I'm assuring you that I'm way different from those people. I can't treat a human that way, and definitely not a sick one. You don't generally assume everyone is the same " She exhaled heavily. She couldn't believe that she had talked to him like a mother would to a disobedient child.

Jack glared at her " Alex is not sick "

" You said it yourself that he is sick, didn't you? " She countered.

Jack looked at her for a while and finally shrugged " He's not really sick. He pretty much understands every word and he observe a lot. He just doesn't speak. Yet " He added.

" He can't talk? " Ava was bewildered.

" Doesn't speak for now. He used to " He answered.

" Yeah sure. Heck, he was the CEO of the great Kings International " Ava said thoughtfully.

" But he makes gestures, give you sign to let you know what he wants "

" Oh really " She said rhetorically and nodded in understanding.

" And one more thing, " He started.

" Shoot " Ava couldn't wait to get it over with.

" Whenever he glares at you and he draw his bed cover over himself, he wants you to get out. He throws a tantrum when he's not obliged " He finished, letting out a long breath.

" And yet another thing, " He continued " Never force him to speak. Remember, he was not always this way and definitely won't remain this way forever. Do you understand? So be careful when speaking to him "

" And the last thing, he's not really a fan of physical contact, he doesn't like to be touched that much. I mean, he hates having hands all over him. Do you understand what I'm saying? "

" Yeah I do. When do I start? " She asked.

" Whenever you like of course. Be it today or tomorrow, it's your choice. But I would suggest you bring in your things today and start work fully tomorrow. Or do you need more time to inform your family? " He asked and Ava rolled her eyes inwardly at the mention of the word ' family '. Ben and Bobby were nothing close to family at all. She was glad to be out of their clutch, finally. And there was no way she would tell them about her new job. Not now or ever. She just hoped they didn't find out this place until she made enough money to run away.

" Can I bring in my things today and sleep over then I'll start working tomorrow? " She asked in a pleading voice. Jack didn't think twice before he nodded.

" Sure. Do you need help bringing your things? I can send my driver to help you " He offered.

Ava looked at her wristwatch and was lost in thought. Bobby would be out by now but she couldn't say the same thing for Ben since he didn't come home the previous night. There was no way she would delay leaving that God forsaken place so she nodded. She had had enough of their treatment. She was sure those two douchebags didn't see as human because she herself couldn't treat an animal the way they treated her.

" I don't really have many things to pack but I could use some help right now " Plus having a guy beside her would make her feel less scared, if the two beasts turned out to be around. She just hoped and prayed luck was on her side and she wouldn't have to deal with them.

" Okay. Let's leave Alex now, shall we? " He placed his hands on the small of her back and together, they went downstairs to the main living room.

" A minute please " Jack said as soon as they got to the living room room and excused himself, leaving only Ava and his son. Liam went over to Ava and raised his arms. Ava understood the little boy wanted to be carried and thus, obliged him. He rested his head on her bosom and his little arms went around her to play with her hair.

None of them noticed Jack had come into the room and was now watching them. No doubt Ava would make a great babysitter, he thought. This was the motherly love he wanted Mabel to show to Liam, he smiled wistfully. Setting his personal life aside, he focused on Alex. But could Ava handle Alex? He wondered.

He made his presence known by coughing discreetly. Ava looked up, startled. " Oh.... I didn't know you came here already "

" Oh it's fine " and he smiled, looking at his son. He couldn't see his face so he turned his attention back to Ava.

" Is he asleep? " Ava looked down to check and it turned out Liam was fast asleep.

" Yeah I think so " She smiled and ruffled his hair. She stood up and handed him gently to Jack who wasn't too good with kids as he woke Liam up in the process.

" Dad? " Began a sleepy Liam.

" I'm here baby " and he kissed him on the cheeks.

" Is Ava leaving us? "

" No son, she just wanna go pick up some few things. She'll be back soon " Liam immediately went back to sleep. Jack looked at Ava " My son has taken a liking to you " He stated the obvious, smiling. Ava smiled back but said nothing to that.

" His mother? "