𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 66 : 𝐈'𝐦 𝐍𝐨𝐭 𝐔𝐬𝐞𝐝 𝐓𝐨 𝐁𝐞𝐠𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐠.

𝐌𝐚𝐟𝐢𝐚’𝐬 𝐍𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐬°°°

“Hey champ, I was just kidding,” Antonio chuckled, trying desperately to keep his usual dominance.

But the word sounded more like a flimsy excuse than an actual reassurance to Junior.

“If you’re really kidding,” the little boy countered urgently, “then where did you agree to take us?”

Antonio almost collapsed from embarrassment, because he had no idea.

Instinctively he blinked at Nevena, but she only widened her eyes innocently, as if saying you dug this hole yourself.

“Buddy?” Junior drawled, planting his hands on his hips.

“Of course,” He attempted again, clearing his throat and straightening his shirt like it would fix his pride. “We’re all going out together.”

Junior stared down at him. “Yes, I know— but where exactly?”

Nevena hid a smile behind her fingers, watching Antonio's composure crack one layer further.

“Don’t you think we’re going to be late?” he muttered, looking absolutely tortured.

“Buddy, I’m so disappointed,” Junior sighed dramatically. “You weren’t listening at all.”

“Baby, that’s enough.” Nevena laughed softly, “Mr. Hunt has a lot in his head”

She then turned to Antonio. “You agreed to take him to the park. The one near the mall.”

He muttered something in Spanish under his breath and dragged a hand over his face. “Let's go then!”

—-

They stepped outside together — Junior bounding ahead while Nevena locked the door before joining them.

Antonio hit the unlock button on his key, and Nevena instinctively reached for the passenger-side door.

But before her fingers touched the handle, Antonio’s hand shot out fast— catching the door and swinging it open.

She withdrew her hand, cheeks flushing. “You don’t have—”

“Hop in, champ,” He cut in smoothly, guiding Junior up with one hand.

The kid simply climbed in, wiggling with energy.

Nevena blinked, confused. “Oh… I thought—”

“Back seat.” He interjected again as he tightened Junior’s seatbelt.

A tremor of heat rose to Nevena’s cheeks. “Wait—you’re actually making me sit behind?”

“Catch a cab if you don’t feel comfortable.” He slammed the door and rounded to the driver’s side, avoiding eye contact entirely.

She opened her mouth to argue, but the way he closed his door— fast, controlled, almost like he was sealing danger away made her swallow the words.

She slid into the backseat before he started the engine.

“Seatbelt,” he said, not looking back.

She clicked it into place, and he pulled out of the driveway.

The ride was quiet—except for Junior’s endless chatter, which Antonio answered with practiced calm.

But Nevena didn't chip in any word from the back, she remained in the same position; legs crossed and fingers playing with the strap of her bag.

—-

At the park, families were everywhere— kids screaming and running.

Junior leapt out and ran ahead, jumping on every tile line like it was lava.

“Don’t go too far!” Nevena called, arms folded unsettlingly.

“Relax, he’s safe,” Antonio reassured her, locking the car quickly.

The sun was soft, the morning crisp, a perfect atmosphere for a quiet stroll.

He walked in synchronized rhythm beside her, hands tucked into his pockets.

Nevena noticed some couples nearby — close and unbothered.

But every time her arm swung a little too close, Antonio shifted a fraction away.

“Um..m, we can sit and watch from here.” She gestured at an unoccupied bench.

Antonio nodded and she crouched in at once, but he remained standing— arms crossed tightly.

She tilted her head towards him. “You can sit, you know. It’s just us.”

“I know,” he said quietly, eyes fixed on Junior.

“I’m only being careful around you.”

Nevena’s lips parted at the honesty. “No problem,” she breathed, rising.

“I want to click some shots. You can sit while I’m gone.”

Antonio finally allowed himself to lower onto the bench, elbows on his knees, watching her walk away.

She blended into the crowd seamlessly — laughing, kneeling beside toddlers.

Her small roll camera clicked endlessly as she hopped between small groups like she belonged to all of them.

Antonio couldn’t stop the faint smile that tugged at his lips when she slipped onto a swing.

The children gathered at her back, tiny palms pressing against the chains as they gave her a collective push.

She screamed, half-laughing, half-terrified.

He exhaled through a quiet laugh of his own.

She was no less than a kid herself—carefree, light, untouched by the filthy shadows that clung to him.

A sudden downpour came like a bucket overturned by the sky.

One moment ago, they were racing around the swings with a pack of new friends. Now, water sheeted down so fast .

In an instant, the lively park exploded into blurred chaos.

Kids squealed and parents grabbed them along with their bags and bolted for shade.

The rain hammered harder — cold, relentless.

Nevena tried to herd the little kids around her toward the covered shelter— not breaking into a run of her own.

“Get out of the rain!” Antonio barked as the storm intensified.

Junior sprinted back toward him, soaked to the bone, curls flattened to his forehead. “Buddy!” he squealed, “I’m wet!”

“We need to move,” Antonio muttered, grabbing his wrist, but Nevena was still in the open park, hair plastered to her cheeks, laughter bubbling out of her like a kid who hadn’t felt rain in years.

“What's she doing?” Junior squinted

Antonio didn’t even think twice— he left Junior and sprinted through the storm toward her.

“Come on!” he snapped, grabbing her wrist in a firm, instinctive grip — before she did the unthinkable.

“Let me stay for a little more time” she resisted the grip, dancing in puddles, totally drenched but radiant.

“No — you’ll fall sick!” he barked, and in one swift move he hoisted her over his shoulder. Effortless.

“Oh my God!” she shrieked, laughing as he tightened his arm around her legs.

“You’re enjoying this?” he growled, voice thinner than he intended—

and she squealed in answer.

Junior soon ran toward them, slipping and skidding on the wet grass.

Antonio lunged and caught him by the arm—a clean, tight save.

“Careful,” he muttered, rain dripping from his jaw.

Under his guidance, they eased away, bolting towards the parking lot.

By the time they reached the car, they were drenched beyond recognition—clothes dripping, shoes squelching, hair sticking, hearts racing.

He set her down and yanked the passenger door open with urgency.

“Inside,” he commanded, breathless.

Junior scrambled in first, shivering and giggling.

Nevena hesitated— eyes drifting back toward the rain.

She made to float back but Antonio’s hand clamped around her forearm.

“I'm not used to begging,” he warned, voice husky with restrained rage. “Get inside the fucking car.”