After packing most our clothes, toiletries, and any other necessities, Nate drove back to his apartment.

"I know I've asked," he began, and turned to look at me. "But are you sure?"

"Yes, I've never been so sure in my life" I looked back at Hope, who was having an afternoon nap, then back to Nate. He was smiling endlessly, his eyes sparkling with joy.

It hadn't fully sunk in what we were about to do. Over a month ago I couldn't even trust myself to have a friendship with him, never mind date him, and now I was moving in with him. Somehow my trust had magically grown for him, along with my feelings.

I always thought - after leaving Robert - that I would never trust again. In fact, I even told myself it was too risky to trust again, until Nate came along. He'd sparked a whole new life inside me; he's made me want things I never thought I was capable of again. How is it possible someone can make you feel that way?

"Here's an idea" he said, bringing me out of my thoughts. "Invite Amanda over, I'll invite Jack and we'll have dinner with them"

He pulled into the car park of his apartment as I pulled my phone out to text her. I didn't even answer him.

Chuckling he looked over at me and said, "I take that as a yes"

"Yes baby" I leaned over and kissed him before he could even comprehend what I was about to do.

He pulled back slightly, "That make you happy baby?" He caressed my face as he searched my eyes.

"Yes, you have no idea" I looked down as I remembered all the times I couldn't have friends over with Robert. I lost most of them in the end, so I was left with just him - of course now I can see that was his plan all along. But to know that I can have friends over, share them with Nate - and vice versa - was perfect.

"I'll give you whatever you want baby, anything"

My heart felt like an explosion of love had erupted, sprinkling a dust of joy through my body. I didn't need everything, I just needed his love, but to know he was willing to provide me whatever I wanted so I could be happy, was enough to make my insides tingle with joy.

"I love you" I whispered against his lips.

We rode the elevator to his apartment, with Hope cradled in his arms. He asked the hotel assistant to help with our luggage. He said he just wanted to get me alone, and hauling the luggage up would prolong it.

"I forgot," he said as he opened the door. "My parents are hosting a dinner for their anniversary - well like a party"

That sounded fancy.

"I want you and Hope there" he looked at me with hope etched on his face, I couldn't say no - I didn't want to anyway - but I was a little wary about Hope. She would get restless.

"I'd love to, but taking Hope might not be such a good idea" I suggested, walking closer to him.

"Why not?"

"She would get tired easily"

"Okay well I don't mind having to leave early" he shrugged before putting her down on the sofa to continue her nap.

"But it's your parents anniversary, you should stay" I pulled him closer to place my arms around his neck.

"Baby I don't mind. Like I said, anything for you"

Before I could protest further, he picked me up so my legs wrapped around his waist. He slowly walked us towards the bedroom door.

As soon as he got me on the bed, he hovered over me and pressed tender kisses down my neck.

"Your so beautiful" he murmured as he gently pulled the straps of my dress down until it was completely off me.

His lips pressed down on mine as his elbows rested beside my head. His fingers slid through my hair, the strands weaving between his hands.

I lowered my hands to the hem of his shirt, swiftly pulling it off in one motion. His hands fell straight back to my hair, and his lips retreated to my neck and chest. The soft, tender, touch of his lips left a trail of excitement across my body; my nipples puckered beneath my white lace bra as I arched my back, pushing my breasts closer to him. I wanted him so bad - I needed him. My heart was in my throat, ready to explode with love for him.

Wasting no time, he stripped the rest of his clothing to the floor, and began to worship my body with his hands and mouth.

I'd told him last night how self conscious my stretch marks make me, so he made it his mission to show me how beautiful they were. It's not that I hate them, they're proof of my beautiful little girl. My self consciousness is more to do with other people judging, for example I worried Nate would think they were horrible, making me less attractive to him. Relief washed over me last night when he told me how much more perfect it made me. He'd whispered - while stroking the tips of his fingers across them, 'there's nothing more beautiful than the scars of a mother'. I'd never felt so beautiful after he said that; I immediately grew more confident and open with him.

His mouth was all over me. He placed wet, tender kisses up my thighs, then up my stomach, until he reached my mouth again. His mouth mingled with mine as his cock teased me. His elbows were resting beside my head again, and his fingers were stroking the side of my face. He pulled away slightly, gazing into my eyes.

He gripped my waist and slowly entered me; his eyes were fixed on mine the whole time.

He was more slower this time, everything felt so much more intimate; more loving. The glint in his eyes as he watched me moan, fall apart under him, was proof of how much he adored me. I could see the pleasure etched over his features as he groaned slightly before engulfing me in another passionate kiss. The gentle caress of his fingers on my skin, the messy but sensual kisses, and the love behind his eyes made my heart feel complete.

As I felt myself tighten around him, my climax building, his grunts got louder. He was about to climax too.

A gush of pleasure soaked my body as Nate released inside me. My legs gripped him tighter, my fingers tugged his hair, and I broke our kiss to moan his name.

We lay together, in the same position, kissing until he grew soft inside me.

"I love you so much Daisy" he breathed, waiting for my response before moving to the bathroom.

"I love you so much too Nate"

He came back with a wet cloth to clean me up, then pulled me into his arms again.

"Here" he reached down the side of the bed. "Put this on, in case Hope comes in" he passed me the shirt he'd had on, but I thought it would of been better if he was dressed rather than me.

"What about you?"

"I'm going to have a shower" he declared, kissed my head, then trotted off into the bathroom.

"And do I not get to join you?" I shouted, wearing a mischievous smile.

He poked his head around the door, "no, I'd love you to. But your daughter might need you baby"

The consideration, care, and love he has for Hope makes me feel even more lucky. Seen as her own father is too dangerous and untrustworthy to be a proper father, It's amazing to know she's got a father figure in Nate.

As if on cue, her tiny frame stumbles in the room half asleep. Her long golden hair is dishevelled with tiny nots, while delicate strands flowed down her back. Her blue eyes sparkled with sleep, watering as she rubbed them.

"Hey my little sleeping beauty" I cooed as her chubby little feet stumbled over to me.

She was the epitome of adorable.

"Mommy" she whined with a sweet, sleep filled, voice.

As soon as I tugged her into my arms I noticed the water in her eyes were tears. I panicked.

"Baby what's wrong"

"I got scared. I couldn't find you" she sobbed into Nates shirt.

"Oh baby I'm sorry," I smoothed my hand down her hair to soothe her. "I'm here now."

Shushing and rocking her in my arms managed to ease her back into sleep. Within minutes her soft snores filled the room. I gazed at how beautiful she was; admiring the perfect little human in my arms.

Nate strolled in, but I was too distracted to notice until he climbed behind me. His hands began massaging my shoulders, his lips softly pressing against my neck, and I moaned falling back into his chest.

"She okay?" He whispered, still giving me a massage.

"She got a little scared" I pulled her tighter. "She's okay though now"

Each time she got scared I panicked. I'm not sure why, but maybe my first thought is Robert. I know in the back of my mind he could find us and take her, or possibly hurt her. My eyes stung with tears at that thought. The possible image made my stomach churn. Nate must of noticed because he called me out on it.

"Talk to me, what's wrong?" His hands paused on my shoulders, and I could feel his eyes burning into me.

"I just.." I shut my eyes trying to form the sickening words. "I worry he might find us and hurt her"

I'd heard my voice crack as I heard him whimper.

"Baby no. He will never hurt her, or you" he was adamant, so confident.

How did he know that though? Nobody knows that for definite. He's a dangerous man.

I nodded my head in agreement, but I was far from okay. My body was reeling inside at the possibility. Hopefully Amanda's visit will distract me enough.

As soon as the receptionist called I knew they were here. I was like a child in a ball pit; jumping and running around with a massive grin on my face.

"God you're so cute" Nate laughed as I clapped my hands in excitement.

He leaned his side against the kitchen island as his eyes gazed over my body. I'd wore a simple, white, summer dress but Nate was seemingly in love with it - or shall I say me in it.

I rolled my eyes as his teeth clamped down on his bottom lip, while his eyes soared across me. Up down, up down, they went. He looked like he was having a fit for Christ's sake, they didn't stop.

"Do not roll your eyes at me, you look breathtaking"

Did I ever mention my heart exploding? Because if so it's about to detonate right here, right now, for probably the fiftieth time.

The doorbell outside his apartment stopped me from taking him right there on the kitchen floor. His sweet words blocked any thoughts from my mind, so I forgot that we were expecting guests for a second.

"Ahhh I'm so happy to have you here!" I screamed, pulling Amanda into my arms.

My excitement for Amanda had me totally forgetting - and ignoring - Jack. He was standing sheepishly beside her rubbing the back of his neck.

"Oh I'm so sorry" I placed my hand over my mouth in mortification. "I was just so excited about seeing Amanda I didn't think to introduce myself. I'm -"

He cut me off with a small giggle, "Daisy, I know, and don't worry it's cool" he waved it off as he stalked over to Nate, who had taken his hungry eyes to watching me at the door too. I'd most likely caused my dress to rise up as I engulfed Amanda in a hug, giving him full view of the tiny lace I had underneath. I was tempted to go way out my comfort zone and wear none to tease him, but I didn't want to take the risk when we had guests.

I shut the door, walking her through to the kitchen.

"You've got to see this place..." I trailed off as I began giving her a tour. Jack and Nate were on cooking duty.

Their voices became muffled as I led her into the bedroom.

"Oh wow" she exclaimed, her eyes moving around the room.

"Beautiful huh?"

"Yes" she nodded, her eyes wide. "I'm so happy for you"

I took her into Hopes new bedroom, the bathroom, and then the lounge.

As if on cue, Nate began setting the table with the food and plates.

"Foods ready girls" he shouted in a sing-song.

He'd cooked steak and provided rice, chips, and potatoes as a side option. It was simple, but super yummy.

"So, Jack" I started, as I took my last bite of steak. "What do you work as"

"I'm a counsellor, I have my own business" He took a sip of his wine. "What about you?"

"Nursery teacher"

Nate decided to change the subject by asking Amanda if I'd informed her about the birthday card for Hope.

"What birthday card?" She looked from me to Nate, and my whole body stiffened.

It's not that I didn't want to tell her, I just hadn't had chance, and I don't know how I felt talking about it with Hope in the next room.

"Daisy?" She pressed.

"I had a card for Hopes birthday, and there was a Daisy in it" I shrugged, trying to pretend it was nothing.

"A Daisy?" She questioned, confused.

"Robert always used to buy me daisies. Hopes birthday, and the day she was born." I clarified. I saw Jack look nervous from across the table, he probably had no clue what was happening.

"Oh Jesus. You need to go to the police Daisy,"

"No!" I interrupted, snapping straight at her. The whole table went silent.

"Yes!" She shouted back, slamming her hand on the table.

"What do you think they're going to do, huh?" I twisted to face her. "Tell me. Please enlighten me on what they will do with no evidence of what happened to me"

Rushing up from the table, I stormed outside to the balcony for some air. I couldn't have this conversation. It hurts every time I think about what happened, how weak I was to let him get away with everything.

"Daisy?"

I turned to see Amanda leaning against the door with a sympathetic expression etched on her face. I turned back to watch the cars below.

"I'm sorry" I heard her shuffle towards me, then her hand fell on my shoulder.

I cried at the instant touch. I didn't want to snap at her.

"Please don't cry"

"What if he's here though? What if he hurts Hope? He can do whatever to me, but not her" I shook my head, causing my tears to fly everywhere.

"No. Don't say that. He won't hurt Hope, and he will not hurt you"

I felt like a recorder was being placed inside my head, and being played on repeat. Amanda and Nate had now said that to me in the past twenty four hours. I wish I could be so confident.

"I know you don't want to, but at least informing the police could be a good start in case he is here"

"What could it possibly do? Without evidence I'd just be telling them a story for all they knew"

"It's worth the try. Please, for Hope"

I didn't answer. I just carried on watching the cars, listening to their engines roar across the road below. All the people looked like the playmobil the kids had at work.

"I'll leave you to think about it" she said, before leaving me to finally catch some air.

Could I go to the police?