"A man without a woman is like a pistol without a trigger; it is the woman who makes the man, go off." ― Victor Hugo

"Dr. Tara Asker a single obstetrician/gynecologists of Athens Emergency Hospital since 1981 but resigned and left on 1991, ten years after. On December 15, 1989, she was on leave for three months and was diagnosed with severe depression but then recovered after a few months and then she was back to normal. According to Taryn Asker's profile and birth certificate, he was born June 6, 1989, in Mexico. Tara Asker as the mother but no father indicated. I went through the National Birth Registry of Athens, Taryn Asker was registered just when he was five. The reason, I don't know," Timothy Hanes said as he stared at the man who became his friend. A man a lot feared because of his cold demeanor and heartless ways, Zandros Mailov. "She has a twin, named Tamara Asker and she's a nurse. She became the mother of Taryn when Tara died on February 13, 1996, according to the death registry, of homicide." Timothy continued on and Zandros still was silent since he sat, quietly downing his beer with his face gave nothing away. Timothy doesn't know what's running in his head, and he's curious.

Zandros place the empty bottle down and then finally looks up to meet Tim's eyes. Something doesn't add up with his information but he can't point it with his finger. He just felt like something is off. He needs to know whatever it is.

"If she's single, why is her last name is Asker? Isn't it Agnelis?" Zandros face scrunched up in confusion.

Timothy smiled and nodded. "She's Tara Agnelis Asker. Agnelis was her middle name." Zandros nodded his head again and look to the bartender busy mixing drinks on their left.

"Where is Tamara Asker lived?" he asked after a lengthy paused averting his eyes to Tim.

"22 Trias Street," Zandros nodded.

"Tara was there when my wife delivered my first son, Alexandrous, on May 22, 1991. Who were her nurses who help her?" he shifted his gaze to Tim, eyeing him expectantly.

Tim suddenly shifted his body, looking apprehensively at Zandros who still look impassive since he sat on that bar stool.

"I had to look on that again, boss," Tim answered cautiously. He was relieved when Zandros nodded only. He pulled his wallet out of his pocket and pulled several bills and place it on the counter, then hops off of the stool. "Thanks, Tim. Call me when you have all the information. I need to know whom she dated, too." He gave Tim a soft pat on his shoulder and walk away.

...............

Zandros knock on the door of the brick brown three-story house on the outskirt of the city. He pushes the doorbell button and followed by knocks. After a while, he heard footsteps coming towards the door.

The door slowly opened revealing a girl who looks exactly like Tara except the two moles under her eyes. "Zandros Mailov?" she looks startled and surprised.

"Tamara Asker?" Zandros asked, eyeing the middle-aged woman intently. A little lighter brown, brown eyes, small and pointed nose, and cheeky face and a little bigger for her height, 5'5.

"What are you doing in my house?" she asked, her voice becoming sharp and a little quivery.

Zandros didn't budge at the rude tone of the lady.

"I'm not here to cause trouble in your property unless I'm provoked," Zandros started. "I just want to ask some information that only you can answer!" he clenched his jaw momentarily.

She looks reluctant but then opened the door for him after a while. "Wait for me outside," Zandros ordered his two securities and they both nodded in agreement as they back up and Zandros followed Tamara inside, to her living room. The house looks organized and everything screams fortune. He felt relieved for some reason.

"Please sit, Mr. Mailov," she stretches her hand towards the long gray couch and he did. "Anything to drink?" she asked, her tone softening a bit maybe out of politeness.

"No, thank you!" Zandros responded briefly. He just wants to talk to her about Tara and who Taryn's father is. He wants to know the truth.

"Sit down, Ms. Asker! I just want to ask few things," Zandros pointed on the empty spot close to him. Tamara awkwardly nodded her head as she shuffled closer to him and sat on the couch one seat apart. Zander propped his elbows on his knees, leaning in a bit, his eyes trained on her, eyeing her intently.

"Who is Taryn's father?" he didn't like going around the bush. Tamara's eyes suddenly avoided his gaze and he knew that reaction. His heart pumped furiously against his ribcage. Fear now settling in his heart. Fear for his wife.

"Tell me straight, Ms. Asker. You know I can pay someone to dig more information and you will never like what will gonna happen to you and to Taryn. I can bring you both down!" I grit out in a low menacing tone. She shifted apprehensively and her eyes snapped up to meet his. She looks like she's about to cry but she masked it well.

She let out a deep breath and then spoke softly, almost inaudible. "Taryn was the result of your one night stand with my sister," she finally said and he felt like all his blood were drained off. He was silent for a while, lost in his thoughts. Tamara Asker was just watching him. She felt guilty and at the same time, angry at him. Her sister loved him since they were in high school, so when an opportunity crosses her path, she didn't think twice to grab it. She lost her virginity to him, and she didn't think of the consequences. She was too naive that she thought, giving her virginity to him would make him fall for her.

"Where is Taryn?" Zandros pulled her out of her train of thoughts.

"He's at work," she replied shortly.

Zandros heaved another lungful of sigh. "Why did she resign?" he asked.

Tamara shifted his body and sat straight, looking everywhere but not his piercing eyes. "She was exhausted and she just wants to be with her son," Tamara responded curtly, pain is starting to eat her whole system.

"What did she do after then?" Tamara faces Zandros and he was looking gloomy.

"She lives with my mother's mother in Mexico together with Taryn after that and then they only came back when he was five. She then started to teach in University b-before s-she ..." Tamara inhaled deeply then release it. "Before she," looking into Zandros' eyes, "she overdosed herself with sleeping pills. Taryn found her lifeless in her bed the next morning," A lone tear escapes Tamara's eyes and Zandros look away, nodding his head.

"I'm sorry," he mumbled but clear enough for her grasp.

"One more thing," Zandros stared at her closely. "Why did she registered him when he was five?"

Tamara suddenly felt unease. "I-" she looks away and inhaled sharply. "I d-don't know," she sighed.

Zandros shot her a suspicious stare. "Are you sure?" he pressed.

Tamara slowly shifted her gaze to him. "I was surprised, too, when I found out Taryn wasn't registered. If he didn't go to school, she would have forgotten it to register him. She was too busy trying to work and to take care of him. I wasn't with her, that's why I don't know what happened during that years," she sighed and Zandros felt genuine in her voice. He nodded and contemplated for a moment before he decided to leave.

Just as Zandros slowly rising, his phone rang. He excused himself as he pulled the phone out of his pocket. He saw his wife's name on the screen.

He looks at Tamara first who was looking at him as well with curiosity. He connected the call as he headed first to the door, making big steps.

"Yes, moro mou," he forcefully tried to sound happy as he cleared his throat. Guilt nagging him all the more.

"Hey, where are you? You're not fully recovered yet, Mr. Mailov!" his wife sweet nagging voice made him smile a bit.

"I know, and I'm coming home," he responded the smile withering as he turns to face Tamara when he reached the door. Covering the speaker of the phone with his palm, he spoke softly to Tamara. "Thank you, and I'm sorry for bothering you."

"It's nothing, Mr. Mailov. Have a good day!" she said and then gave him a tight smile before closing the door in my face.

"Zandros, Zandros!" Lauren's voice echoed in the speaker and Zandros shook his head as he spoke again.

"I'm here, moro mou and I'm coming home, alright? Don't worry about me, I'm perfectly fine." Zandros chuckled, ignoring the guilt nagging him. He ended the call after saying I love you back to the wife.

Just as he was about to climbed into the car, a car pulled into the Asker's driveway and came out a tall buffed guy. His back as like his son Alexandrous. Zandros felt rooted to the ground as he watches him pulling his phone away from his ear and then tuck it in his pocket with his other hand pushing the car door's closed.

He turns to look around and then his eyes landed on his. Zandros' heart races and he felt it in his bones, he was his son. He was staring at his own image.

Taryn suddenly felt enrage upon meeting the eyes of the man he loathed to bits.

"SON?" Zandros mumbled to himself. Their Lincoln SUV was parked across the road. The sound of the passing cars was muffled, his whole system was glued to his son who was looking at him with daggering eyes.

He spits to his right side before turning his back on him and then walks to the front door purposefully.

Zandros understand him. He has the right to feel angry.

——————

I looked around the horizon, the clear turquoise water is so tempting and waddled along the seashore. "This is breathtaking!" I squeal in happiness, warm feelings washes the troubles away as I close my eyes, tilting my head up to meet the sunlight, my hands stretch out, letting all the troubles to be freed and relished the relaxing sensations the breeze brought as it kisses my bare skin. The smile on my face widening as I made a step back still in the same body posture, wet sand feels nice under my feet. The dampness is cool on my hot feet, giving me a delicious relaxing feeling. The sound of the waves feels like a music to my ear. And as the waves lap up on the shore, water washes up over my sandy feet and it gives these delicious sensations.

I opened my eyes and smiled cheerfully as I step closer to the water, then stand still on the sand as I let the water rushes up past, then back down and out over my feet. I watch the water pulls some of the sand out from under my feet gradually that I can barely notice the sand going. I giggled when I realize that I'm now an inch or more into the sand. The water swirls the sand around my feet, tickling me as I slowly sink into two holes that grow under my feet. I quickly pull my feet out and I giggled all the more when it made a little sucking pop. The popping sounds were so fun that I did the erosion process all over, again and again.

"Having fun, are we?" my head snapped up and meet Xandrous' amused smile. I smiled at him. I forgot about him as I was having fun. My eyes subtly raked him up and down. He looks so sinfully hot in his white khaki short and white Hawaiian shirt.

"It is fun. Try it!" I grinned at him and pulled him closer to me. "Here, stand beside me," I ordered and he did. "Stand still and let the water runs past and out of your feet," I giggled and he was just watching my face, contentedly.

"Now, move!" I can't stop chuckling as I ordered him to make a step. He did and I look up at him expectantly. "Did you feel that popping sound?" I asked.

He nodded as he let out a soft chuckle. It was soft but it sounds so sexy.

"It feels good," he said nodding his head. He leaned in and gave me a brief hard kiss. My hands automatically wrap around his neck. His hands found my waist and settled there as we locked gaze.

"I love you," I said. My heart feels bursting with all the love I have for him. I felt so overwhelmed with these emotions I have for him. I've always dreamed of this. Him holding me, uttering our I love you's.

"And I love you so much, baby! I regretted the wasted years. I was a fool," his voice a little shaking as he leaned in and our forehead meets. His hot breaths kissing my nose. "Thank you for giving me another chance, baby. I will forever make it up to you, I promise!" then his lips brushes softly against mine. I tilted my head back and stood on my tippy toes, pushing my lips to his and kiss him hard when he was about to pull away.

"Let's go back to our cottage," he whispered breathily.

I nodded. I quickly pulled back and stared at him, amused.

"The water feels so amazing. Can we stay a little bit more?" I almost sound whiny and he shook his head.

"Later, baby. Besides, we are still in our clothing. We need to get change anyway," Xandrous grinned mischievously as he grabs her wrist. Vicky let out a soft giggle as she lets him lead her back to their ensuite over the water bungalow.

As soon as we reach the door, Xandrous sticks in the key into the keyhole in a haste and push it open. Grabbing me by the waist before I could make a step, then pulled me against his chest and claimed my lips causing us to both stumbles inside. I giggled as I kissed him back with the same intensity. His hands slide down and rest on my bottom, then hoisted me up. My legs instinctively wrap around his waist and my hands curled around his neck, our lips still locked.

He laid me on the soft bed gently, then he straddles me. He pulled his clothes up and tossed it on the floor then he leered down at me with his glare stare darkening, looking thoroughly arouse. Blood rushes hot and thick through my veins, as his fingers skim my cleavage, his fingers heading up then to the strap, toying with it, each pass drawing closer to my breast, as he takes in whatever laid in front of him. Leaning down slowly, he whispered against my ear teasingly, "beautiful," his hot breath tickling me, adding another heat in my body. "I can't get enough of you, baby," he hushed as he licks my earlobes causing me to let out a raspy gasped. My heart beating erratically as I waited for his next move. His hot palm slips under my dress, stroking my thighs as he murmurs naughty words, then gently slides it up with my dress, my hands instinctively lift up to help him, then he tossed it anywhere.

His eyes lit up as it traveled down to my chest, then to my flat belly. Eyes leered onto my chess, he swallowed hard. Tingles spread within me, thick blood rushing to my heart as his palm traces my chest and slowly detoured to the strap of my black lacy bra and slides it down to the side, my breast slowly revealing as the fabric drops down. Slipping his hand under, he reach for its hook. "Fuck!" he hissed as he fumbles for the hook and I chuckled.

"Let me," I whispered hazily and he nodded as frustratedly. Reaching for the hook, it didn't take me seconds to unhook it. He was looking at me with confusion.

"Magic!" I grinned and then pulled his head and I kiss him. He grunted gutturally then he thrust his tongue inside my mouth urgently and I moaned. His skillful tongue parried with mine, demanding, consuming me. Catching my tongue, he bit it gently and briefly, I groaned in ecstasy as tingles traveled down to my bones, warm liquid seeping from me.

I tug his bottom lip and suck it briefly, he let out a guttural groan against my lip, his hands exploring my body, lingering in my breast, kneading it gently, plucking the tip teasingly.

"Take me now," I grunted, my eyes feels dilating at the overwhelming sensations dominating my whole system. He hastily got off me and stood on the edge of the bed then tugs off his shorts and boxers. I was about to pull mine when he stops me.

"I want to do it," he leered naughtily and I sheepishly nodded. My body is already on fire as I watch him positioned himself in between my legs and folded my knees. His head facing my sex and I felt all the blood rushing to my cheeks. I felt him push the thin fabric of my underwear to the side and then his finger teased the exposed lips of my sex.

Delicious sensations traveled to every nerve endings causing me to feel delirious. "I want to taste you, again," he breathes and his breath vibrated against my exposed skin. He pulled my underwear off my legs then tossed it. And before I could react, his firm tongue licks my slits and pure bliss racked my whole body. My hand automatically flew to the back of his head, my fingers digs through his thick hair and grasp a handful as I writhe under the assault of his tongue. My fingers released his hair, brushing my palm against his thick hair as I whimpered and moaned sweetly as his nose nuzzled against my clit, his tongue flat against mine, in a steady pace. "Ohh.. my body jerked up, my palm against the back of his head unconsciously pressing it down. His pace quickens, licking then sucking it. Waves after waves running throughout my body as he sucks and licks me like there's no tomorrow. When he thrust one finger and then another, all the while his tongue licking and sucking my clits, waves builds up until it couldn't get any bigger, then my body convulse, my legs quivered and buckles up, letting the waves of pleasure overtaking me. He held my legs in place as I tried to squeeze it tight, pushing his head away from me, but all the more he sucks me, and I cried out his name as I let it go, my eyes rolling back and it seems like there's a firecracker at the back of my eyes, then it went away too briefly. The sensations were too brief and left me too weak, even to move.

"That was amazing watching you!" I opened my eyes and met his dark stare, aroused and hungry. He parted my legs all the more using his legs, then he I felt his hard shaft poking at my entrance.

My body got all excited again but then I realize he wasn't wearing a condom. "Xandrous," placing my hands against this chest, I pushed him gently. He stared down at me with confusion.

"Condom," I said almost sounding needy as I swallowed thickly, heat rushing to my cheeks.

"I have none!" he responded shortly. Of course, he doesn't have anything. Since yesterday, he didn't want to wear condoms. We had to do a withdrawal. "I can't wait any longer, I'm going to burst," he pleaded, his voice throaty almost inaudible.

"Wait," I said as I pushed him off me.

"Where are you going?" he asked a little confused. His face held frustrations.

"I just need to take a leak," I lied as I quickly headed to the washroom and rummage through my small medicine pouch in the washroom cabinets where I stored all my toiletries including my makeup kit. I quickly took one pill and then pop it in the back of my mouth and then swallowed it. I flushed the toilet bowl then wash my hands before going out and then my eyes scanned the room. I saw the small fridge under the counter and I quickly head to the fridge and hoping there's water. I quickly took one water and unscrewed the cap and downed it. The taste of the pill is really grossed almost making me gag but I needed it. I've taken one yesterday since Xandrous stops using condoms. I can't get pregnant. Not until everything settles between Xandrous and Cassie.

When I walked back to the bed, Xandrous was already lying on his back, his head resting on both palms. I chuckled as I stared at his attentive friend, almost pointing upward.