One way to my mate's heart is through money.

I'm certain that I can get his full attention by offering him loads of it. There's plenty more where that money came from which he stole. But that wasn't my concern, what I was desperate to find out is, what will turn his heart into my direction.

I captivated his body but I wanted his all. Mind, body, and soul. We're already on the path to parenthood, so the next step is marriage. That's the big hurdle. Kirk made sure to rub that in my face that Asche doesn't do commitments, making my task all the more difficult.

I'll deal with Asche later. First, I have to tell Stephon how I feel.

I turned to face Falcon and Stephon as we stood outside on the balcony overlooking the busy city down below.

I got straight to the point and kept my voice leveled as I said, "Stephon, I know you and Asche were once really close and through you, I was able to track him down and for that I am grateful,"

Stephon frowned, crossing his arms over his chest, "Where are you going with this?"

Falcon gave me a withering look from where he stood, holding Stephon to him. "Don't do it, Drakos. Not what I think you are going to do."

I stared at them stoically, shoving my unconditional feelings for my brother aside and keeping in mind that I'm doing what's best for Asche despite what was done in my favor. We lost a child and Asche doesn't seem fully comfortable in the presence of Stephon.

I want his mind to be at ease and if he's not ready to talk it out with Stephon like mature adults, then I think it's time to cross that river and step in.

"Falcon you know I love you--"

"Don't!" His voice shook with emotion.

"You know this is how it's going to be. You've found your mate and I've found mine. The fact of the matter is, they don't get along. They're both pregnant and to be honest, are you willing to risk the wellbeing of your child over something that is beyond your control? Or Stephon's mental health having to deal with the fact that they're both at odds, unable to reconcile?"

"Drakos, you are worried about the wrong things." He gritted out, holding Stephon closer to him who glared daggers at me. "Asche never told Stephon to go away. As a matter of fact, why are you taking this matter into your own hands? This is for them both to resolve. They don't need your meddling."

I exhaled and held on to patience that I truly lacked at that moment.

"You're one selfish bastard," Stephon glared at me, his eyes filling with tears.

"Call me what you want. I truly thought you would understand the reason for my actions." I said softly.

"I can't believe you'd do this," Falcon said, narrowing his eyes at me.

"I love you Falcon, but I also love Asche and he's carrying my child. He needs his mind and surroundings free from stress." I explained, feeling the frustration bubble over.

"You are just using him!" Stephon growled out hotly, holding on to Falcon as his eyes spit fire at me. "You used me! And now you want to take him away! He'll never love an arrogant asshole like you! Never!"

"Baby--" Falcon cradled his head to him.

"I don't care! I know I made a mistake. I know I should have consulted Asche first but I thought you were a potential love interest for him. But I was wrong! Asche will never love you, you deceitful piece of shit!"

"Stephon, that's enough!" Falcon shook him but not roughly. Only enough to get him to comply.

I took his anger with a straight face. I knew he was furious but I kept repeating to myself that this was for Asche's wellbeing.

"I won't give you wrong for how you feel and you have a right to feel that way. However, I leave the final judgment to Asche and you know how his moods are. That's why it's best to keep your distance. I'm taking him to Paris and when we get back, I'm planning on moving into a family home to prepare for the birth of our child. I'll have Felicia assist me in doing it if you are not up to it, brother."

"Whatever fuckry you are concocting brother, I will not assist you with it. You are on your own with this one." Falcon said with frigidity.

I nodded slowly, accepting his response with a sunken heart, expecting nothing less from him. He's married after all. Stephon comes first. Asche is the same for me. So that's why it has come down to this.

"I understand. I don't want this to ruin our relationship." I told him, my features softening.

The love I held for my brother ran deeper than the center of the earth. I'd still love him even in death. Now I'm compromising that love for the sake of another love I've found in the darkest hour of my depression.

"You already have." His expression held anger, hurt and confusion. "There's nothing you can do to fix this. I wish you and Asche well and I hope all goes well with your endeavors."

He walked past me, holding on to Stephon who tossed me a pitiful look, shaking his head.

I stared at their retreating bodies with disdain. Did I make a terrible mistake?

After they left, Asche walked out several seconds later on the balcony wearing a frown. "What has Stephon's boxers in a knot?"

A smile immediately lit up my face when my eyes feasted upon him. He was dressed in a heather grey t-shirt that clung to his enticingly proportioned body and a jeans pants that rode low on his hips, showing that attractive 'V' indentation. His stomach peeped out a little from beneath the shirt.

"Come, my love," I called out to him and his frown deepened but he still came over and allowed me to embrace him.

"Did you sleep well?" I asked, kissing his hair. He slid his hands around my waist and breathed in my scent.

"No, I didn't. Thanks to you fucking me all night. But seriously, what did I miss? Falcon looks furious and Stephon is looking as grim as ever." He remarked, glancing up at me.

I sighed. I might as well tell him now.

"I think it's best that you and Stephon keep your distance."

At that moment, I regretted my actions instantly.

"What the fuck did you do?" He pulled back with a look of irritation.

"You and he are at odds." I clarified, reaching out for him but he recoiled back.

"It's not your place to do that. I'm still mad at him but you're only making it worse, you know that?"

"Perhaps I already did," I sighed, covering my face with my hand.

"So much for trying to mend our friendship." He rolled his eyes.

"Are you upset with me?" I asked apprehensively. It wasn't my intention to kill his mood. After what we shared last night, I was set on making sure he fell for me. This was a turn in the wrong direction.

"I'm not going to lie. I am irritated with you." He said, looking at me with disbelief. "I'm going to talk to him."

"No, wait!" I went to grab his hand but he turned away so quickly, I grasped the air.

The situation went from zero to a thousand within a few minutes.

***