Melody's P.O.V.

"Umm..... Hunter, you're not expecting me to step into THAT, are you?" I questioned hesitantly backing a little.

Hunter arched a brow, mirth clearly dancing in his eyes as he asked, "What's the problem in that?"

"PROBLEM? Seriously?!! Are you out of your mind to ask me that?" shouting almost hysterically, I looked at him disbelieving, "That is literally a–a– DEATH TRAP!!" I hissed pointing towards the plane.

He chuckled staring at me rising my temper more. How dare he?!

"This is NOT funny, Hunter!! And I'm not going in that and you can't make me" I snapped rushing back to the car.

He stopped me holding my hand, "It's okay, kitten. You—"

"No, it's not! It may be okay for you. But not to me. No, Hunter.... Don't make me do this, please...." I begged him.

Listening to my pleas, his face turned serious as he cupped my cheek.

"Is the fear because of flying for the first time or is there any other reason behind it?"

I lowered my eyes and gulped before answering, "It's not my first time. He..... Stephen would always take me with him whenever he had to go out of the city. At that time, he would drug me so that I won't remember most of the journey. Most of the time, it's on the planes. That's why..... I know it's a seems silly, but—"

"It's not silly" Hunter cutted me off frowning, "Stop thinking like that. You have the valid reason for your fears. And it is far from silly."

But I'm not in the state of acknowledging his words as I was busy in stealing glances at the plane fearfully.

Feeling a pair of lips on my cheek out of nowhere, I jerked in surprise and looked at Hunter smiling at me.

"I don't want to take any chances with your safety, Melody. Going on a roadway can be dangerous. That's why I thought to use the plane. But if you're uncomfortable, we can go by car."

Now that I think of his words, I realised he's saying truth. Though he gave me a choice, I couldn't take risk with our lives. With that, I agreed still  hesitantly.

He smiled in a comforting way, "I'll make sure you won't remember the past, trust me."

Returning his smile that I'm sure looks more like cringing, I shut my eyes and breathed in and out few times to get myself relaxed with the idea of travelling in that death trap.

No..... Not a death trap, Mel! Just a plane. Nothing else.... Like a box flying in the sky!

My brows furrowed at that thought.... Really Mel? A box?? You've gone mad!!

I chided myself for that crazy thought when I felt being lifted in the air by a pair of strong arms. Letting out a surprised yelp at the unexpected move, I quickly clutched Hunter's collar for the support.

"Hunter?!!" I shrieked, "What the hell are you doing? Put me down right now!" I demanded noticing our bodyguards and few other people just a bit far away from us.

"Shut up!"

My eyes grew larger at his reply. Leaning closer to me, he added, "Close your eyes and trust me."

Frowning, I opened my mouth to snap at him in frustration but seeing his stern glare, thought otherwise and did as he told.

After few seconds, I sensed him walking and I'm sure it's towards the plane causing my heart beat rising abnormally high that if listen, Hunter could hear it. Instinctively, my hand curled up around his neck and pulled him closer burying my face in the crook inhaling his mascular scent that helped me calm down a bit. But still there's a tension in me that refused to leave.

When he halted his steps, I instantly know that we're already inside. He placed me in the soft leather seat and went to talk with the pilot. In the meantime, I checked out the plane which is extremely classy and luxurious. I was in so much awe that I didn't notice when Hunter came and seated infront of me.

Just then, I heard the announcement that we're taking off. Clutching the hand rest so tight that I could feel my knuckles paining with the pressure I'm putting on.

Even with my eyes closed, I felt Hunter next to me maybe by the scent of his cologne and in next second I found myself in his lap straddling him. It took me a good few minutes to register what he had done.

"Relax" his soothing voice was in my ears.

With that, my fear lessened but not fully so, without thinking much, bunching a fist full of his shirt, I brought him closer plastering my face to his chest. Instantly his warmth surrounded me with a sense of protection making me sigh. Hmm..... This is what I need..... A safe haven! And I found it in his arms. Within minutes, the plane took off but like I expected, I didn't panicked much and the reason was only because of the security I'm getting from Hunter. After way it feels like hours, I heard a feminine voice breaking my peace of mind and reminding that we are not alone.

"Would you like to have some drink, sir?"

Jumping at the unexpected voice, I turned my head slightly to see a beautiful woman smiling at Hunter. But the second his gaze met mine, her face hardened and glared fiercely at me. I almost flinched at the intensity of it. For a moment, I was confused what made her angry. Then realized I'm still in Hunter's lap. Hugely flustered over the intimating position of ours infront of others,I quickly scurried to my seat feeling completely mortified.

"Wanna drink anything, sweetheart?" Hunter asked me nonchalant to my flushed state.

Now, I don't know where to hide hearing the endearment before the air hostess. Such a shameless man!!

Mumbling a 'no', I shifted my gaze to her and found that she's still throwing daggers at me. Why the heck she's looking at me like that?! I frowned staring at her but she diverted her eyes to Hunter and immediately flashed a full blown smile.

And that's how I came to know the reason behind her glares towards me. Jealousy!! The realisation brought a tiny smile to my face unknowingly.

"Bring two cups of black coffee" Hunter ordered. She nodded and walk away from there.

"Why is there no other passengers in the plane?" I asked him trying to forget about the air hostess.

"Because this is a private one and I won't allow any outsiders."

My breath hitched at his answer. What does he mean?!

"You mean..... This is your plane?" I questioned to confirm it.

Seeing him nodding in positive, words struck in my throat.

"Wow!!" Finally I let out one word completely awestruck with this newfound truth.

Just then, the air hostess came bringing the coffees. Her appearance changed as she opened first two buttons of her shirt and applied a deep red lipstick. She handed them to Hunter while bending towards him clearly trying to show her cleavage to him. A repulsive tremor ran through my spine looking a her act and along with that there's a burning rage igniting within me.

Argh!! She's getting on my nerves!

Snatching the cups from her, I snapped, "You can go now!"

She narrowed her eyes at me and continued to smile sickly at Hunter, "Just call me if you need anything, Mr. Black."

"No thanks! We're good, and please don't disturb us" I answered my instead of him.

From my peripheral view, I can slightly see that he's trying to hold back his laughter. And that riled up my irritation more. After she left, I glared at him.

"What?" he asked innocently but his curled up lips have away his acting.

I shoved the cups in his hands, "Take it. I don't want any stupid coffee."

"You didn't have any breakfast, remember?" he said raising a brow.

"You're enjoying her attention, aren't you? Then why bothering about me? Go to her!" I growled out my pent up frustration on him.

I'm beyond pissed at that woman and even more angry on Hunter because he didn't make any move to stop her advances. Why don't he just tell her off?!

He side hugged me and pecked my temple, "You know that's not true."

"But she doesn't!!" I snapped.

He chuckled and nuzzled in the crook of my neck, "You are so adorable when jealous."

Though his actions toned down my anger, I still tried to get out of his arms. But he hold only tightened seeing my attempts.

"Don't! Let me stay like this. It's very comfortable" he sighed as his hot minty breath hitting my neck.

I gulped feeling the tingles all over my body. Even though we both hugged and kissed many times, I still couldn't get used to it till now.

His single touch is enough to set the flames of desire deep within me. There's a burning passion in our every kiss, an inevitable craving in our each embrace. It became nearly impossible for me to escape from these feelings.

Is it normal to feel this powerfully for a person to this extent?! I think..... I'm falling for him!

I tilted my head to see Hunter sleeping peacefully, a small cute pout adorned his face which left me in awe.

Maybe..... I'm already in love with him!!

My heart feels like it'd burst in any moment with happiness. Yes! I love him..... I'm in love with Hunter!! With that, instantly a huge smile came to me and I feel giddy with ecstasy.

Now that I think of it, I realised I have fallen for him way long back. It could be in any moment but I'm sure that I started loving him from our first date itself. The way I anticipated for our kiss that day, I didn't understand why I felt my emotions to that extreme. But now I know the reason.... because he captured my heart completely forever. As much as that thought enchanted me, it also terrified me to the core.

"What are you thinking so deep?" Hunter's voice startled me.

"You didn't slept?" I asked back ignoring his question.

He smirked, "Only a stupid will sleep while a beautiful angel is sitting beside him" he said looking at my lips.

A dark shade of blush creeped to my cheeks at his reply. Not able to hold his look, I averted my gaze to the window. Since my nerves are calmed, I didn't feel any fear with the thought that I'm in a plane. Still somewhat uncomfortable though but not scared.

When my view blocked by a cup, I turned and saw him holding it to me.

"Hunter, I'm not hungry" I whined but seeing his glare, I took it reluctantly and began to sip it slowly.

"Now tell me what were you thinking?" he again asked.

Argh!!! Can't he just leave that topic?!

I shook my head, "Nothing, Hunter. First you tell me where we are going?"

He shrugged, "You'll see when we reach there."

"Come on!! Just say it. I'm eager to know why you are taking me to this mysterious place so suddenly" I whined.

"Hmm..... As per your question why..... You know, I still have to earn your forgiveness and I thought this place is perfect to ask my apology from you and there's also two other people I need to have a talk. Don't think too much. I promise you won't regret coming with me."

I let out my breath heavily, " I already told you that I understand. You don't need to do this much just to ask forgiveness. I know you said all those in anger and concern for me. It's totally justified and I'm not the type of person who hold the grudges against others for these petty things. I just want some time to forget all of it, that's all. So, please leave all that behind. Okay?"

"Well, there's also another reason. You'll find it there" he assured.

I stayed mum knowing I can't do anything now. Leaning on his shoulder, I closed my eyes exhaustedly and relieved feeling peaceful. But I didn't know..... that this peace will be snatched away from me soon!!

***

"Where are we?"I questioned looking around the place.

"Come" he mumbled grabbing my hand and started walking. His face was stern and I could see his jaw clenching.

As we walked ahead slowly,y steps halted suddenly and I choked on my own breath harshly when I saw what is infront of me.

Stumbling a little with each step I was taking, I finally reached there and fell on my knees as I felt like someone sucked out the entire energy within me. My vision blurred while I read the words craved on the stones.

In the loving memory of

Henry Jacobs and Claire Jacobs.

Beloved and Dear in life. In death, they are not divided.

Extending my hand, I tried to touch, but pulled it back immediately feeling a new kind of fear sending chills through my body.

Everything around me just disappeared as I stared at their graves. My mind is blank..... I couldn't think of anything. Taking a sharp breath and closing my eyes, I shifted my stiff body a little forward and placed my hand on the graves.

That slight touch was the last straw for me. It slaughtered the final bit of sanity I was holding onto breaking me down completely and mercilessly. My sobs echoed in the entire place, my body is shaking vigorously at the intensity. My throat constricted rather painfully as I let out the words with utmost difficulty.

"Mamma..... Papa....."

Everything is hurting within me..... but what hurting me most is my heart. It feels so heavy to bear the pain as it only intensified wth time. Gripping my heart tightly, I shut my eyes letting few more tears ran down my cheeks.

"I hate you" I whimpered.

"Did you hear me? I HATE YOU!!!" This time, screamed out at the top of my lungs, "Why did you leave me? How could you? Didn't you thought for a second that how could your princess live without both of you? Didn't you think of me?"

I cried and cried and cried until my tears dried out completely but my hiccups didn't seemed to stop anytime.

"Why?" I asked feeling my entire energy drained, "Why did you saved me? What's the meaning of my life if it was given by taking your lives? Why did you do that? Why? WHY??" I shouted aloud punching the stone with my fist.

My knuckles started bleeding as I continued to hit hardly. Suddenly, a hand gripped my fist blocking my strikes.

"What the hell, Melody? You are bleeding damnit!!" Hunter scolded worriedly.

Jerking my hands from him, I latched onto his collar and began to rant.

"Hunter..... Look what they did! Thy left me alone..... How could they do that to me? Don't they know I'm scared to be alone? Don't they love me enough to stay alive for me?" I cried in his chest.

"Please tell them to come back to me" I pleaded while hiccuping, "I n–need them. Please..... I–I need them, Hunter. I'll do anything!! Please, just..... just tell them to come b–back" I begged in between my sobs.

Coming out of his arms, I turned back to them again.

"I don't hate you!! I'm sorry for saying that. I'll listen whatever you say and I promise I won't irritate you with my tantrums ever. Please..... come back to me. I'm t–tired of my life..... I need you both..... Come back..... come back to me again, please.... I beg you!!" I ranted on continuously, "I'm so sorry.... Please forgive me..... Everything happened only because of me! You both died because of me..... I'm the only reason behind every pain and torture both had to endure!! Forgive me, please.... and come back..... or take me with you! I'm so tired..... I'm begging you, please....."

Bending forward, I leaned on the gravestone rambling endlessly.

With the time passing, I felt myself going numb and totally emotionless while staring their graves.

Till now, though I know that they were dead and convinced myself that I became in orphan, a tiny selfish part of me hopes for a miracle..... that someday they'd return to me saying they somehow survived after those people dragged them out.

Even though I tell everyone that they're not alive, my heart always wants it to be a lie, always hopes that mom and dad are safe somewhere.

But looking at their graves right now, the truth I'm avoiding slapped me hard ruthlessly. It felt like I'm back to that 10 year old vulnerable girl who witnessed her parents murder.

"H–How did you found them?" My voice is croaked with all the crying.

"Nancy had a brother" I gazed at him listening intently, "After you mentioned about her, I had her background checked. When I met her brother, Samuel, he informed that after she started working there, she was not in touch with him. But one day, Nancy called him and asked to meet secretly. She told him the place where those people abandoned and requested to complete the formalities."

After few minutes silence, I began to talk.

"I was not ready to accept the truth. Maybe I would be never able to if you didn't brought me here. I always hope that they'd be alive somewhere. And when the times I see reality, the biggest regret of my life is, I couldn't even give a proper goodbye to mom and dad. But Nancy did that for me." Chuckling ruefully, I went on, "Look how ironic it is..... I'm the sole reason for the deaths of the people who loved me unconditionally. They sacrificed their lives for me."

I choked feeling my throat dry as I gazed at him.

"I'm not worth it, Hunter!" a hiccup broke my words, "My life doesn't worth that much when compared to theirs."

"Stop it, Melody" he cut me off, "Stop talking nonsense."

"NO! It's not NONSENSE!!" I shouted angrily glaring at him. But seeing his face, I shut my eyes tiredly before mumbling, "Can you leave me alone for some time?"

"No, sweetheart..... I—"

"Please" I whispered.

Hunter stared at me deeply for few seconds and sighed.

"Fine! But I'm not going too far and I'll be watching you. Just let me know when you're ready to go, okay?"

When I nodded mutely, he leaves and stood near the tree few feet away giving me my desired privacy. With time, I began to feel calm and the wildness of my heartbeat seems to lessen a little bit.

"You made me promise that I should be strong, Papa. I failed to keep it.... I'm sorry I failed. My life became dark after you both left. I didn't know if I ever be able to forget the past and move on with my life. But now..... now, I want to try and forget everything that happened to me. I want to be happy."

Noticing that Hunter is staring me keenly, I lowered my voice as if he could hear me even with the distance between us.

I smiled genuinely closing my eyes for the first time since I came here.

"I want to be happy with Hunter! He cares for me, he thinks of me and..... and he is not bothered by my past. If it's any other person in his place, I'm sure they'd have been disgusted by me."

"But, Hunter is..... different. A good different. In fact, he is the best thing ever happened to me. You remember Papa, you always say that mom brightens your world. In my life, he is the one! Hunter became the light in my dark life. I wish you both would be here..... You'd have loved him so much."

I gulped feeling a lump in my throat, "I love him, Mamma! And I'm scared to admit it to him..... What if he gets bored of me? What if he is irritated with my constant fears and nightmares? Already, I came with a lot of baggage..... If he gets tired of me..... I can never be able to cope with that! Losing both of you is enough! I don't have any strength left within me to bear anymore loss. If Hunter leaves me.... I don't have it in me to take that blow. At the same time, I can't be with him knowing he deserves more. I can't ruin his life being with him..... Please guide me Mamma, Papa..... Guide me through my every step in my life. I know I will make lots of mistakes in taking decisions. Please be with me....."

I didn't realized how much time has flew by till Hunter came to me. That's when I noticed it's already half past five. He silently kneeled down beside me taking my hand into his.

"Hello, Mr and Mrs Jacobs. It's a pleasure meeting you both. Though I didn't know you personally, seeing your daughter, I can tell how great you people are. I sincerely wanted to apologize for the mistake I did in the matter of your princess. Even after knowing how her nature is, I called her selfish. I hurt her a lot" he said that looking at me, "I genuinely hope you both forgive me for hurting your daughter."

Hunter's eyes softened on me with an emotion I'm scared to name it, "And I promise that I won't let any harm near her. You need not to worry about her now. I will always keep her happy and I'll try my best to be worthy for her. Because your princess is my queen now."

I chuckled with moistened eyes at his last sentence and rested my head on his shoulder.

"I'm sorry, sweetheart" he said raising my hand, kissing softly.

I nearly gasped at the pain and guilt reflected in his eyes. Silently, I cupped his face and pecked on his forehead.

"I forgive you" whispering, I hugged him hard.

And it's true. The way he asked forgiveness from my parents for hurting me was just..... I couldn't name it what I'm feeling! That was such a sweet and heart warming moment. How can anyone not forgive him when he ask so sweetly?!

"Thank you" he mumbled nuzzling my hair, "Thank you so much."

We stayed there till it started to get dark.

"It's better if we leave now" Hunter said glancing at me.

But seeing my fallen face, he added, "We will come back again soon."

Sighing, I agreed but still couldn't convince myself to get up. With am extreme difficulty, I got on my feet but not before kissing my parents while tears gathered at the back of my eyes at the thought of saying goodbye to them.

"I'll bring you again. I promise" Hunter hugged me sideways.

I smiled nodding weakly, "Are we going back home now?"

His features softened instantly and kissed my forehead, "No. There is another place you should see. Hope that one will not make you cry like this and give at least few pleasant memories" he answered wiping the remaining tears on my cheeks.

I frowned confused at his reply. What was that place would be that can make me cry again?

Nodding at him, I looked at my parents longingly one last time before going back to the car. With every step away from them, the pain in my heart intensified but surprisingly, a serene and peaceful feeling filled me soothing my burning heart. As soon as the cold wind hits me, I fell asleep on Hunter's shoulder due to the exhausting day.

***

"Melody..... Wake up, sweetheart" someone disturbed me from my deep slumber.

"Go away!" I whined irritated with the voice and snuggled more into the warmth which cocooned me entirely.

Hearing a chuckle, I slowly opened my eyes only to see the collar of a shirt. Confused, I tilted my head up and saw Hunter looking down at me with a small smile. That's when I noticed that I snuggled up to him and the warmth I'm getting is from him.

Blushing to the core, I tried to put some distance between us but failed miserably as he tightened his arms around me more.

"Hunter..... L–Leave me" I stuttered out lowering my gaze.

He cupped my cheek, stroking my lower lip with his thumb slowly and sensually.

"You look ethereal while sleeping" his voice sounded low and throaty filled with powerful desire and wanton.

Not able to meet passionate eyes anymore, I hide my face in the crook of his neck.

"Shut up" I chided softly making m chuckle.

"Well, that's true" he replied kissing my hair.

To change the topic, I questioned, "Where are we?"

"See yourself."

Frowning, I glanced outside the window and the sight nearly took my breath away. With trembling hands, I opened the door and stepped out.

Sensing Hunter beside me, I gripped his hand tightly afraid that I'd collapse anytime.

This is..... It's m–my..... my house!! He brought me to my house! The place where I have so many blissful memories with my parents. I lost all my hopes that I'd see this place ever again in my life. And the surprising thing is, I feel nothing seeing the house again.

Staggering, I walked to the door and unlocked it with shivering hands. With a creaky noise, it opened and instantly a strong musty scent hits me. Although the house looks clean and tidy, there's no homely feeling I used to feel in my childhood and the reason behind it was the absence of mom and dad. Before, whenever I entered the house, mom always welcomes me with her warm embrace.

The home once filled with laughs, happiness and love is now just an empty place. I couldn't even able to think of it as a home without them. It'd be never called as a home. This is just a house!

Looking around, I got the flashes of that beautiful life of mine. Then my gaze fell on a photo frame placed on the shelf. Hesitantly, as I neared, my vision blurred with tears and unable to see them. Letting those tears drop, I took that frame in my hands as a wide smile appeared on my face looking at the picture.

It was a picture of mom and dad laughing heartily with me on their arms. Finally..... I get to see them again! They are so beautiful and..... just perfect for each other. I caressed their faces wanting to feel them. Happiness and contentment is illuminating in their eyes.

"They were so happy, right?"

"Yes, they are!" Hunter stated when I turned to him, "They are happy now too knowing how their Princess turned into a beautiful and kind soul."

He gave me an album, "I can only find these few."

Quickly snatching it from him, I sat on the nearby couch and started going through them.

Every picture described how happy my family was..... Every picture took me to that delightful past..... And every picture tells me a beautiful story behind it.

My favourite one among all is, the one where mom and me were tickling dad and he almost had tears while laughing. I vaguely remember we used to tickle dad a lot as he was extremely ticklish. Just a small feather like touch was enough to make him crack up.

I chuckled reminiscing those memories once again. But like before, I don't have blur images in the place of mom and dad. Instead, I could clearly see their faces.

Hugging the album close to my heart, I shed few tears but now it's because of the happiness.

"Thank you, Hunter" I said when he seated next to me, "I know a simple thank you is not enough. Is it possible to show you my gratitude any other way?"

Shaking my head, I continued, "No..... You can't even imagine the amount of happiness I'm feeling right now. No one could give such a precious gift like this to anyone, Hunter! You gave me my parents back to me..... You gave me their memories..... and you gave me a reason to smile again."

Kissing his cheek, I nuzzled in his neck mumbling a thank you one more time.

"Can I ask you one thing, Hunter?"

His reply is almost instant, "Anything, sweetheart."

"Let's go to home, please. Its suffocating here without them."

Saying nothing, he just stood up and lift me in his arms. Circling my hands around his neck, I placed my head on his chest hearing his low and steady heartbeats lulling me to sleep.

I realized then that it's not the place but the people we love that can make us feel home!

By the time we returned the club, it's already midnight. So, without disturbing anyone, we reached Hunter's room. After freshening up, I sat on the bed looking at my family photo again. No matter how long I kept staring at it, I couldn't seem to have enough of it.

"Aren't you asleep?" Hunter asked.

I shook my head not diverting my gaze from the picture.

"How long you planned to keep looking at it?"

Sighing, I leaned on his shoulder and expressed my fear. "I..... I'm just scared..... that if I stop looking, I'd forget them again."

Hunter took the picture from me and placed it on the table next to the bed and twisted his body, laying down along with me in his arms.

"You got them memorized here, Melody" he placed his hand over my heart, "It's impossible to forget them. Don't worry."

I nodded silently. Few minutes later, when I lifted my head slightly, Hunter was fast asleep but still didn't loosen his hold on me.

Slowly, I caressed his stubbled cheek and smiled when he snuggled more into my touch just like a baby.

Kissing the corner of his lips, I whispered, "I love you."

I know..... After what he had done, anyone would have been more than ready to accept him. But it's extremely complicated for me to take the decision.

In a way, I'm afraid of Hunter. The more he's showing his concern and care for me, the more I'm falling for him and even more I'm getting restless about it.

He..... He had the power to hurt me.... to break me.... and to destroy me. With Stephen, I always expect pain, molestation and humiliation every single time. Not once in all those years had I hoped for some pity towards me because I know I won't get it.

But, Hunter..... Hunter is completely a different question. If he hurts me..... then no doubt it'd crush me to the core and I'm afraid I couldn't be able to recover from that. If Hunter continues to show this behaviour to me, then my expectations on him will keep on increasing.

High expectations will only cause disappointments. And I don't want to be disappointed..... especially in Hunter's matter.

One side, my heart is certain that he won't think of hurting me even in his dreams, on the other side, my mind is telling that it's not wrong to be cautious and I should not take any risk. And I undoubtedly believe that it's already too late!!

Because loving him is the biggest risk I've taken unknowingly.

Don't know how it'll turn out to be..... the best one or the worst!!