3rd person pov
Nyara's phone buzzed, a message flashing across the screen: a private painting class, scheduled for 2:00 PM, for a wealthy family. An unexpected job, but she wanted to earn her own income. She glanced at Iyla, still sleeping soundly, her small body curled into a ball. Last night's nightmares had left them both exhausted.
A pang of guilt twisted in her stomach. Iyla had been unusually clingy lately, her bright eyes shadowed with worry. Nyara knew her daughter was picking up on her unease, her fear. She hated to wake her, but they needed to leave soon.
"Little star," she whispered, gently shaking Iyla's shoulder. "Wake up for a second. Mommy needs to brush your teeth, then you can go back to sleep."
Iyla whined, her eyes fluttering open, then closing again. Nyara quickly brushed her teeth, then laid her back down, sighing softly. She packed Iyla's backpack with snacks, juice, and art supplies, then carefully lifted the sleeping child into her arms. A quick stop for breakfast, and they were on their way.
At the art studio, Nyara laid Iyla on the office sofa, then began setting up for the class. Canvases, paints, brushes, clay—everything needed to be perfect.
Meanwhile, the Tanaka siblings' truck rumbled down the city streets. Kira, bubbling with excitement, asked, "What kind of art are you guys looking forward to?"
"Painting and ceramics," Lori replied, her eyes sparkling. "I've always wanted to try both."
They parked outside the studio, guards surrounding them, a silent, watchful presence. Kira and Lori rolled their eyes. "Guys, this is a little much," Kira said, gesturing to the armed men.
"Leave the guards outside the room," Lori added. "They'll scare the teacher."
Aiden, ever the pragmatist, agreed. They entered the studio, seeing a figure with two long braids standing at the back, their back turned.
Nyara, hearing their approach, turned around, a warm smile spreading across her face. "Hello," she said. "My name is Nyara, and I'll be your teacher today."
Aiden was taken aback by her youth and beauty. Tyler, though impressed, preferred older women. Kade blushed, his eyes wide. Hayden's dark gaze lingered, a possessive glint in his eyes. Mine, he thought. She'll be mine.
They introduced themselves, and as Nyara distributed supplies, Kira's eyes widened. "Wait," she whispered, a sudden realization dawning. "Oh my god."
"What?" her siblings asked, their voices hushed.
"We hit the jackpot," Kira said, her voice barely a whisper. "She's Nyara Alister."
Shocked murmurs rippled through the group. Hayden's eyes narrowed. Kail, you lucky bastard, he thought. But she'll be mine soon.
"I think I found a sister-in-law," Kira said, grinning at Aiden.
Nyara began the lesson, her voice calm and engaging. She noticed Hayden's struggle and offered extra help, her touch sending a shiver down his spine. I'll lock her away, he thought, his desire growing.
Meanwhile, Iyla stirred on the sofa, her eyes fluttering open. Confused, she grabbed her teddy bear and stumbled out of the office. Seeing her mother, she ran towards her, her small feet pattering on the floor.
Nyara, in the middle of demonstrating a technique, was startled by the small force colliding with her legs. She looked down and picked up Iyla. "Sorry about that," she said, her voice apologetic. "This is my daughter. She was sleeping in the office."
Iyla, shy and overwhelmed by the unfamiliar faces, hid her face in Nyara's neck. Nyara smiled. "She's a little shy."
"Wow," one of the Tanaka siblings said, a hint of surprise in their voice. "The Alisters really know how to keep their family out of the public eye. I didn't even know they had a grandchild."
Nyara froze, her smile fading. "How did you know I was an Alister?" she asked, her voice tight.
"I saw you at a gala," Kira replied. "On the red carpet."
Nyara sighed, her shoulders slumping. "When you take photos and videos in here," she said, her voice quiet but firm. "Please leave us out of it. I like my privacy."