Chapter 3

We ride for just over 15 miles before I slow down and pull onto a dirt road. I take us another 4 miles before pulling over at a large cliff overlooking the valley. I tap his hands to let him know we are getting off and he quickly slides off, offering me a hand, which I really do not need, but I take it anyways. Once I am off he removes the helmet, placing it back on the handle bars.

“Where are we?” he is looking around with a slightly worried look on his face as I make my way closer to the edge then sit down in the dirt, patting the ground beside me.

“Have a seat. Don’t worry, the dirt will wash off.” I chuckle at his hesitation.

“I am not worried about the dirt. I was waiting for someone to jump me.” we both laugh at his nervousness.

“I told you, that life just isn’t me. Come sit, look at the view.” he makes his way to my side and slowly lowers himself onto the ground.

“This is quite a view. How did you find this place?” I Smile as I watch the twinkling of the city lights.

“I found it several years ago. I ran away when my mom and I had an argument and somehow I ended up here. I walked for so long, but once I saw the city lights…I just sat down and watched the beautiful lights dancing in the distance.” I take a deep breath, slowly exhaling as I watch the headlights of the cars on the freeway.

“You seem like someone who had a rough life, Hope.” I hate the sound of pity in his voice.

“Everyone has a rough life to some extent. Everyone struggles. We all face different obstacles, but they are all part of the same twisted game.” I look to him and see him nodding in agreement.

“Why did you end up at the club tonight? You said something about your parents?” oh he is a nosey one!

“If you must know…they told me i was to stay away from you. They said your family is dangerous…I believe they called them murderous psychopaths if I’m not mistaken.” I wait for a response, but he does not offer one and his face is unreadable.

“They are right. My family is dangerous. You don’t want to get wrapped up in their shit.” I hear a sadness in his voice.

“Well not all their shit is bad, right?” I nudge him playfully in an attempt to make him smile and much to my surprise it works.

“I knew you liked me.” I chuckle and nudge him again.

“Don’t go getting cocky, I just said you aren’t ALL bad.” he playfully pushes me.

“You know you like my bad parts.” I don’t know what comes over me, but my mouth moves before my brain can process.

“I like them all.” there is an awkward silence as I immediately regret my words.

“Hope, you are an amazing woman, but I know you feel how wrong this is. You can’t get sucked into my family’s bullshit and being with me would make you a prime target. You can’t be with me, I am no good for you.” I feel my anger rising and rise from the ground at an impossible speed.

“I am so fucking tired of everyone telling wht I can and cannot do and who I can and cannot be with. I am not a fucking child!” Marco is now on his feet and trying to steady me, but I am not having it.

“I don’t mean to upset you, Hope. I just don’t want to see you end up like everyone who gets pulled into the family business!” his wors do nothing to calm the flames of my anger.

“Everyone is always ‘doing what is best for me’ or ‘looking out for me’, but why does not one realize that it is my fucking decision to make?” my emotions are quickly raging out of control and I am spiraling fast.

“Hope, please sit back down and talk to me.” why couldn’t you just shut the fuck up?

“DO NOT tell me what to do! I am not some obedient little club slut that will bow at your feet and do as you say. Come one, let’s go. You don’t think we should be around each other, so let’s take you back home.” My head is spinning and I don’t know if I want to scream, laugh, cry or hit someone. I start marching over to my baby when Marco’s firm hand grabs my arm and spins me into his chest, pressing his lips tightly against mine. His tongue slides across my lip seeking access and I grant it without hesitation. Our kiss is passionate, sloppy and it pulls from the fire that was threatening to burn me alive only a moment ago. We both pull away, drawing in deep ragged breaths, his forehead resting against mine.

“You are absolutely hell for me, Hope.” I chuckle softly.

“You can’t have heaven without a little hell.” he pulls me tightly against him.

“What are we going to do?” I sigh as I consider our options.

“Whatever the hell we want. Fuck our families. We are not them.” He smiles a devilish smile that heats me to the core.

“Can you do something for me?” I pull back and give him a quizzical look.

“Yes?” I draw out each letter.

“I know it is an ancient notion, but can we arrange for me to meet with your parents?” well shit, I wasn’t expecting that.

“Why? They don’t want me to be with you, they made that clear.” he places his hands on my cheeks and brings my forehead back to his.

“They fear me because they do not know me. They are forced to assume the worst until we can give them a reason to see beyond that.” god, he is suicidal.

“What if it blows up in your face…which it likely will.” He shakes his head and chuckles softly.

“Then to hell with them. It is only fair that we give them a chance.” this is going to be a disaster.

“I will come get you tomorrow at 8pm. I would fetch you sooner, but bikes don’t keep banking hours.” we both laugh as he places a chaste kiss on my forehead.

“Then it’s a date.” I raise a brow.

“Or a funeral.” I flash him a wicked grin. We head back to the city so I can drop Marcos off and then I head back home…time to prepare for all hell to break loose.