Chapter 5

Dom's POV:

I sat out the back with Tej, Han and Brian drinking a corona, chatting about the races. Gisele, Mia, Suki and Letty all came out and joined up with a bowl of crackers and some dip. Letty took a swig of her beer and sat down on the patio steps.

"What are the plans for Christmas this year?" Han asked. Gisele was perched on his lap, his hand on her ass. I shrugged.

"Well, Han and I have been talking, and he's always wanted a white Christmas, so we're talking about renting a place up north. Do you guys want to tag along?" Gisele asked. Mia's eyes went wide with excitement.

"Hell yes! Actually, our Aunt Sofia has an amazing holiday house just outside of Whistler in British Columbia, admittedly it's in Canada, but I still think it'd be fun. It's massive, and is like a mini resort in itself," Mia said grinning, "In fact I think we should all go, it's like a six bedroom house! We'd all fit," Mia was already planning in her head. Gisele was nodding along, grinning.

"Mia, calm down, we don't even know if we can stay there! You have to call Sofia before you plan anything!" I pointed out. Letty giggled, Mia was always getting ahead of herself.

"I'll go call her now. It's not like she's going to say no anyway, she never even uses the place," Mia said and walked inside, taking Gisele, Brian and Han with her.

"She's crazy, and I hate the cold," Letty screwed up her nose, "But I suppose I'll go if Sofia says yes... I wouldn't want to disappoint Mia," Letty said, standing up and stretching. She downed the rest of her beer, and looked at my empty bottle, "Want another?" she asked. I nodded and smiled, that was the most she'd said to me since she asked me to move back down the hall.

"Thanks," I said as she handed me an open corona. She went to move back to the step but I pulled her back onto my lap. I was sick of playing games; I just wanted to be close to her. She leant back into me and I buried my face in her hair. Damn she smelt good, I'd missed her so fucking much.

"I'm not much one for the cold either, but I'm all for fires and eggnog," Suki said. Tej was sitting beside her and grinned.

"Don't forget presents," Tej joked and I smiled.

"Guys there is still another two weeks before Christmas, you're all getting way ahead of yourselves," Letty laughed.

"And you two had better sort your shit out before then. I don't want you ruining my Christmas, and Sofia said yes, just like I knew she would!" Mia said from the doorway. Letty went rigid in my arms and I glared at Mia. She shrugged at me and turned to Tej and Suki, "Come help us figure out the details, Jesse and Roman will just have to go with it." The two of them followed after the look Mia shot at them. Damn, my sister so wasn't subtle.

"I love Mia, but she's pissing me off," Letty muttered, drinking some more of her beer.

"I know, and I'm sorry," I whispered.

"Well, we may as well get this shit over with. Do you want to do it here where everyone can hear, or do you want to head to the garage?" Letty swallowed the rest of her beer.

"Too many weapons at the garage, let's just go upstairs," I suggested. She smirked but nodded.

"I'll meet you up in my room," she said, "It's already trashed," Letty explained, "I just need to make a quick call."

Letty came into the room and closed the door, locking it behind her. I was sitting on the edge of the bed, feeling tense. I had no idea what she was going to throw at me.

"Why did you push me away?" she said finally. Crossing her arms, she leant back against the door.

"I hated seeing you so stressed out and hurt, and knowing I was the one who caused that pain scared me. I never ever wanted to upset you. You were the only thing that kept me sane in that place. There's nothing I can say that will make it better Letty, I wish there was. All I can say is that seeing you fall apart like that killed me, and I didn't want you to see what that place was doing to me. I didn't want you to see how it drained me, because I knew that would make everything worse." The words tumbled out of my mouth. Her facial expression remained stony.

"You broke my heart Dom. You ripped it out of my chest and stomped on it until it was barely beating. You left me!" She was suddenly shouting, tears materialising in her eyes, "You left us all, and then you turn around and tell me to stay away! After everything we've been through! What was I meant to think? Dom you have no idea what you did to me! All the nights I spent crying into my pillow so no one would hear me, all the nights I spent drinking away my sorrows. I barely functioned without you. It was meant to be us, forever, Ride or Die, remember? You left me Dom, I was broken!" Tears escaped and trailed down her cheeks, "I hate you for what you did to me!" She screamed, slapping me across the face, "You broke every promise. Forever; you promised me forever Dom!" She slapped me again. Pain and anger radiated from her, hurting me more than the punches she was landing on my chest, "You ruined me Dom!" Suddenly she fell to the floor, clutching herself into a ball, like she was trying to hold herself together. Like if she didn't she'd break, shattering into a million pieces, "I love you Dom, I always have, but I can't let you do this to me." Her words broke my heart, and when she finally looked at me, I hated myself for what I'd put her through. I ached to pull her towards me, and take away all the hurt and suffering I had caused her, but I knew I couldn't. All I could do was watch as she broke in front of me. Without knowing it I had destroyed the woman I loved in my quest to keep her safe.

Letty had always been the strongest woman I had ever know, maybe even the strongest person. Looking at her crumpled on the floor, trying to hold herself together had been too much. It ripped me to pieces, and knowing I was the reason for her pain was all the more anguishing. It was agonising watching her sit at the table eating her cereal, expressionless. It was the most torturous day of my life, seeing her like this. She was blank, emotionless, detached.

"What did you do to her?" Mia asked me worriedly as she made dinner. I looked at her, and she turned away. I don't know what it was, but something in my eyes had stopped her from speaking, it had frightened her. Mia never let anything rest, but she did this time. I knew sooner or later I'd be in for it, but right now, I just needed to think. Letty was impassive at dinner, pushing her food around her plate, but not eating anything. Brian, Mia and Jesse tried to lighten the mood with their banter, but it was eventually swallowed up by the awkwardness and tense atmosphere. Jesse went out with his girlfriend, and Mia and Brian escaped from the house, saying they were going to meet up with Han and Gisele. Letty went up to her room, and I sat at the table.

Letty was sitting cross-legged on her bed, staring at the TV. Her face was void of expression. She didn't hear me come in. I sat on the edge of her bed. Taking my hand, she continued staring vacantly at the static on the screen. I squeezed her fingers lightly, but she didn't respond. We sat for an hour in silence, her hand wrapped around mine, our fingers entwined.

"I want to sleep, hold me," she demanded quietly. I spooned her soft body and listened as her breathing evened out.

"I love you," I whispered, kissing her forehead.

"I know, and I love you too, I just need time to figure stuff out," my arms tightened around her slightly and she closed her eyes. I stroked her hair gently until she started to snore lightly.

Letty's POV:

Awakening to Dom's body curled around me was a welcomed thing. I felt warm, and snuggled back, pressing further into his arms. I caressed his hand as I lay there, thinking.

"Morning beautiful," A deep groggy voice said. Lips found my neck and pressed down, "I missed you," he whispered.

"I missed you too," I said finally, turning in his arms, "Dom, you can't ever do that to me again, you have to promise. I need you to look me in the eye and swear you will never ever leave me again. I don't want to ever feel that way again," I said.

"I swear on my father's grave that I will never ever leave you again, not for the world," he promised, looking deep into my eyes, "Ride or Die baby." There was no bluff in his stare. I smiled and cuddled myself into him, "I won't ever hurt you; never again baby," he vowed.

"Yeah, and if you ever treat her like that again, I swear on mum's grave, that I'll kill you!" Mia said from her doorway. I jumped in Dom's arms, and turned to see her. She was leaning against the doorframe, Brian's arms around her waist, and his chin on her shoulder.

"Mia, get out of here!" I laughed, throwing a pillow in her direction.

"Oh back off, it's late and I came to wake you guys up for breakfast, everyone's coming over later for Sunday lunch, and to chat about Christmas," Mia smiled, and turned to walk away.

"Oh, and, Roman has a little surprise for us," Brian said, and Mia giggled girlishly. I rolled my eyes.

"Get out, and shut my door!" I finally yelled. They disappeared, but left the door open.

"Get up and do it yourself!" Mia called back over her shoulder and I groaned.

"You're sister's a real bitch!" I frowned.

"She's your best friend!" Dom laughed, kissing me. I rolled back over and closed my eyes. I heard the shower turn on, and I fell asleep again.

Dom's POV:

Mia sat cross-legged on the floor, leaning against the arm of the couch, reading a magazine. Big colours and loud pictures jumped out from the page, demanding her attention. I always wondered how my little sister could stand reading about all the latest celebrity gossip; I mean she didn't even know the people. Letty walked in wearing a creamy coloured turtleneck and tight black jeans. Her feet were bare and her toes were painted bright red, just like her fingernails. She folded her legs under her and sat beside me.

"Sleep well?" I asked, and she smiled groggily, "You're looking awfully domestic today," I teased. Letty glared at me and punched my arm.

"Keep talking like that and you'll end up in Tran's bed again," she spat. Letty hated stereotypes.

"And why the hell would I be in her bed?" I asked, wrinkling my nose. I didn't want to be with anyone but Letty, ever again.

"Coz you sure as well won't be in mine," she stuck her tongue out. I growled low in my throat and tugged her closer.

"I don't want to be in anyone's bed but yours for the rest of my life," I whispered before nibbling on her earlobe.

"Dude, you're full of shit, go make me a cup of coffee," Letty shoved me away. I laughed and watched as she leant over Mia's shoulder. I stood up as they started giggling, and went into the kitchen. Brian was sitting at the counter reading the newspaper, a half empty coffee cup beside him. He wore jeans and a black sweater with three white stripes across it. I poured myself a drink from the percolator and joined him.

"Hey," he smiled, "What are the plans for lunch today? It's a bit wet for a BBQ," he said. I glanced at the window and frowned. Water streamed down the glass, and the sky was so grey, that it was almost black. I hated the wet weather.

"I suppose we'll just have to do something else," I groaned. I hated missing out on the Sunday BBQ. Jesse was meant to be bringing his girlfriend over to meet us for the first time as well. Letty and Mia came into the kitchen and Mia sat on Brian's lap. Letty walked over to the coffee machine and poured herself a cup. She leant across the counter, her hands wrapped around her mug. I leant over and kissed her lightly on the lips. Taking a sip of her drink she smiled.

"Maybe we should do dinner instead of lunch today," Mia suggested. Brian had his arms wrapped around Mia's waist. I smiled, I was getting used to the two of them being together. They were good together, and Brian respected her, which I liked. Plus, Letty trusted him, and as far I was concerned that's all that mattered. Letty cared about Mia just the way I did. In fact, we were probably the two biggest protectors of our little family.

"Sounds good," I said.

"I'll let everyone know," Mia said, getting up. Taking Brian's hand she went into the lounge room.

"Come on, I'm gonna kick your ass in COD (Call of Duty)," Letty grinned and we went down to the basement. She turned on the TV, and chucked me a remote. We sat cross-legged on the ground, controllers in hand. She shrieked with laughter when she got a head shot. I was spawned behind her, and got her in the back.

"Motherfucker!" she cursed, and hunted me down, before slitting my throat from behind. I stole her remote and walked her off the edge of a snowy cliff. Pouncing on me, Letty pinned me down, her knees on my chest.

"Cheat," she grinned, and leant down, "Hate to be you tonight," she winked and snatched away her remote, shooting me.

Mia's POV:

"Ha! I schooled you Papa," Letty boastfully teased Dom as they came up the stairs. Brian and I were sitting on the sofa talking as they came into the room. My feet were curled up beside me, and Brian had me wrapped in his strong embrace.

"I'll get you next time," Dom promised.

"You say that every time," Letty winked over her shoulder. Dom grabbed her around the waist and pulled her back into him. Laughter burst from between Letty's lips as his fingers dug into her sides, tickling her. Brian grinned at me, and I smiled back, snuggling further into his arms.

"Take it upstairs," I laughed as they started rolling on the floor wrestling. Letty flipped me off, as she punched Dom in the stomach. He rolled them until he was on top, and continued his assault on her sides.

"Absolutely mental," I rolled my eyes, shaking my head sadly at the two immature people in front of us. Brian kissed my neck.

"Mental, but funny," he laughed into my hair as Letty swung her leg out, tripping Dom as he was standing up. Jumping onto his back she pulled him into a head lock.

"Yes!" she cried, obviously proud of herself. Her triumph was short lived though as Dom reached up and squeezed a place just above her knee. She reacted by loosening her grip and kicking out, giving him a chance to pin her down, straddling her hips.

"Nice try baby," he smirked as she bucked underneath him. Dom knew if he let her beat him he'd be in for it, so whenever they went at it, they were always full out. No holds barred. No rules. It was just pure evil fun for the two of them.

"You guys are ridiculous," I frowned lightly, as Letty punched Dom in the stomach and he rolled off her. She dug her knees into his chest and grinned down at him.

"Papa, I can give you heights of pain that you haven't even experienced before," she winked, twisting his arm.

"Ok, ok, I give," he finally caved. Leaning down, Letty kissed him lightly before jumping up, "Gonna give me a hand up?" he asked, a twinkle in his eye.

"Nuh-uh, that's my move Papa, I ain't falling for that shit," Letty poked her tongue out and sauntered into the kitchen. Dom sat up and looked at us.

"Sorry about that," he grinned. Letty came back with two opened coronas and handed one to Dom. Collapsing onto the floor beside him she leant back and took a long swallow of her beer. Dom had a quick drink beside her before pulling her into his lap.

"Need help with dinner?" Brian asked. It was already 5:30, and everyone would be arriving in an hour. I nodded gratefully.

"That'd be awesome," I grinned.

"Nah Brian, don't worry about that, Letty's the one who should be in the kitchen," he winked, causing himself another bruise on his arm.

"Just remember Papa, all the knives are in the kitchen," she grinned and pushed him backwards. Standing she followed me into the kitchen.

"Domestic much," Dom called out; damn I swear that boy never knew when to stop.

"Don't worry Papa, I won't put any poison in your food," Letty winked and disappeared. Dom looked at me and I shrugged.

"Your bad," I laughed at his shocked expression before following Letty. The girl hardly ever helped in the kitchen, but she was amazing when she did. Letty was an incredible cook, everyone loved her food. Mexican was always her specialty, but she was also a fantastic Italian cook.

"Shiraz or Montepulciano d'Abruzzo?" I asked Letty, she chewed on her lip but pointed at the Monte. I nodded, and put the shiraz back into the cupboard. She was working on the risotto, the pasta was simmering and the homemade pizza was in the oven. I started cutting up different cheeses, and placing them on platters with dips, crackers and olives.

"I wonder what this girl is going to be like?" Letty mused as she stirred the rice mixture vigorously. Most people left their risotto, making it go gluggy, the secret was to stir it constantly.

"I hope she's nice, Jesse deserves a great gal," I said, tipping the dips into decorative bowls. Letty smiled, and took the rice off the heat. A spoonful found its way into my mouth.

"Delicious," I commented, "Creamy, and definitely NOT claggy." Letty smiled and took the glass of red wine I had poured her. Gisele, Han, Suki and Tej had all arived earlier and were sitting in the lounge room talking with Dom and Brian. We took out a few glasses and the bottle as well as the platters of food. Letty sat on Dom's lap and he kissed her on the cheek. I took a sip of my wine, and everyone started eating the antipasto dishes in front of them.

Dom's POV:

I nestled my head in Letty's hair, listening to the conversations going on around me. Letty was chatting to Suki and Tej about the latest cars. Mia, Gisele, Brian and Han were all discussing Christmas, and planning how to get up to Whistler. The front door opened and Letty immediately sat up straighter. Her hand tightened on my leg and we waited in silence for Jesse and his girlfriend to appear in the archway. Jesse walked in hand in hand with a girl I knew only too well. Her figure was small and voluptuous. Dark red hair curled around her face, and she wore black jeans and a red leather jacket.

"Natalia," I was shocked to see the girl standing in my house, she was a girl I had dated years ago. Letty turned to me and raised an eyebrow.

"How do you know her name?" Letty asked, and I froze, not knowing how to answer. Letty shook her head and stood up, disappearing into the kitchen. Immediately Mia stood up and followed Letty. I sat frozen, watching everyone converse casually with the girl. I knew Letty had figured it out, and I knew I was going to be in so much shit tonight. I poured myself a glass of wine and drank it quickly before getting another. Natalia finally looked at me, and she winked. Something inside me snapped and I stood up. I didn't know what I was going to do.

Gisele, Suki, Mia and Letty were all in the kitchen cleaning up after dinner. Jesse, Tej, Han, Brian, Natalia and I were sitting in the lounge room chatting. Letty had barely looked at me during dinner, and when she did her gaze was angry. I could hear dishes scraping against each other and hushed whispers, followed by raucous laughter coming from the girls. Natalia was snuggled up in Jesse's arms, shooting me flirtatious looks, and licking her lips. My fingers tightened around the bottle and I looked away. What the hell was she doing? I wondered to myself.

The girls came into the room and joined us.

"Let's play never have I ever," Gisele smirked, "I'll start, never have I ever been given head in a car." It was no surprise when we all took a drink. Letty laughed.

"Ok, never have I ever stolen something," Han said. Letty, Brian, Tej, Han and Jesse all took a long swallow of their drinks. I raised my eyebrow but left it.

"Ok, never have I ever been caught by the police while having sex," I said. Letty and I both took a swig of our wine. Mia burst out laughing at that. Letty sat there contemplating for a second.

"Ok, never have I ever had sex with Natalia," I groaned. I should have seen this coming. Jesse immediately knocked back the rest of his wine. I reluctantly tipped my glass to my lips and took a gulp of my wine. Everyone froze and looked at me. Letty just shrugged. Mia was watching her, waiting for a reaction, as was Natalia. Jesse was staring at me, looking a bit upset.

"When?" Jesse finally asked. I put my head in my hands and closed my eyes.

"A week or so ago," Natalia said. Letty turned straight to me, her eyes wild. A sharp pain surprised me as Letty punched me in the jaw. Storming upstairs I heard her slam her door angrily.

"I think Roman's having a party tonight, let's go," Mia said grabbing the girls. The guys all stood up and followed, no one looked at me. Jesse and Natalia sat on the couch across from me. Jesse was glaring at me, and I just wanted the ground to open up and swallow me whole.

"I should head home," Natalia finally said and stood up, "Bye," she said and left the house. Jesse left, and I sat on the sofa cursing myself. Standing up, I decided to face the music, and trudged upstairs. I knocked on Letty's door. I could hear the sounds of ripping. I turned the knob, and was surprised to find it opened. Letty was sitting on the floor, tearing photos to shreds. Tears streamed down her cheeks as she continued to rip apart all her pictures of us.

"Letty," I said quietly, and her head snapped up, "I can explain." She growled at me, and barred her teeth. I looked down, and stepped backwards out of the room. I knew she wouldn't talk to me when she was like this.

Mia barely looked at me, except to glare. The only person who spoke to me was Brian. At the garage things were awkward, Letty switched to working at the diner with Mia so she wouldn't have to see or speak to me. "Dom, I need to talk to you," Jesse said from the door. I looked up from the paperwork and nodded. Jesse closed the door behind him and sat on the couch.

"I'm sorry man," I said. Jesse shook his head and waved me off.

"At first I was pissed. I mean, how could you sleep with the girl I was dating, but then I realised that you didn't even know the girl I was with," Jesse explained, I opened my mouth, but Jesse waved me off again, "Dude, shut up and let me finish," I nodded, "I should have realised a girl like her could never be interested in a little computer nerd like me. I'm sorry I was angry." Jesse finished.

"Dude, it's not that at all, and I'm sorry as well," I said. Jesse smiled and stood up.

"It's between you and Letty now," Jesse said, looking pointedly at me, "You guys need to talk."

Ok guys, I really would love some reviews, because I know you're all reading this.

Sorry for the short chapter and I decided to leave it hanging to see if you really are interested in this story :)

Happy reading