Riders on the Storm

by SexyLexiCullen

Welcome to part 3 of the storm series. Sixteen years after Weather the Storm. Follow the Skip, Bella, and their kids - now older, wiser, and enmeshed in the family business. How will Edward cope with trying to teach Damion and Sonny the ropes, keeping Kylie out of trouble, and Bella happy? Does he still have what it takes to juggle all his duties? Mobward. OOC. AU. Romance/Humor.

48. Crawl to Montauk

Stephenie Meyer owns all things Twilight. No copyright infringement is intended.

Beta'd by HollettLA.

**NOTE** This is a long one, so get a comfortable chair.

---

"Riders on the Storm"

Chapter Forty-Eight: Crawl to Montauk

Damion POV

"Like…mob guys are gonna come after me?" Jordan shouted.

"Shhh…Fuck, no!" I snapped.

She spoke over me. "That's crap. What do I have to do with anything? I don't believe you." She chuckled, like this was all a fucking joke.

Jordan has no idea.

"No…Jesus. Nobody's gonna hurt you." We were in the stairwell, as I had to sneak back in, or risk being put back to work. "Baby…I'm not saying that." I'd previously broken shit down for her—but I truly didn't say much—and I asked her to come away with me.

"I'm safe…but you and your sister are, like, a liability?" she asked.

"Something like that," I answered.

I wanted to say so much more…

I wanted to ease her fears—if she had any—but I also wanted her to come with me.

So, no, I really didn't want to ease all her fears.

If Jordan wouldn't leave just to be with me—I didn't care—I'd scare her into coming with me.

But . . . I couldn't do that either.

"I'm not involved in all that, which you know. All of which means I don't have all the answers. But I do know that if I'm told to leave, there's a reason, and I want you with me...just in case. Please…we'll get the days excused." I wrapped my arms around her. "God forbid something—"

"I just…I just won't leave the hospital. It's only for a weekend. We'll text…I'll be safe…I'll put myself on-call." She nodded.

"No." I squeezed her tight. "Just—"

"Cullen…I've worked too hard to get this far! I knew what I was signing up for—the long hours, all the studying. I didn't sign up for a boyfriend, nor did I plan on falling for you, but . . . No, maybe you can take the weekend off, but I can't—"

"You can. You just won't." I let go of her; I was fucking pissed. "In my world, this is a test of loyalty…As my woman, if you won't go…come and be with me, you must just not give a fuck!"

"In your world?" she asked, her tone sarcastic. "Cullen, there's only one world, and it's just a weekend apart. Why are you being like this?"

I laughed, but I couldn't look at her. "If you love me, truly love me—"

"Don't do that." She had tears in her eyes. "Don't give me an ultimatum because of something that has nothing to do with me! You can't even tell me the whole truth!"

"Lower your fuckin' voice!" I spat.

Jordan stepped away from me. "Who are you?"

I ignored that question, staring down as I thought out my next words. "I would tell you everything if I could. I've…already shared everything with you that I could. But I'm frightened…because…I don't know what's going to happen, and I'll be so worried about you…" I gritted my teeth, trying to let go of my anger.

"Look, times like these, they were the scariest growing up. They're scary because we're left in the dark. We have no idea what's happening, and this shit is just as…frightening now." I shrugged. "And I wish I could just stay…I wanna stay put so badly, no matter what, so that I know you're safe, so that I'm informed, so that I can be here for my brother . . ."

I shook my head. "Jordan, I love you…and no matter where, I wanna weather the storm with you. I can't change my family or who I am, or certain circumstances, but we can stay together—I can protect you…since just you being with me...us being involved, you being my girlfriend, even if you don't know a thing, puts you at risk, too…slight risk." I didn't know what else to say. "It's small, but it's still a risk...one I don't wanna take, which is why I need us to stay together. I'm sorry."

"I do love you." She wrapped her arms around me. "But if you're in danger, even slight danger, I want you to go…I'll be here. I'll stay right here—"

I groaned, pushing her away to scream into my palms. "Why are you making this so fucking difficult?" I reached out to grasp her jaw, make her look at me. "You gotta be thrown in a trunk to make it seem real, what?"

Jordan pushed my hand, and I let go. "You're just trying to scare me…" She backed farther away.

I snorted. "Right…I know your first love—over me—is medicine. I've accepted that."

"That's…that's not true."

I spoke over her. "I know how dedicated you are. But if this is some kind of test...You telling me to go but you really want me to stay—"

She grabbed my hand. "I want you to go. You gave your brother your word—you have a responsibility to your family, and I understand. I wouldn't want you choosing me over them." Tears filled her eyes.

"Jordan, for fuck's sake—" I pulled her into my arms, hugging her tight.

"Let go," she whispered, but I refused. I didn't want to let her go. "You're hurting me—"

My body stiffened, and I turned to kick the wall.

"You're scaring me, too."

I laughed, pushing my hair back. "Scaring you?" I cocked a brow. "I didn't think you had any fears."

"I'm…petrified to run…even with you, because…I don't wanna run forever," she whispered.

"What the fuck are you saying?" My stomach tied in knots. "Down the line, we get married, you no longer have a fucking choice! You'll either go where I go, or where I tell you!" I was losing my temper, too, at this point. "Innocent people get hurt all the time. Some shit pops off, we need to go on the lam—"

"Pops off? Lam? Cullen, I don't even know what you mean." She shook her head, going toward the exit. "Who are you right now? You're really—"

"Scaring you. I know," I laughed but nothing was funny. "There's no escaping this…" I widened my arms, and now I was weepy. I gently pulled her away from the door. "Baby…I love you enough to let you go, but I don't want to. Especially not because of this. It's just a weekend vacation...a two day trip, and there's no danger."

I pushed her hair behind her ear, gazing into her eyes. "Jordan, we'll be back by Monday." I was scared she'd break up with me; I was feeling desperate now. "We don't even have to do our residencies here in New York. We can get away. We can go wherever to ensure this doesn't happen again—" I stopped talking.

If we did that, I'd essentially be leaving my family. Maybe I didn't mind before, but now that my head's out of my ass, I wanted to stay put—do my residency in New York, where Jordan also received an offer—and be where I'm needed most.

But saying that…that's how much I didn't want to lose her.

"This…this is all too much," she whispered. "I-I have to get back." She gestured to the door.

"Are you kidding me?" I swore I was losing my mind, and my heart was breaking.

Even if she didn't fully understand the possible threat—if she loved me, she'd want to be with me, no matter what—whether it'd be us taking a small trip someplace safer, or if we had to brave some shit together.

We'd be together . . . if she loved me.

Other women I know would risk life and limb just to be by their man's side—through hell or high water.

The men I know would never let their women do that if there was a possibility of any-damn-thing, though.

They'd get their woman somewhere safe, put their foot down.

But those women would still put up a fight.

They'd at least shed a fucking tear.

And Jordan won't even put shit off to the side for one weekend . . . to spend two days with me.

"It's too much." She repeated herself. "Go be with your family. Take the weekend. I hope you have fun," she said. "Text me, and when you come back, come find me."

As angry as I was, I put my hand out. "Gimme your phone."

She handed it to me and leaned over to peck my lips. "I'm sorry."

I ignored that. "This is my brother's emergency number." I placed it in her phone book. "You get spooked, something's not right…don't call me. You call him because I won't be here."

"Okay." She grabbed my hand again.

I wanted to let it go. I wanted to tell her to go kick rocks because…

Shouldn't her love for me conquer all?

"Couples spend weekends apart all the time," she said, giving me a hint of a smile.

"I really thought—" I was disappointed.

"My dinner break is over." She looked at her watch.

"You're so cold and…clinical sometimes—"

"And you're not?" she asked. "In regards to this weekend…I'm just thinking logically. You say our lives aren't in danger…"

"Your dinner break is over," I said because I had nothing else to say.

"Don't be an ass—"

I shrugged, at a total fucking loss. "I'll text you."

"Can you kiss me?" she asked. "Can you promise me you'll be back Monday?"

I nodded, closing the distance between us. "I love you." Gently, I nipped her lips and deepened the kiss, fucking kissing her like I'd never see her again. I was on edge, and I was torn—between wanting to stay in New York and have Sonny's back and wanting to hit the fucking road already. "Yeah, stay here at the hospital, so my mind's not all crazy." It'd be safer for her here than any other place. "My brother's almost 100% positive that us leaving is an extreme precaution. He's not worried."

"Good." She gazed up into my eyes. "I love you…and don't forget that."

"I'll—" I wanted to keep talking because I didn't want her to go. It was like, while I knew what was best, I wanted to stay longer in hopes she'd change her mind.

"I'll text you." I turned for the stairs.

/=/=/=/

By the time I got back to my room, Vito was already parked at the curb waiting for me.

It took me five minutes at best to pack a bunch of shit and leave the building.

"What's up?" I asked, placing my bag in the backseat.

"Nothing," he said.

I hummed, getting in the passenger side. "Thanks for the lift."

"No problem." He drove away. "You watch my girl this weekend." Vito gave me a fleeting glance.

I smiled; he was talking about Kylie. "Of course."

"Good." He nodded. "Us old timers stick together like you youths…I'll be with your grandfather Saturday, keeping a watchful eye. At our age, what have we got to lose?" he laughed.

I shrugged, staring out to the scenery passing us by.

And I was scared shitless of losing Jordan.

Realizing she never gave me a straight answer to that question…

If I decided to drop out of med school, get involved in the family business, would you still be with me?

It had me feeling even worse, although I don't plan on doing that.

I'll always be just a little bit involved in my family's business.

All I could hope for is that Jordan grows to accept that, wants to ride along with me.

Because I didn't want to let her go.

I will if I have to.

But I don't want to.

When we arrived at my brother's, I said goodbye to Vito and paused before ringing Sonny's bell.

After taking several calming breaths, I was ready—okay.

Essentially, I had a job to do this weekend, and I couldn't disappoint. I had to put my personal problems away.

"Hey…" Kylie pulled me inside to hug me tightly.

"You okay?" I looked around for Sonny.

"No…I hate not feeling safe." She had no idea how much I agreed with her. "But I know I am safe because Sonny's here, Gio's here," she sighed. "Now…you're here, but I miss Daddy…'cause—"

"Shhh." I squeezed her tighter. "You need to relax. Nothing's wrong."

"That's not what Aro said. Aro brought Gio a bag of clothes, said Gio had to leave with us. If he says—"

"It's a precaution because they're all drama queens." I tried to sound lighthearted, and I was sort of speaking the truth. They get totally paranoid. They may not know how bad shit will get.

However, any little thing, and they're ready to hide us ASAP—their families—but I understood it.

From what I do know, I don't think any of us are in danger.

It seems like everyone's overreacting about a lot of things—myself included.

"That's what I keep telling her." Peto left the kitchen with a beer. "It's one weekend, and we're not legit hiding out." He rolled his eyes.

"I'm being silly…" Kylie didn't sound as emotional.

"We're gonna have an awesome time. Where do you wanna go?" I looked down to see that little dude wagging his tail at me. "Do we have to take Noah?"

"He has an ark, I mean, a crate…we call it his ark." Kylie relaxed, smiling down at him. "Isn't he awesome?"

I nodded. "Yeah…Where's Sonny?"

She giggled, pointing up. "They're…going at it like beasts, like they'll never see each other again...been up there for a while."

I smiled. "Right…You should figure out where you wanna go." I walked into the living room to put my bag down, and I was shocked to see the place looking clean. "Did you clean?"

Kylie laughed. "Dude, this isn't my house. Maggie did—" She gasped. "Stay right here. Don't move." She ran away from me.

I looked to Peto. "What's up?"

He shook his head, settling down on the couch, and he really is a spitting image of his father.

"What's…AJ up to?" I asked.

"He's gonna spend the weekend with Katie and the baby," he whispered. "I don't talk about it because…everyone around here hates my sister now." He shrugged.

"But if you didn't love my sister, you'd be with them…in a heartbeat?" I asked.

He nodded, solemnly. "There's no way…After all the time we've spent apart? Katie's been living in the burbs these past few months…She's settled and I know they'll be fine. My father gave me this earlier." He lifted his shirt to reveal a gun tucked in his waist. "He dropped off a bag of clothes, too; meanwhile, I had a choice: stay with Kylie or go stay with Katie. It's just…like mass hysteria, you know? Wise guys get nervous and hide their families…"

I raised a brow. "You were too little, but…my God. They took a lot of huge hits when I was a kid, which is why…they overreact now. I get it."

"Look!" Kylie jumped back into the room. "This one is yours—for you since they have copies."

It was a sonogram picture of a teeny baby…Baby Cullen. "I can keep this?"

Kylie sighed. "We're gonna have a baby soon."

"Yeah." I honestly thought the picture was adorable, awesome.

She squealed. "I can't wait to babysit."

"You? Babysitting?" I threw my head back to laugh. "We don't even leave you alone yet."

"Shut up." She flicked my ear. "Are you hungry? There's pizza." Kylie offered.

"Yeah, heat me up a slice." I left the couch. "I'll be in Sonny's office." That's where he has a fully-stocked bar.

It's the only adult room in, like, a kiddie funhouse.

I poured myself a drink and then I looked through all the drawers.

And I wasn't apologetic.

Nor was I looking to steal from him.

I sipped my Jack and looked for coke since I know Sonny's gotta be stressed out.

And my father used to hide his coke in his office…

But I didn't find anything, so I racked up the balls on the pool table. "Peto!" I shouted, wondering if he wanted to play.

"His name is Gio." Kylie came in with the pizza. "And you can't eat in here. Sonny says."

"'Sup?" Peto came into the room. "Oh…you can't eat in here."

I chuckled, leaving the room with my whiskey and pizza.

They followed me, and Noah followed them.

If I would have stopped short, Kylie would have bumped into my back.

It was cute. "Can I eat in here?" Since the living room is party city, I figured I could.

"Of course!" Kylie nodded, plopping down next to me; our thighs were touching, and she rested her head on my shoulder. "I missed my Dame-y Bear."

My brows rose as I started eating.

"Can we go down to the shore house?" Kylie asked.

I shook my head.

"Yeah…Dad said I could spend the summer there, but…and he doesn't tell me anything…" And she rambled on and fucking on until her random-ass gasped and turned to Peto. "We should go skinny-dipping…since it's dark!"

I disagreed. "I think…we should all stay inside because, besides Peto, none of us wanna see you naked." I pursed my lips, thinking there'd be nothing worse.

My sister's face fell. "Yeah…I wouldn't wanna see you naked either."

"Exactly," I said.

"Can we get some weed to take with us?" she asked.

I quirked a brow, shrugging. "I wouldn't mind…if we had some bud."

"I'll ask Sonny." She looked pleased, but I bet he turns her down.

"Try to think of a place you wanna go—busy yourself with that. Please, 'cause we'll be leaving real early," I said.

"I'll split the driving with you…My dad's supposed to come back with a van soon," Peto explained. "He was pissed before...had to talk to Sonny." He glanced at the ceiling.

"Cool." I finished my slice and checked my cell phone.

I had no new texts.

"When…I mean, is Jordan coming with us?" Kylie asked.

I shook my head, hoping she didn't want me to elaborate.

"I'm sorry." She squeezed my hand.

I sighed, leaving the couch with my plate.

"Oh my God!" There was a scream, and I'm pretty sure it was Maggie since it came from upstairs.

Kylie stared at the ceiling. "They're not done yet, but…" She turned to me, eyes wide. "They're so not as bad as Mom and Dad these days. They got Sonny and Maggie beat! That's why I'm either here or at Gio's…It's so gross." She shuddered. "They have no shame…none whatsoever. Mom and Dad are disgusting...perverts."

"They'll probably be even worse when you move out," I laughed.

"At least your parents keep it in the bedroom." Peto grimaced.

"Dude!" Kylie squeezed my arm. "I haven't been able to look Uncle Aro in the eyes…for days."

Peto cracked up. "Me neither. It's so awkward, and my dad is all, 'I like to fuck my wife. What?'" He imitated his father.

I was curious. "What were they doing?"

"They were like…on the living room floor…like beastly fucking." Peto shivered. "Like you heard that shit." He punched the air, rubbing up his forearm. "He was hittin' Lisa off mad hard."

"Damn," I commented.

Then Kylie whined in place. "I wish I had more privacy…blah."

"Don't you have a room here?" I thought they should go fuck or something, get out of my face. I'd be content to smoke like a chimney in the backyard while Noah kept me company.

"Sonny—"

"It's Peto." I shrugged. "Just be quiet—nobody cares. I'll be outside."

This time, nobody followed me but Noah…because I still had my plate.

When I went outside, the pool light was on, and the water looked fucking amazing…

I ran back in to get changed into my bathing suit.

"But you can go swimming?" Kylie met me outside the downstairs' bathroom.

"Youse can go swimming, too. Just…wear a fucking bathing suit." I felt like I was teen again, my sister annoying me. "Figure out where we're going!"

"Geez…" She walked away from me.

I rolled my eyes and reentered the backyard to wince.

I forgot the dog outside before.

When I dove off the diving board, Noah barked at me, although I have no idea why. Then, because I had all this energy, I started to do laps back and forth.

And I kept going until I felt the burn in my thighs, calves, and forearms. I was huffing and puffing, my breathing erratic.

"Dame!"

I'd just hit the side of the pool to turn around. "Yeah?" I tried to catch my breath and wipe my eyes.

"How you doin'?" It was Aro.

"Good…" I was panting at the deep end and still treading water.

"How many laps did'ju do?"

"I dunno…twenty-two?" I had no idea.

"Damn." He hissed, crouching down. I thought pulling him into the pool would be hilarious...but I didn't do it. "What's funny?"

"Nothing," I said. "You brought the van?"

"Yeah…I'm also here to relay a message. I tried calling your brother but…" Aro seemed frustrated, staring at his watch. "Sonny's just like your pops, man. Got me waitin' and shit, like my time ain't important."

"You could tell me, and I'll tell him." I smiled.

"No…" He smirked at me.

"Yo!" Sonny came outside in his boxers.

"'Sup?" Aro went to meet him, widening his arms. "Took you long enough."

"My bad. You should'a knocked or some shit."

"I heard youse from the driveway," Aro laughed. "Like I'mma interrupt that shit?"

Sonny laughed, giving Aro a fist pound as he looked around him to stare at me. "Yo, my dude. I didn't even see you."

I waved, about to leave the pool.

But then Sonny ran in my direction before jumping up and doing a cannonball. His big ass made waves, fucking Aro got soaked…

"You motherfucker!" Aro shouted.

I was trying my hardest not to laugh.

"You gotta wet me?" he asked my brother.

"It's fucking water!" Sonny made to leave the pool as fast as he'd gotten in. "That felt awesome." He blew out a breath, trying to hold his boxers on. "What are you and my father, Gremlins?" He jerked his head, indicating I get out, too.

"Just dry off so I can talk to you already." Aro picked up a towel and chucked it at my brother. "The gas tank is full, no worries there…and I have a message from Carlisle."

"Right…" Sonny wrapped the towel around his waist. "We'll be in my office," he told me.

I'd gotten out of the pool for nothing—lighting a cigarette when they went inside.

The stars were out since the sky was so clear. The moon was like that thumbnail thing, and the air was still hot, which felt awesome on my wet body.

A fucking lounge chair never felt so good.

And I couldn't even remember the last time I even chilled by a pool, always being so busy with school…

It was amazing to just lie there and think of nothing.

Maybe it was because I'd overexerted myself, but I was calm.

Twenty quiet minutes must have passed by.

"Yo…" Sonny came back out with beers.

"Thanks." I took one to guzzle the cold liquid down; I couldn't believe how thirsty I was.

"Jordan didn't—"

"She's has your emergency number, and I'm trying not to think about it." I shrugged.

He hit my leg. "It's all good, bro. I didn't…I know there are things I can't tell you," he whispered. "But I don't want you worried either."

I sat up to face him and light another smoke.

"Carlisle heard from Mike…he's interested in putting shit to bed. Both New Jersey and Philly are at a standstill. I'd go so far to say youse don't gotta go away this weekend, but just go anyway." He pushed his hair back. "Everything's good." He gave me a very reassuring smile.

I nodded. "That's-that's awesome. I'm glad…I mean, I overreacted when Jordan refused, when she wouldn't...I was disappointed even if I had the feeling she wouldn't come."

Sonny gave my shoulder a squeeze. "Well…you said she's dedicated, and you've said she's interested in taking things slow—casual." He shrugged. "And if there was legit beef, I would have told you, so you could'a just kidnapped her." He chuckled.

"Thanks," I said.

"You're welcome."

"Did Kylie figure out where we're going?" I asked.

"Since…I think youse'll be able to come back Sunday, I suggested the Hamptons."

I laughed. "That's not far away at all, and we're not…Hamptons people." Maybe our family has money. We're wealthy by conventional standards, but we don't act like it. We don't look like it either.

"Exactly." He nodded. "I gave her a credit card and a phone—told her to get online and search for a resort."

"And I'll be just a couple of hours away just in case," I said. "And…I've heard from people at school that the Hamptons is fucking crowded at this time…We'll be hiding in plain sight."

"Glad you get it." He hit my beer with his. "Fuck…everything goes well Saturday, I'll meet you guys out there."

"Sounds like a plan." Then I could leave Kylie and Maggie with him and head back to Jordan just as fast. "It's a really good plan . . . I saw the ultrasound picture."

His face lit up. "Isn't it amazing?"

"Very amazing," I admitted. "You're going to be a fucking dad." It was still weird and cool. Weird, because I still think of us as kids, for some reason. And cool, because Sonny's wanted this for a while…to settle down, find love, and have a load of kids.

All his dreams were coming true, and I wished him nothing but the best.

"I hope we have a girl," he laughed.

I scrunched my nose. "I would think you'd want a boy."

"Nah..." He settled back in the chair. "I always hoped to be successful, and to spend my life surrounded by beautiful women."

I grinned. "Nice."

"But…whatever we have…" he trailed off. "I'll be cool with whatever."

I checked my phone again. Nothing.

"Santino...?" Maggie poked her head out of the door.

I waved.

"Oh, I'm sorry," she said, waving back.

"You're not intruding on anything," Sonny told her, extending his hand.

She came outside, yawning big as she walked, and she didn't look any different—maybe prettier? She had a glow, although she seemed exhausted? "I can't keep my eyes open," she said through another yawn.

"Then go to sleep, baby. I'll be up soon."

I lay back in the chair to see the sky, wanting to give him privacy while he kissed her goodnight.

"We're going to set our alarms for four…" Maggie trailed off.

"Sounds good." Sonny landed a loud smooch on her stomach while she giggled. "I'll be up soon, baby…I'm not going anywhere tonight."

"Okay." She grabbed Noah and went back inside.

"You know…" I started. "I'm fine here. I'll catch a nap on the couch…"

"Nah." He left his chair. "Let's chill. You want another beer?"

I nodded. "Yeah…sure."

When he left the yard, I smiled, happy that we might possibly get back to being as close as we used to be. Maybe he did get married. Maybe he'll have a softball team of kids, but…he's still my brother and that won't change.

And I wanted to call Jordan so badly.

One, to let her know I won't be far.

Two, tell her she could go back to the dorms.

Three, just to say, "I love you" because I missed her already.

"Here." He handed me a beer.

"Dude…go be with Maggie. Have youse ever been far apart? She's gonna be a fucking wreck."

"But…" His face fell. "I know. I just…you're here. We never chill…She knows, understands." Sonny pursed his lips. "I'mma miss her like hell, too." He chuckled albeit sadly.

"Your pool's fucking awesome. I'll probably be back next Sunday." I smiled, guzzling the Heineken. "Go chill with your wife, man." I knew that was where he truly wanted to be, although he did seem torn.

"Bet," he said. "I'd like that. Next Sunday, we could get the grill goin', too. You want me to leave this out here?" He held up the longneck he brought out for himself.

I grabbed it. "Might as well. I'm not setting an alarm…I'm used to waking up at four, but I probably won't. You wake me up."

He laughed. "You got it."

When he left, I finally had the chance to call Jordan. I told her those three important things. She was relieved, sounded just fine, and I realized that she doesn't know…She's heard me talk about past threats, things that have happened, but she has no idea how dangerous it can be.

And I had a load of questions for her.

However, they'd have to wait for another day…another day in the future, hopefully our future.

She was right. It was too much. Me talking marriage and about our residencies out of nowhere.

Me basing how much she loves me by her willingness to let me go.

"I'm so glad everything's cool," she whispered.

"Me too…We're okay?" I asked.

"Of course," she said. "I already signed up for call tonight…We're not busy. I'm gonna try to get a nap."

"You just jinxed yourself," I laughed.

She groaned. "I did…"

"Try to get some rest."

"Love you," she singsonged.

"I love you, too." I ended the call, feeling even better.

/=/=/=/

The next morning, it was still kind of dark when Sonny woke me, and I didn't want to get up.

His couch smelled like Fritos for some reason, but it was crazy comfortable.

"I just wanna give this to you now…You got everything you might need in here." Sonny came at me with a duffle bag.

I was wiping sleep from my eyes, and then I put my glasses on. "What?"

"I made a pot of coffee—"

"How are you so awake right now?" I asked, just wanting to make sure he's not coked-up. "Did you get any sleep?"

"A couple hours." He placed his hand on his chest. "Bro, I appreciate the concern." He knew. "But I'm clean. I've been clean…After youse leave, I'll head to Eclipse—probably sleep there." He shrugged.

"Okay." I grabbed the blanket. "I know girls take a while…but I don't. Wake me up when it's ten minutes to send off."

Sonny pulled the comforter away from me. "Wake up. Go to the basement, lift some weights, take a shower, have some coffee… They been packed since last night, and Maggie's making breakfast." He sounded all wired like Dad. "Just start movin'."

"I'm up." I felt like I was fifteen again, and Dad was trying to wake me for school. Sitting up with a sigh, I decided to peek into the duffle. "Whoa…like I'm meeting a Colombian to make a buy?" There were literally stacks of cash, two guns and two silencers, and a lot of ammunition. "I…I don't need this much shit."

"You never know…I'd rather you be ready for anything. And I loaded all the numbers I'm using this weekend in this phone." He handed me one of those throwaway cells. "Turn off your cell when you get to the resort. I'll be the only one to call you…and if Maggie starts crying…make her look at this." It was another ultrasound picture.

I just nodded and bit my tongue, swallowing all my sarcasm. "We're a bunch of misfits going to chill in some ritzy Hamptons resort…I don't think we'll run into any trouble. Rich folk'll be more scared of us," I laughed.

"Just humor me."

"Yeah…How are you going to be? Going to this sit-down alone?" I asked.

"I'll be fine." He sipped his coffee. "I just gotta keep my eye on Luke; meanwhile, I'm truly there on his behalf."

"Why?" I yawned again.

"Last night, while I was trying to sleep, a story that Caius once told me popped into my head. It was about how Luke came to be who he is. Plus…when two enemies are sitting at a table, I mean, it might become heated." He stood from the couch. "Come on. Get up, do somethin'."

"Wait…"

"Carlisle's going to be there," he told me.

"That's reassuring." I left the sofa.

"You don't really know Carlisle, but you should get to know him. He's a good guy." He shrugged. "Plus…my crew's gonna be everywhere. I got nothing to worry about."

"All right." But now I was more nervous for Sonny than anything else.

We had breakfast.

We were set to go twenty minutes later.

"Hello, baby." I kissed the loaded nine I had because I really missed having one, and then I left the bathroom . . .

"I'm keeping this," I informed Sonny as I placed it at my waist, and I actually felt whole.

"Sure." He didn't argue with me. "Take your buddy out to the van." He handed me Noah's Ark…the teeny dog in the blue hamster cage thing. "Don't forget. You'll have to walk him. Maggie'll insist she do it, but she obviously can't walk him by herself. You might as well do it."

I balked at the idea. "Can't we keep him in the bathtub?"

Sonny laughed. "Delegate. Make Peto do it."

I raised a brow. "Nice."

"And please…don't be an asshole to my wife." He actually cringed. "She's gonna be emotional, all sad and shit. She's getting better with understanding and doling out sarcasm, but…and please don't talk about birth defects."

I couldn't help myself and cracked up. "What do you think I am? A monster?"

"Just think before you open your mouth. You don't always do that…and talk to her, don't ignore her." He was serious.

"Look," I widened my arms, "I actually talk to Maggie all the time. I just don't do it in front of you…because...you're a fucking nut—"

He sucked his teeth. "I'm a nut?"

"Hey, when it comes to our broads, man…? I'm a nut, too." I didn't know what else to say.

"Word," he muttered, going out the front door.

I followed after, seeing Peto in the passenger seat, and Maggie was already crying…

Fucking great, I thought, as I entered the van.

"You might even see me as soon as tomorrow night." Sonny was being attentive. "You have no reason to be scared—neither one of youse." Now he spoke to Kylie, too.

"Yeah…I'm here," I said.

And I thought it'd ease their minds, but Maggie just sobbed harder.

"Tough crowd," I commented, turning to place Noah onto Peto's lap.

"Can I put him with our bags?" he asked.

I shrugged as I fastened my seatbelt.

"We'll take him," Kylie said, grabbing for the dog cage. "See? I bet Noah hates this thing…wants his mommy." My sister took the puppy out to give him to Maggie.

"Cuddle with Noah," Sonny whispered, and it was hard not to hear their conversation. "Take a nap, baby." I saw him kiss her temple while I adjusted the rearview, and I truly felt for them. My brother looked miserable—fine by circumstance, upset to be away from his wife; I understood. "I'm not letting youse leave until you stop crying." He rested his chin on her head.

I turned around to face them all. "It's two days…It's not supposed to rain this weekend. We'll be at the beach—"

Kylie gasped. "We don't have beach chairs or—"

Sonny chuckled. "You're going to a beachfront resort. They better fucking have chairs for how much it costs."

I nodded. "He's right. They'll have anything we'd need…and Sonny will more than likely be joining us late tomorrow night. So, you see?" I didn't know if my words would make anyone feel better. "We're not in danger; we're just going away for the weekend. And…" I racked my brain. "Once Sonny gets there, the real party will begin."

Sonny winked at me. "We'll have a blast—stay 'til Monday or Tuesday. Did…um, I know it'll be late, truly early Sunday morning when I could head out, but did you want me to scoop Jordan? Youse'll have Sunday to spend at the beach—"

"No." I cleared my throat. "She…just no." With knowing my girl, I know that heading to Brooklyn for a meal is just fine. But to her, there's nothing she likes to do more than study, read, be at the hospital.

Sure, she could come Sunday, and I'd be over the moon…

However, since the danger would be contained, and she'd be seeing me on Monday, there's no way she'd take the day off.

"You positive about that?" Sonny raised a brow. "It's just a fucking day—"

"Please…at least ask her, Dame," Kylie pleaded. "If she doesn't…I know you'll leave as soon as Sonny gets there—"

"I—"

"You know I'm right!" She cut me off. "If, just by some miracle she says yes, we'll all get to have a great time. I'd be with both you guys…" And now Kylie was in tears.

"Babe…" Peto reached to place his hand on her knee. Then he looked to Sonny. "Sorry."

"I'd be more inclined to slap ya around if you didn't console my sister. You feel me?" Sonny's tone was menacing, but amusement burned bright in his eyes. I'm sure he dug the amount of fear, or respect, Peto always shows him, but Sonny looked a little annoyed, too.

Peto placed his hand on his chest. "I just don't…want to be disrespectful."

"Hello! I'm upset!" Kylie snapped.

"Oh!" I put my palms out. "Kylie's upset. Let's stop the world…Time out." I stiffened in place, in a pose, like I'd stopped time, and then I laughed out loud.

"Ass." She flicked my ear.

Maggie giggled through her tears.

"You're all going to be fine." Sonny stared at his wife but spoke to everyone. "I'll call you later—"

Maggie attacked his mouth.

I smiled while I turned away to give them privacy. When she moaned, I raised a brow. "You do whatever it takes to stay safe." I agreed with her words. "Whatever it takes…and I love you—" More slurpy kissing noises followed.

"Christ." Sonny spat.

"Ugh…get off—" Kylie scoffed.

I turned to see that Sonny had gone in for the kill to…maul his wife. Maggie's back was leaning onto Kylie, and my brother's body was halfway into the backseat. They were squashing Noah and my sister.

And they weren't stopping.

"You guys are gross." Kylie grimaced, her cheek pressed to the window.

They ignored her, and when I saw Maggie's leg hitch over my brother's hip, I cleared my throat. "Yo…" They needed to chill the fuck out. More important than that, we needed to just go already. "Be easy."

Sonny was panting when he stood upright. "Damn…"

"I worked up a sweat just watching…" Kylie whispered. "And take your damn dog!" She pushed Noah into Maggie. "And don't cry! We'll be in Long Island, not Siberia—"

"Hey!" Sonny shouted, but Maggie was fine—wore a smirk as she stared at my sister.

"Relax." I turned on the radio.

"Stop hatin'…You'll be able to screw Gio how many times once we get there?" Maggie asked.

"I'm not hating—"

"You are."

"No—"

"Yes!"

"Knock it off!" I hollered, whipping around to hit Peto's headrest, swearing I was about to lose my shit. "Jesus…fucking Christ!" I blew out a calming breath.

"Dude…" Kylie had wide eyes and turned to Sonny. "That's scary…He's Dad…Look!" She pointed to me.

Sonny started cracking up and kissed his wife again. "I love you." He pulled away to slide the door closed. "Call when youse get there."

"Definitely."

"Oh, gimme a bone." Sonny reached through Peto's window.

I handed him a cigarette. "You better be heading out there tomorrow," I said.

"I'm going to do everything I can...I'm actually glad, looking forward to being there. I'm happy I'll get to spend some time with you guys—regardless of how we got there." He took the smoke from me and stepped back. "But, go…head out. I love you guys!"

A chorus of "I love you, too," sounded from the back.

And we're macho pricks so we just exchanged head nods.

Once I finally pulled out of the driveway, it was already seven-fucking-thirty. I'd be hitting morning rush hour, and I knew that shit was going to suck.

Without traffic, it'd take us three hours to get to the ass-end of Long Island, and I was frustrated by the thought alone . . . That it could easily take us twice that long because we'd gotten a late start.

And as soon as I merged onto the Belt Parkway . . .

We were in standstill traffic.

And the . . . crawl to Montauk began.

/=/=/=/=/

The Southern State Parkway wasn't that bad. At least we'd started to really move, but it'd taken us an hour and a half just to reach it, which was total bullshit. 1010 WINS warned travelers . . . however, I couldn't detour without having to backtrack and waste time.

"How long until we get there?" Kylie placed her chin on my shoulder to sniff me. "You smell nice."

I sighed, slowing down when some dick-ass in front of me hit his brakes. "What are you stopping for?!" I asked him.

"Damion…?"

"Like…another two hours, if traffic keeps moving." I adjusted my glasses and then pulled the visor down, thinking I should have worn my contacts, so I could have worn my shades.

"Oh, that's plenty of time. We can't check in until three anyway—"

"What?" I snapped at my sister. "Why didn't you say something? We could have—"

"I told Santino," Maggie interrupted. "He said you'd take care of it…and we used a fake credit card…well, it's not fake, but it doesn't belong to any of us, or a real person—"

"I get it." I understood what she was saying.

"…It'll work, but anyway. It was just for the reservation. We should pay with cash when we get there." Maggie finished.

I nodded, staring at the nearest exit. "We have time…I'm stopping for coffee."

"I could so go for a iced caramel latte," Kylie said.

There wasn't a Dunkin' Donuts like my sister had hoped, but she got something similar to what she wanted at Starbucks.

I was happy as I sipped my double espresso and smoked a cigarette.

Jordan had sent me a few texts, and they were all good. One said that she missed me, another said that she loved me, and the third said…she wished she'd come with us. She didn't elaborate on that last one—just said that she wished she'd left with me.

I called her right away.

But she didn't pick up.

No sooner than ending the call to call her right back, she sent another text.

W/ a patient—J

That's when I became impatient, waiting for her to ring me when she was free.

"Blah…" I wiggled in place, in frustration, and yet I was sort of giddy.

"Everything okay?" Maggie asked.

I nodded, smiling wide. "I think…yeah, I'm good. How are you?"

"Tired." She leaned back against the van.

"Well…you can sleep the rest of the way and when we get there. You can do whatever you want." I flicked my smoke across the lot, peeping my sister and Peto walking Noah close by.

"Can I ask you something?"

"Shoot." I turned back to her.

"Why—why did you suggest I have an abortion?" She rubbed her abdomen.

I wanted to groan, wince—because her words felt like they kicked me in the nuts. "I'm sorry—"

"I know you didn't mean it, and you know I'd never do that," she whispered. "So…why say it?"

I scratched my forehead with my thumb, thinking about it. "I was being a dick…an asshole." I sipped my coffee. "Plus, you're young, so young, Maggie. If it was a mistake—a slip. I mean, you and Sonny have loads of time to have kids. You're supposed to start college soon—"

"I still plan to…The baby isn't due until Christmastime, when I'll be on break."

"That's great," I said. "But…it took years for my mother to finish college. She'd start, get knocked up, or something would happen…which would make her put it on hold. I also knew that everyone would be putting the screws to you…I even knew that they were already pressuring you into having a kid . . . If there was a chance you didn't want the baby." I fumbled through my thoughts. "It was a fucked-up thing to say—the way I chose to word it was wrong. But—"

"You were trying to look out for me." She guzzled her juice down.

I nodded; glad that while Maggie was young in age, she really was mature.

Maggie placed her hand over her mouth, and her body lurched forward with a small jerk.

I jumped back, afraid she was going to vomit. "You okay?"

"I shouldn't have…drunk it so fast." She blew out a breath. "I'm all right. Um…I prayed for the baby, to get pregnant." And I knew she'd do anything to make my brother happy, including that. "I did it for me, though…for us. Because all I want to do is move forward, settle and…just be with Santino…start a family." She sounded wistful. "I'm still thinking about nursing." She changed the subject slightly, which was appreciated.

"That's cool…No convent will take you now."

She laughed and her face blazed red. "No, they won't, but even so. Even if nursing, and university in general, don't work out . . . I don't think I'll be upset. I chose this—made the decision."

"But, sometimes, and I'm not saying this to place doubt in your mind—because I wish you and my brother so much happiness—but we regret the hasty choices we've made," I tilted my head to the side "…in the future." I shrugged.

"You brought up Bella . . . and speaking of her, and knowing from speaking to her, I know that your mom is happy. She has no regrets, even if her life wasn't as glamorous as it might have seemed," she whispered. "She has her man, her kids—all you guys are healthy and happy, or close to it—and she's surrounded by all this love…Your mother is blessed, and I know that she knows that."

I pursed my lips. "Right." Meanwhile, I was glad she said that.

"She counts her blessings every day, and so do I. We all choose our own destinies, you know? We make our own destiny—"

"Sonny tell you that?" I chuckled.

"Yes…but tomorrow isn't promised, so we have to make the best of today. We have to strive forward and do the things we love. We have to cherish what we have because we never know when it'll be torn away from us." She waved at her face to stop her tears.

"Relax." I handed her a napkin. "You're right. You're absolutely correct." And I laughed, since she was 100% on the fucking money.

"I know there's nothing to worry about, but it hurts to be away from him," she spoke of Sonny. "It hurts me." And I wondered if Jordan was in pain. I knew I was. As much as I've tried not to think about her, my mind constantly flips back to her. Then I get this pit in my stomach, my chest feels tight.

"I know what you mean," I admitted in a whisper. "But, Maggie, you'll see him soon, and then—in a few months—you'll be having the baby. The future looks…so bright." I tried to reassure her; sounding so optimistic, I surprised myself.

"I, um—" Maggie looked around, wary. "I have no idea how I'm going to break this to Kylie, but we want you to be the godfather."

"Me?" I was shocked, pointed to myself. Last time around, before Katie gave birth to a brown child, AJ was supposed to be the godfather and Kylie the godmother.

She nodded. "No question. As for who the godmother will be, I'm torn. My sister . . . she recently made her confirmation, but I know she's too young…"

"A godparent has to be at least sixteen." I knew that much.

"I know, and traditionally the godparents should be a couple..."

"I'm flattered, but I don't know how much religious wisdom—" Truth be told, I cut myself off, because . . .

I was very flattered at being chosen for such a task by my brother.

"Well, if something happens to us—"

"Nothing's going to happen." I chuckled nervously at the thought of raising their kid. "God forbid, but we both know, if something did—which nothing's going to happen to you guys—my mom would fight whoever to raise that child."

She smiled. "Yeah, I know that…I'd want that, no matter who the godparents are, to be honest."

"Hell…you give my mom an inch…and I know you give her about a yard already," I laughed. "She'll take miles and miles…I bet she's at your house every day after the baby's born."

Maggie nodded. "I haven't spoken to Santino yet, but your mom and I talked about her staying with us for a little while. She wouldn't mind, and I know I'll be nervous—"

"I wouldn't push it." I was honest. "Sonny loves you, wants what's best. Sonny loves Mom, too, but no dude wants their mother staying with him and his wife. And if Mom's staying with you, you'll need to clear spaces for Dad and Kylie...You guys should just move in with Mom and Dad," I laughed. "It'd be simpler…As for that other thing, my brother is smart. He'll have paperwork in place…something happens, Mom and Dad will step up."

She sighed. "Yeah."

"Sonny used to help Mom all the time with Kylie. He'll be a great help—will know what he's doing."

"Your dog won't shit!" Kylie shouted.

"He will when has to." Maggie didn't sound like she cared.

"What are they, like, pebbles?" I asked, because I couldn't imagine how small that dog's turds must be.

"Like…little balls." Maggie shrugged. "Rocks."

I nodded.

"Are we ready?" Peto asked.

I held up a finger and ducked to the back of the van to call Jordan again. "Go use the bathrooms!" I shouted out to my counterparts, not wanting to stop again. We'd been on the road close to three hours, and we weren't even halfway there yet—should have been there by now.

"Hello?" Jordan laughed. "Who were you yelling at?"

"Hey, you…good morning." I smiled while I tried to think up ways to ask her again. "You really meant what you said? That last text?"

"I do…I miss you something awful." She sounded emotional. "You ever…like you know what's right, you know what you should do…Like, my head told me you had to go and I had to stay here, but my heart hurts…"

"Jordan…" My eyes pricked. "Everything's okay. Nothing's going to happen."

"It's selfish reasons." She scoffed, berating herself. "It's not about possible danger."

"I know," I sighed, and I wouldn't say "I told you so."

"I just want you safe, but more importantly…I want you with me." That was…exactly…what I hoped to hear. "I love you…already miss you like crazy."

"Dame! Come on!"

"Was that Kylie?" Jordan giggled, sounding better.

"Yes…baby, I love you, too. We'll talk soon." Once I switched phones, I'd be able to say a lot more, ask her to come out with Sonny…if he comes out to meet us.

"Love you. Love you!" She rushed out.

"Love you, love you, too." I ended the call, feeling exhausted and then I pushed off the hatch as I laughed.

I felt…

There were no words to describe how I felt.

Elated didn't cover it.

"Whooo!" I shouted, hopping into the driver's seat. "We ready to rock or what?" I gave Peto a high five.

"Must have been some phone call." Kylie guffawed.

"You have no idea…" I started the car and then pulled out of the spot.

/=/=/=/=/=/

When we finally reached the resort, we were still too early for our reservations.

"Is there any way we could check in now?" I slid a fifty across the counter and toward the concierge.

He quirked a bitch brow down to the money, and I could guess that might be chump change in this neighborhood. "Sir, we have your reservation. Guests are trickling out now, since it's check-out time, but maid service hasn't gotten to your suite yet."

"Is there any way to further them along?" I asked. "That—" I looked down to the money "—could at least put some pep in the maids' step."

"Guest restrooms are to the back of the lobby. You're welcome to the amenities, the beach—"

"Listen—" We needed to fly under the radar here, and I couldn't lose my temper.

"What's going on?" Maggie approached with tears in her eyes.

I slumped my shoulders, couldn't deal with her right now. "We can't check in until three—"

"What?" she shouted, started full-on sobbing. "I'm pregnant! I'm tired! I wanna take a fucking nap!"

"Yeah! You tell 'em sista!" Kylie had an attitude now.

"Relax." I rubbed Maggie's back; they were making a scene.

"It's your fault!" Maggie pushed me away from her.

I was taken aback.

"It's your fault this happened!"

"Mine?" I pointed to myself, and now we were drawing a crowd. "What are you some brat now? What the fuck?!"

"Sir…?"

"What?!" Maggie and I turned to bark at him.

He blanched back. "There's, uh, a suite-a suite similar to the one you reserved available now—"

"We'll take it," Maggie said, totally calm now...like she hadn't been pitching a fit seconds prior.

When it was all said and done, we all trailed to our room. It was actually a two-roomed suite joined together by a living room. There was a kitchenette and shit, too, and it had an ocean view.

We could leave either room and be on the fucking beach.

It was awesome, and I couldn't believe that there was hardly anyone sitting on the sand.

It was like we had our own little slice of beach.

"I wasn't really crying or mad at you," Maggie laughed and then she started crying again—for real. "This place is so beautiful…I wish Santino was here."

I slouched back on the couch, needing a nap. "Where's that…the picture? Go look at it."

She just sniffled and walked away from me.

"We have a problem." Kylie came toward me.

"What now?" I couldn't see it, not with this picturesque place we were at.

"There's a room with a king-sized bed and a room with two double-beds..." She shrugged. "I guess…Gio and I can take the king—"

"No." I snorted. "You and Maggie take the king."

"That's what I said." Maggie pointed to herself.

"Shut up." Kylie stuck her tongue out. "I knew it was a long shot, but…hey, I gave it a shot."

I chuckled. "Me and Peto can share the other—"

"Gio!" he spat. "God, I can't outrun that nickname for shit!"

I decided to ignore them while they decided what they'd do for the afternoon.

The three of them got ready to hang out on the beach while I called Sonny. He was happy everything worked out but sounded tired, like he'd just woken up. And I'll never know why he's so comfortable sleeping at Eclipse. My father used to be the same way—knock out there and scare Mom to death; her thinking something's happened.

Before he got off the phone—and this was placing a lot of faith in my brother—I gave him Jordan's email address. He already had her number, but I wanted to make it easier, whichever way was easier for him to contact her and ask her about coming out here tomorrow.

It was a pussy move, but I'd end up begging, and then losing my temper if she said no—again—after that text and what she'd said.

Sonny agreed, said it'd be no problem.

Speaking of my girl, I called her next just to say hello.

Once more, she was busy, but I knew firsthand how hectic our days are.

And then I ordered room service, just a bunch of shit we could have for lunch right here in the room or on the beach.

Briefly, I thought about checking out the gift shop for a book.

It'd been a dog's age since I'd read anything fiction—actually had time for fiction.

Honestly, like last night when I was just looking to the stars and right now with being here, I had time.

I wasn't worried about when or if I'd be able to get sleep.

I wasn't worried about a paper or any patients, or studying.

"Shit." I thought aloud.

"What's wrong?" Kylie had towels and a sheet in her arms.

"I should have brought my schoolbooks or something."

"I have a book," she said. "Two, in fact. I finished one on the ride here."

"What is it?" I asked.

"Oh!" Her eyes widened. "They're Mom's and they're so good!" She placed the stuff down and skipped into her room.

I followed but stood right outside. "What are they about?"

"Vampires!" She hopped out. "Check it…and give it a try. Don't say, 'this is gay.' Give it a shot."

I rolled my eyes. "This is romance crap…" I gazed at the title, The Vampire Diaries: The Awakening.

"Please, read it?" Now she was begging. "They're Italian, the two—"

"I don't care."

"You won't understand unless you read, and then we can talk about it. Please! You have to!" She was clawing at me, all frantic and shit. "I love it! You hafta read it!"

"Jesus…" I hissed, and knowing that I read pretty fast, I reluctantly said, "All right. Relax."

"Yes!" She punched the air. "You won't be disappointed!"

I shook my head and decided to get changed while I waited for the food.

In my bathing suit, I stared at the quiet nine, wondering how I could carry it around with me.

Maybe Kylie has an extra purse I could wear while I tote that book around?

My mother and her vampires…

After wrapping my heat in a towel, I went to sip from the bottle I jacked from Sonny's bar.

Then there was a knock, which I was wary about, even if I'd just ordered food to the room.

It was just the food, and then I shouted out to the kiddos—for them to come and eat—while I pushed the cart onto the deck.

"Oh, room service!" Kylie was absolutely giddy. "Did you get champagne?"

"No," I laughed. "We have—" I perused what I'd asked for "—bottled water for the fridge and an array of sodas, but knock yourself out."

"Can we order champagne later with dinner? Please?" She jutted her lower lip out.

"And beer," Peto said.

"Something chocolate," Maggie added.

I chuckled again, getting a kick out of them. "Look, later…I have all that cash…sure. Youse can all get something you want."

It was like they were my babies, which was hilarious.

"Or!" Kylie shouted. "We can get dressed up really nice and go to the fanciest restaurant on the beach—order lobster! Dame, you love lobster!" She was beside herself.

"Maybe tomorrow," I said. "Today, tonight, we should just stay in the room or immediately by the room."

"Okay. I get it." My sister nodded, and then we all started eating.

The food was pretty good, even if all I'd ordered were burgers, fried chicken, fries, and potato salad. I had a little bit of everything and enjoyed the cool breeze we got on the deck.

Everything was chill…

And, again, I couldn't believe how relaxed I was.

The only thing that would make this totally perfect…Jordan.

Whenever we have the chance, we're coming back here by ourselves.

The beach, champagne, the room…the sound of the waves washing ashore.

The stars would shine in the clear, night sky.

The wind gently blowing Jordan's hair.

And I'd have a diamond ring in my pocket . . .

Wow.

I couldn't think of anything more perfect.

The mental image alone was enough to put butterflies in my stomach, and a knot in my throat, because I hoped we'd make it that far.

I'm so used to the bottom falling out on everything…yet I yearned for so much.

I knew I wanted Jordan. She was it, but I also knew I wanted more. I just have no idea what "more" is. I wanted more than us being together, more than us getting a place together and getting through our residencies together, more than her being my wife one day.

While I felt my heart rate skyrocket—nervous, suddenly—I stopped eating and sat back in my chair.

"What's wrong?" Kylie squeezed my hand.

"Nothing." I didn't know if something truly was amiss.

"You can eat more than that. We have all this food," she laughed.

"I…had enough. Thanks. If you guys want, I'll take care of the mess. Youse go—" I gestured to the beach.

Kylie leaned over and bit my arm.

I jerked away. "What's wrong with you?"

"I just love you, Dame-y Bear."

I smiled despite...whatever.

My sister can be cute sometimes. "See?! Got you to smile!" She flicked my bicep and left her chair.

"Dude, every time you call me Peto, I'll call you Dame-y Bear," Peto laughed.

I quirked a brow. "Wouldn't that be more embarrassing for you rather than me?"

"Only my mom and I can call him that." Kylie was serious, territorial over my nickname, and I thought she shared everything with Peto.

He rolled his eyes. "I wanna go see if we can rent some jet skis."

"Tomorrow," I said as I fed Noah a piece of chicken. "Tonight, like I said, we'll just chill."

"At these places you gotta rent them beforehand. I'll just call the front desk."

I didn't say anything.

"You want me to reserve you one, too?" he asked.

It sounded like a cool idea, but I'd never ridden one before. "Nah…I gotta keep my eyes…everywhere," I sighed.

"Get one for me—"

"No." I shot my sister down. "That's straight up ocean—rough waters."

She opened her mouth to protest, but then she closed it.

"There's lifejackets and they don't have to go far—they could ride together. Like, like when Santino—" Maggie started blubbering as she faced Kylie. "This place is so pretty. It reminds me—"

I tilted my head as I stared at her. "When have youse ridden a Jet Ski?"

"I'm going to call him." She went back inside.

I turned to my sister. "Did they recently take a vacation?" Although, before making amends yesterday afternoon, we hadn't spoken since the "Noah incident," I would have heard about it from someone. And I was just curious.

"Gio, can I talk to Dame for a sec?" Kylie asked.

Since Peto's like her puppy, he nodded and entered the suite.

"What's up?" I asked.

She leaned into me. "You know how Mom and Dad were supposed to be in Bermuda?" she whispered.

I nodded.

"Don't say anything. Don't even tell Sonny I told you—no one can know. Pinky swear." She held out her hand.

We locked pinkies as I said, "I swear."

"I mean, you can know—everyone else in the fam knows. I think Dad just wants to respect your wishes, letting you…do whatever, not be so involved?" she asked. "That's what Mom said, why she said no one should tell you. She also, at the time, didn't want you to worry either, because there was no danger—"

I waved a hand to further her along. "Get to the point."

"Dad had dropped me off at Unc's and then he left. Supposedly he had business somewhere—I don't know where. Then the next morning, while I thought Mom and Dad had left already, Uncky C brought me back home. I didn't know what was going on. Mom was there, but Dad wasn't…Sonny and Maggie went on their Bermuda vacation in place of them. They even had fake passports with their pictures, but with Mom and Dad's names. Weird."

I nodded, already knowing the punch.

Dad had something to do, and he wanted the Feds to think he was someplace else. Or, something big was going down in New York, and he couldn't be around.

"All they did was fuck in Bermuda. The baby was made there," she giggled. "But…they spent the last day on the beach, where they rented a Jet Ski," she sighed.

"What about you and Mom?" I asked.

Her eyes widened. "We spent two days in this…crappy hotel across from a crappy Burger King in this crappy part of Pennsylvania. Getting to spend so much time with Mom was cool, though. That's all that really mattered, even if we did fight. Then…we were going to spend the remainder of our trip at Cousin Jasper's, but I screwed up." She shook her head. "This…nasty guy was totally macking on Mom while we were at this bar—"

"In Middletown?" I raised a brow and gasped, only to slap my hand on the table. The fucking bullshit broadcast Dad and Sonny were laughing at…

"The Switch Inn? I heard Mom talking about it…It caught fire a few days after we left." Her face paled. "I—" She swallowed. "I mean, I—"

"What's wrong?" I was nonchalant as I grasped her hand.

"You don't think Dad or Sonny…I mean, when I told them about what happened, they got upset. Still, Mom said telling them was the right thing to do…"

"It was, but what did this guy do to youse?" I asked.

"Nothing. I called him a name and told him to stay away from Mom. She looked really uncomfortable, but you know how Mom can still be nice even when people are assholes." She rambled.

"A fire? That's an accident," I said.

"I'm not that stupid," she whispered. "And…the gross guy was an old boyfriend of Mom's, but it was way before she met Dad, and he used to be good-looking."

I snorted, thinking my father would ice some dude just for that—having once slept with my mother.

That was a weird thought, though…since I can't imagine my parents not being together.

"I don't mind hearing about things, but since I didn't need to go away, too—I bet that's why they asked you to keep it from me." Thinking back to the first time I brought Jordan over…It all made perfect sense now. I wasn't angry, but I would have been if they'd told me that evening. It wasn't worth getting upset over now.

"But…do you think Sonny or Dad—"

"No." I shook my head. "I happen to read the New York Times everyday," I lied, but two days after it happened, I googled it out of curiosity—wondering why they were so fascinated by it. I couldn't make heads or tails. "I remember reading that article. They said it was a gas leak, which caused an explosion." All of which isn't that hard to fabricate, if you know what you're doing. "It wasn't arson."

She blew out a breath. "Cool. I'm glad. He had ugly teeth, was old, but…"

"How was your visit with Alice? Did you see Uncle Em?" I wondered how my mother's family was.

"Oh, we had a blast at the bar before skeezy came on to Mom." She smiled. "It was like being one of them—one of the girls."

I grinned, happy for her.

"But then…after I yelled at that guy…I mean, us being in Middletown was supposed to be a secret, and I blew our cover." She shrugged. "We never stayed there. We left…I was so scared."

"Why?" I asked.

"Like, intuition?" She rubbed her stomach. "We were running away, and I didn't know why, but Mom had a gun…Uncle Carlisle met us on the highway. He had Ant with him…Ant took the rental car and most of our stuff back to their place, while Unc rushed Mom and me to the airport. We spent two days in Orlando, which was okay."

I nodded, but what she'd just said…bothered me just a bit.

If Dad was off and Sonny was away, I should have been the one to pick them up—look out for them.

"The, uh, the sun's not gonna be out all day." I jerked my chin toward the water.

Kylie smiled, reaching over to hug me. "I'm so glad you're here."

I rubbed her back. "You know what? Me too."

"I wished…Well, Mom's in Hawaii. She's safe. I just wished we could have all been together," she giggled. "Even Daddy, even if Dad would try to keep me and Gio apart."

I laughed. "He wouldn't…Dad's not that bad."

"Not even a little bit." She shook her head, leaning back. "I realize that now. And Mom would yell at him in the high-pitched, 'EDWARD!'"

I threw my head back.

"You should get some sun." She poked my chest.

"Kylie, last summer, all I did was work…" That was the height of my time as an assassin, whatever. I'd be in school and then do what I'd have to. I'd see Julie whenever I could, and would chill—ride along with Sonny any chance I got. "I can't remember the last time I even had a weekend off…I know I've missed days, but what do I do on those days off? Go to Brooklyn—"

"Almost drink yourself to death…" She sang.

"That was no picnic." I cleared my throat.

She furrowed her brow and then reached out to yank my nipple.

"Jesus, oww!" I covered them with my hands. "What's wrong with you?"

"I never had the chance to tell you—you can't scare us like that." Now she was pouting.

"All right…I know." I shrugged.

"I'm sorry," she whispered before she went to find Peto.

When they settled down, chillin' on a sheet spread on the sand, I sat back to put my feet up and...check out that book. It started slow—about some teenage chick whose parents had died. She talks about her friends, some old boyfriend named Matt, who she no longer has feelings for, and then there's the hunky new student.

I was waiting for the vampire stuff to start, turning pages when the cell phone rang. "Yo." I knew it was Sonny.

"Hey." It was Dad.

I sat up, taking my feet down. "Everything okay?"

"Everything's perfect." He sounded happy. "I'm just checking on you guys."

I nodded, furrowing my brow. "Right…we're fine, just had lunch. Now we're just hanging out."

"That's awesome. Your chick didn't come?" he asked.

"Obviously not," I whispered.

"In my mind that says a lot, son. I-I'm sorry. I know I don't know her well, but after all this time youse have been together—"

"She's not in danger," I defended. "She's dedicated to her work and school. However, I'm more dedicated—loyal to our family. And if Sonny didn't ask me—if not for Kylie and Maggie, I'd probably still be there, too."

"No…When things happen, you have to leave town—"

Anger bubbled up inside me. "You know what says a lot in my mind?" I didn't give him a chance to reply. "You taking off on some lavish excursion, leaving my brother in the fucking lurch! Some boss you are." I was pissed at him, for even passing judgment on Jordan when he doesn't know her. He only knows what I've told him.

He snorted, sounding amused, which added fuel to my fire. "Your brother is more than capable of handling what's been asked of him, and you should mind your business on that front."

"Why did you call?" I asked. "I was relaxed—chill, and you call to bust my balls?"

"That's my bad. I called to see how youse were doing, but when I talked about your girlfriend, I hit a nerve…" He trailed off. "My mistake . . . Your sister is okay?"

"She's fine," I said. "How's Mom?"

He sighed. "Worried about you guys—"

"At least one of youse gives a fuck."

"Right, because I don't care." His tone was sarcastic. "Dame, I just told you," he sighed. "I didn't call to fight with you…When I found out your girlfriend didn't go, I thought you might have been upset."

"Well, I'm not because I understand," I said.

"And I'd never leave if you guys were danger. How can you think that?"

I rolled my eyes.

"Your brother thinks I left him high and dry?"

"No." I chuckled. "You have him trained well. He defended you. He can't see the truth—"

"Son, you should have more faith in me." He was almost crooning. "In due time, you know? When you need to, you'll know. I know it's not easy to see when the lights are out—"

I groaned.

"But you're as blind as a fucking bat!" he shouted. "You're trying my patience. I swear to Christ . . . Here, you talk to him."

"Hello…?" Mom got on the phone. "What's wrong?"

I smiled but I wasn't happy. "He couldn't even finish our conversation…"

"He was losing his temper, didn't wanna say things that might cause a rift between you guys. Please understand that," she pleaded. "He tries so hard when it comes to you, Dame. He's always so understanding and calm, and he tries, and tries..."

I nodded. "Whatever."

"Don't 'whatever' me." She sounded on edge, too. It was probably my fault.

"How's Hawaii?" I asked.

"Oh, you know…How's Kylie?"

"Good—safe. We're all fine," I said.

My mother's voice kind of calmed me down.

"How is Maggie? How did her doctor's appointment go? I know she was getting the results of her screening, too."

"She's okay…a little sad being away from her husband, but you know how that goes. Baby and Mom are both very healthy—they got loads of ultrasound photos to pass around."

She squealed. "I can't wait!"

I laughed. "It's cute…a teeny baby. You can see everything."

Mom hummed. "I should let you go . . ." Her voice became shaky at the end while I heard my father bustling around, grumbling. "Can you apologize to your father?" she whispered.

"No." I deadpanned. "I'm not sorry. The man wasn't around when it counted back in the day, and now?"

"Take that back!" She had venom in her tone. "Take it back, Dame."

"You know it's true." I was upset, not angry, not anything.

"Just hang up on him." My father had shouted. "He's upset—he's gotta make everyone else miserable, and I won't have him bring you down with his crap."

"My crap," I laughed. "Just…hang up on me."

"You're wrong, Dame. And you will apologize, and don't you dare say you won't." Her voice was stern. "I love you. We love you…and thank you for helping out. We appreciate you taking the time…" She sniffled.

"I—I don't—I didn't mind at all," I whispered, wondering why...she was so thankful. "I love you, too."

"Send them my love—give a bear hug to Kylie for me."

"I promise. Talk to you soon." I ended the call.

Aggravated, I lit a cigarette and pushed that stupid book away from me.

/=/=/=/=/

Hours later, we ordered dinner and everything their hearts desired.

My sister stole the champagne—tried to take the chocolate strawberries but Maggie threatened to hit her—and then locked herself in her room with her boyfriend.

I'd since gotten pretty far with the book. It wasn't too bad, and I dug the mysterious Damon character.

"That's a good book, right? It sucks you in…I think it's so funny—you reading that." Maggie had a mouthful, her teeth brown from the chocolate.

I shrugged. "When in Rome…"

"Do a lot of Romans," she laughed. "That's what Santino always says."

"Right." I let out a chuckle. "We had a long day." I sipped from my bottle of scotch. "If you're tired…I'll tell Peto to sleep in there with Kylie." It was going on ten p.m. and they'd already been in there for a while.

"I'll sleep here on the couch." I just didn't care—wanted to be alone, but I felt bad leaving my pregnant sister-in-law on a sofa; it wasn't fluffy or comfortable like my parents' or Sonny's.

"No…I spoke to Santino earlier…um, you take the bedroom. I'll stay out here," she giggled.

"What does one have to do with the other?" I asked, her words confusing me.

She pursed her lips, contemplative, and then she looked at the time. "I have to pee."

I let out a large breath and then—once again—I threw that stupid book away from me to gulp my booze. Then, just a bit tipsy, I put the cap back on; Kylie's words from earlier haunting me.

These days, I really don't drink.

Circumstances withstanding, I think I can have some liquor.

There was a soft knock at the door, and my head whipped to it quick.

"Yeah?" I called out, cocking the slide back on my quiet nine.

"Room service." The voice was too low to decipher.

"What's wrong?" Maggie left the bathroom to stare at my hand.

I tilted my head to the door. "Get in the bedroom."

"Okay…" She smiled at me. "But…answer the door." Maggie turned for the room.

"Who is it?" I asked.

"It's me…open up already."

I hoped back, surprised, and then it took a second for me to recover. "Jordan?" I placed the gun in my waist and unlocked all the locks… "What—how did you get here?" I took a wary glance up and down the hall before pulling her in.

She giggled, wrapping her arms around me. "I missed you. When your brother called…" she cried, looking up to me.

Fuck. I felt like tearing up, too, as I stared at that gorgeous face. "How-how'd you get here?"

"Santino had your cousin drive me. I offered to take the bus." She wiped under her eyes.

I took over for her, helped clean her face. "Anthony…" My heart sank a bit. Instantly wondering, if Ant was just right here—he drove ALL the way here—why not stay, or at least say hello?

"Yeah, Anthony. He seems like a cool guy." She smiled.

I nodded. "He-he definitely is." I blew out a breath.

"God…Cullen, I love you." She rested her head to my chest.

"Hey!" Maggie waved. "I thought you'd get here earlier."

"We hit traffic," Jordan said.

"You knew?" I laughed. "You knew she was coming and didn't tell me?" And Maggie watched me being miserable for most of the evening.

"Consider it pay back for the ham." Maggie dragged a sheet, a blanket, and a pillow over to the couch. "Go…" She shooed us to the bedroom.

I let out another large breath, reaching around Jordan to lock up the door again. "Maggie, if you need anything—"

"I have the other one." She showed me the other quiet nine that was in the bag.

"What, do you all have them?" Jordan asked.

"When you're a Cullen, I'll get one in your favorite color." Maggie teased, and I stiffened at her words, glancing down to see Jordan's reaction.

"Black…seems like a classic," she said, smiling wide.

My teeth gnashed together, so I'd be able to swallow my excitement. "Um…my sister and her boyfriend hijacked the room with the king—wait, what excuse did you give? What made you change your mind?" I grabbed her duffle from the floor.

"Well…at like four, when Santino called, I suddenly had diarrhea. And I now have a fever, and tomorrow I'll have the flu…like you." She grinned, pointing to me. "And there's no way we can be around patients in that condition, right?"

"No fucking way." I leaned into her and she moved away from my kiss.

"Goodnight, Maggie." She waved.

I looked over to my sister-in-law, too, to mouth a thank you.

"In here?" Jordan pointed to the bedroom.

"Yeah…it's a full-size, which will be like a king to us," I laughed and ushered her inside. "We're so used to navigating a twin…" I placed her bag down next to the bed that still had sheets, my side. "What are you doing here?" I was still so fucking shocked and happy.

She sighed, kicking off her sneakers. "I just…I can't explain it. I need to be with you—not because of danger, which even your brother says there's none." She shrugged. "I missed you, like I've never missed anyone before." Her lip quivered.

I nodded, sitting back on the bed. "Come here." My arms wrapped around her, and I pulled her to lay flat on top of me. "I love you…You're the best thing to ever happen to me…My best friend." I pushed her hair away from her face—my beautiful face. "I know exactly what you were trying to say."

She hummed, resting her head on my chest. "I'm so glad we're together."

"Me too," I said, hugging her tightly.

I felt like I could lie here forever—like this.

But Jordan seemed to have other plans . . .

"I have to do something," she whispered, and I was already shaking my head no. 'Cause there was no way. Fuck, she'd just arrived. What could she possibly have to do, huh? That was crazy talk. "Correction: there's something I want to do, need to do." She pushed herself up, her hands on my chest.

Absentmindedly, she played with my chain. "Wanna know what, Cullen?" She had the only beautiful fucking smile.

I touched her cheek, brushing my thumb over her soft lips. "We can stay right here, that's what," I said. "Get back here."

Her smile turned seductive; she just gave a slow shake of her head, and then pulled her shirt over her head.

Fuck me.

She exposed her chest, and this…

I pointed. "That's new." Her bra, it had to be new, because I'd never seen it before. It was dark purple, satiny, and pushed her big tits together.

I swallowed, mad thirsty all of a sudden.

"Um." She giggled and looked down at herself. "Yeah, I uh…I ordered it a couple weeks ago—wanted to save it for something special."

"Christ," I muttered and sat up, and I just had to have my hands all over her. She was killing me. "So sexy." I palmed those bad boys as my cock started hardening, and I cursed our clothes. "We should get naked," I told her.

Naked and nasty.

Leaning in, I buried my face in the softness and kissed, licked, fucking bit.

"Oh, fuck." She grinded against my cock. "But you're ruining my plan, Cullen."

Can't say I give a shit.

But Jordan evidently did. She pushed me back down again, but before I could bitch a fit, she began to tear off our clothes. And that worked for me. Don't ask me where it all landed, 'cause my eyes were fixed on her chest. Exposed skin. Soft belly. Those thick thighs—that I loved burying my face between. Hell, even her cute little feet.

I remembered it all started when I asked if I could rub her feet . . .

Seemed like a long time ago.

"Scoot up," she said, lust in her voice. "I want to show you how much I've missed you." She grinned.

I chuckled and obeyed, definitely game for whatever. And while I scooted toward the middle of the bed, Jordan hooked her fingers through the belt loops of my jeans and pulled, taking my boxers off, too.

I lifted my hips automatically.

And my cock slapped against my abdomen, causing me to groan.

"Oh, yes." She licked her bottom lip, staring, and I had her kneeling between my legs. Wearing only that bra, and—fuck yeah, a matching thong. I'd definitely get into that later. "Now—" she lowered her face a little and gripped the base of me "—tell me what to do."

"Put it in your mouth." I blew out a breath, antsy as fuck, and nodded. "Suck it. Suck my dick."

Pushing myself up on my elbows, I looked down as she closed the distance and flicked the tip of her tongue across the head. Meanwhile, I felt her stare. But I couldn't for the life of me look away from her mouth on my cock. It was already harder than a fucking rock and she'd barely even started.

With a low hum, she sucked me in completely. I held my breath, tensed my thighs, and then pushed some of her dark hair away when it got in her face. And I kept one hand there, needing to feel more. Her lips were all wet and pouty, tight around my dick.

"Fuck . . ." I shuddered and bucked my hips, getting deeper. She moaned and tongued me, practically going to town on my cock. "That's it." I felt with my fingers how her cheeks hollowed out—it was the sexiest fucking thing, and she made these slurpy sounds that drove me nuts. A hiss slipped out through clenched teeth when I hit the back of her throat. "Oh, baby."

Then she released me with a wet pop and I was ready to force her down on me again. But her wicked grin stopped me, made me curious, so I watched instead. I watched as she got up on her knees and unclasped her bra, releasing my favorite tits.

My mouth fucking watered.

"What are you…?" There was no need to finish my question, 'cause Jordan answered it by creeping forward and down, my cock wedged between her breasts. Another reason to swallow hard.

Fucking hell.

At the speed of a bullet, I pushed an extra pillow behind my head so I could see clearly, yet still use both my hands.

"I know you want to," she said in a singsong voice.

I laughed, outta breath, and…yeah, no kidding, sweetheart.

Like I'd ever say no to fucking her tits? "Damn—I love you." Had to say it.

Cupping her heavy breasts in my hands, I slid my cock—wet with her saliva—between them. Then I smashed them together, squeezing me, and started to thrust. I pulled up my knees, too; that gave me better leverage, and my girl braced herself on the mattress. "No fucking words," I groaned. It was too goddamn sexy.

"It can get hotter."

I raised a brow, beyond turned on, hooked, and intrigued. "Oh yeah?" I squeezed a little harder, sped up, and managed to pinch her nipples between my fingers.

"Mmhmm." Sadly, she dipped her head so I couldn't see, but any grief flew out the window when I felt her hot breath on the head of my dick again. Whenever I thrust forward, she suckled me.

I moaned, threw my head back, digging it into the pillow, and began to fuck her relentlessly. At the same time, she lavished my dick with attention from her lips and tongue.

But I still missed the visual.

It was always like that with Jordan—addicted to her looks, her stacked body and gorgeous face.

So, I stopped moving and told her, "I want you on your back."

Without missing a beat, she plopped down next to me, giggling breathlessly, and I followed. There was a cheesy smile on my face, and I couldn't do shit about it. But I figured, since Jordan looked just as happy . . .

Straddling her stomach, I lost myself in pleasure right away. My slick cock disappeared between her tits, my hands pushing them together roughly. I loved how freaky she could get sometimes—like she's my perfect match.

"Do…" Christ. I was already panting. "Do that thing again, with—with your tongue." I pushed forward, and she was there, wrapping her lips around the head. Tonguing, licking, suckling.

In another thrust, I squeezed out a drop of arousal and Jordan swiped it up with her tongue. "Oh, yeah…"

It went on like this, and she turned me into this savage; I wanted to fuck her stupid, claim her, mark her, whatever.

My gut tightened, and I heard her whimpers and shallow breaths.

I screwed my eyes shut, insides tensing and coiling; it was fucking intense.

The slick friction, the sounds of her labored breathing—my own, too—and then her hands on my thighs, back to my ass, spurring me on.

"I love you, Damion."

"Fuck!" I thrust forward jerkily as I started to come. The pleasure exploded in my body. As if on instinct, I looked down at her face through hooded eyes, needing to see this. My cock pulsed, streams of come sliding down her collarbone, neck, and chin. I gritted out a moan at the sight. Shudders coursed through me. "Fuck, fuck, fuck." Tension dissipated, satisfaction taking over.

In the end, I collapsed onto my side next to her, and I was breathing as if I'd done nothing all day but swim laps in Sonny's pool. Jesus Christ.

My body relaxing, it felt like I melted into the mattress.

Momentarily, my eyes grew wide when Jordan grinned and drew a finger over her chin, then popped it in her mouth. "Goddamn, woman." I was still panting—my heart rate off the fucking charts.

Jordan looked all smug and so damn sexy and adorable. Definitely pleased with herself. And fuck it, so was I.

Gimme a sec and I'll show you just how pleased I am, baby.

I huffed a chuckle through choppy breaths and stole a smooch. "You really missed me, huh?"

Her grin morphed into a gorgeous smile. "Definitely. You don't know how much you've gotten under my skin." For a second, there was shyness flashing across her face. Something tender, too.

The warmth spreading in my chest felt incredible. I wanted it to stay there.

I was ready to lighten the tension, though—as heavenly as this was. "I'm on your skin, too." I smirked and pointed to her chest.

"Cullen!" She laughed and threw a pillow at my head. "I was trying to be all sweet, and you—"

I cut her off with a kiss and crushed her to me. "Oh yeah—you're sticky sweet," I chuckled into the kiss. "Let's shower together—then I'm gonna take my time wit'chu in this bed." Had to make use of a bed this size before it was back to the dorms.

Right?

Thank you for reading.

Please leave me your thoughts.

Huge thanks to CaraNo for contributing the lime!