"We all broke our own rules for someone."

**************

Max's POV

Anxiety and dread steadily built up in my gut at his gesture. I wanted to pull away, I wanted to push his arms from around me but all of my defenses evaporated into thin air. My mind blacked out, it malfunctioned. My thoughts a tangled mess, still trying to make sense of him and this bitter truth.

My heart raced in my chest; was it beating too hard or was it breaking fast, I couldn't understand which was which at the moment. When his arms loosened from around me the slightest, I got knocked back in. I immediately pushed myself out of his embrace and took a step backward, building distance between us, the way it should always be.

I brought my hand to my cheeks and wiped the stupid tears away, my gaze on him still, blaming and accusing. I am in this weak state now because of him, I am doubting myself and my own existence because of his horrible actions. Forgiving him isn't going to be easy, that if it's even possible.

Immense worry etched between his eyebrows as he took my state in and he edged forward, eluding me of my personal space again, "You know, I asked my father that exact same question once," He said, his words out of the blue, "I asked him; why was he normal with everyone else but not when it came to me," He added, pointing out the similarities between our situations and I found myself listening, a bit curious.

The corner of his lips pulled up in a mocking sneer, "But you know what he told me, that it was so simple, that he just didn't love me, he couldn't, that he tried but just couldn't see me as his own flesh and blood, that he never felt that...bond that should've existed between us," His expression shifted, barely detectable, as he recalled back memories.

He shook his head, "And I never understood that, I still can't, because even though you grew up miles away from me, even though I didn't spend anytime with you," His eyebrow raised and too many emotions clouded his eyes, darkening them to an intense deep shade of green, "I still feel it in my bones, that you are my kid, my own blood and how I can never let anything happen to you, how I can't see you like this, in pain and suffering because of me."

I looked away, unable to take everything he is saying in but he kept going, "You think I hate you, but how can I, I spent all of my life watching you from far away, from the second you were born till the day you got attacked, knowing I can never get closer because somehow I will end up hurting you."

He pulled into a deep tired breath, "And I was right because look at you now, the second I got near you, I ended up ruining your whole life," He added, his voice taking a lower, more intense note, "Look Max, this," He pointed at the whole situation, "This is something I am not good at, feelings and emotions and talking about them, that's not my thing, but one thing I know is that loving you was an instinct that I felt long before I laid my eyes on you."

I rubbed a hand over my aching throat, "Then how can I...how can I make this feeling stop?" The words broke out my mouth, reflecting the anguish I am feeling deep down.

"You can just look past the bad part, if you can, and focus only on the good," He started, "You had a perfect family, Max, a one I had to make sure to stay far away from so neither me or my fucked up past would end up messing it up."

A war of emotions spun through me, and I wanted to fire off a million questions, but he talked more, giving me what I needed, "Back then, I wasn't mentally nor emotionally capable of this, your mother hated me, she had the total right to," Just like I do right now, "Before you were born, she asked me for one thing only, to stay away from you," He explained, "I did, and till this day, I am sure that what Alex gave you is something I could've never given you."

"I know."

"Then, why don't you hold into that?" He suggested, urging me to walk through the darkness and reach the light at the end of the road, "Your mother, your father and your sister, they love you more than anything."

I nodded my head, that part I knew, "But why?"

"Because they're your family, you can't question the reason behind their love, you just need to know you're lucky enough because not everyone has that."

My gaze drifted to the ground because I knew how right every word he said is, but the things I was feeling since the accident aren't controlled by logic, but by the weakness his existence ignited in me.

I don't want him in my life, I am glad he wasn't in it...but why do I feel hurt? How could I feel hurt that he was able to be a normal good father to those kids I just saw, but not to me? I shouldn't feel like this, I don't want to, I had my dad, he gave me everything, and without him, I wouldn't be the young man I am today. I owe it all to him.

That's why I am angry and frustrated, at myself mostly, it's just I don't want to feel like this anymore.

I looked toward the house that I escaped from, his house, "What about...that?" I asked, addressing the whole idea of him, his kids and his life, "I have one sister only and that's Lilly, I have one father and it's Alex, I don't want any of that to change." Enough has changed already, I won't handle more.

He nodded, "That would never change," He said, so sure, "I told you before, I am not here to take your father's place, I could never, but if you...if you want to give me a place in your life, I can show you that I am not that same man that I was all those years ago," His words sounded sincere, like he meant each and every one, "But, if you don't want that, then things can go back to the way they were and I can delete myself from your life just like I did before," He shook his head, "But I'd much rather you give me a chance, a one where I can try and fix what I ruined with you."

My inside was divided into two, one part who wanted this, to know this man, to get past the pain and have him take a small little spot in my life because he seems to be honest, and the other part just wished for things to go back the way they were before he existed...but that could never happen. The truth Lilly unraveled isn't something that'll be looked past and ignored. I need to accept that a part of my life changed that day. I need to come in terms with the truth and make my peace with it.

No more blaming, no more accusing. I need to learn how to live with this or I will wreck myself.

I pulled into a deep breath and nodded my head, "I am gonna need more time, to think about all of this because I am still trying to understand everything happening," My gaze drifted behind him, "I also need to understand that out of everything," His kids, they're...well, they could be my cousins only. I could have them as that. I don't want more. I can't bear more change.

He nodded, "Take whatever time you need, I am not going anywhere," He said, "I just want you to be okay again, that's all, Max, no more, no less."

I rubbed a hand over the back of my neck, "I want to be alone now if you don't mind," I mumbled, taking another step backward, "I can meet and talk with them some other time, just not...not now."

He gave me an understanding nod, "Let me at least drive you back home," He suggested and I shook my head, "No, I can go by myself."

"Max, it's a bit far and after what happened, I think it's best if-"

"I can call dad," I interrupted him.

He nodded, "I already did, he is on his way here," He responded, "He didn't want you to go through this alone."

"I will wait for him here then," I added, hinting at the leave me alone part of it.

The muscles of his jaw tightened and he got the message, "Okay," he said as he retreated himself back. On hesitant footsteps, he listened to what I wanted, turned around and walked back to his house.

I let out a loud sigh and my shoulders slumped down trying to release all the distress along as I laid my back against the car. My head hung low and I rushed my shaking hand through my hair. My eyelids glided down for a second as I tried to clear my mind. I took in a huge gulp of air, feeding my lungs the oxygen it was craving.

I really need to shake myself out of this, quick and fast.

Just a couple of minutes later and I felt a hand gently landing over my shoulder, shaking me out of my many troubled thoughts. My head turned and my eyes fell on dad. Blatant worry drew lines over his forehead, the same distress in my gaze reflected off his and I hated how I was responsible of putting him in this state, worried and concerned about me all the damn time.

With his hand over my shoulder, he pulled me closer to him, "Come here," He mumbled, his other arm coming around my shoulder, hugging me, and trying to fill my chest with the comfort I desperately needed.

His chin pressed over the top of my head, "What can I do, Max?" He whispered the words ever so helplessly.

"Just help me get through this," I mumbled, giving up on the idea of handling this by myself, I needed him more than I imagined possible, "I can't do it on my own."

"Of course Max, you don't need to ask me for that, just...just let me in and I will do everything I can," He said, a bit relieved that I was leaning into him, "It's all gonna get better, I promise, just trust me in this one, okay?"

I pulled away, facing him and I nodded my head, "Okay."

He offered me a small smile, "No more pushing me or your mother away?"

I nodded, "No more."

His half smile turned into a full one and he threw his arm around my shoulder, pulling me with him toward the car, "Great, because you know I need you on my team now that Lilly is back," He added, playfully and a small smile lifted the corner of my lips, "The girl's team can't beat the guy's team at our house, you know that, especially that were going on a vacation soon, we gonna need to use all of our powers."

I nodded, agreeing, and liking the change in the subject at the moment, "Where will we go, by the way?" I asked as I opened the passenger's seat, ready to get in.

He shrugged, "Not sure yet," He said, "That's why we need to team up with Ashton and chase, and find a good place before your mother and Katherine forces us to go some place boring and cheesy and all, you know them."

I nodded, agreeing. I desperately need a time off and away from all of this, and a vacation doesn't seem too bad at the moment.

***************

Alex's POV

"Whatcha ya thinking about?" I asked as my gaze drifted from my computer's screen and fell on a very concentrated Nikolas, who happened to drop by announced. Do I ever get a break from him?

He rubbed an anxious hand over his jaw as his eyes fell on me, "About what happened yesterday," He mumbled, sighing, "About...everything."

I paused my work and focused on him, my eyes narrowing, "And by everything you mean..."

He let out a low sigh, leaning back into his seat, "Well, it's...you know, Natalie's and I...you know," He said, the whole conversation making him uncomfortable.

I stared back at him, confused and I shook my head, "No, I don't know, it's what?"

He cleared his throat and shifted in his seat, "It's our...our anniversary soon and-"

"Oh, you remembered, you lucky bastard," I huffed out an annoyed breath, "Last year, I kind of forgot Cara's and mine," I facepalmed at the memory, "Let me tell you something, it wasn't pretty, women do not like that," I added, "Also, keep in mind, that Cara did forget my birthday that one time, but being the awesome sweet me, I didn't make a big deal out of it, while with her on the other hand, somehow I ended up sleeping on the couch," I scoffed.

He stared at me, a bit confused before he shot me a glare, "I just don't understand how fast you made this about you," He commented and I rolled eyes at him.

"Don't you have work to do," I suggested, "Why are you here disturbing my comfort?"

"Like I was saying," He ignored my last question and carried on, "For that, I wanted to do something, I am just nor sure what," He rushed a hand through his hair, "I mean she did like it the last time we went to Italy, so maybe I can-" He paused in his words when he noticed the look I was giving him.

His jaw ticked, "What?"

I shook my head, smiling brightly, "Nothing, nothing, carry on, you were saying-"

He huffed out, "Alex, don't give me that look."

I chuckled, the teasing smile not leaving my face as I leaned back into my seat and twirled the pen between my fingers, "Oh, I am always gonna give you that look," I said, explaining, "The thank-god-I-am-not-the-only-one-so-very-whipped-in-this-family look."

He shot my a glare, "I am not that," He shot out, very offended by the truth, "I am not whipped or whatever."

I chuckled, "Oh, you so are," I said, "Anyways, anyways, I have an idea now," I started, the thought seemed very interesting, "We were planning to go on a vacation soon, and Italy does seem like a good place."

He shook his head, "I wasn't inviting you."

"And no one asked your permission, you don't own the country, Jesus," I mumbled and right then, my office's door opened and Ashton walked in, his eyes on the phone in his hand, "Hey Alex, you got a minute?"

"Yeah yeah, but forget work now," I said and his gaze drifted to me then to Nikolas, "How about Rome for our vacation?"

He shrugged, "Seems good, whatever," He turned his attention to Nikolas, "Now you, what's your problem," He shot out, not very subtly, "Why do you keep threatening my son?"

Nikolas rolled his eyes, "Well, let him keep his hands to himself and I won't have to cut them."

"Hey!" I shot out, shutting him up and Ashton looked more than ready to jump forward and strangle my brother.

I stood up, ready to come in between them in case something happens, "Okay you two, don't start," I looked at Nik, "You shut up and stop threatening the kid or I will cut your hands myself," Nikolas scoffed at my similar threat while I turned to Ashton, "And you go and talk with your wife about Italy, me needs a vacation soon or I will get cranky."

The bimbo shook his head with a very tired sigh directed at me before he looked at Nikolas, his eyes narrowing, "Stay away from my son for your own good," He said before he headed for the door and left the office.

Nikolas couldn't seem less bothered before his gaze went back to me, "Anyway," He stressed out, "Why are you following me?"

I shrugged, "No reason, Rome is fun."

He gave me a knowing look, "And?"

"And this could be a chance for Max to get used to your presence slowly," I added, doing what Max asked from me; he wants me to help him, and I am doing so, just step by step.

Nikolas's throat bobbed heavily and he nodded, partially agreeing with my motive, "And this could give us more time to look more into...you know who," I mumbled, the thought disturbing the peace of my mind.

He shook his head, "I can't find him anywhere," He said, his jaw tightening, "Well, it's pretty hard trying to search for a ghost," I added, "That if our theory is true, he must've changed his name, and now, he is playing his cards in secret, just like Isaac used to do."

Nikolas' whole being vibrated with a hostile energy at the mention of both him and Isaac, "Unbelievable," He hissed under his breath, "He will show himself soon, and this time, we'll be ready," He stressed out, "Emma is telling me there've been some rebellion acts in the family, I am pretty sure it's him, he is trying to get more people on his side."

I scoffed, "Like hell would he stand a chance."

Nikolas nodded, "Let him show himself," Venom wrapped up his words as he threatened, "I am waiting, I killed Isaac before, I won't mind doing the same for his precious heir."

"I second that, but I don't think Natalie and Ronald would be very fond of the idea."

"We gonna need to figure that part out," He said.

That we should do. Very soon.

****************

Lilly's POV

"I think we can go with this idea, if everyone is on board, we can start shooting the advertisement for the resort after all the steps gets finalized," The head of the marketing team, her name was Melissa or something stated, her eyes drifting around the room, making sure everyone agreed.

The rest kept silent, some nodded their head, all getting on board, while me on the other hand, I wasn't very content with the results they got into.

"Uh, I kind of have a suggestion," I interjected, deciding to state my opinion, wide and clear. The rest of the group's members turned to my direction, some curious and others rolled their eyes as I seemed to extend the meeting and interrupt their lunch time.

"Go on," Melissa said.

"I know I am not part of the Marketing team but well, I have a say whether this applies or not, and to be honest, I don't exactly approve the strategy you are willing to work with," I started, as respectfully as I could, making my position clear for the rest of them, "I mean as great as all the ideas were," I said while looking at the rest of the members in appreciation of their suggestions, "I still think we need to find a different approach for this project in exact," I explained, confidently speaking because I was working my ass off since the day I started, which wasn't that long ago, but I learned all there is to know about this project.

"This is meant to be a resort for the youth, our aim is to show that it targets a younger generation, also that it's not that exaggerated and can be affordable by anyone, that it can be their weekend gateway, their place for parties, birthdays, etc," Melissa nodded, urging me to carry on, "So, instead of going on with the usual strategy always used, hiring celebrities, models and whatnot to play in the ads, we can try and send a different message this time."

Melissa's eyebrows pulled together, she seemed interested, "Like what?"

"Well, we can get normal people, ordinary ones, teenagers, people my age, those who can actually reflect the image we are trying to portray over here," I suggested, "Our audience is the younger generation, so we need to show them something they can relate with."

"Can you give us an example?" She asked and I nodded, "This is just on the top of my head, but let's say we get two kids, we show them doing the activities offered for the young section that we offer, then we show those same kids growing up yet still visiting the same resort because it also has different activities suitable for their age, we show them having their birthday parties year after year, we follow their story from the beginning and then, let's say they do their high school graduation party at the halls we have, then their university graduation..." I carried on, excitedly explaining, "It would be like a short story, following up with them since they were kids till their adulthood days, all while showing that the important moments of their lives were spent here at our resort, because we can afford to give them all of that."

I ended my idea and nervously waited for a response. Melissa's lips broke into a small professional smile and she nodded, "I actually like that," oh, yay me, "If you can make a plan for this idea, with all the details, we can distribute it on the rest of the team and give it a better look," She added, "Work on that and when ready, show me, after we approve it, I think we gonna need you every step on the way."

I did a small happy dance inside. It seemed like she agreed only because she liked my idea, not because I am the boss's daughter. Dad granted me that at least and I can't be happier; I asked for no special treatment and he is letting me strive with this by myself, slowly building my place and position in this company. He wanted me to immediately join the big table, but no, I want this, to build small things, step by step till I leave my imprint on these walls.

Melissa discussed small details before she ended the meeting and everyone scattered out of the room, more than ready for a break. I gathered my things, took my notebook and the files I was working on before I stood up, ready to walk away as well.

My eyes drifted to the door and I paused in my steps, my eyes meeting his amused green ones. He took a step inside, his gaze drfiting around the meeting room before they fell on me, "It was kind of cool what you did in there," Nikolas commented, hinting toward me respectfully rejecting their idea and suggesting mine.

I found myself smiling, liking that proud tone in his voice. Why did I care if he felt that toward me? I don't know. It's just I feel like I am getting that lately, pride and respect toward being responsible and committed, and I pretty much like it. It's a great change after everything that happened.

I took a step closer, "Yeah, well, I just like to always be straightforward, both in workplace and outside it," I said and he nodded, crossing his arms over his chest, "Yeah, that's a good trait sometimes."

"Sometimes?"

He nodded, "It can get you in trouble in other times."

I pressed my lips into a thin line and nodded, "It actually did."

The corner of his lip pulled up into a small impressed smile as he gazed at me. I tucked my hair behind my ear, "So, uh, what are you doing here?"

"Came to see your dad," He answered as we both walked out of the meeting room, "Although I kind of regret that I did."

I chuckled, "Yeah, he gets that alot."

Nikolas sighed, "Tell me about it."

I paused in my steps and turned to him, "So, when will I get to see my new cousins the right way?" I asked, really excited for that, "Yesterday I couldn't even have proper conversation because we left right away."

He blinked, a bit taken aback by my question, "Uh, whenever you want," He said, his words a bit breathless like he couldn't grasp that I wanted that, "Actually seems like we all are going on a...vacation soon I guess, your father forced me into it somehow."

I nodded, "Yeah, he is been forcing me too."

My gaze drifted to my watch, checking the time before I looked back at him again, "Uh, I am gonna head out to eat something, if you're available, would you want to...join me?" I suggested, knowing he'd like to spend more time with me and to be honest I wanted that too.

I allowed things to go with the flow with him and well, I don't feel rebelled by him anymore, I am involuntary warming up to his presence, and I am just letting it be that way.

My words brought that soft look back and he nodded, a small smile forming on his lips, "I would love to."

I smiled, "Great," I said and started to head out, with him on my side, "Maybe you can tell me more about Nathan and Maria," I said, "She is so cute by the way but she didn't let me come near her, she looked scared."

He shook his head, "She is just shy at first, give her time and she won't leave your side," His eyes carried that same soft gaze as he talked about her, his smile genuine and that alone told me one thing, she gave him what I couldn't; a real daughter to call him dad without him feeling guilty about it.

And that, for some reason, it brought me a step closer into understanding him.

***************

One week later...

Remember when I said I can't wait to be back here at my family's side, well, I take it back.

"Dad, lower the music's volume!" I whined from the back seat to which he totally ignored, "And you," I addressed Max, who was taking most of the space, "Move the hell away, god, don't take up the whole damn seat," I added, annoyed as I pushed his body away from me.

Dad looked at me from the rearview mirror, "You are no fun, you know that."

Max nodded, "Yes, don't ruin the mood," He shot me a glare, "We are going there to have fun, loosen up a bit."

I groaned in annoyance. Family will always be what family is all about...annoying and driving you insane.

I kept shooting daggers at Max's direction, "Look, I haven't slept at all last night and I was at work all day, I need sleep and rest, then I can start to have fun," I whined, "Mom, please turn down the volume," I cried out, my head throbbing already and being the best mother she is, she listened to me and turned the radio off.

"You two stop annoying my daughter," She warned them and I nodded, pouting and she ushered me to get closer. I edged forward and placed my chin over her seat from the back, she kissed my temple ever so soothingly and said, "You can sleep on the plane, okay," She said as she tucked my hair behind my ear and I nodded, impatiently waiting for that.

Once we parked the car, they took our suitcases in and I placed my sunglasses on to hide the mess of my sleepless eyes as we walked through customs and made our way toward the private jet. Uncle Ashton and Katherine had just arrived as well, they were all talking together and I tuned off their words as my eyes fell on Chase. I pulled the sunglasses above my head as I eyed him. He was talking on his phone, a few meters away from us, but what grabbed my attention the most was the pilot's outfit he was wearing. Oh my god, is he the one who's gonna take us?

Yup, there is no more sleeping on the plane anymore.

I jogged forward to his side and right when I stopped, he was ending his call. His eyes fell on me and I involuntary smiled, "You're taking us?" I asked, unable to hide my excitement.

The side of his lip pulled up in a beautiful teasing smile, he tipped the side of his pilot hat down, rather extravagantly, nodding before he said, ever so sarcastically, "At your service, ma'am."

I chuckled and lightly punched his arm; oh, hello mr. muscle, "I suggested it to dad and he liked the idea, so why not."

I nodded, "Well, at least I know that we are in safe hands now."

He gave me a proud look, "Very safe, I might add."

"You're definitely not modest about it, are ya?" I said, raising an eyebrow.

He shook his head, his smile turning into a cocky smirk, "And I don't plan to ever be."

I licked my lips, biting at my lower one to hide my ever so flirty smile before I tiptoed and grabbed his hat. I snatched it away and placed it over my hair. I gave him a serious look as I tapped at the side of it. His eyebrow raised at my action, "Do you plan to take all of my things?"

I nodded and when he tried to reach for it, I took a step backward, taking the chance from him, "If I recall, you did promise before to teach me how to operate that," I said, pointing at the jet.

His eyebrows pulled closer and he shook his head, "I don't remember such a thing."

I narrowed my eyes at him, "You gonna break your promise, Mr. Ryder?"

He nodded, "Well, we seem to do that a lot, so why stop now."

His words were enough to steal my smile away. I pressed my lips into a thin line and nodded, "Yeah, you're right I guess," I mumbled as I took off the hat and extended it to him.

"I didn't mean it like that," he said, noticing the sudden drop in my mood.

"No, it's okay, you're right, nevertheless," I said, taking a step backward, reminding myself of the place I take in his life now. I keep forgetting and trespassing my limits; not on purpose though, it's more like an instinct with him, "We do love to break things," I added, addressing the subject with a mocking tone.

I was about to turn and walk into the jet but paused a bit, "But you know what, there is that saying; when you are in a foreign country, you are allowed to break rules," I shrugged, "We can break that too."

His eyebrow raised, reading the devilish look in my eyes, "What are you implying, Lilly?"

I gave him an innocent look, "I guess we gonna have to wait and see."

I let my words finish there as I started to head up the stairs. Dad and the others had finished discussing whatever they were talking about and joined me as well.

"You're not gonna kill us, are you?" Dad asked Chase, looking at him rather suspiciously.

Uncle Ashton punched dad's shoulder, "Shut up, this is the safest flight you'll have," He said. Chase smiled at the compliment and dad shot uncle Ashton a glare, rubbing at his shoulder before he looked back at Chase, "I just need to check, you're carrying way too many lives now, if you drop the plane and we die, I won't forgive you," Dad added, ever so seriously, "I need this vacation, I need to go and get laid."

Mom rolled her eyes at him, "If you keep saying that to everyone, you ain't getting any, you know that, right?" She hissed at him.

Dad gave her a proud look, "Oh believe me, cupcakes, I am getting all of it," He said and I winced at the insinuation, "Let's not forget, when we are away, rules don't apply, so you have no idea of the possible things we can do."

I facepalmed and mom shook her head with a very tired sigh, she mumbled some words under her breath before she left dad's side and walked inside, already giving up on reasoning with him.

They all settled down and Chase got inside as well. He took a pause by my side as I pushed my purse into the overhead bin. His eyes met mine and he asked, hinting on something, "So, rules don't apply you say?"

I nodded, my tone challenging, "Yeah, but you know to break rules, you gonna need to lose control a little and you don't like that very much," I was teasing him, not knowing what I will get from this exactly, "So, are you up for the challenge, Mr. Ryder?"

He ran his thumb over his lower lip, hiding his smile and he nodded. He extended his hand forward and I placed mine in his, shaking it as he said, "Challenge accepted."

"Cool," I said, my mind playing the dirtiest games with the scenarios it played, "How about we break the first rule?" I asked, the devil rubbing his hand enthusiastically, very much excited for this trip.

"And that will be?"

I nodded toward the captain's cabinet, "You let me sit there beside you."

He shook his head, "That won't let me concentrate."

"Am I that big of a distraction?" I asked, my eyebrow raised, rather flirtatious. Oh god, I am digging a hole for myself, aren't I?

Not sleeping well is messing with my decisions and logic.

He nodded, the color of his eyes darkening the slightest, "You have no idea."

I gulped down, he was playing the same game with me, "On the way back you'd let me, then?" I asked.

"We'll see," He didn't accept nor reject as he gave me a wink before he headed to his place.

I let out a low sigh and took the seat beside Max. I checked my phone before we board, opening up unread emails and replying till auntie Katherine's voice interrupted my thoughts, "Alex, isn't Nikolas coming with us?"

"No, they'll follow us, tomorrow," He answered and my eyes drifted to Max beside, trying to sense his reaction to this. He just looked up from his phone, the topic grabbing his attention but he didn't seem to be annoyed nor happy. Just neutral.

I turned off my phone and pulled up the armrest before I inched closer and leaned against his arm. I closed my eyes, using him as my pillow. He let out an annoyed breath, "Weren't you the one complaining about me taking up the whole seat?"

"Shut up, I need to sleep," I mumbled, pushing my head further against his arm. He didn't argue, instead I felt his arm move before he wrapped it around my shoulder, giving me a better position to sleep in.

"I love you sometimes," I mumbled lowly, the sleep taking over my brain and shutting down my eyes.

I felt his chest vibrate with his low chuckle, "I love you too, crazy."

***************

"Ah, it's so beautiful!" Auntie Katherine said, unable to hide her excitement as we reached the houses we rented for our stay. They were all by each other's side, with their back right on the beach and up against the sea. Their location was right on point, on the other side was a hill with building on top of it, all leading up to the city. It was night when we arrived and only the lights flashing from up the hill illuminated the whole place. It was very beautiful indeed.

The late night's breeze hit my skin and I let my eyelids glide down, taking into a huge gulp of this fresh air. A vacation was really a good idea after everything we went through over the past months. I think we all needed a little getaway.

Katherine almost jumped up and down from her happiness as she walked on, discovering the rest of the exquisite scenery. Uncle Ashton laughed at her childish excitement and wrapped his arm around her waist, walking by her side as they went inside to check the rest of the place.

Dad whispered something in mom's ear which had her giggle and playfully slap his arm. I rolled my eyes, knowing for sure it's a sexual comment. He said something else and dragged her into the house. Max went away as well, leaving me out here, looking at the beautiful seemingly endless sea.

The way the air shifted for a second had my sixth on alert of the presence beside me. His scent mixing with the fresh air and I let out a content sigh, satisfied. I loved the way he smelled, like this fresh breath of air, mixed with everything familiar yet still dangerous. Right here, and still out of my reach. It was the aura of the man that each second sucked my spirit deeper into him.

"Thinking about breaking another rule?" He broke the silence, his hands in his pant's pocket as he gazed at the sea ahead of us.

I turned to him and nodded, "Kind of," I felt like I wanted to throw myself in the sea right at this moment.

He raked this fingers through his hair before his eyes flickered to me, "Meet me here at dawn," He simply said, not leaving me a chance to reject or accept as he turned around and headed inside as well.

I gulped down, the anxious feeling ripping up my stomach as I stared at his back. Tingles spread all over my body, it started at my neck and rocketed down my spine, a definite warning that I am stepping into a dangerous territory yet again.

For some reason, instead of being scared this time, I was relieved. As dangerous as this territory is, it is still so safe. Chase was and will always be my safe haven, a place where I can lose all of my restraints and not get lost, because I knew it deep in my bones that he would hold me still, keep me in place and guard me.

I walked back inside and counted the seconds till dawn.

I took a shower, changed my clothes and I couldn't sleep at all. I got my dosage on the plane. Minutes ticked by, one after another before dawn almost arrived, I left the house and walked to the beach. Everyone else was either asleep or in their rooms, except me and...him.

My gaze fell into his back and I stepped forward, the breeze brushed into my hair, wrapping around it and letting it fly in all directions. My heart did a little jump, lurching in my chest when my gaze fell into what he brought. It was simple; a bottle of wine, two glasses, and a candle held inside a lantern, illuminating a soft smooth light. He had settled at the spot near the sea, with a plaid and two pillows.

His eyes found mine as I took a seat on one of the pillows, "Are you trying to win my heart or something, because you don't need to work this hard for that," I tried to approach it playfully.

A wistful smile ridged his perfect mouth, "If I want that, I'd try harder than this, don't you think?"

"Always the charming one," I commented.

Warmth swam in the pools of his blue eyes, "You bring it in me, what can I do?"

Oh, we both are playing with literal fire.

I licked my lips and looked down the wine, "We are drinking, by the sea, in the middle of the night, with my father just right there," I started, my eyes going to him, appreciating the effort, "I guess that breaks many rules at once, so that's one point for you."

He nodded, satisfied as he opened the bottle and poured the rosy liquid into the glasses, "But don't get cocky, I am winning this, let's not forget I am the reckless one between us," I took my glass, "I excel at breaking rules."

He raised his glass and clicked it with mine, "Don't bet on it," He said before he placed the glasses's tips to his lips, my eyes followed their movement and I gulped down, fantasizing about those damn lips and the magic they can do.

Conversation took us in, again talking about everything and nothing in specific, both of us comfortable in the other's presence. I talked about work and what I've been doing and my compassion at the topic had his mouth curving a very proud happy smile.

When we finished our first glass, Chase got up to his feet, he extended his hand toward me and I placed mine in his, not understating his motive at first. He pulled me up, and his gaze drifted toward the sea, "Are you up for it?"

My eyes widened, "Now?"

His eyebrow raised, not liking my hesitation, "Reckless you said, huh?"

The jerk is both mocking and challenging me.

My fingers curled over my shirt as I pulled it over my head, "Don't trigger me," I said as I threw my shirt over the pillow, "That never ends well."

His chest vibrated with his amused laugh before he did the same. His fingers curled over his shirt and he smoothly slid it over his head. My blood pumped hard, forcing the acceleration of my pulse raced, both at the adrenaline rush of jumping in now and at the sight of him doing something as simple as take off his shirt.

"You go on first," I urged, just imagining the coldness of the water at this time had me shiver.

"Whatever suits you," He said, not backing away and dipped in first. I bit my lower lip, watching his the muscles of his back flex and tighten as he professionally swam his way further inside. Heat rushed all over my body, riding me of the shivery feeling. I let go of my shorts and took a step forward, dipping my feet in, and testing the water.

The dawn was minuets away only. I stared ahead as the many pink rays scattered all along the horizon, painting the blackness and illuminating more light around us. It looked like a serene dream, magical in a way. I was here, with Chase, alone, just me and him after so long. It was a dream indeed.

I could clearly see as he dipped his head into the water, and how he ran his fingers through his wet hair when he pulled it out.

My hormones were on overdrive, because it can't just be me; there is something extremely hot about a guy swimming, right?

"What are you waiting for?" Chase urged and I accepted the challenge, going in all at once to avoid the coldness from pushing me away.

I let out a low gasp, getting my skin accustomed to the temperature before I found the courage and swam to his side. The feeling of the water against my skin, along with the beautiful colors in the sky, and with Chase here in it with me, it was liberating in away. As I swam toward him, I didn't think, my mind just blanked out. No thinking about my guilt for once, no Christian and what he did, no worrying about what the future holds. Nothing. Just me, the sea, the beautiful sunrise, and Chase. That's all that mattered at this moment.

A big smile curved my mouth once I reached him, unable to hide the comfort I felt in this, "Who knew breaking the rules could make one feel so peaceful," I commented, getting too close, closer than I should.

It felt so simple, him and me, in the quiet of this moment, reveling in the steady beat of our hearts. Somehow, it felt like nothing else existed. Like nothing happened. Our past faded into a thin line, just like the darkness that was getting overwhelmed with the sun's rays.

Pushing past the boundaries, I let my fingers climb up his chest and over one of his shoulders, dying to feel him after so long. I couldn't miss the way his muscles jumped under my hand, beckoning me forward, and at the same time, fighting and resisting.

"Do you ever wonder how different things would've been if I hadn't left?" I mumbled, the aura of this moment riding me of all restraints.

"All the time," He said and I glanced up at his face. Turbulent blue eyes stared down at me. In them, a range of emotions danced and tangled, one spoke of hope, one of regret, one of anger and one of affection.

"I ask myself how different it would be if I fought for us, for what we had the way I was supposed to," He said and I held my breath, taken aback by his words, "You were right, Lilly, I fucked up too."

"Not as bad as I did."

He shook his head, "We all played our roles," He said, "We couldn't give this relationship justice."

"Some people get second chances you know."

"Do you think we can ever do right by each other in that sense?" The way he asked it reflected how the answer is no, that no, we can't.

I shrugged, "Depends," I said, "Do you think you'd ever be able to trust me in that sense?" Yes, he didn't fight for us, but I am the one who broke the trust between us. I am the one who betrayed my promise, I am the one who couldn't live up to my own words.

"I don't know," He simply said.

I nodded, "Enough talking about that," I mumbled, feeling the ache creep into my chest, "It's defying the whole purpose of breaking the rules."

A small helpless smile came to his lips, "We are playing with fire, you know that, right?"

I shrugged, "It's okay, what happens in Rome, will stay in Rome."

I allowed my fingers to trace the side of his neck, eluding myself of all those thoughts about the past and I delved into this moment only, "Are you up for that?"

His gaze drifted down to my lips before they fell onto my eyes, "I told you I am in."

Every inch of my body lit, flames licking through my veins and blazing my stomach at the insinuation behind his few words; How was it possible that this guy that I knew for so long is still capable of affecting me this way?

"Break a rule then," I urged, "A big one."

Silence consumed us in for a second or two. He didn't dare at first, making up his mind until he gave up all of his control and submitted to the moment.

He pressed his hand firmly over my lower back, pulling my body closer to his from under the water.

A low gasp parted my lips and my eyes drifted up to his again. The pink hue of the raising sun reflected off his face, igniting the most perfect flame.

His eyes matching the water we are swimming in. Deep. Blue. Boundless.

It was beautiful. He was beautiful, too much that it hurts. How was I ever able to break his heart?

"Will you?" I whispered, aching for this.

"Not the one to shy away from a challenge, Lilly," He said, not leaving me a second to think his words as his lips crashed into mine.

The oxygen snapped off my lungs, I couldn't breath, at all, yet it was the most beautiful form of torture. His lips moved with mine like they never stopped before, kissing me exactly like it was five years ago, when I was drunk in my backyard, on my birthday. When I did yet another reckless mistake, it turned out to be the best mistake ever, with all its pleasure and pain. I would never regret that moment.

But, I could easily regret this one.

Tears rushed to my closed eyes, my heart a mess of emotions, breaking and healing all at once. My hand reached for the back of his neck, my fingers wrapping between his soft wet strands, feeling him after ages. He tasted the same yet different, better. More rigid, more man. He is no longer the boy who was in love with me and gave me my first kiss. He is a man now, one who fell out of love with me, a one I broke his heart, a one that could easily destroy me this time, crush me with his beautiful assaults.

He was a flame indeed, a one set to burn me like I burned him before.

A low groan vibrated from his chest and he pushed his body forward into my mind, his tongue tangled with my own, fighting and I lost, surrendering to him. His hand moved from my neck to my bare back, leaving a trail of fire in its wake.

Every part of my body was alive and aching. I felt as if something broke down my constricted throat and fell into my chest, a warm stinging sensation, doubled the heart wrenching feeling. Oh, how the tables have turned. Because I could feel him deep in my blood, in a special place in my heart I have saved and shielded away just for Chase.

He saw this as a challenge while me, it reminded me, proved to me, that I will never be free of him.

It showed me how willing I am to break all of my rules just for him.

We broke the kiss, panting for air to fill our striving, worn-out lungs. My forehead pressed up against his, our bodies not ready to break away just yet, locked in the trance of this heartbreaking yet blissful moment.

I kept my eyes closed, pressed shut, scared when I open them, the tears will spill free.

I felt his finger caress the length of my arm, going up my shoulder and when I felt it rest against the skin of my cheek, I opened my eyes. I blinked, clearing my blurry vision, and kicking away those traitor tears.

Chase's gaze followed the tear's path and with his thumb, he wiped them away. I tried to read his eyes, check if this affected him as much as it did to me, but he didn't give me a chance, he held that wall back up and high, keeping me at the door, waiting.

"What happens in here," I mumbled, seeking assurance from his side, because my heart isn't ready to feel so much, so fast.

He nodded, understanding, "Stays in here."

************************************

So, I finally updated, yay!

I hope you liked it!

Please ignore any typos and whatnot. I am half asleep, half writing the chapter, but I had to update before Monday comes and I get consumed by work again.

Anyways, what's your thoughts on the chapter?

We'll get to see the whole family arriving next chapter. See more of Nathan and lil Maria and their interactions with the others, are ya excited? Cuz I am!

Also, guess who saved money and bought herself a new phone and laptop? YES, ME. Adulting is fun sometimes lol xD

Imma head for bed now. I hope you enjoyed the chapter and always be ready for teasers on my insta page.

Love ya all! xoxo