'...You were there when they pulled me back from the brink of death. Tell me if I'm right, or not?'

I ask, trying to hide the tremble in my vocal cords. My eyes searching in hers for the answer she is reluctant to give. Until now, I thought I only dreamt about hearing her voice. The grim reaper playing tricks with my mind. But the way she's acting right now is making me question everything that occurred that night. With my gaze, I beg her to answer me as I keep stroking her cheek with my thumb unable to suppress the quiver in my hands.

'Y-Yes...'

She finally whispers after a silence that seemed to have lasted forever. Her voice distinct a single tear leaks from the corner of her eye making me freeze over. Shit, I knew it! I grip her close to me, shoving her head into my chest unable to look her in the eyes any longer, afraid I might start to cry as well as I confess my voice gruff with emotion.

'I... I heard you. Up until now, I thought it was just my imagination, near-death playing twisted games with my mind when I...'

I swallow, unable to continue as I try to recollect everything about that night. It's all hazy... I blink, trying to put the pieces together as Lexi's arms wrap themselves around my waist squeezing me tight. Her hair covers her face as she quietly sobs against my chest. I could remember everything that happened before, up to the long iron railing. After that, everything became blurry. The only thing I remembered was hearing her voice, somewhere far away in the distance ...and a scream. A heart-wrenching scream. Was that you as well? I don't dare to voice that question out loud as I look down at her fragile figure in my arms. Besides some whispers which I can't make into a sentence, that's everything I remember until it all went black. The next thing I knew was waking up in the hospital...

'Wh-When we s-saw your c-car t-tumbling down the ...ra-ravine, w-we... I...'

She chokes out between her sobs. Her fingers clutching on my back as if she's afraid that I could evaporate from underneath her any moment, making me hold her even tighter to my chest.

'I... I th-thought t-there was n-no way you ...cou-could've s-s-survived!'

She wails fighting to draw breath in between her words, breaking my heart in return. God damn it... Not giving a damn about our bet at the moment I kiss the top of her head as I whisper lovingly trying to calm her down.

'Hey... Shh... I did, beautiful. I'm right here.'

She looks up, her eyes filled with grief as she whispers her voice still faltering.

'I... I remember everything about th-that n-night Matty... The s-sound from the metal cl-clashing as you h-hit the r-r-rail... The scr-screeching t-tires... Th-The smell of b-burning r-rubber and i-iron in the a-air...'

I try to stop her, but she gently places a hand on my chest as she shakes her head and says.

'If I don't g-get it out n-now, I n-never w-will...'

I give her a stiff nod, stroking her head trying to soothe her pain in any way possible. My own heart wrenching with misery as she takes a deep breath, trying to steady herself before she continues.

'R-Rebekah collapsed to the g-ground instantly ...but I c-couldn't. I... I had to f-find you. I don't even know how I got down the h-hill so quickly. The c-carnage...'

Her face twists in agony and I kiss the corner of her eye, motioning it's okay as I rest my forehead against hers.

'Dubree was e-everywhere I looked. I remember sc-scrambling around the vehicle, n-not able to find you u-until... I s-saw your b-body laying a few feet a-away. L-L-Lifeless.'

She stutters between hiccups, a new set of tears breaking free. She quickly closes her eyes, trying not to show them to me as she whispers.

'It sc-scared the sh-shit out of me, M-Matty...'

'Shhh... It's alright. I'm so sorry you had to go through that...'

I whimper, unable to see her in this kind of pain as I sit up slightly with her straddled on my lap. Hearing the devastated tone in my voice she instantly opens her eyes, bringing her trembling fingers up to my cheek as she catches a stranded tear while she whispers in a hoarse voice.

'I... I crawled up to where you wh-where laying. Cl-Clutching onto you for dear life when I s-saw you were still br-breathing... I c-couldn't let go of you, not even when the m-medics came. I remember th-them trying to p-pull me off you, but I c-couldn't abandon you! A-Afraid that if I'd loosen up, if only a little, you'd d-die on me!'

She slings her arms around my neck, hugging me tightly. I grip her tiny frame, caressing her back as I whisper my own voice cracking.

'You saved me beautiful, your voice kept me from slipping away. I felt you there with me... When I woke up I thought I'd just dreamed it since you were nowhere to be found...'

I admit, remembering the first thing I did back then was search around the room for her face. She grips my neck even tighter, her shoulders shaking as she whimpers.

'I... I couldn't... A-After they managed to drag me away and take you to the hospital I was too afraid to f-face you... Th-The images of your b-broken and blood-stained b-body, I couldn't get rid of them and I was afraid I'd b-break down as soon as I s-saw you...'

I instantly kiss the side of her head, as I whisper hesitantly when something else dawns on me.

'The other day... The nightmare you had, was it?'

She nods her head, unable to look at me as she murmurs agonizingly.

'Sometimes I g-get them when a certain event triggers it. It's always the s-same one, where the entire night p-plays over and over again in my head.'

'That's also the reason you hate promises, isn't it?'

I ask quietly and I can feel her body stiffen immediately in my hold. I knew it... I sigh, remembering how mad she got the other day when she heard I made her a promise in the car the night she got drunk. I keep stroking her hair as I continue.

'I promised you that night I'd be careful, and instead of keeping to that promise ...I crashed.'

'I-It wasn't your fault! I knew h-he was the one to...'

She tries to protest, but I know I'm right. I hold her even more tightly to me, nearly crushing her fragile frame as I say.

'It doesn't matter, I promised.'

Her body shakes uncontrollably as she tries to withhold from anymore weeping, not realizing I'm already crying for her account as I whisper.

'I'm sorry, beautiful...'

God, I'm so damn sorry! She wants to withdraw and look at me, but I stop her from doing so. Not wanting to hurt her, even more, when she sees me like this. But also needing her close to me just as bad. She doesn't budge and keeps holding me tight as her fingers start tracing my back once more whispering softly.

'There's nothing about your back that grosses me out, Matty... The scars just triggered flashbacks and I didn't want you to notice.'

I bury my face in her hair, inhaling her intoxicating smell while smiling softly through my tears. You've carried this burden all these years and I'm still the one you're worrying about, silly girl... My heart thunders in my chest as her nails still tracing my back causing me to shiver slightly under her every touch. I wish I could take that horror all away from you gorgeous... I mourn her fingers calming me down with every stroke, her heavy breathing also slowly subduing...

'Never try to hide something like that from me again, okay?'

I ask, pulling her head back so I can look her in the eyes now that my tears are finally subdued. Promise me, dammit. I plead in silence. Lovingly she lays her hand on my cheek and gives me a small nod, kissing the stubble on my jaw. The both of us must look like an utter mess sitting together like this, but since I'm alone with her I don't even mind it. Her eyes wander down my naked chest, pushing my arm to the side a little as her nails scrape over another faint scar near my ribs and armpit as she whispers.

'If you won't either...'

You noticed, huh? I can't help but give her a half-hearted smile. I never liked it when someone saw the scars left over from that night. Which is also the reason I covered most of them with tattoos after they healed up. That way they weren't as visible to the naked eye and someone had to really search for them. I guess it was pretty damn obvious when she tried, almost anything and everything, to get me in the water earlier today and I kept declining. A part of me was truly afraid to show her out of all people. Afraid that she'd see me like a few others before had viewed me. Broken. In the end, it had been one of the dealbreakers in every relationship I'd ever had. I couldn't deal with the repulsed and pitiful looks they threw my way. Eventually, I stopped trying to get into a relationship altogether. Not that they were all that great, to begin with. I wince slightly as she discovers another one hidden in the tattooed sleeve on my arm, her fingers tenderly brushing the spot as she says fondly looking up to me her cheeks crimson.

'There's no part of your body that's worth the trouble of hiding... You're damn near perfect Matty, trust me.'

'Damn near?'

I can't help but smirk and she gives me a little shove, smiling as she whispers seductively while tracing her fingers down my chest.

'I haven't seen everything yet...'

'That can be arranged...'

I grin laying back down on the bed. You sure as hell look perfect on top, little vixen. I think as I can't help but enjoy the view with her still sitting on my hips. Damn, if you would pull a move on me right now I wouldn't even have the resistance left in me to stop you. I smirk to myself as she suddenly looks self-conscious, her cheeks burning up even more as she realizes the position she's in. It would be fucking sexy to have you ride me like a cowgirl... I swear to myself, one of my hands grazing over her leg as my eyes travel over her body. Her shirt hangs sideways over her bare shoulder, just reaching over her hips. The faint markings of her bare slightly hardened nipples peeking through the fabric as her panties press down on my boxer. You have to get off there, quick! I grumble to myself, not wanting to spoil the moment we just had as I tap the spot beside me and I whisper.

'Come here...'

She looks a little hesitant. But since the position she's in right now is even more embarrassing to her, she quickly slides off my hips laying down next to me. I pull the covers halfway up before gently wrapping my arms around her waist, making sure I stay clear of any dangerous areas while drawing her against me. Spooning her from behind. Her hands softly cup my arms as she snuggles up against me. Her curls tickling my nose as I bury my face in her neck, enjoying the simple gesture of merely holding her close at the moment.

We lay silently, neither of us in the mood to talk as I draw little eights on her inner arm with the tip of one of my fingers. She almost hums in response and closes her eyes, smiling softly. I keep doing so for another few minutes as I notice her breathing getting slower and slower, my own heart rate getting more peaceful by the second as well and I murmur.

'You like that, don't you?'

She smiles, digging her head deeper against my shoulder as she purrs like a cat almost falling asleep.

'...It feels nice.'

I smile down at her, loving the way her tiny frame fits perfectly in my embrace. My bulky muscles overshadow her petite arms and waist, nearly causing her to disappear within my hold. You're absolutely perfect. I give her a soft kiss on the head, continuing to draw figures with my finger until she softly drifts asleep.

'Sweet dreams, beautiful...'

I whisper, gazing at her peaceful silhouette until I eventually doze off as well... I could get used to this...

***

Mmm, that tickles... I breathe, drowning in and out of sleep as I slowly wake up and feel something fondle on my arm ...Lexi. I sigh remembering the touch of her delicate fingers and I nuzzle closer against her, my arms still wrapped around her belly and her silky legs tangled through mine. I can't remember the last time I slept this well... I smile as her fingers continue to draw on my arm, probably tracing the forest on my wrist. I keep my eyes closed, afraid that she'll stop once she notices I'm awake. The scent of her hair, which smells like oranges and perfume makes me want to drift back to slumber. God, you smell so good... I think, but another part of my body clearly has something else in mind as Lexi wiggles softly in her position, brushing her bum against my cross. Shit. That's not a good idea right now, beautiful. I hiss silently, swiftly opening my eyes. She clearly isn't aware of what she's doing to me as her gaze is fixed on the glass wall, watching the fish in front of her as she's lost in thought, continuing to play on my arm with her fingers.

'Morning, beautiful...'

I rasp deeply, my voice still tainted with slumber making a chill run over her body. Goosebumps trail over her arms as she looks up at me, a soft blush on her cheeks as she murmurs.

'H-Hi... You startled me, I thought you were still sleeping...'

I smile, taking a hold of her fingers and lacing them through mine as I whisper.

'Those woke me up...'

Her blush reddens even more as she averts her eyes down to our hands, mumbling apologetically.

'Sorry, I didn't mean to.'

I give her a sly smile, telling her it's nothing as I gaze at the water in front of us and ask.

'What were you thinking about?'

She shakes her head slightly, her fingers playing with mine as she murmurs a bit of humor lingering in her tone.

'Nothing in particular... Just that if someone told me a month ago we'd be laying together like this right now, I would've told them they were mental.'

'Do you regret it?'

I ask earnestly, not sure what's going on between the two of us at the moment. She shifts her upper body a little, so she's able to look up at me properly without straining her neck. She lifts up her hand, letting her fingers brush through my messy hair as she shakes her head biting her lip. You're doing it again... I groan as my eyes trace over her sultry lips, before looking back at her big Bambi eyes. I'd trade my soul to know what you're thinking right now... I sigh as she's studying me carefully, her lip still tugged between her teeth as her fingers push some hair behind my ear. Damn, you have no idea how much I want to kiss you... I breathe reluctantly, knowing that I can't. Instead of giving in to desire, I decide it's time to turn the tables. I'll make sure you'll know how much you're driving me crazy! I grin, with one arm taking a hold of her hands. Startled by my sudden movement her eyes tremble slightly, but before she can open her mouth I'm already on top of her. Holding her hands captive above her as I use my other arm to keep me steady, making sure not to crush her.

'I told you not to do that...'

I whisper, my voice deep and gruff making her shudder as she takes a sharp breath finally letting go of her lips. I'm not giving in that easily... I smirk leaning in on her, making sure my lips don't brush the skin of her neck, my voice filled with lust as I breathe against her ear making her shiver in response.

'Do you have any idea what it does to me when you look at me like that?'

I look back up at her, our faces so close that I have to refrain myself from kissing her as I dig my hips against hers. Her eyes immediately grow wide once she feels my boner pressing against her scrimpy panties. That's what you do. I tell her with my eyes. Groping even harder against her as she holds her breath, trying to suppress a moan from leaving her lips. I look down at her body, her shirt slid up somewhat when I shifted on top of her, revealing the black lace panties she's wearing and exposing her bare skin up to her belly button. It'd be too damn easy to raise it up all the way... I groan, letting my fingers brush against the skin of her waist just underneath the rim of her shirt mentally yanking it off her so I can see all of her.

'Y-You have a...'

She sputters at a loss for words, drawing my attention back to her eyes. The feverish look in them drives me even more insane as she tries to get her hands loose from above her.

'A hard-on?'

I ask although it's more like a statement since it's still buried against her. She looks down unable to hold my gaze, her cheeks flaming as she mutters embarrassed.

'Oh, G-God...'

I can't help but smirk at her comment, not knowing if she's talking about the position we're in right now or whether she's referring to my size and I whisper huskily.

'Don't be shy now... That's what happens if I wake up with someone like you in my arms while you're digging your butt in my groin, giving me those luscious faces.'

I grin, watching her eyesight still fixated on my boxers as she unintentionally licks her lips. Damn, beautiful! I'm not sure who's playing who right now... I groan as she shakes her head, tearing her gaze away while she yelps pulling her arms.

'Y-You have to get off, now!'

'And why is that? You seemed to enjoy the view just now...'

I rasp, not hiding my desire for her whatsoever as I brush my erection past her damped panties. I don't even care if I go to hell for this! I swear, nearly on the brink of surrendering myself.

'M-Matty, a-ahhh...'

She moans, her body quivering as her defenses start to falter. The sight of her whimpering with pleasure underneath me, makes me even harder. Fuck! I groan, knowing that the only things that are keeping me from entering her are two pieces of fabric and a bet.

'I won't be caught under your spell, beautiful...'

I moan as I continue to drive her, and myself, crazy with my hips keeping them glued together. She closes her eyes, arching her back and tilting her head as she tries to withhold from making any more noises. Not realizing she is pushing her breasts up, almost daring me to take a hold of her hard nipples with my mouth. Against the fucking rules! I cuss to myself as I withhold myself from touching them, even though they're teasing me mercilessly through the fabric of her shirt as she wiggles in my hold. I have to keep my hands clear of those areas, no matter how fucking hard it is... I swear, chewing on the inside of my cheek.

'I won't give in, not until you beg me to...'

I breathe against her bare skin, leaving a trail of goosebumps along the way. Even if it kills me! I grunt as she thrusts her hips and soaked panties against my sex, moaning with a shaky breath.

'I... Mmm, a-ahh...'

I grin, knowing she's on the edge of surrender, desire within her starting to take control. You're so fuckin sexy! I swear. My heart thundering in my chest as her eyes flutter open, almost completely dark with hunger just like my own. Too damn sexy! She breathes heavily while wrapping her legs around my hips and holding me captive, trying to get some control this way since her hands are still immobile. Her feet dig in my butt as she grinds herself up and down over my cock, panting seductively.

'By the looks of it ...I'm not the only one ha-hanging on by a th-thread, a-ahhh!'

Her words are followed by another moan as she continues her movements, dry-humping me to a point that I'm almost convinced she's going to cum from just that.

'Fuck!'

I growl, letting go of her hands trying to get her legs off me knowing I can't keep this up any longer. You're relentless! I curse as she grins back at me, pleased with the look on my face. She digs her heels even deeper into my ass, dragging her lips past my length once more at an excruciatingly slow pace. Jesus fuck! I groan on the verge of losing control when she swiftly lets go of my hips and kicks me backward, knocking the wind out of me.

'Ow! Damn...'

I hiss, sitting back and rubbing my side as she dashes up and off the bed. Moving like lightning as she quickly grabs a dress and some new underwear from her stack of clothes, dashing into the bathroom as she shouts still out of breath.

'That's what you get from playing with me, asshole! I'm going to change...'

'Why the hurry? Are your panties~'

'Don't you dare finish that sentence, Mattheo Blackwell! Or I'm going to kick you again, only harder!'

She swears mortified as she slams the door shut behind her. I grin, falling back down on the bed still winded. That was close, another minute and I would've fucked your brains out. I sigh as I rub my hand against my boxer, my cock still hard as a rock. You're fucking dangerous. I breathe, hoisting myself back up as I see Lexi already walking back out of the bathroom, completely clothed while tying her hair in a bun. She doesn't even look my way as she gets rid of her old clothes and I murmur humored, following her steps.

'That has to be a new record for the fastest wardrobe change.'

'I'm a singer. I've gotta be fast when I'm on stage and I have to change between numbers...'

She mumbles grabbing her phone before stalking towards the door.

'Now if you'll excuse me, I need some air... See ya later, Matty!'

'Where are you going?!'

I ask since we're supposed to leave with Rebekah and Tyler within an hour. She looks over her shoulder, her eyes lingering over my body for a second as she mutters already yanking the door open.

'Breakfast. After that the beach, I'll meet you guys later!'

Watch it! I wince as she speeds out not looking in front of her, running into the cleaning lady. I can't help but chuckle loudly, covering my legs with the blanket as both of them scramble upright and Lexi apologizes embarrassed.

'I... I'm so sorry!'

'No worries, senorita...'

The cleaning lady grumbles, making me laugh even harder as I yell playfully.

'Can't get out of here fast enough. Can you, beautiful?'

'S-Screw you!'

She yelps, her cheeks burning with shame as she runs off slinging around every curse word she can come up with through the hallway making the cleaning lady look after her in surprise.

'She can swear like a sailor.'

I chuckle at her when she realizes the door is still open and she looks over to me sitting on the bed.

'Sorry, senor. I'll come back later to clean the room.'

She apologizes as she looks away. I quickly use this opportunity to get up and grab my clothes as I mutter back, holding them in front of me.

'No, it's fine. I was just about to take a shower anyway, I'll make it a quick one so you can go about doing your work.'

She gives me half a smile in agreeance as I stroll up to the bathroom, but just as I want to close the door I can hear her mutter softly under her breath.

'Fabricantes de comedores...'

Mess makers. Haha, she's lucky she didn't stroll through the door a minute ago... I laugh to myself, closing the door behind me. Shower ...and a fucking cold one, I sure as hell need it. I grunt as I get some water running. She's going to be the death of me someday! I swear, getting under the cold stream. I quickly wash my body and hair before rinsing off the soap. All the while wondering if this bet was such a good idea after all. It seemed fun in the beginning, having the chance to rile her up as I did just now. But we're taking this to the extreme, way too quick. I sigh, turning the water back off. She has given me so much mixed signals over the years, especially these last few days that I'm not sure what to think anymore. The only thing I'm positive about is that her pain last night and her arousal this morning were genuine, not even she is good enough to fake that. But lust and love are two very different things... I grumble to myself, shaking my head as I'm done drying off and get into my clothes. Once I get out of the bathroom, the maid is polishing the glass wall cussing to herself in frustration. She sure as hell doesn't seem to like her job. I snort as I gather my phone and wallet, the ruffling sounds making her turn around and I say.

'The bathroom is all yours. I placed all the used towels on the ground underneath the sink.'

She nods semi-pleased as I start to make my way to the door until she stops me in my tracks and says.

'Senor? Do you already have plans for today?'

I turn back to her, tilting my head slightly as I huff gesturing to the closed door.

'Right now, I'm not sure what's on the schedule anymore... Why?'

'At the front desk is a map of the area. There's a waterfall not far from here called, Las lagrimas del cielo.'

'Tears from heaven...'

I repeat her words back in English, making her look up at me in surprise as she nods.

'Tal vez eso arregle las cosas con tu novia...'

Maybe that will make things up with your girlfriend, she smiles. Wait, what? I instantly shake my head as I tell her Lexi's not my girlfriend.

'Ella no es mi novia...'

She lifts her eyebrow, not remotely convinced as she murmurs apologizing for her forwardness.

'Lo siento senor. I just thought... The way you parted just now, made me think you~'

'It's fine, it's ...complicated. Still, thanks for the tip.'

I say, waving her off. She nods for the first time somewhat of a smile on her face. I turn around, holding my hand in the air as a goodbye. A waterfall, huh? She softly murmurs something under her breath, but I can't quite catch it since I'm already halfway through the door.

'...Esa chica te quiere, idiota.'

***

As I walk into the breakfast hall I can already see Rebekah waving, sitting together with Tyler and Alex as she shouts.

'Hey, are you going to join us? Or are you also on your way to run a marathon or something?'

'No, no. I'll be right there...'

I chuckle not even having to ask who's running a marathon today, Lexi. I grab a coffee, some toast, eggs, and some pieces of bacon before joining them in their booth. As soon as I sit down all eyes are on me, giving me a once-over and I ask quirking my eyebrow while sipping on my coffee.

'What?'

'What did you do to my sister?'

Rebekah asks, squinting her eyes at me while studying my reactions carefully. Though I still try to brush her off and I tell her in a bored tone as if I have no clue as to what she's talking about.

'Nothing, why?'

'Why?!'

Alex snorts in laughter as Rebekah follows him and says.

'Don't give me that bullshit... What did you do?'

'What is the cause of this interrogation again?'

I ask innocently, though I can't hide the little smirk on my lips as I put a piece of bacon in my mouth. Tyler shakes his head laughing loudly as he points over to the door and says.

'She's referring to the fact that Lex literally ran, and yes I mean ran, through here about half an hour ago. Quickly grabbing a sandwich, forgetting her coffee, and hurriedly storming off again without even saying good morning...'

'I swear, she left skidmarks somewhere on the floor!'

Alex bulders with laughter. I point my fork around, grinning slightly as I mutter.

'Ohhh, that... The marathon thingy. Yeah, that might've been me ...didn't think she would've kept on running though.'

I chuckle the last bit in humor as I take a bite of my eggs.

'So what did you do? I mean, she was running... If I know one thing about my sister it's that she doesn't run or forget her morning coffee, period.'

Rebekah asks, a hint of amazement lingering through her giggles. Tyler and Alex also point their ears, interested to know what happened.

'Alright, alright... Long story short?'

I ask, not willing to go into detail about certain details, especially since Rebekah is my best friend, and Lexi's sister, both together. She nods her head reluctantly, glad she's already getting fed something of the story as I continue.

'You remembered Lex saying we fought the other night?'

She quickly nods her head and I take another bite of breakfast as I murmur.

'Well, we were talking afterward about all kinds of stuff and somehow our conversation resulted in a bet...'

'Oh, dear...'

Rebekah gulps, holding her hand over her head. We've had other games in the past and she knows all too well how competitive we are. Exactly. I grin again, humor written all over my face as Alex asks.

'What's the bet?'

'We can't kiss until the other begs us to...'

I chuckle seeing the stunned look on all of their faces. Tyler and Alex burst out in laughter after a few seconds of silence while Rebekah rolls her eyes and says.

'Do I even want to know how something like that became a bet?'

'Probably not.'

I snort biting down on a piece of toast, while Alex catches his breath wiping a tear away as he yelps.

'This sure is going to be interesting...'

Rebekah tilts her head, not understanding something as she asks.

'But that was two nights ago... What made her storm off just now?'

I raise my hands in the air, trying to show my innocence as I chuckle.

'Things got a little heated this morning... She ended up kicking me in the side before dashing off at lightning speed.'

'First. If she kicked you, you probably deserved it.'

Rebekah huffs taking a sip of her drink. I point my fork at her, squinting slightly as I mock.

'Geez. Thanks, homie.'

'Secondly, this bet is probably one of the stupidest things the both of you have ever agreed upon.'

I try to open my mouth but she shushes me, an evil smile tugging on her lips as she says.

'And third. Don't you dare throw in the towel, because I don't wanna miss it for the world!'

Alex and Tyler nod in agreeance while I shake my head and sigh.

'I'm not so sure about that... Bhek's this is spinning out of control, fast.'

I stay silent for a minute stirring my coffee while pondering over what to do.

'I still don't know what happened exactly that caused Lex to be in such a hurry just now...'

She giggles, but I'm occupied with whole other things as I remember what Lex told me last night, making me look up at Rebekah as I murmur.

'Something else first... Why did you never tell me that Lexi was there with me after the accident?'

Her face immediately goes pale as she looks down, surprised that I know about that. Maybe even more shocked regarding the fact I'm even talking out loud about our racing days. Especially with Alex and Tyler sitting with us as she whispers.

'She told you?'

I nod, and even though I try to smile to reassure her it's fine to touch the topic, she instantly notices the pain written on my face. The guys figure this is their cue to leave the table, telling us they're on the terras when we're done talking before walking off. Rebekah scoots over next to me, a worried look on her face as she asks.

'When did she? How did it go? What did she tell you ...exactly?'

Can you at least ask one question at a time? I sigh, dragging my hand through my hair as I start explaining to her what happened.

'Yesterday. She saw the tattoo on my back ...along with the scars. It ended up triggering flashbacks of that night and she kinda had a meltdown because of it.'

'Oh, God no...'

Rebekah breathes rubbing her forehead in concern as she ushers me to go on.

'She tried to hide it. At first, I thought she was repulsed by all the scar tissue, which has happened before. But eventually, she cracked and started bawling her eyes out. She told me everything about that night... That she came down the ravine and stayed with me until the medics came...'

I fall silent, my face distorted in pain as I think back about the tormented look on her face when she told me all of this. Rebekah lays her hand on my arm, a soft smile on her face as she sighs.

'She did what neither of us dared to do at that moment, too afraid of what we would find. She didn't even think about it twice and started running as soon as she heard the clash and saw you go down. I, on the other hand, collapsed on the spot... All of us thought there was no way you could've survived a tumble like that. She...'

Rebekah stops, staring into nothingness remembering the terror of that night as she grinds her teeth while I ask.

'She what?'

'I'll never forget hearing the scream coming from her lungs as she stumbled down the hill. It was the sort of scream that cuts through everything. Like an animal in immense torture...'

So that was her... I wince biting my lip, remembering hearing that sound as well, too afraid to ask her about it last night. She shakes her head as if she's trying to get rid of the imaginary sound from the past between her ears and croaks.

'T-That actually led me to believe that you were in fact dead... At least until one of the guys who tried to follow Lexi, a minute or so later and started yelling by the rail that he heard her screech you were still alive and we needed an ambulance asap. Longest fucking minutes of my life.'

She mocks, trying to play it off as she gives me a shove. I rustle her hair telling her it's alright, taking another sip of my coffee as she mumbles.

'Lex is strong, Matt. She can be a huge pain in the ass sometimes, but she's the bravest person I know... Even when I knew you were still breathing I didn't have the guts to go after her, or even move, afraid of the destruction I'd face.'

'There's a difference between bravery and utter stupidity.'

I groan looking her way, making her shove me again before I continue.

'No. I mean it, Rebekah! She risked her life by coming down that ravine, trying to save someone she wasn't even sure was still alive.'

'No, Matt. You're seeing this the wrong way... She didn't even hesitate or worry for her own well-being, the only thing she was concerned about was you. Wouldn't you have done the same thing if you were in her shoes, and it was her who was in danger instead?'

'That's not the point! I'm a guy, she's ...Lexi!'

'So what? Because she's a girl she isn't obliged to try and save the one she~'

Rebekah stops herself from finishing her sentence, knowing she already said too much when I finish for her.

'...Loves?'

Rebekah instantly bites her lip. Swearing silently, knowing she shared part of her sisters secret. Panicking about how she's going to explain this to Lex but I instantly brush her off and mutter.

'Don't even get me started about that subject! I've known that ever since visiting the studio, remember? It's been doing my head in ever since...'

'I'm not going to meddle between you guys in that regard, you'll have to figure that shit out yourselves...'

She sighs, picking up her drink from the other side of the table.

'It's just... Why did you never tell me any of this back then?'

I ask referring to both the accident and the fact that she never gave me any clues that Lexi was into me when we were younger. She shakes her head defensively, swallowing her coffee before she utters.

'Oh no! You're not going to pin this on me, mister... I may be your best friend, but I'm also her twin as well. This was, is, her secret to tell. Besides, this works as a two-way street sweetie... I never told Lex either that you used to watch her whenever she was singing. Or that you were the one who'd always slash the tires of her bike, which later on shifted over to disconnecting the battery of Thelma. Just so you could be around her, repairing your own mess...'

My eyes flash over to her, startled that she even knows about all of that. She wiggles her eyebrows a crude smile on her face as she sneers.

'I know everything, loverboy. Jeez, you two have no idea what torment you guys put me through in childhood... It was so damn plain obvious you liked each other, it hurt to watch at times!'

This time it's me who shoves her as I mutter a little cranky.

'Thanks! You always got my back, huh? Maybe with a little help from you back in the day, things wouldn't have been such a mess right now.'

She shrugs her shoulders, putting her drink back on the table as she huffs.

'Maybe... Though the two of you can't seem to help yourselves, throwing in your own fucking windows without even realizing it most of the time. And what do I look like? A fucking matchmaker office?'

'No. But at the moment you're not portraying a good friend and sister either.'

I grunt pinching the bridge of my nose. I can't believe she knew all of that growing up and didn't do anything. I sigh, though it could've been worse. She could've told Lex it was me who disabled her car, she would kill me if she knew about that!

'Hey! I am a good friend and sister by staying clear of this, trust me!'

She yelps rubbing her knuckles over my head. The heavy part of the conversation now over, she continues in a giddy tone.

'So... Now spill the beans, mister. What happened this morning?'

I clear my throat, hoping she somehow had forgotten about that as I murmur unable to wipe the grin off my face.

'Right, that... Because of the revelations she made yesterday, and the state she was in, we ended up spooning before falling asleep. And yeah, well...'

I drag, reluctant to tell her. Slightly weirded out talking about these kinds of topics with her since they're sisters. But she doesn't drop it, too damn determined to know as she ushers me to continue.

'I'm a fucking guy Rebekah! Mornings are a thing, especially when she's the one digging her butt in my groin...'

I grunt, unable to look her in the eye. Instead of being repelled, she bursts out in laughter, understanding what I'm getting at as she wheezes.

'Y-You didn't!'

'Oh, I did... Let's just say I vividly pointed it out to her.'

'O my God! That explains it for sure!'

She laughs, tears nearly rolling down her cheeks. I tap my foot, waiting impatiently for her to calm down although I can't help but chuckle softly as well as I continue.

'Yeah, well, she too could play that game... Just before things spun out of control she knocked me back and dashed out of the room running over the cleaning lady, literally, on her way out.'

This makes Rebekah crackle up even harder as she holds her stomach, picturing the look on her sister's face just before hightailing out of there.

'You're so evil!'

She snickers, rubbing her eyes and forcing herself to calm down a bit. Her face suddenly turns more serious as she mutters.

'Just promise me one thing, Matt...'

'What?'

I ask, raising a brow. She draws another breath recollecting herself before looking up at me, her voice both worried and earnest.

'Don't break my sister's heart... 'Cause I don't plan on going through that hell with her again, neither does Alex. If I won't, then he will make sure to hunt you down if that happens.'

'I won't.'

I bite out, slightly offended. I'll break her heart? More like the other way around, dammit. I grunt silently as Rebekah continues.

'I'm serious, Matt. Just don't take this game too far, okay?'

'Trust me, I won't. One kick in the gut was plenty, thank you very much!'

She snorts, happy with my answer as she starts to gather the empty plates on the table as she asks.

'So, as for the plans for today? Alex asked us to come to one of the clubs tonight. He won't be joining us this afternoon because he still has to go to bed, he just came from there this morning pulling an allnighter. Tyler and I were thinking about going to the boulevard and doing some sightseeing after.'

'You mean, you wanna go to the boulevard?'

I chuckle helping her clean the table as we take away the trash and dirty dishes. She puffs her cheeks at me trying to protest but knowing it'll fall on deaf ears, she keeps quiet as I go on.

'Which means, we'll probably never reach the sightseeing part. I have to find Lex first though. I'm not sure where her head is at, and what she wants to do...'

Rebekah nods in agreement, telling me I should go and find her first while she tells Ty the plan and goes back to the room for a shower to get ready since she's still in her sweats. We part ways outside as she turns toward the terras in search of the guys and I walk over to the steps heading down to the beach when she yells.

'Don't do anything stupid while I'm gone! Because I at least need to be there when it happens!'

She chuckles the last part, giving me a wink. I shake my head chuckling softly. On one hand, you don't want me to take it too far. On the other, you want to be there to watch the show... I think laughingly, searching around for Lexi. Even though the two of them are twins, they are nothing alike at all. I smile when I spot her blonde curls further in the distance by a more secluded spot. As I stroll up to her I faintly hear her voice as she's softly singing some lyrics, bopping her head to an imaginary beat quickly while scribbling in between on her notepad.

'And the thrill, the thrill is gone... Our debut was a masterpiece, but in the end for you and me ...Ohw~ the show, it can't go on...'

Compelled by her voice I halt in my steps, proving Rebekah once again right that she holds complete power over me. Bewitching me as soon as she opens her mouth.

'We used to have it all! But now's our curtain call, so hold for the applause~ Ohw-oh-oh, oh-owh-ohw~'

I shake my head, trying to pull myself out of my daze. Good thing she doesn't even realize the effect she has on me when she sings. I grin, walking up behind her as she continues to hum quietly. You'd have me completely wrapped around your little finger ...if you haven't already.

'Hey there, stranger...'

I speak up, trying not to spook her but to no avail as she jumps in the air and yelps.

'Dammit, Matty! Are you trying to give me a heart attack?!'

'Sorry, beautiful. I can't help you were so consumed in your work that you didn't even hear me coming.'

I chuckle, shoving one hand in my pocket while holding up the other as a sign of surrender. She sits back down, picking up the pen she dropped in the process as she murmurs.

'Don't mock me for singing, and jolting up when no one came by before. I thought I was alone...'

'I didn't mock your voice...'

I tell her as I go stand by the ocean gazing at the waves in the distance, not in the slightest.

'W-What did you think?'

Lexi asks in a soft voice, churning in her spot uncomfortably as she looks up at me.

'You sounded great, you always do.'

I smile, turning back to her. She looks down muttering a thank you blushing slightly, making me laugh in return.

'What? I'm not deaf, I've known for years that you have an amazing voice beautiful. No need to be modest all of a sudden.'

'It's not that... I just don't like it when people listen in while I'm practicing, that's all.'

She murmurs covering her notepad with her hand, hesitantly looking my way. I'll be damned, the great Lexi Davins is shy when it comes to other people hearing her when she isn't prepared...

'I know what you're thinking! And you can shove that comment where the sun doesn't shine!'

She threatens, pointing her finger at me accusingly. I lift my hand laughing softly as I object.

'I didn't even say anything! You can't kill me for thinking.'

She groans in return, placing a hand under her chin as she looks across the sea away from me.

'Was it a new song for the album?'

I ask wondering what she meant with those lyrics. She nods her head reluctantly, getting out a cigarette and mumbling with the bud between her lips.

'It's not exactly new... It's an older song from one of Ian's earlier albums. Delphine emailed me this morning asking me if I wanted to add this as a final song since it was kinda fitting to the situation. I have to practice it so we can make a new edition of it for the release. She also informed me there's just going to be one massive concert, instead of a whole tour. Which sure as hell is a relief.'

'In any case... Even if it's a song made by that idiot once upon a time, I like your version better already.'

Lexi grunts laughingly as she takes a whiff of her cigarette and mutters.

'Thanks, moron.'

I give her a playful wink, telling her she'll be fine before I continue with another topic in mind.

'Talked to the others earlier... Rebekah wants to go shopping and later tonight we're supposed to go to the club Alex's DJ is spinning. I told them I'd check with you first while they got ready.'

'Oh damn, I'm not in the mood to be recognized by a bunch of tourists...'

She grunts, already dreading the attention she's most likely going to get.

'Good!'

I reply happily, already dragging my phone out of my pocket as I start to text Rebekah. *Sorry sweet cheeks, Lexi's not up for one of your shopping walk-a-thons. And the fans that come along with it, since she's still a little out of it. You two go and enjoy your day together, and do me a favor, don't wear Tyler out too much. The poor guy has no idea what's in store for him... Matt.* I press send and see Lexi looking up at me with furred brows as she asks.

'What are you doing?'

'Using you as an excuse to get out of shopping with your sister.'

I grin as I put my phone back in my pocket before reaching a hand out to help her up.

'You didn't honestly think I was looking forward to that, did you? That woman is brutal and has the stamina of a hundred horses combined when it comes to stuff like that.'

Lexi chuckles as I drag her up holding her stuff in her loose hand, lacing her fingers through mine with the other. How do you do that? I ask myself as my eyes glance over her body and clothes, still impressed at which speed she managed to get herself ready while still looking this good. Wearing a black thin summer dress with a rose pattern on the side that's hugging her body. Her breasts are neatly pressed up by her bra, showing just enough cleavage as her bare legs underneath seem even longer because of the wedges she's wearing. You're a vision. I compliment her silently, grinning slightly as I pull a little on her hand and tease her.

'Care to go for another dip?'

'No! Matty, no! You're not doing that again!'

She shrieks, trying to get her hand loose afraid that I might drag her into the ocean once again making me laugh while say trying to sound as reassuring as possible.

'No, I was just kidding. I've got something better in store for us anyway.'

'And what might that be?'

She asks curiously gazing up at me, her hand relaxing slightly when I give her a small wink and whisper.

'It's a surprise, come on...'

***

A/N:

!!! Important !!!

For the ones who have already figured out which song Lexi was singing on the beach...I have absolutely NO rights to ANY of the songs/videos or pictures I use in my book!!!
Even though I may mention Lexi is singing/recording these songs as hers, and make you drool over some pictures,
ALL credits go to the original artists (or/and cover artists) and their producers or photographers!!!

I just find these songs fitting with the storyline and it took a lot of time and care researching them. I just hope you all appreciate the selection I made and further all the credits go out to them for making it sound amazing! Again, I only own the rights to the book I write itself.

I will also name the title of this song once the whole version is included through a youtube link in another chapter, later on, to keep the surprise for the readers who don't know yet and want to have any further spoilers.

Please show your love by commenting or voting on the chapters before you head on, it means a lot.
 xoxo Dominique Moust.

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