It wasn't your typical Nessa that stepped out of the car. It wasn't her car either. What would be the point of hiding your identity only to have the glaringly obvious identifier that was a metallic dark orange lotus exige. Instead she steps out of a Shelby gt500 it's a puke green colour but beggars couldn't be choosers especially not when they'd used a fake badge to confiscate the car across state borders.

Her silky light brown locks hidden by a long black wig the human hair wig fell to her ass from the mid back the ends alternated between inky black and bright hot pink. Her skin artificially darkened and colour contacts giving her golden brown eyes. Even her clothing didn't scream Nessa, there wasn't a label in sight. Her hot pink glittery manicured hand accepts the large stack of cash she's just won.

It's still quite early the true racers shouldn't be out yet so she felt safe enough and confident enough that she could relieve these young wannabes of their cash... well it may teach them not to gamble, although not to quickly she hoped because this was how she was building up an escape fund in case things went south quick and she needed to get the hell out.

Tucking the money into either cup of her bra, well there was no room any where else although with the way her breasts were threatening to break free of the flimsy confines of her hot pink midriff baring top it could be argued there was no room there either. Her wet look leather pants might as well have been painted on. That said if they were busy staring at your body they were less likely to remember your face or even look to hard at it.

It was when a hand grabbed her ass that she had to bite back a scathing remark and possibly hitting the offender. Instead the race bunny like persona she had adopted forced her to turn around giggle and speak.

Nessa/Tori: if you can't drive you can't touch.

It's only now her eyes connect with the other set and she's met with the face of.....

Dark eyes shifted over to his sister as she sat on his bed staring at him. His sister was good at that, just looking at him as if she was damn reading his mind. Which when it came to her he often wondered if she could. She was spot on sometimes it scared him. After he had sent her to Miami they hadn’t been as close, going to Miami had been the best damn thing in his life though. So much had happened when he had been in Miami good and bad, and he had promised himself he would never return to that dark place. He had never once thought she would have come to LA, never thought hed have allowed himself to love, then he had gone and gotten himself locked up and instead of seeking her out when he had been released he had sat on his damn ass and done nothing like a fool. Truth be told she had scared him, he had loved her so much all of those years ago and then she had ran out on him. His sister getting engaged it brought all of those memories back. He needed to let of some steam.

“Why don’t you just find her Lee” Leon looked over at her, scrubbing the back of his neck as he threw a shirt over his head. Shaking his head he headed over to the kitchen table grabbing his keys, the sight of his yellow Skyline waiting for him in his drive made him smile. he was going to go out, hit the early races, forget about weddings and what ifs and just race. Then head down to the clubs and just drink the night away. “Lee I mean it” Faye was up on her feet now, stepping over to him and he let out a tired sigh. Things were meant to get easier. It had been too damn long and nothing was getting easier. Not a damn thing. “Just drop it Faye” His sister sighed and he felt like the biggest ass going. He had been harsh with her, his words filled with an anger, he had no idea if it was directed at her, or at himself, for being a damn coward. “Alright ill take the hint” She pulled the door to his apartment open and stepped out into the warmth “Dinner will be about 6, don’t be late” Nodding his head he followed her out, locking the door to the apartment behind him. Slipping into his Skyline the thing purred under him and his hands caressed the wheel with a smile.

He tailed his sister for a couple of blocks before pulling out into traffic and heading to the location of the races. It didn’t take him long to get him into one of the races and he eased the car to the starting line, his dark hues wondering over the person in the other car. Doing a double take for a moment. Damn his sister for getting his head in a bind, he was imagining her everywhere now. Shaking his head ever so slightly he looked away, but found his gaze returning to the woman at his side. The hair was longer, the eyes different, but there was no mistaking the similarities between the two women. He would know his girl anywhere. Shaking his head he turned away. Focusing in front of him. Calming himself and forcing her out of his mind his hands clenched and unclenched around the wheel. With the green light a go, he put his foot down and he was gone. In the moment, he ignored the car at the side of him, and the woman that looked so like the woman who he had walked away from.

It was her third race. She'd won her first two. She probably shouldn't even be in this one but winning was giving her a buzz not to mention was building her large amounts of money 12000 she was currently going home with taken from trust fund brats with more money than sense thought because daddy bought them a Japanese car they could race.

maybe she was growing overconfident, maybe she needed the adrenaline in truth she just needed to make as much money as possible as quickly as possible. She was in over her head and this money would be her insurance policy. Her means of escape. Her fingers tapped on the steering wheel as she waited for the fourth car to pull up to the line. Her face paled eyes widened it was all she could do not to let her jaw drop. She cursed to herself. She should have known better than to make wagers without knowing who the fourth was. Those teenage punches to boy like to grow facial hair had irritated her.

It had been something about they raced for the pu$$y not against it and how she could have her stake back for a blow. She.d turned around and said if any of the little boys could beat her they could take the same 2k out her bra a benjamin at a time. She could not lose she couldn't be that close to him without touching him or at least asking for an answer. Damn it she needed to focus she couldn't think about him right now. The race started and it was clear from the outset that there were only two people in the race the college kids should have just stayed home the skyline and the Shelby left the other two for dead. It went back and forth between the two cars so close one could barely call it but call it they did and it wasn't Nessa they called in favour of.

Her head hit the steering wheel, still trying to figure out why he was even at a race this early, let alone at one she was at, of all the luck. Sliding her lithe form from the car she saunters forward forwards was gay to her hips more pronounced than her usual walk. She comes to a stop in front of him half confident in her disguise yet at some level half hoping he knew her well enough to see through it. Nodding her head down toward her chest she keeps her face turned slightly away from him not trusting herself. Deliberately adopting a strong Texan accent as she spoke.

Nessa/Tori: money.s in there deals a deal but try not to take to long getting it out. I have places to be.

When he had been behind bars the only thoughts that had gotten him through the day and night had been of her. He honestly didn’t know when he made the choice not to find her, or if he had ever made it consciously, but somewhere deep in his subconscious the choice had been made. Freedom had been granted him and he hadn’t bothered looking for her. Old habits died hard and she would run again and he couldn’t pick himself up again. So he had done the running for the pair of them. Never in his life did he think he would find her here, of all places. He had almost backed out of the line, almost. His mind so focused on the woman beside him to concentrate on the race. There could have been a hundred people behind that care, but no, it was her, deep in his bones, despite the long hair and the darker eyes it was her.

The second they were of the starting line though there was no doubt in his mind who it was, different car, different looks but it was his girl. The other two cars ate their dust and it was just him and her the way it always was. He had more experience though and he knew her tricks. So he took the race for himself. it wasn’t a huge win, but a win was a win. Pulling his car to a stop he was half tempted to just get back behind the wheel and head home, but the sound of his sisters voice had him putting one foot in front of the other and they led him over towards her. even all caked up she was still as beautiful as he remembered her to be, so beautiful it took his breath. Still as damn dangerous to, there was no doubt about that. His brow furrowed for a moment at her words, eyeing her with confusion. Then a dry laugh fell from his lips. That was right, he had heard the younger generation bragging about how they would take the money if they won. They hadn’t stood a chance, and if he hadn’t been in the race she would have been taking that money home herself. But he had been in the race and he was going to take full advantage of his winnings.

Breaching the distance between them he kept only inchs between them, all one of them needed to do was breathe out and they would be touching. He kept any sign of recognising her of his face, instead he just looked down at her. “You never put a time limit on it” His voice rich, deep as he looked down at her. Being this close to her again was intoxicating. The smell of her had his head spinning and all he wanted to do was reach out, pull her against him and kiss her long and hard like they used to. He didn’t though, he remained still before her, just looking at her. now he was in front of her, there was no doubting who it was. You could change you hair, the colour of your eyes and darken your skin but the subtle things you couldn’t. Like the slope of your nose or the wrinkle of your brow. Finally his hand lifted and he slowly draw the first bill out his rough hand drawing over her skin slowly, he moved back in again, his touch slow, almost sensual and his gaze locked on her features. With half of the money in his hand he pocketed it, leaning in, his words deep and almost husky.

“You cant pretend with me Nessa” Pulling back from her, he didn’t give her another glance as he moved past her, heading back towards his car.

He'd stood inches from her licking his lips as he gazed down on her she had always loved his tall powerful physique the way he damn near loomed over her. Right now though she was torn torn between dragging her fingers through his hair pulling him down and claiming his mouth. Exerting her control her dominance and have him challenge her for every inch. Raking finger nails down his chest and back. Shaking the tantalising images from her head.She couldn't help the hitch in her breath as his hand descended inside her top. His calloused hands just as she remembered.

It was all she could do not to moan as his hand sensually moved across the soft skin. Her chest heaved with both the effort it took not to touch him and partly from desire to press herself against him. Damn it no she wasn't doing this he wasnt allowed to make a fool of her again. She waited for him she turned down everyone else right up until her father interfered. Then he'd dropped her name and she was so shocked she could only stand and watch for a moment watch as he walked away from her again. She watched as he was quickly surrounded by young scantily clad girls draping themselves over him young men coming over to congratulate him. It was almost to much for the cheerleader. So she descended into queen bitch that girl who was miss popularity who could make or break your high school career. Eyes cold smile this side of bitchy. She sauntered over an extra sway to her hips the crowd parting for the sultry female.

Nessa: little girls need to back up, a real man needs more than your flat chested no ass having selves. Which means you need to remove your grabby hands and let the grown ups talk.

Not giving them or Le a chance to object she grabs his arm dragging him away from the crowd her dainty hand wrapped around powerful bicep. She settled herself on the hood of thar bright yellow skyline pulling him in between her thighs keeping up the bunny facade she adopted for these meets.

Nessa: what are you even doing here le none of you are meant to be at early races damn it. You don't recognise me my name is Tori this isn't a kids game it's dangerous.

Her pulse had quickened her eyes dilated darkened with desire. Her flesh goosebumped under his touch she shook it off reminding herself that he left her this time. No damn it he was not getting his own way.

Nessa: just take the rest of your damn money and walk away. Shouldn't be too hard to put one foot in front of the other le, , wouldn'tbe the first time would it.

There were certain things in life you could count on with certainty. The sun rising and the sun setting. His sister called him out on his bullshit, and women at the racers swarming over the winner. He wasn’t in the mood for any of It though. He was collecting his money and he was leaving. He couldn’t believe she was here. When he had gotten out of jail, he hadn’t gone looking for her. He couldn’t. This time he was looking after number one, she had walked out on him once. They were ready to settle down, to get married, start a life together and she had left. He was getting to that point in his life again and there was no way he was living through another one of her freak outs. So he had done it for the both of them. Apparently though another thing he could count on was the feelings he still held for her, and apparently her dislike of anyone going near him. Eying her with confusion as she all but pushed the other women away she grabbed hold of his arm and led him back over to his car. Well more liked dragged him back to his car.

Shifting between her legs like they had done a thousand times before, looking down at her, his dark hues locked on her lighter ones he chuckled shaking his head ever so slightly, “I needed to clear my head” Focusing on her, his eyes went wide slightly, “Kid’s games? You in trouble?” He questioned, his words dropping with worry and confusion as he looked down at her. His features filling with worry as he looked to her. Trust her to get herself caught up in something she shouldn’t. The disguise made sense now, if she was in trouble she didn’t want to be seen, especially at this atmosphere. Shifting ever so slightly until his hands rested his hands against his thighs, he squeezed a little watching her, trying to figure out what the hell was going on with her.

Licking his lips slightly he lent forward “That was this is?” His voice dropping deep and husky as his hands slid up her thighs a little more, his face inchs away from her own “You would know all about walking away” Anger slipped into his tone, his eyes darkening with the pain of the memories and the desire he felt at being inchs away from her. she always had this effect on him, when ever he was this close to him he just lost all semblance of control. His mind set became all about her. All about pleasing and teasing her. He knew exactly what to do to drive her insane, to get her worked up and if the desire in her eyes, the Goosebumps on her skin was anything to go by that was exactly what was happening.

“Least we wasn’t starting a life together” Rolling his jaw as he looked to her he suddenly stepped away from her, shaking his head and clenched and unclenched his hands at his sides. Looking at her he just sighed “What do you want me to say huh….i walked before you did”

So close so close it was tantamount to cruelty. His hand working its way higher had generated a heat she was sure he could feel even through the leather. Her mind had wandered for a moment back to a time when if she had been wearing a skirt he'd be taking her right now while it looked to all the world he was just holding her. Shed be biting her lip or his shoulder to keep the moan from spilling out. Once more her eyes burn she almost wants to cry as he pulls away. He has her so easily on edge the smell of him the feel of him.No sshe's allowed him to make a fool of her before left her waiting for him he wasn't getting to toy with her twice.

Tossing the inky black mane looked him dead in the eyes hers being unable to hide the pain betrayal and humiliation that flashes across her face briefly before its masked with a carefree nonchalant air hearing they hadnt been starting a life together stung especially when she thought of the life that was lost. Her perfect little girl tiny beautiful and utterly still it had taken them two hours to convince her to let go of the lifeless bundle. She couldn't stop her eyes from clouding o er the memory of being utterly alone when fate took her angel from her. A single tear leaks down her cheek and softly she speaks hurt leaking into her voice.

Nessa: we weren't starting a life together, then what was it lee an urge you needed to satisfy you think nessa's easy and up for anything? Might even have a woman we can share?

She caught herself before she railed at him that she'd been pregnant so while they may not have been going anywhere there had been life involved. He chose not to come back to them plural her and baby hope. He hadnt known so it wasn't like it had been hope he abandoned. There was no point talking about could have beens your heart couldn't break for something you didn't know you'd lost.

Nessa: thank you Lee for the longest time I thought my father had something to do with why you never came back its good to know he wasn't standing in the way of my happiness. It was just that I wasnt worth coming back to.

Her smile is soft and sad

Nessa: but im not your problem now le marco got his own way and in a few weeks I'll be married to one of his ivy league prep boys. A man about as straight as a circle who can barely stand to look at me. Who'll climb on top of me once a month close his eyes imagine I'm a man and get it over with as quickly as possible. All in the hopes nine months later I'll spit out an heir and he won't have to touch me again.

Leon had sworn to himself that he was staying away from the woman in front of him. His life had been filled with shit when she had come back into his life. She had promised to stick by him when he had been behind bars, and he had held her to it, and he had wanted to go back to her. Some part of him had wanted to return to her, as much as a part of him hadn’t wanted to. Nessa was the one that he wanted in his life. But there had been a big part of him that had just been waiting for her to up and run like she had the day he had proposed. He still had the ring he had given to her, He had been wanting to do it again, he just didn’t know what she was going to do if he did. If she ran? There was no going back, no changing. In the end his choice had been made for him. Eyeing her, now, this close to her, it made his heart race and his blood pump. She had always had that effect on her and it was nice to see nothing had changed.

Eying the woman in front of him with a shake of his head he couldn’t believe how far they had come. When they had been on the hood of his car last it had been for a whole different reason. They had always been the adventurous type though, and now she could barely look at him. There was pain and there was betrayal crossing her features. He had put that there. He wanted to be able to wipe all of that away, take away the pain that was on her face. But how could he do that when it was because he was the one who had put it there. He had always promised her he would never hurt her, had promised himself as well. The look on her face though was all he needed to know that he had failed. Scoffing at her words he shook his head “Typical Nessa taking something and turning it around.” Letting her thighs go he let out a deep breath as he eyed her with annoyance shining in his own hues. “In Miami we were engaged and you walked…you think I wanted that to happen here? When I was getting ready to settle down with you. That’s what I meant Nessa” He shook his head thrusting his hand through his hair “You know you were more than these skanks”

His dark hues shot over to her listening to her words. So daddy dearest hadn’t let her know. Of course he hadn’t. why would he? Shaking his head his hues snapped to her, wide and filled with anger. Repulsion flickered over his features and he gripped her arms lightly. “Your father set you up” Now everything started clicking into place with him. Shaking his head as he rolled his jaw, just standing there before her for a moment trying to get the anger in check. Speaking to her now was likely to get them nowhere. Leons anger was as legendary as Dom’s you didn’t want to cross the male as a lot of people had found out over the course of the last couple of years. “You need to leave him” Anger and jealousy coated his words. To him Nessa would always be his.

“When I got out, I was coming back to you. I needed time to clear my head. Your father sent some goons, told me to stay away from you” Leon shook his head his hand turning to smooth up and down her arms “I told him where to go. They came back the next day with photos of you, the second after your car was totalled. Message was pretty clear. All iv ever wanted to do is protect you Nessa. Staying away until I could figure something out was the best way”

She allowed his words to wash over her, not really hearing them to begin with. His voice working her up as it always did that deep husky timbre turning her legs to jelly. It's only when she actually processes the words that her face pales. Under the false tan all colour has left her face her pulse racing eyes swimming with unshed tears. Her eyes desperate as they locked with his.

Nessa: Leon please... please be lying to me.

She doesn't need to see his eyes or the shake of his head head to know it's a fool hope. Pushing against him slightly she slides from the car stumbling to her feet. Her legs don't want to work, lurching beneath her . Her grip on his arm tightens briefly briefly arm the only thing supporting her. She staggers away from him looking almost like bamboo on ice she only wants to get away from the car knowing he won.t want her to be sick on his baby.

His baby, just those two words have the tears streaming down her face her breath coming so fast she can barely take it in. Her head light and skin clammy. His baby, the words die in her throat before she can say them nausea overtaking her not caring who is watching she vomited, heaving again and again until there is nothing leaving her mouth but still her stomach heaves. The tears never ceasing she.s choking on her words meant for herself.

Nessa: how... could...h...He, s..o tiny...so...per...fect... hope. Why... murd...ering...ba$tard... ittl girl.... my fault

Leon didn’t quite understand what came over Nessa. One moment she was looking at him with those bright eyes of hers and then her face paled, he could see it beneath her tan, then she just lost it. Sure it wasn’t every day that you found out your father almost had you killed just so the boyfriend was stay away. Her reaction wasn’t valid though. She had never gotten along with her father, not the way a daughter shoulder. She slid form his car her legs falling out from beneath her, his own hands moving quickly to catch her, her grip shockingly weak on his arm. Watching her with worry and confusion he held her there until she all but wrenched from his arms and staggered away down the short strip of road, she looked like she was drunk, her legs not quiet supporting her weight and then she was down on her knees, heaving onto the ground. He was there in moments, his large strides carrying him over to her, sinking down behind her, his hands moving forward to pull back her hair, holding it over her shoulder as she heaved on the ground.

Words that left her lips was a garbelled mess, he couldn’t understand them at first, but then he forced himself to concentrate, to actually listen to her words. His brow furrowed and his own face grew pale as those words slowly started making sense to him. Grasping her arms gently he looked to her, pulling her around so he could look into her eyes. “You gotta talk to me” His words deep and grave, as he looked to her, his large hands lifting to grasp her cheeks within his large palm, his thumb brushing up over her cheek bones, just looking to her. “Baby, tell me you wasn’t pregnant” He had bided his time, had been plotting and planning a way to get her father out of the way, or on side so he could be with her, but if what she was saying was true, and she had been pregnant at the time he was going to kill the male responsible. He would find him and make him beg for a quick death.

Her eyes couldn't hide the truth from him, not while she was in this state, face streaked with tears, barely able to catch her breath. It's the guilt shining from her eyes brightest. She wiped her mouth on the back of her hand, desperately wanting a drink of water to wash the acrid sour taste from her mouth but right now she couldn't care. She bit her bottom lip, eyes shining brightly she wanted to avoid his gaze. But she owed it to him, owed him the explanation of how she'd failed him and hope.

Nessa: I'm so sorry Lee, I.m sorry God I.m sorry.

The guilt and self hatred in her voice dripping from her tone. She had blamed herself since the accident, blamed herself as she cradled the lifeless form of their daughter to her chest praying for a miracle. Her mind lost in the memory, exhausted blood coated sweat plastering her hair to her head. Far from her usual perfection but if that little girl would just breathe it would be worth it. Begging them to save her praying for a miracle. Screaming at them for failing, refusing to give up her precious bundle.

Nessa: if I just managed to avoid it, just two more weeks and she might have stood a chance... just two weeks.

The tears fell once more running over his thumb were he held her cheeks.

Nessa: just two weeks Lee and I wouldn't have had to bury her, so tiny, absolutely perfect except she was so completely still ... why would he .... I'm sorry

All he could do was sit there, sit there and look at the woman who looked so broken on the floor before him. His hands grasped her arms softly, holding her to him as he rubbed his hands up and down her arms, trying to sooth and calm. If he remembered rightfully it was something that had calmed her in the past and he hoped that wasn’t something that had changed. He shook his head, not quiet understanding at the moment, but the rest of her words hit him like a tonne of bricks. Eyes wide he continued looking at her, his breath hitching in his throat. Swallowing past the lump and the bile that had formed in his throat he just stared, shell shocked as he just stared at her. God he felt sick to his stomach. His grip tightened on her arms slightly and he forced himself to loosen it, the last thing he wanted to do was hurt her.

He felt the tears more than saw them and then he was pulling her towards him, wrapping his arms around her body and tugging her against him “You got nothin’ to be sorry for” His words low, husky, not from the desire he had felt from her moments ago, but from the anger and the pain he suddenly felt in the pit of his stomach. Eh was going to find her father, rip him apart and then he was going to kill him. Running his hand through her hair he pressed a kiss to the top of her head. Pulling away from her he tilted her chin up, forcing her to look at him “this was not your fault” Rolling his jaw he let out a deep breath as he watched her. she looked so broken. Rubbing his hand over cheek, looking over his shoulder he eyed the rest of the people around. They seemed to be minding their own business but that didn’t mean anything.

Standing her forced her to her feet as well, grasping her arms to steady her. “We should get out of here” His gaze shifted over to her car, before looking to her “Ill drive” Moving to lead her to the car cus there was no way in hell was he letting her drive anywhere. Opening her door he let her get in before heading to the drivers side. Once in he was of, tearing out of the strip and driving in the one direction that they always had history. The beach. Parking he didn’t get out, just left the engine running and he finally turned to look over at her. “What was her name?” He looked over at her “I didn’t even know you were pregnant”

Her form trembled as he picked her up, she didn't really deserve to be held, didn't deserve the comfort she found in his arms. She clutched at his arms as she allowed herself to be led away from the site of her break down. Eyes red rimmed, her breathing evening out under his gentle ministrations, the tender strokes on her arms soothing her as they have always done. She wants this so much, wants him needs the man who is her soulmate, yet in just a few weeks she is to marry a millionaire investment banker hand chosen by her father. why was it that he knew her better than she knew herself. Could soothe her when she couldn't even control herself. She hears his words but she can't reconcile them with the way she feels. That little girl was dependant upon her, completely vulnerable and when it mattered Nessa couldn't save her, couldn't keep her safe. That delicate little girl with Lee's hair colour and skin tone and Nessa's icy eyes.

Nessa: She needed me Leon, she needed me and i couldn't help her. I couldn't keep her safe i failed her.

She shook her head knowing that they really should get out of there, she let herself be led to the car and seated like a child, maybe that is exactly what she needed. Needed someone to acknowledge that her little girl was gone, she'd been alone when she'd died and alone when she buried her. Maybe she needed to know that someone else was hurt by it, someone else loved her little Hope. The wig was stifling, it itched and made her sweat but she'd hesitate to even think about what her hair looked like underneath it. The golden brown contacts need to go though, her eyes already irritated by tears she removes them to reveal her own bright icy blue eyes. He enters the car and it's all she can do not to crawl into his lap, just to know he meant what he said that he didn't blame her. She could hear the underlying words as he said that he didn't even know she was pregnant. SHe could hear the question why.. could hear the slight tinge of hurt and maybe just a tiny amount of accusation.

Nessa: I waited for you to phone Lee, then when you got out I tried to call your cell you didn't answer and when I called a few days later the number had been disconnected.

She didn't tell him that she had memorized his latest number after it had been given by a third party. Couldn't tell him that she'd been afraid to call him, that she didn't plan on telling him. She had hoped to spare him the heart ache that she went through. She traced a pattern on his hand that rested on the gear stick as they shifted out of the traffic and on to the coastal road. Kicking off her shoes, She briefly looks out the window watching the scenery go past silent as he asks for hopes name, she can almost feel his curiousity she can almost feel his other question the atmosphere was still reverent just this side of oppressive. Heavy with unspoken questions and heartbreaking sadness. Shifting in her seat she needs to be close to him even as he picks up speed she doesn't think twice. Has so much faith in his driving ability. He smoothly shifts through the gears glancing over at her silent form every so often right up until she moves herself into his lap. Her feet on his thigh, head on his chest knees near her chest, her hand playing with collar of his tshirt stroking his neck her eyes far away as she speaks.

Nessa: Hope... I named her hope because she was my hope for a happy ever after. They had told me I may never have children Le, after a job gone bad theres so much scar tissue they said an embryo may never hold to the wall of my womb. SHe was perfect Lee, Your skin and hair my eyes but she'd have fit in the palm of your hand.

She buries her face in his chest breathing deeply before continuing.

Nessa: Hope Faye Perez ... too good for this world. It's what I put on her stone.

Listening to the way Nessa was speaking broke his damn heart. In all the years that he had known her he had never known her to be so broken as she was in this moment, never been so vulnerable that he could see every emotion dancing behind those fake coloured eyes. They needed to go, the hair, the eyes all of it. Looking at her like this was hard to even see her. she looked so different and yet her voice, her words, the curve of her nose, the dint in the side of her lips, it was all her. Looking to her he shook his head. He had been here once before wit his sister. She hadn’t been pregnant, but she had found out a long time ago that there was no chance that she would ever have children, her womb removed when she had been younger. He had tried telling her over and over again that it hadn’t been her fault but she hadn’t believed him, and neither did it seem Nessa did. His hands continued their soothing actions, up and down her arms, just looking at her, waiting for her to ease, to relax.

The second they were in the car, he was out of there. Theyd return later to get her car, or he’d send Faye down to collect it. Flicking his gaze over to her he watched as the contacts went and for the first time that night he was able to see her eyes. Those eyes that had been so beautiful, they were now haunted. Filed with guilt and hurt that she should have not gone through alone. Yet she had because he hadn’t been there. Looking over at her he sighed, his hand resting against the gear stick as he shifted through the gears, breaking every limit there was in his haste to get to the beach. Looking to her once more he sighed his hands clenching around the wheel, anger at himself, anger at her father, anger at the men responsible for that accident “I needed space” he admitted. For the second time he had been behind bars, the first for attempted murder and the second, the time he was behind bars when he should have been there for her, was for the heists undercover, helping Brian.

“Then your dad came by with those photos” and he had changed his number and had been changing his number ever since. It was easier that way, easier to stay one step ahead of people. His gaze shifted over to her, keeping an eye on her every now and then, making sure she wasn’t about to break down because if she was he needed to be there for her. she didn’t break down though, just easily slipped into his lap, with a deep breath escaping his lips he lifted his knee to press against the wheel and wrapped an arm around her, it was a straight stretch for the moment. Slowing the car to a stop he pulled of the highway and into the car park of the beach. For a moment he just sat there, listening to the engine, before he to killed that. Gathering Nessa into his arms, he cradled her head against his chest. “You gave her a beautiful name” His words deep, clogged and husky as he let out a deep breath.

“Come on” Easing her out of his lap he slid from the car and then helped her out, standing before her, his hand lifted slowly lifting the wig from her head tossing it inside the car, his hand smoothing through the dark locks of hair smiling and cupping her cheek, taking her hand and leading her down to the beach. “I wish I’d been there for you…that I could see her” Easing her against his chest he tugged her down to the sand, drawing her against his body.

She let him set her on her feet, the concrete warm beneath her feet. the traces of sand beneath her toes, the memories they've created on beaches draw a smile a soft one as her eyes begin lighten. Remembering that there were good times, that Hope should have been the culmination of those good times, but sometimes life doesn't give us what we want. Running her hand through her hair trying to smile through the pain. This shouldn't be for her, she had her chance to grieve it was solitary but it was her grief.

Allowing herself to be led,sand between the toes of her bare feet, the spray of sea water against her skin, the smell of the surf in her nose. The beach was definitely one of their favourite places, it was at a beach he found her again and odds were on given how often they had assignations on the beach it was possible Hope had been conceived on the beach.

Nessa: I waited for you Le, I waited for us for our family and then when it mattered most I failed to protect the most important thing in the world.

Her icy eyes catch his dark orbs, the intensity of the looks passing between the two was nothing new but the emotions they were. She could usually count on desire lust need want excitement love passion and any derivative of the same when she looked at Le. The ability to turn her to jelly ith just a look, now though it was searching pleading almost. Pleading for an answer.

Nessa: It seemed appropriate, she was my Hope, My Hope for happily ever after. And Faye because I'm closer to your sister than my mother and your closer to her than your mother so that seemed right as well. Perez... because I couldn't deny you Le even if you didn't know she existed she had to know daddy loved her.

THe usually fiery woman stops walking pulling his arms around her from behind. Clinging to his arms as she places them around her neck, leaning into his chest. She feels safe here safe in his arms his chin on her head as she traces patterns on his forearms staring out to the sea. It's easier not to look at him when she says this not to have to see the hurt.

Nessa: There's a photo, just the one of the two of us. I was a mess Le, I wouldn't let her go, wouldn't let them take her because with her went my chance at happiness. So tiny she fit so perfectly in my arms though. It felt so right to hold her close. A nurse took a photo for me, so no matter what i wouldn't have to let her go completely. It's in my purse I always have it.

Her hand drifts to the bag at her side, slipping her soft hand inside and withdrawing a single photograph. It's face down he can't see the picture, but then she wants to give him a chance not to see them, Not to see her still covered in cuts from the broken glass, bruises from the impact and sweat from the pain. Their little girl is there perfect but for the fact she's cold in her mommy's arms.

Nessa: I love her so much Lee, She was our miracle and I had to put her in the ground. It was quiet just me and the priest, we played James Blunts Beautiful and I made sure he mentioned that she left a heartbroken daddy behind.

They both had so many memories when they came to the beaches. It was one of their favourite locations. The first place they had met, the first time they had se, and it was where he had proposed to her. Thankfully it wasn’t the place she had run out on him, because he would have hated to have their one special place ruined. He led her carefully down to the beach, his arms wrapped around her firm gently as he continued lead her. Taking her far enough down so that no one would over hear their conversation. Her words broke his heart, clenching as he listened to what she had to say. He hated that he hadn’t been there when she had needed him the most. That he had failed to protect her “I’m sorry Nessa, that I wasn’t there for you” his words soft and sure as he looked to her, wrapping his arms around her tighter.

Looking to her he cupped her cheek gently his thumb sweeping over her high cheekbones just looking at her. she hadn’t changed a bit and yet everything about her had changed. Her eyes were no longer filled with the life that he knew they could be, but filled with sadness that he could have stopped. Sadness that should have never been there in the first place. He swallowed thickly as he watched her, shaking his head ever so slightly the more he listened to her, the more his heart broke in two. Biting the inside of his lip he sighed deeply. When she stopped and pulled his arms around her he went with it, holding her tight, his chin resting on top of her head and he just stood there looking out over the ocean his eyes distant as he just stared.

His brow furrowed, shaking his head once more his hands shook as she handed him the photo. He felt the tears spring to his eyes as he looked down to the photo, looking at it, god she looked so tiny, so perfect. “Shes perfect” his voice clogged with emotion his thumb and finger working over the picture as he swallowed the lump in his throat. Letting out a trembling breath he turned resting his cheek against her head, wrapping his arms around tighter. “thank you” Kissing the top of her head, he turned her around slowly “I wanna see where she was buried” Cupping her cheek he let out a deep breath brushing his hand over his face “When your up to it, we’ll do it together”

In his arms the world was better brighter and less scary less harsh and painful. She would never forget Hope never wanted too, now even less so. This was the one thing that she could never forgive her father for. The marriage could have been misguided protection wanting what's best for her, she'd forgiven so many other things. Hope was that line he never should have crossed that perfect little girl was her point of no return. Right now though she was healing, healing because he was listening understanding and grieving for the precious princess he never got the chance to touch. Her eyes lightening with each thought and feeling she shared every vulnerability she laid at his feet seemed to take the oppressive burden from her. A soft smile played about her cherry red pout icy eyes locking with his darker ones.

Leon was the reason for most of the joy in her life, the source of so many happy memories and even more erotic ones. It was impossible to stay angry or upset when in his embrace. She knew he wanted to be serious the look in his eyes told her that much but it was impossible to be this close and not touch. Even though she'd be a married woman in a few short weeks she needed him. Turning in his arms she presses her body flush against his, feeling all those hard planes of muscle beneath the thin fabric. She's on her utilities now leaning into him leaning past his face to his ear. Her voice breathy her long toffee coloured tresses tickling his face and neck.

Nessa: soon we'll go together, you'll be the first person I've taken there I promise papi.

The term slipped from her lips before she could think to stop it. It was one she only used when she wanted him to give her what she wanted but he didn't want to a suggestion she may give up control. They both knew she wouldn't that it would always be a control game with them. Before she pulls away from his ear she bites the lobe pulling it lightly silently begging for his attention. The beach was one of their favourite places she didn't want to taint it with sadness. And if this was the last time she would see him call her selfish but she wanted him needed him even.

Leon was all about protecting the women in his life. The people he cared about he had sworn he would protect. He had failed protecting Faye, he had though sending her away from their father would have given her a life she wouldn’t have had under her fathers thumb. Miami hadn’t been everything he had wanted it to be for her. she had been dragged down a life of pain and destruction. Coming to LA that hadn’t solved much for her. Sure she had settled down, finally but there was still so much I her past he wondered if she would ever be the little girl he had once known. Now it seemed he had failed Vanessa as well. God, no woman should ever go through the loss of a child, but losing a child because of something that someone else had done? He had no idea what she was going through but he knew he couldn’t protect her from it, that he couldn’t do anything to take the pain from her, nor bring back their daughter.

His brow furrowed as she turned in his arms, and they came up, wrapping around her form and helping hold her against him. Hissing in a breath as she pressed herself against him even more, his hands moved up her back, then moved down, grasping her ass. It was exactly something Nessa would do, try and distract him from the situation. His eyes closed and his fingers dug into her ass when her teeth grasped his ear lobe. Swallowing thickly he just looked at her for a moment, his hands moving down to her thighs, bending down to lift her up, wrapping her legs around him.

“This wont change things” He muttered, shaking his head as he looked at her, moving until she was laid on the ground beneath him, stretching out over her, fingers sweeping over her cheek, moving down her neck, between the valley of her breasts. Before moving up her body, tilting her chin up so he could press a kiss to her lips, deepening the kiss, pressing himself flush against her. pulling back just enough to look at her. she was trying to distract him and it was working, but he wanted nothing more to visit his daughter and then find her father so he could kill the male responsible for all of this.

Icy blue eyes reflected the stars from her position on her back paiin still there but hidden beneath a haze of need want lust and desperation. She needed his touch. His grasp had been firm and sure when he lifted her effortlessly. Making her feel tiny his powerful physique was above her now his weight between her thighs keeping her pinned down. using his weight to keep her supine effortlessly falling into their long held patterns a constant battle for control. For a moment she allowed herself to lose it in the sensations he was evoking in her. The feel of rough fingers over silken skin, , that deep kiss tongues duelling for dominance. Yet he avoided all those spots he knew would have her undone. Her little foot came up to slide down the back of his jeans while her left hand plays with the soft downy hair trailing down from his stomach.

Hearing his words about how it would change nothing brings adventurous cheerleader back to reality. Brings back the fact in a few short weeks she'll be marrying someone else. Sighing breathlessly she lowers her head to suck on his adams apple using the distraction to flip them over Lee beneath her his back flat against the warm sand she buries her right hand into his hair dragging his head back before kissing him hard bruisingly so. When she pulls back her cherry red lipgloss is staining his lips her own appearing bee stung its with an almost playful smirk she gazes down at the one she believes to be her soul mate.

Nessa:some things never change Lee like how beneath me Is the best look for you Lee.

It was said with all the arrogance of one who knew she was right

Nessa: just so you know baby if I could only have one child I'm glad she was yours

Nessa had him right where she wanted him to be and Lee was a sucker for when it came to pleasing her. When it came to doing what she wanted and needed he was all for it. Not this time though. As much as he wanted her, and as much as his body ached and hungered for her again, his muscles rippling under her touch, his eyes filled with desire, lust and pure need, he was not doing this. Not this time. As much as he wanted her and needed her, his mind was focused on something else, on someone else. Their little girl. He had been a father and he hadn’t even known she was pregnant. There had been no scans, no joy for him. He had lost all of that, both because of the fact he was in jail trying to help out Brian and because her father had taken it from him. From them. So eh was stuck, under her, his mind unable to focus on anything but the pain that was rushing through him, crushing him.

Large hands lifted, smoothing over up her sides, up and down, before moving and resting against her hips, his dark hues locked on her features, gripping her against him, he arched up, slowly pulling her down until she was pressed against his chest, his hand smoothing up the plains of her back, lifting further to smooth through her hair, and then moved back down to grasp her ass before resting there. A deep bone weary sigh fell from his lips and he just cradled her against his body, keeping her pressed against him “I love you baby, but I can’t do this” His words soft, gruff, filled with the desire that was still there, still urging him to continue.

“I want this but not yet” Grasping her chin and forcing her to look at him, to really see him. To see that he wasn’t saying it because he didn’t want her, because he did with everything he had inside of him. But he couldn’t focus on anything other than Hope. “Take me to see her Nessa” His finger brushing over her lip as he pulled down, to press a kiss to her lips “Then ill take you home”