LUIS

Tracing her skin I never knew this level of content existed in the very life I lived. If I believed that the day I was published was the best, I stood corrected with every moment I spent with her and the night we shared was incredible. To the point a feeling emerged of just how urgent it was I tell her more about myself, it was only right I do. I had planned on telling her last night but she was upset and things just got out of hand. . .

I had to tell her.

However, a hushed voice in my mind told me otherwise. That instead of rushing to tell her, I needed to relish a bit more into the possibilities of us. And I would do anything to protect her. The day was still fresh of the night she was drugged- no other time in my life could compare to the rage I felt knowing that someone would try harm her and I believe that was the moment it occurred to me just how willing I was to be there for her.

If I ever saw that asshole again who tried to hurt her- there's no limit to the Hell I would administer.

There had been something unsettling about that stranger from that club . . . something off that often bothered m-

All thoughts momentarily halted as she shifted closer to me, mumbling something incoherent in her sleep and I couldn't help but smile and pull her in closer. Chords tugged on my heart as I imagined what each day would bring waking up to her. A piece of Heaven was what I found and I wondered to no one under the early morning rays of the sun if she secretly had angel wings hidden in her back.

Closing my eyes at the peace I felt, cradling her to further stimulate the high I was still on, just when I felt myself succumbing to the lull of sleep there was light tapping against the window. Still feeling a bit disoriented at the abrupt disturbance in our little bubble. I glanced at the window and felt the colour drain out of my face when I saw a familiar man standing outside.

This couldn't be happening.

Why!

Why!

I froze in my spot, my gaze switching between a sleeping Tiana to the officer outside as the panic sunk in. Another tap vibrated against the glass and I knew I had to swallow the anxiety. If I thought Tiana's mother was the last person to catch us like this, I stood to be corrected.

I fumbled, yanking up my pants haphazardly to a level of decency that was adequate enough to step out quietly and not wake her. And it took a lot of restraint and self-control to untangle her limbs from mine when all I really wanted was to do was hold her a bit longer in the serenity and peace we created.

However, I had to deal with this situation once and for all. So the minute I stepped out and met his gaze, thin lips set in a firm line, and Uncle Logan's eyes widened slightly before his frown deepened making me feel like an adolescent all over again.

Even though Uncle Logan was my godfather, given the close friendship he had with my father that formed from them working together to bring justice. He in turn became in some way another father figure for me. My father retired years back whereas Uncle Logan who still felt the need to work, was a Captain now. Despite having two people close to me in authority, it never stopped me from being rebellious such that I wasn't even surprised at the words that slipped out of his lips.

"Still up to your old tactics, huh?" he gestured coolly to the car, he tried to peek over my shoulders but I blocked him from seeing Tiana's profile. He took notice of this and chuckled." I don't know whether to be proud of you or charge you."

I scoffed crossing my arms fighting the smile," Come on, Uncle Logan. It's bad enough you of all people found me here."

"Better be grateful it was me and not some other cop trying to be a hero."

"When are you retiring again?" I asked leaning against the car dying to annoy him. The sooner he'd get annoyed, the sooner I could just leave. His brow rose slightly before an odd grin stretched across his lips, his gaze switching to the car.

"I could always tell your old man about this," he mumbled smirking and I knew my face must have grown pale. In as much as I saw a future with her, I wanted my dad to find out about her on my own terms, not from my godfather's big mouth.

"Why do you have to be like this, man?" I groaned sparing a glance to the back seat hoping she wouldn't wake up. He raised his arms defensively whilst he laughed, the humour beaming in his eyes and I often wondered how he came to being a cop. It was still hard to fathom.

"You can't blame me for finding humour in this- it's not everyday you find your godson cooped up in a car after having a pretty busy night if those hickeys on your neck are anything to come by," he jabbed my neck as the blush crept in. I rubbed my neck not in embarrassment- if anything I took pride in her marks. They were just further proof that last night indeed happened.

"You're really not going to make me forget this are you?"

"Not a chance, but next time," he shifted closer grinning wickedly," try to make it at least to the driveway of your house and not the park."

I nodded my head in response and part of me was grateful it had been him who found us and not someone else. Frankly the thrill of experiencing ecstasy clouded my judgment to not consider the environment. Things could have been a lot worse such as getting charged so if dealing with Uncle Logan was it, then so be it honestly.

"Looks like your sleeping beauty is up," he muttered looking behind me and I turned to find her body shifting making my heart rapidly beat in excitement and nervousness.

I glanced back at him giving him a pleading look, one that he took note of as he rolled his blue eyes saying," Alright, I'll be on my way. Even though I find it wrong you won't even let me see this girl's face," he mumbled before he sauntered off to his car.

Once he drove off, I felt myself breathe a lot easier and opened the door to find her sitting up. She wiped the sleep out of her eyes, yawn slipping out making the day a lot brighter and I took a seat pulling her in close. The bliss sinking in at the smell rolling off her body.

If I thought I could leave her before, I was fooling myself now.

***

The scenario felt way too familiar as the scenery passed us. She was pressed up against the car door, arms crossed, eyes trained on the road. I had no clue what was the best thing to say to make her less stiff.

Here goes nothing.

"I can hear your mind giving itself a stroke, you know," I muttered chucking nervously, she peered at me and I tightened my hands on the steering wheel dying to quickly reach out and stroke her cheek to stop her from overthinking.

"I acted completely out of character last night. I think I deserve to kick myself," she mumbled quietly before she placed her gaze back on the road and I frowned, an unsettling feeling creeping in.

"Please don't tell me you already regret last night. . ." I sighed parking the car. Once I turned off the engine I turned my body to look her over. When she made no move to look at me, I reached out cautiously to prohibit her from cowering away further. I nearly leapt for joy when she allowed my fingers to turn her head in my direction.

"I-I. . ." she paused briefly collecting herself," just don't know how to act in all this. I don't exactly know the conduct involved in these one-time things," she chucked nervously. I pulled her in close and kissed her, her taste oozing into the very depths of me and before I could get carried away I pulled away from her a bit annoyed.

"I don't know where you got the idea that this was some one-time thing."

She didn't respond, instead her eyes moved all over my face, her cola-brown eyes revealing the wheels behind them," Please don't run," I mumbled tracing my finger along her chin.

And please no matter what happens . . . don't hate me.

"I can't promise that," she replied, but before I could question her further. I took a breath in the hopes of putting my best foot forward into this conversation.

"Did- did I do something wrong?" I asked quietly.

"No."

"Then what is it?"

"Nothing," she replied but I wasn't convinced. Something was obviously bothering her and I not only wanted to know but I was willing to lay whatever fears may be arising to rest.

"You asked me if you fell off the cliff last night to catch you. So give me the chance to do that instead of shutting down after the bliss we've shared."

"Lu-"

"Let's not put too much into it," I grasped her hand firmly into mine, earnest intentions shining through at the doubts." If you want some spaces to breathe, i-if youre overwhelmed a bit then I get it. Just . . . don't make permanent choices off of something that won't take long to fade."

She glanced in my direction, blank stare from the same woman whose face could convey so much all in a split second, such that when she simply said," Okay," and we parted ways I had a feeling that things were only switching into a lane that we would both need to be careful of.