"How's your lip feeling this morning?" I ask Jex, as we sit across the kitchen table from one another, eating our breakfast.
"It's not feeling too bad, thank you Dr. Ricci," he grins.
"I'm glad, and if you need any further medical treatment you know where to find me," I wink across the table.
"Mmm, in my bed usually," he smirks.
"Oh stop that," I roll my eyes and take the last bite of my toast. "What are your plans for today?"
"I have to go back into work and make sure everything is all good with the boys. But after that, I was thinking maybe we could go out for dinner?"
"Out for dinner? As in out in public?"
"Well yes, out in public. But not around here obviously. I made a call last night and booked us a table at that new restaurant they built in East Cliff."
"You did?" I smile widely.
"Yes I did, and I take that smile of yours as a yes?" He grins.
"Of course, we haven't been on a date since our first date."
"Hey, hey now, who said it was a date?" He smirks.
Throwing my rolled-up napkin at him playfully I stand to my feet. "You're becoming a real pain in the butt, you know that?" I make my way past him, empty plate in hand.
Suddenly I'm pulled down onto his lap and he begins to kiss over my face, causing me to giggle. I put the plate down on top of his, then wrap my arms around him, helping to stabilise myself. "Of course it's a date," he presses a kiss to my lips before pulling back, tucking my hair behind my ear. "I hate that I can't take you out in our local restaurants, so when I saw the new restaurant was open I booked us a table right away."
Resting my forehead on his I smile softly. "Maybe one day we will be able to. Maybe if the Vipers and Cobras work things out, we could be seen together."
"Bella," he sighs. "Not only did we agree not to talk about the Vipers and Cobras, but there is no way in hell that would ever happen. It wouldn't just be risking a war between your family and mine, it would cause trouble with other crews as well. The Cobras and the Vipers aren't meant to mix, you know this."
I sigh sadly and nod. "You're right. I just, I guess it was just wishful thinking."
Why does this have to be so hard? I love Jex and he loves me, yet we can't be together in public. Is this really how I'm going to have to spend the rest of my life? Hiding and sneaking around; only able to spend time with my boyfriend behind closed doors.
"It sucks baby girl, I know it does and I wish things were different. But I can't risk putting a target on your back," he rubs my cheek with his thumb.
...
Jex and I spent a little more time talking. I shared with him my concerns about having to sneak around for the rest of our lives. We attempted to come up with some kind of plan on how we could make it work, but so far nothing seems to fit or make any sense.
Around lunch time Jex had to leave to head to Viper HQ and catch up with the boys, to make sure they were all doing okay. Just like my family, none of the Vipers know that Jex and I are together. Not even Malcolm and Alyssa, which I feel horrible about as I consider them friends.
With Jex stepping out for the afternoon, I decided to head home and spend some time with my family.
Once I arrive home, I enter the house and find Abel sitting on the living room floor. His eyes red and puffy, staring off into space.
"What's wrong with you? You look like you lost your best friend," I joke.
No response.
"Abel?" I call, looking over at him.
He turns his attention to me, hurt filling his eyes. "Sorry, I didn't hear you come in. What did you say?"
Realising something is actually wrong, I make my way over. "Are you okay?" I ask in a worried tone, as I sit down beside him, my back against the couch.
"I fucked up Bella. I fucked up bad," he hangs his head.
"Abel, what is it?"
"One of the girls I've been sleeping with is pregnant and it's mine."
"Oh, shit," I breathe out.
"I can say goodbye to any chance I had with Ruby," he shakes his head in disappointment.
"Have you told Mum and Dad?"
"No, but I know what Dad's going to say and I know what I have to do. I'm going to have to step up; become a father and a husband."
"A husband? Abel, no one is going to expect you to marry the girl if you don't love her."
"It doesn't matter if I love her or not, she's carrying my child and the heir to the Cobra throne."
This would usually be the part where I tell him that's what happens when you sleep around. However, I can see how broken he is over this and the last thing he needs is people telling him he's stupid. I think he's worked that out one out on his own.
Suddenly he stands to his feet. "I need to call Ruby, I was meant to be taking her on a date tonight."
"You were?" I ask surprised. "When did that happen?"
"What does it matter now," he leaves the room.
I sigh softly and look around the room. I feel horrible for him. Usually I can help him in some kind of way, I can do something to make things better, but this time I can't.
The front door opens and Mum's voice fills the house. "Abel," she calls.
I stand to my meet and make my way to meet her in the foyer, that's where I find her with arms full of grocery bags. "Hey," I smile softly.
"Hey honey," she smiles back, then calls for Abel once more. "God damn it, where is your brother?" She huffs.
"He's upstairs, I'll help you," I take the bags from her and make my way into the kitchen.
We both place all of the bags down on the kitchen bench and I help put all the cold things away, whilst Mum places all of the other foods in the cupboards. "Is dad working tonight?"
"No, he'll be home for dinner. I was hoping you would be as well? We haven't sat down and had a family dinner together in months."
"Uh, I kind of have plans," I bite down on my bottom lip.
"And you can't get out of them? I'm sure your friends won't mind."
"N-no. Well, its a date actually," I say nervously.
"Are you ever going to introduce us to this guy you're seeing?" She folds her arms across her chest. "I mean, what's so bad that you're keeping him hidden from us?"
"I just don't' want to scare him away. You know how Dad and Abel act when it comes to me dating. I just want to be sure that he's the person I want to bring home to meet you all," I lie.
"Alright fine, I'll let it go," she holds her hands up in defense. "But I really don't think your father and brother are as bad as you make them out to be," she shrugs.
"Besides Abel needs to talk to you guys; both of you together and it might be better if just the three of you talk."
"Oh god, what's he done now?"
"I'll let him talk to you about all of that, it's not my place," I give her a small smile. "I'm going to head upstairs and get ready for my date."
I make my way up the stairs quickly and down the hall towards my bedroom. As I do I peep in on Abel, who is laying on his bed staring blankly up at the ceiling.
"Mum and Dad will both be home for diner tonight. I'm going to be out, so it'll give you guys a chance to talk."
"Thanks, I can't wait to disappoint them once again," he sighs.
"Abel, you're not going to disappoint them. Sure they're not going to jump with joy, but you need to talk to them."
"What would you know about disappointing them? You've never disappointed them Bella, you're the perfect child. I'm the fuck up."
Yeah, I'm so perfect that I'm in a relationship with my Dad's biggest rival.
"Call me if you need anything," I sigh softly and exit the room.
This chapter has been proof read and edited by the amazing ElleRWrites