Bumper's real name was Timothy Pennington. He didn't go to college, hadn't finished high school and spent his days dealing and using drugs. Timothy lived in a flat which could be considered fairly big since he lived completely on his own. His parents both weren't around anymore and there was no trail of any family. He must have family, but so far no one knows about them.

Timothy had a large group of friends. Whereas his life seemed unusual and dull to most people, the guys he hung out with on a daily basis referred to each other as 'brothers' and they also treated each other like that.

Back when Jason used to smoke pot every day and when he was in jail every night he was one of them. Of course he still saw Ryan and Chaz every day when he went to school and after high school the same thing continued in college, but he spent his days outside at an abandoned basketball court with Bumper and all the other guys.

That's all Alexia knew about him.

The funeral was simple. There was no blustery crying or an overdose of flowers. Nonetheless, the cemetery was practically filled with guys in messy suits, all staring at their friend who was getting buried. They all looked like suits weren't things they usually owned but every single one of them went out of their way to get one for their friend's funeral.

Snow fluttered gently on to the ground. It wasn't as cold and quite frankly that was a good thing because no one was dressed warm enough for a big snowstorm. It looked peaceful; the faint white layer of the snow on the ground and the tombstones, and the guys silently looking at the burial, all of their coats slightly white as well.

Nobody spoke.

Alexia glanced around, noticing how some of the guys were crying. They weren't full-on bawling, but they had teary eyes.

Jason's nose was red from the cold and his lips were purple. His eyes were plastered on the fresh, grey cist which had Bumper's real name carved into it. He wasn't crying, his eyes were hard and his lips were pulled into a straight line, showing no emotion whatsoever.

She knew he was hurting. This is what Jason did when he got very upset—he hid it. From the moment they heard Bumper had passed away, Alexia had made sure Jason knew that it was okay to cry, it was okay to show emotion. He had simply brushed it off.

Alexia quietly took Jason's hand and for a split second his face twitched and he looked gloomy, but that was over before she could even realize it. She squeezed his hand and he slowly responded by squeezing back. His eyes never left Bumper's tombstone, and she didn't blame him.

"Are you okay?" She whispered, scooting closer to him. Jason squeezed her hand in response, although to her it seemed like he was just desperate to show he was in pain. He just didn't know how to display it.

There was a small ceremony. Several men had taken the opportunity to hold a little speech about Bumper—or Timothy, Alexia really didn't know how to call him—and everyone patiently listened.

"Bumper was a good person." One tall guy said into the microphone. "I'm sure some people disagree because of the way he earned his money, but we all gotta live man! He made sure he had enough. He made sure all of us had enough. Bumper was the one taking care of us. All of us. I think the amount of times he's bailed me out of jail is countless. Whenever you wanted something, whenever you needed something, my brother Bumper was ready to drop whatever he was doing to help you out."

The guy drearily licked his lips and looked at the crowd, although he seemed to be looking through everyone.

"I don't know how this could happen. Yes, Bumper wasn't the most innocent man ever and yes he did have enemies... But not one person comes to my mind when I think about who would be sick enough to hurt him to the point where he died."

Jason flinched and Alexia pulled him as close to her as she could, feeling tears burn in the back of her eyes. She didn't know the guy, but seeing all these people, especially men, being so hurt by this situation caused shivers up her spine. Seeing how much Jason was beating himself up about it inside gave her the feeling like she wanted to scream at him that it wasn't his fault, that he had nothing to do with it, but she couldn't.

Somehow Jason always blamed himself, even if he wasn't there. She knew he was blaming himself right now, for example.

"I remember one time, I was really drunk. I wanted to jump into the water in my drunken state and Bumper stopped me. I tried to fight him, I told him he wasn't my father," The guy humourlessly chuckled, "but he didn't take any of it. He manually pulled me away from the sea and the beach and made sure I had a bed to sleep on. The next morning I got up so I could thank him, and all he said was, 'You could've fucking drowned, dumbass, of course I stopped you!'"

A dim laugh erupted from the crowd. Alexia hopefully peeked at Jason, but he was still staring in front of him with that hard look on his face.

The guy smiled and shook his head. "I can't imagine going to the basketball court knowing my buddy Bumper isn't there. It's just... I can't. I can't." His voice trailed off and he turned his face away from the microphone. Alexia could barely see anything, but she definitely saw how the guy had forcefully brushed away a tear.

"We all know you're not the sentimental type," he now continued. His voice trembled. "but we love you. We're all going to miss you. Bumper, I don't know how we're going to survive without you because we're all lost and you were the only one giving us any guidance, but I will try my hardest. I hope..." He closed his eyes and loudly exhaled, running a hand through his hair. He opened his eyes and turned around again, now looking at Bumper's tombstone.

"Thank you." He blabbered into the microphone, his eyes still on the tombstone as he backed away and left the stand.

Everyone clapped politely and some guys murmured an 'amen'. Jason still stood completely frozen, not batting an eyelash. Alexia sighed and wrapped an arm around his waist, leaning her head against his chest.

"Are you still okay?"

He nodded once.

They stood there for a long time, even after the ceremony was over and everyone had left, Alexia en Jason still stood there, their arms intertwined and their eyes focused on the fresh grave. Alexia was tired and cold, but she was going to stand there with Jason for as long as he desired.

The sky had gotten darker when she suggested to move closer to the grave. Jason hadn't replied but when she let him go and walked over to the grave on her own he had immediately followed her and snaked an arm around her waist.

Now that she could finally read what it said on the tombstone, Alexia slowly scrunched down to her knees and narrowed her eyes. "Timothy Pennington, a loyal man."

She turned around and looked at Jason. "That's all?"

He shrugged.

She got back up. "Isn't that a little... I don't know, too simple?"

"He was a drugs dealer. What do you expect?" Jason snapped, not looking at her. Alexia frowned. "Jeez, that's a way to put it."

"It's the only way to put it."

"Well from everything that I've seen today it didn't seem like he was only a drugs dealer." She muttered, grabbing Jason's hand again.

He still didn't look at her. "It's all my fault." He suddenly mumbled, his gaze dropping to the ground. Alexia was surprised he had finally averted his glance from the tombstone, but she had definitely not expected this.

She gently pecked his hand and took his chin between her fingers. "That's crap, Jase. You know you couldn't have done anything about this."

"I got him killed."

"You were with me the day they say it happened, remember? It's not your fault. It can't even be your fault even if you weren't with me."

Jason snorted. "You don't get it!"

"What do you mean, I don't get it? It's as simple as that! I'm sorry to say it this bluntly but you're not the reason Timothy is dead." She muttered.

He pulled his hand away from her and crossed his arms in front of his chest. "It's Bumper. He fucking despises it when people call him by his first name."

"I'm sorry."

It was silent again and they both grew colder and colder. After thirty minutes Alexia decided to give it a chance and looked at Jason. "Baby, let's go. We've been here for hours."

"But..."

"I know it's hard. We'll come back tomorrow if you want, okay? You need food and after that you have to rest. You haven't been sleeping for days. Let's just let it go for today."

Jason nodded slowly and Alexia gratefully wrapped an arm around his waist, pulling him away from Bumper's grave.

-

"You know you don't have to drive me home, right? My cast has been off for days, I can drive," Jason remarked, "and you really can't."

Alexia rolled her eyes at the comment. She was aware of the fact that she was a bad driver, she didn't need a constant reminder from everyone who got into the car with her. Besides, she wanted to drive Jason home. Ever since Bumper's funeral she was afraid he'd do something stupid.

"Don't roll your eyes at me." Jason spoke, his eyes focused on her hands on the steering wheel. Alexia rolled them again and turned her head to face him, a cheeky grin curling her lips. Jason widened his eyes. "Keep your eyes on the road! Are you trying to get us killed?"

"Christ! You're so annoying!" She exclaimed, immediately turning her eyes back to the pathway in front of her. Jason let out a small chuckle and gently nudged her shoulder. "I'd say I'm kidding, but I'm not."

"I know." She hissed between gritted teeth.

To be fair, she didn't really mind. She was glad Jason found the will to joke around and make some comments. He's been acting absolutely strange for over a week now. First she thought it was because of Bumper's death, but then she realized it had been going on for longer than that. She tried to ask him but Jason wouldn't answer so she let it go.

He seemed... on edge.

"How are you feeling?" Alexia murmured, vigorously looking at the road.

Jason pulled up an eyebrow as he scowled. "You're really going to keep asking me that when I told you multiple times I was okay?"

She licked her lips. "I'm just asking!"

"Well stop asking!" He spat bitterly, facing the window. Alexia glanced at him in surprise, not knowing why he suddenly got so angry.

"Why are you getting mad?" She sputtered. This sudden change of acts surprised her in a way she didn't like. Alexia didn't allow anyone to speak to her that way, Jason was one of the few people that knew it like no other, yet he found the decency to talk to her like she was his dog? No, it doesn't work like that.

Nonetheless, she tried not to leash out on him. She didn't know what was wrong with him but she did know that Jason exploding was not pretty. Not at all.

"Alexia you're really getting on my nerves. Every time there's no one speaking you decide to break the silence by asking me if I'm okay. I am okay. It's so fucking annoying." He snapped.

Alexia widened her eyes. "Of course I ask! You just got rid of your cast, a friend of yours has died, I am still getting married to that son of a bitch, do you really wonder? And for the record, I asked once." She shot back blatantly, not tearing her eyes off the road.

Jason's breathing was loud. "Yeah? And who's fault is that? Because if I remember correctly, you are the one who's still not making a choice. We both know this isn't going to work if you don't decide you don't want to fucking marry him! Look at the shit I'm being put through, all for you!"

"The shit you are being put trough?" She nearly yelled, her voice rising, "You fucking know I do not want to marry him! Imagine being in my position, forced to marry someone you don't love! The entire family is pressuring me! What exactly are you going through Jason? Enlighten me, because I'm pretty sure Bumper dying and you breaking your leg has nothing to do with this!"

He instantly sat up straight and bored his eyes into the side of Alexia's face, a darkness interlaced into his eyes. "You don't know shit! You talk so much and you actually believe everything that comes out of your mouth, God you're such a spoiled little brat!"

She wasn't offended. "How am I supposed to know anything if you don't tell me? We don't work like that, Jason! Our bond is not freaking telepathic! I have been taking this, I have been by your side with every single one of your tantrums these past days. I have fed you, I've gotten you to your bed, I've cleaned up your bruises whenever you decide to break something with your fists, again, I've done anything to make sure you were comfortable! Don't throw this back in my face!"

Jason clenched his jaw and averted his gaze. "I never asked you to do all of those things. You're not my girlfriend."

Alexia let out a bored chuckle. "You know things like that won't make me shut up. The contrary, actually, I'll just get more pissed off like the spoiled little brat I am. I know what I want, I'll get what I want. Is that how you want this to be?"

He looked at her with a dull gaze, not showcasing any emotion. "Quite frankly I don't give a fuck about how this is going to be. I'm tired."

That left her speechless, because she really didn't know what to say. She was just as tired as he claimed to be.

"Jason..." She murmured, an aching feeling pounding in her stomach. She didn't like the way he stared in front of him. He looked empty.

"Save it." He immediately snapped. "I'm really not in the mood."

Once again, she chuckled. "I didn't see that coming."

"Keep your fucking comments to yourself! I'm so done with your sarcastic bullshit." Jason exclaimed. Alexia yanked her gaze off the road and narrowed her eyes at Jason, struck with another feeling of pain in her stomach. What the hell was up with him? His eyes were darker than ever, a kind of colour that told her he was not okay. There was no single trace of emotion on his face and although if it was someone else they'd just guess he was tired, Alexia knew, she saw the dark circles under his eyes and the forever throbbing vein in his neck.

"Don't treat me like one of the bitches you occasionally fuck," She spat, feeling how he started to get to her, "you know better than to treat me like that."

This earned her a loud laugh from Jason. "Yeah? Or you'll what? Kill me? Haven't heard that one before. Trust me, I don't treat you like that, at least they are giving me sex."

Her body heat up with anger. What was he talking about? When has someone ever threatened to kill him? Everyone should know better, after all, he's the ex boyfriend to the daughter of the biggest mafia boss of all.

And where did he get the balls to justify the fact that he's been fucking around?

She has tried to ignore the thought, even after he openly admitted it. She tried to convince herself he was single and she had no control over him.

But right now it was all bubbling up.

"I hate you when you're being like this." She breathed, "Fuck you! Go, go fuck some more girls while I'm here, making sure Damian doesn't touch me because I'm trying to be loyal to you! Look at me, being all concerned and taking the time to drive you home safely. God forbid anything nice comes out of your mouth."

Jason shook his head, a hand resting on his lower stomach. "I am single and I can do whatever the fuck I please."

"Yeah?" She shouted, hating how much his words affected her. "Well, in that case, what are we even fighting about? You being annoyed with all the shit I am putting you through... You won't be put through it if you just leave it all and go on with your life the way you have been before I came back. No one is forcing you, asshole."

Her eyes slid over his slump demeanor, clearly showing how exhausted he was. His hand was still on his lower stomach and suddenly she noticed the semi-big bulge underneath his shirt. Surely his dick wasn't trapped between the waist band of his jeans, it must be something else.

"Alexia, shut up. You don't know what you're saying, just calm the hell down and keep your eyes on the fucking road. I can't find the fucks to give right now," He irritatingly hissed, his fingers pressed against his temple furiously.

Alexia didn't care as she let the steering wheel go with one hand and put it on the hand Jason had on his lower stomach. He looked up in surprise but promptly hardened his gaze and pushed her hand away. She roughly grabbed a fist full of his shirt and pulled it up, revealing the object tucked in his jeans.

Jason immediately pulled his shirt back down but it was too late, she had already seen it. Her heart pulsed in her chest rapidly and her view blurred as she numbly turned around, looking at the road again.

What was Jason doing with a gun? Surely she was used to guns, she even owned one, but she was different. Her family was so disgustingly connected to the business, she didn't know else. However, when a normal person like Jason walked around with a gun on him, something must be terribly wrong.

Was he in trouble? Was somebody after him? Was he trying to get into the business? Fuck, if he was... Was that what Teo has been doing every time he'd visited Jason these past days?

She was going to kill her brother.

Jason was an angry man. He had no control over himself and could do things with this gun she didn't want to think about. She didn't want to believe that Jason was capable of hurting people, but Alexia knew that he could. Who was stupid enough to give him a God damned gun?

"Alexia..." He whispered, but his voice was far, far away. She didn't pay him the least bit of attention as she drowned in her own speculations, every thought scarier than the other. What in the world could have driven him to get a gun?

"Alexia!" His voice was now loud and clear, followed by obnoxious horns of cars everywhere. His scream pulled her back to reality as she looked at the car in front of them, coming at them.

Her foot hit the brakes abruptly, the car stopping just an inch after the car in front of them. Both Jason and Alexia flew out of their chairs onto the dashboard.

Alexia would have smashed her head into the glass if Jason hadn't stretched out his arm directly, keeping her from bashing her head.

She exhaled deeply, closing her eyes and leaned her head against her seat as she tried to calm herself down, dealing with the aftermath of her audacious driving and focusing skills. Her hand unwillingly wrapped itself around Jason's stretched arm, which was still expanded anterior to her stomach. Her heart beat like crazy.

Carefully opening her eyes, she peeked at Jason, who also seemed to be shaken up. His chest rose heavily and he looked so pale that he didn't realize how he'd veered his arm into Alexia's, subconsciously needing her touch, too.

"Are you okay?" He worriedly muttered, finally looking at her. Alexia slowly nodded, not letting his arm go.

When Jason believed she was okay, he irritably pulled his arm back and ran a hand through his hair. "What the fuck happened?"

Alexia sharply looked at him. "Oh, I don't know, I guess I was just a little bit surprised by the gun underneath your shirt." She emphasized the word gun, causing Jason to puff out an annoyed breath.

"What do you need a gun for?" She continued, starting the car.

Jason didn't reply.

"Okay, fine. You know what? I don't care! You can do whatever the hell you like, who am I to even question this?"

He hummed in agreement.

That shut her up. What was she supposed to say? Jason clearly had no interest in being durable this evening, so why would she try?

It felt like the air was sucked out of the car as Alexia carefully drove Jason home. You could cut the tension with a knife. An unsettling feeling had planted itself in the pits of her body and the backs of her eyes burned. She felt like Jason's words hurt enough for her to cry, but she was too stubborn to believe any of his words.

They arrived just twenty minutes after that. Not a single word was spoken in those twenty minutes and Alexia was eager to drop him off and go home. She couldn't be around him anymore.

Jason opened the car door and got out, his eyes flickering from Alexia to the front door of his parent's house.

"Are you coming or what?" He impatiently croaked out. Alexia thought she sensed a ray of sadness.

She shook her head. "No. Why would I go inside with you?"

"Because you drove me all the way from college to my parent's house, surely you want to get inside."

"No, I'm good." She murmured, glowering at Jason. Could he just close the door and leave her alone?

"Come on, my mom is waiting." He spoke, acting like that small exchange of words in the car never happened. Obviously he was still being his asshole self, his jaw was unstoppably clenched, but other than that he seemed to try to keep himself from saying more stupid crap.

Alexia knew Jason more than anyone. She knew he was feeling extremely guilty right now, and she wanted him to feel it.

"I'm not coming inside with you. Maybe one of your many whores would like to join you, at least they give you sex right?"

Jason sighed and muttered God give me strength under his breath. Alexia felt rage succumbing her again. "God give me strength, you dick! After all the things you just said to me you still want God to give you strength?"

"Alexia, please, let's just discuss this inside. I'm so tired." He pleaded.

"You keep saying that, has it ever occurred you that I am just as tired as you are? I'm just not being a whiny bitch about it."

"I swear if you don't come out of that car I will bend you over right here right now and fuck you in that God damned ass so hard you'll beg me to stop!" Jason suddenly hissed, an aroused undertone lacing his words.

Alexia couldn't help but bite her lip, his words kindled the neglected flame in her body. She hadn't had sex for over a month now and being around Jason all the time didn't make it any easier.

However, she was still angry and upset. And how the hell did he switch moods like that so quickly?

"Go do that with one of your hoes. Fucker." She instantly shot, breaking their eye contact. The way he was looking at her was enough for her to kiss his ass and she didn't want to give up that easily.

Jason groaned. "Fuck," he muttered, "I'm sorry baby, I didn't mean anything I said earlier. I just... I don't know how to act when I'm feeling this way."

Finally, Alexia heard how the Jason she knew slowly crept back.

"Don't justify your words, Jason. Justify your actions. You still went and had sex with I don't know how many girls." She mumbled.

"I thought you were okay with that..." He started, but he immediately finished his sentence off with a quick "....never mind." After he saw the look Alexia was sending his way.

"Of course you wouldn't be okay with that. I'm..." he shook his head dismissively. "Just come inside, we'll talk."

"I don't want to talk." Alexia said, but she still got out of the car. Jason exhaled in relief and closed his car door, walking up to Alexia. She didn't look at him. "I am only coming because it's rude to keep your mom waiting."

He nodded, although a smug smile curled his lips. "Whatever you say, princess."

"And don't call me that." She reacted. Jason rolled his eyes and closed the distance between them by pushing his body against hers so harshly there was a loud thump when her back hit the car.

"I know you love it when I call you that." He murmured, licking his lips agitatedly. Alexia unnoticeably gasped at the sudden feeling of his body pressed against hers. She felt how her body longingly responded to the touch, every bone inside of her telling her she should let him fuck her right here right now, just like he said.

His body heat wavered over her and she immediately pushed herself closer to him.

She knew she was supposed to be angry, but how do you stay angry when a sex god had his dick pressed against your crotch?

"Jason, stop it, let's go inside." She snapped out of her daze, trying to push him away. Jason didn't respond and dipped his head, his mouth meeting the sensitive skin of her neck. He gently sucked it, his plump, warm lips taking their time to make sure it was excellently persecuted.

"Jason," Alexia murmured again, her hands on his chest. She initially meant to push him away, but that turned into her desperately clawing his shirt, clenching her teeth together feverishly so no sound escaped her lips.

"Jase..." She tried again, her legs intuitively opening themselves as he tightly grabbed the small of her back, another hand cupping her ass.

"Stop denying that you want this. I know you're dying for it just as much as I am." Jason whispered against the nape of her neck, slowly leaving a trail of kisses upwards. Her breathing hitched and she took a deep breath.

"Jason, we—I—stop—" But she didn't want him to stop. Right now, after everything that happened, she was still desperate for his touch. She couldn't do this anymore, she knew how Jason felt guilty about the way he talked to her and she knew that Jason was desperately seeking forgiveness through pleasuring her. She also knew he'd rather have sex with her once a year than fuck several thousands of girls multiple times a week.

That didn't mean he didn't go out of his way to have sex with someone who's not her.

"Shh, baby, just let me do this. I need it." He huskily breathed, kissing the corner of her mouth. Alexia slightly parted her lips, her hands roaming over his broad chest. Both of their breathing was slow and deep, turmoil vibing off of them. The last time they made out was on vacation, and that's longer than a month ago.

Jason grunted lowly as he gently brushed his lips along hers, a hiss escaping Alexia. "Jase..." She whispered again, but this time she really didn't know what she wanted.

He pressed his warm lips against hers. The euphoria that came with the taste of his lips was so overwhelming she reluctantly let out a soft moan, causing Jason to pull back for a mere second to curse under his breath.

"Wh-what?" Alexia looked at him, a blush rushing up her cheeks. Jason just shook his head and connected their lips again, now giving it all he got.

Everything was just simply right. The way their lips moved, the way they touched each other, the way they reacted to each other's pleasure... It was impossible to deny it; they belonged together.

After Alexia finally managed to tear herself away from Jason, she promised him they'd finish inside, after they talked.

"You promise?" Jason muttered, not entirely satisfied. Alexia nodded. "Yeah, we'll go inside, talk to your parents for a bit, then we'll talk and if I still want to, we'll finish this after that."

"If you still want to?"

Alexia rolled her eyes and grabbed his hand. "Let's go."

So they went inside, both of them entirely oblivious to the trap they easily walked into.

----

(A/N): Hi guys! This will be the last chapter I'm posting for like a week or so. I have exams but I promise that the minute I finish I'll get back to it again.

Thanks for understanding!

Love, M