I know it's been forever and I apologize BUT to my defense I had valid reasons. Anyway, here's a new chapter! I hope you guys will enjoy it. Show me some love!!!!!!

-

There had been a certain tension all morning. Alexia first thought Teo was just tired and he'd relax further into the day, but with every minute the tension became thicker. Everyone seemed to notice and Maya was the only one who knew, but every time Alexia or Jason asked, she waved it away and said it was nothing.

It was not nothing. They spent the day at a beach party and had planned on going to the club at night, but Teo informed them that he wasn't joining them so they all decided against it.

Teo, Maya, Jason and Alexia were now seated in the hotel bar downstairs, supplying themselves with mild drinks such as Mimosa's. Everyone was a bit disappointed that they weren't heading to the club and occupied the time with having facile conversations, covering school and work.

"I haven't been back on campus for a long while, though." Jason murmured, awkwardly imbibing his drink. Alexia wasn't engrossed in the conversation and kept her eyes on Teo, who didn't say a word either. She was concerned that his temper had to do with something Damian related and it ate her up inside.

"Logically," Maya said, also drinking away the awkwardness that was growing considering the turn this conversation had taken, "Do you miss it?"

Alexia furrowed her eyebrows, mouthing "What is your problem?" when Teo's eyes met hers. He shook his head dismissively, averting his gaze.

"Yeah." Jason's voice was hoarse. "First I just missed being there, you know? Hanging out with... everyone, seeing Maria... I've never missed actually studying until now. All I do is work out."

"I can't imagine. I love studying." Maya looked at her drink.

"Seriously, what the hell is your problem Teo?" Alexia exclaimed, gaining the attention of all three of them. She didn't mean to cut off the conversation but her curiosity had gotten the best of her and without even realizing she'd spilled. Teo crossed his arms in front of his chest defiantly.

"Nothing."

"Stop being difficult and tell us. Or me." She held his eye contact, knowing that he wouldn't look away. Teodoro had too much pride to do that. As expected, he didn't look away—didn't even blink—as he stated, "Like I said, nothing is going on."

Alexia puffed out a breath. "Will you quit lying to me and just be honest for once?"

"No." he sharply snapped, obviously annoyed by her choice of words. "And I am not lying, but suit yourself."

She was about to shoot a witty remark his way when Jason put a hand on her thigh, giving it a slight squeeze as he mumbled, "Maybe you should just leave him alone. He'll tell you, eventually."

"Yeah," Teo spat, "Listen to Jason."

Jason promptly turned around to look at Teo, clearly vexed by the way he'd said his name. Alexia did the same, taking great offense. Her brother had no reason to say Jason's name with that much detestation.

Maya groaned, covering her face with her hands as she whispered, "Here we go," to no one in particular. Alexia had heard but ignored it.

"Did I do something?" Jason asked slowly, raising his eyebrows. Teo glared at him. "Oh no, you've been perfect, daddy."

Relief along with discomposure washed over her, finally realizing what this was about. Alexia had a slight habit of calling Jason that in bed—they both didn't have a kink, but sometimes it just slipped out—and them being too loud would explain Teo's rage. Now that she thought about it... they were both very drunk last night and didn't pay any attention to how noisy they were being, although they knew her older brother stayed in the room next door.

And he was very protective, too. Alexia thought about the last time he'd caught her and Jason having sex and then automatically pushed the memory away, narrowing her eyes.

Oh God.

Jason looked fazed too, fending off his gaze and clenching his jaw. Alexia knew he was remembering the last time as well, no doubts.

"What? Nothing to say anymore?" Teo fussed.

Alexia stayed silent but Jason opened his mouth to speak, and then closed it again. Clearly he didn't know what to say.

"I thought so. Turn it down a fucking notch when you know I'm around, yeah?"

"I'm sorry. We're sorry." Jason quickly rambled, running a hand through his hair.

"You better be."

"Hey, I just fucking apologized, let's not get smart here." He frowned. Teo took a deep breath, turning his attention to Alexia. "Anything you'd like to say?"

"Other than that I had a really good night? Not really." There was no way in hell that she would apologize for having sex with her boyfriend. Boyfriend. That word, again. But he was, wasn't he? If they took Damian out of the equation—which they definitely would—Jason was her boyfriend. Even if he weren't, what did Teo expect them to do? Hold hands and skip? She was an adult, for God's sake.

Teo looked mortified and not surprisingly Jason looked equally as mortified. Maya, however, had a smug smile curling her lips and Alexia stifled her laughs, swiftly avoiding looking at Maya. She would burst into laughter and with her brother's temper she better shouldn't.

"Alexia!" Teo snapped, "You're making me dislike him more." To be fair he appeared honestly scarred.

"Jeez, calm down Teo. What did you think we were doing?"

"I don't know! Cuddling or making out or whatever, I didn't care until I heard you screaming 'That feels so good! Harder, harder!' and then his growls!" Teo's tone rose.

Jason let out a chortle and immediately put his fist to his mouth. Alexia just laughed out loud.

"It's not funny!"

"It kinda is babe..." Maya grinned widely, putting a hand on his shoulder. He shrugged it off, puffing out a breath. "Whatever. I'm honestly pissed off."

"Aw," Alexia put her hand over his, "We'll be quieter next time. I'm sorry. I know for a fact that Jason's sorry, I bet he's shitting himself right now. Remember the last time?"

"Am not!" Jason hissed, but he smiled.

Teo's lips curled into a meek smile too. "I remember. It wasn't me who punched him though, it was Stefano."

"I still got punched." Jason reminded them bitterly, displaying a scowl. Everyone laughed, even Maya who hadn't experienced it. "That's true." Teo shoved Jason's shoulder friendly.

The tension was practically cleared until Teo's face hardened again, asseverating that something else was on his mind. That or he was not over it yet. He knit his eyebrows together and sighed deeply, avoiding Jason's eyes at all costs.

And that's when Alexia knew this was about Damian.

She didn't have to pry it out of him, Teo deliberately started speaking before anyone else noticed his bleakness. "Me and dad were talking yesterday, when you guys were still at the party. The reason I didn't want to go to the club tonight wasn't because of this," antipathy brimmed in his eyes but it dimmed quickly, "But because dad ordered me to visit the Duarte gang."

Alexia kept her mouth shut and forced herself to show no pique, though she was highly irritated by the fact that her father made her brother work, even on vacation. The Duarte gang wasn't exactly a gang, but people called them that because they were perhaps the most violent, brutal family out of everyone in the business. The Duarte's were a big family, consisting of approximately seven brothers and five sisters, all adults and all into the business. Very.

If blood had to shed, someone from the Duarte's would fly over to the states and assassinate them. They were happy to do everyone's dirty work. That's what had gotten them their vile reputation, and they seemed to derive pleasure from it.

Alexia wasn't afraid and although she knew Teo wasn't either—they were Valdez's—it was still unpleasant to be in their house. Them visiting? Fine. But being in their house with only them around? The thought alone sent shivers all up her spine.

"How nice of him." She muttered, her crabbiness seeping through. Teo cracked a smile. "I get it." He shrugged, "It'd be impolite to not visit. The only people going to Mexico are usually... you know what? No one. We have everything so we don't need to make trips to Mexico. You know how it would appear if we didn't stop by, though. What if Edmundo heard about us being here on vacation but not visiting?"

Alexia knew her brother was right. Everyone involved in the business was considered family whether you liked it or not. Besides, Edmundo Duarte was a lax man. He was the father and he liked Teo and Alexia, so perhaps it wouldn't be so bad.

"He wouldn't like it."

"Exactly. I'll make a quick trip, talk a little about the business and get away from there."

"Wait wait wait," Alexia held her hands up frantically. "You're not going alone."

They wouldn't hurt him, she was sure, but they were still talking about the Duarte gang here. Everything was possible. It hadn't crossed her mind once that Teo was thinking about going there alone. He's supposed to be wiser than that.

"Like hell you're coming. I want them as far away as possible from you. From all of you."

Alexia looked at Jason, whose eyebrows downed on his eyes and disorientation crossed his face. "What are you talking about? Who are the Duarte's?"

"They're just some family in the business. They don't really have the best reputation."

Maya narrowed her eyes. "Don't have the best reputation how?" it occurred Alexia that Maya had only been in this for a brief amount of time, Teo not wanting to give her all the details was pretty wonted.

"They're kind of passionate about the business." She replied, earning a thankful glance from Teo.

"Well, we're going where you're going." Maya stated.

Jason chimed in. "Ditto."

Teo looked at Alexia helplessly. She knew he didn't want anyone to go but then again, she also knew that Maya would never stop tormenting him. Knowing Jason, the man would follow Teo wherever. Especially now that he heard that they were no good.

So—Alexia guessed—because of that, he agreed that they could come along. All of them.

-

The Duarte's lived in Playa del Carmen, which was one hour away from Cancun. Both Maya and Alexia were commanded to wear something longer, and when Maya realized that Alexia wasn't disobeying, she shut her mouth. They settled on maxi dresses and then headed for the car.

Inside the car Teo made it his mission to give Maya all sorts of rules, varying from 'Don't leave my side' to 'Don't touch anything without permission'. Alexia noticed that it was irking her, but the woman remarkably survived the drive without leashing out on her boyfriend once. Alexia was glad.

"Are they really that bad?" Jason was seated in the back, his arm wrapped around her shoulders slackly whilst she'd kept her hand on his thigh. He looked unbothered, but the tone he'd used for asking hinted a tiny bit of apprehension.

"I think so, I've never seen them," Alexia cleared her throat, "in action, so all I know them from is from the few visits. They seem fine to me. Intimidating and scary, but I have never been around them alone. Dad or one of my brothers are always there."

He hummed.

"You don't have to worry." She felt the need to reassure him when she was the one who was worrying.

"I'm not worried, baby." A smile graced his lips as he pulled her closer. She gratefully leaned her head against his big frame.

"I like your new muscles. You've always been muscled, but this is sexy."

"I've always been sexy."

"Yeah but now you're extra sexy."

"Just you wait until you have me naked again."

Teo coughed loudly. "I am still fucking here! Please, don't talk about having sex with my little sister until I'm miles away."

Everyone broke into fits of laughter. Jason winked at Alexia, pecking her cheek as he whispered, "We'll talk about it later, huh?"

"Trust me, we will."

-

The lively and airy mood had disappeared once they reached their destination.

It was extremely hot out so Alexia blamed her excessive sweating on the sun, but she knew deep down that she was nervous. Why? She didn't know.

The big house (or mansion?) towered over them threateningly. She had always known that people from the business liked to brag about their money, but shit. This was probably bigger than their house, bigger than the hotel they were staying in.

Also, they have twelve children.

Right. She'd forgotten.

"Lex, are you okay?" Jason sounded concerned as he cloaked his arm around her waist protectively. She nodded, "Yeah, why wouldn't I be?"

"You absolutely hate the business."

"Oh, right. Well, I can't say I like being here."

They followed Teo and Maya to the front double doors. Teo had his arm around Maya's waist as well, keeping her as close as possible.

The door opened before anyone even got the chance to knock. A maid was expected to welcome them into the house, but instead of that happening, a man appeared. He was ridiculously tall and lean, with broad shoulders. A sinister smirk curled his mouth when he acknowledged who was standing in front of him.

"Teodoro Valdez... It's a pleasure." His voice was foul but conceded nothing that could make anyone think he was being dishonest. He held out his hand and Teo politely shook it, "Anthony, the pleasure is mine."

"It's been long since I last saw you."

"Very long. It's the distance."

Anthony didn't seem to agree but dropped it, fixating his gaze on Maya. "I guess so. Who is this?"

Maya was about to respond when Teo cut her off, returning the arm that was permanently around her waist. She rolled her eyes.

"My girlfriend, Maya Lucas."

"Teodoro Valdez settled down?" Anthony raised his eyebrows, "We didn't hear about this." Alexia caught the accusation behind his nice manners and suspected Teo did too, but Teo never broke character. "People hardly know, I'm trying to keep her out of the business."

"Smart choice, Teodoro."

It was amusing, actually, to see the two men trying to have a civil conversation about something other than their target. They both used first names in their sentences to try to intimidate the other, but everybody knew; A Duarte would never top a Valdez.

After Anthony had shaken Maya's hand—something Teo loathed—he turned his attention to Alexia and Jason. Unfortunately, he recognized Alexia right away.

"Alexia? My, have you grown." Anthony stuck out his hand and when Alexia tried to shake it, he held it and pressed a firm kiss on it. She grimaced, "Nice to see you too Anthony."

Jason looked like he was about to pop a vessel, his eyes dark and his entire body tense. His lips were pulled into a straight line and he had his jaw locked forcefully, shooting daggers over to Anthony. Anthony ignored him and kept his eyes on Alexia, not speaking for a long time.

"I wanted to marry you, but Albarran beat me to it. It's a shame, really." He smirked again. Alexia's throat closed, forcing herself to smile. "I don't think it would've worked out between us anyway."

By now, Jason was livid, furious even. He kept himself calm enough for Teo's sake but heatedly tightened his grip on her.

"You'll never know." Anthony's smile faltered, a new, stoic expression overtaking his face. It was uncomfortably silent again until Teo spat, "Stop undressing her with your fucking eyes."

Anthony wasn't fazed. "I apologize." With one last glance at Jason, he turned around and opened the door further for them to walk in.

They hesitatingly walked in, breathing in the extraordinary interior of the Duarte house. From within it was fascinating, intense colours contrasting each other whilst admirable furniture filled every space. It was enticing, but nothing near the mild and graceful interior of the Valdez house. It seemed that the Duarte gang wanted to stand out in more than one aspect.

"Father is in the basement, he's eh... he'll be here soon. I have an appointment to attend to, but Gael will have you." Anthony stopped midst his tracks, looking at all of them.

His stare lingered on Jason but he broke it off when Jason pulled up an eyebrow. What the hell?

"That's fine, Anthony. We don't want you to get late." Teo smiled.

Alexia rolled her eyes, nonchalantly leaning closer to Jason as she whispered, "He's so polite, I don't know how he does it. Anthony's a jerk."

Jason grit his teeth. "A jerk he is."

Gael waltzed in with the same classic Duarte smirk, duplicating the one Anthony had thrown their way earlier. Gael was older, not much, but older. Howbeit, what stood out about Gael wasn't the smirk or the resemblance to his brother, it was the big blood stain in the middle of his white shirt.

Bright red, too. It was fresh.

Whereas Maya's eyes widened, Jason's narrowed.

"Teodoro! What a pleasant surprise!" Gael wiped his hands on his shirt, leaving two new stains as he proceeded to hold it out, his smirk from ear to ear.

Teo's lips curled into a firm smile, shaking Gael's hand like nothing was wrong with it. "Gael, you've... changed."

"You too, brother, you too."

Alexia saw Teo flinch but no one else seemed to notice. His smile never faltered like a true professional, "We just came to visit. We're on vacation in Cancun and we can't not visit, right?"

Gael nodded feverishly, "Of course not! I'm glad you did. Who did you bring?"

Again, Maya was the first one to be introduced. This time she avoided Teo's touch, a scowl curling her lips as she eyed his hand.

"That's Maya Lucas, my girlfriend."

Gael nodded again, smiling at her as he spoke, "It's nice to meet you. I would shake your hand but... I'm pretty sure you'd rather not."

"No, I'd rather not."

Gael let out a chortle and winked. Teo cleared his throat, turning his attention to Alexia. "That's Lex, you know her."

"Ah, I do, I do..." Gael took one step closer to her, raking her body with his eyes. Alexia fiercely looked back, God, she hated those pervs. "It's nice to see you again Gael." She sweetly said, a fake smile plastered on her face. Gael chuckled, raising his eyebrows. "I don't believe that."

"You've always been smart."

"Still as fierce, huh?"

"Apparently." She shrugged.

Gael, however, didn't ignore Jason. In fact, he took his time staring at him, cocking his head to the side and licking his lips, eyeing every inch of Jason's body. Though his eyes narrowed in suspicion, he slowly nodded. "And you are?"

"Jason." Jason didn't waste any breath on telling the guy his last name or anything else for that matter, he was already done with this family.

"Jason who?"

"Jason It's-none-of-your-fucking-business."

It took Gael just a split second to grab Jason by his neck, his dirty fingers enclosing his throat. "Do you know who the fuck I am?" and then he started to squeeze. Jason's eyes widened, his lips slightly parting.

Alexia's heart sank to her stomach, her body reeling with panic and anger as she threw herself at Gael and Jason. "Let him go! Let him fucking go!"

Jason gasped for air.

"Let him go Gael, I swear to God if you don't!" She shrieked, pouncing her fists on his side. Gael gave no such thing as even a kick, not acknowledging the woman punching his shoulders, but instead he tightened his hand, a low rumble of a laugh escaping his lips. "Now you're not that great anymore, huh big boy?"

Jason sputtered but then surprised them all by clenching his fist and jabbing Gael right in the face.

Gael instantly let Jason go, tottering backwards. A wave of shock crossed his face and when he tried to grab Jason again—Jason just rammed his fist into the left side of his face. "Do you know who the fuck I am?"

"Alright, that's enough." Teo stepped in, shielding Jason. Gael was about to attack when Teo held him back, "C'mon Gael! I said that's enough!"

"Who does he think he is? Coming into my house, my territory? I will fucking kill him!"

"Gael, calm the hell down. He's with us!"

An unimpressed scowl crossed Gael's face. "I don't care." And really, everybody knew deep down he didn't. As pointed out before—the Duarte's didn't care, they just wanted to kill, something they weren't supposed to do always.

Gael reached out to Jason again. Jason ineptly avoided him but unfortunately Gael moved fast and within a few seconds he had him by his throat again.

It felt like a heap of panic-bile rushed up. Alexia's heartbeat accelerated, the urge to do something fully overtaking her as she strode forwards, harshly tugging at Gael's shirt. "Are you really going to hurt sir Emilio's son in fucking law?" her voice squeaked when she'd exclaimed that in fury, immediately realizing what she'd said.

An eerie silence followed. Gael promptly let Jason go, his eyes wide.

Everyone was in shock. Alexia knew that threatening with her father would scare Gael, but did she really just admit to dating Jason?

Scratch that, she said 'son in law', as if they were engaged. Or married.

Gael, by all means, knows about Damian. Everybody knows.

Oh God.

What did she do?

"Sir Emilio's son in law?" Gael stuttered, and he actually looked que sera sera. The man had a twinkle in his eyes that said, 'fuck me, I am doomed.'

However, now that she'd spilled this, she couldn't crawl back. So instead, Alexia continued speaking, shuffling closer to Jason and avoiding Teo's eyes. Her brother was going to kill her.

"Yes. The word isn't out yet but my engagement to Damian is over."

"Oh. I—I didn't know."

"Clearly."

Teo cleared his throat. "Please excuse my sister. She wasn't supposed to tell anyone yet. If you could—perhaps not speak about it until we say you can? I'm sure sir Emilio would appreciate that." The tone he spoke with was threatening and Gael nodded, "I wouldn't dare disobey sir Emilio's orders."

"Then that's settled." But Teo's eyes spit fire, outrage evident in every movement he made. Of course he'd back his sister up, but Alexia knew that once they were out, he'd snap her neck. Figuratively.

Maya let out a strangled noise, clasping her arm around Teo's. The awkwardness was almost smothering.

"I'm sorry." Alexia whispered to Jason, grabbing his hand. Jason didn't seem too happy with what just happened and she understood, after all, if the word got out... Damian would find him in no time.

"'s okay." He mumbled, squeezing her hand.

But she knew it wasn't.

And to make it all worse, a wide man strolled into the hallway.

Teo grimaced. "Edmundo, it's so good to see you."