* * *

I pounded my fists against his back the whole way to the car and tried to get away from him the whole ride back to the house.

No one was here yet. It was quiet, dark even.

The driver pulled up and Ethan pulled me out of the back seat.

Rolling his eyes as I denied to walk up the stairs, he pulled me up over his shoulders once more.

"PUT ME DOWN!" I shouted.

"Stop kicking, or I swear I'll drop you." He scoffed.

"YES!" I shouted. "Drop me! Like that I can run away from YOU!"

Once at the top, my body was swiftly drawn away from over Ethan. The angry look in his face scared me and made me take a few steps back.

"Me?" He furrowed his eyebrows. "You wanna run away from me? If it wasn't for me, who knows what else that guy would've done to you!"

"And why should you care?" I rolled my eyes, crossing my arms over my chest.

The alcohol in my system was still active. I would never punch and shout back at Ethan in my normal state. I've avoided conversations with him. When he snaps, I stay quiet and ignore him. But not tonight... Not now.

"I thought you didn't care about me or what I do?" I added on to the comment.

"I don't." He pinned his eyes back at me, shoving past my arm to walk up towards the door.

I struggled to catch my balance again. His bold body brushing against me moved me more than it should and his rough actions pissed me off.

"Excuse me!" I shouted.

"Leave me alone, Elizabeth." He spoke, digging in his pocket for the keys to open the front door.

"No. You brought me here, now you deal with me." I argued.

"How about you back off?" He turned around, hissing back at me with a grin in his expression.

"Why where you watching me?" I asked, ignoring his cry to be left alone. "If you didn't care about me then why were you watching me?"

"You cried for help." He shrugged. "I helped."

"I barely cried." I crossed my arm. "I didn't even hear myself."

"Lies." He pinned his eyes.

"You know, I don't like you, Ethan." I responded, arms crossed over my chest.

"Oh no!" He turned around sarcastically. "I am so hurt."

Rolling my eyes, my arms crossed.

"You're an ass, Ethan." I explained. "God, you don't even know how to treat your own friends. So much of a leader.." I scoffed.

Not another word was released from my mouth before Ethan's figure came close to mine. His nose just inches away from mine. Eyes angrily pinning down at me.

"A little word of advice..." He growled. "Don't speak without knowing the whole story, toots."

"Then please!" My arms rose just as he turned his back to me. "Enlighten me!" I continued. "Why do you hate your team? Why do you hate Jack?" I was quick to ask.

"I don't owe you any explanation." He growled again, grabbing my arm in his entire hand. "Now come. Let's get you upstairs and in bed before your handsome prince comes looking for you."

"Bull-SHIT!" I shouted, yanking my arm away from him. I stumbled in my own step, but not before I made it clear I could defend myself.

Ethan's expression got deeper in his grim. Eyebrows furrowed just as his jaw tensed ever so fiercely.

"What did you just say?" His tone became low.

I had to admit, if it wasn't for all this tequila in my, I probably would've scrammed. Avoid all eye contact with the guy and just kept my mouth shut. But this was just what I needed. I was furious with Jack, and I was furious that Ethan has caused so many problems for us in the past. He's no good and someone should put him in his place. Therefore, enter Elizabeth.

"You are such a coward, Ethan." I started walking up to him. "You can't even admit your wrongs."

"That's because I've done nothing wrong to admit to.." He defended.

"Lies." I pinned my eyes back at him. "We all have secrets.. Shit we're not proud of doing."

"Enlighten me." He stated sarcastically, using my own words against me. "What has little miss perfect done that is so bad?"

"You don't know me, Ethan." I shook my head. "You look at me as if you've got me all figured out, but you have no idea who I really am." I defended, anger piercing at my throat.

"And you've got me figured out?" He pointed back at himself. "Let me tell you something, Princess... You are no one to tell me who I am.. Or how I should act around my boys."

"You don't even treat them as decent people." I pinned my eyes. "It is all about you, at the end of the day—Isn't it?"

"It's called survival!" He shouted.

The ring in his tone made my ears vibrate. Of course the alcohol didn't help, but I knew right then I had him triggered.

"You don't know what it's been like, Princess." He walked closer to me. "The MET shooting, exploding cars, ex girlfriends coming back from the dead... That's just scratching the surface of all the mad shit we've had to put up with." He started. "And Jack... He's done a really hard job fighting to keep you from seeing all the nasty shit we have to go through. You've only seen the surface. But he's been drowning trying to save you... You've just been so damn ignorant to notice!"

His words left a feeling of an empty void in the pit of my stomach. I had no idea whether to believe if this was his anger speaking or if it was real. No, it couldn't? Jack would've said something.. Done something even. Right?

"I am not ignorant." I denied. "I've been working hard, just as the rest of you—"

"Let me stop you right there." He held his hand before me, coming closer in smaller steps. "You came into this world barely three months ago. Your assistance has been needed less than the amount of fingers I have on one hand." He demonstrated. "My boys and I, we've been in this for years... Death.. Bombings. It's nothing to us."

"Maybe to you, but it impacts the rest."

"You know what impacts the rest?" He questioned. "Teaming up with Andrew Colt!" He exclaimed. "Jesus, do you have any idea how hard that must've been for Jack? Did you even bother asking him before bringing him in?"

"I-I"

"After Serena, Colt has made Jack's life miserable. Every single one of us has been hurt one way or another by Colt. Yet you stroll in with him hand in hand. Because he's your brother now we have to forgive and forget everything he's done to us... To those we love." He cut me off.

"I'm not asking you to forgive Andrew. I have my fair share in the stories of what he's done in the past." I walked behind him as soon as he turned to walk up the stairs. "I myself have put him in his place—And he listened."

"So the dog listened to the trainer.." He sarcastically remarked. "You should be rewarded."

He was really ticking me off now. Fisting my hands in my sides, I began to speak through gritted teeth.

"Why is it so hard for you to trust me?" I wondered.

Ethan stopped at the top of the stairs ever so abruptly that I nearly crashed against his back.

"Why?" He hissed beneath his breath, the tip of his nose coming close to my own. "Because this isn't my first rodeo, Princess. Every other person I've lead my boys to trust end up tearing us apart." He paused. "Which is exactly what you've been doing so far..."

"Excuse me?" I rose my voice. "If anyone is tearing up anything here... It's you." I emphasized. "You and your ignorance."

Before I could make another move, Ethan's hand flew over to my arm once more. His grip became forceful in my limb, tightening as his jaw clenched.

I wasn't going to let him put a hand on me like that. Raging in anger, my free arm moved as if it had a mind of its own. Drawing my fist across his bottom jaw, I swiveled my arm away from his hold. With both hands now free, I pushed him away.

Not like he remembered, but I was trained by one of his own.

Ethan stood his ground where I left him. Dabbing his fingers over his bottom lip which I left bleeding. I had no idea what his reaction was to this. He always had a rather sick mind. The look on his face was rather... Proud?

"I see Justin trained you well, Princess." He smirked. Taking another step forward, his rapid action had be back in his hold. One arm hung around my neck as the other held both my arms close to my sides. I suffered in his hold, unable to move. He found this rather enjoyable. I felt the corner of his smile against my cheek as he spoke to me from behind. My back pressed firmly to his.

"But don't you forget who trained him, first." He whispered.

Finding a bit of wisdom in his words, it was then I noticed I had some sort of an advantage being so close to him and my hands being held near to the spot I intended on aiming for.

My hands were balled up, ready to punch his groin, when suddenly I felt his waist slightly pull away.

"Ah-Ah-ah." He shook his head. Turning my body to face him once more, Ethan now held me by both my arms.

"You are dancing with the devil now, Princess." He smiled. "I'd be a little more careful with your next step."

"You don't even care about them." I shook my head, regarding to the guys in my words. "All you care about is staying alive."

"And that's bad how?" He wondered.

"You only care about yourself." I pinned pointed.

Ethan's arms reached to cross over his broad chest. "You've got me all figured out, don't you?" He wondered.

I nodded my head. "You're a selfish person who pretends to care about his team but fails to play part in it. When times get hard, you aim to avoid confrontation. When the guys decide against you, you do something to get yourself in trouble and end up in jail so you won't be hurt." I explained. "I said it before once, and I'll say it again... You're a coward, Ethan Walker. And you envy Jack because he's twice the man you'll ever be. That's why you can't stand him... You hate seeing him take charge. And you fear, that the day will come, where he will replace you. You'll be just another name for the stories—A shadow."

I could not believe it coming from myself everything that I had just poured out to Ethan Walker himself. The man was feared by many... Worshiped in others. And me.. Drunken little Elizabeth Viera, came to spill it all in his face.

Shit.

Ethan said nothing, reacted to nothing...

I stood gulping down my own fear as he stood still with his arms still folded up in front of him. He kept his look to his side, scoffing and shaking his head towards my words.

What the Hell did I just do!?

"You think Jack is going to replace me?" He finally spoke, toned voice sounding rather calmer than before. "I guess he never told you then..." He smiled.

"Told me what?" I wondered.

"Jack was the first leader of this group." His arms came down to his sides. "It was him who started the Vipers... It was him who couldn't bare with the cargo it brought... It was him who turned it over to me..."

Jack was the leader before Ethan? What? None of it made sense... Why would he give up his position? Why would he not tell me?

"You're lying." I denied. "He would've told me this a long time ago."

"Why would he?" Ethan wondered.

"Because..." I paused. "Jack tells me everything..."

"Oh does he now?" Ethan arched a brow. "So he told you why he quit racing in the first place?Why he handed me the spot?" He came closer to me with every sentence. "Why he kissed Ivy during our trip to Barcelona?"

"What?" The word fell flat from my mouth with his remark.

I was taken aback with the news. None of what Ethan was telling me sounded like Jack. It pained me just thinking about it all.

My lack of knowledge proved his point. The look on Ethan's face seemed settled, he was the alpha now.

"J-Jack wouldn't do that..." I denied.

"Why not?" He asked. "He kissed Serena?"

"She kissed him.." I defended. "And he told me about it. And how it meant nothing."

I couldn't help myself. The tears in my eyes started to form once more but I wasn't going to cry in front of him. I wouldn't give him the fulfillment.

"You clearly don't know your boyfriend, Princess." He

"Jack loves me." I stated.

"And where is he now exactly?" Ethan asked, looking around.

This wasn't even an argument anymore. This was simply a backlash if you may say. Ethan hates me, it's obvious. But he hates me with Jack more...

"Why are you doing this?" I asked him. "Why are you turning us against each other? We've done nothing to you."

"You may not see it now, but you'll both be thanking me for this later." He responded. "The two of you are better off without one another. I'm just looking out for my boys."

"You keep saying that.. But always fail to mention how exactly you're doing that?" I wondered.

Ethan looked back at me and pinned his eyes.

"Ever since you got here, there's been nothing but death and trouble for the group." He explained. "I need Jack to have a clear mind so we can finish this mission alive. You and your problems fog that up for him."

I looked back at him and noticed his ways. The tone in his voice, it had changed completely. It was weird to even think about it... But it seemed as if he was using anger to try and back me off.

"Is it true?" I asked him, stepping closer to his figure. "Is that really what you think of me?"

Ethan couldn't look at me. He tried his best to avoid eye contact and that's when I knew...

His silence was all I needed for an answer. There had to be another way to warm up to him.

"Obviously I don't have you figured out, Ethan Walker." I shrugged. "Would you mind enhancing your image for me a bit?"

"Why do you care?" He pinned his eyes down at me. "You're going to go on and think of me the way you want to anyways.."

"You see, that's another thing you should know about me..." I stopped him before he could take another step. "I actually listen to others." I nodded my head. "I am willing to listen to you too..."

Ethan's green orbs carefully turned to look back into my own. The sincerity in my voice had caught his attention. There was something else nothing him alright... I was just the easy target for him to pick on all this time. But I'm also the first one to bring his actions to his attention, and willing to hear him out. So this has also brought a toll on him.

Why am I doing this? I don't know the answer to that question myself. But it's the right thing to do...

"I'm going to bed." Ethan clenched his jaw. Pushing me away, he continued to walk down the hall.

The spin made me hot on my heels and you could say the room started spinning around again.

I called out for him to wait, but with one step I took, my body nearly fell down the stairs.

That was... Until a strong arm caught me before doing so.

Ethan's eyes remained locked on mine. Our breathing falling heavy. I imagined he raced over to me once he noticed me tipping back on the stair's edge. He was scared so himself that he actually caught me.

I for once had no words for him. I was shocked.

I felt him slowly bring me back up, his arm still held close around my waist.

"We um.." He cleared his throat. "You should get into bed."

"I'm not tired." I shook my head.

The distance between Ethan and I was rather narrow. It was then in that moment that I felt something. I don't know how to describe it.. But it was there alright. Similar to all the times Jack had saved me before.

Shit...

"Um.." I stood back on my feet, distancing myself from Ethan's hold.

His hand fell from my waist as my own came to cover up my stomach. Long hair fell as a curtain over my face, shielding me away from the burning look of desire growing on Ethan's eyes.

"Thank you.. For catching me." I gently spoke.

"Don't thank me." He denied, eyes looked away afterwards. "I'm going to bed."

"Why did Jack stop racing?" I called out, anxious for a response once and for all.

Ethan stopped in his tracks, head turning over his shoulder to spot me standing still. "That's a story for him to share with you, Princess. Not me."

"Why?" I stepped closer. "You've obviously had a role to play in it as well."

"But it's not my story to tell." He honored. "I believe Jack will tell you when the timing is right, as he has spilled many times before."

"Lately Jack hasn't been telling me a lot of things.." I responded. Just the mere thought of Jack with Ivy made my body twitch. If this is true.. What else could he possibly have kept from me?

Ethan turned around, his shoulders coming to ease. I watched him scatter his view around the room as he rubbed his chin, wondering what to do next. Sighing, he finally answered.

"I'm going to take a shower, as should you." He looked back at me. "You reek of alcohol." He answered. "Perhaps when we're both bathed and sobered up.." He arched a brow as he looked back at me. "We could talk."

I knew that moment his mind was set. He would not be telling me any of the requests I've been asking for since he brought me here tonight. There was no more I could ask of him. Ethan is an ass, but he's one Hell of a Loyal ass.

He turned around without saying another word. His body disappearing as he entered his bedroom.

Once again... I stood in silence.. All alone.

* * *

Hours have passed and I found myself unable to sleep.

After taking a rather quick shower and changing into a silk night gown with matching robe, I found myself pacing through the empty halls of the mansion. It was nearly impossible to sleep after everything that's happened tonight. And still... There was no sign of Jack.

Trying to aid my worried state, I walked out into the backyard of the house. I stood by the balcony's railing, drinking from a glass of wine as the cool ocean air blew past me.

It was quite. Too quiet.

I've grown to love the sounds of the waves crashing into the shore. The sound the palms trees make as they sway side by side with the wind.

I'm going to miss this... The warm air... The silence...

The peace.

I was yet to hear another word from Ethan. Once in his room, he locked himself in. I heard the shower running even after coming out of mine, but then there was nothing. And the lights were shut off.

What was I thinking?

I can't have fun. Not when I have a million other things to worry about in my mind. I am creating more damage for myself.

All I wanted was this all to be over. Everything.

Tristian Blade. The Red Venom. Dominic Baines...

My fight with Jack.

As much as I hated him right now, I still wanted him near me. His presence is a sense of tranquility. I have a peace of mind knowing he's right here by my side. Even if we were fighting... I love him.

Fuck.

Taking another sip of my wine, I sighed and continued to look out to the dark ocean before me. It was pitch black out here. Only the dim lights of the patio and the bright light of the pool behind me aided me with the visionary assistance.

Not another long moment passed and my second glass of wine was finished. I reached for the bottle to pour me another one before I noticed it was now empty too. Sighing, I grabbed my glass and bottle and turned to head over to the bar outside.

I stopped in my own tracks as I noticed another figure now coming out to the backyard from the huge French doors. His appearance shocked me quite a bit, but then again, I've been drinking more than I am held accountable for.

"Thought you went to sleep?" I scoffed, carelessly placing the bottle of wine onto the bar's countertop as Ethan stood by the entrance wearing just a pair of grey joggers and a black hoodie.

"I was..." He commented. "But then I decided to look out to the ocean and noticed a girl with rather big bottle of wine in her hands." He now looked down at me as I stood at the bar, searching for a new bottle to drink away.

"And why should you care?" I retorted, shuffling through the empty glasses at the bar.

"You won't find any more alcohol, if that's what your looking for." He strolled past me, both hands in the front pockets of his joggers.

"What did you do with it?" I stood up, growing annoyed with his presence.

"Doesn't matter." He shook his head. "What matters is that it's not here." He smiled. "C'mon, you don't want to drink away your problems.. Believe me, I'm the first to know, Princess."

"STOP calling me Princess." I exclaimed, hands stomping on the hardwood of the countertop that stood between us. I noticed Ethan's rather enthused stated and decided to calm down. This was probably the reaction he was initially hoping for. Again, I won't give him the pleasure. "My name is Elizabeth."

Sighing, I grabbed a water bottle, one of the only things left of the fridge for me to take. My bet was he scavenged the house while I was in the shower and his all the bottles. Oh well, the night is still young and I don't plan on having him around for long. I'll find the rest of those bottles.

"Okay, Elizabeth..." He turned around as I walked past him with my water bottle. I wanted to sit by the pool. I still wasn't tired. "Why are you not in bed?" He questioned behind me.

"I told you, I wasn't tired." I sat on the edge of one of the lounge chairs, opening the bottle and holding it up to my lips. "Besides, why do you care?" I rolled my eyes, drinking from the bottle.

"I don't." He answered again. Ethan ignored my obvious methods of trying to push him away and say on the chair besides me instead.

God.. What is it with this guy?

"If you don't care then why are you sitting here besides me?" I spoke looking in front of me. There was no point in looking him in the eyes.. He doesn't respect me. So why should I respect him?

"Maybe you're not the only one that is looking for some fresh air?" He taunted.

Rolling my eyes, I began to excuse myself. Bed was sounding really comfy right now. I didn't want to be around him. I had only stood up from my chair before I felt Ethan's hand grab onto mine once more.

"Wait.." He begged.

My eyes glanced from his eyes back to his hand over mine. I believe I've established already how he shouldn't lay his hands on me again. Ethan saw the look of warning in my eyes and sincerely apologized for it.

"Forgive me.." He released his hold on me. "I just figured I owed you an explanation."

"I thought you didn't owe me any." I clapped back with his own words.

"I don't." He shook his head. "But obviously you don't do too well with secrets." He looked back at the bottle of wine I left out by the bar.

Sighing, I forced myself to sit back down. This time I laid resting on the comfortable chair. My hand slapped over my forehead, aiding my eyes to close in the palm of my hands.

"You're right to hate me." I confessed. "I'm weak, and have no idea what I'm doing." My hands fell back to my sides.

Ethan scooted up in his seat. He was now laying over the chair like me. He had one leg bent up, knee aiming for the sky, and the other laid straight before him. He reached his hand out for the bottle of water I held besides me. Sighing once more, I handled him the bottle and he opened it up before taking a sip from it.

"I don't hate you, Elizabeth. Let's start there." He spoke, closing up the bottle after his drink.

"But.."

"And you're not weak.. Don't ever say that again." He interrupted.

"I'm confused?" I furrowed my eyebrows, this time looking back at him. "Where you here half an hour ago?"

Ethan only laughed, sight focused on the pool in front of us.

"I said what I said, Elizabeth, but if there's one thing you should know about me is that I don't lie." He turned to me. "I never said I hated you.. Those words came out of your mouth. Not mine."

"So now you want to be friends?" I questioned.

"I never said that either." He chuckled.

"Then what do you want from me, Ethan?" I asked him in surrender. "I'm done playing your little mind control game. You made me feel bad enough already."

"I was only telling you what those who claim to love you have failed to mention." He replied.

My attention was now fully drawn to him. It was clear he had something to say about me.

"Look, you're smart...Yes... Lovable even." He started. "But you can't come around making rules for others."

"I didn't—"

"Eh!" He rose a finger, urging me to stop talking.

"You did, Elizabeth." He nodded. "You made Jack train you in everything we know.. Cutting off important time to teach you.. You made Andrew join forces with us, knowing how badly we've gotten along in the past..."

I didn't bother saying anything to confront that part... It was true and it made me sound like some horrible person. I hate others coming in and taking advantage of others for their own personal gain. I didn't realize it before, but maybe he has a point.

"And Jack..." He paused. "I've seen this happen a few times already. You never listen to what he has to say. Everything he tells you to do, you disobey and end up doing your own thing at the end." He explained. "He cares about you, Elizabeth. A lot."

"I know.."

"You don't. Or else you would take his word into consideration." He nodded. "Can't you see how drained he is? Because even after he tells you what you should do, you go out and do the opposite, which means he needs to go out of his way to save you again."

His words cut through me like a knife. I had no idea this is what he saw me as. No wonder he can't stand me.

"Why are you defending him now?" I asked looking back at him. "Jack? You're always against anything he says."

"You might find this odd, but that's how I protect him." He looked down. "Jack... He's a rather soft one—You should know because that's why you're with him." He looked back at me. "He's the one who cares most about the group, he was the leader once for crying out loud.. But in the world, softness gets you killed. That's why I have to be hard on him, toughen him up." He explained. "I don't ever want to see the day Jack of all people dies following his heart."

"Is that why he turned over his leadership to you?" I wondered.

"Something like that." He nodded. "You see, we Vipers used to have a lot more members. With Jack as a leader, we were unstoppable." He smiled. "I'm talking making millions... Every night. Have you ever seen Jack race before?" He asked me.

I only shook my head. "He told me he couldn't anymore... I respected that."

"You should've pounded him harder to tell you that story." He nodded. "Maybe with that knowledge you'll understand me a bit more."

"How's that?" I asked.

Ethan remained laying on his chair, looking out into the pool light. I could sense a story coming, the one he wanted Jack to tell me himself.

A long sigh fell from his mouth as he retraced his thoughts. Moments after, he started speaking again.

"Has Jack ever told you about Rusty? Nathan Rusty?" He asked me.

I didn't have to think for long. I would've remembered a unique last name like that before. I shook my head, no.

"Before Justin... Before the Vipers... Jack had Nathan Rusty." He explained. "Nathan was like a brother to him. Good kid."

I furrowed my eyebrows and shifted in my seat, wondering where he was going with this story now.

"Jack told me once, it was Nathan's dad, Pete Rusty who first introduced him to his love of cars." He started. "Nathan And Jack were just kids. I remember seeing them at the meets with Nate's father. They weren't part of any group, just two kids having fun.. Watching cars race." He continued. "Jack was only 16 when Colt took him under his wing. Nate wanted no part in that, said he never liked Colt to begin with. They grew apart with the years, but Jack always remembered his brother." He nodded. "After everything happened with Serena, Nate was the one who helped him out. They decided to start their own brotherhood. A team where the things that happened with Colt would never happen. It would be strictly driving and developing new skills."

"Is that where you guys came in?" I asked.

Ethan smiled, nodded his head. "Nate was actually the one who found me. I was the oldest in the group... When he found me, I was lost.. Taken upon the low world of drugs and alcohol. They took me in and turned me around."

I don't know why, but a small smile came to face upon hearing his story. Jack and his friend, turning others around.. Those who needed help in their darkest times. It just comes to play to see how good of a person he is.

"Little by little, their small group started filling up. They were the best because they played loyal in a game where everyone else was a cheater." He described. "This sort of behavior came to be noticed by other rivals..."

"Colt?" I wondered.

Ethan nodded. "Yes... And Blade."

There was another small pause before he continued his story. "Nate started seeing an outsider... A girl named Natalia." He turned his look back to me. "You would've liked her.. She was just like you." He chuckled.

"What happened?" I found myself asking.

"Blade happened." He sighed. "Natalia, Nate, and Jack... They were three best friends. They did everything together. Nate and Natalia loved Jack as little brother. Blade has always wanted to get revenge on Jack for always winning. So he did some digging and found out they were his weakness."

"Did Blade.." I couldn't even finish my own sentence. It was obvious what he did but I couldn't bring myself to admit to it.

Ethan only nodded his head. "We were all together that day. The whole group." He paused. "Jack and Nate planned the night. As it turns out, Nate and Natalia we're announcing their retirement. You see, Natalia was expecting... We couldn't be more proud." He smiled. "But one thing lead to the other... And the celebration dinner turned into an ambush. Blade took advantage of the fact that we would all be there in one place."

I was at the edge of my seat by now. Ethan's story mesmerizing me completely.

"The whole restaurant was taking a shot at us." He continued. "None of the guys had killed before that night... So you could just imagine the fear in the room." He explained. "Jack had one of the guys down.. He took hold of the man's gun and held him there at gunpoint... But he couldn't do it." He paused. "With my background.. Being the eldest and all—I took the kill for Jack. And that kill saved Nate from being shot at."

"Oh my God.." The words fell from my mouth.

"It doesn't end there." He shook his head. "A group of guys took Natalia as a hostage... Nate was already hot at his heels after them." The pain was clear in his tone of voice as he relived the moment before us. God I can't listen to this anymore... "Being that Jack was one of the best racers, it was no surprise it was him who took the wheel with Nate as they chased behind Natalia."

"Eth.." I found myself sitting closer to him. My hands grasping over his own as his grip tightened around the water bottle.

"Blade had put one of his surprise bombs in the car..." He explained. "They weren't as sophisticated as they are now.. But the blow was hard enough to make Jack lose control." He relived. "We saw it all happen. Justin and I, we were in the car right behind them. The impact blew Jack right out of the car... He never wore his seatbelt. Nathan on the other hand..."

"No..." I clapped my hands over my mouth.

"The car was upside down... Jack.. He crawled over to try and save his friend. It was the most gruesome thing you could ever watch... A man's burning flesh.. Blood everywhere.." He closed his eyes, controlling his rage with his breathing moments after. "Justin and I, we got there on time. We pulled Jack away from the car just before it blew up... With Nate still inside." He paused. "After that night, everything changed. The accident... It took years for Jack to recuperate both physically and mentally. He was never able to race after that..." He looked up to me. "And as for the leadership... Jack handed it to me... Because I was the only one who didn't fall apart in public with the tragedy. He sought that I could handle it better than he ever could. We wanted revenge after that night. Finally my street skills would be put to the test." His eyes fell down to our hands. "I trained them all, built them into what we are today... It's been torcher, Elizabeth. That's why survival is so important to me..."

I released one last shaky breath before tightly gripping his hands. My eyes fluttered closed, head fell low between my shoulders. This is by far the worst thing that could've happened to Jack... To the team... Ethan... He's just scared. He said so himself... He was the only one who held it up in public. He saved Jack's life.

"What happened to the girl?" I asked softly. "Natalia?"

Ethan sniffed, clearing his throat before his puffy red eyes looked back at me. He couldn't say the words to my face, only shook his head.

His body crashed back into the seat before he dried up his tears. The memories were clearly painful and I can see now why no one has been able to speak about it.

"I am so sorry, Ethan." I looked down at my lap. Shaking my head in denial. "I-I don't know what to say?"

"There's nothing to say." He shook his head, eyes looking up at the sky full of stars.

"I understand now.." I explained. "Why you are the way you are. You're protecting them..."

"But let me guess.." He chuckled. "I have an awkward way of showing it?"

"You don't have to be so sarcastic, Eth." I explained. "Being a leader doesn't mean tearing your members apart psychologically... You need to build them up." I paused. "Take that hatred for Blade and put it to good use... To build the courage to fight the guy... And kill him—For all of those he took away."

Ethan remained silent, sighing as he looked down at the pool again. I could sense him taking note of my advice.

"So now you know." He nodded. "Sound much of a monster still?"

"You made yourself seem like the monster because you didn't want to replace Jack." I noted. "But you are no monster."

"I am.." He explained.

"Then If you're going to be a monster.. Be a furious one." I instructed. "All that rage you pour out to your teammates, save it up and release it to the real monster. Blade."

There was silence once more as Ethan took in my advice. This all seemed weird to him, I could see it in his look. He of all people, sharing the deadliest story the group has every faced, to me.

"Why are you telling me all this?" He wondered. "Thought you still didn't like me?"

"I didn't like your leadership skills." I answered. "You've got a good group of guys besides you. Listen to them, and hear what they have to say, instead of shaming them and doing things your way."

"I can see why Jack loves you so much." He smiled, looking back at me. "And why he listens to you. You're a wise girl, Princess."

There was nothing I could think of to reply to him except for raising my eyebrow as he mocked the nickname again.

"Like I said, all you needed to do was listen for a change." I smiled. "People might just surprise you."

My comment left us both with a small smile to our face. Nodding his head, Ethan kept his vision on his hands.

"Thank you." I spoke. "I know that story wasn't easy for you to share... But you did it, and for that I am grateful. You're a good man too, Ethan Walker."

"You're not too shabby yourself, Elizabeth Viera." He smiled.

"Can we start over?" I asked him. "I mean.. Leave the past behind us? Not fight?"

Ethan looked at me as sat up in his seat. "Knowing you, Elizabeth, we'll be butting heads for a long time." He paused. "But I'll agree to listen." He smiled, hand reaching out for my own to shake.

I glanced from his palm to his eyes. This was really happening... The long hatred between Ethan and I has officially ended. Who would've guessed a couple shots of tequila would've done the trick to that.

"I'll take it ." I smiled, shaking his hand to the offer.

Out of surprise, Ethan brought me into an embrace. I didn't back away from it.. It was.. Nice.

"Alright.." He smiled, standing up from the chair. His tall frame looked down at me as I still sat. "I'm gonna head off to bed. Are you gonna stay here?" He asked.

I nodded my head.

"I think I'm going to take advantage of the security and the beach for a little while longer." I smiled up at him.

"Suite yourself." He shrugged. "Just shout if you need me."

"Thanks." I smiled, watching him turn around and walk himself safely back inside.

This has been one Hell of a trip...

* * *

The night was still up and I was still outside... Quietly listening to the waves until I drifted off into a subtle sleep.

Last I checked it was almost 3am. No one was still home.

I'm sure they were still out partying, having fun.

I on the other hand, was perfectly fine right here.

There was only one thing missing...

I thought about going out to find him. But I didn't know where to start? Besides, a drunk girlfriend on the loose would be the last thing the guys needed now.

I thought about him a lot after my conversation with Ethan. I recalled his scars, the ones I believed were from the notorious business trips.. Only they weren't. They were from his accident.

I can't believe Jack never told me. I understand why he didn't though. It was too much to pour out. And Jack is a guy who's been through a lot. I couldn't ask much more of him.

So instead, I remained outside. Thinking about my boyfriend even as I slept.

"Elizabeth?"

The soft tone of my name slowly brought my consciousness back to reality. My eyes fluttered open. The alcohol still coursing through my veins blurred my vision at first, but the moment I saw those deep brown orbs, realization hit me.

"Liz..." He softly whispered again.

A gasp fell from my mouth as I immediately stood up from the seat I laid upon.

"What.. Um?" I scratched my head, thinking of the question I wanted to let out first. "What time is it?"

"Almost 3." He responded, looking down at me moments after. "What are you doing out here?"

"I.." I began to look around, not exactly sure of the answer myself. "I don't know?" I looked back at him. "Where's everyone else? Are they okay?" I grew a bit worried.

Jack only smiled, closing his eyes as he nodded his head. "Everyone's okay, they're still at the club."

"Oh.." Was my only reply.

"I've been looking for you all night.." His eyes never left my own. "Ethan called me up.. Said you were at the house."

I nervously looked away. How embarrassing to tell your boyfriend you were completely wasted and that's why his friend had to bring me home. "Sorry." I apologized. "I wasn't myself after our.. Talk.."

A long sigh fell from Jack's mouth. "I'm sorry, Liz." He held either side of my cheeks in his large hands, aiding for me to look at him. "I should've never left you alone. Let alone, say all those things." He looked away in guilt.

Without thinking, I latched my arms around Jack.

My action seemed to surprise him, myself included. But he didn't draw away, so I took advantage of that and only held him closer.

I felt Jack's hands give in. One held my back as the other rose to the back of my head, brushing down my long hair.

He placed a kiss to the top of my head and held it there for a moment longer before I drew away from his hold to look up at him.

"Hey.." He softly smiled, eyes looking into mine. "Are you okay?"

"You're here." I smiled in his embrace.

"Liz.." He paused, hands grabbing onto my arms now as he pulled away to get a better look at me. "What happened? You don't seem angry?"

"That's because I'm not." I shook my head. "Not anymore."

My fingertips met the bottom of his chin. I aided him to look up enough for my lips to crash against his own.

My lips softly brushed against his own, noses touching each other's before our eyes fluttered back open.

"Why do we keep doing this to each other?" I asked him, eyes looking down at his lips. They've never looked more beautiful.

"I don't know." He shook his head, a small chuckle falling from his lips. "Maybe we love each other a little too much?"

"Jack." I softly smiled, placing another kiss to his lips.

Jack remained kneeling besides my chair, his height only leveling with own as I remained sitting still.

My hands found themselves coming up to lace in between his soft curls. Tugging at the ends a bit as we held each other close.

"I spoke with Ethan." I began to ease into it.

Jack's head instantly looked up at me, eyebrows furrowing to what I had to say next. "H-He told me about the accident."

I watched as Jack's eyes grew wider. Jaw tenser.

"What?" The word fell from his mouth. He was about t stand up before I held him by the shoulders and urged him to sit back down.

"Please, I asked him to. Don't be upset with him." I explained, scooting over in my seat, I guided him to come and lay with me. He laid besides me ever so peacefully. Instantly, my arms and legs tangled between his own.

"What did he tell you?" He wondered as my head carefully rested upon is chest.

"He told me about your friend Nate and Natalia... What Blade did to them.." I softly spoke. "Why you don't race anymore."

The tension could be felt in Jack's grip on my body. This hurt him alright.

"I'm sorry I didn't tell you before." Jack held my body close to his own with his strong arms. I've never felt more safe in my life.

"It's okay." I eased into his embrace. "You weren't ready to speak about it."

"So now you understand why we keep Ethan in his position." He looked down at me.

I nodded my head.

"He's a good guy, Liz." He nodded. "He just has a strange way of showing it."

"He's only protecting you guys the best way he knows how." Now I defended. There's a thought I never thought I'd say about Ethan?

Even Jack was a bit perplexed by my words.

"Jack?" I wondered, looking up at him to see his gorgeous dark eyes look down at me.

"Yeah?" He asked me.

"Do you feel like I'm suffocating you?" I furrowed my eyebrows.

"Is that what Ethan told you?" He questioned me with an arched brow.

"I'm being serious..." I shuffled in my seat, plopping on my elbows as I laid with my front pressed to his own. "I know I always rebel against what you have to say... And end up doing it my way instead."

"Seeing you do your own thing, Liz.. It's what makes me fall in love with you every day." He smiled, hand brushing back some strands of hair that fell over my face. "Why would you ever think that way?"

"I just.." I searched for the right words to say. "I don't want to be the reason you get hurt."

"Liz." He looked down at me, lips meeting my own once more. "If anything, you are the reason I am still alive. I have something to fight for.."

"And your freedom?" I asked.

"You are my freedom, Elizabeth." He smiled. "I love you."

I will never get tired of hearing those words fall from his mouth.

"I love you too." I smiled.

Kissing him once more, I found it nearly impossible to stop. Before I knew it, I was sitting on top of him. The thoughts of Ethan's story came flooding to the front of my mind again and I found myself pulling away once more.

"I'm sorry this all happened to you." I looked down at his beautifully rested body below my. "You've lost so many loved ones."

"And now you see why it's so important for me to protect you the way I do." He replied, hands grabbing onto my own once more.

I nodded my head. The palms of my hands falling over to his breathing chest.

"Thank you..." I responded. "For always looking out for me."

Jack sat up in his seat and reached his arm out enough to grab onto the back of my neck. Gently, he urged me to give into him. Our lips never lost contact. My hands moving all around his torso.

The air began to heat up, and I found myself wanting nothing more than to remove all his clothes. There's been tension between us this entire trip so far. I didn't want any of that to follow us the whole way through. We've got too much to lose here, I'd rather not be fighting with him over something this stupid. I should be enjoying him. Enjoying our time together in this marvelous island.

Who knows when we'll have another shot like this?

My hands went down to the hem of his T-shirt, gently tugging it up his beautiful, toned torso. I nearly gasped with the sight of him. He made every inch of my grow excited. I hated the power he had over me, but damn did it feel so good.

Jack's hands skimmed up my silk nightgown, tugging at the side strings of my underwear.

"Fuck, Liz.." He mumbled against our kiss.

His head moved the side, kissing me down my neck and over to my exposed shoulder from the robe I wore.

"I.. I don't want to keep fighting." I spoke between the kisses I planted on his cheek. My fingertips dig into the surface of his broad shoulders, begging for more contact.

"Neither do I." He replied, looking back into my eyes before speak his next words. "I just want you... All of you."

There was question or doubt about it. I wanted all of him too.

Taking him by his cheeks, I smiled and gave him a soft nod to my head. "Kiss me." I begged.

Without further a do, he complied. Jack's hands went up the side of my dress, as far as the fabric allowed him to. I went on and removed the robe from my arms, allowing the silk to fall on the ground besides me.

It was then Jack picked us up. Our lips never left contact. Instead, I only held him closer. Both my arms and legs straddling around his body.

"Jack..." I spoke between kisses. "Jack.."

Jack finally listened, pulling away to look at me as my body slipped down from his hold. My feet touched the ground once more but I remained close to him. His chest rose and fell heavily. I knew where he was initially trying to get us... But in light of us being a tropical island and having the house all to ourselves... I thought of something else.

"Let's stay here.." I looked up at him before glancing back at the perfectly empty pool behind me.

Jack's eyes widened with enlightenment.

"Elizabeth Viera..." He smirked, reaching out to pull me closer. Only he didn't get to fully catch me. I took a few steps backwards and closer to the pool instead.

I was becoming some sort of a tease to Jack.. Something I've never done before. And the action was making him noticeably excited....

"Fuck." He bit his bottom lip.

Maybe it was the alcohol already in my system. Or just the fact that I fucking loved this boy! Whatever it was.. I was in control tonight, and I was going to have my fun with it.

"How come you still have your pants on, Gilinsky?" I arched a brow, smiling as I stepped back into the top step of the pool's stairs.

"Don't fucking do this to me, Elizabeth.." He begged with a smile on his face.

Shrugging my shoulders, I took another step back. The warm water was up to my knees now. I watched Jack kick off his shoes, throwing them aside before reaching over to the buckle of his belt.

"Wait.." He stopped himself, looking back at me with an arched eyebrow. "What are you taking off?" He asked.

Looking down at what I was wearing, I knew removing the one piece I had covering me would be too revealing too fast. In efforts to spice up what I had already begun, I allowed my hands to reach up my dress. Slowly, I tugged down the only other piece of fabric I wore.. My underwear.

It was entertaining to see the look on Jack's face as I gracefully removed the undergarment from beneath my dress. He kept his eyes on my the whole time. I wanted him and I wanted this moment.

Smiling, I threw the piece of fabric aside. I took another step back in the stairs and now had the bottom of my silk dress drenched in the pool water. The fabric tried to float up, but my hands were held out in front of me, prevent him from seeing anything too soon.

The temptation was killing him. Before I knew it, I saw Jack rush to the pool behind me in only his underwear. I released my hand from the pool's staircase railing and allowed myself to swim as far as I could and as fast as I could. He wouldn't be getting me that easily.

It wasn't much of a chase, for Jack's long figure caught up to me in one launch from the poolside. He grabbed me by my ankle, and dragged my body back towards him in the water.

"And where do you think you're going?" Jack chuckled as he walked us deeper into the center of the pool.

I smiled with him, releasing myself in the water to float up to him. My arms and legs wrapped around his neck and waist. Our lips meeting once more as he spun us around.

My hand traveled beneath the water, fishing for the band of his underwear. In between our kiss, Jack bit my bottom lip, smiling as he shook his head no.

"Not so fast, Beautiful." His eyes remained closed.

I watched his facial features look at me before I felt his hand skim up the inside of my thigh. His touch left me gasping for air. My hands held myself closer to his body, kissing lips over and over again. I was ignited all around.

"Jack..." His name fell from my trembling lips.

Our breathing hitched.. I had no idea what I just started, but had no intentions in making it end anytime soon.

"Shh..." He hushed against my ear, smiling before his other hand held onto my cheek.

I felt his fingertips trace down my neck and collarbone, brushing away the thin strap of fabric I had from my dress. The strap fell down as we kissed.

"I want to stay like this.." I spoke, drawing away from him slightly in order to look into his eyes. "Forever."

My words brought a smile upon Jack's face, just the way I hoped it would. The arm he held around my waist tightened.

"I do too." He smiled, kissing my cheek as his other hand finished bringing the rest of my dress down my body.

"Fuck." I heard him mumble as my bare body met his own.

"Your turn." I whispered in his ear as my hands reached down again to pull the band of his underwear down again.

He didn't restrain this time, only helped guide it off faster.

I was back in his hold in a matter of seconds. Nothing but the sounds of the swaying water and our hitched breaths were heard. We held each other close. Our foreheads touching as we tried to catch our breath.

"Promise me one thing." I wrapped my arms around Jack's neck, pulling me closer to touch his bare chest with mine

"Anything." He spoke, eyes closed as he held his hands below me.

"Promise me.. That when this is all over... We'll run away together." I spoke.

"Runaway?" He furrowed his eyebrows. "Liz, what about your family? James?"

"I'll keep in touch." I responded. "I just want to be with you... Wherever that is." I looked back into his eyes. "I want more nights like this."

Everything about this moment was perfect. A scene right out of a romance novel. That's how I felt when I'm with him. As crazy and dumb as it sounds... He makes me feel like I'm in a movie. Like this love is too good to be true.

Jack brought yet another smile to his face as his lips met mine once more. He kissed me softly before pulling away slightly.

He nodded his head. "We'll go anywhere you want."

"I don't care where.." I replied. "As long as I'm with you."

"I like the sound of that." He chuckled, "I promise." He kissed me. "You have my word."

"I love you, Jack." I grabbed onto the back of his wet hair, smiling as the words came out of my mouth.

"And I love you, Elizabeth." He smiled back.