"Stay put, I'll be right back."

Logan walks into the bedroom, opens the suitcase, and gets changed, grinning at his reflection in the mirror.

He walks into the livingroom like he's a model on a catwalk and Scorpia drops the piece of apple that was on its way to her mouth. She takes her time to look at the handsome, tall Scot, from his biker boots to his leather pants, his tight T-shirt and the leather jacket hanging over his shoulder.

She fans herself, feeling her face heat up quickly. She can't handle this look and closes her eyes.

Logan walks up to her, stopping right in front of her. "Bonnie? Did you just toss that piece of apple on the floor? Well, Leo is clearly your child."

Scorpia chuckles and opens her eyes slowly. "I understand Leo better now. When something incredibly yummy catches your eye, everything else becomes unimportant. Hell, Logan."

He grins at her and says: "It's a hint. But I'm not sure you get it yet. I packed your motor gear too."

Her eyes continue to roam over his body and she says: "Could you put the jacket on? And spin for around me. Slowly."

Logan does as she asks and Scorpia gasps for air. She doesn't even try to hide the blush on her cheeks, because she's certain her entire face is bright red.

She gets up and cups Logan's butt with her hands. She mumbles as she slides her hands into the back pockets, resting her cheek against the leather of his jacket, desperately trying to slow her heart rate. Her heart is beating so wild and fast that it feels like it's trying to break out of her chest.

"Logan, I can't deal with this. My heart can't handle this look."

She grabs his hand and pushes it against her chest.

"Bonnie! It's beating insanely fast."

She looks up at him, deep into his sparkling, grey eyes and he bends down to kiss her. "If you get changed too, I'll reward you with another hint."

Scorpia walks into the bedroom, still a bit dazed, and finds her motor gear spread out on the bed. She puts it all on and walks back into the living room.

Logan grabs her hand and guides her outside, over to the shed next to the cottage. He opens the door and Scorpia grabs onto him for support, staring at the black Harley with two helmets hanging from the handlebars.

"We're going to the restaurant by bike, Bonnie. That is if you are willing to drive."

She turns around to face him, happiness radiating from her features. After a nod, she moves closer to the bike to check it out, her fingers stroking the chrome, her eyes shimmering with delight. Logan feels light and free. And she doesn't know half of the surprises yet. She looks so happy and he can't help but stare at her.

He helps her push the bike outside and says: "One thing. Please drive on the left side of the road. According to my dad, it's easier to forget on a bike, because in a car the steering wheel is on the 'wrong' side. Which is obviously not the case with a bike."

"Your dad?"

"Yes, we'll talk about him more in the restaurant. I'm sure you can't wait to try this beauty out. And there's a communication set installed in the helmets. Also something my dad arranged."

Logan pushes on the buttons in the helmet and a light flicks on. They put their helmets on and close the chin strap. Logan says: "You should be able to hear me now."

"Yes, loud and clear. Nice, cause I'm assuming you know the way."

She starts the engine and Logan hops on the back, holding onto her tightly as he tells her to take a left onto the road.

She accelerates and moans. "Oh yeah!"

Logan instructs her to the restaurant and tells her to check the name when they arrive. She looks up and reads the plate on the wall. 'Bella Italia.'

"Are you feeding me Italian food in Scotland?"

Logan laughs, "Yes, Flavio knows the chef. He is preparing a special menu for us today."

Logan gets off the bike and takes his helmet off. Scorpia parks the motorcycle, takes the key from the contact, and slides it into her pocket. She takes her helmet and gloves off as well and runs a hand through her hair, checking the cute-looking restaurant out. 

They walk inside and are greeted by a young girl. Logan says: "We're Logan and Scorpia and I made reserv-"

"Oh, Scorpia! Italian woman, fell in love with a Scot. Ah, that's you of course. I'm sorry. But we all remembered the story. Follow me. We kept a nice table reserved for you two."

They are guided to a small table in a corner and sit down. The girl explains that the chef will treat them to his specialties before wishing them a good meal. Flatbread and olives are brought to their table and wine gets poured.

Scorpia looks around and enjoys the cozy atmosphere in the restaurant. She eats an olive and her eyes connect with Logan's, who stares deep into her eyes and smiles. She answers his smile with one of her own and places her hand on the table. He laces his fingers with hers and whispers he loves her. She whispers the same back and they enjoy their romantic moment together.

The food is good and plenty, exactly like they're used to.

Logan talks about his dad. "He's a quiet grump but crazy about my mom. And a little scared of her. He rides a motorcycle too. Has been for as long as I remember. He arranged the bike for us and has something to do with tonight's surprise too. He's already very impressed by you because he knows you box and ride too. Scots love strong women. I have to keep a close eye on you here."

She laughs, "Well if they all look like you, you really should."

He looks shocked and she giggles in response. "Logan, there's not another man in the world who stands the tiniest bit of a chance. You're it. The only one. You should know that by now."

He leans towards her and kisses her lips. Chef Lettieri walks up to their table right at that moment. "Ah, amore. I hope you've enjoyed your meal."

They tell him it was heavenly and that Logan kept it all a secret for Scorpia. He wishes them a wonderful time in Scotland and says they're always welcome in his restaurant.

They walk out of the building, holding hands, helmets in their free hand. On their way to the bike, Scorpia asks: "What time is it, Logan?"

"It's seven. We have to be back at the cottage around eight."

Scorpia looks at him and says: "I guess we're going with the jeep then."

"Oh hell no. We're taking the Harley. You'll get why later."

They ride back and Scorpia stops close to the cottage to look at the water. Logan is still seated on the back of the bike and Scorpia gets up and sits back down, facing him. Logan takes his helmet off and shoots her a questioning look.

She takes her helmet off too and scoots closer, wrapping her arms around his neck to kiss him deep and slow. She moans as their tongues dance, playfully fighting for dominance.

Scorpia nibbles at his bottom lip and looks at him with a blush on her cheeks. "Mmmm, handsome Scot. This is a dream come true."

She kisses him again and he asks what she meant by that. "I've always wanted to kiss someone on a bike. But kissing Bruno didn't seem that much fun."

She laughs and kisses him wildly. Logan unzips her jacket and slides his hands under her shirt. She does the same to him and they get so lost in each other that they don't notice the Harley stopping at the side of the road.

They get spooked when someone yells: "And in public! Ewwww!"

Scorpia looks over Logan's shoulder and finds Bruno and Lexy on a grey Harley. Scorpia smiles at him and he says: "Another one crossed off the list. I bet you did most of them with that Scot of yours."

She giggles and nods.

Bruno asks Logan for directions and Logan zips his jacket up again. Scorpia follows his lead and Logan says: "Just follow us. I'll guide Scorpia there."

They both put their helmet back on and push the bike onto the road. Scorpia starts the engine and Logan explains where to go. The closer they get to their destination, the more Harleys join them on the road.

Logan is certain she's smiling under her helmet, he can just feel it.

They drive down the A9 and arrive at the grounds after a thirty-minute drive. Scorpia reads the text on the banner: 'Thunder in the Glens'. Harley Davidsons everywhere, as far as the eye can see. There's a huge tent where's live music being played, and there are stalls, new bikes and Jeeps.

Scorpia and Bruno park their bikes and Scorpia looks at her brother with an ecstatic look on her face. Bruno grins and says: "Your love even comes together in Scotland. Harleys and Jeeps on the same event."

He wraps his arm around her shoulder and they make their way over to Logan and Lexy, who are waiting for them. They've already tucked the helmets in lockers provided for that purpose.

Logan wraps his arm around Scorpia's waist and asks: "What do you think of this surprise, Bonnie?"

She beams and says: "I absolutely love it! Did your dad know about this?"

Logan nods, "The Jeeps are a surprise to me too though. What do you want to do first? Listen to music, check out the stalls, look at the bikes?"

"Check out the Jeeps. Come on!" She pulls him along and his laughter fills the air.

They walk up to the displayed Jeeps and admire them one by one. 

Scorpia watches Logan's enthusiastic exchange with the car salesmen from a distance. Logan points at her and she joins them.

The man says: "You're right. I take it back."

Logan laughs and says: "She's the Harley rider of the two of us. I'm more into the Jeeps. But she has a taste for cool cars too."

Logan wraps his arms around her and pulls her close. The salesman asks her what her favorite model is.

"The Wrangler."

The two men stare at her in shock and she asks: "What?"

The salesman explains that women never pick the Wrangler and asks if she's not interested in a different Scot. One who can help her get a pretty Wrangler.

She laughs, "I'm sorry. I've already found the most handsome and loving Scot and I'm holding onto him."

She kisses Logan, who smiles proudly. They shake the man's hand and saunter from stall to stall.

They stop at one full of Harley Davidson items for kids, from clothes to toys. She finds a miniture of Ombra and buys it right away. She also finds a few clothing items for Leo and buys them too.

And then it suddenly hits her like a tidal wave. She misses Leo. Logan was waiting for it and hugs her tight, while she sobs against his chest. He kisses her tears from her cheeks and she says: "I'm so sorry. I haven't even been a night without him yet and I'm already a mess."

"No need for apologies, Bonnie. I think the deep love you have for him is one of the most beautiful things in the world. And tears belong to the pain you feel because you miss him that much. That's not a bad thing."

He kisses her softly and they walk on. The newest Harley Davidson models catch her eye and she runs over there, leaving a laughing Logan behind. He follows her with the bag full of goodies.

She runs straight up to the only red bike on display. The salesman walks up to Logan and tries to tell him all about the bikes but Logan cuts him off.

"You can hand me a folder with the different types but if you really want to talk shop, you'll have to talk to her."

He points at Scorpia and asks, while looking at the folder: " She's looking at the Street, right?"

The guy nods and Logan adds: "Of course, the cheapest model."

The salesman explains that it's a light bike and perfect for women.

"I suggest you don't share that info with her."

The guys shoots him a confused look and Logan just laughs before joining Scorpia. "Pretty, Bonnie?"

"Yes! He's a bit on the light side but the seat is nice and low and it changes gears smoothly. I kinda like the red too. But Ombra's prettier."

She smiles at him and turns her head to listen to the music floating their way through the air. "Is that AC/DC?"

Logan nods, "There's an AC/DC cover band playing tonight."

"What? Really? Come on! I'm betting Bruno's already there."

She pulls Logan along as she rushes towards the big tent. She finds Bruno and hears the intro of 'Thunderstruck'. She jumps on Bruno's back and his laughter bounces around. Lexy looks at them like they are both crazy and Bruno starts to sing along.

Scorpia jumps down from his back and sings: "You've been..." She air-drums and continues: "Thunderstruck!"

They wear wide smiles as they dance and sing together.

Logan walks up to the bar to get beer and hands his sister one. Lexy takes a big sip and says: "Those two are insane."

Logan laughs as he watches Scorpia and Bruno and can see how those two drew attention everywhere they went. So wild and free and totally themselves. And crazy about each other.

The guitar solo of 'Highway to Hell' starts and Bruno points at Scorpia. Bruno lifts her onto his shoulders while she sings along loudly.

Logan says to Lexy: "Drink another beer sis and relax. Look how much fun they're having. Live a little."

Bruno puts his sister on the floor again when the song is done, to immediately pull her into his arms for a hug. Scorpia is exploding with joy and runs to Logan for a kiss, Bruno quickly taking the leftover beer from him to prevent it from spilling all over the floor.

Scorpia kisses Logan wildly and his hands grab a hold of her ass to pick her up. She looks into his eyes where he finds a fire burning, kissing her again before lowering her to the floor. She leans into him and says: "Thank you. For everything!"

He smiles at her and says: "No need to thank me, Bonnie. This is just as much of a gift to myself, maybe even more. I've never seen you this way and I'm enjoying every minute of it. Ti amo."

Bruno drinks his beer in one go and flexes his muscles for Lexy. He winks at her and grabs her. She laughs while he picks her up and carries her outside.

Logan chuckles, "Lexy drank your beer too, shall I get you a new one?"

"No, I'm good." She turns her back to him to look at the stage again.

Logan puts his hands on her shoulders and pushes her forward. They stop moving close to the stage and he wraps his arms around her from behind. Scorpia leans back against him, singing along loudly. He basks in her joy, in spending time together in the land he was born in.

She fits here, between the bikers, singing along to AC/DC songs... here in his arms. Scorpia turns around and kisses him deeply when the band gets off stage to take a break. "Mmm, Logannnn."

They walk out of the tent together, arms around each other, breathing in the fresh air, looking at the stars that seem a lot closer in Scotland. She pulls her phone from her pocket to take a picture of the sky but notices a new message.

When she opens it, there's a picture of Ciro, sleeping on mamma's couch with Leo on his chest. Leo's sleeping too while sucking on Ciro's shirt. She shows Logan the picture, "Aww, they have such a special bond. So cute."

Scorpia smiles and feels a little better about being without Leo because she knows he's taken care of and loved. And on top of that, it feels like a gift to Ciro and Flavio.

She kisses Logan and he asks what she wants to do. "What are we doing tomorrow, handsome Scot?"

"We're going to find a good spot to watch all the bikes. That has to be a pretty sight. And I thought we could check out Loch Ness."

When he thought she was happy before, he was gravely mistaken. Because the expression on her face is hard to describe. Like her biggest wish is being fulfilled, she won the lottery and it's her birthday all at the same time.

"Really? Truly?"

He was worried she'd find it too touristy but that's clearly not the case. "Yes, Bonnie. If you want to go there that is. It's beautiful there. I was worried you'd think it was too boring."

"Oh Logan, you have no idea." She puts her hand on her heart and looks at him with eyes full of stars. "The thought alone makes me happy. I love Nessie."

He shoots her a questioning look and catches a laughing Lexy and Bruno coming from behind the tent. Knowing his sister, they just made their fourth baby. He shakes his head and Bruno asks what their plans are.

Scorpia answers: "I would like to go back to the cottage soon. I want to be well-rested for tomorrow."

Logan adds: "We're going to watch the parade of Harley's tomorrow and after that we're visiting Loch Ness."

Bruno asks: "Did you tell him, sister?" Scorpia shakes her head and Bruno laughs. "Good luck to you, Logan. If you thought she was happy today, wait till you see her tomorrow. Keep her close though, she might jump in the water to hug Nessie."

Lexy and Logan look at them, wondering what they're missing. Lexy says: "As long as I don't have to go too. Such a stupid place revolving around some made-up beast."

Bruno catches the look on Scorpia's face and quickly pulls Lexy with him. "Have a good night, Logan and Scorpia. Have fun tomorrow. Come with me, Lexy! Before you mention that Nessie's a boy and all hell breaks loose. Come!"

Logan watches them leave and then turns to Scorpia to find an explanation in her eyes because he doesn't get what's going on. She avoids his gaze and starts to walk towards the bikes.

Logan takes her hand in his and walks along with her in silence. Logan sits down in the grass as soon as they've left the busy areas behind them and pulls her down. He pushes her chin up and finds a whole bunch of different emotions swirling through her eyes.

"Talk to me, Bonnie. Because I don't get it."

"I'm just realizing that it has to be stupid to you guys. All those tourist attractions are no fun for you. And I..."

"Bonnie... First of all, I'm not Lexy. She finds everything that doesn't offer a five-star treatment stupid. Her idea of a holiday is being waited on hand and foot. That's also the reason why she's in a hotel with Bruno. She demanded we'd stay there too but I refused."

Scorpia looks a little relieved and Logan continues: "And I love watching you continuously happy. The most beautiful sight in the world is seeing you so carefree. And one of the reasons I love you is because you're always yourself. And it's a wonderful experience to see my country through your eyes. It makes me appreciate it even more."

He kisses her, "And Nessie is a girl. I'm certain about that."

She laughs as she rests her head on his shoulder. "That's what I told the boy from my class. I got so mad when he dared to say that Nessie was a boy!"

Logan looks into her eyes and she tells him about her show and tell and about her travels through books about Scottish myths and legends. He strokes her cheek as he looks at her sparkling eyes glossing over as she walks around in her memories.

"How old were you, Bonnie, when you did the show and tell?"

"Nine. I was obsessed with all those stories. People who could transform into a seal, a water nymph, fairies. I loved it."

"Hell Bonnie, you probably know more about it than I do."

She laughs and cuddles up to him. "Shall we go back to the cottage?"

They get their helmets from the locker, walk down the field to find the bike and Logan is grateful for Scorpia's memory and knowledge of bikes because he would have never found it on his own.

They zip their jackets, put their helmets on and push the bike onto the road.

Scorpia races off and Logan laughs.

"Such a rush! I thought it was the best feeling in the world for a long time but I'm sure riding a bike comes second these days."

"Oh yeah? What's first then, Bonnie?"

"I can't think about it right now, Logan. Because we will crash."

She laughs and pretends to lose control over the bike, making Logan hold onto her for dear life. "Relax, handsome Scot. You're way too pretty and sweet to lose."

She smoothly drives back to the village where the cottage is and only needs guidance from Logan for the final part of the route, she remembered the rest of it perfectly.

They are sitting on the couch in the cottage and Logan found a bottle of wine. Scorpia's legs are resting on his lap while she sips the wine, totally relaxed.

Logan massages her feet and tells her about his childhood. About running through the mud in his wellingtons, climbing hills, getting soaked by the rain down to his underwear and hairy cows. IRN BRU floats, grandma's shortbread, and eating Scottish tablet till your tummy hurts.

A swing made out of an old car tire, a snowsuit to play in the snow with all day, the beach, canoeing across one of the lochs, pretending he could reach the other side of the world.

Scorpia listens to his voice with her eyes closed and it's like Logan paints his memories on a big canvas. A painting full of adventure and freedom, rough nature and love, cold and warmth.

Scotland, the country where kids grow into strong adults, full of lust for life with a sturdy heart. They learn to withstand the fickle weather and even better, find ways to see the fun in it. Highlands, lochs and hairy coos. It's all extremely magical to her, for the kids that grew up here it's nothing special.

She opens her eyes and looks at Logan. He smiles and cups her face as he looks deep into her eyes. He sees the wonder, the fire in her eyes, and feels how special it really is to grow up in this country.

The five bad years where he had to fight and lose for Salvatore made him forget all about how wonderful it was to be a kid here. To be able to explore the world wild and free. These memories are all coming back thanks to his Bonnie. And the new memories they make together are the bandaids to cover up those terrible memories with.

"Thank you, Bonnie. It's a special treat to see my country through your eyes. It creates a change in my head and heart, it helps me see how magical my childhood was. And it pushes bad memories to the background. I love you."

She beams and says: "I can't begin to explain to you how wonderful it is to be here. To me, it feels like there's magic in the air. I feel different, everything feels different. Prettier, lighter, free, full of promise and adventure. And nothing could have prepared me for it. No amount of articles I could have read or pictures I could've looked at. You can only feel it by being here and looking at it all with your heart.

And then you managed to throw good Italian food and Harleys into the mix as well. I feel like my heart doubled in size in the short time we've been here."

She kisses his cheek and adds: "And on top of that, I get to sleep here, in this cozy little house at the waterside, just the two of us... Logan, you know me so well that it's hard to believe sometimes because we haven't been together that long."

"Oh Bonnie, our hearts have always been a perfect fit. I'm convinced these two hearts, close together in one hospitalbed, formed a bond that will never break. Yes, it went fast. Yes, it's far from normal. But it was never forced, It felt natural from the very start. As long as we follow our hearts, we will be together forever, happily ever after."

He takes Scorpia's empty glass and puts it on the table before pulling her onto his lap. "We see each other, Bonnie. We really see one another. And I think everything about you is beautiful, sweet and hot. I want to see the true you forever. You can always be yourself with me, you're so beautiful, so bonnie."

She kisses him softly and says: "I see you. I will always see you. You're it. The only one who fits. The only one who feels safe. The sole person I can be strong and independent with but at the same time can be vulnerable and weak around. Logan... Handsome, beautiful Scot. My heart..."

She takes a breath, "Mo chridhe."

Logan smirks and kisses her lovingly, his hands sliding down to her ass. Scorpia's hands find their way under his shirt, following his scars with her fingertips. Scars that represent pain but at the same time are a testament to his strength. Her fingers find his tattoo and she follows the lettering. His love, his promise, here forever.

They move to the bedroom, quickly taking their leather pants off.

With the last pieces of clothing, everything that's not important disappears. Only the love in their hearts stays, their bodies melt together, finding their way with ease. Two hearts close together, beating beneath the tattoos, in the same rhythm and accelerating simultaneously. Following the other like the calm waves on a sweet summer day, moving like one soul. 

⊱ ────── {⋅.♏︎.⋅} ────── ⊰

There you go, a longer than usual chapter.

It just feels like it all belongs together to me.

I hope you enjoyed this one as much as I did writing it.

Have a good Sunday. See you for the next update.
XO Hankie.