CHAPTER FORTY NINE

         THE FAINT SOUND OF THE TELEVISION HUMMED IN THE BACKGROUND BUT NEITHER OF THEM WERE REALLY WATCHING. The soft flicker of the light from the screen bathed the bedroom in a gentle glow, casting shadows that danced on the walls. The brunette laid nestled against Rio's chest, her body pressed against his own as his arm laid over her shoulders loosely.

"Are you even watching this?" Rio murmured, his voice low and teasing as his fingers lazily traced patterns along Lucy's arm. His touch was light, soothing, and absentmindedly affectionate. He had been texting on his burner phone, whom he had smuggled into the room.

Lucy shifted her posture slightly and rested her chin on his chest so she could look up at him. "Not really," she admitted with a small smile. "I guess I'm just... distracted."

Rio raised an eyebrow, his lips twitching into a half smile as he studied her. "What's on your mind?"

Lucy let out a long and tired sigh, her fingers playing with the hem of his shirt. "I'm going out of my mind here." she confessed, her voice heavy with frustration. "I haven't left this room in weeks. It's like the walls are closing in on me, and I can't breathe. I'd kill for some fresh air... just a little freedom."

Her words hung in the air and for a moment all Rio could do was stare at her. He could see the weariness etched across her face, the tension in her shoulders and the restlessness that had been building up inside her. 

"I'm sorry, ma." Rio murmured, his voice soft as he gently cupped the back of her head, his thumb brushing against her cheek. "I promise you, it's almost over. Just a few more days."

Lucy closed her eyes at his touch and leaned into the comfort he offered. As much as she wanted to believe him, to hold onto that promise, it felt like an endless loop of it. Each day bled into the next, the same four walls, the same anxious silence. She craved normalcy, simple moments that didn't involve looking over her shoulder or counting the days until Turner was out of their lives for good.

"I want to believe that." she whispered, her voice barely audible as she opened her eyes to meet his gaze.

He exhaled slowly, his hand sliding down from her cheek to rest on her shoulder, fingers tracing lightly over the scar she had tried so hard to forget. "I know. I hate that you're going through this because of me. You didn't sign up for any of this. But I swear, when it's over -"

"This isn't your fault." she muttered. "I should have listened to you. I just didn't think Beth was capable of any of this. I really thought I knew her."

"M'sorry, but this isn't your fault either." he said and furrowed his brows at her as he continued to trace her skin. "When it's over, we'll get out of here. I'll take you anywhere you want to go."

"Anywhere?" she asked, a faint smile tugging at the corners of her lips.

"Anywhere." he promised and brushed a strand of hair from her face and twirling it between his fingers. "Just say the word."

For a moment, she allowed herself to picture a life beyond these four walls. She imagined the quiet, the absence of tension and maybe somewhere by the water. Not a perfect escape, but something simple. An open sky and a place where the noise of the city and everything they'd been through could finally fade. It was an image she clung to, even though it felt distant.

"I'd like that." she said as she changed her posture and winched when the dull ache returned in her shoulder.

Without saying another word, Rio shifted beside her, gently pushing the loose fabric of her shirt to the side. His lips brushed against her shoulder, the softest kiss, barely a whisper against her skin.

Lucy shivered at the touch, but it wasn't from pain. It was the tenderness behind the gesture, the care and love he showed even in the smallest of moments.

"Better?" he asked, his voice low and soothing.

She nodded, her heart swelling in her chest. "Yeah," she whispered, her voice thick with emotion. "better."

Lucy laid her head back on his chest, eyes moving towards the screen of the tv to see an old cartoon playing. His fingers intertwined with hers, and she could feel the steady beat of his heart under her palm, grounding her amidst the chaos.

"Have you, uh... seen Marcus?" she asked, her voice quiet.

Rio tensed ever so slightly beneath her, just enough for her to notice. He didn't answer right away, his eyes still fixed on the screen.

"I mean, you've been slipping out for a few hours here and there." she continued gently, trying to keep her tone light. "and I just wondered if you've seen him? I know how much you miss him."

For a moment, the only sound in the room was the hum of the television. Then Rio exhaled slowly, shaking his head. "No. I'm keeping him out of all this. The last thing I want is for Marcus to get caught up in this mess. He's safe where he is. Rhea's got him and they don't need to know anything until this is over."

Lucy glanced up at him, her brow furrowed. "I get that." she said softly. "But... you're his dad. Don't you think he might be wondering where you are? Even if he doesn't know the details, hearing your voice could mean a lot to him."

Rio's jaw tightened and he gently untangled his hand from hers and she frowned. "I know," he muttered, his gaze dropping . "But I can't... not yet. Not until I know for sure that it's safe."

Lucy studied his face, seeing the strain there, the worry, the guilt. She knew how much Marcus meant to him, how deeply he cared and how much it tore him apart to keep his distance.

"You're a good dad." Lucy added softly. "I didn't mean to overstep."

Rio's expression softened at her words, his eyes flicking up to meet hers. He could see the concern in her gaze and it made something inside him ache. With a sigh, he reached for her hand again, this time holding it more firmly as his thumb brushed gently over her knuckles.

"You didn't overstep." he murmured, his voice quieter now, He leaned in, pressing a tender kiss to her forehead. "I know you're just looking out for me. For him."

Lucy's shoulders relaxed slightly but the tension between them lingered. She watched as Rio exhaled slowly, his eyes distant for a moment as if lost in a thought.

"I just miss him." he admitted, his voice barely above a whisper. "Every day. I think about what he's doing, what I'm missing... and it kills me. But right now, it's better if he's away from this, away from me. At least until things calm down."

Lucy nodded, her eyes softening as she squeezed his hand. "He knows. He knows how much you care about him, even if you can't be there right now."

Rio gave her a small smile, though it didn't quite reach his eyes. He pulled her closer, wrapping an arm around her shoulders and drawing her into his chest. Rio leaned down, pressing his lips softly against her temple before trailing kisses down to her jawline.

His touch was gentle, slow, as if savouring the moment. She closed her eyes, a soft hum of appreciation escaping her mouth as his touch enveloped her.

Her body relaxed further into him, the tension in her muscles melting away with each touch of his mouth. His lips paused just below her ear and she could feel his breath against her skin, sending a familiar shiver down her spine as goosebumps erupted on her skin.

"What are you doing?" she murmured as a smile played at her lips.

"Distracting myself."

Lucy chuckled softly, tilting her head to give him better access. "Is that what we're calling it now?"

Rio's lips curved into a smile against her skin. "Mhm," he hummed, his hand sliding down her side to rest on her hip. "got a problem with that?"

"Not at all." she breathed, her fingers threading through his buzzed hair as he continued his gentle assault on her neck. The TV faded into background noise, forgotten as they lost themselves into the touch.

His hand slipped under the hem of her shirt, his fingers tracing patterns on her skin. Lucy shivered at his touch, her body arching into him almost involuntary.

Rio's hand slid further up her side, his touch leaving a trail of warmth in its wake. Lucy's breath hitched as his fingers brushed the underside of her breast, teasing but not quite touching where she wanted him most. She turned her head, seeking his lips and he obliged as he captured her mouth in a deep kiss.

The kiss was slow, unhurried, as if they had all the time in the world. Lucy's hand moved from his hair to cup his jaw, feeling the stubble beneath her palm. Rio's tongue swept across her bottom lip, seeking entrance and she parted her lips with a soft sigh.

As their tongues danced, Rio's hand finally cupped her breast and his thumb brushed over her nipple through the thin fabric of her bra. Lucy moaned softly into his mouth, her body pressing closer to his.

Rio broke the kiss, his lips trailing down her neck once more as his hand continued its gentle exploration. Lucy's breath came in short gasps, her fingers clutching at his shirt.

"Chris," she whispered, her voice breathy and filled with need.

He hummed against her skin, the vibration sending another shiver through her body. His hand slid back down, fingers toying with the waistband of her pants.

"Tell me what you want, ma." he murmured, his voice low and husky.

"Wait," she blinked as she tried to grab his arm. He pulled back slightly and looked at her through hooded lids but confusion edged over his face. "you're still hurt."

Rio huffed and pressed his lips to her mouth again to shut her up, grabbing her thighs and pulling her down the mattress till he was hovering on top of her. "I'm perfectly fine."

Lucy gasped as Rio pulled her down, her body now fully beneath his. She could feel the heat radiating from him, his weight a comforting pressure against her. Despite his assurance, she couldn't help but worry about his injury.

"Are you sure?" she whispered, her hand gently trailing down his stomach where she knew the bullet wound had been.

They'd been holed up in that room for weeks and despite the doctor's strict orders to take it easy, they had found other ways to pass the time. There were moments of quiet affection, stolen kisses and lingering touches but Lucy was careful not to let things go too far. She wanted him to heal properly, even though the pull between them was hard to resist. And he really did not agree with it.

Rio caught her hand, intertwining their fingers and pinning it above her head. It send a wave of pain up her arm but she really didn't care right now. His eyes, dark with desire locked onto hers. "I'm sure." he murmured, his voice low. "Let me show you how fine I am."

Before she could protest further, his lips were on hers again, more insistent this time. His free hand slid under her shirt, pushing it up as his fingers traced the curve of her waist. Lucy arched into his touch, her concerns momentarily forgotten as desire coursed through her.

His words sent a shiver down her spine and her hands slid under his shirt to feel the warm skin of his back. She could feel the slight roughness of scar tissue beneath her fingertips, a reminder of everything they'd been through.

Rio's mouth continued its journey downward, pausing to nip gently at her collarbone before moving lower. He pushed her shirt up further, exposing her stomach and pressed soft kisses along her ribcage. Lucy's breath hitched as his stubble scraped lightly against her sensitive skin.

"Chris," she breathed, her fingers threading through his hair as he continued his teasing exploration.

"You still want me to stop?" Rio murmured against her skin, his voice low and teasing.

Lucy shook her head, her breath catching as Rio's lips traveled down her stomach. "No, don't stop."

Rio smiled against her skin and his hands bunched the material of her shirt in his fists and pulled it over her head in a swift motion. His eyes raked over her exposed skin, drinking in the sight of her in only her underwear and bra.

"Beautiful," he murmured, before capturing her lips in another searing kiss and she wrapped her legs around his waist.

Lucy moaned softly into his mouth, her hands tugging at the hem of his shirt. Rio broke the kiss just long enough to help her remove it, then his lips were on hers again, hungry and insistent. The brunette shifted her weight and gave him a push as she turned them around with all her might. The man who now laid beneath her looked up at her as she straddled his waist.

Rio's eyes darkened with desire as Lucy straddled him, her hair falling in loose waves around her face. His hands came to rest on her hips, fingers digging into her soft skin.

"Look at you," he murmured, his voice croaked. "taking control."

Lucy smiled down at him, a mix of shyness and confidence in her expression. She ran her hands slowly up his chest, feeling the hard planes of muscle beneath her palms. Her fingers traced the tattoos that adorned his skin, following the patterns. The wound he had had healed nicely, which she had been checking almost every day since the surgery and she was very pleased with what she saw.

"Maybe I just wanted a better view," she teased, rolling her hips against his and letting out a soft moan at the contact.

Rio's breath hitched, his grip on her hips tightening. "Is that right?" he growled, sitting up suddenly and wrapping an arm around her waist to keep her close.

The sudden movement caught her off guard and she gasped softly as he pulled her flush against his chest. His lips found her neck again, trailing hot kisses along her skin as his hand slid up her back to unclasp her bra.

"Chris," she breathed, her head falling back to give him better access. Her fingers tangled against his shoulder, holding him close as he lavished attention on her sensitive skin.

Rio made quick work of her bra, tossing it aside before his hands cupped her breasts. Lucy moaned softly as his thumbs brushed over her nipples, sending sparks of pleasure through her body. She rocked against him, seeking friction and was rewarded with a low groan.

"Patience, ma." he murmured against her collarbone, his voice rough.

"I've been patient for weeks." she retorted.

Rio chuckled against her skin, the vibration sending shivers down her spine. "Fair enough." he conceded, his hands sliding down to grip her thighs. In one smooth motion, he flipped them over, pinning Lucy beneath him once more.

His eyes, dark with desire, locked onto hers as he hooked his fingers into the waistband of her panties. "These need to go," he murmured, slowly dragging the fabric down her legs.

Lucy lifted her hips to help him, her breath catching as the cool air hit her newly exposed skin. Rio's gaze raked over her body, drinking in the sight of her laid bare before him.

"Fucking hell," he breathed, his hands running up her legs and parted them gently.

She reached for him, pulling him down for a kiss as his hands continued to explore her body. Rio's lips trailed down her neck, leaving a path of heat in their wake. He paused at her collarbone, nipping gently before soothing the spot with his tongue. Lucy arched into him, a soft moan escaping her lips.

"Chris, please." she breathed, her fingers digging into his shoulders. "I can't wait anymore and you're teasing me."

Rio smirked against her skin, enjoying the effect he was having on her. "Alright, ma," he murmured, his voice low and husky. "no more teasing."

He slid down her body, pressing open mouthed kisses along her stomach and hips. Lucy's breath hitched in anticipation as he settled between her thighs, his warm breath fanning over her sensitive skin. He really did love doing this, doing it every chance he got and she wasn't going to complain about it.

Without warning, Rio's tongue licked a long stripe up her center. Lucy gasped, her back arching off the bed as pleasure shot through her. Her fingers tangled in his hair, holding him close as he continued his ministrations.

Rio's hands gripped her thighs, keeping them spread as he worked her with his mouth. His tongue circled her clit before sucking gently, causing Lucy to cry out. She could feel him smile against her as he continued, alternating between soft kisses and bites.

Lucy's breath came in short gasps as Rio worked her with his skilled tongue. Her fingers tightened in his hair, her hips rocking against his mouth as waves of pleasure coursed through her body.

"Oh god, Chris." she moaned, her head falling back against the pillow.

Rio hummed in approval, the vibration sending another jolt of pleasure through her. He slid one hand up her thigh, his fingers teasing her entrance before slowly pushing two inside. Lucy cried out at the sensation, her back arching off the bed.

Rio set a steady rhythm, his fingers curling to hit that spot inside her that made her see stars. His mouth never left her clit, alternating between gentle sucks and flicks of his tongue. Lucy could feel the pressure building, her thighs beginning to tremble around his head as she neared her peak.

"Chris," she gasped, her voice breathy and desperate. "i'm close, I'm so close."

"That's it baby." he said against her skin. "Come for me."

Rio's words sent a shiver through Lucy's body. He doubled his efforts, his fingers moving faster as his tongue circled her clit with more pressure. Lucy felt herself teetering on the edge, her whole body taut with anticipation.

"Oh god, oh god." she cried, her hips bucking against his face. With a particularly skilled flick of his tongue, Lucy tumbled over the edge, her orgasm crashing over her in waves of intense pleasure.

He worked her through it, his movements slowing as her body shuddered beneath him. When the last tremors subsided, he pressed a gentle kiss to her inner thigh before moving back up her body.

Lucy lay there, panting with her eyes closed as she basked in the afterglow. She felt Rio's weight settle over her, his lips pressing soft kisses along her jaw.

"You okay?" he murmured.

Lucy opened her eyes, a satisfied smile playing on her lips as she met Rio's gaze. "More than okay."

Rio smirked, leaning in to capture her lips in a deep kiss. Lucy could taste herself on his tongue, and it sent another wave of arousal through her. She wrapped her legs around his waist, pulling him closer before she forced him on his back and straddled him once more.

"Your turn," she murmured against his lips, her hands sliding down his chest to the waistband of his boxers.

Rio's breath hitched as Lucy's fingers dipped below his waistband. She slowly dragged his boxers down, her eyes locked on his as she revealed more of his tanned skin.

"Eager, are we?" Rio teased, though his voice was rough with desire.

Lucy smirked, tossing his boxers aside. "Just evening the playing field." she murmured, her hand wrapping around his length.

Rio groaned, his hips bucking involuntarily into her touch. Lucy stroked him slowly, enjoying the way his eyes darkened with each movement of her hand. She leaned down, pressing open mouthed kisses along his jaw and neck.

"Lucy," Rio breathed, his hands gripping her hips tightly as her core came into contact with him.

Lucy smiled against his skin, loving the way he said her name. She positioned herself over him, teasing his tip against her entrance. Rio's fingers dug into her hips, his breath coming in short pants.

"Please," he murmured, a rare plea from the usually composed man.

Lucy slowly sank down onto him, both of them groaning at the sensation. She paused for a moment, adjusting to the feeling of fullness. Rio's hands slid up her sides, cupping her breasts as she began to move.

She started with a slow rhythm, rolling her hips in a way that made Rio's eyes roll back. His thumbs brushed over her nipples, sending sparks of pleasure through her body. Lucy leaned down, capturing his lips in a deep kiss as she picked up the pace.

Rio's hands slid down to grip her hips, guiding her movements as she rode him. Lucy braced her hands on his chest, her nails lightly scratching his skin as she moved. The room filled with the sounds of their heavy breathing and soft moans.

"Fuck, ma." Rio groaned, his hips thrusting up to meet hers. "You feel so fucking good."

Lucy whimpered in response, her head falling back as pleasure coursed through her body. Rio took advantage of her exposed neck, sitting up slightly to trail hot kisses along her throat. The change in angle caused Lucy to cry out, her rhythm faltering for a moment.

Rio smirked against her skin, one hand sliding between their bodies to rub circles on her clit. Lucy gasped, her movements becoming more erratic as the dual sensations overwhelmed her.

Lucy's breath came in short gasps as she rode Rio, the pleasure building with each movement. His fingers worked her clit with skill, sending jolts of electricity through her body. She could feel herself getting close again, the tension coiling tighter in her core.

"Chris," she moaned, her nails digging into his shoulders. "i'm close."

Rio groaned, his hips snapping up to meet hers with more force. "Come for me, baby." he growled, his voice low and husky. "Let me feel you."

His words pushed her over the edge. Lucy cried out as her second orgasm washed over her, her body shuddering as waves of pleasure coursed through her. Rio continued to move beneath her, drawing out her climax as he chased his own release.

With a final thrust, Rio followed her over the edge, groaning Lucy's name as he came. They clung to each other, bodies trembling as they rode out the aftershocks of their shared pleasure.

Lucy collapsed onto his chest, both of them breathing heavily. Rio's arms wrapped around her, holding her close as their heartbeats gradually slowed. He pressed a gentle kiss to her temple, his fingers tracing lazy patterns on her back.

For a long moment, they lay there in comfortable silence. Lucy nuzzled into the crook of Rio's neck, inhaling his familiar scent.

"Worth the wait?" Rio grinned, a hint of amusement in his voice.

"Shut up."

Rio chuckled softly, the vibration rumbling through his chest. His fingers continued their gentle exploration of her back, tracing the curve of her spine. Lucy smiled against his skin, feeling more relaxed than she had in weeks.

The tension that had built up over weeks of confinement seemed to have melted away, at least for the moment. She lifted her head slightly, her eyes meeting Rio's.

"Thank you," she murmured, her voice soft.

Rio raised an eyebrow, a hint of a smile playing at his lips. "For what?"

"For... this. For making me forget, even if it's just for a little while."

Rio's expression softened, his hand coming up to cup her cheek. "You don't gotta thank me for that, Luce." he said, his thumb gently stroking her skin. "I needed it just as much as you did."

They stayed like that for awhile, wrapped up in each other. As sleep began to claim her, she whispered softly. "We'll make it, won't we?" 

Rio's voice was the last thing she heard before drifting off. "Yeah, ma. We will."

currently planning the last few chapters before i finish this story and i've loved writing it so much!